I think in the Kingdom of Heaven there is a room that has this written on the door, "Room of Unclaimed Blessings". It is a room filled with blessings that God was ready to give to us if we had only sought after them. These blessings were our destiny undiscovered. Undiscovered for many reasons.
Who would have thought that an old man would be the father of the Hebrew nation?
Who would have thought that a young man full of a sense of justice who murdered someone would be the one that would lead the people of God out of bondage?
who woul dhave that a shepherd boy who loved to play music and even dance, would slay the giant and become the great king of Israel?
Who would have thought that the son of a carpenter and a teenage girl would be the Savior of the world?
Who would have ever thought that fhsermen would drop their nets and follow a carpenter preacher and that one of them would be the rock that th church would be built upon?
Who would have ever dreamed that a legalist Jewish perscutor of early Christians would write most of the New Testament?
You see, our world is filled with possibilities that God has placed before us if we would only claim them. It is our destiny.
Simon Birch was a strange little boy who kept telling everyone that he knew he was pout on this earth for a special purpose. Those who met him mocked him. They told him he was dreaming. Then one day, when the bus filled with chileren went into the river, Simon Birch claimed his destiny.
Who would have thought what in your life? in your world? What has God put before you to claim this day?
Who would have thought that the Saints could....and would....or will they?
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Rev. Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
www.thewellumc.com
www.midweekmanna.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Compassion Fatigue
By now fatigue has set in.
Do you remember what fatigue feels like?
Just get me away. We will do all that is necessary to escape fatigue. Our mind is tired. Our body is weary. Our soul is not at its best. But just when we think we have escaped, there it is again.
Jesus knew the physical aspect of fatigue. You see it in the moments he wanders away to pray. You see it in the boat when he is sleeping during the storm. To sleep during the storm, "It rained?" They must have looked at him strangely. Jesus did not allow fatigue to stop him from compassion, prayer, and yes, healing.
Tony Campolo tells a story of Mother Teresa I had never heard. It seems that in her later years of life, she had great problems with her feet. It became very painful for her to walk. The story is told that every time she would get a pair of shoes to fit her well to help her with her pain, she would give them away. She would meet a person with no shoes and readily give hers away. So she was left with the shoes that no one else wanted or even would wear.
There is a grave marker high in the Alps. The inscription reads, "He died climbing". He could have settled for less. Gone back down but continued upward.
When compassion fatigue sets in, climb. When you feel as though you can give no more. Give. When you have to choose comfort for yourself or for others, choose others. When you get tired of seeing the suffering of the world (like Haiti), FEEL the suffering.
When the day comes that my journey on this earth is done, my prayers is that one of the words used to describe me is "spent!" May I use up more than I ever dreamed of holding on. May my fatigue be because of the work of the Kingdom.
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
www.thewellumc.com
www.midweekmanna.com
Do you remember what fatigue feels like?
Just get me away. We will do all that is necessary to escape fatigue. Our mind is tired. Our body is weary. Our soul is not at its best. But just when we think we have escaped, there it is again.
Jesus knew the physical aspect of fatigue. You see it in the moments he wanders away to pray. You see it in the boat when he is sleeping during the storm. To sleep during the storm, "It rained?" They must have looked at him strangely. Jesus did not allow fatigue to stop him from compassion, prayer, and yes, healing.
Tony Campolo tells a story of Mother Teresa I had never heard. It seems that in her later years of life, she had great problems with her feet. It became very painful for her to walk. The story is told that every time she would get a pair of shoes to fit her well to help her with her pain, she would give them away. She would meet a person with no shoes and readily give hers away. So she was left with the shoes that no one else wanted or even would wear.
There is a grave marker high in the Alps. The inscription reads, "He died climbing". He could have settled for less. Gone back down but continued upward.
When compassion fatigue sets in, climb. When you feel as though you can give no more. Give. When you have to choose comfort for yourself or for others, choose others. When you get tired of seeing the suffering of the world (like Haiti), FEEL the suffering.
When the day comes that my journey on this earth is done, my prayers is that one of the words used to describe me is "spent!" May I use up more than I ever dreamed of holding on. May my fatigue be because of the work of the Kingdom.
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
www.thewellumc.com
www.midweekmanna.com
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
30 seconds
30 seconds.
In 30 seconds the world around you can literally fall in. That is how fragile our world is. We like to think that it is more stable than that. But in 30 seconds, life can change drastically.
A young man whose life is filled with hope went to work. Perhaps he stopped at the store on the way and spoke to friends. As he rode his bicycle, he dreamed of places he would see, things he would do. He loved his work even though it was not the most exciting job. It was a beginning.
30 seconds later. It is all gone.
