On our recent Fall Break trip to Florida, one of the things the boys and I like doing the most is going fishing down at one of the piers. We go to this place where all of the deep sea boats are docked for the night. In large trash cans are the remains of the fish they caught that day and we will take one of the carcasses out and use pieces of it for bait. Some nights it seems like every cast we are catching either a salt water catfish, white grunt, or small pinfish. Typically there are some cranes that hang out on the pier with us. Occasionally we will toss them one of these pinfish and they, as quick as lightning, peck the fish with their beak to kill it and then quickly swallow it. This year the cranes were pretty aggressive in coming up to us trying to get us to give them a fish.
So I’m sitting at my desk today thinking about this Sunday’s message and a particular verse caused my mind to drift back to our pier fishing. Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”. Peter reminds us as Christians we have to keep our “guard” up because there’s an enemy seeking to “devour” us. The open door he’s looking for is our giving in to temptation and sin. Most of our sin is not done alone; there’s someone else who’s either complicit in the sin or a victim of the sin, but sin typically is not a one person thing.
Here’s the point I’m making here. Those pin fish are partially to blame for their own demise. Had they not given in to the temptation of the bait we used they never would have ended up on the pier, a place where they were not created to be, and thus we never would have had opportunity to give them to the cranes to devour. In order for Satan to “devour” us I believe we first let our guard down. Typically this involves a temptation to sin that we give in to, often involving other people (s). Then the next thing we know we are far from the will of God for our life, in a place He never intended us to be, and we are easily devoured by Satan. So what’s the key to not being devoured? Peter answers that in the first part of 1 Peter 5:8 when he says, “Be sober (alert) and be vigilant”. As a child of God the devil has you in his crosshairs and would love nothing more than to take you down. So no matter how alluring the temptation seems today, don’t give in.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Life lessons I've learned from my dog
Well we learned a life lesson last week … dying is a part of living. Our beloved “Annie”, our 7 year old Golden Retriever had to be put down a couple weeks ago with kidney disease. We mourned for about a week then went out Friday night and bought a chocolate lab puppy whom we named Lexi. She’s a bundle of fun and playfulness and every day we see more of her personality come out. If you have ever had a dog then you know what it’s like to lose one; they literally become part of the family. But you know, “man’s best friend” can teach us many lessons about life if we will only pay attention. Here are some things I’ve learned from Annie and even Lexi the few short days we’ve had her.
• Wake up happy, play hard & rest when it’s time – I don’t think Annie ever woke up in a “foul mood.” When Lexi is up and out of her kennel for the most part it’s play time . Life is so “serious” that I think I often forget to take time to “play” and I certainly don’t rest like I should. I’m learning more and more that attitude is a choice and not a result of my circumstances.
• No such thing as a stranger – I brought Lexi to the office yesterday and she played with everyone as though they were long lost friends. She didn’t care how they looked, she simply saw them as a potential friend. You know when I meet folks I will often “size them up”. People often make judgments based on appearance using that as the criteria for whether someone will be liked and accepted or not. If I’m out somewhere, how often do I avert making eye contact with others so I don’t have to engage them in any way. I need to be more like Lexi and reach out to all, seeing a potential friend in everyone I meet.
• Unconditional love – Annie never held a grudge. If I did something wrong she didn’t hold it against me and “wash her paws” of me. She’d simply forget whatever it was and move on. Annie would always greet me at the door with her tail wagging. It was like I’d been on a long journey and she was so glad I was now home. And now Lexi is starting to do the same thing.
• Sharing toys is more fun – It used to drive me crazy playing fetch with Annie. I’d throw the tennis ball and she loved running after it to get it, but then she’d not bring it back to me. She loved the keep-away part but it drove me nuts. When I’d finally get the ball from her and launch it again, she loved it and off she’d go to fetch. If only Annie could have learned how much more fun it is to give share the ball so the game could continue. How often do I cling tightly to what’s “mine”, whether it be my ideas, my time, whatever and miss the opportunity to “play” with someone who simply wants to be a friend.
• Be loyal - Dogs are so loyal and loving to their owners. They show gratitude by their affection and sloppy kisses. So I learn from that the need to be loyal and kind to others and show my gratitude and affection.
• Stop eating when you have had enough – hmmmm, I wish maybe I’d learned this lesson 30 pounds ago.
I’m sure are other lessons Annie taught me and lessons still to be learned from Lexi. Sometimes I’m a “slow learner” … thankfully Annie and now Lexi are patient in their training.
• Wake up happy, play hard & rest when it’s time – I don’t think Annie ever woke up in a “foul mood.” When Lexi is up and out of her kennel for the most part it’s play time . Life is so “serious” that I think I often forget to take time to “play” and I certainly don’t rest like I should. I’m learning more and more that attitude is a choice and not a result of my circumstances.
• No such thing as a stranger – I brought Lexi to the office yesterday and she played with everyone as though they were long lost friends. She didn’t care how they looked, she simply saw them as a potential friend. You know when I meet folks I will often “size them up”. People often make judgments based on appearance using that as the criteria for whether someone will be liked and accepted or not. If I’m out somewhere, how often do I avert making eye contact with others so I don’t have to engage them in any way. I need to be more like Lexi and reach out to all, seeing a potential friend in everyone I meet.
• Unconditional love – Annie never held a grudge. If I did something wrong she didn’t hold it against me and “wash her paws” of me. She’d simply forget whatever it was and move on. Annie would always greet me at the door with her tail wagging. It was like I’d been on a long journey and she was so glad I was now home. And now Lexi is starting to do the same thing.
