Join us for Worship at The Journey
Join us for Worship on Sunday:
8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
THE JOURNEY
255 Wilson Highway
Millsboro, Delaware
Pastor Wes & Patti McCallum
P.O. Box 362
Millsboro, DE 19966
Filed by admin on December 20th, 2011 under Church | Comments Off
A Prayer of St. Patrick
As I arise today,
May the strength of God pilot me, the power of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me.
May the eye of God look before me, the ear of God hear me, the word of God speak for me.
May the hand of God protect me, the way of God lie before me, the shield of God defend me, the host of God save me. May Christ shield me today.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me. Amen.
– Adapted from St. Patrick’s Breastplate (387-493).
Filed by wes on March 15th, 2012 under Hymns, Poems, Readings, Prayers | Comment now »
John Wesley’s Questions for Daily Prayers.
GENERAL QUESTIONS WHICH A SERIOUS CHRISTIAN MAY PROPOSE TO HIMSELF BEFORE HE BEGINS HIS EVENING DEVOTIONS.
1. With what degree of attention and fervor did I use my morning prayers, public or private?
2. Have I done anything without a present, or at least a previous, perception of its direct or remote tendency to the glory of God?
3. Did I in the morning consider what particular virtue I was to exercise, and what business I had to do, in the day?
4. Have I been zealous to undertake, and active in doing, what good I could?
5. Have I interested myself any farther in the affairs of others than charity required?
6. Have I, before I visited or was visited, considered how I might thereby give or receive improvement?
7. Have I mentioned any failing or fault of any man, when it was not necessary for the good of another?
8. Have I unnecessarily grieved any one by word or deed?
9. Have I before or in every action considered how it might be a means of improving in the virtue of the day?
PARTICULAR QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO THE LOVE OF GOD.
1. Have I set apart some of this day to think upon his perfections and mercies?
2. Have I labored to make this day a day of heavenly rest, sacred to divine love?
3. Have I employed those parts of it in works of necessity and mercy, which were not employed in prayer, reading, and meditation?
GENERAL QUESTIONS, WHICH MAY BE USED EVERY MORNING.
1. Did I think of God first and last?
2. Have I examined myself how I behaved since last night’s retirement?
3. Am I resolved to do all the good I can this day, and to be diligent in the business of my calling?
PARTICULAR QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE LOVE OF OUR NEIGHBOR.
1. Have I thought anything but my conscience too dear to part with, to please or serve my neighbor?
2. Have I rejoiced or grieved with him?
3. Have I received his infirmities with pity, not with anger?
4. Have I contradicted anyone, either where I had no good end in view, or where there was no probability of convincing?
5. Have I let him I thought in the wrong (in a trifle) have the last word?
PARTICULAR QUESTIONS RELATING TO HUMILITY.
1. Have I labored to conform all my thoughts, words, and actions to these fundamental maxims: “I am nothing, I have nothing, I can do nothing?”
2. Have I set apart some time this day to think upon my infirmities, follies, and sins?
3. Have I ascribed to myself any part of any good which God did by my hand?
4. Have I said or done anything with a view to the praise of men?
5. Have I desired the praise of men?
6. Have I taken pleasure in it?
7. Have I commended myself, or others, to their faces, unless for God’s sake, and then with fear and trembling?
8. Have I despised anyone’s advice?
9. Have I, when I thought so, said, “I am in the wrong?”
10. Have I received contempt for things indifferent, with meekness? For doing my duty, with joy?
11. Have I omitted justifying myself where the glory of God was not concerned? Have I submitted to be thought in the wrong?
12. Have I, when contemned, First, prayed God it might not discourage or puff me up; Secondly, that it might not be imputed to the condemner; Thirdly, that it might heal my pride?
13. Have I, without some particular good in view, mentioned the contempt I had met with?
PARTICULAR QUESTIONS RELATING TO MORTIFICATION.
1. Have I done anything merely because it was pleasing?
2. Have I not only not done what passion solicited me to, but done just the contrary?
3. Have I received the inconveniences I could not avoid as means of mortification chosen for me by God?
4. Have I contrived pretenses to avoid self-denial? In particular,
5. Have I thought any occasion of denying myself too small to be embraced?
6. Have I submitted my will to the will of every one that opposed it, except where the glory of God was concerned?
7. Have I set apart some time for endeavoring after a lively sense of the sufferings of Christ and my own sins? for deprecating God’s judgment, and thinking how to amend?
PARTICULAR QUESTIONS RELATING TO RESIGNATION AND MEEKNESS.
1. Have I endeavored to will what God wills, and that only?
2. Have I received everything that has befallen me without my choice, as the choice of infinite wisdom and goodness for me, with thanks?
3. Have I (after doing what he requires of me to do concerning them) left all future things absolutely to God’s disposal; that is, have I labored to be wholly indifferent to which soever way he shall ordain for me?
4. Have I resumed my claim to my body, soul, friends, fame, or fortune, which I have made over to God; or repented of my gift, when God accepted any of them at my hands?
5. Have I endeavored to be cheerful, mild, and courteous in whatever I said or did?
6. Have I said anything with a stern look, accent, or gesture? Particularly with regard to religion?
PARTICULAR QUESTIONS RELATING TO THANKFULNESS.
1. Have I allotted some time for thanking God for the blessings of the past week?
2. Have I, in order to be the more sensible of them, seriously and deliberately considered the several circumstances that attended them?
3. Have I considered each of them as an obligation to greater love, and, consequently, to stricter holiness?
Taken from “A Collection of Forms of Prayer, for Every Day in the Week”, 1733. The Works of Reverend John Wesley, A.M., Vol. VI by John Emory, 1831.
Filed by wes on February 28th, 2012 under John & Charles Wesley, Spiritual Discipline | Comment now »
Beatitudes of Ephraim the Syrian
Blessed is he who has in the Lord become completely free of all earthly things in this troublesome life, and who has loved the one good and merciful God.
