Here Am I

This week I have been thinking about Mary, the chosen mother of the Christ child.  I have read about her encounter with the angel Gabriel numerous times in the gospel of St. Luke.  I find myself drawn into her story and the situation that she found herself in so many years ago.  I try to imagine what it would have been like to be told wondrous news from a messenger of God.

I have tried to enter into the story as an active participant instead of simply a passive listener.  I have tried to imagine the feelings of Mary and the thoughts that would have been racing through her mind as she was called blessed.  As I practiced this method of Scripture study, I was reminded of a song recorded by Amy Grant several years ago.  Take a moment to listen to the words of this song.




As I listened to this song, I truly began to feel the pressures and great expectations that Mary must have felt as she carried the Son of God within her womb.  In the song she states, "I am frightened by the load I bear; In a world as cold as stone, Must I walk this path alone?"  I understand these words.  So many days I too feel the burden of carrying a heavy load.  It seems as though the world around us is cold as stone and is getting colder day after day.  Sometimes being a Christian is lonely.  It seems as though no matter what you do or say, it is the wrong thing.  It seems as though you are walking along a road all by yourself.

In another verse of the song, Mary asks this, "Do you wonder as you watch my face; If a wiser one should have had my place; But I offer all I am."  This verse of the song came flooding over me.  I think about God's call on my life and his insistence that I go forth to be a pastor.  Mary's words from the song ring true in my life.  Does God look at me and regret his decision?  Does God hear me preach and teach and realize that perhaps there was someone wiser, someone better, someone who would certainly have done a better job?

But here is the lesson I have learned from Mary.  My reply, my desire, my entire life can only respond with "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."  Mary trusted God.  St. Paul tells us that we "have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us."  God knows our insecurities.  He understands our inabilities.  God is more aware of what we can't do than we are.  And yet he has chosen us to carry his Son into a dark world.  Instead of angels announcing the Christ child to all people, he trusts you and me.

So to answer the question, no we are not able.  However, as the song says, "Breath of heaven, hold me together, be forever near...light up my darkness, pour over me your holiness, for you are holy."  Its only through the Breath of Heaven, the Holy Spirit, that we are worthy and that we are able to live up to our calling.  Mary's story reminds us to respond to God's call on us and to allow him to work through us.  Regardless of what we think of ourselves, God knows the desires of our hearts and he will enable us to go forth and do incredible things for his glory alone.  Until next time...

+May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.






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It Snowed in Haskell!

When I taught English, I would save one particular poem until we had our first snowfall of the season.  I remember reading this poem for the first time.  The words leapt from the page and found their way directly to my heart.  Each time I read this poem, the same feelings come rushing over me.  That is the true beauty of poetry.  Since I no longer have "class," I suppose this blog will have to suffice.  I share this poem with you because my current home town received her first snowfall of the winter season yesterday.  May Lowell's words touch you as they have touched me for so many years.

James Russell Lowell--American Poet

The First Snow-Fall

by James Russell Lowell

The snow had begun in the gloaming,

And busily all the night

Had been heaping field and highway

With a silence deep and white.

Every pine and fir and hemlock

Wore ermine too dear for an earl,

And the poorest twig on the elm-tree

Was ridged inch deep with pearl.

From sheds new-roofed with Carrara

Came Chanticleer's muffled crow,

The stiff rails softened to swan's-down,

And still fluttered down the snow.

I stood and watched by the window

The noiseless work of the sky,

And the sudden flurries of snow-birds,

Like brown leaves whirling by.

I thought of a mound in sweet Auburn

Where a little headstone stood;

How the flakes were folding it gently,

As did robins the babes in the wood.

Up spoke our own little Mable,

Saying, "Father, who makes it snow?"

And I told of the good All-father

Who cares for us here below.

Again, I looked at the snow-fall,

And thought of the leaden sky

That arched o'er our first great sorrow,

When that mound was heaped so high.

I remembered the gradual patience

That fell from that cloud like snow,

Flake by flake, healing and hiding

The scar that renewed our woe.

And again to the child I whispered,

"The snow that husheth all,

Darling, the merciful Father 

Alone can make it fall!"

Then, with eyes that saw not, I kissed her;

And she, kissing back, could not know

That my kiss was given to her sister,

Folded close under deepening snow.

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Prepare the Way of the Lord

I was talking with a good friend of mine and fellow pastor this week.  He has been a pastor for many years now and I always appreciate the wisdom that he brings to our conversations.  I admitted to him that when I started preaching from the lectionary back in November that I thought it would be easier, but just the opposite  has proved true.  It has gotten even harder the last two weeks as I have prepared my sermons for Advent.

Many people think of Advent as the days that count down until we celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior.  While that is true, that is only part of the purpose of Advent.  The bigger message of this season is that Jesus Christ will return in his full glory and we will meet him in the sky as a new day of celebration.  However, until then we are to be working.

This week, the lectionary readings focused on proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ the Son of God.  The primary text that I am using is found in St. Mark 1:1-8.  Mark uses these verses as background information about John the baptizer who appeared in the wilderness ahead of Jesus to a message of repentance before he moves on to tell about Jesus' ministry.

