A new turn
1/8/2012
During college days and our first years of marriage, my wife worked at JC Penney. Early in the New Year they would hire extra help, close the store for a day and take inventory. I remember counting racks of socks, under-ware and T-shirts. Today, I imagine all that is done by a few strokes on a computer. But every business still manages its inventory one way or another.
As we begin a new year, most people will spend some time sorting a pile, cleaning a closet, putting some clutter in a storage bin or at least toss out last year’s calendar (except one clergy friend of mine who has an extensive collection). A new year can inspire each of us to look back and reflect on the past year in preparation for the next.
I glanced at my Pastoral Record Book, where funerals, weddings, new members and sermon titles are listed. I came up with a Top Ten Sermon List: Empty Boxes, Ready and Waiting; Push/Pull; There’s More than Enough; The Rock was for Resting; Holding on to Holy Hands; Planting Miracles; Sally and the Garden; Could’a, Would’a, Shoud’a; Rotten Wood and Lame Horses; Shoestrings and Red Ball Jets. You are correct, I am not sure either, years later, what in the world those sermons were about exactly. Maybe that’s why it is better to prepare for the future more than dwell on the past.
The writer of Ecclesiastes uses his perspective on life to compose the verses of Scripture that create this brief book in the Bible. As he assesses his past life and the world around him he notes that ultimately all of human wisdom has its limits. Our human knowledge is far too limited to fully understand larger purposes of God, but FAITH teaches us that God has ordered all things according to God’s own purpose. The writer reminds us that life not centered on God is purposeless and meaningless.
There is season and purpose for everything seems to be the message in Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11.
This year (2012) is the one we promised “we would do better next year.” Likely many of us made a statement to try and improve in some area of our life: Finances, eating, relationships, a more balanced work schedule, a deeper spiritual life, improved parenting practices, better communication skills, more exercise, etc.
At the beginning of each new year John Wesley would lead his congregation in a time of prayer, worship and Communion to help set the tone for the coming year. In preparation for persons offering this covenant prayer and making it a reality in one’s life, Wesley guided persons like you and me in the following admonitions:
- Wesley - "First, set apart some time, more than once, to be spent alone before the Lord." I believe Wesley meant a time for Personal Prayer where we seek God's help, give our hearts to God and seek forgiveness.
- Wesley - "Second, be serious in a spirit of holy awe and reverence." Seems to me that Wesley is encouraging our time in worship. Without moments of worship in our lives we wander. Worship helps keep us grounded. The writer of Philippians 4:8 put it this way: "Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirabloe; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things!" Worship helps us identify and focus on such things.
- Wesley - "Third, claim God's promise of giving grace and strength, so you can keep your promise. Trust not your own strength and power." Certainly this is time with the Scriptures, a message from God, filled with guiding principles and promises, and a way God can speak to us and the circumstances we face today. Each of us could certainly come with our own "Top Ten Promises in Scripture." I encourage you to do so across the coming year.
- Wesley - "Fourth, resolve to be faithful ... be prepared to renew your covenant with God." It is time to act. Resolve to be faithful. We all have to take a first step. So make a Covenant with another person. Sharing our intent with someone else provides an opportunity for both accountability and encouragement. Letting our light shine is our own new beginning and may be the catalyst to someone else taking their own first step on a New Beginning.
The Scriptures teach us in Matthew that the Three Wisemen made a turn, “…and went home another way.” Each of us may want to ask God to help us make a new turn in our lives in the coming year.
If you have not yet had a chance to reflect upon the John Wesley Covenant Prayer, here it is:
Let me be your servant, under your command.
I will no longer be my own.
I will give up myself to your will in all things
Lord, make me what you will.
I put myself in your hands:
put me to doing, put me to suffering,
let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
let me be full, let me be empty,
let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and with a willing heart
give it all to your pleasure and disposal.
I trust you have a great start to this new year!
Rev. Benton Heisler
Director of Connectional Ministries
West Michigan Conference
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