stillwater at the ymca

What do you do when fearful?

2010-11-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

I was in LA attending a conference and retraced some early steps in a walk around to have dinner. Leaving the restaurant to return to my hotel I decided to travel a street that I had neglected in my previous travel. I made a wrong turn and slowly became aware of dwindling population, change in those that I encountered, music heard on the street and feelings of being fearful arose within me. Looking around I saw people pitching tents for a night on the streets of LA; noticed an increasing lack of diversity that one sees in the downtown hotel area and I began to be fearful...

I was sharing this story with someone I met on my ride to the airport and their question to me was...Did I witness to anyone? They shared that their cousin was a missionary in Ecuador and had been for thirty years. Sometimes they would be flown into remote areas that held imminent danger and in those instances they witnessed most readily...I thought and have been thinking...

But I was fearful, quickly relying on my instincts to remove me from danger, and only had thoughts of what I could do in the situation...how quickly we can remove ourselves from reliance on God, seeking His presents and will in our lives...perhaps missing an opportunity to re-present the kingdom in real and tangible ways. As I changed course and began to encounter familiar landmarks then wiping the sweat from my forehead I realized that I had not once thought about God or to seek His protection in my unfamiliar surroundings. My fellow traveler to the airport has brought me to my knees!

What do you do when you are fearful?

New Life in New Creation

2010-08-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

I just finished participating in the Greater Dayton Men's Walk to Emmaus #50 serving on the live-in team as Assistant Spiritual Director. My devotional this morning is a prayer form Norman Shawchuck:

" O God, I surrender to you the habits and sins that, like frost, chill my soul and cause your life-giving energy to cease its flow in me. Uproot me form the weed patches of evil wherein I have chosen to sink my roots. Plant me instead in your field of righteousness.

Direct the search light of your love into every crevice of my life that I may see to journey from this long winter of sin, to once again flourish in the summer of your goodness and love.

Send the gracious showers of your forgiveness to break the long drought of spiritual aridness that has shriveled my soul, and grant, my Lord, that I may become more like you and less like my shadowy self.

This day I pledge to you and to myself that I will begin even now to pursue right thinking and right living, but my God, I need your help. Amen"

This prayer has led me on a reflection of the weekend events. One of my colleague's had seven men from the church he serves present as pilgrims on this walk and another had four. I am convicted that this weekend experience can as I have seen before help build the local church community. One pilgrim was a pastor of a new church start and will incorporate this community experience into his building plan. I fill renewed by the witness of the weekend; and that I've found another component that will facilitate our efforts for Stillwater @ the Kleptz Y to not only be energize but also to realize the vision for "spirituality connecting health and wholiness" as a re-presentation of the kingdom of God in real and tangible ways.

Spirituality Connecting Health and Wholiness

2010-08-05T03:46:00.000-07:00

Having taken a hiatus from writing on my blog, I now return with new purpose and focus. I've wrestled with the direction and content in this activity. I will use this to reflect on the practices and disciplines that will help me connect the theme of "Spirituality connecting Health and Wholiness" as a reflection of life in Christ. In James Bryan Smith's book The Good and Beautiful God, he makes the statement that "Christians are people Christ dwells in". This truth gives me pause to think on the question that if this is true why are so many of us are living lives that are unhealthy, unconnected, and unfulfilled. I begin this journey with these words on prayer by Michael Casey...To pray well I must first find out where I am. Self-knowledge is never procured cheaply. To pray well I need to face up to realities about myself, that I would prefer to ignore: my anxieties, fears, private griefs, failures, lovelessness, my utter lack of resources. To accept the truth about what I am, as also the truth about other human beings, demands courage. If I do not pray well, it is usually because I lack that kind of courage. Do you pray well?

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T04:47:00.000-08:00

As I begin my morning this Thanksgiving with a phone call from my son and his family on board a plane bound for California, I began to think about daily living in a state of thankfulness.

I was led to Hebrew scripture where I found some guidelines that can help live in a state of thankful Christian living:

Hebrews 10:23..."Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith." This speaks to fellowship with God...Quiet time, personal devotion or some other spiritual practice that is set aside each day to draw near to God

Hebrews 10:24..."Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess." This speaks to a commitment to outreach to the lost through personal witness or simply active participation in the Great Commission. We are to hold the confession of our faith high like a banner, never growing silent, never denying the Lord who has bought us for Himself

Hebrews 10:25..."Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." We are to encourage and motivate each other in the Christian life through meeting together in worship and small group to get instruction from His Word.