John Preaching in the wilderness.  (Corbis)

I've been thinking about John's message as he preached about the coming Kingdom of God and what that means for contemporary Christianity.  It seems as though we have lost our voice.  Our churches no longer are interested in preaching in the wilderness.  We prefer to write checks and call that our ministry.  I'm not so sure that is what we are called to do.  But I'm afraid that until our hearts are broken, until our eyes fill with tears for those we are called to proclaim the wondrous message of Jesus Christ, our voices will remain mute.  I'm afraid that Advent has become like other parts of the church whereby we have sanitized it to the point where we no longer get dirty.  We no longer wander forth into the messiness of the world and touch those who need to be touched.

I'm as guilty as anyone else in this area.  I too need to get dirty and to come in contact with those who need to encounter Emmanuel.  After all, perhaps it is only through us that God truly becomes present to others.  The way we live our lives should reflect the message of Advent.  That message is summed up by this early proclaimer of Advent when he stated "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop and untie the thong of his sandals.  I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."  Let it be so.

Until next time...

+May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.

"Let us not be satisfied with just giving money.  Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them.  So, spread your love everywhere you go."--Mother Teresa






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All the Heavens

This week closes out another church year.  Last Sunday was Christ the King Sunday that is the pinnacle to the season of Kingdomtide.  This coming Sunday everything begins again with the season of Advent.  Since Christmas has become such a huge commercial endeavor, Advent has become nothing more than a countdown to Christmas Day for most people.  But there really is so much more than that to this season of preparation.

The last few years during Advent I have been reflecting on the amazing paradox in the lives of Christian believers.  Solomon, in all of his wisdom, seems to be the first one that really brought out the amazing reality of God in his greatness (transcendence) and in his closeness (immanence).  Remember with me for a moment to the dedication of the great temple in Jerusalem built under Solomon's reign.  When the people came together to dedicate the temple to God, Solomon prayed one of the most amazing prayers recorded in Scripture.  It begins in 2 Chronicles 5:14, but I will pick up the prayer in verse 18:

"But will God indeed reside with mortals on earth?  Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!  Regard your servant's prayer and his plea, O LORD my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you.  May your eyes be open day and night toward this house, the place where you promised to set your name, and may you heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place.  And hear the plea of your servant an of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place; may you hear from heaven your dwelling place; hear and forgive."

Solomon knew that the great creator of the universe could not be contained in the expanse of the heavens, much less within a building made with human hands.  However, he also knew that God so desired to be with the people that he could make his presence known even within the four walls of a temple made with human hands.  How that is possible is beyond human comprehension.  God did come and dwell among the people of Israel within their temple.  After he finished praying, we are told that "fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple."

Artist's rendition of Solomon's Temple filled with Glory of God

The same paradox becomes even more evident in the birth of Jesus Christ.  John's gospel states it this way, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."  The awesome God that the heavens could not hold became close to humanity by taking on the body of a man-child.  How is this possible?  How can something that is beyond the scope of containment be contained?  I'm sure there are all kinds of philosophy terms that someone smarter than I am can use to explain it.  However, when it comes right down to it the answer is love.

St. Paul tells us that all true followers of God are built into a temple together upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.  The Holy Spirit dwells there, within us, the temple of God just as the glory of God filled Solomon's temple.    How is that possible?  Once again, it comes from the love of God the Father for a broken and hurting humanity.  It is good for us to pause during the weeks leading up to Christmas to meditate on God's out-pouring glory into his holy temple.  It is good for us to remember that love is the motivation and the reason that the paradox of God's transcendence and God's immanence are both found within our savior Jesus Christ.  Until next time...

+May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.




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Work Honestly...So As To Have Something To Share

This past June when Myranda and I packed up the kids to move them back to Texas from Kentucky we were told by several different people how severe the drought was back in this part of the country.  To be honest with you, I had a hard time believing that it was any different than any other year.  From the time I can remember, West Texas has never received enough rain to satisfy folks.  Prayers for rain have been uttered from our lips almost continually since the first settlers built their homesteads on the plains.

But as we waved goodbye to the lush green of the Bluegrass in Kentucky, I had no idea what was in store for us as our small "wagon train" headed west.  All was well until we got to Oklahoma City.  As we pushed further into the Western half of the United States the grass went from green to yellow to brown to dirt.  That's right, dirt.  It really was a shock to me to see just how dry it really was here.  When we finally got settled in Haskell, it was the same here as it was everywhere else.  We went days, then weeks, then months and we still had no moisture.  We were really in a drought like I had never seen before.

Parishioners of my church continually asked for us to pray for rain.  We prayed and believed that God was hearing our prayers and that he would indeed send the moisture that we so desperately needed.  Thanks be to God, we have gotten rain.  We are still behind on our yearly average, but the wheat has sprouted and the grass did green up some before the cold weather arrived.

But in the midst of all of this drought and severe heat, God spoke to me.  He reminded me that even though we have been going through a terrible time of want that he has continued to provide for us.  We are still a blessed people.  Our church is doing well and the Holy Spirit is actively engaging us as we study the Word of God together.  The other night in our Ephesians Bible study, we came across some expectations St. Paul had for the Gentile Christians.  One of these expectations was this, "Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy" (4:28).  Our small group had a great discussion about this verse.  Paul instructed these men and women to turn away from sin not to just help themselves, but to give to those who were in need.