Blessed is he who has become a doer of good works and, like a fruitful field, brings forth a great abundance of the fruits of life in the Lord.
Blessed is he who stands at prayer in service to God and, like the heavenly angels, at all times has pure thoughts and does not allow the evil one to approach him, that he may not enslave his soul and lead it away from God the Savior.
Blessed is he who loves sanctity (purity) like light, and has not defiled his body before the Lord with shameful acts of the evil one.
Blessed is he who always retains in himself remembrance of God, for such a person on earth is like a heavenly angel, constantly celebrating the Lord with fear and love.
Blessed is he who loves repentance, which saves all sinners, and does not delight in sin, that he might not appear ungrateful before God our Savior.
Blessed is he who, like a courageous warrior defending heavenly treasures, preserves his soul and body without reproach in the Lord.
Blessed is he who like the heavenly angels, has pure thoughts, and who with his lips sings praises to the One who has authority over all that breathes.
Blessed is he who has become like unto the seraphim and cherubim and is never slothful in spiritual service, who ceaselessly glorifies the Lord.
Blessed is he who has illumined the eyes of his heart, and always sees the Lord in himself as in a mirror. Such a man will be relieved of passions and evil thoughts.
Blessed is he who loves good and beautiful speech but hates words that are shameful and corrupting, for he will not be taken captive by the evil one.
Blessed is he who instructs his neighbor in the fear of God and does not seduce his soul, for he is ever wary of the great Pastor’s iron staff.
Blessed is he who is obedient to his neighbor in accordance with God’s will and gratefully suffers offence, for such a man will be crowned as a confessor of the Lord.
Blessed is he who loves abstinence in accordance with God’s will and is not subject to condemnation as a corrupt sensualist on account of his belly, for such a man will be magnified in the Lord.
Blessed is he who does not intoxicate himself with wine, but is ever glad in remembrance of the Lord, in whom all the saints rejoice unceasingly.
Blessed is he who manages his possessions in accordance with God’s will, and does not lay himself open to condemnation from the Savior as a miser lacking compassion for his neighbor.
Blessed is he who is vigilant in prayer, reading and good works; he will be enlightened and will not fall asleep unto death.
Blessed is he who has become a marvelous spiritual net and caught many for the good Master; greatly will he be praised in the Lord.
Blessed is he who has become a marvelous example for his neighbor and has not injured the conscience of his fellow servants with indecent acts; he will be blessed in the Lord.
– from, A Spiritual Psalter, #1 Beatitudes. Ephraim the Syrian (ca. 306 – 373) was a Syrian deacon and a prolific Syriac-language hymnographer and theologian.
Filed by wes on February 28th, 2012 under Hymns, Poems, Readings, Prayers | Comment now »
O Lord Throughout these Forty Days
O Lord throughout these forty days,You prayed and kept a fast;
Inspire repentance for our sin, And free us from our past.
You strove with Satan and You won,Your faithfulness endured;
Lend us Your nerve your skill and trust, In God’s eternal word.
Though parched and hungry yet You prayed, And fixed Your mind above;
So teach us to deny ourselves, Since we have known God’s love.
Be with us through this season Lord, And all our earthly days;
That when the resurrection dawns, We join in heaven’s praise.
Claudia F. Ibotson Hernaman (1838-98), Gilbert E. Doan (1930- ), Public Domain.
Filed by wes on February 25th, 2012 under Hymns, Poems, Readings, Prayers | Comment now »
12 Ministry Core Values
1. We value The Great Commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Mt.22:37).
2. We value The Great Commission to make disciples, to baptize believers, and to teach obedience to Christ’s commands (Mt. 28:19-20).
3. We value spiritual disciplines of worship, prayer, scriptures, sacraments, and accountability.
4. We value every person, Christian and non-Christian alike, as loved by God.
5. We value team ministry as God’s design for effective ministry.
6. We value every member as a minister with spiritual gifts to discover and develop for service.
7. We value variety in worship styles to minister to the needs of all people.
8. We value loving, caring relationships though small group discipleship and fellowship.
9. We value healthy relationships by protecting the unity of the Spirit in our church.
10. We value effective evangelism through people winning others to Christ, one by one.
11. We value the spiritual formation of kids, youth, and new believers as essential for their future.
12. We value serving our community through compassion, service, and prayer.
Filed by wes on May 23rd, 2011 under Church | Comments Off
Our Worship Song List
50 CONTEMPORARY SONGS WE USE FOR WORSHIP.
Above All
Agnus Dei
All Who are Thirsty
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
Ancient of Days
Be Exalted, O God
Better Is One Day
Blessed Be Your Name
Breathe
Change My Heart Oh God
Come Now is the Time to Worship
Days of Elijah
Draw Me Close
Give Thanks
Great is the Lord
God of Wonders
He Is Exalted
Here I Am To Worship
Hosanna in the Highest.
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.
How Great is our God.
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Stand In Awe
I Worship You
In Christ Alone
In The Secret
Jesus Name Above All Names
Jesus Messiah
Knowing You
Lord I Lift Your Name on High
Lord Reign In Me
Majesty
Mighty To Save
My Life Is In You
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Sanctuary
Shine Jesus Shine
Shout to the Lord
Take my Life (Holiness)
The Heart of Worship
The Potter’s Hand
The Power of Your Love
The Wonderful Cross
There Is a Redeemer
Trading My Sorrows
We are an Offering
We Fall Down
Worthy Is The Lamb
You Are My All In All
You Are My King
Filed by wes on May 22nd, 2011 under Church, Personal, Worship | Comments Off
30 Favorite Classic Hymns
I love inspirational contemporary music, yet can’t neglect these classic hymns that formed my spiritual identity and worship experience.
