Spiritual Updates Available 3.25.22

My cell phone has a wonderful feature!!  No, I’m not talking about the video chat feature.  Though that is pretty great for being able to see our grandson at a distance.  I’m not talking about the messaging and social media apps that help me stay connected with people in my life.  I’m not even talking about the Amazon app that will track my package and even tell me when it’s out for delivery and how many stops there are before my package is delivered (I think that one is verging on TMI – To Much Information).  I’m not even speaking of the navigation app on my phone that will tell me turn by turn, lane by lane, etc. how to get to the destination I wish to arrive at.  That one is pretty amazing.

No, the feature I’m thinking of is the “Update” feature.  There isn’t even anything I have to do to activate this feature.  It simply informs me when there are updates ready for the apps on my phone or for the operating system that my phone uses to function. 

Now the reason for the updates is that there might be some new technology available to help the app run better.  Or there might be some problems, or bugs, in the older version of the app that was making it not work properly, so the update includes the “fixes.”  Or it could be there are simply new ways of doing things, new understandings of how to do things, or there might be some new features being added to the app or operating system.  Thus, the need to update the instructions that make the phone or the app function at its best. 

Like I said, the update feature on my phone is really wonderful.  I only wish my spiritual disciplines, faith development, and understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus would update as easily and as quickly as the apps on my phone do.  It seems there’s very little that is quick or easy about updating my spiritual life. 

In the book, Spiritual Formation by Henri Nouwen, that a group of us are reading for Lent, Nouwen talks about spiritual formation or growth often coming about through struggle, challenges, and even pain.  Yes, it can also take place through blessing, celebration, and pleasure.  However, we humans are more likely to change, grow, and take on new behaviors or life patterns when there is discomfort or disruption in our lives.  You see, when there is comfort in our lives, we tend to get comfortable…and want to stay there.

Lent is an intended and intentional season for doing some of the hard work of faith development and spiritual formation or updating.  It’s a season of asking God questions like, “How can I become more Christ-like in my life?”  “How can I better love God and love my neighbor?” “In what ways can I display Christ’s love more fully?”  “God, how can I reflect your Kingdom and serve you more fully in my life?”  These are just a few of the possible questions one can ask, but the intent is to get us looking outside ourselves, and beyond what is comfortable in our lives so that God might be able to do a “new thing” within us. 

The other truth we need to embrace is, just as updates can come any time during the week, month, or year for my phone, the same is true with our spiritual updates.  Lent is a great season to focus on spiritual formation and growth, but really, faith growth can and does happen at any point during the year, not just in one six-week season.  As we continue our journey through Lent and 2022, may we keep our hearts, minds, and spirits open to the presence of God’s Spirit gently (and sometimes not so gently) guiding us to the places within us where the message has been received, “Updates Available.”

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

We Can Do Hard Things! 3.18.22

I am not the most tidy person around.  For those of you who have seen my desk in the “Pastor’s Office” at the church, you know the truth of which I speak.  I tend to have lots of “stuff” laying around.  None of you reading this have seen it…buuuutttt my home office isn’t any better.  In fact, it’s probably a bit worse.  You can’t see her right now, but just imagine Nancy, my wife, nodding her head and rolling her eyes!

One piece of my struggle is there’s so much I want to do, it’s easy to simply jump into a new task, book, project, article, etc., without properly putting away the items that I was using for the last project I was working on. (And I might need some of the same “things” for this next project…so why put them away.  I’ll just get them out again.)  Another part of my disorganization is that as long as things are “filed” in my disorganized way on the floor or on my desktop, I tend to know where things are.  It’s when I put things away in an organized manner, such as in a file folder in a file cabinet, that I begin to lose track of where things are and then I can never find it when I need it.  We are all complicated and imperfect people…at least I know that I am.

Of course, my intentions are always good.  Once I get things cleaned up, which always takes place with the help of Nancy, my intention is to regularly take a few moments to put things away, to organize, and clean up.  But then I’m running late, I’m not feeling it, something more urgent comes along, etc., and suddenly I’m back to a big mess.  (Heavy sigh!)

I understand so well what the Apostle Paul means when he writes, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.”  (Romans 7:19)  Yes, that’s me too sometimes.  I believe an important part of our faith journey is recognizing the places where we fall short, or where God is nudging us to grow, and then to take some steps, as small as they may seem, to grow. 

