Prayers For Veteran’s Day

 

The Red Poppy Is A Symbol Long Associated With Veteran's Day and Memorial Day

On Veteran’s Day, let us all pause to honor our service men and women, and to recall the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in defense of freedom and liberty.This year, our thoughts especially turn to those who were killed at Ft. Hood, and their families.

The following prayers are from the A Book of Offices (1914) of the PECUSA.Perhaps they can be useful in devotions on this day.

For the Armed Forces

O most powerful and glorious Lord God, the Lord of hosts, that rulest and commandest all things; Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to bless the officers and men of our armed forces. Grant that in the midst of the dangers and temptations which beset them, they may fight manfully against the world, the flesh, and the devil; and resisting all evil by the mighty power of Thy Spirit, may acquire true courage in the hour of danger and in the day of battle. Prosper them in the maintenance of our country’s honor; keep them safe from enemies spiritual and temporal; that they may glorify Thee upon the earth, until they are called to rest in the triumph of Thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

During Times of War

Almighty, God, who art everywhere present, we commend to Thy fatherly care our soldiers and sailors absent from their homes on the service of their country. Protect them from all evil; give them courage and obedience in danger, and mercy in victory. Prosper their arms to the establishment of justice, peace, and truth among all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Lord, we pray Thee to have mercy upon all who are this day wounded and suffering. Let Thy grace be their comfort, though kindred and friends be far away. Raise them to health again, if it be Thy good pleasure; but chiefly give them such patience and faith in Thee, that they, being delivered from the assaults of their spiritual enemies, may rest in peace and rise to partake of Thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Flemingsburg Gazette Story on FCPL Book Fair

Book Fair Draws Authors, Readers

This is the story in our local town paper about the book fair at our Public Library Book Fair.

Trevin Wax’s Comment: The Ironies of the “Church is Lame” Crowd

Trevin Wax, at Kingdom People has blogged some excerpts of Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck’s book Why We Love the Church–their observations of the “church is lame” crowd are interesting and worth noting:

The Ironies of the “Church is Lame” Crowd.

Ahoy!

This internet radio station features several excellent programs and offers thoughtful sermons that exalt Christ. Most of the speakers are from outside my tradition, but I have always found it to be edifying and encouraging, even if I disagree with some of the points they make. Be that as it may, this is truly a Christian radio channel that knows the difference between Law and Gospel!

The Parson’s View: All Hallow’s Eve & All Saints Day

The Parson Raking Leaves (credit: Lovely Wife)

I have to say it–I don’t like Halloween. I have my reasons, and in my mind, they are good ones. Maybe part of the reason I’m grumpy about Halloween is that I cut my finger carving up a pumpkin this evening. No…that’s not my problem!

It is too gory, too dark, and has far too much emphasis on the seamy, squeamish, and seedy side of life for my tastes.

The aspects about it that make Halloween fun for kids is another matter–and I think good, clean, childlike enjoyment of a fall event where lots of sugar is involved is all fine and well. Our two little ones went “trick or treating” and had a very good time–one was dressed up as a train engineer and one was a ladybug. A few weeks back, we had our fall festival at church. What a fun time! But it has more of a harvest celebration character about it–there is no mention of Halloween and no hint of gory stuff.

I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade–I know lots of folks enjoy Halloween–Americans spend billions of dollars on it. Yes, “b”–as in buh-buh-BILLIONS. That’s not good, not in days and times like ours.

Our church uses our town’s trick or treat date as a major outreach, and we give out candy and treats, Bibles and flyers about our youth and children’s programs on the appointed day. We had 82 children come to our church–these days, getting 82 people to come to your church door on a weeknight is quite a thing to note, so I’m not going to say we need to pretend Halloween doesn’t exist. The church staff and volunteers gave out 82 Bibles to those who came, so I think that is a fantastic thing.

Our approach is to give out the Truth–the Word of God, and let the Holy Spirit do His work of convicting, convincing, and converting through that Holy Word. It is true, there’s a candy bar with it, but the Bible is still there, and the witness is still being made.

I just don’t like the darker parts of the day and wish it wasn’t so popular. I’m afraid its popularity says something about this culture that is just not good.

You know, Halloween is a linguistic alteration of All Hallow’s Eve, which is the night before the Christian day of All Saints, November 1.

For millions of us around the world, October 31  is REFORMATION DAY, the day Martin Luther nailed up the 95 theses, pointing out the medieval errors that had obscured the Gospel of Christ that the forthcoming Protestant Reformation would seek to address.

All Saints Day, November 1, according to most church historians, was an attempt on the behalf of earlier Christians to be “salt and light” in the midst of pagans who held their own fall events. At the appointed day, the pagans wore masks and carried on all sorts of mayhem thinking that evil spirits would leave them alone because they (the people wearing them) were just other evil spirits.These observances were tied to legends about evil spirits roaming the earth to do them harm at certain times in the year.

Instead of focusing on fear of death and its unpleasantness, Christians told the stories of believers who had lived faithful lives, and had finished their earthly course on November 1. November 1 became a time to remember that the Christian men and women who had passed away before those still living were not actually dead at all–but were with the Lord!

