Frankly Speaking.....

I need all the faith I can have, through God’s graciousness.

2009-03-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Frankly Speaking… ¹⁴But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? ¹⁵And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" ¹⁶But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" ¹⁷So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. Romans 10:14-17 (NRSV)

Bishop David J. Lawson talks about old shoe congregations where people find comfort, friends and unchanging circumstances. The problem with the old shoe fit, is that there is no growth in something that fits like a old shoe. If one is growing, one constantly needs new shoes, as uncomfortable at first as those new shoes may be. The pathology of the old shoe syndrome can be broken, Lawson suggests, by asking these five questions:
1. Are persons growing in relationship to God through participating in our congregations?
2. Are persons growing in their knowledge of Scripture, ... and the history of our church?
3. Are persons giving evidence of increased Christian commitment by the way they live?
4. Are persons growing in compassionate world citizenship?
5. Are persons viewing our congregations as supportive centers of excitement and joy?
--Lawson, Fits Like an Old Shoe, Dateline 8 (November 1993), 1.

It is number two that I want to write about today: Are persons growing in their knowledge of Scripture? I am often amazed when I asked the congregation to bow their heads for prayer, then ask to hear the sounds around the sanctuary, then begin to pray. What is heard? I hear the wind from the pipe organ billows, the rustling of paper shuffled, a cry of a child fidgeting from a parent, a cough, the squeaking of a pew or two… Try it next time when the moment is right in the sanctuary. A colleague of mine told me of a scripture-hearing program that he has started in his congregation. It is called: “Faith Comes from Hearing.” A MP3 audio stick has the New Testament read in a way that captures your attention. The one I hear has background sounds for that particular part of the scripture-context-moment. In just a few weeks, I will ask everyone to receive one of these and begin a discipline of “just listening to scriptures. Your cost is nothing. I will ask for donations from folks who wish to contribute to the ones I have purchased for our children and youth… What would happen when you hear the scriptures read for the first time, again? FAITH COMES FROM HEARING…AND WHAT IS HEARD COMES FROM THE WORD OF GOD. I need all the faith I can have, through God’s graciousness. Expect a blessing.

Shalom + Paz + Pax + Peace
Pastor Frank

We have a right to ask, seek, and know the will of God

2008-11-14T18:31:00.000-08:00

Frankly Speaking… Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 (NRSV)
In his book, Invitation to Pilgrimage, John Baillie wrote, “I am sure the bit of road that most requires to be illuminated is the point where it forks.” He’s right. There is no place on our life journey where we need more light than on the road, where we have to make a decision about which direction we are going to go. Thankfully, however, there’s a promise related to that too: God’s Word, according to Psalm 119, is a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths (v105). We have a right to ask, seek, and know the will of God. But there is a catch: once we know it, nothing but obedience will do. Maxie Dunnam’s book, “Irresistible Invitation: Responding to the Extravagant Heart of God.” Page 195.

Friends, I have always sought God’s will in my personal life. There have been times when the fork in the road needed several 1000-watt bulbs to assure me that I was on the right path. At the end, I had to put my trust in God, that the God who brought me to this point in my life would complete the journey set for my family and I. Nevertheless, how do we seek God’s will for a church? A congregation of just less those 800 members, with 800 different ways of wanting things done? Does majority rule? Is there really a vote taken for every act that the church makes? We entrust certain aspects of the church to people who either have been sent at pastors, or elected in positions of leadership. We hope and pray that these individuals would seek God’s will for the church. At the end, decisions are made. Even if a decision is made not to do anything, a decision has been made, and we must be willing to bear responsibility of its results…or lack thereof.

I have written several articles on change. I will not bore you with another. What I do know is that the church is at a fork in the road for its future. Regardless of which side of the “tracks” you are on regarding possible projects presented at the town hall meeting this past Sunday, those coming after us will bear our decisions. I will ask you to pray. Hank Hamilton, on behalf of the Prayer Ministry, asked the same. Ask for God’s guidance for your part of the process of discernment. That this discernment be made clear for your part of the ministry of the church is very important. It is about doing God’s will through you, through First United Methodist Church of Beaumont. Friends, be faithful…God is faithful.

Shalom + Paz + Pax + Peace Pastor Frank

On a personal note, I thank God for allowing me to be pastor of this great church.

2008-10-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

Frankly Speaking… Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NRSV)
When Robert Louis Stevenson, racked by tuberculosis, was nearing the end of his life, his wife came in one morning and said, “I suppose in spite of all your trouble, you will tell me again that it is a beautiful day.” The great novelist answered, “Yes, my dear. I refuse to let that row of medicine bottles be the circumference of my horizon.”

