Scripture 2 Kings 18 ; 2 Kings 19 ; 2 Chronicles 32 ; James 5:11 (MSG) 11 What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.
Observation: I always say that God is good all the time. Anyone who knows me knows that those words are my motto for life.
Application: The OT reading this morning reminds me that God is in control and nothing can beat that fact. I have also been reminded that when I get off track God will do something to remind me where I need to be on the road to life. Sometimes I get on my high horse and everything is about me. That is when God will step in and use something or someone to remind me that God is number one and not me at all.
James writes that I must stay on course. In other words, stay in a good relationship with God and stay in love with God. I do that by prayer, study, and action and I do that by keeping close contact with those who know the blessing of the gift of life, which God has given.
If I do my best then God will bring it all together for me. Just as he did for Hezekiah becaused he knew that God would bring it all together for him and his people if he stayed in right relationship with God.
What does your relationship with God look like today?
Prayer: Lord, I pray that you would always gently remind me to stay close to you and that your gift of life is my reward. Love Stephen
Yieldedness: I give up any notion that I am in control of this life.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Having My Own Way?
Scripture 2 Chronicles 29 ; 2 Chronicles 30 ; 2 Chronicles 31 ; James 4:10 (MSG) 10 Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.
Observation: One sure way of directing one's self is to bring one's whole being before the Lord for direction.
Application: The reading reminds me this morning that if I start my day out before the Lord with an open heart and an open mind ready to hear what God is saying in my life then my days will be better prepared. In reading about Hezekiah today, I see that he kept the standards of David. David was a great sinner but at the same time "he was a man after God's own heart". David was man who knew he was a sinner and the same time he knew how to come before God with confession and seeking forgiveness and pardon.
I myself am a sinner, but I hope and pray that I will be wise enough and a good enough listener that I will come before God seeking forgiveness and pardon. I pray that I will be able to listen to God's voice and heed God's direction for my life and for my ministry and for my relationship with others.
It is a good thing always to come before God with every part of one's life wide open.
Prayer: Lord, I pray today that you will guide me in your ways and help me be what you have called me to be. Hear my prayers for all it is my duty to pray for today. Love Stephen
Yieldedness: I yield my heart and soul to God's direction--I am not my own man.
Observation: One sure way of directing one's self is to bring one's whole being before the Lord for direction.
Application: The reading reminds me this morning that if I start my day out before the Lord with an open heart and an open mind ready to hear what God is saying in my life then my days will be better prepared. In reading about Hezekiah today, I see that he kept the standards of David. David was a great sinner but at the same time "he was a man after God's own heart". David was man who knew he was a sinner and the same time he knew how to come before God with confession and seeking forgiveness and pardon.
I myself am a sinner, but I hope and pray that I will be wise enough and a good enough listener that I will come before God seeking forgiveness and pardon. I pray that I will be able to listen to God's voice and heed God's direction for my life and for my ministry and for my relationship with others.
It is a good thing always to come before God with every part of one's life wide open.
Prayer: Lord, I pray today that you will guide me in your ways and help me be what you have called me to be. Hear my prayers for all it is my duty to pray for today. Love Stephen
Yieldedness: I yield my heart and soul to God's direction--I am not my own man.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A Life Of Faith
Hey, everyone! It is early I know but here I am anyway. I was reading about all the faith talked about in Hebrews 11. Man, the Bible is full of people of faith--people who believed that God was way bigger than they could ever imagine. They put their WHOLE life in believing that God was present and in control, able to lead and guide them in the right directions.
What do you believe in and where is your faith today?
Here is my journal today>>>>>
Scripture Isaiah 19 ; Isaiah 20 ; Isaiah 21 ; Hebrews 11:40 (MSG) 40 God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours.
Observation: All the examples of faith in this chapter of Hebrews is really somthing to think about when one is at the end of the rope or so disappointed in a situation or even seeing results of believing in things one can't see.