A mother drops her daughter off at school. She kisses her goodbye and watches her run into the building. They are a family with many blessings. She is a good student. The family is living a stable life. The mother turns and walks away from the school towards the market place.
30 seconds later. Life is gone.
An archbishop arrives at his church. He goes through his usual morning prayers. These prayers are filled with passion for a country that is struggling. He prays for the neighborhood. He prays for the sick. He listens for the words of God that come to him. He makes his way through the corridor to his office where he begins to sort through the daily administrative work required of him.
30 seconds later. His earthly ministry is over. The church building is in rubble.
Jesus of Nazareth taught his disciples that it was through the suffering of the world that one can come to know the power of the redemptive God. It is there that God does God's best work. It is participating in the pain of others that one finds the meaning of love.
So you now have 30 seconds or even more. What can you do? Say a prayer for the people of Haiti. Say many prayers for them. Pray for those who are helping. Write a check to your church or a helping agency. Instead of disconnecting with the pictures, look at them and wonder what life was like, what life will be like.
Make a difference with your 30 seconds.
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
In 30 seconds the world around you can literally fall in. That is how fragile our world is. We like to think that it is more stable than that. But in 30 seconds, life can change drastically.
A young man whose life is filled with hope went to work. Perhaps he stopped at the store on the way and spoke to friends. As he rode his bicycle, he dreamed of places he would see, things he would do. He loved his work even though it was not the most exciting job. It was a beginning.
30 seconds later. It is all gone.
A mother drops her daughter off at school. She kisses her goodbye and watches her run into the building. They are a family with many blessings. She is a good student. The family is living a stable life. The mother turns and walks away from the school towards the market place.
30 seconds later. Life is gone.
An archbishop arrives at his church. He goes through his usual morning prayers. These prayers are filled with passion for a country that is struggling. He prays for the neighborhood. He prays for the sick. He listens for the words of God that come to him. He makes his way through the corridor to his office where he begins to sort through the daily administrative work required of him.
30 seconds later. His earthly ministry is over. The church building is in rubble.
Jesus of Nazareth taught his disciples that it was through the suffering of the world that one can come to know the power of the redemptive God. It is there that God does God's best work. It is participating in the pain of others that one finds the meaning of love.
So you now have 30 seconds or even more. What can you do? Say a prayer for the people of Haiti. Say many prayers for them. Pray for those who are helping. Write a check to your church or a helping agency. Instead of disconnecting with the pictures, look at them and wonder what life was like, what life will be like.
Make a difference with your 30 seconds.
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Remember Your Baptism!
A little boy was asked about the prodigal son.
You remember the story of the prodigal son. The youngest son goes to his father and gets what is his. Then the youngest son does what young boys do. When all is gone and the son has nothing left, he decides to go home. As he is traveling home, he rehearses his forgiveness speech. Only when he arrives, his father has been waiting for his return. His father greets him with a great celebration! Unbelievable story that Jesus taught.
What do you think the little boy said? The little boy said, "The young son forgot who he was."
Two of the greatest elements in life come together this Sunday. This Sunday is a day we remember the baptism of our Lord.
The two elements are memory and water. Try to do without either of them and see what life is.
Memory is that great story book of life. It enables us to overcome all sadness. Memory enables us to know what we know collectively and individually. There is great power in the words, "I remember...."
Water is necessary for life to continue. Scientists have searched the moon for what? Traces of water. When our pipes freeze and there is no water, we panic. Water is that which cleans us as well as quenches us.
So in our baptism, we feel the water of eternal life come into our present life. And we remember--we are a children of God.
This Sunday, remember your baptism and give thanks! Remember whose you are!
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
www.thewellumc.com
www.midweekmanna.com
You remember the story of the prodigal son. The youngest son goes to his father and gets what is his. Then the youngest son does what young boys do. When all is gone and the son has nothing left, he decides to go home. As he is traveling home, he rehearses his forgiveness speech. Only when he arrives, his father has been waiting for his return. His father greets him with a great celebration! Unbelievable story that Jesus taught.
What do you think the little boy said? The little boy said, "The young son forgot who he was."
Two of the greatest elements in life come together this Sunday. This Sunday is a day we remember the baptism of our Lord.
The two elements are memory and water. Try to do without either of them and see what life is.
Memory is that great story book of life. It enables us to overcome all sadness. Memory enables us to know what we know collectively and individually. There is great power in the words, "I remember...."
Water is necessary for life to continue. Scientists have searched the moon for what? Traces of water. When our pipes freeze and there is no water, we panic. Water is that which cleans us as well as quenches us.
So in our baptism, we feel the water of eternal life come into our present life. And we remember--we are a children of God.
This Sunday, remember your baptism and give thanks! Remember whose you are!
