Of all the Ten Commandments, God committed the most words to the 5th. In the KJV, it reads like this: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.”
Imagine chiseling all of that into a stone tablet. He could’ve just said “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” and left it at that. He did so few words for some of the other commandments…. Did He think there might be some confusion as to how “keeping the Sabbath holy” should be interpreted?
Well, He was right, of course. There seems to be a lot of confusion as to how it should be interpreted, especially in our US culture today; or, should I say, it is a commandment that is regularly not remembered nor honored by choice. It’s a choice for parents to allow their children to take to the soccer field at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, who do their “WalMart-ing” and grocery shopping every Sunday, who seem to think that Sunday is the day to catch up on paperwork. And, to the chagrin of all those craft-oriented people in the world, Hobby Lobby is closed on Sunday. The nerve!
God includes in His commandment the fact that He followed it too, when creating the world. If God can rest one day of the week, and actually needs it, then don’t we?
Pastors may have to make their Sabbath, or day of rest, a different day than Sunday. Nurses and doctors may have to work on Sunday, but each has to choose another day of that week to rest: rest their body, and their soul. “Thou shalt not do any work.” In years past, this would even include not saddling up the horse, or not cooking (I’m fine with the latter ;) It might include not mowing the grass on Sunday, (or one’s chosen Sabbath, if necessary). But, instead of focusing on what we shouldn’t do on this day of rest; let’s focus on what we should and can do.
Rest. Worship. Pray. Plan a picnic of food prepared on Saturday and enjoy nature with the family; nature that God created. When do any of us just take time to listen to the birds sing, the frogs croak, feast our eyes on the colors of the sky and field? God created our bodies and our souls to need rest, worship, prayer, and all the benefits of the natural world He created, yet we ignore it regularly and we wonder why we feel so stressed all the time? Or, some of us have felt so stressed for so long that we don’t even realize we feel stressed and consider it normal to feel tense, to not sleep well, and be exhausted by Friday evening and stare at the television until we fall asleep to it.
“But the kids will feel left out. I don’t have time on the other days. My boss expects me to get these done and doesn’t care when it happens. I’ll lose this event and won’t get that gold medal.”
Yes, I’m talking about Olympian Eric Liddel. His best Olympic event was run on a Sunday, so he chose to train for the 400 m instead, an event that was definitely not his best. An American masseur slipped a piece of paper into Liddell's hand as he ran the 400m with a quotation from 1 Samuel 2:30, "Those who honor me I will honor." And he set a record. Does anyone remember the name of the winner in the 100 m, his best event, the one he chose not to run? Does anyone remember the names of the other runners of the 400 m?
God did honor him. And He will honor each of us if we choose to make it a priority to treat the Sabbath as holy, a gift from God, to be used for rest, not to catch up on work, not to shout from the sidelines of a playing field. Try it and see.
Blessings to all,
Brenda Schultz (wife of Patrick)
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Body Of Christ - A New Sermon Series
The contemporary music group, Casting Crowns, wrote a hit song a number of years ago that asks some powerful, poignant questions. If We Are The Body contains such questions as: “… if we are the body, why aren’t his arms reaching? Why aren’t his hands healing? Why aren’t his words teaching? And if we are the body, why aren’t his feet going? Why is his love not showing them there is a way?”
The song assumes we understand what it means to be the Body of Christ. Beginning May 23rd we will launch a new five-week sermon series entitled The Body of Christ. During this time we will explore what it means to be the Body of Christ; how we are reaching out and sharing the Jesus’ message; how we understand what that message is; and even where we are falling short.
The Milton Methodist Church invites you to join us for this series!
May 23rd The Mind of Christ – So heavenly bound that we are no earthly good!
May 30th The Eyes of Christ – How we see the people around us.
June 6th The Heart of Christ – How we love the people around us.
June 13th The Hands of Christ – How we serve the people around us.
June 20th The Feet of Christ – How we go to the people around us.
Please, come and join us for this sermon series. Our church is located at 241 Northside Drive, Milton WI. Our website address is: www.MiltonUMC.org. Our website lists directions and service times. If you are unable to stop by, please visit us at our website where you can also listen to our sermon messages on-line.
