Sunday is Easter, the most holy day of the year. What transpired at the garden grave, very early in the morning, gives life and hope to all who believe. The resurrection of Jesus settled the matter once and for all. God is victor over sin and death. And, because of Easter, every day is holy.
Easter means that the Lord is near. Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and met a man she thought to be the gardener. Later, she discovered he was the risen Christ. Easter means that the Lord is near. It means that no barrier, whether above or below, in life or in death, can separate us from the love of God that comes through Christ Jesus the Lord. The third century church father, Hippolytus, said Easter means this: “No more bewailing your failings; forgiveness has come from the grave. No more fears of your dying: the death of our Savior has freed us from fear. Death took earth and encountered heaven. It took what is seen and fell upon the unseen. Death played the master; but He has mastered death.” Easter says that the Lord is near.
In Easter worship, we celebrate the living presence of our Lord. The sacred memory of the first Easter Sunday inspires and, inspired by his grace, we go out to live and serve. Each Sunday is truly Easter Sunday—as is each day!
May the blessings of our God be with you and yours.
Grace and peace,
Lee McGlone
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
President Clinton
Ouachita Baptist's University's new president, Dr. Rex Horne, is being installed this week. Among the special events that mark the inaugural week was last evening's address by former president Bill Clinton. Dr. Horne served as the president's pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. Having the president speak in Arkadelphia was a treat for lots of folks--and the Jones Performing Arts Center was packed.
His address focused on the need in the 21st century for a more interdependent relationship between the nations of the world. He called for a world view that, while maintaining unique national identities, sought for the larger picture of well-being for the entire planet--lest we or any other nation plunge into horror that no one wants. His address was well delivered, thoughtful, and challenging. I went away glad that I had been there.
I also went away with the firm conviction, one long-held, that the gospel of Christ which we believe and preach is not antithetical to this kind of world-wide interdependence. Such a notion lies at the heart of Christian missions. Humanitarian efforts in the disaster areas of the world are clearly the work of Christ in us...echoing our Lord's "cup of cold water in Jesus' name." This is, indeed, our Father's world.
While there are no simple answers to the very complex issues our world faces in this century, we have a model in our Lord Jesus Christ--a model of love for all humankind and the ability to see more than the thin slice of life that exists closely around us--and resources available to make a difference.
As Holy Week approaches we will be met again by the passion of Christ. May the memories of our Lord's grief, and his love poured out for us, encourage within us a renewed spirit of love and grace. And in the mix of life around us, can we pray and seek the Lord's will "on earth as it is in heaven."
Talk later.
lm
His address focused on the need in the 21st century for a more interdependent relationship between the nations of the world. He called for a world view that, while maintaining unique national identities, sought for the larger picture of well-being for the entire planet--lest we or any other nation plunge into horror that no one wants. His address was well delivered, thoughtful, and challenging. I went away glad that I had been there.
I also went away with the firm conviction, one long-held, that the gospel of Christ which we believe and preach is not antithetical to this kind of world-wide interdependence. Such a notion lies at the heart of Christian missions. Humanitarian efforts in the disaster areas of the world are clearly the work of Christ in us...echoing our Lord's "cup of cold water in Jesus' name." This is, indeed, our Father's world.
While there are no simple answers to the very complex issues our world faces in this century, we have a model in our Lord Jesus Christ--a model of love for all humankind and the ability to see more than the thin slice of life that exists closely around us--and resources available to make a difference.
As Holy Week approaches we will be met again by the passion of Christ. May the memories of our Lord's grief, and his love poured out for us, encourage within us a renewed spirit of love and grace. And in the mix of life around us, can we pray and seek the Lord's will "on earth as it is in heaven."
Talk later.
lm
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Bringing Family Home
This weekend I will travel to Sioux Falls, SD to bring my wife (Brenda), our daughter (Ashley), and our grand-daughter (Mya Grace) to Arkansas. Since my move to FBC, Arkadelphia, AR the family has remained in Sioux Falls in order to sell our home. Selling has not gone as quickly as we hoped, so the family is coming here. The house will have to sell without us present. I can hardly wait to have our family back together again. Well, almost together. Our son, Chris, is in the military (California) and will be deployed to Iraq this summer. But that's another story.