As I embrace these guidelines I find that I am able to experience joy and contentment in whatever circumstances and to give sincere thanks to Him who is able to do more than I could ever image or dream. This allows me to enjoy the unfolding wonder of each day as God reveals Himself in unexpected ways.

I truly have much to be thankful for! Praise be to God!

More Than Enough

2009-11-21T19:23:00.000-08:00

"She out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood"... Mark 12:44

God looks at the heart, not the hand; the giver, not the gift.

In Adam Hamilton's book More Than Enough , he wrote: "Once Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, their immediate reaction was fear. From that time on, we human beings have found ourselves perennially afraid. Most of our fers are a result of our separatio from God and the distortion of what is good in us. As a result, we often live in fear of others who are different from ourselves, which can lead to hate and violence and even war...and in economic times such as these, we fear financial instability and distress."

Adam suggest the keys to overcoming fear are: Trust God, Offer Gratitude, and Live a Life of Service and Generosity to others.

I find as the Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out we learn that our ability is never the measure of our possibilities. We grow to live lives filled with gratitude and choose to be thankful because every circumstance is used and shaped by a will greater than our own.

Thanksgiving a time to be thankful!

More Than Enough...Faith

2009-11-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as a surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains...Habakkuk 3:18b-19

Mother Teresa is quoted saying, "I don't think there is anyone who needs God's help and grace as much as I do. Sometimes I feel so helpless and weak. I think that is why God uses me. Because I cannot depend on my own strength, I rely on Him twenty-four hours a day."

God or Self?

More Than Enough

2009-10-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possession...Luke 12:15 NRSV

The riches of this world are vain, they vanish in a day; But sweet the treasures of God's love--they never pass away...Bosch

Why the obsession with aquiring, consuming and hoarding? Do you choose to live assuming scarcity or abundance? Your choice is an issue of the soul and lives of others hang in the balance.
What is your reality?

FORGIVEN

2009-10-16T03:27:00.000-07:00

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

We serve a great and loving God whose offer of grace and forgiveness creates new hope and new life. We come to learn that His love is endless and His faithfulness in care for us is grounded in truth exampled and proclaimed by countless witnesses. Even when we walk way from God, He continues to reach out with His offer of new beginnings.

As we are forgiven...let us forgive!

Truth about Forgiveness Cont'd

2009-10-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

He who cannot forgive another breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself...George Herbert

In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others...Matthew 6:14-15 Message

Where are you stuck with forgiveness? What event, person or idea creates the problem?

Forgiveness is constructive as we travel the journey to Christian perfection...

Truth About Forgiveness

2009-09-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

The Sovereign Lord says, "I will remove form them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh". Ezekiel 11:19

This forgiveness stuff is definitely a thing of the heart. I realize how much I struggle to embrace true forgiveness for myself and for others. It so easy to compare myself to others always finding someone worse than I which allows me to minimize how much God has forgiven me. My Spirit screams...Please open my heart, Lord, and show me how to forgive! I'm not strong enough to do it on my own

Dear God, soften our heart where hardness impairs our relationship with you and our neighbors. Restore in each of us a healthy spiritual heart. Amen

FORGIVENESS

2009-09-19T17:38:00.000-07:00

The path to salvation following the Roman road...

The Scriptures tell us, "No one is acceptable to God"...Romans 3;10

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...Romans 3:23

Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world. Now everyone has sinned, and so everyone must die...Romans 5:12

But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful...Romans 5:8

So you will be saved, if you honestly say, "Jesus is Lord," and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. God will accept you and save you, if you truly believe this and tell it to others. The Scriptures says that no one who has faith will be disappointed, no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. The is only one Lord, and He is generous to everyone who asks for his help. All who call out to the Lord will be saved...Romans 10:9-13

FORGIVENESS IS OUR GREATEST NEED!

Forgiven our sins we must forgive others.

Please open my heart, Lord, and show me how to forgive. I’m not strong enough to squash my hatred—they’ve wronged us so much…my hatred is so heavy that it could crush me. Touch my heart, Lord and show me how to forgive...Immaculee Ilibagiza author: LEFT TO TELL...Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust

To Know Love

2009-09-02T04:34:00.000-07:00

I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you...John 13:15

To know love, open your heart to Jesus. To show love, open your heart to others.

As we are awakened to the ingathering love of God, the brokenness that divides us from ourselves and others begins to mend.

Pray without ceasing...

2009-08-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests...Ehesians 6:18a

God, source of my strength, keep me praying all day long...Amen

Ambassador...Who me?