* All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
* And Can it be that I Should Gain
Arise my Soul Arise
* Be Thou My Vision
Breathe on Me, Breath of God
Come, Thou Almighty King
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Fairest Lord Jesus
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
* Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
How Firm a Foundation
* Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
* Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place
My Faith Looks Up to Thee
O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
O Jesus, I Have Promised
O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
* Our Great Savior
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Rejoice, the Lord Is King
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart
Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
* Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated
* The Church’s One Foundation
* When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
* My Top Ten Hymn List.
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” – Jn. 4:24. “I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.” – 1 Cor. 14:15b.
Filed by wes on May 22nd, 2011 under Hymns, Poems, Worship | Comments Off
Biblical Ideas for Worship
To glorify God with one mind and voice – Ro. 15:6.
In spirit and truth – John 4:24
With heart, soul, and mind. – Mt. 22:37
In wonder, love, and praise – Charles Wesley
In faith, hope and love – 1 Cor. 13:13
In joy, reverence, awe. – Ps. 96:9, Ps. 100, Heb. 12:28.
In the beauty of holiness – Ps. 29:2.
Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. – Eph 5:19.
Bowing, kneeling, prostration – Ps. 95:6
Lifting hands, exaltation, praise — 1 Tim. 2:8
Prayer, scripture, sacrament.
Visual arts, signs, and symbols.
Creative, variety, excellence.
Freedom of the Spirit.
Corporate, unifying, edifying.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Col. 3:17.
Filed by wes on May 22nd, 2011 under Worship | Comment now »
My Salvation Journey
Dedication
I was raised by parents who exemplified a life of faith, prayer, and worship. Before my birth, my mother claimed scripture promises for me as she did for all of my siblings. My parents dedicated me to God as an infant. They named me Wesley Philip, similar to the evangelists St. Philip and John Wesley.
Nurturing Faith
My spiritual formation as a child occurred in churches where my father served as pastor. Similar to Susanna Wesley, my mother raised five kids giving each one of us spiritual guidance. From memory we recited the commandments, beatitudes, Lord’s Prayer, songs, and psalms. She also taught a youth catechism class at church where we were grounded in the scriptures.
Saving Grace
Both of my parents cultivated my spiritual sensitivity and reverence for God. Daily they prayed with me and often spoke of my need to respond to God’s grace. This prepared me for my first response to grace at age 10 during a revival service at my father’s church. My parents nurtured my faith and spiritual commitment.
At age 14, I received an assurance of regeneration during a summer family camp service. It was here that I became conscious of sin and the need of a Savior. Thereafter, I was baptized by my father and received as a member of the church. My parents faithfully prayed for me through my challenging teenage years. Even today their prayers continue to encourage me.
Growing Grace
As a young married man my wife became my “spiritual soul mate”. Together, Patti and I share our spiritual life in Christ. As a young man, I experienced a distinct revelation of God as one who is as holy and triune. Later, as a college student I received an assurance of the grace of sanctification and was entirely consecrated to God during a 3 day spiritual fast. Later, I was ordained a minister by the ”laying on of hands”. Later still, I reaffirmed my baptism by immersion in the Jordan River in Israel to identify with Christ’s death and resurrection.
In Summary
Like Jeremiah, I was consecrated to God at birth by righteous parents. Similar to young Samuel, I responded to God’s call at 10 years of age. Then at age 14, I was baptized in response to an assurance of regeneration. Like Paul, I was sanctified in response to a divine revelation as a young adult. Like young Timothy, I was mentored in ministry by godly leaders. As a mature man, I reaffirmed my baptism in the Jordan River to fully identify with Christ. Jesus is my Lord, the Holy Spirit is my Sanctifier, and God is my Father. I have a continuing assurance of his saving grace. I am confident that God will continue his work in me until it is fulfilled on the day when Christ returns (Phil 1:6).
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. – Col. 3:1-4.
Christ is my Life! Christ is my Hope! Christ is my Joy!
– Wes McCallum, 10/15 2010.
Filed by wes on October 16th, 2010 under Personal | Comments Off
My Profession of Faith
I am saved by the grace of Jesus Christ.
I sense a continuing assurance of His justifying, regenerating, and adopting grace.
God is my Abba Father, Jesus Christ is my Lord, and the Holy Spirit is my Sanctifier
I trust fully in Jesus Christ who was crucified, dead, buried, raised, and ascended as a sacrifice for my sins to reconcile me to his Father.
My salvation from sin began as an initial grace, continues as a present joy, and is anticipated as a certain hope. Christ has redeemed me by grace though faith and repentance. Christ continues to sanctify me as I walk in faith and obedience. Christ will yet fully save me through resurrection and glorification and I shall be like Him.
I am certain that God will continue his good work in me until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns (Phil 1:6).
I live a life of continuing repentance and faith in Christ alone for salvation. Though baptism, I have been united to Christ and his death and resurrection. Through regeneration I have received “the gift of the Holy Spirit” and an assurance of the forgiveness of my sins. I love God with all my heart, soul, and mind.
I value the life and joy of the church, worship, and the Lord’s table. I seek to fulfill Christ’s mission “to seek and to save what was lost”. I desire “the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ”. I long to hear His words: “well done, good and faithful servant”.
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself up for me” — Galatians 2:20 niv.
“…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” — Colossians 1:27b.
Christ is my Life! Christ is my Hope! Christ is my Joy!
–Wes McCallum
October 15, 2010
My Life’s Purpose
To love the Lord God with all my heart, soul, and strength.
– adapted from Deut. 6:5.
My Life’s Passion
To worship God with a holy life and transformed mind fulfilling His perfect will.
– Adapted from Romans 12:1-2
My Life’s Mission
To know Christ and make Him known.
…to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. — Col. 1:27
Filed by wes on October 15th, 2010 under Personal | Comments Off
Awake my Soul, Stretch Every Nerve
1. Awake, my soul, stretch ev’ry nerve,
And press with vigor on;
A heav’nly race demands your zeal,
And an immortal crown.
2. A cloud of witnesses around
Hold you in full survey;
Forget the steps already trod,
And onward urge your way.