Application: I think about my faith in what God has called me to be. I get very discouraged from time to time when things are not going as "I" planned. I am a dreamer. I can look out into the future and see the finished product up and running--bringing people into relationship with Christ, feeding the hungry, bringing justice where it is not, relieving pain and suffering where ever possible. I can see all that, but (that terrible conjunction) it is the details I can't figure out. I have to look for someone to come along with me and help with the "details" to make the dream come true. When there is no one who will catch the spirit and put their faith in it then I get disappointed. But when I read Hebrews 11, I am reminded that I must still have faith that if God is in it--it will come to pass.
Prayer: Lord, help me to dream, but please help others come along with the dream and together make happen for your glory and the good of the kingdom. Love Stephen
Yieldedness: My faith must be in the presence of God and God's plan.
What do you believe in and where is your faith today?
Here is my journal today>>>>>
Scripture Isaiah 19 ; Isaiah 20 ; Isaiah 21 ; Hebrews 11:40 (MSG) 40 God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours.
Observation: All the examples of faith in this chapter of Hebrews is really somthing to think about when one is at the end of the rope or so disappointed in a situation or even seeing results of believing in things one can't see.
Application: I think about my faith in what God has called me to be. I get very discouraged from time to time when things are not going as "I" planned. I am a dreamer. I can look out into the future and see the finished product up and running--bringing people into relationship with Christ, feeding the hungry, bringing justice where it is not, relieving pain and suffering where ever possible. I can see all that, but (that terrible conjunction) it is the details I can't figure out. I have to look for someone to come along with me and help with the "details" to make the dream come true. When there is no one who will catch the spirit and put their faith in it then I get disappointed. But when I read Hebrews 11, I am reminded that I must still have faith that if God is in it--it will come to pass.
Prayer: Lord, help me to dream, but please help others come along with the dream and together make happen for your glory and the good of the kingdom. Love Stephen
Yieldedness: My faith must be in the presence of God and God's plan.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Encouraging One Another
Scripture: Hebrews 10: 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Observation: I have heard many parishioners and clergy say, "If we could just get everybody together at one time we would have a big crowd." I say, "For What?"
Application: I guess I am reacting a little to some complaining that was going on the other day with no solution for the problem being offered. It is a pet-pevee of mind--you know--complaining without a solution to the problem being offered.
But I am thinking today and remembering too, which is really dangerous on both accounts for me. First I was thinking of the complaining and what to do about it since we are to encourage one another and support one another in our worship and our relationship with God. I have this young couple for example just getting started in life. They have three children one of which is a new born. I remember Deb and I when our family was younger and how hard it was to get up and get out on Sunday mornings to get to church. It would have been easier if the dress code had been different, and if there had been someone there who could have taken the younger ones so that we could worship, and sing, and pray without having to be the parent for a few minutes. And that is just considering my own feelings without consideration of Deb and the kids and how they felt abou the whole situation.
There was one time though after I had gone into the ministry and we had three churches everyother Sunday morning. My youngest, Sam, said to me as we were on our way to the third church, "Dad could Carrie, Daniel and I just sit in the car this time?" I answered, "Why?" Sam said, "Dad I think we have had enough church for one Sunday morning." Nevertheless, we had to make some arrangements and compromise from that poin on.
But what if something could be done to bring worship to where these irregular folks are so it would fit their schedule. What if worship and Bible study could come to them? What if they were given the opportunity to worship with their giving in a different way than what is "normal" and "routine"? Small groups meeting close to their home or in their home is one solution--not new by any means--but still out there. But who will lead, who will organize, who will make sure it happens? Those are the question to answer now.
Prayer: Lord, help me find a way, and help those who complain find an answer so that we might work together to encourage one another to be "the church". Love Stephen
Yeildness: I will not judge others situations, I will simply try and find a solution with God's help.
Observation: I have heard many parishioners and clergy say, "If we could just get everybody together at one time we would have a big crowd." I say, "For What?"
Application: I guess I am reacting a little to some complaining that was going on the other day with no solution for the problem being offered. It is a pet-pevee of mind--you know--complaining without a solution to the problem being offered.