Friends, on the writing of this epistle, many things have happened in our lives these past few weeks. We are in the midst of presidential debates and possible record numbers on voter turn out. We have seen the stock market plummet some 18% of its value. We have been blessed to have birthdays and anniversaries grace the church…Eloise Milam turned 100 years young. She is now playing that beautiful D9 Steinway grand piano in heaven. David Hearn will soon celebrate his 100^th birthday in November. The Hearn Lecture Series celebrates its Silver Anniversary. On a personal note, I thank God for allowing me to be pastor of this great church. I will have completed five years on December 31. It seems that I have just arrived. Yet, as we see the world and many great things happening…and many not so great things happening, we ask, are we better off today than yesterday/last week/last year/10 years ago and so on? I believe that God has a plan for our lives as part of his plan. We have to be willing to wait on the Lord, find his strength in these difficult and uncertain times, and know that his grace will always be sufficient in our weakness. I am reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NRSV)

Like Robert Lewis Stevenson, only I can decide what will be the circumference of my horizon. In other words, what is it that defines you? Will it be your hardships, or triumphs? Successes or failures? Wealth or poverty? How religious you are or the fact that going to church is a miracle in itself? I want to be defined as a child of God, saved by grace through faith, of sacred worth, and with a unique purpose so that God’s purpose will be fulfilled. Regardless of what happens or does not happen in my life, I want to view my life through the eyes of a compassionate God, and the loving lenses of Jesus’ eyes of forgiveness and worth. There are two and one half months in this 2008 year. What will we do to make a difference in our lives, the life of the church and our community? You have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life…or maybe, your own. I invite you to try to be faithful in your presence on Sunday mornings. Give as you can sacrificially...even in these uncertain financial times. Pray daily for yourself, others, and the church. Volunteer an hour a week, or even an hour a month somewhere. You can make a difference. You just have to believe that you can.

“I pray,” said Moshe, “that God will give me the strength to ask him the right questions.”

2008-10-04T22:24:00.000-07:00

Frankly Speaking…

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, ¹⁸so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, ¹⁹and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. Ephesians 1:17-19 (NRSV)
In his autobiography, Night, Jewish philosopher Elie Wiesel tells of growing up in a village in Hungary before being sent to a Nazi concentration camp. As a boy, he befriended Moshe, the poor man who cleaned his synagogue. One day Moshe saw Elie in the synagogue praying. Moshe asked him, “Why do you pray?” Moshe proceeded to tell Elie the way of questions. “Every question possesses a power that does not lie in the answer. Humans raise themselves to God by the questions they ask.” Elie then asked, “And why do you pray, Moshe?” “I pray,” said Moshe, “that God will give me the strength to ask him the right questions.”
—Daniel T. Hans, “What do you want from God?” Gettysburg Presbyterian Church, Gettysburg, Penn., July 31, 2005, www.gettysburgpresbyterian.org.

Friends, since the last Frankly Speaking, we have endured a hurricane, power outage, displacement, fallen trees and fences, broken windows and storm surge. The church fared well this time. Many others in our community did not. We pray for recovery and rebuilding. We pray how God will use us in the renewing process in bringing hope to our community. It will take more than a hurricane to bring down the church. This crisis does not define who we are…only how we respond to it does.

The church recently had a Church Conference with two agenda items: to affirm Thera Freeman to the ordained ministry, and to hire a financial consultant to begin the capital campaign process. Both are important. Both will require our support and prayers. Thera will be on her way to Uganda in a few weeks. Mike Allen, a financial consultant for RSII, will begin his ministry with us in a few weeks as well. There will many questions to ask as we venture into a capital campaign for the church. I would ask that you pray for Thera and Mike daily. Pray that God will guide their lives and hearts to be about the Lord’s work in a faithful and creative way.

On another note, on August 4, I had a total knee replacement. It has been a painful journey of stretching, bending …all towards healing. I want to thank the congregation for your support while I was out of the pulpit for those weeks. I thank you for your prayers and cards that have given me smiles on my face, and tears of joy in my soul. Several brought food to the house that was welcomed and all eaten. I am blessed to be pastor of this great church. I am honored and humbled by your generosity of friendship, and support. I have great hope for the future. The Capital Campaign and Building Committees are working hard to bring to the church a plan of action that will affect our ministry potential for years to come. I am proud of their efforts. Pray. Be faithful. Encourage one another. Moreover, allow God to do what God does best through you and your gifts.

Shalom + Paz + Pax + Peace Pastor Frank

Hurricane Ike /Update

2008-09-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

Friends,
Please note that the Second Sunday Covered Dish Meal is postponed until the 3rd Sunday...this is due to the uncertainty of where Hurricane Ike will finally land.

Pray for all who are evacuating and those remaining during this hurricane Ike moment.

All church services are scheduled as planned, unless there is another mandatory evacuation for our Beaumont-Golden Triangle area.

Pass this note to other church members in your email address book.
Blessings to all…
Pastor Frank

Just pray!

Almighty God,
We come to you with humble hearts and a desire for safety in our souls. We pray that this hurricane will do minimal damage to property and lives. We beseech you, O Lord, to give us wisdom in having to make decisions of whether to stay or leave. We do know that your grace will help us through these difficult times. O Lord, hear our prayers and comfort our souls. In Jesus name. Amen!