3. ‘Tis God’s all-animating voice
That calls you from on high;
‘Tis his own hand presents the prize
To your aspiring eye.
4. That prize with peerless glories bright,
Which shall new lustre boast,
When victors’ wreaths and monarch’s gems
Shall blend in common dust.
5. Blest Saviour, introduced by you,
Have I my race begun;
And, crowned with vict’ry, at your feet
I’ll lay my honors down.
Words: Philip Doddridge, 1702-1751.
Music: George Handel, 1728.
Tune: Christmas.
Filed by wes on October 14th, 2010 under Hymns, Poems | Comment now »
My Call for Ministry
My call for ministry was more a process than an event. It began in 1978 with a heavenly vision that distinctly got my attention in the early morning hours. Sometime later it was confirmed during a sleepless night of prayer. Later still it was reaffirmed through opportunities for ministry that continued to open up. Ultimately, it was confirmed through other ministers who mentored and ordained me. These scriptures and images are displayed in my office as a reminder of a vision when God revealed himself to me. When life gets tough, I recall that God called me to serve Him.
THE HEAVENLY VISION
Acts 26
13 b … I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me…
16 b … I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 17b… I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
19 “So then, … I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
Filed by wes on March 17th, 2010 under Personal | Comment now »
The Will of God
THE WILL OF GOD
The will of God will never take you
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.
The will of God will never take you
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercy of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
– Author unknown
I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me.
– Phil. 4:13
Do not conform any longer 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 12:2.
Filed by wes on March 17th, 2010 under Hymns, Poems | Comments Off
Mom’s Spiritual Influence
I’ve been reflecting lately on the spiritual influence that my Mom had on me as a child. Early she cultivated my spiritual sensitivity and reverence for God. Daily she prayed with me and often spoke of my need to respond to God’s grace. This prepared me for my first response to grace at age 10 during a revival service.
Similar to Susanna Wesley (1669-1742), my mother raised five kids giving each one of us daily spiritual guidance. Like Susanna wrote commentaries on the creeds, Lord’s Prayer, and Ten Commandments; our mom gave similar lessons to her kids. From memory we recited the creeds, commandments, beatitudes, Lord’s Prayer, and psalms. She also taught the church youth class where we learned the catechism and rituals of the church.
Mom loved hymns and gospel songs. She sang them daily as she fed us and chanted them nightly as she tucked us into bed. Perhaps she didn’t think that we were listening, but we were! Israel’s ancient creed states: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” That best describes our Mom! Her love for God was conveyed into the hearts of her children.
Both our mom and dad were preachers and their five kids went to church several times weekly. I often joke that I was raised in a monastery! Perhaps not literally, yet reflecting on my childhood I sense that I had graduated from a seminary.
THANKS MOM! WE LOVE YOU.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. – Deut.6:4-9.
Filed by wes on March 16th, 2010 under Family | Comment now »
40 Days of Prayer
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. – Mt. 6:16-18 NIV
The season of Lent is the time of preparation for the Holy Week observance of Christ’s death and resurrection. It is a 40 day journey of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and scripture reading. It is a time of repentance and renewal of our minds, hearts and deeds in conformity with Christ and his teachings. It is the time, most of all, of our return to the great commandments of loving God and our neighbors. Ideally, it is not a season of morbidity and gloom. On the contrary, it is a time of joyfulness and purification. We are called to anoint our faces, to cleanse our bodies, and to renew our souls.
It is our repentance that God desires, not our remorse. We sorrow for our sins and mistakes but we do so in the joy of God’s mercy. We mortify our body, but we do so in the joy of our resurrection into life everlasting. During Lent, we remember Christ’s baptism as we recall the joy of our own baptism. We recall Christ’s life of prayer and fasting as we also fast and pray. We remember Christ’s victory over temptation as we rise above our own temptations. We recall Christ’s sufferings as we deny our self and take up our own cross. We remember Christ’s resurrection in certain hope of our own resurrection.
Biblically, the number “forty” represents a period of testing or trial. On Mount Sinai, preparing to receive the Ten Commandments, “Moses stayed there with the Lord for 40 days and 40 nights, without eating any food or drinking any water” (Ex. 34:28). Elijah walked “40 days and 40 nights” to the mountain of the Lord, Mount Horeb (I Kings 19:8). Jesus fasted and prayed for “40 days and 40 nights” in the desert before He began His public ministry (Mt. 4:2). Moses, Elijah, and Jesus each took the spiritual discipline of fasting to the height of perfection. Separately, they each had a mountain top encounter with God. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah saw Christ’s radiant glory and heard the Father’s heavenly voice (Mt.17:1-2).
Other scriptural references include the forty days of rain during Noah’s flood (Gen. 7:4); the forty years that the Israelites wandered in the desert before entering the promised land (Num. 14:33-35); the forty day fast that the Ninevites observed in obedience to the prophet Jonah (Jon. 3:4-5); and the forty days between the resurrection and ascension when Christ revealed himself to His disciples (Acts 1:3).
The use of ashes or oil also has biblical significance. Ashes or dust were sprinkled on the head or body as a symbol of mourning or repentance. This was usually a public expression of humiliation or grief. The bible also speaks of oil and fragrances poured on the head or body for consecration, healing, or burial. Anointing with oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s presence and grace.
Since ancient times, Christians have practiced a forty day fast to prepare for Easter or “Pascha”. In fact, many early Christians fasted on every Wednesday and Friday throughout the year. Today, Liturgical Christians still observe Lent with a strict vegetarian diet. Others limit themselves to one evening meal daily or abstain from eating meat on Fridays.
The evangelical leader, JOHN WESLEY, encouraged his followers to observe a Lenten fast then continue with weekly “Friday fasts” throughout the year. Every week Wesley began a fast after the Thursday evening meal and ended it at “tea time” around 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
Many Protestants do not fast for Lent but may give up a favorite food or activity, or take on a discipline such as devotions or charity work. Because Lent is Christian tradition and not a biblical requirement, many see fasting as a personal choice and not an obligation. In fact, many Evangelical Christians do not observe Lent or fasting at all.