Blessings to you!
Pastor Patrick
The song assumes we understand what it means to be the Body of Christ. Beginning May 23rd we will launch a new five-week sermon series entitled The Body of Christ. During this time we will explore what it means to be the Body of Christ; how we are reaching out and sharing the Jesus’ message; how we understand what that message is; and even where we are falling short.
The Milton Methodist Church invites you to join us for this series!
May 23rd The Mind of Christ – So heavenly bound that we are no earthly good!
May 30th The Eyes of Christ – How we see the people around us.
June 6th The Heart of Christ – How we love the people around us.
June 13th The Hands of Christ – How we serve the people around us.
June 20th The Feet of Christ – How we go to the people around us.
Please, come and join us for this sermon series. Our church is located at 241 Northside Drive, Milton WI. Our website address is: www.MiltonUMC.org. Our website lists directions and service times. If you are unable to stop by, please visit us at our website where you can also listen to our sermon messages on-line.
Blessings to you!
Pastor Patrick
Friday, May 7, 2010
Giving Around The World
Today I wanted to share one of the ways Brenda and I give outside our local community. I felt prompted to do so when I was standing at the refrigerator the other morning, looking at the many faces children gazing back at me. When you look at our refrigerator you will see faces of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends (mostly young and some older). There is no real order to the pictures – they are a wild, fun, hodge-podge – some hanging straight by magnets, some crooked, and some barely hanging on at all!
There is one picture of a young girl who bears no resemblance to anyone in our family. She is six years old and her name is Cheyla Andrea. We have never formerly met Cheyla, although we have written back and forth. We know her favorite food is French fries (they are up there on my list of favs too!); her favorite color is purple and pink; and she loves to play with her dolls. She lives in the coastal region of Columbia in a small town of 6,000 called Nueva Colonia (New Colony).
We know her through Compassion International. Compassion International is a Christian organization that exists as an advocacy ministry for spiritually and physically poverty stricken children. CI was founded by Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952. It began by providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care as well as Christian training. Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 25 countries.
One of the things that drew us to Compassion International was their Christian foundation. Compassion’s mission statement reads:
In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.
The people of Nueva Colonia experience tremendous hardships and poverty. Most adults work on plantations and earn an average of $125 per month. And the community as a whole is in need of more schools, teachers, doctors, employment opportunities…
Our support for Cheyla costs us $38.00 per month. This monthly amount is part of our tithe and is one small way we can make an impact on child outside our community. Our meager amount provides Cheyla with medical checkups, health education, Bible teachings, vocational programs and tutoring. It is amazing to think how much good a few of our dollars do in another country. Brenda and I have gone out to a dinner and a movie for more than $38.00 numerous times. Yet, this small amount will provide Cheyla with much of the support she needs to live and grow healthy.
One of the other reasons I like Compassion International is their focus on developing and transforming the lives of children through collaborative effort with the local church. The children are helped to discover their own worth to God and they are disciple in the Word through the local church. This is not an advertisement for Compassion (although it may sound like it ) It is however, a recognition of the work they are doing in Christ’s name.
In addition to the dollars and letters, we support Cheyla through our prayers. Each night Gracie and I say our bed time prayers and we include Cheyla. Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can support her. And by praying over her with Gracie, Gracie learns the value of keeping others in her prayer life.
Perhaps you are already supporting someone through a foundation similar to this. Perhaps you have someone else in your life that you support in some way. If you do not, I would ask you to give prayerful consideration to checking out Compassion International. Your decision to do so, and your few dollars every month, may very well change the life of some young child half way around the world! Wouldn’t that be a wonderful way to live out the Great Commission?
Blessings to you,
Patrick
There is one picture of a young girl who bears no resemblance to anyone in our family. She is six years old and her name is Cheyla Andrea. We have never formerly met Cheyla, although we have written back and forth. We know her favorite food is French fries (they are up there on my list of favs too!); her favorite color is purple and pink; and she loves to play with her dolls. She lives in the coastal region of Columbia in a small town of 6,000 called Nueva Colonia (New Colony).
