Author: Cindy Lee

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First Steps – November 4, 2019

Have you ever wondered what is in the heart of God?  What God thinks about you?  I think Philippians 1:6 is the answer: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  In this single verse is the full discloser of what God thinks about you.

The surrounding context is a prayer for the Philippians on behalf of Paul.  He is mindful of the shared ministry they have in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Paul was fully aware of their faith, its origin and maturation. What is noteworthy is that in every step along the way, God was with the Philippians.  His purpose was to bring their faith to completion because that is what is in His heart.  In this prayer, the active one is God.  The Philippians are the passive recipients of God’s grace.

There is no difference between the Philippians and you.  God’s desire for you is the same as His desire for them.  In the heart of God is a gracious longing to bring all into salvation—wholeness.  I wonder how often we miss this.  How often are we consumed with where we have fallen short, made mistakes, blown it, or sinned?  We focus on what isn’t, God focuses on what is and that is His grace and mercy.  His desire is to make you whole.  It is a gift given, not something earned. 

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, if you ever wonder what God thinks about you…look at Philippians 1:6.  That will tell you what He thinks.

 

This week’s reading:

  • Monday –  1 Corinthians 2
  • Tuesday – 1 Corinthians 3
  • Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 4
  • Tuesday – 1 Corinthians 5
  • Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 6
Please Pray for:
  • Administrative Staff settling in the newly renovated office spaces.
  • The St. Paul Church family. 
  • Those who are unwillingly absent.
  • Those who are grieving and depressed.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our nation and our leaders.
  • The World.

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First Steps – October 28, 2019

In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul wrote, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” In this passage, Paul reminds us that everything we do, we do for God’s glory. Even if we don’t think it is “spiritual” or “worthy” of God’s glory, it doesn’t matter because our entire life is lived for his glory.

Actually, one could make a case that everything that is created is for God’s glory. It is larger than us. Granted we want to participate in God’s glory, but we are only a small thread of the tapestry that illustrates his glory. I was reminded of this reality the other day. While walking across the quad (where I serve, there is a large quad between a parking lot and one of our buildings), I looked up to see a beautiful blue sky with white clouds. The sun was shining. The temperature was ideal. It was a perfect scene. My first thought was, “all this is God’s glory.” My second thought was, “how wonderful are His ways.”

How tragic it is when we lose sight of the wonder of God. When our myopic sight restricts us to see only what is before us; or when we are consumed with our individualistic life, we miss something larger. We miss the God of the universe and the vastness that exist in creation. Sometimes, we need a larger vision—I know I do.

This week’s reading:

  • Monday – Galatians 3
  • Tuesday – Galatians 4
  • Wednesday – Galatians 5
  • Thursday – Galatians 6
  • Friday – 1 Corinthians 1

Please Pray for:

  • Staff transitioning from temporary office in the newly renovated Administrative Office Area.
  • The St. Paul Church family – members and staff.
  • Those who are unwillingly absent.
  • Those who are grieving and depressed.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our nation and our leaders.
  • The World.

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First Steps – October 21, 2019

On some Wednesday evenings, I lead a contemplative worship service.  I am particularly fond of these services because they lend themselves to meditation and reflection, and I’m convinced we must do both to grow in faith.  In a recent contemplative service, I introduced this quote from Thomas Merton:

The more fruitful and healthy are our lives as members of Christ, the more we are able to communicate the Christ-life to others, in and through the Holy Spirit. The more we are able to give to them, the more we receive from Christ. All the secret influx of mystical life into our souls is intended not only for ourselves but for others. Those who receive the most are those who have the most to give. . . . They have a greater capacity to love Christ in their neighbor because they have a deeper and more intimate experience of their own sorrow and of his mercy.

This week, I invite you to focus on this quote…those who receive the most are those who have the most to give…give out of what you have received.  

This week’s reading:

  • Monday –  Mark 14
  • Tuesday – Mark 15
  • Wednesday – Mark 16
  • Thursday – Galatians 1
  • Friday – Galatians 2
Please Pray for:
  • The St. Paul Church family – members and staff.
  • Those who are unwillingly absent.
  • Those who are grieving and depressed.
  • Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our nation and our leaders.
  • The World.