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
www.thewellumc.com
www.midweekmanna.com
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Resolutions
The New Year is here! Happy New Year.
It is always interesting to hear the resolutions made at this time. There is always ten pounds to be lost. There is always resolutions that have to do with relationships. The resolutions keep coming year after year. One lady was overheard to say, "I have resolved to make no resolutions for the year ahead."
Have you ever thought of what life is like without resolve?
It just happens. Everything that comes your way comes your way. You are the whim of whatever wave of life happens to be the highest at the time. You are always a victim of circumstances. People of this persuasion will say, "When it is my time to go, it's my time...."
The Christian life is one of great resolve. Think with me for a second.
Joseph resolved to keep Mary as his wife, no matter what others said. The Wise Men showed great resolve in making the journey to the Christ child regardless of what Herod said or did. John the Baptist resolved to baptize and preach the gospel even if it would cost him his head. Jesus showed great resolve in making sure that the world knew of God's love and grace even if it led him to the cross.
In these examples there is no sense of being at the whim of life. Instead resolution is that which steers the vessel of your life. It is that which guides you through the wilderness of life. Resolve is part of the character of Christ or the image of God which we all can claim in our life.
Or we can continue going year after year, drifting in life.
Make a list of resolutions for your faith journey. Create a plan of action for your faith walk. Then in great faith, do it. 2010 will be the year that changed your life! Or better yet, the year that God changed your life.
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
www.thewellumc.com
www.midweekmanna.com
It is always interesting to hear the resolutions made at this time. There is always ten pounds to be lost. There is always resolutions that have to do with relationships. The resolutions keep coming year after year. One lady was overheard to say, "I have resolved to make no resolutions for the year ahead."
Have you ever thought of what life is like without resolve?
It just happens. Everything that comes your way comes your way. You are the whim of whatever wave of life happens to be the highest at the time. You are always a victim of circumstances. People of this persuasion will say, "When it is my time to go, it's my time...."
The Christian life is one of great resolve. Think with me for a second.
Joseph resolved to keep Mary as his wife, no matter what others said. The Wise Men showed great resolve in making the journey to the Christ child regardless of what Herod said or did. John the Baptist resolved to baptize and preach the gospel even if it would cost him his head. Jesus showed great resolve in making sure that the world knew of God's love and grace even if it led him to the cross.
In these examples there is no sense of being at the whim of life. Instead resolution is that which steers the vessel of your life. It is that which guides you through the wilderness of life. Resolve is part of the character of Christ or the image of God which we all can claim in our life.
Or we can continue going year after year, drifting in life.
Make a list of resolutions for your faith journey. Create a plan of action for your faith walk. Then in great faith, do it. 2010 will be the year that changed your life! Or better yet, the year that God changed your life.
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
www.thewellumc.com
www.midweekmanna.com
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Littlest Angel
The littlest angels always make the Children's Nativity.
Technically she was correct. It was her baby.
Sunday we had the Children's Nativity. It is the time the children dress up as the characters of the Nativity. It is an important way to teach children the story of the birth of Christ. As they grow up, they play different parts in the scene.
The angels were children under the age of five. Each was adorned in white with angel wings and of course there was a halo. It is hard to get little boys under the age of five to understand the halo concept. Some of them ditch the halo.
Our littlest angel was a two year old little girl filled with energy. Things went well in making the announcement to the shepherds. Although as the angels were waiting, there were moms trying to keep the little hands out of the baptismal fountain near by. When the announcement came, the one angel went to her place. Then when the whole heavenly hosts were cued, all of the angels took their place.
It was this point that the angels really took the stage. They were to go over across the stage and stand behind Mary and Joseph. Most of them did make the trip however a few wandered back to their mom. The littlest angel made it over to Mary and Joseph and discovered the baby Jesus. It was HER doll.
When a two year discovers HER doll in the midst of many boys and girls, it is time to make it clear who this belongs to. Yes, you guessed it. She immediately went over the manger and picked up baby Jesus and boldly proclaimed, "MINE! MY Baby!" holding the baby by its toes. Now in some churches, this little angel would have been attacked by the shepherds or wise men, but not ours.
The mother of the littlest angel convinced her that the baby belonged in the manger. After proclaiming loudly once more, "MY BABY!" the littlest angel put the baby in the manger--head down, toes up. Now one could argue that at some point maybe Jesus did in fact pull his toes out of the cloth and pull his toes up. Babies do that. It is just not quite the picture of the Nativity that we have.
It was a joyful moment at The Well--the Nativity.