2009-08-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

We are Christ ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, "Be reconciled to God!" 2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT

Truth...There are some days that I just don't feel like it! That is being an ambassador...

I met Malcolm Boyd, writer of Are you Running with me, Jesus? while in LA attending the Kaleidoscope Institute, Media and Faith seminar, at the Episcopal Cathedral Center of St Paul last week. I had an extensive conversation with Malcolm about Professor Gates' encounter with police, Malcolm's work as a spiritual director, and his long served participation in the civil rights movement, which led me to purchase of this book, considered by many a spiritual classic. The opening poem spoke to me and now I share it with others who may not just feel like it today:

"It's morning, Jesus. It's morning, and here's that light and sound all over again.
-I've got to move fast...get into the bathroom, wash up, grab a bite to eat and run some more.
-I just don't feel like it. What I really want to do is get back into bed, pull up the covers, and sleep. All I seem to want today is the big sleep, and here I've got to run all over again.
-Where am I running? You know these things I can't understand. It's not that I need to have you tell me. What counts most is just that somebody knows, and it's you. That helps a lot.
-So I'll follow along, OK? But lead, please. Now I've got to run. Are you running with me, Jesus?
...Malcolm Boyd

Pray

2009-07-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

"Pray", a cooperative prayer videoproject between the GBOD and the Kaleidoscope Institute is in full swing. Listening to Safiyah Fosua teach and preach "Prayer Essentials" has been a spiritual renewing of the mind. Reflection on how we teach our congregations to pray, language of the church that may not connect with an unchurched populace as well as music that moves my heart that is unfamiliar with those new to the faith awakens again my sense of the need for greater intentionality of purpose in presentation of the Gospel. I wonder...

Truth in the Message

2009-07-20T03:42:00.000-07:00

"Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12

Do others know from how we act at home, at work, at play, that we have Jesus in our heart and live for Him each day? D. DeHaan

Hypocrite is a Mask-Wearer

Hypocrisy is living life with a double standard so that there is a discrepancy between what one is and the image one projects to others...Living with integrity starts with being transparent...its not about life style--being good, doing the right thing, not sinning....We must stop presenting ourselves as the message and begin presenting Jesus as the message

Live the message of Christ...Love

I invite you to take the "love" test: read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 but substitute you name each place the word "love" is used or implied. How do you measure up?

Read a Gospel this week...Hear Jesus' call to commitment.

Lead Where You Are...

2009-07-06T20:04:00.000-07:00

Leadership defined by James C Hunter author of The World's Most Powerful Leadership Principles:"The skills of influencing people to enthusiastically work toward goals identified as being for the common good, with character that inspires confidence".

The author highlights skills, influencing and character as key to effective leadership. I find the foundation upon which these keys are to be developed in Mark 12:29-31. From this I connect that to lead is to serve...wherein it follows that we must become the change we wish to see in the world!

Are you willing to sacrifice ego, lust for power, pride and other self-interest for the greater good? ...Jesus did!

Are you willing to serve others, forgive, apologize, and give others credit even when you don't fell like? ...Jesus would!

Are you willing to extend yourself for others, be rejected, under appreciated and even taken advantage of at times? ...Jesus did!

Are you willing to sacrifice and subordinate anything that gets in the way of doing the right thing? ...Jesus would!

Will you say yes? ...Jesus did!

Lead Where You Are! ...

2009-06-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple hours. This is for keep, a life or death fight to the finish against the Devil and his angels. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your fee....God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your bothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out... Ephesians 6:10-20 Message

We find that empowered and equipped by God through the Holy Spirit we are to stand...pray...and keep alert in order to be the lived change, reflecting life in Christ, that God desires for the world He so deeply loves. Let our prayer this week be: God, let me know your strength today so that I may be a faithful disciple and witness to your power. Amen.

Lead Where You Are!

2009-06-07T03:43:00.000-07:00

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am: send Me!" Isaiah 6:8 NRSV

We often hear that God does not call the equipped but equips the called...So it was with Isaiah, he felt himself to be unworthy to be in the presence of God but God touched Him and removed His guilt before his sacrifice was made....

Christians, if we will hear God's Word with our souls, be deeply moved by what He says, and speak a simple message of the gospel of Christ to others, God will use us too.

Pray: Lord, as I read Your Word, speak to my heart and give me the desire to follow Your will. Amen.

We are called and equipped to lead where we are!

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

2009-05-31T04:04:00.000-07:00

God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. Acts 2:32-33

Come, follow me...The Holy Spirit calls us into fellowship with Christ. To live in fellowship with Christ means to move through the day in obedience to Him--seeking His will and not our own, loving Him and not the things of this world, spending time with Him in prayer and reading His Word. It means to seek first the kingdom of God. And that's the heart of the whole thing.

