AMAZING GRACE!

I've been meaning to give you a little update regarding the 21 days of prayer and fasting that we were a part of here at MUMC.  Several funerals, meetings, and "divine interruptions" have kept me from doing so, but I currently have a moment to jot down some thoughts.  So here goes.

I must say, it was definitely a spiritual discipline to set aside time each day during the lunch and dinner hour to come to the chapel and worship, hear from a speaker, and pray with others.  Establishing that as "time set apart for God" was great.  It didn't matter if there were two or a dozen in the chapel, that time was special.  I don't believe I would have experienced the presence of God in the same way without setting that time aside.  What a blessing.  And kudos to you who participated.

The 21 days fast was something I'd never done before.  I was on a liquid diet except for a little fruit each day.  (Remember, I'm a meat and potato kind of guy).  And as I mentioned in the last blog, there were some difficult days - day 3, day 6, and expecially day 18.  I was so ready to throw all fruit out the door.  I wanted a hamburger. But, not eating was NOT  the point.  It was dependence upon God that he would be faithful to sustain and nourish me during the 21 days.  And he held true to his promise.  If there was one thing I learned, it was that God's word is faithful and true and he will always supply our every need.  It was during those times of hunger that I redirected my desire for physical food to that of being fed spiritually - prayer, Scripture reading, worship, meditation.  After all, wasn't that the reason, to be drawn closer to God?  To see and hear clearer?  To be more sensitive to God and what he was doing?

I truly did feel that I had a heightened sense of God's presence - both in my life and in the lives of others.  Those who prayed and fasted shared many of the same experiences of a greater awareness to the things of God, a greater desire to worship, and greater desire to become closer to him.  That was a real blessing.

Many lost weight - a good thing.  Many shut off the tv, set aside their video games, exercised, or replaced bad food with nutritious food.  Some fasted mulitiple meals, some a meal a day, some certain foods, some certain drinks, some sweets and candies.  It wasn't about being legalistic, but about being intentional about setting aside time and space for God.  And you know what, when we do that, God comes through - "Seek and you shall find" Scripture reminds us.

On my own I knew I would never make it.  So each day I reminded myself of Jesus' words,"My grace is sufficient".  And just as he promised, it was so.

 Grace indeed!  Amazing grace!!

(P.S.  - If you took part in the Awakening, let me know of your experience.)

PERSEVERING!

I thought I'd give a little update as it relates to the 21 days of fasting and prayer.  I realize that Jesus reminds us not bring attention to ourselves when it comes to fasting and prayer so I want to be careful that you don't misunderstand the intent of this blog.  I just want to let you know a few things that I am learning and observing as I enter the second week of this spiritual discipline.

First of all, I am very pleased at the number of those at MUMC who are participating in the Awakening.  Many are coming daily to the chapel at noon and at six for a time of worship, a devotion, and time to pray.  It's been wonderful and God has blessed that time together.  I also am pleased about the number of people who are fasting in a variety of ways that God might more intimately reveal Himself to them and to us as we move through this season together.  There are many kinds of fasts taking place - some are fasting from certain foods, some from meat, some from soft drinks, some from TV, some from video games, some from one meal a day, some from sweets - all sorts of fasts.  It's not about losing weight or avoiding a tv show or a video game.  It's about setting aside some time and space to pray and fast - to seek God's face and for Him to reveal himself to us as well as to reveal some things about ourselves to us.  And we are beginning to see that take place.

I decided to go on a liquid fast other than a little fruit in the morning and afternoon.  The reasoning was that I wanted to be a part of something only God can do, because you can be sure I will not make it 21 days on my own strength.  Mainly because I like food.  And thus far, it has been because of God's strength, his sustaining power that I've made it 9 days. 

