As part of my project assignment in my graduate class, I am to develop a 10 part lesson on effective leadership. Two of those lessons are to be based on biblical models of leadership. I chose to do one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. My Old Testament choice is Nehemiah. I have over the past few week done a lot of reading from Nehemiah . His leadership style centers around what we would probably today refer to as teams and transformational leadership.
Perhaps the greatest observation that can be made about him is his passion for what he was doing. Somewhere I read or heard, "Leaders are people who leave their footprints in their areas of passion." Who said that, I am not sure. But I liked the thought and wrote it in the leaf of my Bible. Nehemiah was passionate about restoring the walls of Jerusalem that had fallen in disrepair. He was also passionate about restoring the worship of God among the exiles who had returned to Jerusalem.
Nehemiah is a model of servant-leadership. This is so needed in our churches and in the world in which we live. People desire leaders who are authentic. Leadership is not about what I get out of leading others but what I am giving back to those who I am leading. Some of the qualities that Nehemiah models for us can be observed in his calling, concern, compassion, transparency, unselfishness, knowledge and understanding of his sitiuation, persistance, and inspiration.
A leader is a person who influences other people to accomplish a purpose. A person can be an effective leader without having a formal title or position of leadership. Some people can also occupy positions of leadership without truly leading.
Bill Gates said, "As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others." Be passionate about influencing others to be all that God intends them to be.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Why are these stats this way?
I came across an article regarding teenagers from the National Study of Youth and Religion at their web site that covers the areas of religious participation, beliefs, faith, practices and experience, sharing faith, evaluations of church, moral views, risk behavior, and civic activities. Here were just a few of their statistics.
Teens who say they cheated in school last year: Protestants - 63% Assemblies of God - 59%
Teens who say they lied to their parents fairly often or quite often: Protestants - 9% Assemblies of God - 4%
Teens who smoke at least one cigerette a day: Protestants - 7% Assemblies of God - 12%
Teens who report Marijuana use: Protestants - 10% Assemblies of God - 10%
Teens who report reading their Bible by themselves once a week or more: Protestants - 32% Assemblies of God - 44%
Why are these statistics this way? Does anyone see anything wrong with them? The National Study of Youth and Religion also reported that less than half of Protestant teens (this number includes AOG teens in the mix) say that church is a very good place to talk about serious issues.
Teens who say they cheated in school last year: Protestants - 63% Assemblies of God - 59%
Teens who say they lied to their parents fairly often or quite often: Protestants - 9% Assemblies of God - 4%
Teens who smoke at least one cigerette a day: Protestants - 7% Assemblies of God - 12%
Teens who report Marijuana use: Protestants - 10% Assemblies of God - 10%
Teens who report reading their Bible by themselves once a week or more: Protestants - 32% Assemblies of God - 44%
Why are these statistics this way? Does anyone see anything wrong with them? The National Study of Youth and Religion also reported that less than half of Protestant teens (this number includes AOG teens in the mix) say that church is a very good place to talk about serious issues.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Your Authority Over The Strom
This morning I was reading from Mark 4:35-41, Jesus calming of the storm. He and his disciples had set sail across the Sea of Galilee when a squall rose up. Jesus was asleep in the stern of their boat. In the passage it is noted that other ships were with them. That's interesting, others were involved in their storm too. The water was nearly swamping the boat when the disciples awoke Jesus screaming, "Don't you care that we are about to perish?"
This incident in Mark reminded me of my own experience a few years ago out on Sebago Lake. It was my first year as owner of a small 18 foot bow rider. While out on the lake the weather changed and I was struggling against the wind. Three and a half to four foot waves were crashing over the bow. I was cold, wet, and somewhat scared. I was scared enough to tell everyone on board to put on their life jackets, myself included. We eventually made it back to our cove and the marina. What should have been a twenty minute trip turned into a one and a half hour ordeal. Just as we made it back, the sun broke through the clouds and the wind died down. The water became calm. What a glorious relief we all felt - safe harbor at last.
Bill Johnson, author of When Heaven Invades Earth, wrote in his book, "The only storm you have authority over is the one you can sleep in." We face all kinds of storms in life. It could be loss of a family member, loss of a job, loss of good health. It could be that we are struggling in a relational issue. You name your storm. It is the one that you don't have control over. It is the one you can't sleep through. That's a storm.
