P.K.’s Corner
Mark 13:37 “And what I say to you I say to all: Keep Awake”
In Mark, Jesus warns us that when he returns we will not know until it happens. There is no way to guess or be sure of the second coming, so we must be awake and ready for the return. Unfortunately we have forgotten how to stay awake and we have become spiritual sleepwalkers.
Our physical bodies require rest, this gives the body a chance to repair and refresh for the coming day. Even when we sleep, our bodies are hard at work repairing the damage of the day and preparing for the day to come.
In our spirituality, we tend to just sleep and not let our spirit be refreshed. Instead of resting and allowing the spirit to heal, we just shut down and do nothing to strengthen the spirit. We fall asleep, and it is a non-productive sleep.
Our spirits need to be re-energized on a regular basis. This is done through Church attendance, Sunday school, Bible Study, Devotional time and prayer. Only through these activities can our spirit be refreshed and ready for the challenges to come.
In the upcoming season, it is easy to get so caught up in the Christmas preparation that we forget to be ready for the kingdom. We let our spirits lag and fall in disrepair, and then we sleep. Jesus calls us to refresh, not pass-out, to prepare, and not fall down in fatigue, to be ready for the King of Kings.
Are you sleepwalking, or re-energizing?
Pastor Kent
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Give Thanks
Psalms 107:1 O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, his steadfast love endures forever.
Last night, we had our Charge Conference. For those who may be new to this, this is the meeting where the church gathers to approve paperwork and plans for the coming year. It is also a chance for the District Superintendent to hear what has been happening in the church. During this sharing time I was told to not say a thing and let the members of the church share the good news. Those that were there shared many of the things that we had done over the year.
You, the Doniphan United Methodist Church, have been a loving, caring, committed family for Susan, the kids and I. The love that you expressed last night, and the love you continue to show confirms to me that this is the right place to be.
Throughout this year, Doniphan UMC has gone outside of itself. More kids than ever have attended church camp, for the 2nd time we sponsored a mission camp to an out of state disaster zone. You looked into your hearts and showed the love for the down trodden and handicapped through the PET vehicle project. You have shared in community ministries and have fed and housed over 2 dozen people this year. You have supported the local food pantry and continue to look for ways to help out those less fortunate. In essence God is working through every person in this congregation to reach every person outside of these walls. This is why I give thanks.
This past month, you shared your appreciation for Susan and I with a gift for Pastor Appreciation Month, and we feel truly blessed.
God is truly working here, and will continue, I give thanks for you, for what God is doing through you and for what God will do.
God Bless all of you.
Your Brother in Christ
Pastor Kent
Last night, we had our Charge Conference. For those who may be new to this, this is the meeting where the church gathers to approve paperwork and plans for the coming year. It is also a chance for the District Superintendent to hear what has been happening in the church. During this sharing time I was told to not say a thing and let the members of the church share the good news. Those that were there shared many of the things that we had done over the year.
You, the Doniphan United Methodist Church, have been a loving, caring, committed family for Susan, the kids and I. The love that you expressed last night, and the love you continue to show confirms to me that this is the right place to be.
Throughout this year, Doniphan UMC has gone outside of itself. More kids than ever have attended church camp, for the 2nd time we sponsored a mission camp to an out of state disaster zone. You looked into your hearts and showed the love for the down trodden and handicapped through the PET vehicle project. You have shared in community ministries and have fed and housed over 2 dozen people this year. You have supported the local food pantry and continue to look for ways to help out those less fortunate. In essence God is working through every person in this congregation to reach every person outside of these walls. This is why I give thanks.
This past month, you shared your appreciation for Susan and I with a gift for Pastor Appreciation Month, and we feel truly blessed.
God is truly working here, and will continue, I give thanks for you, for what God is doing through you and for what God will do.
God Bless all of you.
Your Brother in Christ
Pastor Kent
Thursday, August 28, 2008
His Will
PK’s Corner
1John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us. (KJV)
When was the last time we considered God’s will for us? Think about it, when did we last get on our knees and say, “God, I am available for what ever you have for me.” I would hazard to say that it has been a while, if ever.
You see, prayer is not about talking to God, it is about sharing with and listening too God. To follow God, is to desire to do God’s will. We try to tell God what to do, but we fall short in trusting God with our lives.
Trust is the issue. We trust a doctor who “practices” medicine, yet we have a hard time trusting the very person who created us. We know our will, but we do everything we can to avoid learning God’s will. We set up our plans, and curse God when those plans go awry, forgetting that God was not in those plans from the very beginning.
The next time we pray, lets take time to hear God. God is always reaching out to us, through His word, His spirit, His creation. We are the ones without excuse for not doing His will.
Pastor Kent
1John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us. (KJV)
When was the last time we considered God’s will for us? Think about it, when did we last get on our knees and say, “God, I am available for what ever you have for me.” I would hazard to say that it has been a while, if ever.
