“Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” 2.11.22

There’s a great story in the Old Testament that involves three characters.  There’s the elderly priest, his young assistant/protégée, and God.  Eli is the elderly priest, Samuel is the young helper, and God…is God.  Now this was a time period in which God’s voice was “rare,” as the story tells us.  Or maybe what it is saying is that God’s voice was not listened to. Either way, God seemed to be silent.

Because of his age, Eli wasn’t able to carry out the priestly duties the way he once did, so his sons became the assistant priests, but they were “wicked” as the Bible describes them.  The sons would perform the priestly duties required, but their heart wasn’t in it, and they found ways to use their position to take advantage of the people.  Thus, the reason for God’s silence. 

Samuel, who was a young boy assisting Eli, wasn’t caught up in the scandal or abuse in the temple and was doing his best to serve God, and God noticed this.  One night as Samuel was sleeping God came to him and spoke his name.  As the story tells us, Samuel didn’t yet know God or know God’s voice, so Samuel got up and ran to Eli inquiring what the need was.  Eli said he hadn’t called and sent Samuel back to bed.  This happened several more times.  Finally, Eli understood that God was speaking to Samuel.  Before sending Samuel back to his room, Eli said, “Next time you hear the voice call your name say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’”

Once again, as Samuel was sleeping, God spoke his name.  This time Samuel spoke the words Eli had shared with him, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”  God then told Samuel of events that would happen in the future, and Samuel went on to become a great prophet of God, being the one who anointed the boy David saying that one day David would be the king of Israel. 

Today, I am struck by the power of that simple phrase, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”  This story of Samuel, Eli, and God came into my mind the other day for no particular reason. I wasn’t reading in the book of 1 Samuel, where this story is found.  I wasn’t even thinking about Samuel or David, etc.  I was actually thinking about worship and doing some things to get ready for a Sunday worship service.   As I pondered this unexpected thought, I wondered what God might be saying or wanting to say to me…if I would only listen. 

Our world is filled with such noise and so much busyness that rarely do we (or maybe I should say “I”) pause to listen to nature, let alone to listen for God’s voice in our lives.  How often do we / I feel like God is being silent in the world or my life…but the reality is I simply haven’t stopped to listen? 

What would happen if each time we entered our worship space here at the church facility, we would pause for a moment and say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”?  Or, what might happen if each time we opened our Bible to read from it we would whisper a prayer, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”? Or, what if as we began a new day, we not only opened our eyes, but we opened our heart and mind and said, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”? I wonder what God might have to say to us?!

My challenge to each of us is that this Sunday, and every Sunday, we enter into worship with the words of Eli and Samuel in our heart – “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”  And then…let’s do just that…listen for God!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Avoiding the Tough Things 2.4.22

Have you ever had something that you know you need to do...but you don’t?  You’re supposed to.  You’ve been told you need to, but you’re not sure you know how to do it.  You think it’s going to be more labor intensive than you have the skill for.  It’s going to take more time than you want to give it.  There are all sorts of reasons/excuses…so you just keep putting it off.  You just keep ignoring it until finally there’s a problem and then it has to be dealt with, sometimes on an emergency basis. 

Just recently I’ve realized that I’ve been putting something off…for about five years, but I decided it was time to deal with it.  Now, this “thing” I had to deal with was nothing sinister or dark.  Looking back on it now, it’s really rather silly that I had such hesitancy about it.  After all, what it is I’m referring to is simply cleaning the filters in our dishwasher. 

Five and a half years ago, when we moved into our home in Mitchell, the first appliance that started giving us trouble was the dishwasher.  A new one was installed and in reading through the manual that came with it were the instructions that the filters should be cleaned every couple of months.  My thought was, OK I’ll look into it and keep that in mind.  Of course, I heard horror stories from other people about cleaning and replacing filters in various appliances and how difficult it was, so I kept putting off doing that needed task.  Then two months turned into six months, which turned into a year, then two years, then three, and finally…five years later I decided to tackle the job since our dishwasher wasn’t doing it’s work as effectively as it had previously. 