But I am thinking today and remembering too, which is really dangerous on both accounts for me. First I was thinking of the complaining and what to do about it since we are to encourage one another and support one another in our worship and our relationship with God. I have this young couple for example just getting started in life. They have three children one of which is a new born. I remember Deb and I when our family was younger and how hard it was to get up and get out on Sunday mornings to get to church. It would have been easier if the dress code had been different, and if there had been someone there who could have taken the younger ones so that we could worship, and sing, and pray without having to be the parent for a few minutes. And that is just considering my own feelings without consideration of Deb and the kids and how they felt abou the whole situation.
There was one time though after I had gone into the ministry and we had three churches everyother Sunday morning. My youngest, Sam, said to me as we were on our way to the third church, "Dad could Carrie, Daniel and I just sit in the car this time?" I answered, "Why?" Sam said, "Dad I think we have had enough church for one Sunday morning." Nevertheless, we had to make some arrangements and compromise from that poin on.
But what if something could be done to bring worship to where these irregular folks are so it would fit their schedule. What if worship and Bible study could come to them? What if they were given the opportunity to worship with their giving in a different way than what is "normal" and "routine"? Small groups meeting close to their home or in their home is one solution--not new by any means--but still out there. But who will lead, who will organize, who will make sure it happens? Those are the question to answer now.
Prayer: Lord, help me find a way, and help those who complain find an answer so that we might work together to encourage one another to be "the church". Love Stephen
Yeildness: I will not judge others situations, I will simply try and find a solution with God's help.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Change Needs to Happen Once In A While
Hey, I was doing my Life Journal online this morning--got everything read and my thoughts in the little box--fixing to save it and copy it when the whole site went CRAZY and I lost everything. OH WELL, I guess it is time to upgrade and start doing things in a more safe way -- or well how about a new way.
Even God saw a need to upgrade once in a while--Hebrews 8:13 (MSG) 13 By coming up with a new plan, a new covenant between God and his people, God put the old plan on the shelf. And there it stays, gathering dust.
How about you? Do you need an upgrade?
Even God saw a need to upgrade once in a while--Hebrews 8:13 (MSG) 13 By coming up with a new plan, a new covenant between God and his people, God put the old plan on the shelf. And there it stays, gathering dust.
How about you? Do you need an upgrade?
Friday, July 10, 2009
Deliverance--It Is Needed By All Sometimes
I am writing this article this morning about deliverance. Reading Micah today in the Life Journal, God is mad it seems and about to destroy everything and everybody because folks have turned away. Then there is something--a glimmer of something that God sees in God's people that is worth saving--after some suffering--but still worth saving.
We are all worth saving in God's eyes. Thank God for that, AMEN!
Scripture; Micah 7:15 "As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them my wonders."
Observation: I am reminded of the beginning of our story today.
Application:The beginning of the story is of course with deliverance. Many times I have needed deliverance from a lot of things. God has always heard my cries, and has always shown up with grace, love, forgiveness, peace, joy---you know--delieverance.
When others have cried out for deliverance--God has used me to go to them and assure them that God has heard their cries and will soon deliver them from what has them bound.
There are so many ways the followers of Jesus can assure others of God's deliverance. Like showing up to clean up after a storm or taking time out of a busy day to pray for someone who is sick or in need of deliverance in some way.
I am glad that God has delievered me.
Prayer: Lord, just like in Micah's day you see where I am and where I need to be and you always do what it takes to get me there. Thank you for delivering me from myself so many times and still loving me. Love Stephen
Yieldedness: My deliverance begins in the Lord.
We are all worth saving in God's eyes. Thank God for that, AMEN!
Scripture; Micah 7:15 "As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them my wonders."
Observation: I am reminded of the beginning of our story today.
Application:The beginning of the story is of course with deliverance. Many times I have needed deliverance from a lot of things. God has always heard my cries, and has always shown up with grace, love, forgiveness, peace, joy---you know--delieverance.