The Lenten season is an excellent opportunity for repentance, restitution, and renewal. Spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, scripture reading, and communion will enhance the experience. Family prayer and devotions will strengthen the home. Outreach to neighbors or the needy will extend Christ’s compassion to others. Fasting will bring our attitudes, appetites, and passions under Christ’s control. Developing new habits requires repetition, time, and discipline. This is a good time to regain control over distractions like the TV, internet, and iPods. Elijah heard God gently whisper in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-13). We also can encounter God when we silence ourselves and pray.
© 2008, Pastor Wes McCallum
Filed by wes on March 16th, 2010 under John & Charles Wesley, Spiritual Discipline | Comment now »
Jesus, Priceless Treasure
1.Jesus, priceless treasure,
source of purest pleasure,
friend most sure and true:
long my heart was burning,
fainting much and yearning,
thirsting, Lord, for you.
Yours I am, O spotless Lamb,
so will I let nothing hide you,
seek no joy beside you!
2.Let your arms enfold me:
those who try to wound me
cannot reach me here.
Though the earth be shaking,
every heart be quaking,
Jesus calms my fear.
Fires may flash and thunder crash;
yea, though sin and hell assail me,
Jesus will not fail me.
3.Hence, all worldly treasure!
Jesus is my pleasure,
Jesus is my choice.
Hence, all empty glory!
What to me your story
told with tempting voice?
Pain or loss or shame or cross
shall not from my Savior move me,
since he chose to love me.
4.Banish thoughts of sadness,
for the Lord of gladness,
Jesus, enters in;
though the clouds may gather,
those who love the Savior
still have peace within.
Though I bear much sorrow here,
still in you lies purest pleasure,
Jesus, priceless treasure!
“Jesu, meine Freude” is a German pietistic hymn written by Johann Franck in 1653. It is inspired by Jesus’ parables of the great treasure and fine pearl (Matt. 13:44-46). Scripture References: Matt. 13:44-46, John 15:1-4, Ps. 73:25, Phil. 3:8. It was translated from German to English by Catherine Winkworth in 1863 as follows:
1. Jesus, priceless Treasure,
Fount of purest pleasure,
Truest Friend to me.
Ah, how long in anguish
Shall my spirit languish,
Yearning, Lord, for Thee?
Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!
I will suffer naught to hide Thee,
Naught I ask beside Thee.
2. In Thine arms I rest me;
Foes who would molest me
Cannot reach me here.
Though the earth be shaking,
Every heart be quaking,
Jesus calms my fear.
Lightnings flash And thunders crash;
Yet, though sin and hell assail me,
Jesus will not fail me.
3. Satan, I defy thee;
Death, I now decry thee;
Fear, I bid thee cease.
World, thou shalt not harm me
Nor thy threats alarm me
While I sing of peace.
God’s great power Guards every hour;
Earth and all its depths adore Him,
Silent bow before Him.
4. Hence, all earthly treasure!
Jesus is my Pleasure,
Jesus is my Choice.
Hence, all empty glory!
Naught to me thy story
Told with tempting voice.
Pain or loss, Or shame or cross,
Shall not from my Savior move me
Since He deigns to love me.
5. Evil world, I leave thee;
Thou canst not deceive me,
Thine appeal is vain.
Sin that once did blind me,
Get thee far behind me,
Come not forth again.
Past thy hour, O pride and power;
Sinful life, thy bonds I sever,
Leave thee now forever.
6. Hence, all fear and sadness!
For the Lord of gladness,
Jesus, enters in.
Those who love the Father,
Though the storms may gather,
Still have peace within.
Yea, whate’er I here must bear,
Thou art still my purest Pleasure,
Jesus, priceless Treasure!
Filed by wes on March 16th, 2010 under Current Issues | Comment now »
Lenten Prayer by John Wesley
O JESUS, POOR AND ABJECT, UNKNOWN AND DESPISED,
have mercy upon me, and let me not be ashamed to follow Thee.
O JESUS, HATED, CALUMNIATED, AND PERSECUTED,
have mercy upon me, and let me not be ashamed to come after Thee.
O JESUS, BETRAYED AND SOLD AT A VILE PRICE,
have mercy upon me, and make me content to be as my Master.
O JESUS, BLASPHEMED, ACCUSED AND WRONGFULLY CONDEMNED,
have mercy upon me, and teach me to endure the contradiction of sinners.
O JESUS, CLOTHED WITH A HABIT OF REPROACH AND SHAME,
have mercy upon me, and let me not seek my own glory.
O JESUS, INSULTED, MOCKED, AND SPIT UPON,
have mercy upon me, and let me run with patience the race set before me.
O JESUS, DRAGGED TO THE PILLAR, SCOURGED, AND BATHED IN BLOOD,
have mercy upon me, and let me not faint in the fiery trial.
O JESUS, CROWNED WITH THORNS, AND HAILED IN DERISION;
O JESUS, BURDENED WITH OUR SINS, AND THE CURSES OF THE PEOPLE;
O JESUS, AFFRONTED, OUTRAGED, BUFFETED, OVERWHELMED WITH INJURIES, GRIEFS, AND HUMILIATIONS;
O JESUS, HANGING ON THE ACCURSED TREE, BOWING THE HEAD, GIVING UP THE GHOST,
Have mercy upon me, and confirm my whole soul to Thy holy, humble, suffering Spirit.
O Thou who for the love of me hast undergone such an infinity of sufferings and humiliations, let me be wholly “emptied of myself,” that I may rejoice to take up my cross daily and follow Thee.
Enable me, too, to endure the pain and despise the shame; and, if it be Thy will, to resist even unto blood!
– REV. JOHN WESLEY (at age 20).
