Today I put on an old church T-shirt. “So what” you say? Well you need to know it’s the first time I have put it on since I resigned as pastor of that church. It was a big moment for me even if no one else thought about it or cared.
I’ve served as pastor of six churches in my years of ministry all filled with mountains and valleys. For a long time I believed it was my ministry to serve as a part-time pastor for churches that could not afford a full-time position. Often I went in to rebuild after a split or other such situation that had left the church depleted and needing to start over. I did this until physically I couldn’t any longer.
When things go bad in a church an often overlooked casualty is the minister. Please don’t misunderstand, I know full well in such times it’s often the leaders fault things go as they do but RARELY was the crash planned. In fact I’d say almost never is a church catastrophe what people wanted and those hurt or offended forget that in their own hurt or anger.
When there is dissention, factions, gossip, moral failure, or even the disastrous split the local body suffers and the pain starts in the heart of the shepherd. He or she must bear this burden more than anyone else even after they’ve gone somewhere else.
The shirt I wear today is from one of my most pleasant memories. When it ended my heart was shattered in ways I could not have imagined it could be. Almost everything that could have happened short of moral failure took place and the cost was unimaginable. I could see it coming, I had been told it was coming and even made contingency plans to prepare for it but when it did I couldn’t handle it.
I thought of leaving the ministry for good. I considered many, many excessive reactions and today as I wear that shirt I praise my God that I didn’t do them.
So, back to that shirt. When I moved on I burned many of my memories as to protect myself from them. How foolish. Memory is in your mind not a drawer. I have prayed for YEARS about this hurt as I asked God to help me overcome my bitterness, regret, and pain. It didn’t happen overnight but I can definitely feel it getting better.
I look at myself in the shirt and a flood of good memories flood over me, the good outweighing the bad in massive proportions and I want you to know this can happen to you as well but you must keep seeking the Father. I think of Galatians 6:9 where it says “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Moving on is a heart issue no matter why you need to move on or where from the most important thing is do not give up. Keep praying, keep seeking the Lord, just never, ever quit.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!!
Simply Beautiful
Every night has a New Day Coming
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
A Weekend to Remember
OK, first of all there is no particular rhyme or reason to my blog. Some blogs are deep, some are angry rants, some are insightful and others are spiritual. Minus the anger (I hope) mine could be anything. That's why this particular entry is more of a testimony that was too long for Facebook.
I have had a particularly GREAT weekend, so good I had to write. It started with Friday. My wife (Tracy) left early to attend a WM's (Women's Ministries) conference hostED by the state office for the Assemblies of God. Now this wasn't good for me as I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my wife. She is my best friend and I miss her tremendously when we are apart but it was a good thing for her! We have a great women's group at our church but there is just something about getting together with others outside your own local church that is special. Tracy doesn't like to be away from me and the kids so when she decided she wanted to go I KNEW she would get blessed and did she ever!! She has been telling me about the richness of God's presence, the anointed worship, and the powerful life changing testimonies that were shared. She committed that which is most valuable these days (her time) and she has been blessed for it. When my wife is blessed so am I so we were off to a great start.
With Tracy out of town and the kids in school I had time on my hands and coupons for some free golf. I had received these things for pastor appreciation and this pastor sure appreciated it. It was a beautiful day, cost me nothing but my time and I learned something. The only thing worse than playing a bad round of golf by yourself is playing a good round of golf by yourself. There's no one there to see it! Still, solitary golf is spiritual for me. I talk to the Lord a lot while I'm playing. I guess it's praying but it feels more like we are hanging out.
When school was over the kids and I had dinner at home (that's when I REALLY miss my wife, seems like a leg is missing) and soon after my daughter went to a youth group activity leaving my son and I home alone. What to do? What else? BATMAN!! We watched the Michael Keaton version from the 80's. Not quite as dark as recent versions and my boy loved it until he fell asleep. Soon after my little girl came home and everyone went to sleep. Nice Friday.
We were up early Saturday morning so my little girl could help with the youth group garage sale for missions. My boy and I went to breakfast together then afterwards we played his FIRST round of golf that didn't include the word miniature. He did (no disrespect to Tony the Tiger) GRRRREAT! Of course I played as well (had to instruct didn't I?) and I caught a glimpse of my future golf buddy. Excuse me I need a tissue for my allergies.
When we were done we picked up the daughter who's activity was about done and headed to Ruston, Louisiana for some college football. As a reward for good grades my son received a free ticket to watch the #22 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs play so his sister and I tagged along. Beautiful day, free tailgating food, and the home team won. What's not to love?
When we got home my lovely wife was here to welcome us with hugs and kisses so now a very tired family is resting for a wonderful reunion tomorrow. What reunion? We will see our church family in the house of God! I'm so excited about what He might do as I feel like I've had a mini vacation, Tracy is refreshed, and the kids love their church. Yes, it has been one great weekend.
Many people have been posting daily "things they are thankful for" since it is November/Thanksgiving month. I hope whatever you do you will take the time to tell someone how thankful you are for the blessings God puts in your life everyday. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
I have had a particularly GREAT weekend, so good I had to write. It started with Friday. My wife (Tracy) left early to attend a WM's (Women's Ministries) conference hostED by the state office for the Assemblies of God. Now this wasn't good for me as I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my wife. She is my best friend and I miss her tremendously when we are apart but it was a good thing for her! We have a great women's group at our church but there is just something about getting together with others outside your own local church that is special. Tracy doesn't like to be away from me and the kids so when she decided she wanted to go I KNEW she would get blessed and did she ever!! She has been telling me about the richness of God's presence, the anointed worship, and the powerful life changing testimonies that were shared. She committed that which is most valuable these days (her time) and she has been blessed for it. When my wife is blessed so am I so we were off to a great start.
With Tracy out of town and the kids in school I had time on my hands and coupons for some free golf. I had received these things for pastor appreciation and this pastor sure appreciated it. It was a beautiful day, cost me nothing but my time and I learned something. The only thing worse than playing a bad round of golf by yourself is playing a good round of golf by yourself. There's no one there to see it! Still, solitary golf is spiritual for me. I talk to the Lord a lot while I'm playing. I guess it's praying but it feels more like we are hanging out.
When school was over the kids and I had dinner at home (that's when I REALLY miss my wife, seems like a leg is missing) and soon after my daughter went to a youth group activity leaving my son and I home alone. What to do? What else? BATMAN!! We watched the Michael Keaton version from the 80's. Not quite as dark as recent versions and my boy loved it until he fell asleep. Soon after my little girl came home and everyone went to sleep. Nice Friday.
We were up early Saturday morning so my little girl could help with the youth group garage sale for missions. My boy and I went to breakfast together then afterwards we played his FIRST round of golf that didn't include the word miniature. He did (no disrespect to Tony the Tiger) GRRRREAT! Of course I played as well (had to instruct didn't I?) and I caught a glimpse of my future golf buddy. Excuse me I need a tissue for my allergies.
When we were done we picked up the daughter who's activity was about done and headed to Ruston, Louisiana for some college football. As a reward for good grades my son received a free ticket to watch the #22 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs play so his sister and I tagged along. Beautiful day, free tailgating food, and the home team won. What's not to love?
When we got home my lovely wife was here to welcome us with hugs and kisses so now a very tired family is resting for a wonderful reunion tomorrow. What reunion? We will see our church family in the house of God! I'm so excited about what He might do as I feel like I've had a mini vacation, Tracy is refreshed, and the kids love their church. Yes, it has been one great weekend.
Many people have been posting daily "things they are thankful for" since it is November/Thanksgiving month. I hope whatever you do you will take the time to tell someone how thankful you are for the blessings God puts in your life everyday. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
the Damaging Debate
Last night the people of the United States watched the 2nd presidential debate between the Democratic incumbent Barack Obama and the Republican challenger Mitt Romney. In the first debate the challenger was given the edge due to his strong performance and the President's overly subdued demeanor. In the weeks that have followed even die-hard supporters have bashed the president for his lack of passion and it was evident last night this was an attitude he would not bring again. The result was a contentious and terse debate that saw the men almost in each others faces.
Polls quickly followed that told how undecided voters felt uncomfortable in those moments as it seemed to show not who was superior, but that as always the two parties cannot get along. Instead of telling us what they can do to "fix" our nation they would rather tear one another down as the other cried foul with "That's not true!" For the undecided voters who will decide this election it was just more of the same and they are still undecided as they are weary of the party strife.
This morning as I was getting ready for the day and in prayer about the details (that's how I refer to the daily stuff, concerns that are not really emergencies) I believe I had an epiphany from the Lord. I don't know if it was so much He spoke to my heart, but in my mind I thought "People are SO tired of this house divided it's no wonder they don't vote or don't even care. Voter apathy is almost justified" That's when it was almost as if another voice said to me "It's the same with my church. Why would people want to come into a place of division?"
I lost my breath. In just one moment it was as if a hundred realizations and thoughts popped into my mind. Why on earth would someone looking for answers or down-trodden by life want to go to church for the answers or even relief when all they hear about is infighting and strife?
With 45 years in church and never a prolonged time away from the fellowship with other believers I have seen and heard a LOT of horror stories. I can say without fear of being wrong that what hurts the church more than anything is the people who go there. Across denominational lines we have the most ridiculous disagreements over petty little things that simply do not matter in the puzzle of eternity.
Someone may be going through a divorce or have torturous drama at home, so when they come to their local church seeking guidance what do they find but a split as one group wants blue paint in the new building and another wants yellow. When they walk through the door they aren't welcomed, they're recruited! Quickly leaving that mess they go to another church, a different denomination hoping that it will be different and it is. Here there's a popularity contest going on as one leading family wants their loved one on the board of directors and another family wants theirs. Out those doors they run to the last church down the street with yet another sign out front. Here everyone is friendly but when they find out this person had tried two other churches the roast is on. They begin to tell the newcomer how good it is that they've come to their church as all the others are SO wrong and crazy with their beliefs and surely going to hell because they don't believe as they do.
Like those apathetic voters they see nothing but contention and why would ANYONE want to join another dysfunctional family?
Now I am not promoting oneness or a single united denomination but what I am saying is we've all got to stop this now. Recent statistics show that people in the United States are leaving churches across the lines. As older generations pass new believers are not coming in to replace them and I believe it is because the church has given them many reasons to run away.
Every time we have fights, splits, gossip and broken confidances, every time we bash the preacher or fuss about things in the house of God we are giving a public opinion of why people should stay away. Who would want to run into a falling house? We must grow up. We must put the needs of others before our own. We must turn the other cheek when we are offended and continue to strive together before the world is completly lost.
In my life I have had plenty of wounds that came in church and I want you to know as bad as they hurt the love and concern I have received FAR outweigh those scars. I want you to join me as we raise up a new generation that will not waist our time cursing the dark but praising the light. No matter where you attend do not bash the church down the street or promote your disagreements. Handle things in the Biblical ways. We must work together and love on one another as we lift up the name of Jesus. The old gospel ship will not sink as long as we do not scuttle her.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED! (Jer. 31:3)
Polls quickly followed that told how undecided voters felt uncomfortable in those moments as it seemed to show not who was superior, but that as always the two parties cannot get along. Instead of telling us what they can do to "fix" our nation they would rather tear one another down as the other cried foul with "That's not true!" For the undecided voters who will decide this election it was just more of the same and they are still undecided as they are weary of the party strife.
This morning as I was getting ready for the day and in prayer about the details (that's how I refer to the daily stuff, concerns that are not really emergencies) I believe I had an epiphany from the Lord. I don't know if it was so much He spoke to my heart, but in my mind I thought "People are SO tired of this house divided it's no wonder they don't vote or don't even care. Voter apathy is almost justified" That's when it was almost as if another voice said to me "It's the same with my church. Why would people want to come into a place of division?"
I lost my breath. In just one moment it was as if a hundred realizations and thoughts popped into my mind. Why on earth would someone looking for answers or down-trodden by life want to go to church for the answers or even relief when all they hear about is infighting and strife?
With 45 years in church and never a prolonged time away from the fellowship with other believers I have seen and heard a LOT of horror stories. I can say without fear of being wrong that what hurts the church more than anything is the people who go there. Across denominational lines we have the most ridiculous disagreements over petty little things that simply do not matter in the puzzle of eternity.
Someone may be going through a divorce or have torturous drama at home, so when they come to their local church seeking guidance what do they find but a split as one group wants blue paint in the new building and another wants yellow. When they walk through the door they aren't welcomed, they're recruited! Quickly leaving that mess they go to another church, a different denomination hoping that it will be different and it is. Here there's a popularity contest going on as one leading family wants their loved one on the board of directors and another family wants theirs. Out those doors they run to the last church down the street with yet another sign out front. Here everyone is friendly but when they find out this person had tried two other churches the roast is on. They begin to tell the newcomer how good it is that they've come to their church as all the others are SO wrong and crazy with their beliefs and surely going to hell because they don't believe as they do.
Like those apathetic voters they see nothing but contention and why would ANYONE want to join another dysfunctional family?
Now I am not promoting oneness or a single united denomination but what I am saying is we've all got to stop this now. Recent statistics show that people in the United States are leaving churches across the lines. As older generations pass new believers are not coming in to replace them and I believe it is because the church has given them many reasons to run away.
Every time we have fights, splits, gossip and broken confidances, every time we bash the preacher or fuss about things in the house of God we are giving a public opinion of why people should stay away. Who would want to run into a falling house? We must grow up. We must put the needs of others before our own. We must turn the other cheek when we are offended and continue to strive together before the world is completly lost.
In my life I have had plenty of wounds that came in church and I want you to know as bad as they hurt the love and concern I have received FAR outweigh those scars. I want you to join me as we raise up a new generation that will not waist our time cursing the dark but praising the light. No matter where you attend do not bash the church down the street or promote your disagreements. Handle things in the Biblical ways. We must work together and love on one another as we lift up the name of Jesus. The old gospel ship will not sink as long as we do not scuttle her.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED! (Jer. 31:3)
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Living Legends
Just the other day I was reading an article about the upcoming retirement of a sports icon. The Atlanta Braves Chipper Jones will hang up his glove after 19 incredible years. Over the near two decades he has amassed some Cooperstown statistics that are so amazing and yet I had never noticed. Why? Because I've always been a Braves fan, so much that I didn't notice this great star on my team of stars.
It got me to thinking, I've seen a LOT of legendary players in my 45 years of life. I watched Joe Montana lead the 49ers to multiple Superbowl championships. I cheered Emmit Smith as he broke the NFL all time rushing title. I beamed as I watched Michael Jordan lead the Bulls to a dynasty and don't get me started on the heydays of watching Larry Bird take on Magic Johnson. Wow! That's just a few by the way.
Sometimes we are witnessing legends and we don't even notice or appreciate them until they're gone. Which brings me to James Mooney. If you don't know him don't feel bad, I didn't know him until I became pastor of Rocky Branch Assembly of God.
James Mooney is a legend of the faith. He has served the Lord for over 60 years and many of those in the shadows. He has ministered to and prayed for thousands in that time. He often was unpaid and wasn't looking for thanks, he was merely serving the Lord to the best of his ability.
At Rocky Branch he has cast a GIANT shadow. People have a profound respect for this man and his gentle ways because they've seen his works and taken note. Now in the twilight of his life he cares for his sweetheart of 64 (I believe) years and I know the people are noting his dedication and love for her at this time as well.
Giants are all around us. Everyday normal men and women are doing incredible things for the Lord simply because they love Him. They sacrifice for His call, love people who use them, pray for those who criticise them and when they are gone it's tragic that only then do we appreciate their works.
Chipper Jones will no doubt end up in the Baseball Hall of Fame. With his career he deserves it and in his last season even those who booed him have taken time to admire what he has accomplished. There will be no enshrinement for men like James Mooney, Marvin McElhannon, James Sullivan, Don Scroggins,or Leroy Stevenson but there are those of us who HAVE taken notice and if we in our pitiful little abilities can take note I know our infinite God has as well.
Men like those I just listed are the types mentioned in Hebrews chapter eleven, also known as the "Hebrews Heroes Hall of Fame". They will walk with other giants of the faith and I believe those of us who are still working once they've gone on to their reward will quote Hebrews 11:38 and say "the world was not worthy of them".
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
It got me to thinking, I've seen a LOT of legendary players in my 45 years of life. I watched Joe Montana lead the 49ers to multiple Superbowl championships. I cheered Emmit Smith as he broke the NFL all time rushing title. I beamed as I watched Michael Jordan lead the Bulls to a dynasty and don't get me started on the heydays of watching Larry Bird take on Magic Johnson. Wow! That's just a few by the way.
Sometimes we are witnessing legends and we don't even notice or appreciate them until they're gone. Which brings me to James Mooney. If you don't know him don't feel bad, I didn't know him until I became pastor of Rocky Branch Assembly of God.
James Mooney is a legend of the faith. He has served the Lord for over 60 years and many of those in the shadows. He has ministered to and prayed for thousands in that time. He often was unpaid and wasn't looking for thanks, he was merely serving the Lord to the best of his ability.
At Rocky Branch he has cast a GIANT shadow. People have a profound respect for this man and his gentle ways because they've seen his works and taken note. Now in the twilight of his life he cares for his sweetheart of 64 (I believe) years and I know the people are noting his dedication and love for her at this time as well.
Giants are all around us. Everyday normal men and women are doing incredible things for the Lord simply because they love Him. They sacrifice for His call, love people who use them, pray for those who criticise them and when they are gone it's tragic that only then do we appreciate their works.
Chipper Jones will no doubt end up in the Baseball Hall of Fame. With his career he deserves it and in his last season even those who booed him have taken time to admire what he has accomplished. There will be no enshrinement for men like James Mooney, Marvin McElhannon, James Sullivan, Don Scroggins,or Leroy Stevenson but there are those of us who HAVE taken notice and if we in our pitiful little abilities can take note I know our infinite God has as well.
Men like those I just listed are the types mentioned in Hebrews chapter eleven, also known as the "Hebrews Heroes Hall of Fame". They will walk with other giants of the faith and I believe those of us who are still working once they've gone on to their reward will quote Hebrews 11:38 and say "the world was not worthy of them".
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Just some ramblings...
I don't really have a theme this morning as I sit at my desk, but I just wanted to blog so let's see where this goes.
God has been so incredibly good to me that I just couldn't keep it inside. The last few days as I walked out of our temporary home I have seen some small deer (little fawns) run scampering into the woods. So, repeatedly the scripture "As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God" (Psalm 42:1) .
I'm going through one of those wonderful times of fulfillment all long time Christians go through. When we first get saved there is such excitement and zeal, but with the passage of time we level off, plateau, and even fade. That' a dangerous time because it's on the plateau we can begin to roll back, backslide ever so slightly with the imperceptive slope of not moving forward. In these times we question our faith and begin to seek counsel or listen to those voices that may mean no harm but bring it none the less.
But for those who WILL hold their place on he level ground there also comes times of refreshing and growth. A personal revival when we feel born again all over. That's where I am for this season and I am so enjoying it.
My day started with some VERY kind words from a cousin (I'm so thankful or my family) and that prepares me for whatever the day has ahead. I read in the Bible when Paul was closing his letter to the Roman church (Romans 16) he repeatedly said "Say a kind word to..." and as I float on clouds today because of this unsolicited contact I am reminded of how important it is for us to encourage one another. Battles may come my way today, struggles right around the corner but history shows us that those who fight from the high ground usually win. A kind word had me up on the heights so bring it on devil, bring it on!
I am at a time in my life when my soul pants for the Lord. A better definition is my soul is "gasping for the Lord who sustains me". A good word in the midst of a personal revival makes up a dangerous combination to the kingdom of hell. Look out devil, I's ready for you today!
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. May God bless you and keep you!
God has been so incredibly good to me that I just couldn't keep it inside. The last few days as I walked out of our temporary home I have seen some small deer (little fawns) run scampering into the woods. So, repeatedly the scripture "As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God" (Psalm 42:1) .
I'm going through one of those wonderful times of fulfillment all long time Christians go through. When we first get saved there is such excitement and zeal, but with the passage of time we level off, plateau, and even fade. That' a dangerous time because it's on the plateau we can begin to roll back, backslide ever so slightly with the imperceptive slope of not moving forward. In these times we question our faith and begin to seek counsel or listen to those voices that may mean no harm but bring it none the less.
But for those who WILL hold their place on he level ground there also comes times of refreshing and growth. A personal revival when we feel born again all over. That's where I am for this season and I am so enjoying it.
My day started with some VERY kind words from a cousin (I'm so thankful or my family) and that prepares me for whatever the day has ahead. I read in the Bible when Paul was closing his letter to the Roman church (Romans 16) he repeatedly said "Say a kind word to..." and as I float on clouds today because of this unsolicited contact I am reminded of how important it is for us to encourage one another. Battles may come my way today, struggles right around the corner but history shows us that those who fight from the high ground usually win. A kind word had me up on the heights so bring it on devil, bring it on!
I am at a time in my life when my soul pants for the Lord. A better definition is my soul is "gasping for the Lord who sustains me". A good word in the midst of a personal revival makes up a dangerous combination to the kingdom of hell. Look out devil, I's ready for you today!
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. May God bless you and keep you!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Work makes you sweat!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
In my last post I had mentioned there have been many changes in our lives. In May of 2012 I had decided that I needed to make some changes in the life of our family. I hope you understand what I'm about to say, "Not everywhere is a good fit for everybody".
For 19 months we had pastured a church where I was the only member of my family that was happy and I had allowed myself to slump into wimppiness (read last weeks blog). There was nothing wrong with the church. We were growing, people were being saved and good things were happening, it just wasn't a good fit for us.
That happens in all things I guess. People change churches all the time, but when it's a pastor it becomes a bit of a drama you don't want. It has been my experience that when a pastor leaves people take it far too personal, like they did something wrong. Here's an example; when we moved from a church we had pastured for some years I LOVED my new home! Oh it was great, everything was so new and different from the restaurants to the sunrises. On Facebook and here in my blog I would praise the Lord for all He had done and was doing but this was not a good thing to some.
Dear and long time friends felt I was disrespecting them in my good reports as if I were saying the joy of my new home was a slight against where I once had lived. I was defriended and I don't just mean on Facebook.
Change is never easy. Change always takes work. If you want to lose weight a diet will be necessary even though you know it will be unpleasant to say the least. Anytime we have moved, or changed where we were ministering it has been hard on us, hard on our friends, and even hard on the furniture but that's what change is, work!
If there is something in your life that needs to be changed get to work! It may be hard but the results are always worth it. Now, get up off that computer and do something you've been needing to do for a long time. Read your Bible, go for a walk, call a family member you haven't talked to in a while or how about a suggestion that is always good - pray.
Work may make you sweat but it's the ONLY way things get done and change is good.
In my last post I had mentioned there have been many changes in our lives. In May of 2012 I had decided that I needed to make some changes in the life of our family. I hope you understand what I'm about to say, "Not everywhere is a good fit for everybody".
For 19 months we had pastured a church where I was the only member of my family that was happy and I had allowed myself to slump into wimppiness (read last weeks blog). There was nothing wrong with the church. We were growing, people were being saved and good things were happening, it just wasn't a good fit for us.
That happens in all things I guess. People change churches all the time, but when it's a pastor it becomes a bit of a drama you don't want. It has been my experience that when a pastor leaves people take it far too personal, like they did something wrong. Here's an example; when we moved from a church we had pastured for some years I LOVED my new home! Oh it was great, everything was so new and different from the restaurants to the sunrises. On Facebook and here in my blog I would praise the Lord for all He had done and was doing but this was not a good thing to some.
Dear and long time friends felt I was disrespecting them in my good reports as if I were saying the joy of my new home was a slight against where I once had lived. I was defriended and I don't just mean on Facebook.
Change is never easy. Change always takes work. If you want to lose weight a diet will be necessary even though you know it will be unpleasant to say the least. Anytime we have moved, or changed where we were ministering it has been hard on us, hard on our friends, and even hard on the furniture but that's what change is, work!
If there is something in your life that needs to be changed get to work! It may be hard but the results are always worth it. Now, get up off that computer and do something you've been needing to do for a long time. Read your Bible, go for a walk, call a family member you haven't talked to in a while or how about a suggestion that is always good - pray.
Work may make you sweat but it's the ONLY way things get done and change is good.
Getting Back to Work
Monday, July 2, 2012
Wow! It seems hard to believe it has been so long since I posted anything in this blog. There is so much to tell, so much has changed since my last post and if you are a follower of this poorly kept ministry I apologize.
I always say "I preach where I live". In this I mean that I use my own life and experiences as an example (good and bad) for the point I feel the Lord has given me to discuss. And along this line I confess to you dear friends that my blog has been on hiatus because my precious feelings were hurt. Say it with me, "Awwwww". I know, pitiful right?
In my last true blog I wrote what I felt the Lord was leading me to say based on some things I saw happening in MY OWN LIFE. You see, I had seen other folks travel the path I felt I was on. We had pastured them and I also had seen some preachers making these bad decisions as well. The end result was an attitude of pride that led to backsliding. Not the kind where people completely forsake the Lord and His church, but the more dangerous kind where we think everything between us and Him is good but inside we have become the more repulsive "lukewarm". It is SO much more dangerous to think you are safe and then when the day of testing comes find out you're not.
A few in the church where I was at the time of that writing took offense. They were sure that the two examples I had used were them and oh, they needed to vent. I was devastated and honestly that was immature of me. I said ME. People are often going to take preaching wrong, they always have. Conviction can cause us to rebel or be resentful and so... I was. You see my precious little feelings caused me to have a self-pity party. "How could someone think I was trying to hurt them!?!" "Shouldn't they know that I wouldn't do that!?!" Anyway, you get the picture. On the outside I acted like it didn't bother me but inside was another story.
I immediately took my toys and went home. I deleted almost all of my previous blogs because I didn't want to offend anyone again. That's a shame too because some of those writings had blessed some folks. The blog that lead to this spiritual tantrum was perhaps the best received of them all as many called it a blessing and soul searching. I had forgotten that the message of Jesus and toe-stomping messages have always been words that burn itching ears.
I allowed that to poison my own spirit and the rest of my time in that church I took note of everyone who was offended by something or nothing. My eyes became more and more critical until I knew I had to make changes. Now at first, I looked only to my physical man when we should always look to the inner, spiritual self first. I was upset that these people were convicted when I SHOULD have been sad that I didn't believe in what I was writing enough to stand by it. Was it the Lord moving on my heart or not?
So I'm back to trying to share what I feel the Lord would have me to share. I hope this is well received but I can only do what I can. I pray the anointing will be upon this blog to bless and touch, heal and deliver. I'm getting back to work. Would you like to join me?
Wow! It seems hard to believe it has been so long since I posted anything in this blog. There is so much to tell, so much has changed since my last post and if you are a follower of this poorly kept ministry I apologize.
I always say "I preach where I live". In this I mean that I use my own life and experiences as an example (good and bad) for the point I feel the Lord has given me to discuss. And along this line I confess to you dear friends that my blog has been on hiatus because my precious feelings were hurt. Say it with me, "Awwwww". I know, pitiful right?
In my last true blog I wrote what I felt the Lord was leading me to say based on some things I saw happening in MY OWN LIFE. You see, I had seen other folks travel the path I felt I was on. We had pastured them and I also had seen some preachers making these bad decisions as well. The end result was an attitude of pride that led to backsliding. Not the kind where people completely forsake the Lord and His church, but the more dangerous kind where we think everything between us and Him is good but inside we have become the more repulsive "lukewarm". It is SO much more dangerous to think you are safe and then when the day of testing comes find out you're not.
A few in the church where I was at the time of that writing took offense. They were sure that the two examples I had used were them and oh, they needed to vent. I was devastated and honestly that was immature of me. I said ME. People are often going to take preaching wrong, they always have. Conviction can cause us to rebel or be resentful and so... I was. You see my precious little feelings caused me to have a self-pity party. "How could someone think I was trying to hurt them!?!" "Shouldn't they know that I wouldn't do that!?!" Anyway, you get the picture. On the outside I acted like it didn't bother me but inside was another story.
I immediately took my toys and went home. I deleted almost all of my previous blogs because I didn't want to offend anyone again. That's a shame too because some of those writings had blessed some folks. The blog that lead to this spiritual tantrum was perhaps the best received of them all as many called it a blessing and soul searching. I had forgotten that the message of Jesus and toe-stomping messages have always been words that burn itching ears.
I allowed that to poison my own spirit and the rest of my time in that church I took note of everyone who was offended by something or nothing. My eyes became more and more critical until I knew I had to make changes. Now at first, I looked only to my physical man when we should always look to the inner, spiritual self first. I was upset that these people were convicted when I SHOULD have been sad that I didn't believe in what I was writing enough to stand by it. Was it the Lord moving on my heart or not?
So I'm back to trying to share what I feel the Lord would have me to share. I hope this is well received but I can only do what I can. I pray the anointing will be upon this blog to bless and touch, heal and deliver. I'm getting back to work. Would you like to join me?
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