When others have cried out for deliverance--God has used me to go to them and assure them that God has heard their cries and will soon deliver them from what has them bound.
There are so many ways the followers of Jesus can assure others of God's deliverance. Like showing up to clean up after a storm or taking time out of a busy day to pray for someone who is sick or in need of deliverance in some way.
I am glad that God has delievered me.
Prayer: Lord, just like in Micah's day you see where I am and where I need to be and you always do what it takes to get me there. Thank you for delivering me from myself so many times and still loving me. Love Stephen
Yieldedness: My deliverance begins in the Lord.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The God of The Mountain
Scripture: Micah 4:2 Many nations will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Observation: I observe this morning that there will come a day when most of the world will recognize the God of the Mountain, just as I do.
Application: This thought this morning makes me comfortable with my faith in the God whom I believe is the creator of myself and all those other names that have been given because of where God has shown up in time.
All of us have to have to somewhere to go and someone to go to in times when we cannot handle the situation at hand (whatever that looks like for you). Sometime a simple prayer gets the recorvery mode into action. Sometimes it takes many prayers from many praying people along with the prayers that I am already praying to get things started. It is an awesome process though at any rate.
Are all my prayers answered just the way I want them--well--NO--but all my prayers are heard and considered in the plan that the God of the Mountain has for God's creation. The Holy Spirit hears my moans and groans, looks into my heart to see what is really there and goes to God with it. I don't understand the process, but I know that it happens because I read it somewhere in the Bible.
I am just glad the I belong to the God of the Mountain that many nations will turn too. My strength and my resolve comes from God. My peace is found in my faith in the God of the Mountain.
Where do you go when the walls are really close to mashing you?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being my rock and being full of grace and forgiveness. Thank you for your presence in your creation and thanks for being open to all who will come to the mountain. Love Stephen
Yieldness: I will put my faith in the God of the Mountain.
Observation: I observe this morning that there will come a day when most of the world will recognize the God of the Mountain, just as I do.
Application: This thought this morning makes me comfortable with my faith in the God whom I believe is the creator of myself and all those other names that have been given because of where God has shown up in time.
All of us have to have to somewhere to go and someone to go to in times when we cannot handle the situation at hand (whatever that looks like for you). Sometime a simple prayer gets the recorvery mode into action. Sometimes it takes many prayers from many praying people along with the prayers that I am already praying to get things started. It is an awesome process though at any rate.
Are all my prayers answered just the way I want them--well--NO--but all my prayers are heard and considered in the plan that the God of the Mountain has for God's creation. The Holy Spirit hears my moans and groans, looks into my heart to see what is really there and goes to God with it. I don't understand the process, but I know that it happens because I read it somewhere in the Bible.
I am just glad the I belong to the God of the Mountain that many nations will turn too. My strength and my resolve comes from God. My peace is found in my faith in the God of the Mountain.
Where do you go when the walls are really close to mashing you?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being my rock and being full of grace and forgiveness. Thank you for your presence in your creation and thanks for being open to all who will come to the mountain. Love Stephen
Yieldness: I will put my faith in the God of the Mountain.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sometimes I Need Some Affirmation!
I wrote this a while back, I was reminded of it today so I thought I would share it the blog today.
Every day is Good But Some Are Better Than Others.
By Rev Stephen Webb, Chair of MemConfFAM&LP
I gotta say that as a Pastor who is trying to direct the flock into an outward direction, times get pretty rough. There are some exciting new ideas out there giving direction to practical and most times inexpensive ways for the church to reach out into the community and become the church. I am speaking of course of “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” by Robert Schnase and “Rethinking Church” I believe it called sponsored by Igniting Ministries. I am working hard at presenting these ideas to my two point charge and I am not sure what the outcome will be in the end. I know if some of the folks open their hearts and their lives to the Work of the Holy Spirit, then great things are liable to happen for God will be in the center of it.
