Funny thing happened at the office today. I had two people say, "I posted a comment to your blog but it was now responded to or published." Well, I didn't know I had to approve the comment for publishing...duh. So, I apologize for the difficulty. I just approved the two comments on the last blog entry. Thanks for your comments and make a great day in the Lord.
Jack
PS. A new post will arrive this evening.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Praying On Behalf of Others
Read: Matthew 6:5-15
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6b
I remember sitting in a Worship class in seminary. The class discussed the development of worship from the early church to the present. The professor had us discover the meaning of the architecture of sanctuaries. We discovered what the placement and design of the narthex, nave, and chancel area signified in our worship. For example, the item that was place central or forefront in the chancel area declared what was most important; such as if it was the pulpit, then preaching the Word was most important, if it was the Communion table or altar, then the sacrament of Holy Communion was most important, etc.
However, we also learned the importance of styles of worship. We United Methodists participate in what is known as a liturgical church. Liturgy means work of the people and in a United Methodist Church, we believe the emphasis is in the work of the people, their participation in worship; such as singing of hymns and spiritual songs, reading of acts of worship during Holy Communion, and praying prayers in unison.
When the professor led our discussion concerning the unison prayers, I balked in my mind saying, “I don’t know why we say the Lord’s Prayer in church each and every Sunday in worship. When you say it so much, you lose its meaning and power.”
I cannot recall if I posed that very question or some fellow seminarian did for others and me that day. I do remember the professor’s response that changed my heart and mindset concerning reciting the Lord’s Prayer in each service. Paraphrasing Dr. Faille he stated, “The reason we are to recite the Lord’s Prayer aloud and in unison is that there are always people in our pews who cannot say the Lord’s Prayer themselves. If we take seriously our mission as a liturgical church to reach out, then we recite the prayer on behalf of the one who does not know the prayer or the one, due to life situations, is unable to recite the prayer at that moment in life.”
Wow! What a transformation of my own heart and mind! It is a pleasure and honor to know that when I recite the Lord’s Prayer each Sunday with the people, that I am saying it for the child, youth, or a struggling mother, dad, or grandparent who is unable to pray. Furthermore, oh how wonderful it has been when the people said the prayer on behalf of me in my times of struggle, turmoil, or loneliness. In either case, the persons who pray the prayer, enter into their room, close the door, and pray to the Father on behalf of another. Therefore, our prayer is to the Father, in the name of Christ, is not so much for ourselves but rather on behalf of the people.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching us to pray. May we enter into our closet now, close the door, and pray:
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6b
I remember sitting in a Worship class in seminary. The class discussed the development of worship from the early church to the present. The professor had us discover the meaning of the architecture of sanctuaries. We discovered what the placement and design of the narthex, nave, and chancel area signified in our worship. For example, the item that was place central or forefront in the chancel area declared what was most important; such as if it was the pulpit, then preaching the Word was most important, if it was the Communion table or altar, then the sacrament of Holy Communion was most important, etc.
However, we also learned the importance of styles of worship. We United Methodists participate in what is known as a liturgical church. Liturgy means work of the people and in a United Methodist Church, we believe the emphasis is in the work of the people, their participation in worship; such as singing of hymns and spiritual songs, reading of acts of worship during Holy Communion, and praying prayers in unison.
When the professor led our discussion concerning the unison prayers, I balked in my mind saying, “I don’t know why we say the Lord’s Prayer in church each and every Sunday in worship. When you say it so much, you lose its meaning and power.”
I cannot recall if I posed that very question or some fellow seminarian did for others and me that day. I do remember the professor’s response that changed my heart and mindset concerning reciting the Lord’s Prayer in each service. Paraphrasing Dr. Faille he stated, “The reason we are to recite the Lord’s Prayer aloud and in unison is that there are always people in our pews who cannot say the Lord’s Prayer themselves. If we take seriously our mission as a liturgical church to reach out, then we recite the prayer on behalf of the one who does not know the prayer or the one, due to life situations, is unable to recite the prayer at that moment in life.”