Does Jesus care? He sure does. Then why doesn't he he wake up and do something? Have you paused long enough to ask him? Let me say that again. Have you paused long enough to ask him? When you awaken the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Onipotent One, the Omnipresent One, the Omniscient One, he will speak to your storm. He will command the wind to "pipe down" and the sea to "settle down." The wind will run out of breath and the sea will become like glass.
This incident in Mark reminded me of my own experience a few years ago out on Sebago Lake. It was my first year as owner of a small 18 foot bow rider. While out on the lake the weather changed and I was struggling against the wind. Three and a half to four foot waves were crashing over the bow. I was cold, wet, and somewhat scared. I was scared enough to tell everyone on board to put on their life jackets, myself included. We eventually made it back to our cove and the marina. What should have been a twenty minute trip turned into a one and a half hour ordeal. Just as we made it back, the sun broke through the clouds and the wind died down. The water became calm. What a glorious relief we all felt - safe harbor at last.
Bill Johnson, author of When Heaven Invades Earth, wrote in his book, "The only storm you have authority over is the one you can sleep in." We face all kinds of storms in life. It could be loss of a family member, loss of a job, loss of good health. It could be that we are struggling in a relational issue. You name your storm. It is the one that you don't have control over. It is the one you can't sleep through. That's a storm.
Does Jesus care? He sure does. Then why doesn't he he wake up and do something? Have you paused long enough to ask him? Let me say that again. Have you paused long enough to ask him? When you awaken the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Onipotent One, the Omnipresent One, the Omniscient One, he will speak to your storm. He will command the wind to "pipe down" and the sea to "settle down." The wind will run out of breath and the sea will become like glass.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Live Wise, Live Well
I read James 3:13-18 from The Message a few days ago. It kind have captured my thoughts for some reflection. I have underlined those words and phrases that captured my initial attention. It reads:
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom — it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats. Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
My question is, "How do we get along with someone we disagree with, without becoming unkind or arrogant?" Not too long ago we listened to the political parties lambasting each other. Unfortunately it doesn't end with politicians. I have sat in board meetings, church membership meetings and even a church service where Christians have verbally attacked one another over non essential issues. Even sadder, I have counseled families where parents and children have disagreed. In each of these senarios, I have observed the lack of respect all parties involved showed to one another.
James said that "you can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God." Community is an interesting word. It could be a nation, a city, a town, a neighborhood, a church, or a family. The New Living Translation reads this way in verse 18: And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom — it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats. Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
My question is, "How do we get along with someone we disagree with, without becoming unkind or arrogant?" Not too long ago we listened to the political parties lambasting each other. Unfortunately it doesn't end with politicians. I have sat in board meetings, church membership meetings and even a church service where Christians have verbally attacked one another over non essential issues. Even sadder, I have counseled families where parents and children have disagreed. In each of these senarios, I have observed the lack of respect all parties involved showed to one another.
James said that "you can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God." Community is an interesting word. It could be a nation, a city, a town, a neighborhood, a church, or a family. The New Living Translation reads this way in verse 18: And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Give Thanks - His Love Endures Forever
I will probably not have time to post a blog on Thanksgiving. I will be spending the day with family out of town. So I post my thoughts today. The psalmist expressed at least four reasons for giving thanks in verse three of Psalm 100.
1. The Lord is God. No matter what is happening in and around your life, God still reigns in heaven and on earth.
2. God has uniquely created you. He has made you with a plan and purpose for this life. And just because He has made you, that does not mean that He is done with making you. You are in the process of being completed.
3. You belong to God. That's ownership. Call it security in an unsecure world.
4. You are part of a bigger community. As sheep we get to rest beside still waters and graze in green pastures.
May your thoughts be filled with thankfulness and heart full of joy this Thanksgiving as you meditate upon the words of the Psalmist.
1. The Lord is God. No matter what is happening in and around your life, God still reigns in heaven and on earth.
2. God has uniquely created you. He has made you with a plan and purpose for this life. And just because He has made you, that does not mean that He is done with making you. You are in the process of being completed.