Christianity is not just about turning away from sin and trespasses; it is also about turning towards God.  That is Paul's message to the "thieves."  Quit doing the worldly things and turn towards God by encountering those who are needy.  I look at the church here in Haskell and I think about all the things I want.  The list is long.  But when I look at the list of the things we need, it is almost non-existent.  Just like God has continued to provide during the time of drought, he has continued to supply all that we need.  So this year, our church is reaching out to those in need.  We are working so that we can share the blessings that God has given us with people who cannot help themselves.  We are taking the proceeds of a fundraiser that we normally use in-house and we are planning on blessing others with those funds.

We can all examine how richly we have been blessed compared to those in need.  When we do, we realize that God has given far more than we ever can.  God has sustained us this past year in ways that we can't even imagine.  We do serve a mighty God and he has given from his great storehouse; not for us to keep but for us to give away.  A week from today our nation has set aside a day of thanksgiving.  On that day, let's all remember to turn away from ourselves and turn towards God.  So come, ye thankful people, come and remember that we work not to gain for our wants, but so that we too "have something to share with the needy."  Until next time...

+May God richly bless you and keep you during this season of Thanksgiving.  May you also go and give from your abundance.



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For All The Saints...

This week we celebrate one of my favorite holy days of the Christian year.  Each year as we approach the first of November, I find myself looking to it with great anticipation.  I'm not sure exactly why, but All Saints Day has become a day that I cherish.  It has become a holy day that touches me deep inside.  It has become a beloved way for me to reflect upon the previous year and give glory to the Father, rejoice the Son, and praise the Holy Spirit.

When All Saints Day comes around each year, it helps me to pause in my daily walk with the LORD.  It gives me an opportunity to slow down for a few precious moments and remember.  I remember those men and women of faith from church history who boldly and courageously stood their ground when they were  attacked for their beliefs.  I remember the fathers and mothers of the Church who did not give up, even in the midst of strife.  I remember men and women of faith who saw corruption in churches world wide and allowed their faith in Jesus Christ to stand above denominational loyalties.  I remember Sunday school teachers, preachers, and others who helped shape me from birth.  I remember brothers and sisters who sat with me in times of need.  I remember words of advice, encouragement, and truth spoken in love.

Solemnity of All Saints--Albrecht  Durer

Sometimes the path that the LORD God places us on to walk is not an easy one.  Sometimes we hit bumps and pot holes that jar our teeth and make us want to turn around and go back.  All Saints Day helps me to keep moving forward.  That great cloud of witnesses makes me want to keep running the race.  They make me want to keep fighting the fight.  They help me to keep moving forward.

Through the Holy Spirit we are united with all people who have been the people of God at all times.  The Holy Spirit draws us together as the communion of the saints.  We truly are built up into a body with Christ as our head.  All Saints Day reinforces this for us each year.  It widens our perspective on what it means to be a part of Christ's Holy Church.

This coming Sunday we will celebrate the saints who have passed over into glory from our local church.  We will also celebrate the fact that we are the communion of saints united to one another and to the Father through the Son.  All Saints Day is truly a celebration that focuses us on the past and helps us to push forward into the future.  And for that, we can all be truly thankful!  Until next time...

+May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.



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Jonathan Made a Covenant With David

I have been reading through the book of 1 Samuel the past few weeks.  This morning I came across one of my favorite stories that is found there.  It is the story of the friendship between Jonathan and David.  I'm sure you all remember this story.  Saul, Jonathan's dad, had been made king over Israel.  However, he messed things up by going his own way instead of trusting in God.  So the LORD took the kingdom away from him and gave it over to a man after his own heart, David the son of Jesse.  Saul realizes what is happening and begins to hate David more every day until he begins to try to kill him.  But his son Jonathan strikes up a friendship with David that lasts until Jonathan's death.

David and Jonathan

Something struck me as interesting this morning.  In chapter 18, the writer of 1 Samuel records something interesting.  He states, "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.  Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that he was wearing, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.  David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him..." (3-5a).  The significance of this interaction is lost on us living in the 21st Century Western world.  However, Jonathan does an amazing thing here.  He recognizes that David is God's true choice to be the king of Israel.  He is essentially giving up any right he may have had to the throne to the true king.  Instead of fighting against the will of God for himself, he supports his friend David.

That must have been a very difficult thing to do.  In our own selfishness, we don't like to give up something that is good for us that would be good for someone else, no matter how close we are to them.  That is part of our growing in submission to God and allowing his work to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

One of the surprises of seminary for me was friendships that were formed.  I met a lot of wonderful people and I made many friends while I was in Kentucky.  I had to leave most of those friends behind when I came back to Texas.  Thankfully, some of the friends I made at Asbury are from our conference, so I get to see them occasionally.  But the best friend I made while I was there did not come to Texas; he moved to Michigan.