• Sharing toys is more fun – It used to drive me crazy playing fetch with Annie. I’d throw the tennis ball and she loved running after it to get it, but then she’d not bring it back to me. She loved the keep-away part but it drove me nuts. When I’d finally get the ball from her and launch it again, she loved it and off she’d go to fetch. If only Annie could have learned how much more fun it is to give share the ball so the game could continue. How often do I cling tightly to what’s “mine”, whether it be my ideas, my time, whatever and miss the opportunity to “play” with someone who simply wants to be a friend.
• Be loyal - Dogs are so loyal and loving to their owners. They show gratitude by their affection and sloppy kisses. So I learn from that the need to be loyal and kind to others and show my gratitude and affection.
• Stop eating when you have had enough – hmmmm, I wish maybe I’d learned this lesson 30 pounds ago.
I’m sure are other lessons Annie taught me and lessons still to be learned from Lexi. Sometimes I’m a “slow learner” … thankfully Annie and now Lexi are patient in their training.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
"re-learning" a lesson
Is it just me or do you find yourself needing to have lessons “re-taught” to you occasionally in order for them to sink in? I know that somewhere, either a newsletter piece or early in my blog I wrote about the same lesson I’m re-learning tonight. To be gut-level honest I am a bit irritated. I’m a huge Texas Rangers fan and this is the 2nd year they have made it to the World Series and it feels like it’s slipping away again. To top it off, the umpires have blown key calls in two of the three games, both going against the Rangers in critical situations. In game #1, losing by a run and the Rangers best home run hitter at the plate, it’s the last inning and he fouls a pitch off his foot that the umpires all missed, calling it a fair ball and he was “out” at first. Then tonight in a 1-0 game there’s a blown call at first base where the Ranger clearly tagged the Cardinal runner a good step before 1st base, and somehow the umpire missed it and the Cardinals go on to score four runs that inning.
So here’s the lesson I’m learning … or shall I say “re-learning” … are you ready for it? I’m all upset … and this is JUST a game. I doubt we will stand around in heaven talking about blown calls in the 2011 World Series. I told Jan, out of frustration really, I was going to leave the game for a few minutes and write a blog since I’d not written one recently. As I sat wondering what to write about and really still stewing over the game, it came to me.
• I doubt the family who I helped bury their beloved uncle today is worried too much about any missed calls.
• I doubt the deacon who I visited in the hospital this week as he watched his dear mother leave this life is too consumed with umpires, runs, and scores.
• I doubt the faithful member I visited in the hospital this week, who’s wife is dying from cancer and he had to listen to her as she planned her funeral with me is too concerned about who wins this game … he has bigger “fish to fry”.
• I doubt the man who is at the Medical Center right now with his wife of many years who had a heart attack today is worried whether the umpires are getting their “calls” right.
• I doubt the family in another state that a friend told me about that lost two children in a car wreck this week is even watching the game.
• I doubt the missionary friend who serves single in a closed north Africa country that is predominantly Muslim, who literally risks his life for the cause of Christ is even able to watch the game, much less worry about blown calls.
I wish I could tell you I will never again have to be reminded of this lesson. I also wish I was able to say that when this game is over and the Rangers likely lose, that it won’t cause me any angst. But the bottom line is I’m an imperfect human still learning what it means to live out my faith in a world that desperately needs to know Christ; a man doing his best. Though failing at times, often really, but doing his best, to live “right” in a “wrong” world.
So here’s the lesson I’m learning … or shall I say “re-learning” … are you ready for it? I’m all upset … and this is JUST a game. I doubt we will stand around in heaven talking about blown calls in the 2011 World Series. I told Jan, out of frustration really, I was going to leave the game for a few minutes and write a blog since I’d not written one recently. As I sat wondering what to write about and really still stewing over the game, it came to me.
• I doubt the family who I helped bury their beloved uncle today is worried too much about any missed calls.
• I doubt the deacon who I visited in the hospital this week as he watched his dear mother leave this life is too consumed with umpires, runs, and scores.
• I doubt the faithful member I visited in the hospital this week, who’s wife is dying from cancer and he had to listen to her as she planned her funeral with me is too concerned about who wins this game … he has bigger “fish to fry”.
• I doubt the man who is at the Medical Center right now with his wife of many years who had a heart attack today is worried whether the umpires are getting their “calls” right.
• I doubt the family in another state that a friend told me about that lost two children in a car wreck this week is even watching the game.
• I doubt the missionary friend who serves single in a closed north Africa country that is predominantly Muslim, who literally risks his life for the cause of Christ is even able to watch the game, much less worry about blown calls.
I wish I could tell you I will never again have to be reminded of this lesson. I also wish I was able to say that when this game is over and the Rangers likely lose, that it won’t cause me any angst. But the bottom line is I’m an imperfect human still learning what it means to live out my faith in a world that desperately needs to know Christ; a man doing his best. Though failing at times, often really, but doing his best, to live “right” in a “wrong” world.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Passion of a pastor
One of the blogs I like to read is by a guy named Perry Noble. Perry is the pastor of Newspring Baptist Church in Anderson, SC. Newspring didn’t even exist when I pastored in Anderson about 20 years ago and now they have multiple campuses and gave an average attendance well up into the thousands. Today I read a post about “7 Things A Pastor Should Never Apologize For.” I think he nailed it!