Nancy found the manual for me.  I read the directions, studied the diagrams, and located the filters in the actual dishwasher.  I discovered that I was making some assumptions about the task that weren’t even true.  I thought I’d have to take off various parts and the spray arm, etc.  I didn’t.  I turned the one filter as directed and it came loose and was easily removed.  The other filter required a slight upward pull and it popped right out.  Well, that wasn’t so bad!!  So, Nancy cleaned the filters and I cleaned the housing the filters fit into.  And the filters went back in place almost as easily as they came out.  We both decided we won’t wait five more years to do this cleaning again.

This experience reminded me of what I believe can sometimes happen in our spiritual life too.  We know there is something we need to do.  We really intend to do it more regularly.  We understand the benefits of doing it.   But…..we think it’s going to be harder than we had anticipated.  We’ve heard other people’s “horror” stories.  So, we don’t pray, read the bible, attend worship, ask for forgiveness, extend grace and forgiveness to others, volunteer our time and energy in a ministry that interests us, give of our resources to make a difference, do some reading on spirituality and growing in our faith, invite someone to church with us, participate in a small group, think positive thoughts about others rather than negative ones, ask “what love requires of me” in a situation, pause to give thanks and praise to God, and this list could go on and on. 

However, what I have discovered is that generally when I do any of the things I’ve listed above, almost always it’s never as difficult, bad, or costly as what I had anticipated.  And the truth is, I generally feel so much better after having accomplished what I had been avoiding.  I’m not saying everything was easy, but it was important and beneficial for my own well-being and faith journey.  So, my question to myself and all of us today is… What are you putting off?  Why are you avoiding that particular activity or situation?  You know, chances are it won’t be as bad as you are imagining!!  Go ahead…take a step of faith.  There are benefits to be gained and growth in your walk with God awaiting you. 

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Patterns 1.28.22

When I say the word “patterns,” what comes to mind?  Do you think of shapes, colors, or designs?  Maybe you think of your favorite police or detective show on TV and how whenever there is a murder, the officers make a tape or chalk drawing of the person of the floor…in the pattern of how they were found.  I always enjoy looking at the fields and crops in the spring and summer, observing the patterns that the rows or the plants create in the fields.  I enjoy watching the patterns the geese and ducks make as they fly north or south in the spring or fall.  As a pilot I was trained to watch weather patterns, especially if I was out flying. 

But the first thought I have, when I hear the word “patterns” is that of a flimsy, papery material that my mother and sisters would spend hours working with in order to make new clothes.  As a young boy I would hate the trips to Mitchell with my mom and sisters if I knew they were going to be pattern and material shopping.  B-O-R-I-N-G!!!   The only saving grace was that one of the stores my mom shopped in had an escalator.   So, I’d ride the escalator up and down numerous time…probably until someone told me to stop it. 

Sewing patterns may be my first thought when I hear the word “patterns.”  However, the sewing pattern memories are now replaced by a question I’m asking myself lately, “What are the patterns of my life?” Or more specifically I ask, “What are the patterns of my life that help me as a follower of Jesus?  And “What are the patterns of my life that aren’t helpful for me as a follower of Jesus?”  In a way these are the questions that Jesus asks of people in stories from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  Jesus is constantly asking questions that make people consider their actions, their thoughts, and their beliefs.  In other words, he’s asking people to consider the patterns of their lives, and then ask the deeper question of, “Are these patterns helpful in knowing and loving God and neighbor?”

As Lent is drawing near, I’m finding myself thinking about the patterns of my life.  This is actually what Lent is intended to do, by fasting, establishing new or different spiritual disciplines, and practicing greater self-examination, we ask God to shine a light on the helpful and unhelpful patterns of our lives and then discern a way to grow in the more healthy or faith-filled patterns.

A morning ritual or pattern in my life is that I get up most mornings around 5:30 am.  I go to my office in the basement of our home where I’ll read from my Bible and pray for a bit, then I do 15 minutes of stretches and exercises intended to stretch and strengthen different muscle groups to prepare me for the day.  Then I run 3-4 miles, and on the day goes. This is generally a helpful or positive life pattern.   When considering the unhelpful patterns of my life, social media or personal device use often rises to the surface as a time waster. Or, when I consider the negative sound bites in my life, those are unhelpful and negative life patterns.  (I suppose my love of chocolate and ice cream might be a negative pattern too…)

Just as the sewing patterns my mom worked with created items of clothing that helped define our life, so the patterns we develop in other areas of life create items that define who we are or how we live.  So, today I encourage us all to notice some of the patterns in our lives.  Lent is coming and during that Church season we will offer some opportunities to develop new patterns to hopefully help in our desire to follow Jesus more closely. 