Beth, Tom, Me, and Myranda on graduation day

I met Tom and his wife Beth during new student orientation the first day I stepped on campus as a student.  He is a few years older than me, but we hit it off from the very beginning.  Thankfully, our schedules lined up the first semester and we had a class together.  Every semester after that, we tried to have at least one class together and we sat together during chapel.  I told him more than once that I would not have made it through seminary without him.  He was a true blessing from God to me while I was struggling through classes.

My Bible has this to say about Christian friendship.  "A true friend is one who, during our darkest hours, offers hope, encouragement, and support.  Our emotional stability is predicated on whether or not we have someone who is willing to stand with us and sometimes behind us to push us over the hump of despair.  That's the kind of friend we all ought to strive to be."

Friendship is a true gift from God.  It pleases him when we have close friends that we can go to for help.  It also pleases him when we are friends to others, especially those who lonely.  I thank God that Tom is my friend.  Even though he lives over 1,000 miles away he remains one of my closest and best friends.  Until next time...



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Because of the Brightness of the Light

I have started to read the book of Acts again for my morning devotional time.  I always love to read through this book to see how God actively sought out the people to establish his Holy Church.  From the Spirit's descent at Pentecost through the rest of the book, amazing transformation takes place in the lives of those early believers.

But the story is not all excitement and smooth sailing.  From the birth of the Church, the early leaders faced opposition on many sides.  The Jewish leadership hated what the Jesus movement was teaching the Hebrew people.  The Romans really didn't like all of the unrest that the early followers were causing among those living in Jerusalem.  But despite all of the opposition, the men and women of faith continued to preach, teach, and proclaim the risen savior for the benefit of the world.

One of the most amazing transformations comes in the epiphany of the Lord to Saul.  His story of conversion is incredible.  Many times we criticize Saul for his role in Stephen's stoning and yet he was sincere in his devotion to his teachings.  He must have genuinely thought he was serving his God by protecting his understanding of who God is from heresy.  However, his encounter with Jesus Christ changed that.  Through his physical blindness, his spiritual eyes were opened and he truly was able to see who God is for the first time.  I'm sure he struggled with his role in the persecution of the early church for the rest of his life.  But I'm just as sure that he was a true Christian after his encounter on the Damascus Road.

Paul preaching in Athens - Painting by RAFFAELLO - 1515

Because of his own ignorance and awakening of who God is, he was able to become the great Apostle to the Gentiles.  In chapter 17, we are told of Paul's preaching to the Athenians in front of the Areopagus.  What I love about this story is that Paul meets the people of Athens where they are.  He acknowledges their devotion and uses that as a foundation on which to build his message about the gospel.  He used what they knew to teach them about the truth of God.  After he finished his sermon, the writer of Acts tells us, "When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed; but others said, 'We will hear you again about this.'  At that point Paul left them.  But some of them joined him and became believers, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, and others with them." (17:32-34).

One of the hymns of the church is "Just as I Am, Without One Plea."  Don't get me wrong; I believe this song has its place within the hymnal.  However, I'm afraid that we American Christians have taken this song too far in our belief system.  We think that God has taken us where we are and things are hunky dory.  But that is diluting the blood of Jesus Christ.  He died for more than that.  He died to bring us back to the fullness of what it means to be made in the image of God.  He died so that we might live life now.  He died and was raised so that we too might have a new life here and now.  God is in the business of transforming us from Saul to Paul.  He is in the business of moving us from a limited understanding like the Athenians to a deeper understanding like Dionysius and Damaris.

A follow up song to "Just as I Am" is "Change My Heart Oh God."  Once we are restored to our relationship with God, then our faith journey continues.  We should expect to grow in grace, mercy, justice, and righteousness.  We should be willing to work out our salvation and give the Holy Spirit something to work with in our lives.  We should pursue God as he continues to pursue us.  We cannot change ourselves, but we must be willing to submit to our own change.  We must continue to meet God and let God have his Holy way with us.  May each one of us continue to grow in God's grace and be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ.  Until next time...




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Well Shut My Mouth

Last week I posted my set of rules to live by as a pastor.  If you remember, I have two rules about communication.  Rule #26 and Rule #27 both help to remind me about the importance of communicating with others.  I broke Rule #27 the other day.

The problem all started when Haskell UMC booked two Friday night events back-to-back.  This Friday is homecoming and our church is sponsoring the 5th Quarter after the ballgame.  Since it is the first event, the 5th Quarter has been on my mind the last few weeks.  The other big event that our church is sponsoring is the pre-game meal on October 7th.  This is a great fundraiser for our church and it takes a lot of preparation and a lot of help from several different people.  The other day after church one of my wonderful parishioners came up to me and said that she and her good friend have helped with the meal and they have a file folder with all of the information in it.  She said "pre-game meal" but I heard "5th Quarter."  So here is the conversation that took place between us.