This, for me, is why Lent is such an important part of the seasons of the Christian year.  Lent is a season of self-examination and reflection.  Yes, it’s a time of listening for the messages that God wants us to hear and yes, it’s a time of recognizing our sinfulness and seeking ways to live that reflects the light and love of God more fully.  But Lent should also be a time of celebrating and recognizing the places where we have grown in the past year, and where we are walking more closely with God than we have in the past. 

You see, Lent is not about suddenly being perfect, whole, or complete (as if that is ever possible).  Lent, like the faith journey, is about movement, it’s about steps, it’s about moving in a direction that takes us more into the heart and hope of God, not just for ourselves but for the world and all creation. 

So, what is an area I’m seeking movement or growth in for this season of Lent, as well as for the year to come?  I’m going to live into a T2  strategy for dealing with the mess in my office – and who knows how that will affect other areas of my life.  Each day while in my office, I’m going “Take Two” items and put them away.  No, it doesn’t sound like much, but over time it is likely to make a big difference.  Lent really isn’t about giving things up, per se.  The fasting or “change” of Lent is really about recognizing within ourselves that change is possible and we can do hard or uncomfortable things…if we really want to. 

Yes, two weeks of Lent are behind us.  There are still four weeks ahead.  Plenty of time to take some small steps to move in a new direction, to live into a little bit of change, and to walk and live more closely with God.  We can do it…Together!!!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Looking For The Treasures 3.11.22

I am a geocacher.  That means I participate in the activity of geocaching.  Some of you know exactly what that means, others are sort of familiar with the activity, and others of you haven’t a clue what I’m talking about.  The simple explanation I tell people is that geocaching is treasure hunting with technology.  Fellow geocachers hide small containers, or caches, in public places and then post the coordinates (latitude and longitude) on a special website on the internet, and then other geocachers use the posted coordinates to find the cache that is hidden.  There’s usually a logbook in the cache container, so once the cache is found, the person signs the log and then puts the cache back in place for the next person to find.  There are thousands of caches hidden all around the world and at least 60 caches here in Mitchell.  So far, I have found 754 caches. 

Part of the fun of geocaching is the search.  The caches are often placed at unique and interesting locations.  So, in the process of the “hunt” for the geocache, a person is often taken to places they might not ordinarily go, and sometimes the description of the cache location will tell a little bit of the story of what makes that spot interesting or unique. 

Yet, the process of finding the cache can take some time and work.  You see, the tracking equipment one uses to find the location of the cache, via the coordinates, doesn’t take you to the exact spot.  They say it’s likely to be within 10-15 feel of the location. And the other factor is that the cache container isn’t painted a bright orange to help you locate it, it’s usually camouflaged to help it blend into the setting so other people don’t find it and run off with it.  If the cache container is large enough, it might also have some little trinkets in it.  But for me the fun part is finding the cache, signing the log, and enjoying the location.

In many ways, the season of Lent is a bit like geocaching.  There’s a beginning point – Ash Wednesday.  There’s an ending point – the cross of Good Friday.  And then there’s the journey in between those two points.  What one experiences along the way can vary from person to person, but there is always a treasure or two just waiting to be discovered.  When a person is open to the leading of the Spirit of God there can be all sorts of unseen treasures just waiting to be found and applied to life.  But it takes the willingness to put in the time and energy to seek out and notice the treasures hidden along the way. 

In geocaching, the most common container might be something like a rectangular Tupperware container or even a pill bottle that seals tight.  However, there are some individuals who get really creative with the caches they create and hide.  They blend in so well it takes a careful eye to find them.  The same is true for the treasures that await us in Lent…or in the faith journey.  Sometimes the faith treasures are in plain sight and sometimes they blend in to the surroundings and take a careful eye to find.

Recently I was reading from Psalm 62.  It’s one the Psalms written by David.  As I read the first two verses, I found myself reflecting on David’s dependence on God, especially in some very difficult moments.  Through it all David was able to say, “For God alone my soul waits in silence… God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.”  As I read those words, they spoke to my soul.  With a number of different things going on in our world, I have found myself longing for something stable.  David reminded me of the true source of stability in life.  “God is my rock…I shall not be shaken.”  What a wonderful treasure those words are.  In fact, it is now my goal to memorize Psalm 62:1-2 as a part of my Journey in Lent.  This was an unexpected treasure just waiting to be found.  I hope you find a treasure today…or in this season of Lent too.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

It’s a Journey! 03.04.22

There’s a picture in my office that has become one of my favorite pieces. The image is almost a silhouette scene showing a man and a woman traveling.  The woman is riding on a donkey.  Faces aren’t visible, in fact it’s kind of a blurred or out of focus image.  Of course, with what I’ve just described the thought is this is a scene depicting Mary and Joseph on their way from Nazareth to Bethlehem. 