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First Steps – October 14, 2019

In a few weeks, many will observe All Saints’ Day. Depending on denominational practices, it is observed either the last Sunday in October or the first Sunday in November. Normally this is a high Sunday of the church; it is for me. I have a profound gratitude for all those who have gone on before me. The path they laid, I walk today. It is humbling when you think about it.

Regardless if you practice All Saints’ Day, I hope you will take a few moments to remember those shoulders you stand on today. Some you knew, but there are millions that you didn’t know but reap where they planted. On this Monday, I invite you to pray with me this prayer:

Almighty God, you have knit together all past and present followers of You, in one sweet communion of fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord. Grant us grace so to follow your holy saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which you have prepared for those who sincerely love you.

We pause in awe, reflecting on all those who have traveled this road of faith before us. We join their voices of praise of the God who holds us all together. It is through your Son, Jesus Christ, that we live, breath, and have our being. Amen.

This week’s reading:

  • Monday – Mark 9
  • Tuesday – Mark 10
  • Wednesday – Mark 11
  • Thursday – Mark 12
  • Friday – Mark 13

Please Pray for:

  • The St. Paul Church family – members and staff.
  • Those who are unwillingly absent.
  • Those who are grieving and depressed.
  • Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our nation and our leaders.
  • The World.

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First Steps – October 7, 2019

Sometimes I fall into the trap of limiting Jesus. I see and welcome him as personal savior, but that is it. If not careful, that is as far as it goes, for He is the savior of people from their sins. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m very grateful for forgiveness in my life, but Jesus Christ is much more than personal savior. He is the Lord God over the cosmos.

The other day while singing All Creature of Our God and King, I was reminded of this fact. Do you know the words?

Verse 1: All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing, O praise ye! Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam, thou silver moon with softer gleam, O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Verse 2: Thou rushing wind that art so strong, ye clouds that sail in heav’n along, O praise ye! Alleluia! Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, ye lights of ev’ning find a voice! O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Verse 3: All ye who are of tender heart, forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, praise God and on Him cast your care! O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Verse 4: Let all things their Creator bless and worship Him in humbleness, O praise ye! Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, Three in One: O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Today, reclaim the cosmic Lord that you follow. He is Lord over all! Rest in the God who holds all things in the palm of His hands.

This week’s reading:

  • Monday – Mark 4
  • Tuesday – Mark 5
  • Wednesday – Mark 6, Mark 7
  • Thursday – 1 Corinthians 13
  • Friday – Mark 8

Please Pray for:

  • The St. Paul Church family and staff.
  • Those who are unwillingly absent.
  • Those who are grieving and depressed.
  • Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our nation and our leaders.
  • The World.

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First Steps – September 30, 2019

When I answered the call to ministry, I was scared to death. To say I felt unqualified was an understatement. I carried this preconceived thought of self-doubt into seminary. Crazy as it might sound, I knew I was in the right theological school, for the right reason, and at the right time; yet, when I looked around at everyone else, I definitely didn’t see equal footing.

On my first day of school, I remember walking down the hallway and expecting someone to step out from an office and say, “Sir, I don’t think you belong here.” About halfway through my first semester, something wonderful happen. I was introduced to Charles Wesley’s Hymn, And Can It Be. It was the first hymn of Tuesday chapel (there were two chapel services each week: Tuesday and Thursday).

As we sang that particular hymn I was awestruck. The words spoke directly to me.

And can it be that I should gain an int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be, that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Refrain:
Amazing love! How can it be, that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

’Tis myst’ry all: th’ Immortal dies: Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depths of love divine.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, let angel minds inquire no more.

He left His Father’s throne above—so free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free, for, O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray—I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’ eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

I remember walking out of chapel that day knowing that things were going to be fine. Till this day, this hymn remains one of my favorites. Hymns have a way of speaking to us when other things can’t. I’m grateful for this hymn and the words of Charles Wesley. It has made a difference in my life.

This week’s reading:

  • Monday – Acts 27
  • Tuesday – Acts 28
  • Wednesday – Mark 1
  • Thursday – Mark 2
  • Friday – Mark 3

Please Pray for:

  • The St. Paul Church family.
  • Those who are unwillingly absent.
  • Those who are grieving and depressed.
  • Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our nation and our leaders.
  • The World.

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