Parishioner: "Pastor, I have all of the information we need to get everything done for our meal."
Me:  "Well, I talked with some of the parents and they don't want to serve a meal this year."
Parishioner: "Why not?"
Me:  "They said there was a lot of left overs last year and that we should just serve chips and dip and cookies this year."
Parishioner: "We didn't have a lot of left overs last year.  In fact, we ran out of food and we need to make extra this year.  Besides I'm not sure people will pay $7.00 a ticket for chips and dip."
Me: We charge people to come?"
Parishioner: "We have to charge people, this is a fundraiser for our church."
Me: "I thought it was just a ministry that we did for the community."
(Awkward Silence)
Parishioner: "What are you talking about?"
Me: "The 5th Quarter.  What are you talking about?"
Parishioner: "The pre-game meal."

Happily, it ended up being no big deal and we had a good laugh about it.  But, this conversation reinforced the need to communicate with people.  Just because we were talking does not mean that we were communicating.  Many times, that is what ends up happening.  We do more talking than we do listening and then nothing gets done because no one knows what is going on.

Even though this time it turned out well, it does not mean that it always does.  Sometimes we get so busy talking and don't listen that the situation escalates until people get mad at one another and feelings get hurt.  Many times, relationships are hurt and friendships ruined because of poor communication.  What's worse is when someone intentionally causes a rift.  Scripture is full of warnings and truths that come about due to us talking too much and not listening enough.  Here are a few to consider:

"The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly."-Proverbs 15:2
"The mind of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil."-Proverbs 15:28
"The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse."-Proverbs 10:32
"The mouths of fools are their ruin, and their lips a snare to themselves."-Proverbs 18:7

Our words are very important.  They can build others up and they can tear others down.  Our words can proclaim the gospel message of Jesus Christ or they can advance the enemy of God's Holy Kingdom.  James warns us that we should tame our tongue; he also admits that it is very difficult to do.  "With it (our tongue) we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.  My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so."--James 3:9-10.  But just because something is difficult that does not mean that we must stop trying.  We have to continue to depend on the Holy Spirit to purify us in all areas.  We must continue to push forward in our faith journey and allow ourselves to be transformed more fully into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Communicating and speaking wholesome words are so important in our everyday life.  As Christians, our words and our discussions should be focused on listening more than we speak, weighing our words carefully before we speak, and then only speaking after we know what we are talking about.  I know I've been guilty of poor communication and talking too rashly.  However, by the grace of God I am getting better.  Until next time...

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Wilhite's Rules

Fall has officially arrived; the new television season has begun.  A couple of years ago, I started watching some of the crime shows on TV.  NCIS, CSI, The Mentalist, and Criminal Minds.  All of these shows have the same basic plot format.  A crime occurs (usually a murder), a group of people come together as a team to gather evidence, work on DNA found, and catch the bad guy.  I'm not sure what it is about these shows that is appealing, but I can't help myself.  I really enjoy seeing the teamwork, the camaraderie, and how the people go about solving the case.  I have told Myranda that one of these days an acronym (FBI, NCIS, CSI, or CBI) is going to call me in to help them.  After all, I am already an acronym (PEUMC)!  But she's not convinced.


One of the characters in the show NCIS is named Jethro Gibbs.  Throughout the series various characters reference a set of "rules" that Gibbs has.  So far, not all of Gibbs Rules have been revealed but the show's producers have promised that more will come to light in the upcoming season.  These rules have inspired me to think about my own set of rules that I should follow as a pastor and as a Christian.  So I have created a set that seem like they work for me.  Over time, the rules can be amended and more rules can be added.  At times, the rules have to be bent when a situation arises.  But overall, the rules really help to keep my life and vocation focused.  


When making my rules, I kept in mind Matthew 10:16 when Jesus says, "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."  I think you will see both sides of the coin reflected in these rules.  Many people think that Christianity is a faith where we have to lay our courage and boldness down and allow other people to walk all over us.  That is simply not so.  In our faith, we are called to speak boldly and truthfully.  We are also called to radical love and hospitality.  In our worldly culture these are backwards.  According to the world you speak kindly and smoothly while acting selfishly.  


The other thing that I kept in mind while creating my set of rules was my deep desire to know God.  In my own experience, the closer I get to God, the more I desire him.  I can't explain why or how, but as my spiritual life continues to develop, the more of God's Spirit I crave.  The more I want to reflect God to a broken world and the more I want to genuinely show people who he is and how they can grow in their relationship too.  


I invite you to read through Wilhite's Rules.  You will notice that I borrowed a few of the rules from others.  Where I did, I have noted it.  I encourage you to draw up a list of rules for yourself.  See what you come up with.  Feel free to comment here about my rules or tell me some of yours.  Until next time... 


Wilhite's Rules

Rule #1: Always start the day with prayer.

Rule #2: Read a chapter from the Old Testament and a chapter from the New Testament every day.

Rule #3: Always Trust God.

Rule #4: Let others use their gifts.

Rule #5: Be a good steward.

Rule #6: Apologize if you hurt someone, but never apologize for your beliefs.

Rule #7: Let your sermon marinate.

Rule #8: Be thankful.

*Rule #9: Always carry a knife.

Rule #10: Respect the elders.

Rule #11: Never let office work take the place of ministry.

Rule #12: Visit the nursing home and shut-ins.

Rule #13: Help those in need, but don’t let them take advantage of you.

Rule #14: Always be ready to give your testimony.

*Rule #15: Always work as a team.

Rule #16: Never “think” of someone, pray for them.