If you are praying for God to teach you, are you willing to respond to what He directs?

May your prayer be: Lord, as I spend time with You, help me to respond to Your leading in my live...every day. Amen

We are One

2009-05-26T19:17:00.000-07:00

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had...Acts 4:32 NIV

Christians stand strong when they stand together!

Yes, Even You!

2009-05-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

Sing a new song to the Lord! He has worked miracles, and with his own powerful arm, he has won the victory...Psalm 98:1 CEV

What new songs of life are waiting to be sung in your life this week?

We can explore the possibilities by coming to terms with ourselves...focusing on our true selves...serving in spite of ourselves...

As we meditate on our service and how it reflects our love of God and our desire to follow Jesus the notes of a new song begin to permeate our life transforming us and the world that God so deeply loves.

It's Not Over...God is at work in all life!

2009-05-10T06:07:00.000-07:00

Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God...Ruth 1:16 NIV

Never assume that what happens in your life is merely a chance or coincidence. Remember: God is at work, divinely orchestrating events to bring about His purposes in you life.

It's Not Over...Jonah

2009-05-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

And the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go to Ninevah, that great city, and preach and cry out to it the preaching that I tell you. So Jonah arose and went to Ninevah according to the Word of the Lord...Jonah 3:1-3a

Consider this day a new beginning. Consider it a fresh start, a renewed opportunity to serve your Creator with willing hands and a loving heart.

It's Not Over

2009-04-26T03:21:00.000-07:00

"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king." Daniel 3:16-17 KJV

Heavenly Father, I come to You today with hope in my heart and praise on my lips. I place my trust in You, Dear Lord, knowing that with You as my protector, I have nothing to fear. I thank You, Lord, for Your grace, for Your love and for Your Son. Amen

YMCA Teens Confirmed

2009-04-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Five teenagers stood up in front of their church yesterday and claimed faith in Jesus Christ for themselves. They've been meeting & learning for the past two months.

Here are some excerpts from things they wrote:

I believe God will comfort, guide, and forgive every person, no matter who they are or what they've done.

I believe that God is set apart, perfect, filled with unlimited love and worthy of awe!

God has always been there for me, through my good times and bad times.

I believe that God wants us to communicate with him, turn away from our sins, look at Jesus as an example and also reflect on ourselves.

The church is not a place to judge, it's a place of holy truth about you and your life.

100 Days of Change

2009-01-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

God's Word holds significant place in the life of God's people. God told Joshua " ...don't for a minute let this Book of Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed." Joshua 1:8 Message
The psalmist says...My delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law I meditate day and night. I am like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and its leaves do not whither. What ever I do prospers (paraphrase Psalm 1:2-3)

God's word is the stream of living water/God is the place from which it flows, the originator and the source...God's word is audible to all that is, for it was created through His spoken word.

Self-awareness is one of the keys for change and growth and when I like the psalmist ponder the direction of my life...I turn my feet to God's word. Self-awareness, recognizing who God is and who we are, leads to self-surrender which is necessary to experience the forgiveness of God that in turn transforms and empowers us with the Holy Spirit, a gift received through the abundant mercy and grace of God. God's Spirit continually cleanses, refreshes, renews, transforms, and empowers us...by staying in God's word (seeking more God), We are in a continual state of self-surrender inviting the Holy Spirit to permeate every fiber of our being that we become all that God desires.

We must be the change we hope to see in the world!

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you...

In your service may I never tire of seeking you...may I be self-aware, experience forgiveness and live a life in dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ...may I have eyes to see, ears to hear, a heart to respond trusting in Your faithfulness thereby being fully able to live into self-surrender...Thy Will Be Done! May my all be in and also know God's peace in the balancing act of immediacy and the eternal filtered through a gospel lens that allows me to know the difference. Remembering always that God's reign is founded upon principles of righteousness and justice...to know that my witness is a testimony to God's steadfast love and faithfulness...God does not break His promises! Sing with me Psalm 103 ...Amen

Journey through Time

2008-11-25T11:31:00.000-08:00

WOW! where have I been? I looked at this blogspot and recognized that 24 days have passed. Even after I committed to keep this up-to-date with weekly entries it has not been the case. The strange thing is only I have myself to hold accountable and this task suffers. Reading, sermon preparation, friendships, family, ministry, meetings, church, school, etc. ...I could go on and on with interruptions of best intentions but I will not!

