John Wesley's Rule

My dear wise John Wesley guru professor from Duke Divinity School (Dr. Richard Heitzenrater) says that there's no proof Methodism's father John Wesley actually ever said this, but it is attributed to him nonetheless, and I really like it:

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.

Think what the world would be like if we all took this rule to heart...

Transition

Last night, I preached at a Baccalaureate service for one of the communities I currently serve. As I sat on the platform for the service and then stood behind the podium and presumed to preach God's Word to the graduating class at this pivotal time in their lives, I looked out at a sea of faces that included many who have become my family. The graduates included 5 young people who've called me "Pastor Kristen" for the past 4 years. I've watched them grow from "kids" into amazing young adults.

At roughly the same time I was leading worship in the high school, one of the dear souls who is a part of my other commuity passed from this life into the nearer presence of God.

Life is full of transitions. Some are minor; some change everything. Some bring rejoicing, while others bring pain. But as I told the graduates last night, every time God says "go" in some way, God also offers opportunities for growth.

When God told Abram to "get up and go" without even telling him where, God also promised Abram that if he trusted the Lord's leading and promise, he'd be blessed beyond imagining. (Genesis 12:1-4) God pours out blessings on those who trust the Lord, even in the most difficult of transitions, in every command from God to "go" from here to there.

As God says "go" to us in so many ways, my prayer for all of us is that we'll, as the old song says, "trust and obey." Thus may we truly know joy in Jesus, today and every day.

A Long Time Coming

I'm moving.

Come June 23, I will live in a new house in a new city and be the new pastor at an old church.

I'm moving.

I've finally been able to say it publicly, to write it publicly, and to try to wrap my mind around all that that means. I'm United Methodist. I should know what it all means. We move. We itinerate. We never know where we'll be serving and living from year to year. But facing the reality is always challenging. Many non-United Methodists think we really know how to do this moving-thing well. Well, maybe it's because I've only done it one other time, really, and NEVER with my family...but I feel like I really have no clue how to do this.

I keep making lists and trying to pack boxes. I tie up one loose end only to have another end begin to fray. It's emotionally draining, all-consuming, and SCARY! I have mixed feelings or I'm numb. I move constantly or I get stuck. I cry or I laugh.

This is limbo.

But THIS is my comfort:
The same God who has always told those who would listen to "go" and to "do" is with all of us through every transition. And our Shepherd Christ will guide us if we will follow. And the Holy Spirit will fill us with peace and lead us into the amazing Truth God has for us, if we will open ourselves and listen.

Through every change, for all of us who trust in the Lord, one thing remains the same:

But now thus says the LORD,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be buned,
and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, our Saviour...

I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.

+ Isaiah 43:1-3a, 18-19