Mite makes right

February 2013

Mark 12:42-43 “A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny.⁴³Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury”.

The copper coins were called “mites” and they were worth less than a penny.  The gift she gave was not a forced “temple tax” that had to be paid in order to worship, that was paid at the door going in.  This was a free will offering.  The rich liked to drop money in the box, because it showed their wealth and influence.  The widow showed trust in God, because this was all the money she had.  It would be a cold night without supper for her.

You see, God does not look at amounts, he looks at the heart.  It isn’t enough to give just because you have a little extra; we need to be giving out of our poverty.  When it comes to our time, are we giving because we had nothing better to do, or are we truly giving up something for God? When it comes to our talents, do we actually strive to do our best or do we do just enough?  When we donate things to the church, are we giving the best that can be given, or are we cleaning out an old closet?  When we give of our finances, do we give out of what is left at the end of the week, or do we put God first and live on what is left?

God knows our hearts, and only God will pass judgment on all we do in his name.  We promise as members of the United Methodist Church to give our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness, but it has to be from the heart.  Are our prayers heartfelt? Are we truly glad to be in God’s house?  Are our gifts first fruits?  Is our service the best we can do?  Is our witness truly about God?

God calls us to give our all, not just a part.  True believers know that ultimately, all they have is Gods.

Amen

Don't Panic

PK’s Corner                                                   

January 2013  

Psalms 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present^* help in trouble.

One movie I really enjoy is “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”.  Though it is fundamentally wrong on most theological points, it is still fun to watch.  In the beginning segments the narrator describes the book, “… on the back in bold comforting letters are the word’s Don’t Panic”.

Actually, this is the very description of the Bible.  Throughout the pages of God’s book is the assurance that God is in charge, thus there is no need to panic.  While we may have fun with a guide to the galaxy, we actually have a guide to life and it is comforting in that through the pages we hear God say, “Don’t Panic”.

The New Year is coming, and there is much fear.  Prices still are going up, and everything else seems to be breaking down.  We don’t know what is coming next, but God tells us through the din “don’t panic, I’ve got this.”

The question is, are you willing to let God have this, or are you going to go it alone.  Trust in God for he is the refuge and strength in our times of trouble.  God has sent his son to save us, and the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide.  With God on our side, what is there to fear?

Make a resolution for the coming year to trust in God and draw closer to him.  Make reading the bible and going to church the priority this year, and you will see God is your refuge and strength.

Amen.

The event of Advent.

PK’s Corner                                                  

December 2012          

John 3:1717 ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

³⁴

The Holiday season is upon us. Black Friday is past and gone.  Soon we will be reveling in festive merry making and high spirited feasting and song.    Yeah, RIGHT!

Here is the reality folk’s; Christmas is coming, but the world is pointing us in the wrong direction.  Christmas hymns are being rewritten to advertise for large shopping chains, the holiday of Thanksgiving is now simply considered Black Friday Eve.  I join with many other voices you will hear in shouting that we have forgotten the meaning of Christmas.

The next four weeks are supposed to be about preparing for the coming of a King, not the roasting of a goose.  The next four weeks are about reflecting on why Christ came to earth, not how we are going to pay for the overabundant debt that will be incurred this season.  We are not celebrating the birth of a good man, or a great teacher, or awesome leader; we are honoring the presence of the SON OF GOD.

I implore you to seek out the one who was born in a manger, for he is calling you.  I beg you to use this time of Advent to deepen your relationship with God, and to make stronger your ties to the body of Christ.  I urge you to worship and join in the praise and thanks giving to a God that seeks the world’s salvation, not its destruction. 

We run the risk of becoming too busy for God, and that is how the devil works, but God is greater than that.  Christmas is more than presents, feasts and parties; it is about the kingdom of God.  Advent is here to allow us time prepare for the coming of Emmanuel.

Christ came so that you and I would know eternal life, not so that we could see who got the bigger TV.  Use these next 4 weeks to remember what Christ has done and is doing.

Amen

Why a Methodist?

PK’s Corner                                                   

 November 2012        

Matthew 28:19a “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” ³⁴

In Southeast Missouri, the United Methodist Church is dwarfed by the number of other denominational and non-denominational churches.  Over the past few years, I have come to question why I am a Methodist. 

Why am I a Methodist?  Because of what was started in a college “Holy Club” almost 300 years ago. 

Why am I a Methodist?   Because John Wesley decided to follow Christ’s example and become “more vile” and start preaching to the poor and outcast rather than the churched elite.