Friday morning prayers –
“A Collection of Forms of Prayer for Every Day in the Week”, 1733.
Filed by wes on March 16th, 2010 under John & Charles Wesley, Readings, Prayers | Comment now »
Christ’s Call to Worship
THESE ARE THE WORDS OF HIM…
• who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.
• who is the First and the Last and died and came to life again.
• who has the sharp, double-edged sword.
• whose eyes are like blazing fire and feet are like burnished bronze.
• who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.
• who is holy and true and holds the key of David.
• who is the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.
TO HIM WHO OVERCOMES…
• I will give the right to eat from the tree of life.
• I will give the crown of life.
• I will give some of the hidden manna.
• I will give him a white stone with a new name written on it.
• I will give authority over the nations.
• I will give him the morning star.
• I will never blot out his name from the book of life.
• I will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.
• I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.
• I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God.
• I will give the right to sit with me on my throne,
just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
HE WHO HAS AN EAR,
LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
– Adapted from Revelation 2 & 3 niv.
Filed by wes on February 20th, 2010 under Readings, Prayers | Comment now »
John Wesley’s Accountabilty Questions
John Wesley discipled converts in “class meetings” or “bands” consisting of 12 people pursuing the discipline of Christian godliness. One or more of the following accountability questions were asked of each person weekly:
John Wesley’s Band Meeting Questions:
1. What known sins have you committed since our last meeting?
2. What temptations have you met with?
3. How were you delivered?
4. What have you thought, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?
5. Have you nothing you desire to keep secret? (this one was optional).
For well over a century this method of discipling was continued by Wesley’s followers. The “class meeting” was common practice as late as the 1960′s in North America. As a child, I recall these class meetings in various churches of the Champlain Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
Reference: John Wesley’s Class Meetings: a Model for Making Disciples, by D. Michael Henderson, Evangel Publishing House, 1997, pp. 118-9.
Filed by wes on December 17th, 2009 under John & Charles Wesley, Spiritual Discipline | 2 Comments »
Questions for Self Examination
Here is one set of questions similar to what John Wesley gave to members of his discipleship groups more than 200 years ago.
The questions have their origin in the spiritual accountability group started by Wesley when he was a student at Oxford — a group that detractors called “The Holy Club.” The first list appeared about 1729 or 1730 in the preface to Wesley’s second Oxford Diary. Similar questions appeared in his 1733 A Collection of Forms of Prayer for Every Day in the Week. As late as 1781, Wesley published a list of questions like this in the Arminian Magazine.
Questions for Self Examination
1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I confidentially pass on to others what has been said to me in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
8. Do I give the Bible time to speak to me every day?
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
10. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith?
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Am I proud?
19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?
20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?
21 Do I grumble or complain constantly?
22 Is Christ real to me?
John Wesley was an 18th century Anglican evangelist and founder of the Wesleyan Tradition.
Filed by wes on December 16th, 2009 under John & Charles Wesley, Spiritual Discipline | Comment now »
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
One of our great privileges in life was to attend the Wesley Choral Festival at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York on February 18, 2007. The occasion was the Charles Wesley Tercentenary (300th anniversary) of his birth. A 300 voice choir with orchestra presented the most “excelling” arrangement of Wesley’s hymn, “Love Divine”. We were ecstatic with joy and praise. For Charles Wesley, JESUS is the “Love Divine” that excels all other loves. The final verse of this hymn states the destiny of the sanctified life: “changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place, till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.” – Wes & Patti McCallum.
1.
Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heaven, to earth come down;
fix in us thy humble dwelling;
all thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation;
enter every trembling heart.
2.
Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
into every troubled breast!
Let us all in thee inherit;
let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.
3.
Come, Almighty to deliver,
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return and never,
nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.
4.
Finish, then, thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee;
changed from glory into glory,
till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Words: Charles Wesley, 1747
Music: John Zundel, 1870
Filed by wes on December 16th, 2009 under Introduction | Comment now »
O Love Divine What Hast Thou Done
O Love Divine What Hast Thou Done
The incarnate God hath died for me!
The Father’s co-eternal Son
Bore all my sins upon the tree.
The immortal God for me hath died:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified.
Behold Him all ye that pass by,
The bleeding Prince of life and peace!
Come sinners see your Savior die,
And say “Was ever grief like His?”
Come feel with me His blood applied:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified.
Then let us sit beneath His cross,
And gladly catch the healing stream:
All things for Him account but loss,
And give up all our hearts to Him:
Of nothing think or speak beside,
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
– Hymn by: Charles Wesley, 1742
Filed by wes on December 15th, 2009 under Hymns, Poems, John & Charles Wesley | Comment now »
John Wesley’s General Rules (1743)
Many churches set membership commitments for their constituents. Here is an interesting set of
GENERAL RULES set by John & Charles Wesley in 1743 for those attending the class meetings. Initially, only one condition was required to attend — a desire “to flee from the wrath to come, to be saved from their sins”. However, to continue attending one was expected to observe THREE AREAS OF WEEKLY DISCIPLINE:
1. Doing no harm by avoiding all evil;
2. Doing good towards others; and
3. Attending all the means of grace (worship, communion, prayer, scriptures, fasting).
A lay leader was responsible to guide a group of 12 persons in their spiritual disciples. Typically, a class meeting had more seekers than perfected Christians. This class meeting model was observed in many churches for over 200 years but phased out of use in the 1960’s.
WESLEY’S GENERAL RULES (1743).