Rule #17: Always forgive.

Rule #18: Always turn your forms in on time.

Rule #19: Always be reading something.

Rule #20: Sing at church.

Rule #21: Shop locally.

Rule #22: Don’t be a slave to your phone.

*Rule #23: Never mess with a Pastor’s coffee, if you want to live.

Rule#24: Eat peppermint during sermon preparation.

Rule #25: Always think sermonically.

Rule #26: Always communicate.

Rule #27: When you communicate, listen more than you speak.

Rule #28: Always be honest with yourself. (To thine own self be true.)

Rule #29: There are always three sides to every story; side 1, side 2, and the truth.

Rule #30: Never confuse membership with discipleship.

Rule #31: Always take time off.

Rule #32: Always tell your spouse and kids you love them.

Rule #33: Never confuse dogmata with doctrines.

Rule #34: Always depend on the Holy Spirit, for everything.

Rule # 35: Never get involved in politics, but always pray for your leaders.

*Rule #36: If you feel like you are being played, you are.

Rule #37: Never sit in the back row of the sanctuary.

Rule #38: Always appreciate tradition, but don’t worship it.

*Rule #39: There is no such thing as coincidence.

*Rule #40: If it seems like someone is out to get you, they are.

Rule #41: If someone gives you something, send a thank you note.

Rule #42: Never disrespect the Sacraments.

Rule #43: Practice the means of grace.

Rule #44: Always use proper grammar.

*Rule #45: Clean up the mess that you make.

Rule #46: Go wherever God sends you.

Rule #47: Never confuse a job with a vocation.

**Rule #48: Do no harm.

**Rule #49: Do good.

**Rule #50: Stay in love with God.

*Rule #51: Sometimes you’re wrong.

Rule #52: Never stop learning.

*These rules come from Gibb’s Rules on NCIS.

**These come from Rueben P. Job’s Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living

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"He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age..."

Tucked away in the midst of the history of Israel is a short story that highlights the struggles of a woman and her daughter-in-law.  This story falls between the time of the judges of the tribes and the formation of the monarchy. It is a wonderful story that has much to teach us in our 21st century world.  This is the story of Naomi and Ruth.

Ruth and Naomi 

I'm sure you all remember the story.  Both of Naomi's sons and her husband died while they were living in Moab.  With no one to turn to, Naomi decides to go back to her own people in Judah.  She tells her daughters-in-law to go back home to their own families.  Orpah does go back, but Ruth refuses.  She takes up residence with Naomi and becomes a part of Naomi's family.

The rest of the story is about how Ruth provides food for Naomi and herself by gleaning from the fields of their neighbors.  She meets a kinsman, Boaz, and eventually marries him, gives birth to a son, and brings joy back into Naomi's life.  It's all a good story, but there is more to it than that.  When you read closely you see an abundance of goodness taking place by those who are involved.

Ruth gleaning the fields.

First, there is an abundance of goodness that shines through Ruth.  As a foreigner to the Jewish faith, Naomi did not expect Ruth to continue to live with her.  Ruth was free to leave Naomi on her own and yet she chooses to make her life with her mother-in-law.  Not only does she make her life with Naomi, but she sees after her.  She volunteers to go out into the fields and labor in the hot sun so that they can eat.  She accepts the faith of Naomi as her own faith and begins to worship the God of the Israelites.

We also see the great abundance that comes through Boaz.  He notices Ruth and he offers her the opportunity to glean from his fields.  Not only that, but he instructs his men to leave extra grain behind so that she has plenty of grain to harvest.  Boaz insures that Ruth and Naomi have everything they need and more.

When it comes time to "redeem" the land of Naomi, Boaz approaches the one with the first right of redemption.  He follows the law and yet he makes sure that Ruth and Naomi are cared for.  When the first man in line refuses, Boaz gladly takes his place, knowing that the first child that Ruth has will be in the line of the first husband.

Ruth, Naomi, and Obed

All through the story we are reminded of grace in abundance.  We are reminded of mercy beyond measure.  If we look closely, we see that Boaz and Ruth both act in accordance with the heart of the law, not the letter of the law.  They both extend the same kind of grace, mercy, and justice that God extends to those who will accept the gift.  When you read through to the end of the story, it becomes clear why the book of Ruth is placed where it is in Scripture.  In the final verses of the book, we find a genealogy.  Verse 17 states this, "The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, 'A son has been born to Naomi.'  They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David."  The future king of Israel descended through the line of a lowly Moabite.  The king that unites the people of God and through whom the Messiah would come was born into a family that were everyday people.  They had hardship; they had sad times.  They also went beyond what the rule book said and found the face of God.  They worked out of love, kindness, and devotion instead of worrying about whether they gave enough.

If you have not read this book in awhile, I encourage you to do so.  Look at the ways that the different people      go beyond the requirements and do the things that need to be done.  We can all learn a lot from Ruth and Boaz.  We can all go beyond the normal and extend grace upon grace.  Until next time...