1. Never apologize for dreaming big – How true this is. So often we pastors place in front of our congregations budgets and ministry plans that with a little work and faithfulness can be accomplished without divine intervention. We serve such a big and awesome God; a God that nothing is too difficult for. Should we not challenge our people to exercise a little faith and attempt great things for God; things that when done, only He can get the credit for? Too often we focus on our limitations rather his possibilities.
2. Never apologize for your passion – My passion is seeing people come to Christ. I get fired up seeing people go “on mission” with God. Whether that’s across the street or around the world, nothing fires me up more than seeing the church be the church outside the walls of 500 Eastwood Street or Plano Elementary.
3. Never apologize for wanting to lead – If a pastor is called of God to pastor than leading is simply part of the deal. I remember a lady at my last church saying after I left, “Well the dictator is gone.” Looking back, and also after asking some laymen I served with and trust about my leadership style there, I’m convinced I was not being a dictator but simply being the pastor God called me to be. If a pastor cannot lead than he might want to consider another profession.
4. Never apologize for not embracing someone else’s agenda – This is tricky because as a pastor I never want to squelch what God might be doing in someone else’s heart. But at the same time I can’t embrace an idea without God also birthing that in my own heart. And as pastor, for me there’s only one agenda that I want to embrace and follow and no it is not “Tom’s”. I want to discern what the Lord on His agenda for our church and embrace that.
5. Never apologize for expecting the best from others – I cannot get to the place where I expect perfection from anyone, even myself. But at the same time I don’t think it’s wrong to expect people to give their very best to the Lord.
6. Never apologize for wanting to reach more people – Occasionally people have accused me of only being concerned about “the numbers”. Know what? They are absolutely right! Because behind every “number” in Sunday bible study is a soul that is being taught the priceless perfect Word of God. Behind every baptism is a soul that has been snatched from hell and is now heaven bound.
7. Never apologize for saying “No” to what you need to say “No” to – Of the 7 things listed here, I confess this is the most difficult for me. I struggle to build in proper boundaries and saying “No” to people. I think I’m getting better at this, but honestly I wish I’d learned this lesson while my children were still young.
Just a glimpse today of what the Lord has said to my heart through a great man of God, Perry Noble.
Tom
1. Never apologize for dreaming big – How true this is. So often we pastors place in front of our congregations budgets and ministry plans that with a little work and faithfulness can be accomplished without divine intervention. We serve such a big and awesome God; a God that nothing is too difficult for. Should we not challenge our people to exercise a little faith and attempt great things for God; things that when done, only He can get the credit for? Too often we focus on our limitations rather his possibilities.
2. Never apologize for your passion – My passion is seeing people come to Christ. I get fired up seeing people go “on mission” with God. Whether that’s across the street or around the world, nothing fires me up more than seeing the church be the church outside the walls of 500 Eastwood Street or Plano Elementary.
3. Never apologize for wanting to lead – If a pastor is called of God to pastor than leading is simply part of the deal. I remember a lady at my last church saying after I left, “Well the dictator is gone.” Looking back, and also after asking some laymen I served with and trust about my leadership style there, I’m convinced I was not being a dictator but simply being the pastor God called me to be. If a pastor cannot lead than he might want to consider another profession.
4. Never apologize for not embracing someone else’s agenda – This is tricky because as a pastor I never want to squelch what God might be doing in someone else’s heart. But at the same time I can’t embrace an idea without God also birthing that in my own heart. And as pastor, for me there’s only one agenda that I want to embrace and follow and no it is not “Tom’s”. I want to discern what the Lord on His agenda for our church and embrace that.
5. Never apologize for expecting the best from others – I cannot get to the place where I expect perfection from anyone, even myself. But at the same time I don’t think it’s wrong to expect people to give their very best to the Lord.
6. Never apologize for wanting to reach more people – Occasionally people have accused me of only being concerned about “the numbers”. Know what? They are absolutely right! Because behind every “number” in Sunday bible study is a soul that is being taught the priceless perfect Word of God. Behind every baptism is a soul that has been snatched from hell and is now heaven bound.
7. Never apologize for saying “No” to what you need to say “No” to – Of the 7 things listed here, I confess this is the most difficult for me. I struggle to build in proper boundaries and saying “No” to people. I think I’m getting better at this, but honestly I wish I’d learned this lesson while my children were still young.
Just a glimpse today of what the Lord has said to my heart through a great man of God, Perry Noble.
Tom
Friday, September 16, 2011
Phsyicals and spiritual check-ups
Having hit the BIG 5-0 this year has had few side effects … in fact I don’t feel a day over 49 most days (grin). One thing I decided to do though was to go to the doctor and get a physical. I hadn’t had one in about 7 years and so it was time. Most everything went well and many things were exceptional. I have a couple of follow-up things to do based on some lab work and simply my age but all in all it was good.
But after this physical I sat at my desk contemplating … when was the last time I had a “spiritual physical”? Just as my doctor today asked a lot of diagnostic questions, what are the diagnostic questions that would help the Great Physician reveal to me how I’m doing and what I need to work on?
First I think the Great Physician would establish my “case history”. I’m reminded of where I’ve come from (how lost I was and unable to save myself … truth is not even desiring to be saved) and where I am today. The Physician would also then talk about where I want to be 6 months or a year from now and what steps need to be taken to get there.