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Magic Week 1.21.22

Here we are.  We have arrived at the third week in January.  In some circles this is referred to as the “magic week” in January.  Why is it magical, you ask??  Because many of the people who started out the year working out at the gym or the health club have suddenly disappeared.  You see, for a large percentage of the people who make New Years Resolutions, they keep them, or they last until about week three in January, and then they are abandoned. 

I really don’t make New Year’s Resolutions.  I sometimes will set goals I want to achieve (I know, same thing) but I use the Michael Hyatt process for annual goal setting.  I have to admit that this year I haven’t finalized my annual goals, but one of my “intentions” for the new year (I hadn’t put it in the form of a goal) was to cut out some of the sweets that crowded into my eating habits in the last two months of 2021.  In my mind I had decided that I was going to eat a piece of fruit when I got the munchies.  However, when the munchies hit, I’d look on the kitchen counter, or open the door to the freezer, and low and behold there was a container of Christmas cookies or goodies that really needed to be finished off before freezer burn or staleness sets in.  So, what’s a guy to do?  I certainly want to be a good steward of the Christmas goodies in my care…so I eat them.  I don’t think my goal of eating more fruit even made it to week three. 

I’ve read numerous books on goal setting and there are all sorts of reasons why people, myself included, fail at achieving goals; It wasn’t written down, it wasn’t specific enough, there wasn’t an accountability partner or process assigned, there wasn’t a proper reward established, it wasn’t a “SMARTER” goal, it wasn’t personal or important enough, it wasn’t regularly reviewed, there weren’t pre-determined steps put in place to make the goal easy to achieve, etc., etc.  There’s probably truth in all of those reasons.  But the fact is, I’ve dropped the ball (or apple) so to speak on this goal. 

The Apostle Paul has his own inner struggle that he admits to.  In Roman’s 7:19, Paul says, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.”  Admittedly, Paul isn’t speaking of New Year’s Resolutions, he’s speaking of sin and his desire to follow God.  He wants to be faithful in living in the ways of God, but he also recognizes he stumbles, fails, and falls short.  So, what does Paul do?  He recognizes the tension in his mind and heart, he removes the power of sin in his life by replacing it with the power of the Spirit within him, and he gives thanks to God who helps him achieve the victory in his life.  Then he repeats this process over and over and over again. 

Yes, I believe Paul’s life is a reflection of the Sound Bites sermon series we are in the midst of at our church this January.  However, Paul is also a great example of seeing how one can overcome the tension and struggle in our lives and move forward in a positive direction and in the ways of God.  I believe Paul would say it isn’t always easy…but it is certainly worth it. 

So, I’m going to set a new goal, not just to eat a piece or two of fruit a day, but to establish some healthier life patterns.  After all, there’s a lot of life yet to live and God isn’t done with me…or you!  How am I…How are you going to grow healthier physically, spiritually, financially, relationally, etc. in the year to come?  That is a great question to ask with some potentially great goals to press toward.  Let’s keep looking up and moving forward in the new year!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

How did I greet God today? 1.14.22

Sophie said “Good Morning” to me in the most unusual way this morning.  Sophie is our 5-year-old Golden Retriever, who lovingly greets me every morning, did so in the most unique way this morning.  Usually, she waits for me to finish my workout in the basement, and then when I come up stairs she wanders over and sticks her damp nose in my lap, or she puts a paw on my leg, or she just comes and stands by me and stares at me.  Those are her more usual ways of starting the day and greeting me.  But like I said, today was different. 

Sophie actually came downstairs to where I was running on the treadmill.  She rarely goes to the lower level of our home, and if she does, she certainly doesn’t stay very long.  But this morning she came downstairs, found a comfortable spot on the carpeted floor, she laid down, curled up, and watched me.  

Once I was done with my run, Sophie’s tail started wagging as best it could as she lay on the floor.  So, I went over to give her a little attention.  As I reached out to pet her, she rolled over on her side and then rolled clear over on her back.  Of course, this is the universal sign for “Please, please, please…rub my tummy!!!”  Which I immediately did. 