I've served on a Kairos Prison Ministry team @ Marion Correctional Institution this month and as always was blessed by my participation (three first time commitments to Christ & the team of Christian brothers & sisters that facilitate the weekend). Each time of service in the Emmaus or Kairos community I encounter God in new ways that deepen my relationship with Christ as I learn more about Him as well as gaining increased knowledge of self that allows greater surrender and availability to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to work through me to the glory of God. I also attended the WOC Cross-Cultural Retreat and heard the witness and testimony of those who easily could retreat from the front line but have stayed the course, many times in less than favorable circumstances...The road may be rough but with a faithful God the journey is worth the toil in the vineyard...Be encouraged was the message! These men and women who have weathered the racial and cultural difficulties that one can find in ministry join my cloud of witnesses.

We are entering the season of Advent and I with many echo the words...Come Lord Jesus, Come

New Start with God

2008-11-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

My Lord, You have mercifully exchanged Jesus for me. I now walk in His identity, His power, His will, His resurrection and life. May I live worthy of that calling, praying His prayers, seeking His possessions, desiring His desires, dreaming His dreams, doing His work. I’m a fellow heir of Your Kingdom, and I don’t want to waste the privilege. Please give me Your wisdom. Please plant your desires deep within me. Let me see Jesus’ miracles, His power, His compassion. Yes, I know I will also feel His cross. But I gladly will, if I can only experience His life. Please let me live as Jesus in this world. Please. Amen (from Walk with God by Tiegreen, p305)

The Spiritual Life

2008-10-24T03:26:00.000-07:00

Words from Evelyn Underhill in The Spiritual Life: "Any spiritual view which focuses attention on ourselves, and puts the human creature with its small ideas and adventures in the centre foreground, is dangerous till we recognise its absurdity...We mostly spend those lives conjugating three verbs: to Want, to Have, and to Do. Craving, clutching, and fussing, on the material, political, social, emotional, intellectual--even on the religious--plane, we are kept in perpetual unrest: forgetting that none of these verbs have any ultimate significance, except so far as they are transcended by and included in, the fundamental verb, to Be: and that Being, not wanting, having and doing, is the essence of a spiritual life."

I have encouraged the congregation to work on their spiritual journey which begins by understanding Living in the Presence of an eternal God who is, who was, who will always be. The invitation to become a disciple of Jesus Christ is only the beginning of the journey that last an eternity. Transformation is a process and every process begins with an initial step so to our journey to Christian perfection. The words of Evelyn Underhill that reflects how we are minimalized by the cares of the world help to unpack the call to go as a part of being to make disciples. One cannot be imprisoned by self and reflect the selfless life modeled by Jesus to those we are called to invite.

Am I Guilty

2008-10-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

This week I have be wrestling with a question found in my devotional reading originating on a church sign...

"If you were put on trial for being a Christian would you be found guilty?"

I'm a facilitator at the seminary for a ministry formation group that is part of the first year programming. One of the members of my group reflected about the early church and the lived life of some of the early disciples of Jesus Christ. Beginning in the book of Acts we see Stephen martyred and can follow through Church history many more that sacrificed that what we find most treasured...life! But isn't that what Jesus did?

I don't know if I'll ever be asked to sacrifice my life but I do know that I am called to go into the world and make disciples. This command begs the question...where am I to go and when do I do it? I find myself busy with church meetings, dinners, and other related church stuff that there seems to be little time to engage through active presence those that are not in the circle of church participation. I know that the truth of the lived life in Christ can only be shared and embraced by others as we become immersed in societal community (being present outside the walls). This presence provides opportunity to share the gospel through our lived story stripped of the verbiage and church- righteousness that only resonates inside the walls but by becoming vulnerable and revealing authentic journey and the truth of struggle where one finds the assurance of the gospel as life sustaining as well as the never dimming beacon of hope. Where those who do not know Christ have an opportunity to meet me, be exposed to and examine my Christlikeness, and to ask the question that opens the door for an introduction to Jesus Christ.

I've concluded this week that other than my time spent throughout the week at the Y my response to the question is I don't know?

Discipleship Today

2008-10-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

Teresa of Avila said "Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours and not feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ looks out with compassion on the world. Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which he is to bless people now"

As I reflect on the storm that hit Ohio two weeks ago and the subsequent power outage coupled with the current financial crisis that threatens our economy, I feel many are reeling and wondering what's next. What an opportunity for God's people as we stand in the presence of perfect love that cast out fear. The witness of the lived life in Christ provides hope that transcends the temperament of the day. Where can the voice of the Church be heard above the clamor of fear and despair? I encourage you in a time such as this to a deeper encounter with God through His written Word, prayer, and reflection that will take the pressure off worldly concerns and provide comfort through the assurance of a faithful God whose love abides with us throughout life's trials.