One of the happy adjustments my family will make is to the warmer climate in Arkansas. I think it will hardly be an adjustment...but a shout of joy! These days have been absolutely beautiful. Trees are beginning to bud and the early spring flowers are already bursting forth. This is truly one of my favorite times of the year. New life in the warmth of sunshine, fed by gentle rains, declares the robust joy God has in the world. And our joy too!
I believe God is not necessarily "known" to us in the beauty of nature. But once we have come to know God through the revelation of his Son, Jesus Christ, then we are prepared to "know" God in the variety of ways our senses are inspired. Karl Barth, the noted Swiss theologian, was once asked in what ways God made himself known to the world. Barth replied that since God was God, God could choose to speak to us any way God chose: from a Mozart concerto to a dead dog. But the primary revelation is Jesus Christ himself. For in him, the fullness of God dwelt. That's sound thinking--and the foundation for all of Christian faith.
God is at work all around. I hope you have opportunity to see and to say thanks!
Talk later.
lm
One of the happy adjustments my family will make is to the warmer climate in Arkansas. I think it will hardly be an adjustment...but a shout of joy! These days have been absolutely beautiful. Trees are beginning to bud and the early spring flowers are already bursting forth. This is truly one of my favorite times of the year. New life in the warmth of sunshine, fed by gentle rains, declares the robust joy God has in the world. And our joy too!
I believe God is not necessarily "known" to us in the beauty of nature. But once we have come to know God through the revelation of his Son, Jesus Christ, then we are prepared to "know" God in the variety of ways our senses are inspired. Karl Barth, the noted Swiss theologian, was once asked in what ways God made himself known to the world. Barth replied that since God was God, God could choose to speak to us any way God chose: from a Mozart concerto to a dead dog. But the primary revelation is Jesus Christ himself. For in him, the fullness of God dwelt. That's sound thinking--and the foundation for all of Christian faith.
God is at work all around. I hope you have opportunity to see and to say thanks!
Talk later.
lm
Thursday, February 22, 2007
The Minister's Manual
This morning I received a call from a friend from seminary days who had just found in his local bookstore the 2007 edition of my book, The Minister's Manual. He wanted to know about the book and why he didn't know about it before now. What I shared with him I will also share with you.
The Minister's Manual in an annual edition (published each year since 1928) that includes sermons, illustrations, devotional and Bible study material, worship aids and suggestions for each Sunday of the year, and special sections on thematic and seasonal preaching. I think every preacher, Sunday School teacher, seminarian...you name it...should have a copy. It makes a great gift! You'll find it in many bookstores across the country, especially Christian and/or denominational bookstores, or online at the publisher's website. Go to www.josseybass.com and click on product search, and then type McGlone. It will go to the 2007 and the 2008 volumes. The 2008 volume will not be available until August, but the 2007 is on the shelves. Or you can go to Amazon and do the same thing. I'm thanked my seminary friend for his purchase--as I do you.
I've worked on the manual for twenty years as its indexer and as a frequent contributor of material. My dear friend, teacher and mentor, Dr. James Cox, served as editor for the past twenty plus years. We worked as co-editors for the '07 edition and I have taken on the role of sole editor for the '08 edition. It is a worthy effort.
So much for the advertisement.
Talk later.
lm
The Minister's Manual in an annual edition (published each year since 1928) that includes sermons, illustrations, devotional and Bible study material, worship aids and suggestions for each Sunday of the year, and special sections on thematic and seasonal preaching. I think every preacher, Sunday School teacher, seminarian...you name it...should have a copy. It makes a great gift! You'll find it in many bookstores across the country, especially Christian and/or denominational bookstores, or online at the publisher's website. Go to www.josseybass.com and click on product search, and then type McGlone. It will go to the 2007 and the 2008 volumes. The 2008 volume will not be available until August, but the 2007 is on the shelves. Or you can go to Amazon and do the same thing. I'm thanked my seminary friend for his purchase--as I do you.