The picture shows heads slightly bowed, as if the travelers are weary.  There is no obvious destination that can be seen, yet the brightness off in the distance gives the impression there is hope, there is something worthwhile being pursued. 

This picture was given to me by several staff here at our church because it reflects one of my favorite sayings they’ve heard me repeat regularly, “It’s a Journey!”  I often say this because I’ve come to realize in life that rarely does one arrive at the desired destination quickly.  It takes time…it is a journey.  I think of Abraham and Sarah who were promised to have a heritage numbering more than the stars of the sky, and yet they seemed unable to have children.  I think of Moses who led the Hebrew people out of Egypt with the Promised Land before them.  Yet it would take 40+ years to achieve that goal…and Moses the leader didn’t get to enter into the promise.  I think of David who as a boy was told that he would be king.  Yet it took many, many years, struggles and challenges, and even threats on his life before that promise was fulfilled.  I think of Solomon who was considered the wisest and wealthiest man for his day, sort of the Bill Gates of his time.  And yet it took years, likely most of his lifetime, for him to discover what true happiness was really about.

In fact, I’ve heard it said that here in America we tend to have “Destination Disease.”  Meaning, we tend to focus so much on the destination or “getting there” that we overlook the experiences, needs, or even the process of the journey.  Destination Disease has been the cause of a number of airplane and vehicle accidents in which the pilot or driver is so focused on the destination that he or she overlooks some important details essential for the flight.  (I was almost victim to this disease years ago.)

This week we have begun the journey of Lent.  It’s a journey that starts with ashes and realizing our sinfulness and mortality, and it ends with us all at the cross, staring at the face of love and true sacrifice.  I know, the temptation is ever present to jump straight to Easter.  Let’s celebrate life, get out the bright colored clothes, and rejoice in our living and present Savior.  I understand that.  Yet I believe this can be a form of spiritual destination disease. 

You see, I believe God wants us to experience something deep and meaning-filled in Lent.  Pope Francis in his Ash Wednesday address said the real journey of Lent isn’t about giving up candy, alcohol, red meat, or Facebook.  He went on to say what we really need to give up is our indifference toward others.  Yes, that takes real work.  Yes, that takes time and effort.  That is a journey that truly takes a lifetime. 

This picture in my office is a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey, but it is also a reminder of the journey that God has called me…and all of us to share.  What is it we desire to experience this Lent?  How do we anticipate God to shape us along the way?  Don’t forget to be open to the journey because the truth is, God isn’t just present with us at the destination.  God is with us, teaching, shaping, guiding, nurturing, challenging us every step of the way.  Yes, even in Lent, the brightness of the future proclaims there is something worthwhile and meaningful we are pursuing…even in the journey of today!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Praying for Ukraine 2.25.22

“Can’t we all just get along?!”  Those haunting words kept coming back to me yesterday (2.24.22).  Like all of you, I woke up Thursday to the news that Russia was invading Ukraine.  Throughout the day there were reports about happenings in Ukraine.  Military power was being used against another nation, boundaries violated, people were dying. It seems that ego, anger, entitlement, etc. have taken center stage.  I shouldn’t have been surprised by the news, after all, we’ve been hearing about the military buildup along the Russian / Ukraine borders for weeks.  And yet when the invasion happened, at least for me, it was sort of surprising. 

I’ll be honest, I don’t know all the history for this region of the world. I’m sure there are many complicating factors and lots of history that feeds into these most recent developments.  I’m sure there are many accusations that each side can make against the other.  There always are.  So, once again, violence and aggression have taken hold in a part of our troubled world. 

Now I realize the line, “Can’t we all get along?” was spoken by Rodney King, an African American man that was severely beaten while being arrested back in 1991.  Mr. King spoke these words in May of 1992 in the midst of what is now known as the LA Uprising and Riots.  The riots started at the conclusion of the trial in which the four police officers charged with beating Mr. King, were acquitted.  Mr. King was trying to help restore calm and bring an end to the violence on all sides by calling for peace, or that we simply, “get along.”

So, why I kept hearing those words in my mind yesterday isn’t totally clear…and yet it is.  You see, it’s easy for me to call out violence, inhumane actions, uncaring attitudes, and a bullying mentality when it’s on the other side of the globe.  But when it’s here in our own country, or even here in our own region, or even in my own life it’s much more challenging to do so.  It becomes more personal. 