The first 3 days were tough - stomach growling, wanting to eat, and also realizing that I'd conditioned my body to eat in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, whether hungry or not.  It's "just what you do".  Once I got past the 3rd day I did pretty well until the 6th day.  I almost wanted to give up.  Every commercial was about food, everywhere I looked was a picture of food, I had meetings that were surrounded by meals and snacks, and my thoughts centered on my desire to eat a hamburger.  But it was in those moments that I had to really ask God to strengthen me, to sustain me, to nourish me and through those times I have found that he is faithful. And the more I focus on him in prayer and worship, the more my weakness is exchanged for his strength. 

I've also noticed that I have become more aware of my surroundings, to the things that are taking place in people's lives, to the hurts and heartaches of others.  There is a sharper sensitivity to God's prompting in my life that I might have an impact on others, not because of my strengths but because of God working through me.  And I've also seen that occurring in a few others based upon their reactions and responses to others, as well as their sensitivity to God's speaking to them in prayer.  That's awesome, if you ask me.

The point is, when we find ourselves depending upon God, we realize that we experience the "things of God" and begin to get a feel for his heart, his desire, his will for us and others.  Personally, I know I'm not where God wants me to be as of yet.  That is a journey, for sure.  But I believe I am traveling the right road and am excited where it will lead me.

Pray for me.  I'll do the same for you!

"JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE"

For those of you raised in the church, the words to the title of this blog should be familiar to you.  They come from the hymn of the same name - "Just a Closer Walk With Thee".  We've sung this song for years but I wonder if we really mean it.  After all, do we really want to walk closer to God?  Do we really desire to have a relationship with God where we truly surrender all to God that he might use us as He chooses?  The answer?  If we're honest, sometimes yes, sometimes no.  Can you relate?

With that in mind, we at MUMC are embarking on another journey to be intentional about praying and fasting that we might hear, see, and experience God more fully and more clearly.  Tomorrow begins Awakening 2012 - A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom.  Our desire is to set aside time or establish sacred space in order for us to be more open to God's working in our lives as individuals and as a church.  It will include some worship and prayer during the noon hour and supper hour each day for 21 days in the chapel.  It will include a devotional that people can use to assist them on this spiritual journey.  And it will involve fasting, yes fasting.  Yikes!  (I like to eat). 

The fasting includes a fasting from food, but not food only.  For some, it will be a juice/liquid fast.  For some, it will be a Daniel fast (fruits/vegetables).  For some, one meal per day.  And for those unable to do a food fast, it will be a fast from tv, from the internet, from facebook, from video games, from cigarettes, etc.  The point is, to set aside time and space from food or activities and replacing them with time with God in prayer, reading, and meditation.  The fast is not so much about what we are giving up but what we desire in a relationship with God.

Honestly, I'm a little nervous because the fast I have chosen will only be accomplished with the help of God.  And yet, isn't that what life is all about anyhow?  We don't exist without God and His work in our lives.  Maybe it's time to get a better grip on what that means.  At least that is my desire.

So, I hope you are going to join me on this 21 day journey. We will need each other to hold each other accountable and to encourage each other.  If you are not part of MUMC and are interested, check out the website at www.awake21.org.  Those of you from MUMC, feel free to contact Brian or myself and we'll attempt to answer your questions.

Yes I'm a little nervous.  But more than that, I'm excited!  Let's rock!  God, do your thing!!