3. You belong to God. That's ownership. Call it security in an unsecure world.
4. You are part of a bigger community. As sheep we get to rest beside still waters and graze in green pastures.
May your thoughts be filled with thankfulness and heart full of joy this Thanksgiving as you meditate upon the words of the Psalmist.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
A Miracle of Community Transformatiom
A couple of days ago, I saw a short video clip about the transforming work of God in the city of Alomonga, Guatemala. A few years ago, this city had a high crime rate as the result of drug and alcohol use. Three jails were built to house the criminals and the local officials still had to bus the overflow prisoners to other community jails. It was a place of poverty and no hope. Missionaries were chased out of town. Local pastors were beaten almost to death. But something happened. The few believing Christians began to pray. And suddenly, the city was transformed. The community has closed the jails. There are no criminals to be housed. There is no alcohol and drug abuse. Families are living in peace and harmony. The churches of Alomonga are filled. Even the farm land has been transformed. Whereas, only four truck loads per month of produce were being exported in the past, now forty truck loads per week of produce are being shipped to market. The community now proclaims God loudly and publically. The signs of the citizens belief is seen everywhere in Alomonga. It's a miracle of transformation. Do a google search and read about it yourself. God's word is true, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Ch 7:14 NIV). Who doesn't need the transforming power of God at work in their life?
Monday, November 20, 2006
Another Chance
I watched this past weekend's game between unbeaten #1 Ohio State and unbeaten #2 Michigan. It was a great game. Too bad somebody had to lose. Ohio State won. Too bad these two teams coudn't meet again in the BCS for the national title. Even though I was cheering for Ohio (Yes, I am still a Penn State diehard), Michigan is well deserving of a number two ranking after having lost to the Buckeyes. But pollsters will probably drop the Woverines to number 3 or 4. Which means someone else will get a chance to play for the national title against Ohio in January. Right now my guess is USC. I haven't read any sports news this morning, yet. Personally, I think Michigan is still the best match up with Ohio for the national championship game. Too bad they won't get another chance. It would make for another great game. This all leads me to my thought this morning on another chance.
Jesus had warned Peter that he would deny the Lord three times before the rooster would crow. Peter said it would not happen. But it did! We read about it in the gospels. However, Peter was given another chance. In John 21, we read about Jesus' resurrection appearance along the Galilean Sea. Peter and six other disciple went fishing. Jesus appeared and asked them what they caught. They said they had caught nothing. Jesus then instructed them to cast their net on the other side of the boat and the second miraculous catch occurred in the New Testament.
My focus this morning is on the conversation between Jesus and Peter following that catch of fish (John 21:15-17). Jesus, twice asked Peter, "Do you truly love me." Jesus used the "agapeo" form of the Greek word for love. In other words, he was asking, "Do you love me with a never ending love, an unconditional love?.
Both times Peter answered back, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you." Peter used the the "phileo" form of the Greek word for love. In other words, Peter was saying, "I love you as a friend, that has limits. Somehow, Jesus had disappointed Peter's expectation of the Messiah's identity. Jesus had not fulfilled what Peter wanted. "Lord, you frustrated me. I've gotten angry with you."
A third time Jesus reconciled by asking Peter using the Greek word "phileo" instead of "agapeo" form of the word for love. Jesus asked, "Do you love me as a friend with limitations?" (my translation). Peter responds, You know everything. You understand how I feel. Yes, you disappointed me. I love you as a friend" (my translation). Jesus' act of reconciliation was this, "Feed my sheep. I leave you in the job of shepherd of the flock" (my translation).
Some people choose to go through life alienated, bitter, and distant from others. Some choose to be reconciled. Jesus chose to give Peter another chance. Perhaps you are disappointed with someone and need to reconcile. You can choose to give them another chance. Perhaps you are disappointed with God. You need to give Him another chance. After all, God was not created by man. Man was created by God. Be reconciled.