Risk being in a relationship with God through God’s Word

2008-09-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

Frankly Speaking…
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NRSV)

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson, who wanted to be just like him, tried to imitate him in any way he could. One day the grandson asked, "Papaw, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?" The grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Take this basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Papaw, it's useless!" "So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean. "Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.” That is the work of God in our lives: To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His Son. Take time to read a portion of God's word each day.

Dear Friends: Someone once said, “When we pray, we talk to God. And when we study God’s Word, God talks to us.” I believe that God’s Word is power for the powerless and hope for the hopeless. It provides us the assurance that transformation for God’s good will happen when we are willing to risk relinquishing self. Science has tried to explain fully all what really happens when a caterpillar goes from larva to pupa, then to butterfly. But whatever happens in the change, God knows that it is necessary for God’s ultimate plan. This fall season, become involved in one of several studies offered in the church. If there is one that is not of interest, then call me and we will start one that will meet the needs for greater growth in God’s Word. A recent email was sent emphasizing the importance of teachers in society. The email ended: “Teachers make every profession possible.” I would add that studying God’s Word helps every Christian understand himself/herself, in light of God’s purpose in their lives. Risk being in a relationship with God through God’s Word. See you Sunday.

Shalom + Paz + Peace Pastor Frank

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSV)

2008-08-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

Not willing or ready to confess: An old-timer sat on the riverbank, obviously awaiting a nibble, though the fishing season had not officially opened. A uniformed officer stood behind him quietly for several minutes. “You the game warden?” the old-timer inquired. “Yup.” Unruffled, the old man began to move the fishing pole from side to side. Finally, he lifted the line out of the water. Pointing to a minnow wriggling on the end of the line, he said, “Just teaching him how to swim.”

Friends, There is a time and season under the heavens for every matter. Allow me to list a few:

Time for Thera Freeman to arrive, time for her to leave
Time for individuals to relocate in their lives/family because of their profession
Time to have surgery Time to recover from surgery
Time to take chemotherapy Time to take radiation therapy
Time to take care of our loved ones Time to plan for the birth of a child
Time to plan for our Last Will and Testament
Time to be ordained a pastor in the church Time to retire from full-time service
Time to elect Bishops of the church Time to return to our church ministry
Time for rebuilding the church Time to raise funds for special projects
Time to preach Time not to preach
Time to go fishing Time to “drown worms”

The list is endless… This spring and summer time, it has been a rollercoaster of events in the life of the church, community and personal life. Little down time for so many, doing so many projects, yet keeping focus that we are to be about the work of the Lord. The church has embarked on a Capital Campaign/Building Committee time for information gathering.

So much effort is being done to ensure that all that will be presented, all that will be done, will be to enhance the ministry potential of the church. Change is constant; however, the Word of God never changes. Friends, life is fragile. Handle with care and temper it with prayer. Love to all. Shalom + Paz + Pax + Peace
Pastor Frank

“Holy Spirit”

2008-07-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

Frankly Speaking…
11 Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. Psalm 51:11-12 (NRSV)
Friends, I wanted to know how many times the phrase “Holy Spirit” is mentioned in the bible. In my concordance, the phrase is mentioned first in Psalm 51. It is mentioned in a phrase form 92 times in 91 verses. I came across this prayer some time ago that I want to share with you. As you can read, the title of the prayer is” A Prayer of the Ancient Church.” It beckons the very presence of God…

A Prayer of the Ancient Church

Come, O Holy Spirit, come!

Come like Holy Fire and burn with us.

Come like Holy Wind and cleanse us.

Come like Holy Light and lead us.

Come as Holy Truth and teach us.

Come as Holy Love and enfold us.

Come as Holy Power and enable us.

Come as Abundant Life and

Fill us,

Convert us,

Consecrate us,

Until we are wholly thine.

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

The last time the phrase “Holy Spirit is mentioned in the bible is Jude 1:20, “ But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit.” I write this for informational purposes. It is one thing having the two words together. It is another thing when just the word “spirit” is used. You must remember that most of the time, the spirit of God is used in a capitalized form: “Spirit.” When the bible notes another kind of spirit, or when in the first case, it is probably due to the writer’s understanding, or the editorial Board understands of the original text. Nevertheless, “Holy Spirit” is part of the Trinity. FYI: “Spirit” is mentioned more that 900+ times.
Something else that received my attention when I came across this prayer. The commentary came from an anonymous source that said, “Why does it have to remain in the “Ancient Church?” You have to understand that the prayers of the ancient church are our prayers as well. They filled a need for their time. They helped a people of uncertainty of the future. They gave hope for those who needed hope. Moreover, they cast of a vision of what is possible when we pray to God. That “Ancient Prayer” is “Today’s Prayer, for Today’s Church.” For First United Methodist Church of Beaumont, Texas. Church, make this your prayer, daily, and see what God can do…and be ready to be a bout what God is doing.
See you in church this Sunday. Bring a friend, your family. Return to church! God is doing a new thing!

Shalom + Paz + Pax + Peace Pastor Frank