Category: First Steps

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First Steps – June 21, 2021

“Don’t meddle in the business of others.  Don’t be an eavesdropper, attempting to overhear what is being said or done in your neighbor’s house.  Wide ears and long tongues come together.  Those who love to hear everything that may be told (to them) also love to blab it out.  

    “When everyone is busy looking into the affairs of others, trouble is near.  Busybodies will forever find fault with their neighbors, their families, with the government, and with the church.  They are an unquiet kind of people.  They are forever looking for something they can dislike.  They are never content.

    “From such people come private whispering, slander, backbiting, mutiny, conspiracy, treason, and the utter decay of society.”

The Bishop of Salisbury wrote this in the 16th Century.  Evidently, it was a problem for many during his day; likewise, it is a problem today.  The phrase “unquiet kind of people” is revealing.  One of the effects of the work of the Holy Spirit is to quiet the heart.  Inward fulfillment—a healthy love of God, self, and others—is the work of God through faith.  If one is whole on the inside, there is not a need to find something on the outside to bring fulfillment.  Therefore, seek the Holy Spirit, allow God to transform from the inside out.   

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – John 21
  • Tuesday – 1 John 1
  • Wednesday – 1 John 2
  • Thursday – 1 John 3
  • Friday – 1 John 4
Please Pray for:
 
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 

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First Steps – June 14, 2021

 

“A vine planted among olive trees produces oily grapes with a tainted taste. In the same way, a soul that is often a companion with virtuous people will absorb their good qualities” (Francis de Sales).

I have often thought of this quote because we have a tendency to adopt many of the behaviors and characteristics of the people closest to us. Obviously, in this case, we hope for those closest to us to have holy and righteous qualities. Unfortunately, some of what we require (for self-growth) is not; therefore, the premium is on who we associate with and draw into our inner circles.

Now some would argue that as followers of Christ our mission is dedicated to those on the outside of God’s Kingdom, and that would be true. This raises the question of engagement—How does one engage a world that doesn’t reflect God’s image and not acquire its traits? The key lies in maintaining an inner self that is dependent upon God’s Spirit. If the inward nature of a person is continually formed by God’s Spirit, then there will be no room to absorb additional qualities from others that are around. Something can’t be absorbed if there is no room for it. A soaked sponge can’t ingest additional water. If one is whole, there is no need for acquisitions.

I think The Apostle Paul said it best, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2).

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – John 16
  • Tuesday – John 17
  • Wednesday – John 18
  • Thursday – John 19
  • Friday – John 20
Please Pray for:
 
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 

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First Steps – June 7, 2021

 

“Not everyone who leaves the things of this world behind comes to Christ. Some become actually worse after they abandon their possessions! They are plagued with jealousy and bitterness. They think they are better than others. They praise themselves and look down on everyone else. They do not hesitate to destroy a neighbor’s reputation. What is worse than a proud pauper or a covetous panhandler? They have neither the world nor Christ.

There is a better approach to poverty. When Christ says, ‘sell everything,’ he means to change your point of view. If you are proud, now you must become humble. If you are angry, learn how to forgive. If you are greedy, be transformed into a generous person. If you are a glutton or a drunkard, then reverse that with fasting. If you are in love with this world, give yourself entirely to loving Christ.

This kind of poverty, chosen freely, will accomplish much. ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew 5:3). Being poor in spirit is having a humble attitude that allows you to see your own folly. In the same way that many branches spring from one root, poverty of spirit will produce many good habits and virtues. Poverty is not a virtue in itself. It can be a misery. Poverty becomes worthy of praise only when it becomes a way to gain a virtue” (Richard Rolle).

Though this was written 700 years ago, it is still true today. In our society, where people struggle with authenticity and are often prone to seize the moral high ground, we fail to own personal shortcomings and faults. Instead of seeking virtue, which is difficult because it requires discipline and time, we would rather cancel another for their faults instead of owning our inward frailties. I think the English mystic is on point. Rolle’s words are to be embraced and practiced.