Jesus had warned Peter that he would deny the Lord three times before the rooster would crow. Peter said it would not happen. But it did! We read about it in the gospels. However, Peter was given another chance. In John 21, we read about Jesus' resurrection appearance along the Galilean Sea. Peter and six other disciple went fishing. Jesus appeared and asked them what they caught. They said they had caught nothing. Jesus then instructed them to cast their net on the other side of the boat and the second miraculous catch occurred in the New Testament.
My focus this morning is on the conversation between Jesus and Peter following that catch of fish (John 21:15-17). Jesus, twice asked Peter, "Do you truly love me." Jesus used the "agapeo" form of the Greek word for love. In other words, he was asking, "Do you love me with a never ending love, an unconditional love?.
Both times Peter answered back, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you." Peter used the the "phileo" form of the Greek word for love. In other words, Peter was saying, "I love you as a friend, that has limits. Somehow, Jesus had disappointed Peter's expectation of the Messiah's identity. Jesus had not fulfilled what Peter wanted. "Lord, you frustrated me. I've gotten angry with you."
A third time Jesus reconciled by asking Peter using the Greek word "phileo" instead of "agapeo" form of the word for love. Jesus asked, "Do you love me as a friend with limitations?" (my translation). Peter responds, You know everything. You understand how I feel. Yes, you disappointed me. I love you as a friend" (my translation). Jesus' act of reconciliation was this, "Feed my sheep. I leave you in the job of shepherd of the flock" (my translation).
Some people choose to go through life alienated, bitter, and distant from others. Some choose to be reconciled. Jesus chose to give Peter another chance. Perhaps you are disappointed with someone and need to reconcile. You can choose to give them another chance. Perhaps you are disappointed with God. You need to give Him another chance. After all, God was not created by man. Man was created by God. Be reconciled.
Friday, November 17, 2006
A Sweet Aroma
As I do each morning, I got up and went downstairs for my cup of coffee and quiet time before the Lord, with my Bible open. The aroma of my coffee and a few sips later, I found myself reflecting on its aroma and contemplating these words:
2 Co 2:15-17 NIV
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
I breathed these words of prayer in my early morning quietness. "Father, may the fragrance that comes forth in my life each day be appealing to those in whom I come in contact. May I have a refreshing word and a sensitive spirit toward all those who surround my life today. May I be like this cup of coffee."
Now you may not like coffee, but I suspect that even if you don't, there is something about that aroma that still is attractive. As a child, I hated the taste of coffee, but I can still remember the aroma of it in my mom's cup. There was something appealing about the smell, even though I thought it bitter in taste. It was later in life that I acquired a taste for coffee. Could it be that some people need time to acquire the taste of Christ? But in the mean time the aroma remains attractive?
I guess it's time to head off to Maine Bean (my favorite Friday AM stop for coffee) for a large cup of Cabin Comfort and post this blog. Let the fragrance of Christ radiate from you, the vessal or cup or container, which God has always wanted you to be. Have a great weekend.
2 Co 2:15-17 NIV
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
I breathed these words of prayer in my early morning quietness. "Father, may the fragrance that comes forth in my life each day be appealing to those in whom I come in contact. May I have a refreshing word and a sensitive spirit toward all those who surround my life today. May I be like this cup of coffee."
Now you may not like coffee, but I suspect that even if you don't, there is something about that aroma that still is attractive. As a child, I hated the taste of coffee, but I can still remember the aroma of it in my mom's cup. There was something appealing about the smell, even though I thought it bitter in taste. It was later in life that I acquired a taste for coffee. Could it be that some people need time to acquire the taste of Christ? But in the mean time the aroma remains attractive?
I guess it's time to head off to Maine Bean (my favorite Friday AM stop for coffee) for a large cup of Cabin Comfort and post this blog. Let the fragrance of Christ radiate from you, the vessal or cup or container, which God has always wanted you to be. Have a great weekend.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Living in Anonymity
On Tuesday, I conducted the funeral of a saint. You won't recognize her name. In fact, only those who knew her closely really knew anything about her. Even her obituary revealed little about her life. I will paraphrase it for you. Florence passed away this past weekend at the age of 91. She loved and served the Lord faithfully. She is survived by a sister, a close friend and several neices and nephews. Florence lived in anonymity. What is striking about this woman was her faith. She loved and served the Lord faithfully. While others want to stand out and be noticed, Florence chose to live a quiet faith, that was filled with gentleness and kindness and love. She preferred to serve the Lord in unnoticed ways. Those who testified to her living faith at the funeral spoke of the qualities of faith that go unrecognized today.