You see, prayer is not about talking to God, it is about sharing with and listening too God. To follow God, is to desire to do God’s will. We try to tell God what to do, but we fall short in trusting God with our lives.
Trust is the issue. We trust a doctor who “practices” medicine, yet we have a hard time trusting the very person who created us. We know our will, but we do everything we can to avoid learning God’s will. We set up our plans, and curse God when those plans go awry, forgetting that God was not in those plans from the very beginning.
The next time we pray, lets take time to hear God. God is always reaching out to us, through His word, His spirit, His creation. We are the ones without excuse for not doing His will.
Pastor Kent
Thursday, July 31, 2008
contentment
Philippians 4:11 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” ESV
“It is HOT!” That seems to be the most common phrase of the “dog days” season in Missouri. Temperature and Humidity go through the roof, and the heat index keeps us thinking about how cool we could be if we stayed home. Contentment is hard to find when you are sweaty and hot and uncomfortable.
Paul points to us that he had to learn to be content with whatever situation he was in. When following God, he never knew where he would go next. Sometimes he went to a city just to preach, sometimes he also had to work (making tents) while he was preaching, but all the while he remained content. I believe he remained content because he knew God had a purpose for him.
When we become discontent with our spiritual life, we need to look at what is at the base of that discontent. Have we decided that God is no longer in charge? Have we stopped being in awe of God’s goodness? Have we stopped listening to God’s call for us? Paul remained content because he was always focused on God, so maybe our discontentment is due not to God forgetting us, but because we forgot God.
Yes, we can be content in the heat, and the cold and the uncomfortable, but to be content means accepting God’s way as the only way.
God Blessings to you all.
Pastor Kent
“It is HOT!” That seems to be the most common phrase of the “dog days” season in Missouri. Temperature and Humidity go through the roof, and the heat index keeps us thinking about how cool we could be if we stayed home. Contentment is hard to find when you are sweaty and hot and uncomfortable.
Paul points to us that he had to learn to be content with whatever situation he was in. When following God, he never knew where he would go next. Sometimes he went to a city just to preach, sometimes he also had to work (making tents) while he was preaching, but all the while he remained content. I believe he remained content because he knew God had a purpose for him.
When we become discontent with our spiritual life, we need to look at what is at the base of that discontent. Have we decided that God is no longer in charge? Have we stopped being in awe of God’s goodness? Have we stopped listening to God’s call for us? Paul remained content because he was always focused on God, so maybe our discontentment is due not to God forgetting us, but because we forgot God.
Yes, we can be content in the heat, and the cold and the uncomfortable, but to be content means accepting God’s way as the only way.
God Blessings to you all.
Pastor Kent
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Church
PK’s Corner
July News Letter
Ephesians 1:23 “And the Church is His body, it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His presence.”
The last couple of weeks have been busy, and not just busy, but BUSY. Two weeks ago Susan and I had the privilege of taking 7 youth to Beaumont Texas to assist in Hurricane Rita Clean-up. This past week was Vacation Bible School and 25 adults assisted in teaching 65 Children the love of Christ. It was awesome.
Church was in Beaumont and Church was here at Vacation Bible School. Throughout the summer, Church will be on campgrounds around the country, in cities of urban blight, in communities recovering from floods and famine with the help of the church. Where ever Christ is shown, taught, or spoken, there is church.
We often equate Church as the place we go to one day a week for about an hour, but it is more than that, Church is the body of Christ, and thus is anywhere two or more are gathered in the name of Christ. It isn’t where you are, but why you are. The important thing though is to let yourself be part of the Church.
Wherever you go this summer, keep in mind that you are part of the awesome body of Christ, and when you do anything in the name of Christ he is there.
Pastor Kent
July News Letter
Ephesians 1:23 “And the Church is His body, it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His presence.”
The last couple of weeks have been busy, and not just busy, but BUSY. Two weeks ago Susan and I had the privilege of taking 7 youth to Beaumont Texas to assist in Hurricane Rita Clean-up. This past week was Vacation Bible School and 25 adults assisted in teaching 65 Children the love of Christ. It was awesome.
Church was in Beaumont and Church was here at Vacation Bible School. Throughout the summer, Church will be on campgrounds around the country, in cities of urban blight, in communities recovering from floods and famine with the help of the church. Where ever Christ is shown, taught, or spoken, there is church.
We often equate Church as the place we go to one day a week for about an hour, but it is more than that, Church is the body of Christ, and thus is anywhere two or more are gathered in the name of Christ. It isn’t where you are, but why you are. The important thing though is to let yourself be part of the Church.
Wherever you go this summer, keep in mind that you are part of the awesome body of Christ, and when you do anything in the name of Christ he is there.
