Is the Lord among us?

March 27, 2011 Sermon in brief from Psalm 95 & Exodus 17:1-7

Psalm 95
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
as you did that day at Massah in the desert...

If you hear the Lord’s voice—when the Lord gives you a nudge toward good—do not harden your heart. As you worship with songs of joy and praise—let your heart be soft and pliable in the Lord’s hands, full of gratitude and thanksgiving. As you ponder the works of our Creator and bow in reverence and obedience to the great King above all gods—let your heart be like clay in the potter’s hand—soft, easy to mold. Then, as those who receive our daily bread from the Lord and are led to green pastures, beside still waters... Listen!

Listen carefully and if you hear God’s voice—when the Lord speaks to you—do not harden your hearts. That is the warning God’s people of all ages receives from this scripture.

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…

The heart in Scripture is a figurative expression meaning the very core of our being—the seat of affection, intellect, and will, our inner character. And the psalmist indicates that the core of our being can be hardened, that the strength of our character can become callous and cynical. And the psalmist pleads with God’s people not to let that happen.

Hold your place in Psalm 95 and flip to Ex 17:1. Speaking of the Israelites, it says:

They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So they quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water to drink.”

Moses tries to help the people recently led out of Egyptian slavery to better understand what they are doing. Moses replied, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?"

Moses knew it was the Lord who had led them out of Egypt
Moses knew it was the Lord who had opened the Red Sea
Moses knew it was the Lord who had defeated the Egyptian army that was chasing them. Moses knew it was the Lord who provided water and manna and quail.
So Moses said, ‘Don’t quarrel with me. But rather realize you are quarreling with the Lord.’ That’s a lesson we all need to learn.

Now, back to Psalm 95:7
After reminding the congregation of who God is the psalmist simply says: O that today you would listen to his voice! And now the psalmist begins to preach--and the Lord begins to speak directly to the worshippers.

…do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the desert, where your fathers tested and tried me, though they had seen what I did.

They had experienced God’s deliverance and provision and yet they doubted. Moses named this place to reflect the heart of God's people at this place. Even though the Lord provided water for them this became known as the place of quarreling and testing because the people quarreled and tested the Lord. Meribah means quarreling and Massah mean testing.

And even while worshippers are remembering all of God’s goodness the psalmist also wants us to remember what makes God angry! What made God angry there in the desert?

"They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways."

What makes God angry?
God’s people who forget God’s goodness and start to grumble,
God’s people whose hearts wander and do not regard God’s ways!
That is what stirs up God’s anger. That is when our hearts begin to harden and we begin to ask, like the Israelites: Is the Lord among us? Can we trust God?
Is God faithful? Is the Lord among us?

Sometimes I ask a similar question. When I look around me and see attitudes of bitterness and revenge and a lack of forgiveness in a Christian community I ask myself: Has the gospel lost its power?

Of course this is a rhetorical question because the answer is NO!
No, the gospel has not lost its power because God is still at work in this world. I believe that with all my heart. I see God’s work with my own eyes—in this congregation and in our town. I have seen the power of the gospel at work.
But I also have seen and continue to see hearts hardened—people refusing the good news of resurrection and forgiveness-people refusing to receive God's grace-people refusing to be instruments of God’s grace.

I’ve seen hearts refuse reconciliation.
I’ve seen bitterness take root and grow so that it matures and causes trouble and defiles many [as the scriptures say it will].

The Lord assumes that people who have tasted the goodness of God will respond from the core of their being with joy and thanksgiving—with a life that reflects the favor God has poured upon them. But, that was not the case in the desert at Meribah and Massah—and the same danger exists in the church, the ‘called out’ community of faith, because the author of Hebrews 12:15 writes:

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

If that bitterness was a danger in the first century it is also a danger in the church today. When our heart is hardened toward a brother or sister in Christ that means our heart is hardened toward the Lord—and that is where the bitter root can flourish and cause a lot of trouble.

Today, if you hear the Lord’s voice, do not harden your hearts…

Is the Lord among us? Of course! Has this congregation visited Massah, the place of testing, and Meribah, the place of quarreling, in times past? Yes, too many times!

Have we quarreled? Yes.
Have we tested the Lord? Of course we have.
Every congregation of God’s people throughout the ages has quarreled and tested the Lord’s patience. But the Lord has always held out a forgiving hand when hearts soften. We don’t want to pitch our tents at the desolation of Quarreling & Testing. There is a better way.

The opposite of quarreling is reconciliation.
The opposite of testing the Lord is obedience and reverence toward the Lord.