In fact, just a couple days ago in my personal Bible reading time, I read a passage in the New Testament book of Romans that really spoke to me.  In this section of the letter, the Apostle Paul is sharing about what it means to live a new life in Christ.  He speaks of various gifts that Jesus Followers receive and that we are to use our gifts for the greater good of the body or faith community.  Then he talks about the qualities that are to be lived out in our lives as Christians.  He talks about rejoicing in hope, being patient in suffering, and persevering in prayer (Romans 12:12)  (You might remember that was a passage I encouraged us all to memorize and use at the beginning of the pandemic.)  Then in verse 12:18 Paul writes, “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”  So far as it depends on me…live peaceably with all. 

Yes, this makes me think of a couple recent experiences in which my temper got the best of me.  I made some judgments that I now realize were likely inaccurate.  Did I become violent with anyone?  No, but some of my actions or attitudes may have been disrespectful. 

Today, my heart…and my prayers go out to the people of the Ukraine.  Especially the innocent who are caught in the middle of the fighting.  I hear Mr. King’s words still ringing in my ears, “Can’t we all get along?”  And then I read Paul’s words and realize I have work to do in my own life to live peaceably with my brothers and sisters of the world…and even my brothers and sisters here in my own community.  Yes, there are times to take a stand, as they say, but usually it can be done in ways that aren’t degrading others or stirring up violence in others or myself.  You know, this “Love one another” stuff is really hard work.  Jesus never said it wouldn’t be.  And by the way…be sure to be praying for the people of Ukraine…and all in our world who are living in war and violence.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

What are the values of our church? 2.18.22

We all have them.  We all use them every day.  Whether we realize it or not, they guide us each and every day in the decisions we make, the actions we take, the activities we participate in, and the attitudes and beliefs we hold.  Generally speaking, we are all guided by our values.

The word “Values” is defined as, “The moral principles and beliefs or accepted standards of a person or social group” (Collins online dictionary).  Values are also defined as that which we give high regard to.  In other words, values are those beliefs, principles, or standards that we use to guide our life and that help us make decisions and what we consider important. 

We gain our values through a number of different means.  Sometimes our values are put in place through the family dynamics that we grew up in.  Sometimes our values are set through experiences that we have, either positive or negative.  Sometimes values are learned or gained through a sense of learning, philosophy, or religious influence.  Values can be gained through the various organizations that we associate with.  Values can even come from a place deep within us that we may not be sure where they come from.  And, I’m sure there are other ways that we gain the values that we hold to in life.  But the reality is, values are a part of each of our lives. 

The truth is values are also a part of the organizations and even the societies that we participate in.  Even as Christians, as followers of Jesus there are values that guide our lives, values that Jesus expressed, taught, and lived that are to characterize our lives too.  A good exercise in each of our lives, especially during the season of Lent, which starts in just a few weeks, is to make a list of the values that we live and express in our life and faith and then ask the question, are these values that Jesus lived and taught?  Once you have your list, connect with a spiritual director, pastor, or trusted Christian friend that will be honest with you, and go over your list of values that guide your life and compare them with the values of Jesus’ life. 

Values are so important to be aware of because they are like the “operating system” in our computers or phones, etc., that run quietly in the background telling our devices what to do.  It is important that organizations, even churches, be clear on the values that guide them.  This is why our church is holding a “Values Clarification Workshop” tomorrow, (Saturday, February 20 from 8:30am – 12:30pm).  The purpose of this workshop is to help our church clarify our values.  Knowing these values has the potential to effect decisions we make and the ministries that we offer.  After all, churches that have misaligned values and ministries struggle and wonder why there is tension within their faith community. 

If you are a part of our church family, I invite you to join us on Saturday morning here at the church (in the chapel) for our Values Clarification Workshop.  You are asked to fill out an information sheet before you come.  There is also a video of Rev. Rebecca Trefz explaining the importance and process of this workshop, that you are asked to watch before completing the worksheet.  If you can’t attend, we would still like to hear your voice as a part of the process.  There is a link below for the video, as well as for the on-line version of the values worksheet.  You can also go to our church website to find these links.  Click on the “Events and Calendar” link on the menu tab at the top right corner of the webpage – www.downtownfirstumc.com. 

Please be praying about this event.  Clarifying our values will help guide us in the future as our leaders make ministry decisions for the future of Downtown Mitchell First United Methodist Church.  Thank You!!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Click here to watch the pre-work video.

Click here to take the survey if you are not able to make it.

“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