We know her through Compassion International. Compassion International is a Christian organization that exists as an advocacy ministry for spiritually and physically poverty stricken children. CI was founded by Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952. It began by providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care as well as Christian training. Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 25 countries.
One of the things that drew us to Compassion International was their Christian foundation. Compassion’s mission statement reads:
In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.
The people of Nueva Colonia experience tremendous hardships and poverty. Most adults work on plantations and earn an average of $125 per month. And the community as a whole is in need of more schools, teachers, doctors, employment opportunities…
Our support for Cheyla costs us $38.00 per month. This monthly amount is part of our tithe and is one small way we can make an impact on child outside our community. Our meager amount provides Cheyla with medical checkups, health education, Bible teachings, vocational programs and tutoring. It is amazing to think how much good a few of our dollars do in another country. Brenda and I have gone out to a dinner and a movie for more than $38.00 numerous times. Yet, this small amount will provide Cheyla with much of the support she needs to live and grow healthy.
One of the other reasons I like Compassion International is their focus on developing and transforming the lives of children through collaborative effort with the local church. The children are helped to discover their own worth to God and they are disciple in the Word through the local church. This is not an advertisement for Compassion (although it may sound like it ) It is however, a recognition of the work they are doing in Christ’s name.
In addition to the dollars and letters, we support Cheyla through our prayers. Each night Gracie and I say our bed time prayers and we include Cheyla. Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can support her. And by praying over her with Gracie, Gracie learns the value of keeping others in her prayer life.
Perhaps you are already supporting someone through a foundation similar to this. Perhaps you have someone else in your life that you support in some way. If you do not, I would ask you to give prayerful consideration to checking out Compassion International. Your decision to do so, and your few dollars every month, may very well change the life of some young child half way around the world! Wouldn’t that be a wonderful way to live out the Great Commission?
Blessings to you,
Patrick
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Body of Christ - a new sermon series
The contemporary music group, Casting Crowns, wrote a hit song a number of years ago that asks some powerful, poignant questions. If We Are The Body contains such questions as: “… if we are the body, why aren’t his arms reaching? Why aren’t his hands healing? Why aren’t his words teaching? And if we are the body, why aren’t his feet going? Why is his love not showing them there is a way?”
The song assumes we understand what it means to be the Body of Christ. Beginning May 23rd we will launch a new five-week sermon series entitled The Body of Christ. During this time we will explore what it means to be the Body of Christ; how we are reaching out and sharing the Jesus’ message; how we understand what that message is; and even where we are falling short.
The Milton Methodist Church invites you to join us for this series!
May 23rd The Mind of Christ – So heavenly bound that we are no earthly good!
May 30th The Eyes of Christ – How we see the people around us.
June 6th The Heart of Christ – How we love the people around us.
June 13th The Hands of Christ – How we serve the people around us.
June 20th The Feet of Christ – How we go to the people around us.
For directions to our church check out our website: www.miltonumc.org
If you are unable to attend, feel free to listen to the messages on-line via our website.
Blessings to you!
Patrick
The song assumes we understand what it means to be the Body of Christ. Beginning May 23rd we will launch a new five-week sermon series entitled The Body of Christ. During this time we will explore what it means to be the Body of Christ; how we are reaching out and sharing the Jesus’ message; how we understand what that message is; and even where we are falling short.
The Milton Methodist Church invites you to join us for this series!
May 23rd The Mind of Christ – So heavenly bound that we are no earthly good!
May 30th The Eyes of Christ – How we see the people around us.
June 6th The Heart of Christ – How we love the people around us.
June 13th The Hands of Christ – How we serve the people around us.
June 20th The Feet of Christ – How we go to the people around us.
For directions to our church check out our website: www.miltonumc.org
If you are unable to attend, feel free to listen to the messages on-line via our website.
Blessings to you!
Patrick
National Day of Prayer
May 6th is our National Prayer Day. Perhaps you have heard some news or seen rumors that President Obama has canceled National Prayer Day. This is decidedly false. President Obama supports our day of prayer and recognizes the necessity of it. In fact he wrote this in support last year:
Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have come together in moments of great challenge and uncertainty to humble themselves in prayer. In 1775, as the Continental Congress began the task of forging a new Nation, colonists were asked to observe a day of quiet humiliation and prayer. Almost a century later, as the flames of the Civil War burned from north to south, President Lincoln and the Congress once again asked the American people to pray as the fate of their Nation hung in the balance.