This is the point the psalmist is making. Our worship must become a purifying process so that our hearts are open to what the Lord is doing so that we are a reconciled congregation of God’s people, instruments of God’s mercy and grace.
Nothing good comes out of quarreling and we gain nothing by testing the Lord.

When we linger at the place of Quarreling and Testing we forget all that the Lord has done and we fail to see what the Lord is doing. That’s when we begin to wonder if the Lord is among us. That’s when our hearts begin to harden.

We have a new beginning before us. With my resignation this congregation has turned a page. Let each one of us commit to the Lord that we will NOT return to Massah & Meribah. We will NOT pitch our tents at Quarreling & Testing—but instead we will dedicate ourselves to hear the words of the Lord and put them into practice. We will pursue reconciliation. We will find ways to better understand one another. We will cooperate with one another and give each other the benefit of the doubt.

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…
The challenge before us as a congregation is NOT to take the good news to the ends of the earth. The challenge before us is to let the message change our hearts so we live at peace with one another here at 300 South Main Street in El Dorado Springs.

Let the good news of resurrection empower us to have a spirit of cooperation and good-will—so that the words of our mouth under gird our spiritual leaders—under gird and not undermine. Let us as a congregation establish a new way of being the body of Christ. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…

The cloud has lifted...

When the Lord rescued the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery Scripture says they were guided in their wanderings.

By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out--until the day it lifted. Exodus 13:21; 40:36-37.

For years Thomas and I have used this metaphor to describe our decision to move from one ministry to another—and it seems appropriate imagery for us yet again. The cloud has lifted, so it is time for us to break camp and prepare to move.

After much prayer and consideration for the well-being of our congregation, both the church's spiritual health and financial needs, I will resign my pastoral responsibilities with the church on the last day of August, 2011. After lengthy conversations with Kyle and Forrest this seems a fair resolution and will benefit all of us.

Scheduling an August departure will give us time to put our house on the market and will give time for our Search and Call process to unfold with the Disciples. Also, the extended departure will give the church a smoother transition—giving us time to grieve together the loss of our shared future. It will also give us opportunity as a congregation to continue to learn what it means to be a functioning body of Christ—how to be church together with the resources at hand--the people, the property, and the programs.

As a congregation we resist being good stewards of what is—and we continue to long for what was and what will never be again. To move forward as an expression of the body of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we must embrace everyone who comes through our doors to seek their spiritual home with us. Then together we must seek to be good stewards of what is—and stop longing for what we used to be.

In that process we must learn to use our resources wisely. I think of the widow who shared her oil and flour with Elijah. She was preparing a final meal for her and her son when Elijah asked her to give him a piece of bread.

She replied, "I don't have any bread--only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it--and die." 1 Kings 17:12

But when she had the faith to share from her poverty, her supply did not run out. There is a lesson for us as a congregation in this story.

I am in conversation with the United Church of Christ to see if there is a rural congregation in this immediate area for me so that Thomas can continue his ministry in Nevada but realistically speaking, this is not likely. Also, Thomas and I are preparing our papers for circulation in the Disciples’ system of Search and Call. If we receive a call through the Disciples process we will have to move outside the Ozark Lakes Area because at the moment there are no pulpits open. In that case we would hope to move east, seeking location nearer our offspring and their children.

Please hold this transition for the church and for us in your prayers as the Lord brings it to mind.

Pastor's Notes for October 24, 2010

CELEBRATION OF MINISTRY! October is the time to express appreciation for ministry in the 'called out' community of faith. We recognize that the variety of abilities, talents, services and works in the church are generated and inspired by the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5

SPIRITUAL GIFTS, abilities given by the Holy Spirit, are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Peter 4:7-11, and Romans 12:4-8. Some spiritual gifts are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, faith, prayer of healing, miracles, preaching, discernment of spirits, tongues (languages & interpretations), mission work, speaking truth to power, evangelism, pastor-teacher (pastoral care), hospitality, administration, encouragement, helping others, generosity, leadership, acts of mercy...

What is your spiritual gift? How has the Holy Spirit empowered you for ministry? The church exists when the Holy Spirit is active in a congregation, where both the fruit of the Spirit controls our attitudes and the gifts of the Spirit empower our work. Your contribution to our spiritual life in the church is appreciated. Thank you for being you.

Reflecting on the Scriptures
On the Edge of Death: longing for the Lord

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18. The author of these words sits alone, abandoned, imprisoned, facing imminent death, but speaks with confidence of what awaits him. He assues his reader that the reward is not for him alone but for all who long for the Lord's appearing.