Wow! What a transformation of my own heart and mind! It is a pleasure and honor to know that when I recite the Lord’s Prayer each Sunday with the people, that I am saying it for the child, youth, or a struggling mother, dad, or grandparent who is unable to pray. Furthermore, oh how wonderful it has been when the people said the prayer on behalf of me in my times of struggle, turmoil, or loneliness. In either case, the persons who pray the prayer, enter into their room, close the door, and pray to the Father on behalf of another. Therefore, our prayer is to the Father, in the name of Christ, is not so much for ourselves but rather on behalf of the people.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching us to pray. May we enter into our closet now, close the door, and pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever.
Amen.Grace and peace,
Pastor Jack
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
I guess attitude is everything.
Well, my friends, it is coming close to the time where Marlane and I travel to Whitesboro to serve the congregation of First United Methodist Church. The next few Sundays will be difficult for most us, whether Wylie UMC or Whitesboro FUMC or the pastors and their families who are moving.
As I reflect over the years we have been together, I discovered the river flowed and there was always white water, a symbol of movement. We are thankful for the movement of the water, though. As we shot the rapids together many feelings were felt by all, some good, some not so good; some excited, some worried.
Yet, the rapids were the rapids.and so it is for the way of life. If there is movement of the water, the river, there is life. Attitude makes a difference in the ride down the river of life. One of our staff shared this quote from Chuck Swindoll that says this well:
As I reflect over the years we have been together, I discovered the river flowed and there was always white water, a symbol of movement. We are thankful for the movement of the water, though. As we shot the rapids together many feelings were felt by all, some good, some not so good; some excited, some worried.
Yet, the rapids were the rapids.and so it is for the way of life. If there is movement of the water, the river, there is life. Attitude makes a difference in the ride down the river of life. One of our staff shared this quote from Chuck Swindoll that says this well:
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
Philippians 4:4-8 says a similar message...please read it today. As we are in transition as a church family and pastors may we all take "charge of our Attitudes." "Think on these things" my friends. Forgive us Lord, for those times when our attitude hasn't been what you want it to be. Let's shoot the rapids.
Grace and peace,
Jack
Monday, December 24, 2007
The Living Light
My friends,
This blog entry is for those of you, like myself, who are experiencing Christmas for the first time without a loved one. I finally broke down this morning, Christmas Eve, grieving the recent loss of my mother. Christmas was her most favorite time of the year with her family. We celebrated 54 Christmases together, whether or not I am able to recall them or they were in person or just a long distance phone call. Yet, I will always remember the times we went to the Candlelight service together when I was a little boy. and Mother passedthe Candlelight of Christ to me. What a warm, peaceful, and joyous time for both her and me.
But this Christmas, Mother, is celebrating in Heaven rather than on earth. When a friend of mine in Wylie UMC and I were consoling one another about the loss of our mothers, he gave me the below poem written by Wanda Bencke. I wanted to share it this evening at Candlelight but it would be too hard for most of us. So, I share it with you today (you can google the poem and it will direct you to the poeam and a link for Wanda's website...please thank her for the words of promise and encouragement). Wanda, I thank you also.
I see the countless CHRISTMAS TREES around the world below
~ by Wanda Bencke© Copyright 1999
This blog entry is for those of you, like myself, who are experiencing Christmas for the first time without a loved one. I finally broke down this morning, Christmas Eve, grieving the recent loss of my mother. Christmas was her most favorite time of the year with her family. We celebrated 54 Christmases together, whether or not I am able to recall them or they were in person or just a long distance phone call. Yet, I will always remember the times we went to the Candlelight service together when I was a little boy. and Mother passedthe Candlelight of Christ to me. What a warm, peaceful, and joyous time for both her and me.
But this Christmas, Mother, is celebrating in Heaven rather than on earth. When a friend of mine in Wylie UMC and I were consoling one another about the loss of our mothers, he gave me the below poem written by Wanda Bencke. I wanted to share it this evening at Candlelight but it would be too hard for most of us. So, I share it with you today (you can google the poem and it will direct you to the poeam and a link for Wanda's website...please thank her for the words of promise and encouragement). Wanda, I thank you also.
Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless CHRISTMAS TREES around the world below
with tiny lights like HEAVEN’S STARS reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so SPECTACULAR please wipe away that tear
The sight is so SPECTACULAR please wipe away that tear
for I am spending CHRISTMAS WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.