I said all that to say this. I feel sometimes that I am working alone. I know that God is with me and I depend upon God’s presence to make what I do worthwhile for the kingdom while hoping and praying that someone catches the Spirit and comes closer in relationship to God and neighbor. When I am most depressed and ready to throw it all in the trash and start something else—well—God always shows up and I am encouraged. One of the things that I really want to know is that someone is listening to the Gospel.
One Sunday morning not too long ago I got my encouragement. I was getting ready for Church and the phone rings. It is a grandmother who is helping her son raise her granddaughter. She said, “Jayce has decided that today is the day she wants to make a profession of faith and be baptized, will you talk to her?” And of course, I said yes. After a conversation with the little girl, we decided to get it done that day. I have to say it was wonderful. Even though her dad was asking her to wait, she said to her dad that this couldn’t wait it had to be done now. We got it done right at 11 o’clock and that is when I leave for the other church, but before I could get out the door, here comes a great grandmother with her 10 year old great granddaughter to talk to the preacher. Needless to say, the little girl made her profession of faith right then that there and we baptized her the next Sunday. I have to say the “God Is Good!”
Well, the Memphis Annual Conference this year was good too. The vote for amendment 19 was not a 2/3rds vote but it was close. I was very encouraged, but I am glad the decision did not ride alone with my Conference. I hope and pray that it passes muster and I feel in my heart that it will. Just think if it does pass, AMs & LPs, PEs & PDs will be able to vote for the delegates that go to General Conference in 2012 to hear the report on the study of Ordination or the Study on Ministry (whatever this one is called). Who knows we might be about to become a voting bloc that sends our own choice. Well, just some words of encouragement for some of you who may need a few.
God is Good! Stephen Webb.
Every day is Good But Some Are Better Than Others.
By Rev Stephen Webb, Chair of MemConfFAM&LP
I gotta say that as a Pastor who is trying to direct the flock into an outward direction, times get pretty rough. There are some exciting new ideas out there giving direction to practical and most times inexpensive ways for the church to reach out into the community and become the church. I am speaking of course of “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” by Robert Schnase and “Rethinking Church” I believe it called sponsored by Igniting Ministries. I am working hard at presenting these ideas to my two point charge and I am not sure what the outcome will be in the end. I know if some of the folks open their hearts and their lives to the Work of the Holy Spirit, then great things are liable to happen for God will be in the center of it.
I said all that to say this. I feel sometimes that I am working alone. I know that God is with me and I depend upon God’s presence to make what I do worthwhile for the kingdom while hoping and praying that someone catches the Spirit and comes closer in relationship to God and neighbor. When I am most depressed and ready to throw it all in the trash and start something else—well—God always shows up and I am encouraged. One of the things that I really want to know is that someone is listening to the Gospel.
One Sunday morning not too long ago I got my encouragement. I was getting ready for Church and the phone rings. It is a grandmother who is helping her son raise her granddaughter. She said, “Jayce has decided that today is the day she wants to make a profession of faith and be baptized, will you talk to her?” And of course, I said yes. After a conversation with the little girl, we decided to get it done that day. I have to say it was wonderful. Even though her dad was asking her to wait, she said to her dad that this couldn’t wait it had to be done now. We got it done right at 11 o’clock and that is when I leave for the other church, but before I could get out the door, here comes a great grandmother with her 10 year old great granddaughter to talk to the preacher. Needless to say, the little girl made her profession of faith right then that there and we baptized her the next Sunday. I have to say the “God Is Good!”
Well, the Memphis Annual Conference this year was good too. The vote for amendment 19 was not a 2/3rds vote but it was close. I was very encouraged, but I am glad the decision did not ride alone with my Conference. I hope and pray that it passes muster and I feel in my heart that it will. Just think if it does pass, AMs & LPs, PEs & PDs will be able to vote for the delegates that go to General Conference in 2012 to hear the report on the study of Ordination or the Study on Ministry (whatever this one is called). Who knows we might be about to become a voting bloc that sends our own choice. Well, just some words of encouragement for some of you who may need a few.
God is Good! Stephen Webb.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Another Monday Morning!