Joel 2:23-32. Joy, abundance, promises of restoration from the Lord lead to exuberant praise and worship. Then, more promises are made to God's people! "...I will pour out my spirit on all flesh..." and those longing for the Lord will call on God's name. Those who fall through the cracks--God calls!

Psalm 65. Praise God for forgiveness! Blessed are those who draw near to God, who long for the Lord. God's response--deliverance! With longing, acknowledge the creative power of God and be awed by God's bounty!

Luke 18:9-14. The opposite of 'longing for the Lord' would be those who trust in themselves, think themselves righteous an look down on others with contempt! If you are in that group, this parable is told especially for you!

Longing for the Lord

Reflections on Psalm 42

There are times in our lives when we long for the Lord—like a thirsty deer longs for water. Often during those times tears flow; our heart aches. We recall happier times; we wish for them. We miss friends and family that are far away from us—we know it is impossible to bring back times past, so we long for the Lord. We yearn for that which is permanent. We think of our loved ones who have died—and we long for that which is eternal. We long for the Lord.

We’re coming up on that time of year when we are most vulnerable to these longings. The holidays bring out those memories of Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmases past. We tap into these feelings of grief and sometimes we even spiral down into depression; and for some reason, depression often leads to guilt. I am amazed that in the last two weeks just how many of my facebook friends post that they are ‘weepy’ or ‘down.’ One mentioned the radical treatment she is undergoing for her most recent bout of severe chronic depression. One of our friends in TN calls his on-going depression the Black Dog. He has been very open about his depression through the years. So his fb entry is a request for prayers because the Black Dog is back.

In the middle-ages some Christian mystics called this phase of life the ‘dark night of the soul.’ Longing for the Lord doesn’t necessarily mean depression, but longing for the Lord is an element in our spiritual make up that we often don’t understand. Too many times our legitimate spiritual longing morphs into grief and grief slides into depression and depression catapults us into guilt—unfounded guilt, but feelings of guilt, none-the-less. I sincerely believe that Psalm 42 and 43 were written when the psalmist was depressed! Because the psalmist speaks of these spiritual longings—doubts—he takes inventory of his life. This happens when we find our self in a hopeless situation. That would describe the psalmist’s situation—and it could easily describe the situation that many find themselves in today.

In our feelings of hopelessness we reflect on the years past (like the psalmist did)and try to find meaning in all that has happened. In this process of remembering the psalmist stops and asks himself:

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Ps 42:5-6

You see the determination of the author of these words. The psalmist exercises what the 21st century psychologist calls self-talk—speaking truth to himself regardless of his feelings! That’s not denying the feelings—but this self-talk goes beyond the feelings and the emotions. It speaks truth to the depths of our being, to our core. And speaking truth to our self doesn’t make depression magically go away because today we know that depression can be the result of an imbalance of chemicals in the brain [It is a physical problem!] so proper medication is very important.

Depression becomes a physical problem to be addressed and our yearning that this broken world and our broken body be restored is a legitimate spiritual longing then any feeling of guilt related to our depression is unfounded guilt. Self-talk is important to our spiritual well-being. So what message are you telling yourself?

Borrow the words of the psalmist. Why are you downcast, O my soul?
First century Christians seemed to know that worship also encourages us, worshipping with the rest of the church encourages us, lifts our spirits, and strengthens our faith. Scripture says,

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph 5:19-20

Pastor's Notes for October 17, 2010

YOUTH SUNDAY, October 31, falls on Halloween this year! We invite you to come to worship on that day dressed like one of your favorite Bible persons. Or you may come as an object, like a burning bush; or as an animal, like Balaam’s donkey! Just let me know so we can work it into our sermon/service.

IF WE WERE ALL HERE for worship on the first Sunday of each month, can you imagine how encouraging that would be! I am convinced from analysis of our role that we would be at least 75 instead of 55 to 60 worshippers.

On First Sunday we could get our new newsletter, bring our tithes, and receive communion. Worship restores our spirit and strengthens our faith. We all need the encouragement. Before the first Sunday of November, please don't forget we will have Fourth Sunday on the 24th and Fifth Sunday on the 31st.

And, as is tradition, Fifth Sunday = Youth Sunday. That will be a very special service. Plan now to be there.

Reflecting on the Scriptures
In the Face of Injustice: God persists!
Jeremiah 31:27-34. In spite of the circumstances, trust that God is a God of justice—one who holds us accountable, but also one who renews and restores, empowers and inspires, forgives and forgets!