Philippians 4:11b-13 ...for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me...v19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

...be the voice to share the Good News

Relationship

2008-09-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

I've had trouble with my commitment to update this blog weekly. I wrestle with myself and yet don't sit down and write. Why not?

I read a reflection by Robert Roland (Listen Christian):

I was hungry and you formed a humanity's club and discussed my hunger, thank you.
I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.
I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless and you preached to me of the love of God.
I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy, so very close to God, but I am still very hungry and lonely and cold--thank you.

As I read this I begin to think... Is this descriptive of me in relationship with this new communication tool? I don't like the answer!

Stillwater on Facebook & Twitter

2008-09-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

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New Kids Activities Coming Soon!

2008-09-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

We are SO excited to start offering new activities Sunday, October 5. We're blessed with a big facility and we're excited to use it in new ways.

Pastor Leroy will be offering an adult Bible study at 9:00am before worship. Email Leroy with questions.

Every first Sunday of the month we'll have worship just for the kids. They'll stay with their parents for the opening songs in the gym and then hang out with Pastor Lori and Jenny. We'll also learn a song to share with everyone at the end of the service.

Every second and fourth Sunday there will be workshop rotations where kids can be active in how they learn about faith. Kids learn through science, cooking, games and media.

Every third Sunday all the kids will do Zumba with Camela! We'll do a devotion and then honor God with our bodies & exercise.

Every fifth Sunday we'll go swimming! We'll play games in the pool and deepen our faith in a fun way.

If you have questions or want to serve, contact Pastor Lori or Jenny.

prayer walk

2008-09-14T09:30:00.001-07:00

Today we did a prayer walk through five areas in the YMCA building during worship. We started in the lobby, moved to the fitness area, then the hallway by the swimming pool, then the teen area and ended in the gym. Here are the prayers we said...

1. Lobby

God you know every person who walks through these doors. You know whether they feel loved or lonely. Use us to show your love. Bless the YMCA staff that deeply cares about their members. Use us to shower your love to the staff so they also know your grace. Thank for each person who enters here that is committed to honoring God with their bodies through fitness. We know you love that. Thank you for the servants who create a welcoming space for our guests. Speak through our actions to everyone we meet. Amen.

2. Fitness Room

God, thank you for everyone who enters this room. Give people motivation when they get tired. Remind them a healthy body honors you. Help new people make friends in this room. Give them a safe place to belong. Create an environment where everyone feels like family. How could you use us to bless people in this room? Use us God. Anywhere, anytime. Amen.

3. Pool Hallway

God we thank you for people of all ages that use the swimming pool. For some, it’s their only form of exercise during the week. Thank you for the deep friendships that are formed in this room. Bless the lifeguards as they keep everyone safe. God we thank you for the people you’ll bring as we start using the pool. Show them how much you love them. Amen.

4. Youth Hallway

God we especially thank you for each one of the teens who hang out here playing video games and eating pizza. Many don’t have a safe place at home to be themselves. Thank you for all the servants who give their time at teen events to show them a different example of a loving adult. Use us to inspire as many teens as possible that they are special, loved unconditionally, and can dream bigger dreams than they ever thought possible. Amen.

5. Gym

And now God we thank you for this space. Six days a week you hear the sound of basketball, senior fitness, Zumba, running and laughter. On the seventh, you hear voices telling you how much we love you. How we want to give you our lives. Use us to share that love with everyone in this building. We might never know how it will change someone’s life. Thank you for the servants who arrive very early every week to set up this space. You use them to prepare us for worship and we’re deeply grateful. Amen.

Talking Turkey

2008-08-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

There is a story, told by Nachman of Bratslav, about a prince who became mad and imagined he was a turkey. The prince took off his clothes, sat under the royal table and refused to eat anything except oats and crumbs. His father, the king, bought all the doctors of the land to him, but none could cure his son. At last a wise man came and undertook to cure the prince. Immediately the wise man took off his clothes an sat naked under the royal table next to the prince, and them began to scratch among the oats and crumbs.

The Prince watched for a while, then asked: "Who are you?" Silence. Then: "What are you doing here?" More silence. Eventually the wise man asked: "And who are your and what are you doing here?" "I am a turkey," said the prince. "and I am a turkey too," replied the wise man. So the two turkeys sat there together till they grew accustomed to one another.