Christians are to look to the Light of the world, Jesus Christ, every day of the year, and especially these days when the world is turning its back to the Truth.

We are right to remember the saints (both ancient and more recently departed) who have gone on to be with the Lord. We should remember their faithfulness and charity–I don’t believe the Bible teaches that we should pray for them, or to them. What’s more, we ought to focus on the Lord they served, and keep our focus squarely on Christ on days that the world does its best (or worst) to ignore the light and truth that He has brought into the world.

Jesus died on the cross–and was raised the third day. Because of that, death no more has its sting. Death is a conquered foe.

A good article about Christian viewpoints on this day is found at Christianity Today. Another good resource providing evangelical perspectives on this day and worship ideas for the Sunday closest to All Saints is here, at CRI/Voice Institute.

So, have a good All Saints’ Day on November 1!

Collect for All Saints, Book of Common Prayer, 1662

ALMIGHTY God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord; Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Gospel Reading Appointed for All Saints Day, 1662 Book of Common Prayer, Matthew 5:1-12

JESUS, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

With Fall Comes Birdwatching

I don’t get much birdwatching in during the spring and summer–too many farm chores like gardening and mowing to do. But fall and winter bring a more leisurely pace to Good Morning Farm in some respects.

I can seem to get more birdwatching in during the fall and winter.

Northern Flicker

A couple of weeks ago, I got this picture of a Norther Flicker foraging around. It was around all summer, often hanging around our driveway. I never got a very good close-up. This was as close as I could get. You can still see the distinctive red spot on the back of its head, though.

On the Lord’s Day (Reformation Sunday, October 25), I noted the following species of birds at our feeder or in the trees in front yard, just before 8 a.m. :

European Starling, Tufted Titmouse, Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, House Sparrow,  and the House Finch. That was a remarkable diversity for just a few minutes.

European Starling in Ornamental Pear

The Starling is a nuisance bird, but there were just a few of them hanging around this morning and they were not causing any problems. They were eating the fruit off the Aristocrat Pear we have.

Tufted Titmouse (left)

Tufted titmouse (left)

These Tufted Titmice (or mouses, I don’ t know what the plural is for this bird!) are new comers to our feeders. They were very hard to photograph. They would fly to the feeder, grab a seed, and they fly away. I did some checking, and this is apparently common behavior of these birds at feeders. That’s what the wiki page said about them, anyhow–you can get a closer view there.

Blue Jay in Maple

Blue jays are present almost every morning–and usually just in the morning. They go off and do their own thing during the day, I suppose.

©Baptist Parson, 2009. All rights reserved.

Kentucky’s Natural Bridge

In our church, we have a group who takes monthly educational and fellowship-building trips. We call them “the Travelers” and I’m the “designated driver” for the group unless some urgent pastoral need arises. This month’s trip was to Natural Bridge State Park.

Natural Bridge is in Powell County, Kentucky and it is one of the most remarkable landmarks we have in our state. We are fortunate to have some of the most beautiful state parks in the country.

Trail view leading up to Natural Bridge (credit: Dan Wesley)

It was a beautiful day, and many of us made it up the steep hike to the sandstone bridge from which the park gets its name. The vista there was gorgeous.The whole park is amazing and has a remarkable forest and system of trails. Everyone had such a good time; it was one of our best trips yet.

Underneath the Natural Bridge (credit: Dan Wesley)

The official state park website proclaims that it took “nature millions of years” to make the arch. Nature? Millions of years? Hmmm…I doubt it.

I’d say it more likely was formed at the time of Noah and the great flood. I do not think the bridge was formed millions of years ago. Whenever it was, I will be so bold as to say “nature” didn’t do it–if we are to attribute the arch to someone’s handiwork, the credit belongs to God Almighty.

The part of the Psalter known as the “Venite, exultemus Domino” teaches us

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.  The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. (Psalms 95:3-5, KJV)

Let’s give credit where credit is due! There is a big difference between the Scriptural view of creation and a naturalistic viewpoint.

The Apostles’ Creed reminds us every time we say it “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth.” The biblical view of God’s Creatorhood should permeate and govern our view of nature and its wonders.

©Baptist Parson, 2009. All rights reserved.

NOTE: Our music and education director, Dan Wesley, passed these photos on to me. Thanks, Dan.

Williamsburg’s Bruton Parish Church

Here are some more images from Williamsburg, VA.

The old Bruton Parish church was one site in Colonial Williamsburg I was interested to see. It is still an active congregation.

Bruton Parish Steeple

Bruton Parish Church was organized  in the 1670s. Best as I could tell, the structure dated to around the year 1715, although their history says the interior has changed somewhat over the centuries–restorations done in the 1930s helped restore the interior to its colonial style.

Bruton Parish Lectern

One of the greatest presidents of all time, Theodore Roosevelt, presented the church with this impressive lectern in 1907, marking the 300th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown. This is discussed in their paphlet on the grounds and interior of the building.