Next we would probably review what “medicines” I’m taking and what they were for. This would be the Physician reminding me of “problem areas” in my life where I am prone to run into sin or trouble. He’d likely remind me of the “medicine” (my quiet time with Him, avoiding certain places and temptations, etc…) and how I need to regularly take this medicine to avoid future trouble.
Just as my earthly doctor asked how I’d been eating and if I’d been exercising, I think the Great Physician would ask about my spiritual appetite. Have I been desiring the meat of the Word? Have I been feasting on it? Having I been exercising the spiritual gifts He’s given to me? Have I been faithfully serving Him the way I was designed to?
The doctor today pointed out a couple of “pre-cancerous” spots that needed to be removed and we scheduled that. Likewise the Great Physician would likely point out some “pre-cancerous” attitudes or actions that if I don’t remove them likely would lead to much greater trouble down the road.
Finally when you turn 50 the doctor typically wants to schedule a routine colonoscopy. This is where they look on your “insides” to make sure there’s nothing there that needs to be removed … it is preventive as much as anything, so we scheduled that. This reminds me that the Great Physician looks at more than just my outside appearance but gazes into my heart. I know I need to listen to Him as He describes what He sees. If there’s anything going on inside of me, than He certainly knows the remedy and so as I listen I then must confess, repent, pray up, mend relationships, really do whatever the Physician prescribes so that I can be all I’m created to be.
What about you? When was the last time you had a physical? When was the last time you allowed the Great Physician to give you a thorough examination?
But after this physical I sat at my desk contemplating … when was the last time I had a “spiritual physical”? Just as my doctor today asked a lot of diagnostic questions, what are the diagnostic questions that would help the Great Physician reveal to me how I’m doing and what I need to work on?
First I think the Great Physician would establish my “case history”. I’m reminded of where I’ve come from (how lost I was and unable to save myself … truth is not even desiring to be saved) and where I am today. The Physician would also then talk about where I want to be 6 months or a year from now and what steps need to be taken to get there.
Next we would probably review what “medicines” I’m taking and what they were for. This would be the Physician reminding me of “problem areas” in my life where I am prone to run into sin or trouble. He’d likely remind me of the “medicine” (my quiet time with Him, avoiding certain places and temptations, etc…) and how I need to regularly take this medicine to avoid future trouble.
Just as my earthly doctor asked how I’d been eating and if I’d been exercising, I think the Great Physician would ask about my spiritual appetite. Have I been desiring the meat of the Word? Have I been feasting on it? Having I been exercising the spiritual gifts He’s given to me? Have I been faithfully serving Him the way I was designed to?
The doctor today pointed out a couple of “pre-cancerous” spots that needed to be removed and we scheduled that. Likewise the Great Physician would likely point out some “pre-cancerous” attitudes or actions that if I don’t remove them likely would lead to much greater trouble down the road.
Finally when you turn 50 the doctor typically wants to schedule a routine colonoscopy. This is where they look on your “insides” to make sure there’s nothing there that needs to be removed … it is preventive as much as anything, so we scheduled that. This reminds me that the Great Physician looks at more than just my outside appearance but gazes into my heart. I know I need to listen to Him as He describes what He sees. If there’s anything going on inside of me, than He certainly knows the remedy and so as I listen I then must confess, repent, pray up, mend relationships, really do whatever the Physician prescribes so that I can be all I’m created to be.
What about you? When was the last time you had a physical? When was the last time you allowed the Great Physician to give you a thorough examination?
Monday, September 12, 2011
3000+ sermons
I was sitting in my office today doing a little reflecting; Mondays are typically good for that. Mondays I’m typically “spent” from Sunday (preaching 4 times can be both physically and emotionally draining) and so I find myself often looking back on the worship services of Sunday and reflecting on life in general. I deiced to do a little math today. I’ve been pastoring almost 21 years now, and have probable preached on average 49 weeks a year, planning 3 sermons a week. That blew my mind to think that I’ve preached more than 3,050 different messages!
I’ve learned some lessons over the years with the most important being that being a pastor is not “difficult” … it’s impossible. Apart from the call of God, and the daily filling by the Spirit of God, there’s no way I’d have been in the pastorate for as long as I have. I’ve made more than my share of mistakes as a pastor, and looking back there are many things I’d do differently if I only knew “then” what I know now. So as I sit reflecting today I thought I’d make a list of what I’ve hoped to embody in the ministry the Lord has given to me. I came up with a list of 12 things I pray my ministry has been “marked” with …
1. Integrity – as Christians our lives should be marked by the highest standards of conduct, character, and ethics and as a pastor I should model this.
2. Vision – I’ve tried to cast vision and dream dreams for the people of God so that they might be all that the Lord desires for them to be.
3. Wisdom – why would anyone seek to follow an unwise leader? I’ve probably been more of a “wise guy” at times, but I’ve tried to seek the mind of Christ that I might then have a word from Him for His people.
4. Communication – preaching really boils down to communication. The caution for me has been to try and communicate what the Lord wants said … as John the Baptist said of Jesus in John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This is especially true in trying to communicate a Word from God through preaching.
5. Motivation – change requires risk, challenge and personal growth. To accomplish this there must be motivational leadership which inspires others.
6. Decisiveness – leaders must make wise decisions. Every decision has not been “perfect” but I’ve found God’s people will forgive the occasional wrong decision and remain loyal but will not long tolerate indecision on part of their pastor.