One day the wise man asked the king to had him a vest. He put it on and, shocked, the prince said: "What do you think you're doing?" "Do you imagine that a turkey is not allowed to wear a vest?" replied the wise man. "He is, and it doesn't make him less of a turkey." The prince took his word to heart and decided to wear a vest also. After some days the wise man called for a pair of trousers and said: "Do you think that just because one wearing trousers, a person cannot be a turkey?" The prince agreed, and it went on like this until they were both fully dressed.
Some days later the wise man asked for some human food to be brought from the table: "Do you think that just because one eats food one cannot be a turkey?"

After the prince began to eat like a human being, the wise man asked: "Do you imagine that there is a law that a turkey and is only to sit under the table? It is possible to be a turkey and to sit at the table itself." The prince accepted this, stood up, and walked about thereafter like a human being, behaving like one in every respect.

In this way, concluded Rabbi Nachman, the wise man healed him.

Relationships are complex: for the Christian it is begins with encounter with God and then with other people in a real way.

Thoughts on Worship

2008-08-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Definition from The New International Dictionary of The Bible:
“Worship (Heb. shahah, bow down, prostrate, Gr. proskyneo, to prostrate, do obeisance to).The honor, reverence, and homage paid to superior beings or powers, whether men, angels, or God. The English word means “worthship” and denotes the worthiness of the individual receiving the special honor due to his worth. While the world is used of men, it is especially used of the divine honors paid to a deity, whether of the heathen religions or the true and living God.

When given to God, worship involves an acknowledgment of divine perfections. It may express itself in the form of direct address, as in adoration or thanksgiving, or in service to God; it may be private, or it may be public, involving a cultus. Worship presupposes that God is, that he can be known by man, and that his perfections set him far above men…”

Questions and Response:

What is your theology of worship?
My theology of worship centers on a holy God that has provided redemptive grace through Jesus Christ, His Son, to humankind. Worship is a response to God which is holistic in nature conjoined with practices involving mind, body and spirit to live lives in submission to, adoration of, and commitment to pleasing and honoring God.

What are the elements of worship service that honors God?
There are both public and private elements of worship service that honors God.
I think that public worship which consist of preaching, reading of scripture, prayer, singing, service of Word and Table, and Baptism are the elements of worship that honor God in the corporate domain. I think also that active discipleship, being or making disciples is worship that honors God. In this venue it’s engaging spiritual disciplines for personal spiritual growth encountering the holy to equip, sustain, lead, guide and direct enabling us to re-present the kingdom of God in the present and to fulfill God’s purposes for one’s life that honor Him (“thy will be done”).

What role does corporate worship play in the life of the church you pastor?
Corporate worship is the weekly gathering of Christ followers in public testimony and demonstration of faith as well as a venue to extend the right hand of fellowship to those who may be new to, as well as those within, the gathered community. It’s also a time for invitation to discipleship, corporate prayer and celebration.

Lead Daily

2008-08-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

When Philip asked Jesus to show him and the other disciples the Father as the final requirement that would anchor them in their faith that indeed Jesus as he spoke is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus responded: "Don't you believe that I am one with the Father and that the Father is one with me? What I say isn't said on my own. The Father who lives in me does these things" (John 14:10 CEV)

Understanding the wisdom of Jesus' words, George Campbell Morgan said "No man can do the work of God until he has the Holy Spirit and is endued with power." While unique in the sense that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, he is our example to follow. For us to reach our full human potential and live in relationship with God and our neighbor as God intends means a dying to self and surrender to His working within us.

This has been a great week. I attended the Leadership Summit and received much re-enforcement to the understanding of the Summit tag line "Leading where you are". The example of all the talks heard over the past two days culminated this morning in their practical application when I served as a volunteer at the YMCA sponsored Sports Kids Triathlon at UTS. Courtney an overall winner in her class having completed the events runs out on the course and accompanies her friend to the finish line...Lead where you are...God intends to use us as Leaders to re-present His kingdom on earth...the only way we can is to know that it is not I but He that is living in me, who is doing His work. Question what do we need today...the world's winds or the Lord's word? Where does God say follow me? ... am I afraid to go?