I hear the many CHRISTMAS SONGS that people hold so dear
I hear the many CHRISTMAS SONGS that people hold so dear
but the SOUND OF MUSIC can't compare with the CHRISTMAS CHOIR up here.
I have no words to tell you of the JOY their voices bring
I have no words to tell you of the JOY their voices bring
for it is beyond description to HEAR THE ANGELS SING.
I know HOW MUCH YOU MISS ME, I see the pain inside your heart
I know HOW MUCH YOU MISS ME, I see the pain inside your heart
for I am spending CHRISTMAS WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.
I can't tell you of the SPLENDOR or the PEACE here in this place
I can't tell you of the SPLENDOR or the PEACE here in this place
Can you just imagine CHRISTMAS WITH OUR SAVIOR face to face
I'll ask him to LIFT YOUR SPIRIT as I tell him of your love
I'll ask him to LIFT YOUR SPIRIT as I tell him of your love
so then PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER as you lift your eyes above.
Please let your HEARTS BE JOYFUL and let your SPIRIT SING
Please let your HEARTS BE JOYFUL and let your SPIRIT SING
for I am spending CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN and I’m walking WITH THE KING.
~ by Wanda Bencke© Copyright 1999
Merry Christmas to all of you and may God and your loved one be ever so present with you in this time of year.
Grace and peace,
Jack
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Great Expectation and Wonder
I thank my colleague, Dr. Roy Spore, for most of the thoughts below. Please read on.
The time has come. In the tumult of the last few weeks we have strained to hear a voice of hope calling us to new life. We have heard the scriptures call us to that hope. We have prayed for the Holy Spirit to enter into our hearts and our lives. We have decorated our homes with the signs of the season and we have adorned our hearts with love for others. Our minds have focused on the glory about to break forth into the world. We feel that we are ready for God’s new gift of grace.
Monday night we will gather in the worship center to bring our waiting and watching to an end. We will greet one another with warm wishes for a Merry Christmas. We will think of those who cannot be with us and those who are no longer with us and we will offer up our love for them. As the darkness and cold fill the world around us, we will warm ourselves amid family and friends. We will remember with fondness and tears the times we have been together and we will anticipate new and exciting times before us. We will sing the old familiar carols that hold a special meaning on this night. We will hear that old familiar story read again, our minds saying the words in concert because it is so much a part of our faith. And in all this, we will find our hearts strangely warmed.
Then the lights will go down and we will, once again, hear the words from John’s gospel: “In the beginning was the Word ….” The light from a single candle will pass from hand to hand, candle to candle, as the worship center takes on a mystic, warm glow and we sing the haunting, yet comforting, phrase “Silent Night, Holy Night ….” Then we will sing “Joy to the World” as we look upon the lighted candles. At the singing of the last verse, we will raise our candles in celebration of glory to God in the Highest and peace on earth. Then we will remember the Word, “…and the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” Somehow we will know that the light of Christ has come to us again and burns bright within us. And in all this, our celebration will be complete. Merry Christmas.
Pastor Jack
The time has come. In the tumult of the last few weeks we have strained to hear a voice of hope calling us to new life. We have heard the scriptures call us to that hope. We have prayed for the Holy Spirit to enter into our hearts and our lives. We have decorated our homes with the signs of the season and we have adorned our hearts with love for others. Our minds have focused on the glory about to break forth into the world. We feel that we are ready for God’s new gift of grace.
Monday night we will gather in the worship center to bring our waiting and watching to an end. We will greet one another with warm wishes for a Merry Christmas. We will think of those who cannot be with us and those who are no longer with us and we will offer up our love for them. As the darkness and cold fill the world around us, we will warm ourselves amid family and friends. We will remember with fondness and tears the times we have been together and we will anticipate new and exciting times before us. We will sing the old familiar carols that hold a special meaning on this night. We will hear that old familiar story read again, our minds saying the words in concert because it is so much a part of our faith. And in all this, we will find our hearts strangely warmed.
Then the lights will go down and we will, once again, hear the words from John’s gospel: “In the beginning was the Word ….” The light from a single candle will pass from hand to hand, candle to candle, as the worship center takes on a mystic, warm glow and we sing the haunting, yet comforting, phrase “Silent Night, Holy Night ….” Then we will sing “Joy to the World” as we look upon the lighted candles. At the singing of the last verse, we will raise our candles in celebration of glory to God in the Highest and peace on earth. Then we will remember the Word, “…and the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” Somehow we will know that the light of Christ has come to us again and burns bright within us. And in all this, our celebration will be complete. Merry Christmas.