7. Risk-taking – I believe too many pastors are afraid to take risks. They get comfortable in their position then their people become complacent. It was William Carey who first said that we are to “expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God.” Is it really faith if we only attempt what we can reasonably do on our own? We should be willing to follow the Lord to the point that we attempt things that are doomed to failure unless the He intervenes.
8. Compassion – it’s true, people do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. My experience has been that people will generally follow leaders that they know are genuinely concerned for their well-being.
9. Humility – though I probably come across to most as very self-assured, I am my own worst critic.
10. Self-control – boy this is one I’ve learned the hard way. Leaders need ability to stay calm in midst of turmoil.
11. Balance – another one of those things I’m convinced most only learn the “hard way”. Pastors must be able live well balanced life emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally. To do this requires the ability to build in boundaries and being able to say “No” at times.
12. Humor – I think life is meant to be enjoyed. I can’t take myself so seriously that I’m not willing to laugh at my mistakes.
Some of you will likely read this today and way “What in the world?”. I’m guessing I wrote this post more for myself than for others; it was therapeutic. But I do hope I’ve been able to portray the philosophy of ministry I’ve tried to live by.
I’ve learned some lessons over the years with the most important being that being a pastor is not “difficult” … it’s impossible. Apart from the call of God, and the daily filling by the Spirit of God, there’s no way I’d have been in the pastorate for as long as I have. I’ve made more than my share of mistakes as a pastor, and looking back there are many things I’d do differently if I only knew “then” what I know now. So as I sit reflecting today I thought I’d make a list of what I’ve hoped to embody in the ministry the Lord has given to me. I came up with a list of 12 things I pray my ministry has been “marked” with …
1. Integrity – as Christians our lives should be marked by the highest standards of conduct, character, and ethics and as a pastor I should model this.
2. Vision – I’ve tried to cast vision and dream dreams for the people of God so that they might be all that the Lord desires for them to be.
3. Wisdom – why would anyone seek to follow an unwise leader? I’ve probably been more of a “wise guy” at times, but I’ve tried to seek the mind of Christ that I might then have a word from Him for His people.
4. Communication – preaching really boils down to communication. The caution for me has been to try and communicate what the Lord wants said … as John the Baptist said of Jesus in John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This is especially true in trying to communicate a Word from God through preaching.
5. Motivation – change requires risk, challenge and personal growth. To accomplish this there must be motivational leadership which inspires others.
6. Decisiveness – leaders must make wise decisions. Every decision has not been “perfect” but I’ve found God’s people will forgive the occasional wrong decision and remain loyal but will not long tolerate indecision on part of their pastor.
7. Risk-taking – I believe too many pastors are afraid to take risks. They get comfortable in their position then their people become complacent. It was William Carey who first said that we are to “expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God.” Is it really faith if we only attempt what we can reasonably do on our own? We should be willing to follow the Lord to the point that we attempt things that are doomed to failure unless the He intervenes.
8. Compassion – it’s true, people do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. My experience has been that people will generally follow leaders that they know are genuinely concerned for their well-being.
9. Humility – though I probably come across to most as very self-assured, I am my own worst critic.
10. Self-control – boy this is one I’ve learned the hard way. Leaders need ability to stay calm in midst of turmoil.
11. Balance – another one of those things I’m convinced most only learn the “hard way”. Pastors must be able live well balanced life emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally. To do this requires the ability to build in boundaries and being able to say “No” at times.
12. Humor – I think life is meant to be enjoyed. I can’t take myself so seriously that I’m not willing to laugh at my mistakes.
Some of you will likely read this today and way “What in the world?”. I’m guessing I wrote this post more for myself than for others; it was therapeutic. But I do hope I’ve been able to portray the philosophy of ministry I’ve tried to live by.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
God uses all kinds of people
There was a story back on August 11, 2011 in Baptist Press about Jake “Grece” (his last name was changed for his protection). It told how Jake sits at his computer in Africa answering email from a missionary couple. They have a question about their finances and Jake is their man ... an IMB missionary working as an accountant.
Accountants may not be the first image that pops into people's heads when talking about missionaries, but that's exactly how Jake, a Nebraska native, answered his call to missions. He uses his financial skills in the office while also focusing on ministering to those around him, whether it's frazzled missionaries or local villagers.
Lynn Burton serves as associate vice president for the International Mission Board's office of finance explains people like Jake are a "missionary first with an assignment to do financial support. That's the one thing they are to always focus on. In their job description, the very first line is 'witnessing and participating in Christian life.'"
As I read this, I wondered shouldn’t this be the story of each of us? As God’s children, no matter what task God has gifted and called us to, shouldn’t our job description be “a missionary first … witnessing and participating in Christian life”? Too often we think that God cannot use our particular skill set. Let me remind you that God called you to be a “witness” (see Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18-20, and other passages) and it was He who gifted you with the ability to work where you do.
Right now in South East Asia there’s a group of 18 representing the Lord and His Church here in Bowling Green. They are faithfully following God’s call to make Him famous in all the world. These include 3 teenagers, a businessman, a retired professor, a house wife, a retired butcher, a pharmacy assistant, a General Motors supervisor, an author and a couple of ministers of the gospel. Did you notice the great variety of vocations and ages represented? You know what the one thing they all have in common, besides Christ of course? They all heard the voice of God when He said, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” and they each responded, “He am I, send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).