A PREACHER'S PRAYER

Lord, on this day I am reminded that it is so easy to lose focus of what you really desire for me and for the church. The busyness of each day, the expectations of others, my own expectations. I find myself often asking, is this what you really want - to push paper around, to research and implement new programs, to be the designated referee, to merely put out the latest fire, to be so consumed by what our culture calls "church" that at the end of the day I ask "what just happened?" I know the answer but Lord, I find myself asking, 'Who is going to visit so and so in the hospital, who is going to lead this meeting or that meeting, what about that marriage falling apart, what about these kids who know very little if anything about Jesus, what about a realistic understanding of the church? Lord, the church is your idea and is your way to reach a lost and dying world with good news, with hope, with purpose, with joy, with life, life to the fullest. I think I get it, but I often feel trapped because of what we've made church become - a building on the corner where we gather with our friends and family to "go to" church. But Lord, is it something we "go to?" Isn't it something we are supposed to be - a body made up of men and women, boys and girls who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior and then are commissioned to invite others into that same relationship? Are we just getting in the way of that with all the stuff? Am I getting in the way with all the stuff? Lord, there are some great things that are happening, I don't deny that. But, I so much desire to experience YOU more and for others to do the same - to truly experience how your love can transform lives. Isn't that what it's all about? Last night I was reminded of the statement that says"Lord, break my heart with the things that break your heart." I don't want my heart to break over the things that don't matter. Make my heart break over the things that do. That's my prayer. Thankfully you can make sense of it, even if I can't.

PR

BE STILL!

I know you can't believe this but I have a little trouble sitting still. I'm what might be known as a type-A kind of guy, a little on the extroverted side. But this afternoon I took a little time to "stop and smell the roses". I took a couple of hours to try out the lawn furniture near the front door and enjoyed the beautiful day that God created (a little reading, a little praying, a lot of loafing). In fact, I'm still sitting outside marveling at how gorgeous a day it is - no wind, no mosquitos, sunny, beautiful trees, and birds singing all around me. Absolutley incredible! It's been awhile since I've been able to slow down and enjoy a day like this and I didn't want to miss out.


A verse that comes to mind is from Psalm 46:10 that says this, "Be still and know that I am God". I am once again reminded that I miss out on experiencing God or feeling His presence because I am always on the go. The bottom line - when I am too busy going here and going there, doing this and doing that, I miss out on God. Not good! I don't want to miss out. And I don't think you want to miss out either.


So why not take a moment to stop what you are doing, quiet yourself, and focus on God. I tried to link a song by Stephen Curtis Chapman to this blog but for some reason it failed. So if you'd like, google "Be Still" by Chapman and meditate on the words of the song. It will do your heart good. Shhhh........

LAUGHTER - BEST MEDICINE!!

The preacher's son and sidekick?

The preacher?

Jacob and Josh? Or is it Josh and Jacob?? You decide.

What a blast last Sunday night - (The wish-we -had-talent show. ) And boy do we wish we had talent. Thanks to all who participated. It's fun to laugh isn't it??

We all need a little levity in the midst of the busyness of life don't we? In the midst of some of the heaviness as of late it was good to come together as the family of God and smile, sing, eat, goof off, smile some more, and just have a good ole time.



We've lost some loved ones as of late so I've been busy with families and with funerals. Our prayers continue for Melissa and Esther (McDonell family), the Myrtle Crowley family, the Peggy Gish family, and for Michelle Sheppard whose mom passed away suddenly last weekend. Praise the Lord for the hope that the resurrection promises.

Tonight I am speaking to the youth in the community in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer. Keep me in your prayers if you would as I focus on the question, "Can you hear me now"?

Tomorrow we will gather at the courthouse at 7:00 am to pray, go to the elementary school to pray for our leaders and protectors in the community, grab a brown bag breakfast at the church, and go forward into the day. Many will be reading Scripture all day near the Alltell store. No matter where you are, take some time to pray (not only tomorrow) but every day.

CALL TO PRAYER!

You will remember that I was privileged to baptize Chris Antonelli back in July in our local swimming pool. Chris was involved in a serious accident this morning and was flown to Denver for evaluation, surgery, etc.. Would you commit to pray for Chris for successful surgery, minimal pain, and a quick recovery and healing? Thanks in advance for your prayers and for what the Lord is going to do.

NOT AGAIN!!!

These pictures from CNN and Foxnews tell it all - another killing in the American school system. God have mercy on us all and God grant grace to the victims' families. In the midst of our not understanding why, may we pray that God will carry us through yet another senseless tragedy in this country.