Pastor Jack
Saturday, December 8, 2007
psalm from the Advent Devotional
Just as many of you, I have been encouraged and intrigued by our First Annual Advent Daily Devotional writer's witness. Reading the first week's devotionals was rich in God's grace. I am sure the words were of encouragement for all who read them, as they were for me.
I took the liberty to copy the "Thought for the Day" for each day below and it seems they could be similar to the Psalms. Read them together yourself and see if they are not a psalm of encouragment for you:
I took the liberty to copy the "Thought for the Day" for each day below and it seems they could be similar to the Psalms. Read them together yourself and see if they are not a psalm of encouragment for you:
Where is God calling me to make and keep a promise today? - Jack Wallace
Even though we do not ask for it soon enough, help is always available for any situation - Jim Clark
Paul instructs us in 2 Corinthians 10:5, "Take every thought captive to obey
Christ" so that we may focus on the path ahead of us. Staying focused means
keeping in prayer, Bible study, and accountability in fellowship - Heather Haynes
We do not need to doubt God’s plan for our lives; God knows the plan for our lives and we need to put all our trust in him - Katie Haynes
Let God open your eyes - Kathryn Raebel
Turning what seems to be a difficult task into a letter of love will plant seeds for God’s kingdom - Larry Johnson
God will wrap His arms around us and gives us Peace and Hope when we
think we just can’t go one more step - Terri ChesserMay God continue to bless in the reading of the devotionals in the days ahead, and thank you to all made submissions for this year's devotional.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Respite care in Christ
Busy is the best way describe the month of November for the staff and leadership of Wylie UMC. The planning of the Advent Season, Church Conference, coupled with the many meetings necessary to accomplish the planning seemed never ending. Add all this to the normal daily routine and exhaustion was on the horizon. Pastor Donna and I were amazed the other day when we realized we had no evening meetings on the Monday before Thanksgiving.
Then the Thanksgiving Holiday came upon us, and it was exactly as needed for all of us on the staff and leadership. We took the opportunity to break away from church work and rest in the work of the Church, rest in the grace and presence of Christ. I believe I can speak for everyone on the staff and leadership of Wylie UMC, “We thank God for our time off from church work to be with our families and friends for respite care in Christ.”
Sure Thanksgiving is past and the staff is back in the office diligently working on the day-to-day routine and preparing for an exciting church conference on Sunday, December 2 at 12:15 p.m. The staff and leadership are wrapping their minds and hearts around the exciting ways that God’s presence and power worked through Wylie UMC in this past year. Yes, it is very busy, but as we continue to do the church work so that the work of Church can come to fruition – “Making disciples for Jesus Christ.”
Now I know that we at the church are not the only busy people and that each of you are entering one of the busiest seasons of life. May we all be encouraged with a scripture we recently studied as Eugene Peterson wrote in The Message:
Take a deep breath of the Spirit and pray, receiving respite care in Christ Jesus.
Grace and peace,
Jack
Then the Thanksgiving Holiday came upon us, and it was exactly as needed for all of us on the staff and leadership. We took the opportunity to break away from church work and rest in the work of the Church, rest in the grace and presence of Christ. I believe I can speak for everyone on the staff and leadership of Wylie UMC, “We thank God for our time off from church work to be with our families and friends for respite care in Christ.”
Sure Thanksgiving is past and the staff is back in the office diligently working on the day-to-day routine and preparing for an exciting church conference on Sunday, December 2 at 12:15 p.m. The staff and leadership are wrapping their minds and hearts around the exciting ways that God’s presence and power worked through Wylie UMC in this past year. Yes, it is very busy, but as we continue to do the church work so that the work of Church can come to fruition – “Making disciples for Jesus Christ.”
Now I know that we at the church are not the only busy people and that each of you are entering one of the busiest seasons of life. May we all be encouraged with a scripture we recently studied as Eugene Peterson wrote in The Message:
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you
can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against
them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any
minute!
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:4-7
Take a deep breath of the Spirit and pray, receiving respite care in Christ Jesus.
Grace and peace,
Jack
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