What about you? What stops you from fulfilling the “Great Commission” by going to your classmate, neighbor, co-worker, or ½ way around the world on the next mission trip? For most of us, the only thing stopping us is either an unwillingness to be used by God this way or a disobedient spirit that says in essence “I am my own god and will do what I want to do.”
Accountants may not be the first image that pops into people's heads when talking about missionaries, but that's exactly how Jake, a Nebraska native, answered his call to missions. He uses his financial skills in the office while also focusing on ministering to those around him, whether it's frazzled missionaries or local villagers.
Lynn Burton serves as associate vice president for the International Mission Board's office of finance explains people like Jake are a "missionary first with an assignment to do financial support. That's the one thing they are to always focus on. In their job description, the very first line is 'witnessing and participating in Christian life.'"
As I read this, I wondered shouldn’t this be the story of each of us? As God’s children, no matter what task God has gifted and called us to, shouldn’t our job description be “a missionary first … witnessing and participating in Christian life”? Too often we think that God cannot use our particular skill set. Let me remind you that God called you to be a “witness” (see Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18-20, and other passages) and it was He who gifted you with the ability to work where you do.
Right now in South East Asia there’s a group of 18 representing the Lord and His Church here in Bowling Green. They are faithfully following God’s call to make Him famous in all the world. These include 3 teenagers, a businessman, a retired professor, a house wife, a retired butcher, a pharmacy assistant, a General Motors supervisor, an author and a couple of ministers of the gospel. Did you notice the great variety of vocations and ages represented? You know what the one thing they all have in common, besides Christ of course? They all heard the voice of God when He said, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” and they each responded, “He am I, send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).
What about you? What stops you from fulfilling the “Great Commission” by going to your classmate, neighbor, co-worker, or ½ way around the world on the next mission trip? For most of us, the only thing stopping us is either an unwillingness to be used by God this way or a disobedient spirit that says in essence “I am my own god and will do what I want to do.”
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Books to read
I read a column recently where the writer composed a list of books to read. As I read his list I wondered about what books I'd put on my list. So, knowing that I'm going to leave something out and later think "Man, why didn't I include this book?", here's my list with the exception of the first book, in no particular order:
• The Bible – the book that ought to top every believers list
• Radical by David Platt – he will rock your world
• Crazy Love by Francis Chan
• Wild at Heart by John Eldredge – a must read for men, wives, and mothers of boys
• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell – any book by Maxwell if you want to develop your leadership ability
• Confessions of a Pastor by Craig Groeschel
• The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom – not intended to be theologically correct but it does make you think about how you live in the here and now
• Any book by Max Lucado (one of my favorite authors)
• The Warrior Leader by Bobby Welch
• The Power of a Whisper by Bill Hybels
• Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala – a classic but worth the read
• Safely Home by Randy Alcorn
• When it comes to fiction I like to read James Patterson, Lisa Gardner, and right now I’m reading Michael Connelly
So what about you? What books make your list of must reads?
• The Bible – the book that ought to top every believers list
• Radical by David Platt – he will rock your world
• Crazy Love by Francis Chan
• Wild at Heart by John Eldredge – a must read for men, wives, and mothers of boys
• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell – any book by Maxwell if you want to develop your leadership ability
• Confessions of a Pastor by Craig Groeschel
• The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom – not intended to be theologically correct but it does make you think about how you live in the here and now
• Any book by Max Lucado (one of my favorite authors)
• The Warrior Leader by Bobby Welch
• The Power of a Whisper by Bill Hybels
• Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala – a classic but worth the read
• Safely Home by Randy Alcorn
• When it comes to fiction I like to read James Patterson, Lisa Gardner, and right now I’m reading Michael Connelly
So what about you? What books make your list of must reads?
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Preachers preaching the whole counsel of God
In a May 2008 article in Your Church magazine, 55 percent of pastors asked reported they can identify one or more topics on which they would not preach at all or only sparingly, because the sermon could negatively affect their hearers' willingness to attend church in the future. What? Are you kidding me? What happened to the man of God with a backbone of steel unafraid to say, "Thus sayeth the Lord!"
Among the topics these "men of God" would preach sparingly include:
• Politics (38%) – God’s people Israel might still be worshipping Baal if Elijah had been afraid to preach on politics.
• Homosexuality (23%) – to avoid this we must ignore Genesis 1-3, Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, Ephesians 5-6, 1 Timothy 1:9-10 … well you get the idea.
• Abortion (18%) – we as preachers must affirm the sanctity of life. Proverbs 6:16-19 says there are “six things God hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him” and the third thing listed is “hands that shed innocent blood.” I ask you what is more innocent than a child in the safety of its mother’s womb? If we don’t speak out for the unborn who will?
• Same-sex marriage (17%) – the entirety of scripture affirms the home and establishes it between a man and a woman. How can these preachers look in the mirror if they are not willing to preach the counsel of God? The home between a man and woman did not originate in the heart and mind of man but in the heart and mind of God. God has uniquely made man and woman so that they might complement one another as they serve Him together.
• War (17%) – Romans 13 clearly affirms what we would refer to as a “just war.” Now I’m not saying that all wars are “just” but rather that scripture affirms there is a time for government to wage war as instruments of God and good.