From our local newspaper

2008-08-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

In the ever-inviting and charming northern area of the Miami Valley, Englewood is home to families and individuals who cherish a pleasant, open and un-crowded atmosphere. The intersection of Hoke and National Roads in Englewood has evolved over the past decade into one of the more popular gathering points with the Kleptz YMCA as a nucleus for neighborhood development. Folks in Englewood and surrounding areas consider the Kleptz YMCA as not only a safe-haven, but also a destination for recreation, community activities, education, medical and physical attention and spiritual enrichment – all in one facility. The Kleptz YMCA structure, built in 2002, celebrates six years this summer; and Stillwater Church @ the Kleptz YMCA also hold claim to that celebration.
Since 2002, each Sunday at 10am, Stillwater Church @ the Y transforms the Y gym area into a sanctuary. And many of the church’s attendees treat the Y as one of their mainstay on Sunday morning as well as during the week. The Y church’s pastor, Leroy Chambliss, can be seen regularly Sunday mornings as well as throughout the week, in his YMCA office, manning the front desk on Monday evenings or interacting with Y members in the workout areas.
Ordained this past June as an Elder in the United Methodist West Ohio Conference, Pastor Leroy knows the excitement borne in accepting and living a challenging path. Pastor Leroy states, “Worship in this non-traditional context is both challenging as well as exciting affording the opportunity for the church to be where the community gathers rather than a building where the church gathers.”
The Kleptz YMCA agreed seven years ago that the YMCA – Body, Mind & Spirit – could strongly impact the community by actually having a place and time of worship within the building. Stillwater Church at the YMCA, one of three campuses – the Kleptz Y, Frederick Pike, and the upcoming Miller Lane campus – is part of a growing United Methodist faith community eager to help strengthen and nurture the Miami Valley. The Y church celebrate six years at the Englewood Kleptz YMCA the 2nd Sunday of August. Pastor Leroy describes the Y Church as a growing community of faith that embodies the nurture of mind, body, and spirit as foundational to a holistic life which re-presents the kingdom of Heaven in our world today.

2008-07-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

I'm making a commitment to update my blog at least on a weekly basis.

There's much that has taken place since ordination at Lakeside. I travelled to NY with Lillian where she sung at Carnegie Hall with the Dayton Philharmonic Chorus and it was made even more special as our children joined us for the occasion. All but Lillian have had multiple trips to the Big Apple so there was a lot of sight seeing and we were also able to catch a play...Had dinner at BB King's blues club "Lucille" where we heard some great music...Times Square at night, the naked cowboy, subway entertainment, street vendors, Central Park, Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty...the list goes on...Can you tell upon the return home I was exhausted!

Of all the things that happen the one thing that I am still processing is the meeting of my brother and sister for the first time (my biological father's family). I have always been curious but I know all things in God's time and the fact that we (my family) were all present for this occasion is definitely a God thing. It was Gr......eat! I submit to you that God is truly able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ever ask or even hope for but we have to wait upon Him...I am constantly being reminded in many ways as God continues to respond to my prayers that I thought were long forgotten...God is Good

great vbs this week

2008-07-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our great servants who spent 4 days with kids at the YMCA this week. We had a great week!

Pastor Leroy gets ordained!

2008-06-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

Leroy is ordained!

Pastor Leroy at Annual Conference

2008-06-11T06:16:00.000-07:00

Leroy getting asked the questions by Bishop Ough on Monday, June 9. He'll be ordained an elder tonight!

Blessed to be a Blessing

2008-06-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

We are beginning a new series titled "Legacy" which has sent me on the research trail to identify its meaning in our context as Christians. I've come to the conclusion that God's blessing is His legacy to us and our true calling is being a blessing to others. One of the ways that I practice this passing of the blessing is by praying the prayer found for the beginning of the day in "Three Simple Rules--A Wesleyan Way of Living" by Reuben Job.

Loving Teacher, come and make your home in my heart this day. Dwell within me all day long and save me from error and foolish ways. Teach me today to do no harm, do good, and assist me that I may stay in loving relationship with you and my neighbor. Help me today to be an answer to another's prayer so that I may be one of your signs of hope in the world you love.

Blessings help and give hope to the weak and powerless...we are here to bless others!

Speaking of blessings! The West Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church begins Sunday June 8th and I will be ordained as an Elder on Wednesday June 11th.

2008-06-04T18:30:00.000-07:00

This has been a real challenge to sign-in and post to this blog...the truth is I have too many passwords to remember. As we begin to use this new means of communicating I will share some of my devotional readings and reflections.

Martin Luther said "Pray and let God Worry"

Philippians 4:4-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God...

I don't know about you but I have trouble transferring ownership of my situations to God. But I know if I don't relinquish my agenda in situations to God I will find no rest nor peace. My anxiety comes from a false sense of control--a sense that I perhaps am responsible to manipulate the crisis to work out for good...You know that's God's job

...the reading in Philippians continues--And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus...I tell you that's GOOD NEWS!!!