The Heart of a Pastor

Monday morning check in - 04/21/08

Wow...what a novel concept...me actually posting a "Monday morning check in" on Monday :)

Anywho...

It's official reprise:
I feel a little different today; after having had a couple days to let this whole marathon thing sink in.  I registered for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on Friday and then ran six miles on Saturday.  That ties my longest run since high school and you know something...I felt great.  The first couple miles were tough as my body loosened up, but after that I felt myself getting strong and stronger.  I don't know how long that feeling will last for I have no idea where my "runners wall" is (The runners wall is the point where your body runs out of energy reserves; usually around the 18 -21 mile mark.  A marathon is 26.2 miles).  I am going to be running a 18.6 mile race this summer so we'll see if I hit my wall then.  In any case, so far I am having a great time and getting more and more excited about the marathon.  My sister and mom left a comment for me at my last couple posts about running and they said they would be at the marathon cheering me on.  That meant the world to me.  Now I pray that God keeps me healthy enough to run this monster race.

WHOO HOO!!!
Our church secretary, Vicki, is back in the office.  She's not going to be here all morning, but is back getting some stuff done.  Vicki still has some more healing to do and strength to build back up again, but it is great to have her back...even if its only for a short time today.  My life feels somewhat "normal" again.  Praise God!!!

Scripture
This verse from the first lesson text for this Sunday (Easter 6) has captured my attention today:  "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously again your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." (1 Peter 3:15-16) 
Questions to consider:
(1) Is Christ set apart, in your heart, as Lord or is their another lord in your heart (i.e. success, money, athletics, etc)?
(2) Are you prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have?  Are you able to verbalize or live out this hope?
(3) Are you gentle and respectful when it comes to sharing the hope that you have?  Are you patient with others?

I believe these three questions are ones many Christians struggle with.  What do you think?

-edh-

Psalm "3"

This is a psalm I wrote yesterday afternoon.  I am teaching a Psalms class and trying to encourage my students to write their own psalm.  It's due on May 30 so we'll see if they actually do it.  This psalm is the third one I have written.  The first one was in seminary for a Psalms class I took - that was a lament psalm.  My second one was a praise psalm written a couple weeks ago.  This psalm was written as a reflection of my alone time outside at 6am yesterday morning (actually I was fertilizing my lawn - it's amazing when, where and how inspiration can come).  So here you go...I hope you enjoy this.

Psalm "3"
God, you are an awesome God.
     Your wonders never cease.

You give life to the lifeless,
     you bring color to that which was once brown.
I lay down at night unexpecting,
     but wake up in the morning surprised.
You sprinkle creation with nourishment,
     nourishment that seems to come from no where.
Creation drinks in your wonderful gift,
     it cannot get enough.

Hours pass by and your mercies never cease.
     Signs of your faithfulness still surround me.
I gaze upon your creation and I am overwhelmed.
     I can hardly take in the love that I see.
The grass is as alive as a young child,
     a child in a candy store.
The trees reach for you as an infant,
     an infant reaching for her mother's touch.

O God, your morning gift has been well received,
     and I thank you, but even my thanks seems so small.

O God, you are an awesome God.
     Your mercies never cease.

I realize that the Psalms are songs that were sung first and then written down, so I am doing things a little backwards.  But they did come from the life experiences of the people.  I am not sure what got into me because I don't normally write things like this, but it was kind of fun.  And I may do it again sometime.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.  His love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1)

-edh-