• Women's role in church and home (13%) – I know Southern Baptists are viewed as Neanderthals when we affirm the biblical teachings 1 Timothy 3 and state that the offices of ministers and deacons God established for men. All other jobs in the church women do and do well. But for whatever reason God stated these two positions are to be held by men who are called to be spiritual leaders in their homes and the church. Now I know that some of my more liberal friends would point to Romans 16:1 and state that the Greek word for deacon is used in reference to Phoebe. While the word is used there are a few problems with saying Phoebe was a deacon. First, the word primarily means servant so Romans 16:1 could be translated that Phoebe was a servant of the Lord. Second, to use this text to prove she served as a deacon goes against the teachings of 1 Timothy 3 and scripture does not contradict scripture. Third, Romans 15:8 uses the same Greek word for deacon in reference to Jesus. So if we are going to say that Romans 16:1 proves Phoebe was a deacon, to be consistent we must say that Romans 15:8 proves Jesus was a deacon as well.
• The doctrine of election (13%) – I have a sneaky suspicion that those who would not preach on the doctrine of election lean toward a Calvinistic view of election and know that the masses in the church would not affirm that position so they “steer clear”.
• Hell (7%) – Jesus taught more on hell than He did heaven because He wanted us to understand the reality and terribleness of hell. Everyday thousands head to an eternity in hell separated from a God who loves them forever. How can we remain silent?
• Money (3%) – of all of these topics I guess this one surprises me the least. Nothing likely gets a preacher in more trouble than preaching on money. But I have found it’s those who are not practicing Christian stewardship that complain. After all as my adopted grandmother used to say while I was in college, “Son, when you throw a rock into a pack of dogs the one who yipes is the one who got hit.”
These are just my thoughts. What do you think? Are there topics preachers should avoid? Are there topics that we need to address even more?
Tom
Among the topics these "men of God" would preach sparingly include:
• Politics (38%) – God’s people Israel might still be worshipping Baal if Elijah had been afraid to preach on politics.
• Homosexuality (23%) – to avoid this we must ignore Genesis 1-3, Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, Ephesians 5-6, 1 Timothy 1:9-10 … well you get the idea.
• Abortion (18%) – we as preachers must affirm the sanctity of life. Proverbs 6:16-19 says there are “six things God hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him” and the third thing listed is “hands that shed innocent blood.” I ask you what is more innocent than a child in the safety of its mother’s womb? If we don’t speak out for the unborn who will?
• Same-sex marriage (17%) – the entirety of scripture affirms the home and establishes it between a man and a woman. How can these preachers look in the mirror if they are not willing to preach the counsel of God? The home between a man and woman did not originate in the heart and mind of man but in the heart and mind of God. God has uniquely made man and woman so that they might complement one another as they serve Him together.
• War (17%) – Romans 13 clearly affirms what we would refer to as a “just war.” Now I’m not saying that all wars are “just” but rather that scripture affirms there is a time for government to wage war as instruments of God and good.
• Women's role in church and home (13%) – I know Southern Baptists are viewed as Neanderthals when we affirm the biblical teachings 1 Timothy 3 and state that the offices of ministers and deacons God established for men. All other jobs in the church women do and do well. But for whatever reason God stated these two positions are to be held by men who are called to be spiritual leaders in their homes and the church. Now I know that some of my more liberal friends would point to Romans 16:1 and state that the Greek word for deacon is used in reference to Phoebe. While the word is used there are a few problems with saying Phoebe was a deacon. First, the word primarily means servant so Romans 16:1 could be translated that Phoebe was a servant of the Lord. Second, to use this text to prove she served as a deacon goes against the teachings of 1 Timothy 3 and scripture does not contradict scripture. Third, Romans 15:8 uses the same Greek word for deacon in reference to Jesus. So if we are going to say that Romans 16:1 proves Phoebe was a deacon, to be consistent we must say that Romans 15:8 proves Jesus was a deacon as well.
• The doctrine of election (13%) – I have a sneaky suspicion that those who would not preach on the doctrine of election lean toward a Calvinistic view of election and know that the masses in the church would not affirm that position so they “steer clear”.
• Hell (7%) – Jesus taught more on hell than He did heaven because He wanted us to understand the reality and terribleness of hell. Everyday thousands head to an eternity in hell separated from a God who loves them forever. How can we remain silent?
• Money (3%) – of all of these topics I guess this one surprises me the least. Nothing likely gets a preacher in more trouble than preaching on money. But I have found it’s those who are not practicing Christian stewardship that complain. After all as my adopted grandmother used to say while I was in college, “Son, when you throw a rock into a pack of dogs the one who yipes is the one who got hit.”
These are just my thoughts. What do you think? Are there topics preachers should avoid? Are there topics that we need to address even more?
Tom
Friday, July 8, 2011
Funny things heard on a plane
So having flown a couple of times during the past month I heard some funny stuff both from fellow passengers and stewards / stewardesses . So I thought I'd look around and try to find the funniest things people have heard from flight attendants. Here's some of the best I found:
As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Ronald Reagan, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"
"In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small child, pick your favorite."
From the pilot during his welcome message: "Delta Airlines is pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!"
An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the Passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying our airline." He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?" "Why, no, Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"
After a real crusher of a landing in Phoenix, the attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Capt. Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we'll open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal."
A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax.. OH, MY GOD!" Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger in Coach yelled, "That's nothing. You should see the back of mine."
A crowded United Airlines flight was canceled. A single agent was re-booking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, "I HAVE to be on this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS." The agent replied, "I'm sorry sir. I'll be happy to try to help you, but I've got to help these folks first, and I'm sure we'll be able to work something out." The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?" Without hesitating, the agent smiled and grabbed her public address microphone. "May I have your attention please," she began her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal. "We have a passenger here at Gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to Gate 14."