Why am I a Methodist?  Because historically, the Methodist movement has been at the fringe of society and civilization, offering the word of God to those who can’t get to a church.

Why am I a Methodist?  Because in Methodism I see a love for God that crosses denominational, philosophical, and physical barriers put up by the world.

Why am I a Methodist?  Because in my heart of hearts, I know God has called me to preach, teach and serve in this denomination. 

Why am I a Methodist?  Because the more I learn of God’s call in my life, the more I see how this denomination can help fulfill that call.

Why am I a Methodist? Because we offer an openness that opens hearts, minds and doors to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

In a country that is full of denominational angst, and in a time where denominational affiliation is not the “in thing”, Methodism still guides, leads and brings people to Christ.  And after people accept Christ, Methodism offers a path to grow closer and seek a deeper relationship with God.

Methodism is not the only way to Christ, but for me it is the right way.  I thank God for what John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Francis Asbury and others started so long ago. 

Amen

Cost of Faith

 October 2012

John 10: 39b “….Then Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; ³⁴

What is your faith costing you?

Now there is a conversation starter.  What would happen if you asked your friends, family, neighbors this question?  Would there be an awkward silence and then a switch to a new subject?  Would we discuss the cost of discipleship or start talking about the local football team? 

But, really, what is your faith costing you?  Or is it costing anything? 

When was the last time you came to church?  Were you hoping for God’s presence rather than a comfortable seat?  When was the last time you felt God calling you to step out of your box and into a ministry?  When was the last time you actively did ministry in your church or community?

The point is, faith must cost, because unless we are willing to lay down everything for Christ, we really aren’t willing to follow Christ.  That’s right, you cannot have the world and Christ too, and you have to make a decision. 

The son’s of Thunder (James and John) were told that they would drink from the cup that Christ drank from.  Later James would be martyred and John would die in exile of old age after numerous tortures.  The reality, Faith costs, and if it is not costing you anything, then there is a pretty fair bet you aren’t in it.

Is Christ calling you to move outside you comfort zone, to start or restart a ministry?  Is the Holy Spirit laying on your heart saying “There is more to be done”?  Listen to them.  Hear what God has for you, because the true cost of discipleship, is truly no cost at all, it is the releasing of what ties us to the world.

So, what is your faith costing you?

Amen

Praise the Lord

 

 September 2012        

1 Chronicles 16:34 “³⁴O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. “

Sometimes, we get so busy in the blessings that God rains down upon us, that we forget to truly be thankful.  God is a good God and he is good all the time.  We sometimes get so sidetracked that we forget to give thanks for what God is doing in our lives.

As I look back over this summer, I see many things to give thanks for.  Not just for me personally, but especially for the church.  This past summer has seen one of the best VBS programs we have ever had, we have seen the growth of a new UMM group.  The church has taken up the charter for Scouting in Doniphan and has become the home for the scouts.  We have a new Sunday school class for adults and growth in our children’s program.  Our prayer group has now been going for a year and we have watched God work his wonder.  The 8:00 service has doubled in regular attendance.  God is truly blessing Doniphan.

This fall God has opened the mission field for us.  We welcome our sister church Neelyville UMC to the fold.  We pray that together the ministry of God will touch and change lives in both communities.  Our leadership in both churches is stepping up to lead us into a future of ministry and outreach that we have only dreamed of.  Yes, God is good, all the time.

As we go into this new season and travel together, let’s not forget to give thanks to the Lord for he is good.

Amen

Strategic Withdrawal

 August 2012 

Mark 6:31 “He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”

The United States Military does not retreat; it instead does a strategic withdrawal and re-group.  The idea being that you are not leaving the field of battle, you are preparing for the next engagement.

Jesus knew the importance of retreat.  He constantly was finding a quiet place to be with his father, a place of strategic withdrawal and regrouping.  He sought a place to focus on the Father.  In this passage, Christ tries to give the same gift of withdrawal to the disciples. 

The reality is this; God knows we cannot burn with evangelistic fire 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Ministry in the church must be done with healthy, well fed souls, not worn-out, malnourished spirits.  How can you help someone have a healthy relationship with God if you don’t take time to nourish your spirit?  A healthy spirit means a healthy relationship with God.

Ministers are the worst at self-care.  We tend to try to satisfy as many people as we can, and thus neglect our own spirit.  So take it from me, self-care is important.  Christ continually calls us to a quiet place to re-group and re-focus.

Where is your deserted place, where do you find quiet and re-focus?  Do you have a quiet place?  If not, I encourage you to get one, go to it daily, make it a part of your spiritual health journey.  Find your place where you and God can converse as parent and child.

Amen