Pastor Kent
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Try, just try
Matthew 25:25a “So I was afraid”
I must ask your forgiveness for using just a part of the scripture, but actually the whole text is pertinent to the PK’s corner. So when you get a chance look up Matthew 25: 14-30.
We try to wrap out minds around why the 3rd servant was treated so badly, what had he done that was so wrong? He did not lose anything and the master lost nothing, so why the anger?
The answer to this is the 3rd steward did not even try. Life is full of setbacks, disappointments and failed efforts. These are the things that make up the human condition. The worst thing to do is to give up and not try. When the talents were handed out, they were given according to ability. The 5 talent guy, could handle 5 talents, the 2 talent guy could handle 2 talents and the 1 talent guy showed the ability to the master to handle that talent. But the 1 talent guy failed because he was afraid, (at least that was his excuse). Fear of loss, fear of retribution, fear of not winning, all these things figured into his decision to not try. Ultimately his failure to even make an effort caused him to fail.
God encourages us to try, to make an effort, to reach our potential, but too often we don’t try for fear of failing, or looking bad, or just being different. To follow Christ is to put yourself out there, and trust that God will give you the ability to succeed. We cannot stay at home and say, “What’s the use?” Too many people do that already, God calls us to go beyond ourselves and take the one talent and help others.
Imagine the response if the one talent guy bought food for the poor and needy, or helped to build a hospital, or used the talent to pay debts for his workers, that would have been a worthy investment that would have surpassed the 5 talent guy.
It may seem that we have an uphill battle in sharing the Good News, but we have to try, failure to try is not an option.
Amen
I must ask your forgiveness for using just a part of the scripture, but actually the whole text is pertinent to the PK’s corner. So when you get a chance look up Matthew 25: 14-30.
We try to wrap out minds around why the 3rd servant was treated so badly, what had he done that was so wrong? He did not lose anything and the master lost nothing, so why the anger?
The answer to this is the 3rd steward did not even try. Life is full of setbacks, disappointments and failed efforts. These are the things that make up the human condition. The worst thing to do is to give up and not try. When the talents were handed out, they were given according to ability. The 5 talent guy, could handle 5 talents, the 2 talent guy could handle 2 talents and the 1 talent guy showed the ability to the master to handle that talent. But the 1 talent guy failed because he was afraid, (at least that was his excuse). Fear of loss, fear of retribution, fear of not winning, all these things figured into his decision to not try. Ultimately his failure to even make an effort caused him to fail.
God encourages us to try, to make an effort, to reach our potential, but too often we don’t try for fear of failing, or looking bad, or just being different. To follow Christ is to put yourself out there, and trust that God will give you the ability to succeed. We cannot stay at home and say, “What’s the use?” Too many people do that already, God calls us to go beyond ourselves and take the one talent and help others.
Imagine the response if the one talent guy bought food for the poor and needy, or helped to build a hospital, or used the talent to pay debts for his workers, that would have been a worthy investment that would have surpassed the 5 talent guy.
It may seem that we have an uphill battle in sharing the Good News, but we have to try, failure to try is not an option.
Amen
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sanctuary
Psalm 84:2 “Even a sparrow finds a home and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young near Your altars, Lord of Hosts, my King and my God.”
As I walked into my office this morning I looked at the tree that is next to the steps. In it was a nest and on that nest sat a mourning dove. Her soft eyes watched me with caution, not sure of my intentions. I just stood and looked at her.
In looking at the location of the nest, it is next to a wall and is protected from the north winds, a good location to raise young. I find it fitting that this dove would find sanctuary so near to God’s house. Eventually other birds will build and are building nests around this place, all seeking protection in the presence of God.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we followed the example of this dove, to seek shelter in the presence of God. The community of Christ offers us protection from the harsh winds of the evil one. God offers to cover us as a mother hen would cover her chicks, if we but ask.
As this summer progresses and we go about our lives, do not forget that there is a place of refuge, a place for rest, a place of safety, a place that is part of the body of Christ. Don’t forget the church.
Amen
As I walked into my office this morning I looked at the tree that is next to the steps. In it was a nest and on that nest sat a mourning dove. Her soft eyes watched me with caution, not sure of my intentions. I just stood and looked at her.
In looking at the location of the nest, it is next to a wall and is protected from the north winds, a good location to raise young. I find it fitting that this dove would find sanctuary so near to God’s house. Eventually other birds will build and are building nests around this place, all seeking protection in the presence of God.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we followed the example of this dove, to seek shelter in the presence of God. The community of Christ offers us protection from the harsh winds of the evil one. God offers to cover us as a mother hen would cover her chicks, if we but ask.
As this summer progresses and we go about our lives, do not forget that there is a place of refuge, a place for rest, a place of safety, a place that is part of the body of Christ. Don’t forget the church.
Amen
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