I've worked on the manual for twenty years as its indexer and as a frequent contributor of material. My dear friend, teacher and mentor, Dr. James Cox, served as editor for the past twenty plus years. We worked as co-editors for the '07 edition and I have taken on the role of sole editor for the '08 edition. It is a worthy effort.
So much for the advertisement.
Talk later.
lm
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Writing Again.
My dear friend from Monroe, Louisiana, Bob George, called me on the carpet once again. He noticed, the perceptive person that he is, that I have been delinquent in writing to this blog. I'll admit that, while I enjoy writing, taking time in recent days to be consistent has been difficult. But as Bob would remind me, we are persons without excuse. We are called to be responsible.
I am reminded of a quote I heard from my dear mother more than once. See if it makes better sense to you than to me: "Every tub must sit on it's own bottom." I asked mother about it once, as to what it meant. She replied, "Well, son, that's that simplest thing in the world. Anyone should get this. It means a tub can't sit on another tub's bottom." Enough said, I suppose. I think it had something to say about personal responsibility--Bob, I think you would have liked her.
Another emailer, this one from our new church, FBC at Arkadelphia, Arkansas, wrote that she enjoyed seeing what was on her pastor's mind and how he thought about things. "Just write the things you think about from day to day." That is dangerous territory, perhaps only a child or a fool would be so risky--and I am no longer a child! So here goes.
I am thinking today of the radio broadcast I heard driving back from Little Rock yesterday. The talk was still on the Arkansas Razorback football program and the future of Coach Houston Nutt. They wanted people to express opinions about the drama that has unfolded in recent weeks about the departure of the quarterback coach and two prize recruits--one last year's #1 quarterback high schooler in the nation who left UA because he didn't get to play enough his freshman year. Lots of people called and gave opinions. I'm sure I'm not as football savvy as many, but I do keep up pretty closely--and I am a simple man. And so here's my take. I think the young quarterback could have played every down of the year--if he could have completed passes. Overthrown and underthrown balls seemed to be more common than those on the mark. I don't see the rub: we've lost a quarterback who I am sure is a fine young man but perhaps not as able a quarterback, yet, as many seem to think he is. That's what I think--at least today.
I am also thinking that with the absolutely beautiful weather attending south Arkansas, I will not be a very good pastor for a while. The call of the noble largemouth bass is being heard!
Talk later,
lm
I am reminded of a quote I heard from my dear mother more than once. See if it makes better sense to you than to me: "Every tub must sit on it's own bottom." I asked mother about it once, as to what it meant. She replied, "Well, son, that's that simplest thing in the world. Anyone should get this. It means a tub can't sit on another tub's bottom." Enough said, I suppose. I think it had something to say about personal responsibility--Bob, I think you would have liked her.
Another emailer, this one from our new church, FBC at Arkadelphia, Arkansas, wrote that she enjoyed seeing what was on her pastor's mind and how he thought about things. "Just write the things you think about from day to day." That is dangerous territory, perhaps only a child or a fool would be so risky--and I am no longer a child! So here goes.
I am thinking today of the radio broadcast I heard driving back from Little Rock yesterday. The talk was still on the Arkansas Razorback football program and the future of Coach Houston Nutt. They wanted people to express opinions about the drama that has unfolded in recent weeks about the departure of the quarterback coach and two prize recruits--one last year's #1 quarterback high schooler in the nation who left UA because he didn't get to play enough his freshman year. Lots of people called and gave opinions. I'm sure I'm not as football savvy as many, but I do keep up pretty closely--and I am a simple man. And so here's my take. I think the young quarterback could have played every down of the year--if he could have completed passes. Overthrown and underthrown balls seemed to be more common than those on the mark. I don't see the rub: we've lost a quarterback who I am sure is a fine young man but perhaps not as able a quarterback, yet, as many seem to think he is. That's what I think--at least today.
I am also thinking that with the absolutely beautiful weather attending south Arkansas, I will not be a very good pastor for a while. The call of the noble largemouth bass is being heard!
Talk later,
lm
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