"Hello Everyone, we have a first time flyer on board today - and it is also their 50th birthday!" After everybody cheers, the flight attendant continues, "Will everyone please wish the captain a Happy Birthday!”
So, what’s the funniest thing you have ever heard on a plane?
As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Ronald Reagan, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"
"In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small child, pick your favorite."
From the pilot during his welcome message: "Delta Airlines is pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!"
An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the Passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying our airline." He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?" "Why, no, Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"
After a real crusher of a landing in Phoenix, the attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Capt. Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we'll open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal."
A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax.. OH, MY GOD!" Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger in Coach yelled, "That's nothing. You should see the back of mine."
A crowded United Airlines flight was canceled. A single agent was re-booking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, "I HAVE to be on this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS." The agent replied, "I'm sorry sir. I'll be happy to try to help you, but I've got to help these folks first, and I'm sure we'll be able to work something out." The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?" Without hesitating, the agent smiled and grabbed her public address microphone. "May I have your attention please," she began her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal. "We have a passenger here at Gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to Gate 14."
"Hello Everyone, we have a first time flyer on board today - and it is also their 50th birthday!" After everybody cheers, the flight attendant continues, "Will everyone please wish the captain a Happy Birthday!”
So, what’s the funniest thing you have ever heard on a plane?
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
In the game?
It was the 1st day of basketball practice at Wingate High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. The Coach handed a ball to each player. “Boys,” he said, “I want you to practice shooting from the spots you might expect to be in during the game.”
One of the boys, who most likely would be at the end of the bench and never see the court except in practice immediately sat down on the bench and began shoot the ball toward the basket from there.
Now we might try and justify this by saying that boy didn’t expect to get to play much. And we might suggest that he was just trying to get a laugh out of his teammates. But, there are some people who sit the bench, because that’s where they’ve gotten used to being. They never strive to much more than that - because they don’t believe in themselves enough to put in the extra effort and practice to change their status. And because of that: they’re always going to sit the bench.
It’s as if we’ve made Christianity into a spectator sport. We just sit back in church and listen to the music, and the sermons and never really get involved in the game. We need some Christians today to get off the sidelines and get on the front God has so much for you and I but we will never discover it as long as we watch safely from the sideline. We need to put our faith into action and get involved in the spiritual battle that is taking place all around us.
So I want to quickly give you a "test" so that you can see if your faith is active or if you're sitting on the bench:
1.If you are not attending church with an expectation that a great God wants to do great things in worship that day, get off the bench.
2.When you are no longer or not concerned about the spiritual condition of neighbors, family members, or your co-workers, get off the bench.
3.When you haven't shared your faith with the express purpose of someone coming to know Christ, get off the bench.
4.When Bible study is a drudgery and it seems lifeless to you, it's time to get off the bench.
5.when ones happiness on a Sunday mornings is more important than holiness... when simply making sure you get your parking spot, your seat, and hear the music you like, everything’s fine, it's time to get in the game.
6.With the mention of the word "missions" you think to yourself "I hope they are listening" rather than saying like Isaiah "Here am I, send me Lord" - then you have willingly taken yourself out of the game.
7.When giving cannot be done cheerfully, the hearts not right and the coach can't send you in the game.
8. When it never dawns on you that God might do something radical in your life at any moment today, when that's not even on your radar, you have lost touch with the coach.
Let's put down the spiritual remotes and get off the pew and start walking by faith with the Father.
One of the boys, who most likely would be at the end of the bench and never see the court except in practice immediately sat down on the bench and began shoot the ball toward the basket from there.
Now we might try and justify this by saying that boy didn’t expect to get to play much. And we might suggest that he was just trying to get a laugh out of his teammates. But, there are some people who sit the bench, because that’s where they’ve gotten used to being. They never strive to much more than that - because they don’t believe in themselves enough to put in the extra effort and practice to change their status. And because of that: they’re always going to sit the bench.
It’s as if we’ve made Christianity into a spectator sport. We just sit back in church and listen to the music, and the sermons and never really get involved in the game. We need some Christians today to get off the sidelines and get on the front God has so much for you and I but we will never discover it as long as we watch safely from the sideline. We need to put our faith into action and get involved in the spiritual battle that is taking place all around us.
So I want to quickly give you a "test" so that you can see if your faith is active or if you're sitting on the bench:
1.If you are not attending church with an expectation that a great God wants to do great things in worship that day, get off the bench.
2.When you are no longer or not concerned about the spiritual condition of neighbors, family members, or your co-workers, get off the bench.
3.When you haven't shared your faith with the express purpose of someone coming to know Christ, get off the bench.
4.When Bible study is a drudgery and it seems lifeless to you, it's time to get off the bench.
5.when ones happiness on a Sunday mornings is more important than holiness... when simply making sure you get your parking spot, your seat, and hear the music you like, everything’s fine, it's time to get in the game.
6.With the mention of the word "missions" you think to yourself "I hope they are listening" rather than saying like Isaiah "Here am I, send me Lord" - then you have willingly taken yourself out of the game.
7.When giving cannot be done cheerfully, the hearts not right and the coach can't send you in the game.
8. When it never dawns on you that God might do something radical in your life at any moment today, when that's not even on your radar, you have lost touch with the coach.
Let's put down the spiritual remotes and get off the pew and start walking by faith with the Father.
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