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – John 11
  • Tuesday – John 12
  • Wednesday – John 13
  • Thursday – John 14
  • Friday – John 15
Please Pray for:
 
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 

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First Steps – May 31, 2021

 

 

I once heard a “preacher story” that is a modern-day parable:

There once was a spider that built a beautiful symmetric web in an old house.  The spider kept the web clean and shiny so that critters would stop and get tangled in it.  As soon as a fly or bug tangled itself in the web, the spider was quick to clean up so that another bug wouldn’t get suspicious and fly away.  

One day, there was a very intelligent fly that buzzed the web.  The spider called out, “Come and rest for a spell.”  The fly replied, “I don’t think so because I don’t see any other flies doing it, I’m not going to be the only one.”  However, the fly looked on the ground and saw many of his fellow flies dancing on a piece of brown paper. “How wonderful!” the fly thought.  How could that be dangerous if so many flies were having a good time? 

As the fly darted to the brown paper, a bee zoomed by yelling, “Don’t land there, don’t land there, that is flypaper!  The intelligent fly screamed, “Don’t be stupid, they are all dancing.  Everyone is doing it.”  As one can imagine, the fly landed on the paper and died instantly.

Here is the lesson:  
Many of us want to be with the crowd so desperately that we will end up making a mess of things.  What good is it to escape a web only to land in glue?

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – John 6
  • Tuesday – John 7
  • Wednesday – John 8
  • Thursday – John 9
  • Friday – John 10
Please Pray for:
  • Our ministers, staff, and church family.
  • The eradication of Covid – 19.
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 

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First Steps – May 24, 2021

 

Peace is a calm mind that is not perturbed by adversity, troubled by a remorseful conscience, or disturbed by fear. – Author Unknown

If a person does not keep pace with one’s companions, perhaps it is because one hears a different drummer.  Step to the music which one hears, however measured or far away. – Henry David Thoreau

How true are both of these quotes? I think they are linked. People suffer from the desire to keep pace with everyone else. It is the scorecard, and most believe they are failing. Unfortunately, it is a sliding scale that can never be conquered, because it is fueled by envy and a lack of inward peace.  

What is interesting to me is the work of the Holy Spirit that seeks to purify the inside of a person. Long before there is an outward change in a person, God’s Spirit changes the heart. Part of that transformative work is to form peace – inner peace. If the inside of a person is broken, then the outside will follow suit. However, if the inside is whole – at rest – then the actions will follow.  

Today, listen for a different voice of God. Step to that voice; follow that voice and allow it to create a heart of peace. Can you hear God beckoning you to come away with him? Seek him and you will find him.

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – John 1
  • Tuesday – John 2
  • Wednesday – John 3
  • Thursday – John 4
  • Friday – John 5
Please Pray for:
  • Our Ministers – Shane, John, and Buddy, our staff, and our members and families.
  • The High School Graduates in the Class of 2021
  • The eradication of Covid – 19.
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 

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First Steps – May 17, 2021

 

Recently, I read an article about how the names are listed on the 9/11 Memorial in New York.  Instead of listing the names by date-of-birth or in alphabetical order, they are listed by meaningful adjacencies.  Basically, the names are listed by their connection to each other.  For instance, firefighters are listed with other firefighters, first responders with other first responders, and people who worked together in an office are listed next to their co-workers.

Though a break from tradition, listing the names in a relational way is more therapeutic. I would argue that it gives a more accurate portrayal of the deceased. People define themselves through their connections. It could be family, friends, co-workers, or anything that is relational. People define themselves through their relational connections.

Naturally, as I read this article, I thought of baptism.  This sacrament reminds us of our connection to each other through the bonds of Christ.  We choose to love each other.  We intentionally connect to each other in faith.  This meaningful faith adjacency helps determine who we are and what we do.  

I hope today you will spend time reflecting on the connections you have in your life.  I hope you will give thanks for each one of them and how God has used them to help mold you into the person you are today.  

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – 1 Peter 4
  • Tuesday – 1 Peter 5
  • Wednesday – 2 Peter 1
  • Thursday – 2 Peter 2
  • Friday – 2 Peter 3
Please Pray for:
  • Our Ministers – Shane, John, and Buddy, our staff, and our members and families.
  • The High School Graduates in the Class of 2021
  • The eradication of Covid – 19.
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 

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