Chancel Area Bruton Parish

The chancel area was also striking. The wall mountings are the Our Father, the Decalogue, and the Apostles’ Creed; these engravings would have made participation easier for those taking their part in the Holy Communion service of the historic Book of Common Prayer.

Interesting place, interesting history.

©Baptist Parson, 2009. All rights reserved.

The Starting Place…

I want to revisit a quote I made from Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion about the starting place for all theology, worship, doctrine and morals. This is what he said:

“Man never attains to a true self-knowledge until he have previously contemplated the face of God, and come down after such contemplation to look into himself.”

This quote, along with the looming date of Reformation Sunday, really set me to pondering the state of American Christianity. What Calvin states here is often the opposite of what we find in the modern American church.

So often, American churches start with man–and never really look higher. The thinking goes like this: “what can we do to attract more people to our church?” In other words, what kind of programming can we put on that will make more people want to populate our services and activities? Not that it is wrong to want to draw more people into the sphere of the church’s influence, but is that the right starting place? No. It cannot be. It leads down a path that goes away from God, not toward Him.

Man is not the measure of all things.  It can be easy to be convinced he is–that’s how the world thinks, and this line of thought is so prevalent. It has to be fought back in church life or it will root itself very, very deeply.

I think pastors face many temptations to preach messages that could just as easily be delivered by a tv talk show host trying to help a dysfunctional person in some kind of trouble as proclaiming the whole counsels of God. If we pastors start with man, we’ll misfire in the pulpit.

God can never seem to be incidental to the worship service or in the sermon. The Bible cannot be handled lightly–just dropping a verse or two here and there into a sermon, in support of some point that is really more about pop psychology than biblical revelation.

Pastors also are tempted by the word “relevance” too much. So many churches seem to be struggling to find “relevance.” By that is meant some means to connect their message with modern hearers, but there is sometimes not enough discernment being practiced by pulpit and pew to see that what is being passed off as relevance too often is simply skirting around the doctrine of God and talking about man and his hopes, dreams and wishes all the time. That is the wrong place to start. We are to start with God. What kind of worship does He want us to give Him? What kind of church life will most please Him? We should conform our actions and activities to His desires, first and foremost. We must start with Him, not ourselves.

Calvin went on:

“So long as we do not look beyond the earth, we are quite pleased with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue; we address ourselves in the most flattering terms, and seem only less than demigods. But should we once begin to raise our thoughts to God, and reflect on what kind of being He is, and how absolute the perfection of that righteousness, and wisdom and virtue, to which, as a standard, we are bound to be conformed, what formerly delighted us by its false show of righteousness will become polluted with the greatest iniquity; what strangely imposed upon us under the name of wisdom will disgust us by its extreme folly; and what presented the appearance of virtuous energy will be condemned as the most miserable impotence.” (Book First, Chapter 1, part 2.)

That’s relevance, if you ask me. To “raise our thoughts to God, and reflect on what kind of being He is, and how absolute the perfection of that righteousness, and wisdom and virtue, to which, as a standard, we are bound to be conformed”–what could be more relevant than that?

Am I the only one that thinks this way?

The importance of Contemplation of Christ

The Sunday School class I teach is studying Hebrews. Hebrews 3:1  says “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;”

Consider here is κατανοησατε in the Greek. It means to “observe fully.” Thayer’s lexicon renders it “consider attentively, fix eyes or mind upon.” How important this is.

If we do not look heavenward, and behold the Ascended Christ, and think carefully about His merits and His perfections, we will become very complacent and satisfied with our own righteousness and walk. The more we reflect on Christ, and His excellency, then all the better for our walk.

John Calvin, in Book One, Chapter 1, part 2 of the Institutes of the Christian Religion remarked:

“Man never attains to a true self-knowledge until he have previously contemplated the face of God, and come down after such contemplation to look in to himself.

So long as we do not look beyond the earth, we are quite pleased with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue; we address ourselves in most flattering terms, and seem only less than demigods. But should we once begin to raise our thoughts to God and reflect what kind of being He is, and how absolute the perfection of that righteousness, and wisdom and virtue, to which, as a standard we are bound to be conformed, what formerly delighted us by its false show of righteousness will become polluted with the greatest inquity; what strangely imposed upon us under the name of wisdom will be disgust by its extreme folly; and what presented the appearance of virtuous energy will be condemned as the most miserable impotence.”

Also, keeping our mental focus on Him would surely help us as we relate to others, or as we face trials and tribulations in life. W.H. Griffith Thomas noted:

“When Christ is thus considered, the mind being concentrated on Him, the contemplation will inevitably lead to conduct, for thought is always intended to express itself in action, and if the soul is thus occupied with Christ, and He is given His right place, everything else will follow. The characteristic of Christianity is the place it assigns to Jesus Christ.” (Hebrews: A Devotional Commentary, p. 39)

By contemplation of Christ I do not mean to suggest that we are to become ascetics or cloistered off from the world. But–the Lord should never be far from our thoughts, even as we engage in our daily round of duties and work.