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For The Beauty Of The Earth

One of my parishioners sent me an interesting article this morning.  It was an article about something that the Pope stated the other day.  He was discussing art in all of its forms, painting, music, poetry, etc. and how when people are exposed to art they are also "invited by beauty to 'ascend to God.'"  I have to agree with him.  In my own life I have been exposed to various works of art.  I am always amazed at the gifts that some people are able to create with their own hands.  People are creative because God is creative.  He created the Heavens and the Earth and since we are made in his image, we also create.

But I think it goes beyond just creating something.  God speaks to us in so many amazing ways.  He loves people so much that he is trying to get our attention in what ever way that he can.  He seeks us out with his Holy Spirit and draws us to himself.  He does so out of his deep love and compassion for people.  Through all of creation we are beckoned to God and brought up to his very throne-room.

Unfortunately, not everyone is able to see him through the works of art, nature, or relationships.  Sometimes we choose to close our eyes to the great beauty surrounding us, both human-made and made by God.  When we lived in Kentucky, Myranda and I enjoyed going for drives through the Bluegrass during the spring and fall.  It was absolutely incredible to see the majesty and beauty of the world around us.  I don't know if people who were born and raised in that country ever truly appreciate it or not.

Kentucky Horse Farm outside of Danville, KY

On the other hand, being raised in West Texas, there is a unique beauty of in our country too.  Maybe it's not as evident this year as in other years, but it is there for us to see.  In the three years I lived in Kentucky I never saw a sunset that even came close to the sunsets that we have here in our part of the world.  In fact, because of the hills and trees, I'm not sure I ever saw a sunset at all.

West Texas sunset outside of Tahoka, TX

St. Paul tells us in Romans that "Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made."  Regardless of where we live, God reveals himself to us.  It is up to us to raise our eyes and look for him in all of creation.

Whether we are looking in art galleries, listening to fine pieces of music, reading heart warming poetry, or hiking through the natural world, let's look to see God's activity and his amazing calling card that he leaves for us to see him.  Until next time...


"Therefore, may our visits to places of art be not only an occasion for cultural enrichment--also this--but may they become, above all, a moment of grace that moves us to strengthen our bond and our conversation with the Lord, [that moves us] to stop and contemplate--in passing from the simple external reality to the deeper reality expressed--the ray of beauty that strikes us, that 'wounds' us in the intimate recesses of our heart and invites us to ascend to God.''--Pope Benedict XVI





+May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.

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Trust in him, and he will act.

This has been a busy week here in Haskell.  We've had meetings, three open house nights at school, church activities, and an unexpected injury around here.  I've discovered that ministry is like that.  Some weeks are quiet while others are hectic.  Most of life is like that.  We go through times of busy-ness and activity and other times of slowing down and "normal" activity.

During those normal days, it can be fairly easy to remain in the Word of God, pray, and keep focus on Christian discipleship.  But the problem with that is that our devotions can become rote; we do something because we always do it.  On the other hand, during those times of busy-ness and activity it can be hard to remain focused on our walk with the LORD.  We can get so busy that we begin to drift away from where we were.

Then there are those times that we do everything we know to do.  We pray every day.  We read our Bibles and keep our minds focused on the Father's ministry.  Even in the midst of those times, it can seem as though we don't hear from God.  It can seem that we are simply spinning our wheels and that we are doing this all by ourselves.  That is where I've been this week.  In the midst of all of this activity I have continued to seek the Kingdom of God.  I have remained faithful and yet God has seemed distant this week.  Maybe it's because I have been so busy that I have failed to really look to see where he is active in the midst of ministry, family, and life.  Perhaps if I were to just slow down even in the middle of the busy schedule I would see how he is actively involved in what is going on around me.

When I start feeling like this I like to look to the Psalms.  In the 37th Psalm, the psalmist writes "Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.  Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.  He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday.  Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices" (3-7).

What the psalmist is saying is what we, as the people of God, should do is to continue doing what we know we are supposed to do.  The LORD is there with us...he continues to be there in our midst even when he seems far away.  He is acting for us, in us, and through us.  He is ministering all around us, even if we can't always see how his plans are coming together.  In West Texas we have a saying, "Keep on keepin' on."  That seems to be what the psalmist is telling us here.  Even if it seems as though we are doing this discipleship thing alone, God is with us.  Even if we fail to have the eyes to see and the ears to hear, the Holy Spirit is active.  He is going out and preparing the way for us so that we can join him in ministry in the name of Jesus Christ.

This song by Barlow Girl is one that helps to remind me of the truth of Psalm 37.  This kind of song might not be what some of you typically listen to, but I hope you listen anyway.  The lyrics always encourage me in my daily walk, even in the midst of silence.



Until next time...

+May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

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When He Came to Himself...

This past semester I took a class on spiritual formation.  One of the assignments that we were given was to take a day for personal reflection, prayer, and meditation.  I decided to use that day of prayer to seek God's direction for me as I entered my first appointment with the Church.  During that time of reflection, the Spirit led me to the parables of Jesus Christ.  As I read through those familiar stories I began to sense that the LORD wanted me to preach through the parables the first few weeks that I was in Haskell.  I made a calendar and began to choose which parable I would preach on which Sunday.  Back in April I thought this would be a fun way of entering into the community of faith with my parishioners.