THERE IS ONE ONLY CONDITION PREVIOUSLY REQUIRED IN THOSE WHO DESIRE ADMISSION INTO THESE SOCIETIES, — A DESIRE “TO FLEE FROM THE WRATH TO COME, TO BE SAVED FROM THEIR SINS:” But, wherever this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shown by its fruits. It is therefore expected of all who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
FIRST, BY DOING NO HARM, BY AVOIDING EVIL IN EVERY KIND; especially that which is most generally practiced: Such as,
— the taking the name of God in vain;
— the profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work thereon, or by buying or selling;
— drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity;
— fighting, quarreling, brawling; brother going to law with brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; the using many words in buying or selling;
— the buying or selling unaccustomed goods (that have not paid the duty);
— the giving or taking things on usury, that is, unlawful interest;
— uncharitable or unprofitable conversation, particularly speaking evil of Magistrates or of Ministers;
— doing to others as we would not they should do unto us;
— doing what we know is not for the glory of God, as
— the “putting on of gold or costly apparel;”
— the taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus;
— the singing those songs, or reading those books, which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God;
— softness, and needless self-indulgence;
— laying up treasures upon earth;
— borrowing without a probability of paying; or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them.
It is expected of all who continue in these societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
SECONDLY, BY DOING GOOD, by being, in every kind, merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and as far as is possible, to all men;
— to their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick, or in prison;
— to their souls, by instructing reproving, or exhorting all they have any intercourse with; trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine of devils, that “we are not to do good unless our heart be free to it.”
— By doing good especially to them that are of the household of faith, or groaning so to be; employing them preferably to others, buying one of another; helping each other in business; and so much the more, because the world will love its own, and them only:
— By all possible diligence and frugality, that the gospel be not blamed:
— By running with patience the race that is set before them, “denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily;” submitting to bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and off-scouring of the world; and looking that men should “say all manner of evil of them falsely for the Lord’s sake.”
It is expected of all who desire to continue in these societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
THIRDLY, BY ATTENDING UPON ALL THE ORDINANCES OF GOD.
Such are,
— the public worship of God;
— the ministry of the word, either read or expounded;
— the supper of the Lord;
— family and private prayer;
— searching the Scriptures;
— and fasting, or abstinence.
These are the GENERAL RULES of our societies; all which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written word, the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these, we know, his Spirit writes on every truly awakened heart. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be made known unto them who watch over that soul as they that must give an account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways; we will bear with him for a season: But then if he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls.
— JOHN WESLEY, CHARLES WESLEY.
May 1, 1743.
Filed by wes on December 15th, 2009 under History, John & Charles Wesley | Comment now »
Ancient Baptisty
Baptistry at Sardis (below). Reused marble slabs with crosses superimposed over pagan inscriptions.
Baptistry, Basilica of St. John, Ephesus, Turkey (below).
Baptistry at Philippi (below).
5th Century Baptistry at Emmaus (below).
Baptistry at Ephesus (below).
Filed by wes on November 28th, 2009 under Church, History | Comment now »
Count Your Blessings
Count your blessings, not your crosses;
Count your gains, not your losses.
Count your joys, not your woes;
Count your friends, not your foes.
Count your smiles, not your tears;
Count your courage, not your fears.
Count your full years, not your lean;
Count your kind deeds, not your mean.
Count your health, not your wealth;
Count on God, not on yourself.
– Adapted — Author Unknown.
Filed by wes on November 26th, 2009 under Holidays, Hymns, Poems | Comment now »
Veteran’s Day Tribute
My grandfather:
Claude J. McCallum, 1890 – 1948.
Served in France during World War I, U. S. Army.
Filed by wes on November 5th, 2009 under Genealogy | Comment now »
Father’s Day 2009
I am a man created in God’s image,
Of Adam’s race, now marred by pride and sin.
But thru’ God’s Son, Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior,
I am a man who’s now restored to Him.
The Mighty God who made me has redeemed me,
Now I’m His man, for Jesus reigns within.
I am a man reborn to serve my Father.
“Your will be done in me,” my spirit cries.
My life has found its dignity and purpose,
I’m not a creature of brute chance or lies.
To Christ my King I yield my whole existence,
Now as His man, I’m destined for the skies.
I am a man appointed by my Savior
To show His love in all I do and say.
His Holy Spirit is my source of power
To live in light and point to Christ the Way.
Lord fill me now and help me seize the moment,
That as Your man, I’ll serve Your cause today.
I’ll be a man who walks with God in worship;
I’ll be a man who walks with men as friend.
I’ll be a man who loves and serves his family;
I’ll be a man on whom God can depend.
Lord Jesus Christ, my King and Commander,
I’ll be Your man, until my life shall end.
– Jack W. Hayford, ©1994, Annamarie Music, Tune: Finlandia.
Filed by wes on June 20th, 2009 under Holidays, Hymns, Poems | Comment now »
Quiz: What is the Kingdom of God?
This quiz relates to my recent sermon on this topic. Take this online quiz that measures THE KINGDOM OF GOD according to 8 values. My quiz results are as follows:
You Scored as THE KINGDOM AS A CHRISTIANIZED SOCIETY.
Christians shouldn’t withdraw from the world, but by being present in it they can transform it. The kingdom is not only spiritual, but social, political, and cultural.
| THE KINGDOM AS A CHRISTIANIZED SOCIETY |
|
83% |
| The Kingdom as a counter-system |
|
75% |
| The Kingdom is mystical communion |
|
67% |
| Inner spiritual experience |
|
58% |
| The Kingdom as Earthly Utopia |
|
50% |
| The Kingdom is a Future Hope |
|
42% |
| The Kingdom as a political state |
|
42% |
| The Kingdom as Institutional Church |
|
8% |
The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever. – Revelation 11:15b
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness… - Matthew 6:33a
Filed by wes on February 15th, 2009 under Personal, Theology | Comment now »
How Deep the Father’s Love for us
Filed by wes on February 7th, 2009 under Video Clips | Comment now »
Alas! and Did my Savior Bleed
Hymn written by Isaac Watts, 1707. Sung by the Sharon Singers.
Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?
Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—
And bathed in its own blood—
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His Soul in anguish stood.
Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature’s sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can not repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
’Tis all that I can do.