Now, dog or “golden” experts will tell you that rolling over on her back is also a sign of submission.  It’s doggie language for, “I submit to your authority in my life” or I surrender to your authority.”  And if you peel back another layer or two of meaning, the experts again say that our golden rolling on her back is also a way of saying, “I trust you!”  “I’m being really vulnerable right now.  I’m exposing my tender underside to you.  I trust you to care for me!”  So, I rubbed her tummy, spoke some words of affirmation to her, and thanked her for trusting me.  And our day moved forward.

Later in the morning as I was thinking about that unique, yet special way Sophie greeted me, the thought popped into my mind… “How did I greet God today?”  Yes, I took a few minutes to pray this morning.  I spent some time reading in the Gospel of Matthew.  I listened to a great sermon while I ran my morning miles.  I suppose all of this is acknowledging God in my life.  So, what is it I do that would be a similar message like Sophie rolling on her back?  What is the way I say to God, “I trust you! I’m being vulnerable and presenting my tender side to you.  I trust you to care for me.” Confession of our sinful nature is always one way of showing our tender side.  Praying the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer, especially the first line, is a great way of expressing one’s trust in God; “I am no longer my own, but thine.”

This idea of expressing trust is going to take further thought and reflection on my part, but I believe Sophie taught me something meaningful and important this morning.  How can I start out my day declaring my dependence and trust in God?  This is a great question to consider each morning.  Thank you, Sophie, for trusting me and being a great example.

As followers of Jesus, may we each start out our days in a similar fashion, expressing our love and trust in God, the one who is faithful and true, and who loves us more than we can ever fully understand.  “Good morning God!!!  We’ve got this day to share together.  I am no longer my own, but yours!  Use me today!  I trust you!!”

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Epiphany 01.07.22

When was the last time you experienced an “epiphany?”  Before you answer, know this is a trick question of sorts.  You see, yesterday was Epiphany in the church year, so technically we all experienced an epiphany yesterday, or on Thursday, January 6. 

The word epiphany actually means manifestation, realization, or a moment of clarity.  Some would say the word means an unveiling or a disclosure.  In some Christian traditions Epiphany centers around the coming of the Wise Men and their seeing this “new” king they were searching for.  Another tradition in the Christian faith focuses on Jesus’ baptism and the moment when Jesus came up from the water.  In that moment the Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove and there was a voice from heaven that was heard to say, “This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased.”  This was the manifestation or unveiling of who Jesus was to the world. 

Unfortunately, too often, Epiphany is seen as a once-a-year kind of thing.  It happens every year on January 6, we sing an appropriate hymn or two, there might be a scripture about the Light coming into the world or Jesus’ baptism read, and then we quickly move on.  But the intention of Epiphany is that one is never quite the same because of the experience.  An epiphany provides insight, clarity, a sense of new direction, and even a new understanding for one’s life.  Consider the Wise Men.  The story in Matthew tells us that the experience of finding/seeing the Christ Child brought clarity to their lives in that they knew not to trust Herod or his motives.  Thus, they returned to their homeland without notifying Herod of where they found the newborn king.   And of course, the unveiling that took place at Jesus’ baptism touched John the Baptist and the world in ways we are still coming to understand. 

The real intention of the word Epiphany for our lives and our faith, is that it is an ongoing experience.  Epiphany is something that continues to impact our lives as we understand in new ways who Jesus was and is, and how Jesus’ love and life continues to touch our world. 

Just this morning in my personal Bible reading time I read a passage in Matthew 17 telling of the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-13).  In that moment the disciples who were with Jesus were totally taken by surprise, were confused about what was going on, and gained new insight into who Jesus was.  In fact, as much as the disciples thought they understood Jesus, the Gospel stories are quite clear, they really didn’t.  Even up through the resurrection and then when Jesus was taken up into heaven, it is clear the disciples were still growing in their understanding of who Jesus was and is, and how that shapes reality. 

I have a hunch that too often we, or should I say “I,” am much like the disciples.  I think I’ve got Jesus figured out.  I’ve got Jesus in my little box of understanding, and that’s good enough, right?!  But the truth is, Jesus is constantly breaking out of boxes.  My prayer for the coming year is, “God, let me have an epiphany with Jesus today!”  Seriously praying this prayer is likely to change a person’s life in ways that are hard to imagine today but can and will bring new clarity and hope for the future!  Are you game??  Let’s pray this prayer several times each week in 2022 and see how Jesus shows up.  God, let me have an epiphany with Jesus today!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith