Last night I really enjoyed myself. It was Wednesday, March 26th and I brought a message entitled the "Wow" Moment. Now I fully confess to the listeners it may not have been one of my best. There were no life changing points nor some great revelation that called the people to repentance or the altar, but I had a good time!
You see last week as I was reading the 9th chapter of John, an area of the Bible I've read countless times (whenever you don't know what the read in the Bible go to those words in red) tears came to my eyes with a new realization. I saw something that had always been there but I had just never taken note of it.
Now I'm not going to put what all it was on here but if you'd like the message just let me know and I'll be glad to mail you a DVD at no charge.
What I saw moved me to tears. I loved what had always been hidden in plain sight from my deep comprehension. At those words I laid my head down on the Bible on my desk and began to weep. The Word of God is SO sacred to me. I just love how the only true God chooses to speak to us through it thousands of years after it was first penned. A new favorite saying of mine says the Bible is the ONLY book that reads you! How true that is.
I wrote some notes on a 3x5 card about the chapter and then stuck them in my Bible with no intention of preaching about it. A lot of things ministers read and study are for themselves, their own personal devotion and strengthening for the call. A few are for preaching but more are for the preacher! I learned long ago that something I may be excited about has no relevance for my congregation. I can be fired up on it and they care less because it was for me, not them. So with no intent to share what God had shown me I filed it away in my Bible... until Wednesday morning.
I have a new mid-week series I want to start and my intention was to begin that night, the Holy Spirit however had a test for me. Sometimes the Lord leads us to do things that are a test of our obedience. Now if it were some great thing, some daunting sacrifice we might jump at the challenge. When the test of obedience is in the mundane, everyday, convenience/inconvenience things of life we often disregard them and go on doing things our way not even taking notice of the Lord beckoning us to change a few things.
My church will tell you I've been saying repeatedly "What God tells you to do may or may not be a great success it may even be a failure, but what it truly is is a test of your willingness to obey."
So led by a check in my own spirit I shared the "Wow" Moment. I don't know if it blessed anyone but me, but it doesn't matter. I had a (in my best Tony the Tiger voice) grrrrreat time! The message certainly didn't hurt anyone and there were plenty of "amen"s and laughter, but that message was for me and I loved it.
I wonder what message God will give me today? I wonder what word He will deliver to you? Understand He wants to talk to us, spend time with us and bless our lives but first we've got to take time for Him. My message was basically a long testimony of how an awesome, almighty God took the time to show me something new just to bless my heart. I hope in sharing I was able to do that for my church as well.
That would NOT have happened if I hadn't taken time to get in His Word. By spending a few minutes I was blessed, I was educated, and my church had the opportunity to grasp one of those fragment points of scripture that are often lost in the big picture. Mountains are beautiful, but you have to dig in them to get the gold!
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Simply Beautiful
Every night has a New Day Coming
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
The Tragedy of Compromise
I write this entry with an incredibly heavy heart. Today there were two events that have reminded me of the truth of the Bible as prophecy is jumping right off of its pages into the headlines.
Currently the retail giant Hobby Lobby is in a legal fight as a very worldly US judicial system appears at first impression to side with those who want to force a Christian company to support birth control. Now to be honest I personally believe any health coverage should include birth control as long as it is offered to a married couple. However, as I understand it (and agree) attorney's for HL say offering birth control would lead to other compromises that would directly go against their Bible based standards. Now I had seen this one coming for months as the beliefs of HL owners the Greene family have been targets of liberal activists for some time.
The other event saddened me even more and I didn't see this one coming. The Christian humanitarian organization World Vision has chosen to show they are far more "world" than Christian and support gay marriage. The former Christian organization will recognize same sex marriages saying they are following the trend of some churches and defending this by saying this policy will only be extended to "married" same sex and heterosexual couples.
The foul odor of compromise is in the air.
My heart actually aches over these things because fault lies at the feet of the church. Yes this was prophesied and we knew it was coming but we've acted as though we had no control to stop it. What a self-indulgent lie.
For the last 25-30 years Christian voters have repeatedly voted their likes, dislikes, and pocketbook instead of the morals outlined in the Word of God. I don't care if you're a Republican or Democrat what we need in Washington is a true, died in the wool and committed born again believer. I know a lot of politicians say they are when election time comes around but their voting record and association and support of anti-Christian causes tell a different story.
Let's be honest here. Christians do not support the yearly holocaust of abortion also known as murder in the name of convenience. Christians do not support same sex marriage as the Bible is very clear that this form of union is not approved of by God. Christians do not support the freedom of speech in regard to unacceptable materials in the classroom while the separation of church and state concept has been grossly distorted to remove any mention of God. These things are not what Christians do and if we have voted for men and women who will then obviously we have misplaced priorities and erected idols in our lives.
For this reason I will never again vote for anyone who will support these kinds of legislation. It is a matter of conscience that I will not ignore. I will support those who stand for the Lord unashamedly so that one day He will not be ashamed of me.
Make your decision however you like, but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.
Currently the retail giant Hobby Lobby is in a legal fight as a very worldly US judicial system appears at first impression to side with those who want to force a Christian company to support birth control. Now to be honest I personally believe any health coverage should include birth control as long as it is offered to a married couple. However, as I understand it (and agree) attorney's for HL say offering birth control would lead to other compromises that would directly go against their Bible based standards. Now I had seen this one coming for months as the beliefs of HL owners the Greene family have been targets of liberal activists for some time.
The other event saddened me even more and I didn't see this one coming. The Christian humanitarian organization World Vision has chosen to show they are far more "world" than Christian and support gay marriage. The former Christian organization will recognize same sex marriages saying they are following the trend of some churches and defending this by saying this policy will only be extended to "married" same sex and heterosexual couples.
The foul odor of compromise is in the air.
My heart actually aches over these things because fault lies at the feet of the church. Yes this was prophesied and we knew it was coming but we've acted as though we had no control to stop it. What a self-indulgent lie.
For the last 25-30 years Christian voters have repeatedly voted their likes, dislikes, and pocketbook instead of the morals outlined in the Word of God. I don't care if you're a Republican or Democrat what we need in Washington is a true, died in the wool and committed born again believer. I know a lot of politicians say they are when election time comes around but their voting record and association and support of anti-Christian causes tell a different story.
Let's be honest here. Christians do not support the yearly holocaust of abortion also known as murder in the name of convenience. Christians do not support same sex marriage as the Bible is very clear that this form of union is not approved of by God. Christians do not support the freedom of speech in regard to unacceptable materials in the classroom while the separation of church and state concept has been grossly distorted to remove any mention of God. These things are not what Christians do and if we have voted for men and women who will then obviously we have misplaced priorities and erected idols in our lives.
For this reason I will never again vote for anyone who will support these kinds of legislation. It is a matter of conscience that I will not ignore. I will support those who stand for the Lord unashamedly so that one day He will not be ashamed of me.
Make your decision however you like, but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Faith Ghosts!
Do you believe in ghosts? I don't, never have. I don't say that to infer anything at all but to let you know I DO believe in spirits that can easily be confused with ghosts.
The Bible speaks repeatedly about spirits that troubled people and it is that form of spirit I refer to. In recent days I have been "haunted" by a couple of spirits. The first is super common and it is the spirit of regret. Now if you're a person who says "I never regret anything" then I say you either didn't try or didn't set your goals high enough. Me, I have a LOT of regrets. I regret I didn't marry my awesome wife earlier. I regret I allowed friends to come between me and family. I regret not moving away from my home town at an earlier age. I regret not keeping some of the awesome "junk" my parents gave me and on and on the list could go but you get the idea.
Regret isn't a ghost but it is most assuredly a spirit that haunts us. Our enemy is very good at bringing back memories of what "could have been" or what "should have been". He reminds us constantly of our mistakes and in a form haunts our mind.
Another spirit that I bring to your attention is the spirit of pride. This first cousin to regret is an ugly one because it often stares us in the face and we've given it such justification we can't see it. I say pride is related to regret because one morning as I was praying away the first ghost the second began whispering in my ear how justified I was in not doing anything to overcome those things. That troubled me. See if this sounds familiar to you...
"Oh I hate that my relationship with my children has become what it is, BUT I did everything I could to keep it from becoming this way!" Did you now? Isn't it amazing how often a big ol' BUT gets in the way? These ghosts work hand in hand to keep us from living victorious and fulfilled lives.
These thoughts were born in me when I was reading Matthew 5:23-25. It was there Jesus said "If then you are making an offering at the altar and there it comes to your mind that your brother has something against you, (24) While your offering is still before the altar, first go and make peace with your brother, then come and make your offering. (25) Come to an agreement quickly with him who has a cause against you at law, while you are with him on the way, for fear that he may give you up to the judge and the judge may give you to the police and you may be put into prison." Now you probably don't have any regret that could lead to prison but the idea is still sound.
"If you are at the altar and remember that your BROTHER has something against you..." (paraphrasing) Do you get the sadness of that concept? It's your brother and there is a rift between you and he, that's a tragedy my friend. It doesn't say you are guilty or that he is justified but there is something wrong between your brother and you, that's Jesus call to action that we should work for reconciliation.
Yet regret mixed with pride says "I can't go back. It'll just blow up like it did before and I don't want that." Is your fear of what might happen, your pride of how you might look as you try to reconcile, are those things so powerful you'd rather live with regret?
Having a true brother is a rare thing. In my entire life I've had two, maybe three brothers. These men wouldn't ever turn their back on me and I feel the same way about them. We rarely see each other but when we do it's comfortable and it seems like time and the distance doesn't exist. I believe that is because we have a love deep enough to overcome regret and powerful enough that pride won't stop us from preserving what God has given us.
Are you haunted? I could have easily added the ghosts of fear, worry, and anger but they all apply to your need for reconciliation. A family split remains a family whether it be flesh or a church body. Why not pray right now and when the Spirit of God speaks to you get up from that altar and reach out to your brother or sister? I know things could go wrong but let hope arise and just imagine if they don't and you get that loved one back! Chase those ghosts away and go for it.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, "YOU ARE LOVED!"
The Bible speaks repeatedly about spirits that troubled people and it is that form of spirit I refer to. In recent days I have been "haunted" by a couple of spirits. The first is super common and it is the spirit of regret. Now if you're a person who says "I never regret anything" then I say you either didn't try or didn't set your goals high enough. Me, I have a LOT of regrets. I regret I didn't marry my awesome wife earlier. I regret I allowed friends to come between me and family. I regret not moving away from my home town at an earlier age. I regret not keeping some of the awesome "junk" my parents gave me and on and on the list could go but you get the idea.
Regret isn't a ghost but it is most assuredly a spirit that haunts us. Our enemy is very good at bringing back memories of what "could have been" or what "should have been". He reminds us constantly of our mistakes and in a form haunts our mind.
Another spirit that I bring to your attention is the spirit of pride. This first cousin to regret is an ugly one because it often stares us in the face and we've given it such justification we can't see it. I say pride is related to regret because one morning as I was praying away the first ghost the second began whispering in my ear how justified I was in not doing anything to overcome those things. That troubled me. See if this sounds familiar to you...
"Oh I hate that my relationship with my children has become what it is, BUT I did everything I could to keep it from becoming this way!" Did you now? Isn't it amazing how often a big ol' BUT gets in the way? These ghosts work hand in hand to keep us from living victorious and fulfilled lives.
These thoughts were born in me when I was reading Matthew 5:23-25. It was there Jesus said "If then you are making an offering at the altar and there it comes to your mind that your brother has something against you, (24) While your offering is still before the altar, first go and make peace with your brother, then come and make your offering. (25) Come to an agreement quickly with him who has a cause against you at law, while you are with him on the way, for fear that he may give you up to the judge and the judge may give you to the police and you may be put into prison." Now you probably don't have any regret that could lead to prison but the idea is still sound.
"If you are at the altar and remember that your BROTHER has something against you..." (paraphrasing) Do you get the sadness of that concept? It's your brother and there is a rift between you and he, that's a tragedy my friend. It doesn't say you are guilty or that he is justified but there is something wrong between your brother and you, that's Jesus call to action that we should work for reconciliation.
Yet regret mixed with pride says "I can't go back. It'll just blow up like it did before and I don't want that." Is your fear of what might happen, your pride of how you might look as you try to reconcile, are those things so powerful you'd rather live with regret?
Having a true brother is a rare thing. In my entire life I've had two, maybe three brothers. These men wouldn't ever turn their back on me and I feel the same way about them. We rarely see each other but when we do it's comfortable and it seems like time and the distance doesn't exist. I believe that is because we have a love deep enough to overcome regret and powerful enough that pride won't stop us from preserving what God has given us.
Are you haunted? I could have easily added the ghosts of fear, worry, and anger but they all apply to your need for reconciliation. A family split remains a family whether it be flesh or a church body. Why not pray right now and when the Spirit of God speaks to you get up from that altar and reach out to your brother or sister? I know things could go wrong but let hope arise and just imagine if they don't and you get that loved one back! Chase those ghosts away and go for it.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, "YOU ARE LOVED!"
Posts to Come
My apologies for you few who view this blog and have told me you look forward to my posts here. I have several that will appear in the next week as I have been writing my ideas on paper, in a notebook so I wouldn't post anything too hastily. See you soon!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Recalling What You Forgot
For the last couple of months I have been rooted in the book of Proverbs. I read one a day and study it carefully as I take notes and copy the verses that seem to "pop" out at me. I've read them all probably a dozen times over but today as I read Proverbs 6 I began to weep as the Spirit spoke to my heart.
"There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven that are disgusting to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people, a mind devising wicked plans, feet that are quick to do wrong, a dishonest witness spitting out lies, and a person who spreads conflict among relatives."
- Proverbs 6:16-19 (God's Word Translation)
I don't know how many times I've studied this passage, even preached on it more than a few. Yet when I read it this time (I love the GWT I'm currently using for study) I could see examples of all seven so vividly. It was almost like a movie flashback with the images that were before my mind's eye.
What I've preached on before is how the Word says these are things God "HATES", things that are "detestable" to Him. We all have things we dislike but make no mistake this list are six things the Father hates and seven He finds totally detestable. The word detestable is defined as deserving to be detested; abominable; hateful" Those are some very strong words.
What drew me here was the wording the GWT used, how clear they triggered a heart sickened understanding as I realized some of these were me. I have done or been things that the Lord hates and finds disgusting. What a punch in the gut this realization was.
I've had arrogant eyes. There have been plenty of times when I just KNEW I was right about something and in that arrogance I disobeyed the commands of the Lord. I would not forgive, I would not listen. I decided to throw people away because I was RIGHT no matter what others may say and in my eyes others were just misunderstanding of what I was saying or doing. That realization hurt.
In my life I've possessed a lying tongue. To keep from hurting people as an adult or to get out of trouble as a child I would compromise what I KNEW was the truth and no matter the reason or excuse a lie remains a lie and a lie is sin. Those memories caused my throat to hurt.
Thankfully I've never killed anyone. I happened to live in a time where my nation never called me to war and I've never known any emotion strong enough to motivate me to such an act. But as I prayed and studied I wondered if I have ever done something that killed someone inside. Intention doesn't matter when there is a death. If you do it on purpose it is murder, on accident it remains manslaughter. Such an act cannot be disregarded. Just the worry made me repent.
With a grin I knew I was guilty of a mind that devised wicked plans. I had been a boy, a teen, and as always a McElhannon! Mischief and orneriness are almost a family trait. I could not remember (and I pray that is because it did not happen) a time when I had ever intentionally hurt or caused someone harm. Being a Christian since childhood I walked a pretty good line yet sometimes we give into the flesh without conscious thought. The very idea made me shudder.
Another area in which I give praise and hopefully I am not wrong is when I tell you I haven't had feet that were quick to do wrong. I've always had an strong conscience. My parent who were in their fifties at my birth knew when I was a teen that the threat of a "spanking" no longer held any sway over me as by that time I was much bigger than either of them and couldn't really be hurt. They were creative however and dad could guilt me into anything he needed done. Because of that I can write this having never done tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, or anything illegal. I was no saint but I was a good boy and that brings me comfort.
The next detestable behavior the Lord hates emphasizes His loathing of liars. First He hated a lying tongue but He also has a special dislike of those who use their lies to give a false witness of others. There's a lot of people in this world who think they can look better by making others look worse. They attempt to climb the social or economic ladder by standing on the people they're around. That really bothers the Lord. I feel strongly that I've never done this but if I have wronged anyone who reads this I pray you'll forgive me for it would never have been intentional. The lack of certainty on this point makes me nervous.
The last one is the one that almost screamed at me as I have been wounded in this area and still today the pain remains. The GREATEST treasure we have other than salvation is family. God established marriage and the family before He started the church. When we have someone who works to drive a wedge in the family we know through the suffering that kind of attack can only come from the devil himself. I praise the Lord that in the day when my family came under attack I didn't return the favor upon my attacker. Not that I can glorify myself (I have no right) but know the Lord stayed my hand and my mouth. In this area I praise the Lord.
This often remembered but not heeded passage has the heading "Avoid Disaster" in this particular translation and it seems appropriate. Although the Bible doesn't say these seven things will send you to hell it remains clear these behaviors will separate you from God and sin IS separation from God. How can someone be in sin or separate from God and enter in to heaven? I could sit here and quote a dozen or more scriptures in this regard but what we must always do is check our hearts and Recall what we have forgotten, the simple truth of scripture. If we know God hates it shouldn't we strive with all our might and His anointing to ensure these things are not in our lives?
It is my prayer that as you read this you will do a spiritual self check. Do not allow pride or the deception of our enemy to see yourself dimly as we will one day see clearly what we refused to see today. Avoid disaster and repent today. Repent is NOT a dirty word and it doesn't mean you've become some heathen bad person, it means your are still "working out your salvation", striving for the high mark that our heavenly Father has called us to. Repentance on a daily level can lift us up higher than the weight of false religious pride can bring us low.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
"There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven that are disgusting to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people, a mind devising wicked plans, feet that are quick to do wrong, a dishonest witness spitting out lies, and a person who spreads conflict among relatives."
- Proverbs 6:16-19 (God's Word Translation)
I don't know how many times I've studied this passage, even preached on it more than a few. Yet when I read it this time (I love the GWT I'm currently using for study) I could see examples of all seven so vividly. It was almost like a movie flashback with the images that were before my mind's eye.
What I've preached on before is how the Word says these are things God "HATES", things that are "detestable" to Him. We all have things we dislike but make no mistake this list are six things the Father hates and seven He finds totally detestable. The word detestable is defined as deserving to be detested; abominable; hateful" Those are some very strong words.
What drew me here was the wording the GWT used, how clear they triggered a heart sickened understanding as I realized some of these were me. I have done or been things that the Lord hates and finds disgusting. What a punch in the gut this realization was.
I've had arrogant eyes. There have been plenty of times when I just KNEW I was right about something and in that arrogance I disobeyed the commands of the Lord. I would not forgive, I would not listen. I decided to throw people away because I was RIGHT no matter what others may say and in my eyes others were just misunderstanding of what I was saying or doing. That realization hurt.
In my life I've possessed a lying tongue. To keep from hurting people as an adult or to get out of trouble as a child I would compromise what I KNEW was the truth and no matter the reason or excuse a lie remains a lie and a lie is sin. Those memories caused my throat to hurt.
Thankfully I've never killed anyone. I happened to live in a time where my nation never called me to war and I've never known any emotion strong enough to motivate me to such an act. But as I prayed and studied I wondered if I have ever done something that killed someone inside. Intention doesn't matter when there is a death. If you do it on purpose it is murder, on accident it remains manslaughter. Such an act cannot be disregarded. Just the worry made me repent.
With a grin I knew I was guilty of a mind that devised wicked plans. I had been a boy, a teen, and as always a McElhannon! Mischief and orneriness are almost a family trait. I could not remember (and I pray that is because it did not happen) a time when I had ever intentionally hurt or caused someone harm. Being a Christian since childhood I walked a pretty good line yet sometimes we give into the flesh without conscious thought. The very idea made me shudder.
Another area in which I give praise and hopefully I am not wrong is when I tell you I haven't had feet that were quick to do wrong. I've always had an strong conscience. My parent who were in their fifties at my birth knew when I was a teen that the threat of a "spanking" no longer held any sway over me as by that time I was much bigger than either of them and couldn't really be hurt. They were creative however and dad could guilt me into anything he needed done. Because of that I can write this having never done tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, or anything illegal. I was no saint but I was a good boy and that brings me comfort.
The next detestable behavior the Lord hates emphasizes His loathing of liars. First He hated a lying tongue but He also has a special dislike of those who use their lies to give a false witness of others. There's a lot of people in this world who think they can look better by making others look worse. They attempt to climb the social or economic ladder by standing on the people they're around. That really bothers the Lord. I feel strongly that I've never done this but if I have wronged anyone who reads this I pray you'll forgive me for it would never have been intentional. The lack of certainty on this point makes me nervous.
The last one is the one that almost screamed at me as I have been wounded in this area and still today the pain remains. The GREATEST treasure we have other than salvation is family. God established marriage and the family before He started the church. When we have someone who works to drive a wedge in the family we know through the suffering that kind of attack can only come from the devil himself. I praise the Lord that in the day when my family came under attack I didn't return the favor upon my attacker. Not that I can glorify myself (I have no right) but know the Lord stayed my hand and my mouth. In this area I praise the Lord.
This often remembered but not heeded passage has the heading "Avoid Disaster" in this particular translation and it seems appropriate. Although the Bible doesn't say these seven things will send you to hell it remains clear these behaviors will separate you from God and sin IS separation from God. How can someone be in sin or separate from God and enter in to heaven? I could sit here and quote a dozen or more scriptures in this regard but what we must always do is check our hearts and Recall what we have forgotten, the simple truth of scripture. If we know God hates it shouldn't we strive with all our might and His anointing to ensure these things are not in our lives?
It is my prayer that as you read this you will do a spiritual self check. Do not allow pride or the deception of our enemy to see yourself dimly as we will one day see clearly what we refused to see today. Avoid disaster and repent today. Repent is NOT a dirty word and it doesn't mean you've become some heathen bad person, it means your are still "working out your salvation", striving for the high mark that our heavenly Father has called us to. Repentance on a daily level can lift us up higher than the weight of false religious pride can bring us low.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Saturday, July 20, 2013
A Blessing Before Me
It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord can drop a blessing into my life at the most unexpected time and usually in the most surprising package. This morning I ran to the grocery store to pick up a few quick things for a recipe I wanted to make for my family's lunch. Don't be surprised, I've always been a big guy and big guys need to know how to cook or they have to eat out a lot.
As I was exiting the store, goodies in hand, an elderly gentleman was coming in the exit doors so I had to pause. He was walking with the much needed aid of a walker at a very slow and labored pace. I noticed to my right and his left were the shopping buggies most stores provide for their disabled customers and since it was obvious he needed one I didn't mind waiting, not even one little bit.
My wait gave me the time to look at the gentleman and I mean REALLY look at him. How often do we go through life without taking the time to truly notice the people right beside us as they travel down their paths intersecting with ours?
He was wearing a ball cap that told me he was a veteran and I guessed his age to be somewhere in his eighties. Up and down both of his short sleeved arms he had bruises. I remembered the same kind on my dad; just the slightest touch would leave its mark. He also wore very large sunglasses, the type patients wear to go over their prescription glasses and protect them from the glare of the sun.
At this point I guess he noticed me looking at him and thought I stared because I had to wait on him to exit. He said in the kindest apologetic voice "I'm sorry, I came in the wrong door." Not wanting him to think he was any inconvenience I replied "Oh, no problem sir! You take your time I'm in nooo hurry." He smiled and started to get in one of the shopping motorized carts.
Making small talk I said "How are you doing today?" He just smiled as he continued to get settled and said "Pretty good today. It's a really good day!" That's when the blessing struck.
I walked out to my truck just talking to the Lord. "Sir" (That's one of the ways I refer to Him) "Forgive me for all the times I complain about aches or pains." Then I went on "And thank you for that man who you sent to testify."
A wise man once said "I wept because I had no shoes until I met the man with no feet." Someone always has it worse than us yet how often do we peer out from behind the shutter of our self pity to notice? I know you have problem but we all do. I know you're tired but we're all tired. We need to quit makes excuses and start praising the Lord!
Look around and know the many blessings of the Lord. In Acts chapter 20 Paul said "And see, now I go bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Did you catch that? Paul knew he was headed to trouble as he preached the message of Jesus because the Spirit had warned him but he just wanted to finish this race with joy. He had decided that even if it was going to be painful he was going to keep his joy in the Lord. That was his choice.
Everyday we have a choice to make, what will it be? Will you count your blessings or complain about the momentary discomforts - even when they don't feel momentary? You will always have to run the course of this life but what will be your attitude as you strain and strive to reach the goal?
There will be times of pain but in the good days you've GOT to be ready to testify "Pretty good today. It's a really good day!"
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
As I was exiting the store, goodies in hand, an elderly gentleman was coming in the exit doors so I had to pause. He was walking with the much needed aid of a walker at a very slow and labored pace. I noticed to my right and his left were the shopping buggies most stores provide for their disabled customers and since it was obvious he needed one I didn't mind waiting, not even one little bit.
My wait gave me the time to look at the gentleman and I mean REALLY look at him. How often do we go through life without taking the time to truly notice the people right beside us as they travel down their paths intersecting with ours?
He was wearing a ball cap that told me he was a veteran and I guessed his age to be somewhere in his eighties. Up and down both of his short sleeved arms he had bruises. I remembered the same kind on my dad; just the slightest touch would leave its mark. He also wore very large sunglasses, the type patients wear to go over their prescription glasses and protect them from the glare of the sun.
At this point I guess he noticed me looking at him and thought I stared because I had to wait on him to exit. He said in the kindest apologetic voice "I'm sorry, I came in the wrong door." Not wanting him to think he was any inconvenience I replied "Oh, no problem sir! You take your time I'm in nooo hurry." He smiled and started to get in one of the shopping motorized carts.
Making small talk I said "How are you doing today?" He just smiled as he continued to get settled and said "Pretty good today. It's a really good day!" That's when the blessing struck.
I walked out to my truck just talking to the Lord. "Sir" (That's one of the ways I refer to Him) "Forgive me for all the times I complain about aches or pains." Then I went on "And thank you for that man who you sent to testify."
A wise man once said "I wept because I had no shoes until I met the man with no feet." Someone always has it worse than us yet how often do we peer out from behind the shutter of our self pity to notice? I know you have problem but we all do. I know you're tired but we're all tired. We need to quit makes excuses and start praising the Lord!
Look around and know the many blessings of the Lord. In Acts chapter 20 Paul said "And see, now I go bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Did you catch that? Paul knew he was headed to trouble as he preached the message of Jesus because the Spirit had warned him but he just wanted to finish this race with joy. He had decided that even if it was going to be painful he was going to keep his joy in the Lord. That was his choice.
Everyday we have a choice to make, what will it be? Will you count your blessings or complain about the momentary discomforts - even when they don't feel momentary? You will always have to run the course of this life but what will be your attitude as you strain and strive to reach the goal?
There will be times of pain but in the good days you've GOT to be ready to testify "Pretty good today. It's a really good day!"
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Pastoral Notes
For the last three years I've been trying to practice a rule I heard Jesse Duplantis share which is; "Don't preach what you're going through but what you've been delivered from!" I liked that so much I made it a ministry rule for myself.
Today I came across some notes as I was cleaning my desk that I thought I'd share with any who might like a view from inside the ministry because they were written at a time I was going THROUGH something. I'm reminded of a passage from Micah 7:8 where it says "Do not rejoice over me, my enemy. When I fall, I will rise." You see what you're going through is just for this season. The only way it can have permanent victory over you is if you allow it to change you.
Now that said, sometimes it's a good thing to change so you do not make the same foolish choices again. No one likes being burnt over and over. Yet far too often bad experiences cause us to pull back from something that was good and it's in this vein I want to share these notes to any young ministers who read this blog. There will be hurts and there will be betrayals but how you respond will make all the difference. It is my hope that in reading this you will be better prepped to recover from the injuries of ministry.
#1 - In church it seems "Peripheral people are the ones most easily offended." You know these folks. They come every now and then, never get truly involved and almost never work in any serious sense, yet it is these people who throw a fit over the smallest misunderstandings. You say something from the pulpit (or these days on the Internet) and they take it personal when you never even thought about them. How could you, you never see them. These folks are always going from one church to another and they are usually very loud critics of where they've come from.
Don't be surprised. You can best depend on those who will believe the best of others because they will believe the best of you. Build on folks who do not live on the edges but get in and work even when you don't do things the way they want.
#2 - The uncommitted demand the most commitment. As a follow up to number one, you need to be aware that the people who serve God on the edges will be the ones who want you for every need they have. Phone calls, Juniors ball games, hospital visits for their neighbors third cousin (and I'm not making that up) they demand you be there for any need or support they desire. If you're not, Katie bar the door!
You see such folks are looking for a reason to be unhappy, find fault, and leave your church. I sadly tell you, let them. Too often we spend so much of our time of the troubled folks we forget the people who truly have troubles. We have a hungry world to win and how can we do it if we're constantly feeding the babies who refuse to grow up?
Now before I get to my last two points I want to say something sad. Ministers, you are going to have seasons of betrayal. Pastor Randy Valimont recently spoke at the Louisiana Assembly of God District Council and he did a great job of ministry. One message was about a book that he will soon publish called "Dealing with Betrayal; Judas is that you?" In this he talked about how every minister will deal with some form of betrayal on some level and when he gave his altar call for preachers who had been wounded the altar area was FILLED from wall to wall by ministers.
It's going to happen so the best thing you can do is be prepared to let it grow you and not kill you.
#3 - You don't know who's on your side until most are against you. In those times of struggle you might be surprised to see who is at your side. Those you thought would never leave you sometimes do and the people you think just don't care fight tooth and nail in your support. This is a Biblical truth we can see in the lives of Moses, David, Peter, and of course Jesus. Your eyes must always be on the Lord. He and He alone will never leave you nor forsake you. The people you minister to are just flesh and blood and you can no more expect them to be perfect that you expect yourself to be. Love everybody and if it's hard to do love them even more. When you go through the seasons of struggle look around and see how God will rally to your side the most unexpected allies and take strength in who you have not who you've lost.
An awesome side note; almost everyone who loved you before they left you wants to see the relationship restored when the battles over. It's up to you preacher on whether they will or not.
#4 - The depth of the cut matters less than the hand holding the knife. This is the area of betrayal that can be devastating. Invariably in church you are going to have people you just "click" with. Your personalities, likes and dislikes will create a bond making you closer to some than others. This can create jealousies if you have folks who do not understand this so be careful. No matter how hard you try to love everyone the same it's just not always possible. That said, what do you do when betrayal or just hurt feelings comes from those closest to you?
We had a family one time that sat in our home and told us "You know, if you ever leave you better get two moving vans because we're going with you." That was one of the greatest things I had ever been told. Now we almost never speak to them. Just over a year after that statement we were told (for months) that they were unhappy with us and were going to leave, and then they did. I was SO crushed by the thought of losing these folks I decided I needed to leave that church and now looking back I know I didn't consult the Lord it was just my feelings. I know there are more direct betrayals and I've even had people under me want my job but it didn't hurt as much.
I don't have perfect advice for this but let me share with you how I survived. I MADE myself get back to the work of the kingdom and I believe this will work for a lot of ministers. We must always be reminded of WHO we work for. It's not the local church, the people who make up that body, or even our dearest friends, we work for Jesus. In my pain I studied more and more (and fully admit for a long time my sermons were stained with my hurt). I began to reach out to others who I wasn't close to and suddenly I had a new church and new friends.
What is done to you may be minor to some and painful to you but what you have been called to do and by who is the important thing to remember. Romans 11:29 says "God never changes His mind about the people He calls and the things He gives them." You've got to keep going and trust in that call.
Whew! I feel like I just preached a camp meeting. I hope these simple words help and if you don't agree that's fine, we all deal with life differently. One thing I promise you no matter what you're going through, tomorrow is coming and the Lord wants you to hang on. These notes may seem depressing but I don't mean them that way. With all I've been through and seen in ministry I can honestly say I feel better about what I'm doing now than ever before. I believe life is better today than any days gone by. I survived my season and I'm better prepared for the seasons ahead. I hope you are too.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Today I came across some notes as I was cleaning my desk that I thought I'd share with any who might like a view from inside the ministry because they were written at a time I was going THROUGH something. I'm reminded of a passage from Micah 7:8 where it says "Do not rejoice over me, my enemy. When I fall, I will rise." You see what you're going through is just for this season. The only way it can have permanent victory over you is if you allow it to change you.
Now that said, sometimes it's a good thing to change so you do not make the same foolish choices again. No one likes being burnt over and over. Yet far too often bad experiences cause us to pull back from something that was good and it's in this vein I want to share these notes to any young ministers who read this blog. There will be hurts and there will be betrayals but how you respond will make all the difference. It is my hope that in reading this you will be better prepped to recover from the injuries of ministry.
#1 - In church it seems "Peripheral people are the ones most easily offended." You know these folks. They come every now and then, never get truly involved and almost never work in any serious sense, yet it is these people who throw a fit over the smallest misunderstandings. You say something from the pulpit (or these days on the Internet) and they take it personal when you never even thought about them. How could you, you never see them. These folks are always going from one church to another and they are usually very loud critics of where they've come from.
Don't be surprised. You can best depend on those who will believe the best of others because they will believe the best of you. Build on folks who do not live on the edges but get in and work even when you don't do things the way they want.
#2 - The uncommitted demand the most commitment. As a follow up to number one, you need to be aware that the people who serve God on the edges will be the ones who want you for every need they have. Phone calls, Juniors ball games, hospital visits for their neighbors third cousin (and I'm not making that up) they demand you be there for any need or support they desire. If you're not, Katie bar the door!
You see such folks are looking for a reason to be unhappy, find fault, and leave your church. I sadly tell you, let them. Too often we spend so much of our time of the troubled folks we forget the people who truly have troubles. We have a hungry world to win and how can we do it if we're constantly feeding the babies who refuse to grow up?
Now before I get to my last two points I want to say something sad. Ministers, you are going to have seasons of betrayal. Pastor Randy Valimont recently spoke at the Louisiana Assembly of God District Council and he did a great job of ministry. One message was about a book that he will soon publish called "Dealing with Betrayal; Judas is that you?" In this he talked about how every minister will deal with some form of betrayal on some level and when he gave his altar call for preachers who had been wounded the altar area was FILLED from wall to wall by ministers.
It's going to happen so the best thing you can do is be prepared to let it grow you and not kill you.
#3 - You don't know who's on your side until most are against you. In those times of struggle you might be surprised to see who is at your side. Those you thought would never leave you sometimes do and the people you think just don't care fight tooth and nail in your support. This is a Biblical truth we can see in the lives of Moses, David, Peter, and of course Jesus. Your eyes must always be on the Lord. He and He alone will never leave you nor forsake you. The people you minister to are just flesh and blood and you can no more expect them to be perfect that you expect yourself to be. Love everybody and if it's hard to do love them even more. When you go through the seasons of struggle look around and see how God will rally to your side the most unexpected allies and take strength in who you have not who you've lost.
An awesome side note; almost everyone who loved you before they left you wants to see the relationship restored when the battles over. It's up to you preacher on whether they will or not.
#4 - The depth of the cut matters less than the hand holding the knife. This is the area of betrayal that can be devastating. Invariably in church you are going to have people you just "click" with. Your personalities, likes and dislikes will create a bond making you closer to some than others. This can create jealousies if you have folks who do not understand this so be careful. No matter how hard you try to love everyone the same it's just not always possible. That said, what do you do when betrayal or just hurt feelings comes from those closest to you?
We had a family one time that sat in our home and told us "You know, if you ever leave you better get two moving vans because we're going with you." That was one of the greatest things I had ever been told. Now we almost never speak to them. Just over a year after that statement we were told (for months) that they were unhappy with us and were going to leave, and then they did. I was SO crushed by the thought of losing these folks I decided I needed to leave that church and now looking back I know I didn't consult the Lord it was just my feelings. I know there are more direct betrayals and I've even had people under me want my job but it didn't hurt as much.
I don't have perfect advice for this but let me share with you how I survived. I MADE myself get back to the work of the kingdom and I believe this will work for a lot of ministers. We must always be reminded of WHO we work for. It's not the local church, the people who make up that body, or even our dearest friends, we work for Jesus. In my pain I studied more and more (and fully admit for a long time my sermons were stained with my hurt). I began to reach out to others who I wasn't close to and suddenly I had a new church and new friends.
What is done to you may be minor to some and painful to you but what you have been called to do and by who is the important thing to remember. Romans 11:29 says "God never changes His mind about the people He calls and the things He gives them." You've got to keep going and trust in that call.
Whew! I feel like I just preached a camp meeting. I hope these simple words help and if you don't agree that's fine, we all deal with life differently. One thing I promise you no matter what you're going through, tomorrow is coming and the Lord wants you to hang on. These notes may seem depressing but I don't mean them that way. With all I've been through and seen in ministry I can honestly say I feel better about what I'm doing now than ever before. I believe life is better today than any days gone by. I survived my season and I'm better prepared for the seasons ahead. I hope you are too.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)