Filed by wes on February 6th, 2009 under Hymns, Poems, Video Clips | Comment now »
The Lord’s Prayer
I CANNOT SAY…
I cannot say “Our”,
if my religion has no room for others and their needs.
I cannot say “Father”,
if I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily living.
I cannot say “Who art in heaven”,
if all my interests and pursuits are on earthly things.
I cannot say “Hallowed be thy name”,
if I, who is called by His name, am not holy.
I cannot say “Thy kingdom come”,
if I am unwilling to give up my own sovereignty and accept the righteous reign of God.
I cannot say “Thy will be done”,
if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.
I cannot say “On earth as it is in heaven”
unless I am truly ready to give myself to His service here and now.
I cannot say “Give us this day our daily bread”
without expending honest effort for it or by ignoring the genuine needs of my fellowmen.
I cannot say “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”,
if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.
I cannot say “Lead us not into temptation”,
if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
I cannot say “Deliver us from evil”,
if I am not prepared to fight in the spiritual realm with the weapon of prayer.
I cannot say “Thine is the kingdom”,
if I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.
I cannot say “Thine is the power”,
if I fear what my neighbors and friends may say or do.
I cannot say “Thine is the glory”,
if I am seeking my own glory first.
I cannot say “Forever”,
if I am too anxious about each day’s affairs.
I cannot say “AMEN”
unless I honestly say,
“Cost what it may, this is my prayer.”
– Author Unknown, The Evangel, 3/27/85.
OUR FATHER,
who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
– Matthew 6:9-13
– Book of Common Prayer, 1928.
Filed by wes on February 5th, 2009 under Readings, Prayers, Video Clips | Comment now »
Our Father video
OUR FATHER by Don Moen
DISCLAIMER :
You must agree to the following statement or leave this website. All Don Moen – Our Father lyrics, artist names and images are copyrighted to their respective owners. All Don Moen – Our Father song lyrics are restricted for educational and personal use only.
Filed by wes on February 4th, 2009 under Video Clips | Comments Off
Principles of Spiritual Restoration
This outline is from my recent teaching series on the Principles of Spiritual Restoration. A believer who sins often needs help to be restored to the family or church. Adapt these principles according to the circumstances and the severity of the situation.
KEY SCRIPTURES
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. –1 John 2:1
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. — 1 John 1:7-9
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. — Galatians 6:1-3.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. — James 5:16
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. — 2 Corinthians 7:10
RESPONDING TO GOD
- Avoid justifying or rationalizing your actions.
- Make an honest confession and repentance of sin.
- Forgive yourself, accept Christ’s cleansing.
- Forgive others who may have harmed you.
- Ask the pastor(s) to receive Holy Communion.
- Consecrate yourself afresh to God and His will.
- Ask God to sanctify your attitudes, thoughts, and motives.
- Pursue holy living and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
- Develop spiritual disciplines of worship, prayer, fasting, scriptures, etc.
- Safeguard yourself against repeating the same sin.
- Never think that you are above sin or temptation, even Jesus was tempted.
CONFESSION
- Confess public sins publicly, and private sins privately.
- Keep your confession brief (use carefully selected words).
- Express genuine repentance and remorse for sin.
- Focus only on your own sin (not the sin of others).
- Confess to specific sins (not generalized mistakes or errors).
- Guard against details that may hurt the reputation of others.
- Apologize directly to those that you may have harmed.
- Express your desire to make restitution and reconciliation.
- Request forgiveness and prayer support.
- Exalt Christ (avoid a self-centered confession).
RESPONDING TO OTHERS
- Make restitution with those who you have wronged.
- Respond with humility and limit strong emotions.
- Limit your conversation to only those directly involved.
- Discontinue discussing resolved matters.
- Avoid the appearance of evil (to restore your character).
- Preserve the witness of your church or family.
- Submit to those in spiritual leadership over you.
- Be accountable to a respected partner.
- Accept that fact that some people may never forgive you and move on.
- Ask God for grace to deal with difficult people.
CONSEQUENCES
- Some people may be hurt, disillusioned, or angry.
- Some people may avoid you, your family, or church.
- Some people may spread rumor and gossip.
- Your witness may be compromised.
- Your character may be questioned.
- Some people will doubt the sincerity of your repentance.
- Some consequences may never be reversed.
PRACTICAL TIPS
- It takes time to heal emotions and restore confidence.
- It takes time to rebuild trust, respect, and leadership.
- Very little sin is private; most issues have an impact upon others.
- Un-confessed sin will keep you and others in spiritual bondage.
OTHER SCRIPTURES
1 John 1
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Matthew 3
5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by (John) in the Jordan River.
Luke19
8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
Ephesians 4
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Luke 14:11
11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
James 4
6But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Romans 12
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Matthew 18
15“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18“I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” 21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
1 Thessalonians 5
12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.
Filed by wes on February 4th, 2009 under Spiritual Discipline | Comment now »
A Hymn for Mother’s Day
Lord of life and King of glory,
Who didst deign a child to be,
Cradled on a mother’s bosom,
Throned upon a mother’s knee:
For the children Thou hast given
We must answer unto Thee!
Since the day the blessed mother
Thee, the world’s Redeemer, bore,
Thou hast crowned us with an honor
Women never knew before;
And that we may bear it meetly
We must seek Thine aid the more.
Grant us, then, pure hearts and patient,
That in all we do or say
Little souls our deeds may copy,
And be never led astray;
Little feet our steps may follow
In a safe and narrow way.
When our growing sons and daughters
Look on life with eager eyes,
Grant us then a deeper insight
And new powers of sacrifice:
Hope to trust them, faith to guide them,
Love that nothing good denies.
May we keep our holy calling
Stainless in its fair renown,
That when all the work is over
And we lay the burdens down,
Then the children Thou hast given
Still may be our joy and crown.
– Christian Burke, 1903.
London, England
http://www.nethymnal.com/htm/l/l/llkglory.htm