The more time I've spent in these stories told by Jesus, the more I realize that perhaps this sermon series was less for them and more for me.  I have gained so many valuable things in my own spiritual development that I have literally been driven to my knees in prayer, confession, and seeking God's mercy.  I have been reminded over and over of God's great compassion and love that he has for all people.  I have also been reminded of humanity's self-centered attitude and our amazing ability to forget all the good things that the LORD our God has done for us.

This past Sunday I preached from the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).  This parable is quite possibly the most beautiful short story I have ever read.    I'm sure you're all well aware of this story and the final outcome, so I won't rehash all of that.  But one thing that has really been impressed upon me since I proclaimed this message is how truly loving our Father is.  Because of his desire for us to have our own mind he allows us to leave down the road with our inheritance.  Yet, in his heart he continues to love us and desire for us "to come to ourselves" (or "come to our senses"--NIV).  He genuinely desires that intimate relationship with us but he will not force it upon us.

The more I've thought about this story, the more I see how loving our Father is.  In the song "Wonderful, Merciful Savior" we are reminded how far the Father has gone in reclaiming us as his own.  In verse 1, we are told of Jesus Christ and his death on the cross so that we can be reconciled to our Father.  In verse 2, we are told of the Holy Spirit and his active pursuit of us even when we leave with every intention of never returning.  He helps us come to our senses so that we can come back to the Father.  And then, of course, is the Father.  Verse 3 speaks of him.  When we return, there he is...loving us, having compassion on us, and placing a ring on our finger, a robe on our back, and sandals on our feet.  All that we can do is fall down in confession and in humiliation, and he responds in steadfast love with grace.

I have learned to love our Father more this week.  I have learned to appreciate the Son more this week.  I have also learned to lean on the Spirit more this week.  Perhaps that is a part of the Christian journey.  Loving, appreciating, and leaning on God in all three persons more and more as we walk the road of life.

I encourage you to read through the story of the prodigal son, think about your own faith journey, and then reflect on that as you listen to Selah's version of "Wonderful, Merciful Savior."  

Until next time...

+May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

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Ground That Drinks Up the Rain

Okay, I admit it.  I'm an introvert.  Being an introvert doesn't necessarily mean that a person is shy or timid.  It simply means that in order for us to recharge our batteries that we need alone time.  We need to go off somewhere by ourselves with no one around.  This week has been a busy week for me.  Monday was especially hectic.  I was trying to work on my next sermon and the phone kept ringing and people really needed to see me.  

I don't have a problem with all of that, except that I get drained that way.  I was really in need of quiet and peace.  One thing that I find interesting is that Jesus too needed time away.  Many times, you will find him going off somewhere to simply be who he is.  This usually occurred after he had been with large crowds.  Maybe he was an introvert too.

Anyway, by Wednesday evening I was completely drained.  After I got finished at the church, Myranda and I went out and helped do some work around town and then we went home and ate supper.  She called her mom and I went out in the back yard.  Since the girls have been gone for the last two weeks, it has been especially quiet around our house.  I sat out in the swing in the backyard and simply was a human being.  I didn't "do" anything.  I just was.  As I sat there, I noticed that it was a little cooler than it usually is of an early evening in Haskell.  I looked into the sky and there was a rain cloud forming almost right above me.  I sat and watched it for awhile wondering if it would form into a nice summer storm.  In a bit, it began to thunder and then it began to rain.  It was the first rain I have seen since leaving Kentucky back in May.  Before moving back home, I knew that Texas was in the midst of a drought, but I had no idea how bad it was until I got here.  I watched the rain fall for about 15 minutes, thankful that we were getting a little bit of relief.  I also remembered back to April when we received about 16 inches of rain in one month in Wilmore.  Once again God reminded me of something.

Yes, it really does look like this...

He reminded me that I am wired to receive renewal through my alone time.  That's when the Spirit brings the living water into me.  If I get too involved with others or if I get too busy with the doings of ministry then I become like the parched land of West Texas.  My spirit becomes dried up and the winds of life consume me. However, as long as I continue to remain tuned into God through prayer, Bible reading, worship, and yes even time alone, the Word of God is given a chance to grow, mature, and take me on to perfection.  This is not only for my good, it is also for the good of the community I serve.

The writer of Hebrews says it like this, "Ground that drinks up the rain falling on it repeatedly, and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.  But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and on the verge of being cursed; its end is to be burned over" (6:7-8).  I gladly accepted both the actual rain and the spiritual rain that fell on me Wednesday evening.  It rejuvenated my soul and helped me to continue on in ministry for the rest of the week.  I thank the Father that he has indeed planted a good seed inside of me and inside every child of God.  I thank the Spirit that he continues to bring life giving rain into my spiritual life and that he continues to grow that seed into perfection.  I also thank Jesus Christ that he came to teach and to live a life as an example to us.  I thank him for being that seed that was planted into the ground and then was made alive again to produce a healthy crop.

We continue to pray for rain here in Texas.  I know that the rains will come and there will be great rejoicing and thanking God for his provision through and his end to the drought.  But more importantly, I thank God that he continues to send spiritual rain to all people who truly seek the Kingdom of God.  Until next time...

+May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.



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