I have thought about this and concluded that the littlest angel was there to teach us all something very important. Oh how God longs for each of God's children to go to the manger and proclaim to the world, "This is MY baby! This is MY Savior!" I think God would love that moment even if we didn't hold the baby correctly or put the baby back. Jesus was born not to be looked at with sentimental eyes, but to be grasped and claimed. The littlest angel knew that baby was hers.
The Savior is born--for you.
The Children's Nativity is already on the 2010 calendar. I can't wait to see it!
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
www.thewellumc.com
www.midweekmanna.com
Technically she was correct. It was her baby.
Sunday we had the Children's Nativity. It is the time the children dress up as the characters of the Nativity. It is an important way to teach children the story of the birth of Christ. As they grow up, they play different parts in the scene.
The angels were children under the age of five. Each was adorned in white with angel wings and of course there was a halo. It is hard to get little boys under the age of five to understand the halo concept. Some of them ditch the halo.
Our littlest angel was a two year old little girl filled with energy. Things went well in making the announcement to the shepherds. Although as the angels were waiting, there were moms trying to keep the little hands out of the baptismal fountain near by. When the announcement came, the one angel went to her place. Then when the whole heavenly hosts were cued, all of the angels took their place.
It was this point that the angels really took the stage. They were to go over across the stage and stand behind Mary and Joseph. Most of them did make the trip however a few wandered back to their mom. The littlest angel made it over to Mary and Joseph and discovered the baby Jesus. It was HER doll.
When a two year discovers HER doll in the midst of many boys and girls, it is time to make it clear who this belongs to. Yes, you guessed it. She immediately went over the manger and picked up baby Jesus and boldly proclaimed, "MINE! MY Baby!" holding the baby by its toes. Now in some churches, this little angel would have been attacked by the shepherds or wise men, but not ours.
The mother of the littlest angel convinced her that the baby belonged in the manger. After proclaiming loudly once more, "MY BABY!" the littlest angel put the baby in the manger--head down, toes up. Now one could argue that at some point maybe Jesus did in fact pull his toes out of the cloth and pull his toes up. Babies do that. It is just not quite the picture of the Nativity that we have.
It was a joyful moment at The Well--the Nativity.
I have thought about this and concluded that the littlest angel was there to teach us all something very important. Oh how God longs for each of God's children to go to the manger and proclaim to the world, "This is MY baby! This is MY Savior!" I think God would love that moment even if we didn't hold the baby correctly or put the baby back. Jesus was born not to be looked at with sentimental eyes, but to be grasped and claimed. The littlest angel knew that baby was hers.
The Savior is born--for you.
The Children's Nativity is already on the 2010 calendar. I can't wait to see it!
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
www.thewellumc.com
www.midweekmanna.com
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Emmanuel God is With Us!
"Some times I feel as though God must be a million miles away from me."
It is the thought of a young woman growing up in the confusion of teen age years. It is what the old man is thinking as he sits in the wheel chair of his nursing home when no one ever comes to see him. The nurse who works too many hours seeing more pain and suffering than healing knows the sound of these words. These words are the reality of those who have no hope in life. Or maybe it isn't that they have no hope in life but in the present moment there seems to be very little.
And then he was born.
A little baby born to a very young woman who wasn't even supposed to be pregnant to a man who wasn't supposed to keep her as a wife. The baby is born in a place where babies weren't supposed to be born. Visited by shepherds and magii who were not supposed to be so religious.
A baby is born to tell all of us that God is with us. God is for us. You are not alone and never have been alone. Emmanuel is the Hebrew expression for the Messiah to be born.
In life you may feel alone but the birth of Christ gives you something better than feelings. It offers you the reality that God has come for all the world. God comes again and again in our hearts when we allow Jesus to be born. May Christ be born again for you and for me.
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
www.thewellumc.com
www.midweekmanna.com
It is the thought of a young woman growing up in the confusion of teen age years. It is what the old man is thinking as he sits in the wheel chair of his nursing home when no one ever comes to see him. The nurse who works too many hours seeing more pain and suffering than healing knows the sound of these words. These words are the reality of those who have no hope in life. Or maybe it isn't that they have no hope in life but in the present moment there seems to be very little.
And then he was born.
A little baby born to a very young woman who wasn't even supposed to be pregnant to a man who wasn't supposed to keep her as a wife. The baby is born in a place where babies weren't supposed to be born. Visited by shepherds and magii who were not supposed to be so religious.
A baby is born to tell all of us that God is with us. God is for us. You are not alone and never have been alone. Emmanuel is the Hebrew expression for the Messiah to be born.
In life you may feel alone but the birth of Christ gives you something better than feelings. It offers you the reality that God has come for all the world. God comes again and again in our hearts when we allow Jesus to be born. May Christ be born again for you and for me.
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
www.thewellumc.com
www.midweekmanna.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)