Psalm119:97-104. Meditate on what God desires of us—wisdom, knowledge, understanding, our avoidance of evil… May we come to savor and enjoy God’s words that teach us and lead us in paths of righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:14—4:5. God’s self-revelation comes to us in the “sacred writings,” scripture inspired by God, useful for teaching and correction, training us in righteousness, equipping us for every good work! Timothy knew these words meant the Hebrew texts that we now call the Old Testament. Christian writings had not yet been put together.


Luke 18:1-8. God’s self-revelation in biblical history calls for justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Can we, in spite of the circumstances, trust that God is a God of justice? Can we see God in the cries of those seeking justice? Or are we like the unjust judge who ignores those cries? People of faith will hear the cries that break God’s heart and persist in their efforts for justice. Will Jesus find faith when he returns?

Pastor's Notes for 10/10/10

Thomas and I spent the weekend in Jefferson City attending the 158th Regional Assembly of the Mid-America Region. We saw Jacob Walsh who had come down from Missouri University to work with the youth program at Rickman Center which ran parallel with the Assembly.

The following Pastor's Notes were written for today's bulletin insert before I left.


HAVE YOU SEEN our new sign out front? Our thanks to MaryAnn Davis for creating it. She and her daughter, Haley, have become regular attenders and we welcome them whole-heartedly. If you’ve not met them yet
go by and introduce yourself. They usually sit on the south side about 4 or 5 rows from the back. We will make a formal introduction next week when I am back.

REV. TOM PICKARD filled the pulpit today while Thomas and I attend the Disciples Mid-America Regional Assembly in Jefferson City. He is no stranger to us since he preached in August when Thomas and I were in Arizona for part of my vacation.

STILL NEEDING SOMEONE
1) to give a Children’s Moment in November [sign up in rear of sanctuary]
2) to write a weekly FCC newspaper article; begin in mid-November [see Kathy Dains]

3) to volunteer one Sunday a month for the nursery [see Connie Leonard]

PASTORAL RELATIONS met last Sunday. After praying together we rejoiced for the positive mood in the church.

A PRAYER shared by Forrest Troyer at the Fish Fry:
Almighty and all-loving Father, we fishermen thank Thee for blessings of Thy great outdoors, especially the privilege to pursue our sport as free men and women in a free nation.

And we especially thank Thee, for Thy son Christ, who so loved fishermen He chose four or more among his twelve apostles.

And in years to come, dear Lord, as each fisherman comes to Thee, please remember these are a special breed. Their spirits would not be content to walk alabaster streets.

Grant them instead…clean waters with a quiet chop…with enough honey holes to last an eternity…and a fishing buddy to share it with.

In Christ’s name, Amen.
Quoted from Uncle Homer in “Scott on the Line” article
by Ray Scott, President of Bass Anglers Sportman Society.

Pastor's Notes fo October 3, 2010

I RECENTLY READ an article where a minister described the congregation where he served as a “part-time” church. I knew he served full-time so I was a little puzzled. He went on to clarify that a “part” of his church attended “part” of the time! Never all at the same time! I smiled, but with a tinge of pain, because I knew that also described us.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN if we all made the first Sunday of each month priority? We could be encouraged by the worship, pick up our newsletter (that we don't mail out any more), and bring our tithes and offerings. If we could all worship together at least once a month we might surprise ourselves.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE everywhere! 1) Children’s Moment in November--sign up at the rear of the sanctuary; 2) writing the newspaper article for FCC, beginning in mid-November--speak directly to Kathy Dains; 3) a volunteer for the nursery, available in case of need--speak directly to Connie Leonard; 4) someone who will change the sign out front from time to time, create a message in limited space. (I'm happy to report that this fourth task has been claimed!)

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY is celebrated around the world, across denominational lines the first Sunday in October. Today we joined that celebration to recognize our brothers and sisters within the body of Christ in our community and in the nations around the world.


Reflecting on the Scriptures
At the World’s Longest Table: rekindle the fire

Lamentations 1:1-6. The time is 586 B.C. Jerusalem lies in ruin and God’s people are taken into Babylonian captivity. A survivor overlooks the rubble and pins these words of grief.

Lamentations 3:19-26. The lament continued until the survivor remembered! “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases…” Hope is rekindled!

Luke 17:5-10. “Increase our faith!” Who hasn’t made this request to the Lord? And his simple response: Faithful service rekindles our faith.

2 Timothy 1:1-14. Celebrate the generations of faith you inherit. Rekindle the gift that God has given you—a spirit of power, love, and self-control. You are called for a purpose.