Hey everyone, Deb and I just celebrated our 23rd anniversary. It has been wonderful most of the way, there have been some rough roads, but God has been with us and seen us through. So here we are today with two of our nine grandchildren, enjoying life to the fulliest I believe--except when Gabby wakes up in the middle of the night. Oh well! Life is good for the most part looking forward to atleast 23 more years if not more with my sweetie who is everything to me. God is Good All the Time!
Here are my thoughts for the day. They are about encouragement.
Scripture: Hosea 6 ; Hosea 7 ; Hosea 8 ; Hosea 9 ; Hebrews 3: 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Observation: Encouragement is very important to anyone in leadership positions or to the average person in the everyday world.
Application: When I see the word encouragement I think of Barnabus who was and encourager. I often get discourage. Sometimes when I find a new insight into how to do things in the future and no one else catches the vision, it is discouraging. It is very hard to get folks out of the rut that is easiest to travel.
I just need some encouragement along the way to keep me looking and searching for a way to move folk forward in there journey with Christ.
Prayer: Help me Lord, help me be and encourager, and please send me some encouragement, so that I may move forward with strength and resolve. Love Stephen
Yieldedness: I will look for my encouragement from God and those God puts in my path.
Here are my thoughts for the day. They are about encouragement.
Scripture: Hosea 6 ; Hosea 7 ; Hosea 8 ; Hosea 9 ; Hebrews 3: 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Observation: Encouragement is very important to anyone in leadership positions or to the average person in the everyday world.
Application: When I see the word encouragement I think of Barnabus who was and encourager. I often get discourage. Sometimes when I find a new insight into how to do things in the future and no one else catches the vision, it is discouraging. It is very hard to get folks out of the rut that is easiest to travel.
I just need some encouragement along the way to keep me looking and searching for a way to move folk forward in there journey with Christ.
Prayer: Help me Lord, help me be and encourager, and please send me some encouragement, so that I may move forward with strength and resolve. Love Stephen
Yieldedness: I will look for my encouragement from God and those God puts in my path.
Friday, July 3, 2009
What's Important?--Christ Being Preached of course!
Scripture: Isaiah 6 ; Isaiah 7 ; 2 Chronicles 26 ; 2 Chronicles 27 ; Philippians 1: 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Observation: Although I believe Paul is a little full of himself, which may be his thorn, I do see his point about Christ being preached being what is important.
Application: God is able to get the job done because God is God. Still in this day I believe what Paul was writing about in this first chapter of Phillippians is still with us today. Some preach because it is a call, some preach because it is all they have ever done, some preach because it is the family heritage, some preach because of the stature and importance they think they hold in their position and some preach because they live in a lost and dying world and want to do what ever can be done so that Christ will be known to all.
Paul, bless his heart, knows how to put the words together to glorify the Lord and still be the center of attention. But, Christ being preached, that is the important thing whatever the motive and I agree with that also.
Prayer: Lord, you are able and I am glad. Please take my brokeness and use it for your glory and so that a few might be saved. Thanks for loving me, in your service, Stephen
Yieldedness: I will rule out my importance and put Christ first.
Observation: Although I believe Paul is a little full of himself, which may be his thorn, I do see his point about Christ being preached being what is important.
Application: God is able to get the job done because God is God. Still in this day I believe what Paul was writing about in this first chapter of Phillippians is still with us today. Some preach because it is a call, some preach because it is all they have ever done, some preach because it is the family heritage, some preach because of the stature and importance they think they hold in their position and some preach because they live in a lost and dying world and want to do what ever can be done so that Christ will be known to all.
Paul, bless his heart, knows how to put the words together to glorify the Lord and still be the center of attention. But, Christ being preached, that is the important thing whatever the motive and I agree with that also.
Prayer: Lord, you are able and I am glad. Please take my brokeness and use it for your glory and so that a few might be saved. Thanks for loving me, in your service, Stephen
Yieldedness: I will rule out my importance and put Christ first.
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