It is in that spirit of unity and reflection that we once again designate the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. Let us remember those who came before us, and let us each give thanks for the courage and compassion shown by so many in this country and around the world.
(for a full reading of his proclamation or release: http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/090507-Proclamation.asp)
This year he continues to support the National Day of Prayer. For us, there are many in our families, our community, our church and around our world that are in need of prayer. In the last week or two alone I have talked with or heard from people close to me who are undergoing: divorce after being married for many years, marital problems (although not divorce), dealing with drug issues, dealing with issues of faith, been out of work since December with no employment in sight, dealing with husbands (or other family members) overseas in the Afghanistan and Iraq war, dealing with hospitalization and possible death, struggling with teenagers who are making poor life decisions, diagnosed with a debilitating disease.... In our own lives, this could be anyone of us and we could be struggling with any number of concerns and issues.
What can we do when we feel so helpless in these situations? Where do we turn? How do we overcome? How do we see light at the end of that dark, dark tunnel? How do we keep our faith, our hope and our spirits up? I want to invite you to a deeper relationship with Jesus through prayer. In our relationship with Jesus we can find answers to our difficulties. Does this mean God will suddenly land us that job? Or remove that cancer? Or bring back our loved one for war? Perhaps not. But in our relationship with Jesus we find a deeper understanding and semblance of peace and know there is a greater reward for us. We can feel a sense of assurance that all will be all right. As we do so, we can share this grace with those around us who are struggling.
On this Day of Prayer would you take some time to pray for those in need whom you know personally? Would you pray for your family, your church, your pastor, our nation’s leaders and for a world peace? Lastly, I ask you to pray for yourself. Let our God shape and mold us into the person God wants us to be, through our prayer.
Blessings to you,
Patrick
Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have come together in moments of great challenge and uncertainty to humble themselves in prayer. In 1775, as the Continental Congress began the task of forging a new Nation, colonists were asked to observe a day of quiet humiliation and prayer. Almost a century later, as the flames of the Civil War burned from north to south, President Lincoln and the Congress once again asked the American people to pray as the fate of their Nation hung in the balance.
It is in that spirit of unity and reflection that we once again designate the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. Let us remember those who came before us, and let us each give thanks for the courage and compassion shown by so many in this country and around the world.
(for a full reading of his proclamation or release: http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/090507-Proclamation.asp)
This year he continues to support the National Day of Prayer. For us, there are many in our families, our community, our church and around our world that are in need of prayer. In the last week or two alone I have talked with or heard from people close to me who are undergoing: divorce after being married for many years, marital problems (although not divorce), dealing with drug issues, dealing with issues of faith, been out of work since December with no employment in sight, dealing with husbands (or other family members) overseas in the Afghanistan and Iraq war, dealing with hospitalization and possible death, struggling with teenagers who are making poor life decisions, diagnosed with a debilitating disease.... In our own lives, this could be anyone of us and we could be struggling with any number of concerns and issues.
What can we do when we feel so helpless in these situations? Where do we turn? How do we overcome? How do we see light at the end of that dark, dark tunnel? How do we keep our faith, our hope and our spirits up? I want to invite you to a deeper relationship with Jesus through prayer. In our relationship with Jesus we can find answers to our difficulties. Does this mean God will suddenly land us that job? Or remove that cancer? Or bring back our loved one for war? Perhaps not. But in our relationship with Jesus we find a deeper understanding and semblance of peace and know there is a greater reward for us. We can feel a sense of assurance that all will be all right. As we do so, we can share this grace with those around us who are struggling.
On this Day of Prayer would you take some time to pray for those in need whom you know personally? Would you pray for your family, your church, your pastor, our nation’s leaders and for a world peace? Lastly, I ask you to pray for yourself. Let our God shape and mold us into the person God wants us to be, through our prayer.
Blessings to you,
Patrick
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