Hebrews 11 names many heroes of faith by name. That list includes Abel, Noah, Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Gideon, Sampson, to name just a few. But then in verse 39 we read about "others" who also died in the faith. Who were these "others"? We will never find out in this world. They lived their lives in anonymity and died in anonymity. But the writer wanted us to know that there are"others"!
Take heart friends, your kind deeds. gentle words, expressions of love, and faith in Jesus Christ is not forgotten by God. You are among the "others" if you have placed your faith in the Son of God.
Heb 12:1-2 NIV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 11 names many heroes of faith by name. That list includes Abel, Noah, Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Gideon, Sampson, to name just a few. But then in verse 39 we read about "others" who also died in the faith. Who were these "others"? We will never find out in this world. They lived their lives in anonymity and died in anonymity. But the writer wanted us to know that there are"others"!
Take heart friends, your kind deeds. gentle words, expressions of love, and faith in Jesus Christ is not forgotten by God. You are among the "others" if you have placed your faith in the Son of God.
Heb 12:1-2 NIV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Jars of Clay
Text: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 NIV
Modern medicine and technology seems to be extending life. We like that thought. We all would like a guarantee that we could last forever. Wouldn’t that be great? It amazes me when I meet people who have lived a long life. Recently I had an opportunity to become reacquainted, after 25 years, with Nellie - still alive at 101 years of age. Meeting such people causes me to think that just maybe they are going to live forever. Yet that is not the image that Paul gives us in this passage. If anything, Paul paints a somewhat bleak image of human life. We are like a clay pot or earthen vessel. Pottery, that can crack, get chipped and broken if dropped. Paul is telling us that life takes its toll on our physical strength and stamina. We wear out. The body is made of material that will not last forever.
Paul encourages us to "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." When the temporary things pass away--and our earthly body is temporary--the eternal treasures of the heart remains. Our faith in Christ is eternal.
This past June, I was able to visit the Holy Land. One of the sites that I visited were the caves of Qumran. In 1947, a shepherd discovered some old clay jars. These old earthen vessels contained the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are a very valuable source of study for the Church today. The jars themselves were not so valuable, but the treasure of God’s word inside was priceless.
In a similar way, we are like clay jars - earthen vessels. The treasure is the eternal glory of God and the unseen things of the spiritual world. The vessel is the outer person which slowly wastes away. Paul says that death and life are both at work in the Christian’s heart. Death is within each of us, because we have sinned. It works its end of destruction and takes each of us down to the grave. But because of our faith in Christ, death does not defeat us. In fact, we have victory over the grave because of Jesus’ resurrection.
We have a choice today of what part of life that we will hold on to. Where is your focus? On the physical or the spiritual? God wants you and I to focus our lives on God and allow Him to mold us and make us into men and women, youth and children who realize that it is faith in Jesus Christ that is of prime importance. We can have a great treasure in this clay jar of ours. And Paul has a word for each of us in the midst of this life, "We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." We need to grasp onto Jesus Christ so that we might deal with the adversities of life and as a result gain that which is eternal . . . faith in Jesus Christ.
Modern medicine and technology seems to be extending life. We like that thought. We all would like a guarantee that we could last forever. Wouldn’t that be great? It amazes me when I meet people who have lived a long life. Recently I had an opportunity to become reacquainted, after 25 years, with Nellie - still alive at 101 years of age. Meeting such people causes me to think that just maybe they are going to live forever. Yet that is not the image that Paul gives us in this passage. If anything, Paul paints a somewhat bleak image of human life. We are like a clay pot or earthen vessel. Pottery, that can crack, get chipped and broken if dropped. Paul is telling us that life takes its toll on our physical strength and stamina. We wear out. The body is made of material that will not last forever.
Paul encourages us to "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." When the temporary things pass away--and our earthly body is temporary--the eternal treasures of the heart remains. Our faith in Christ is eternal.
This past June, I was able to visit the Holy Land. One of the sites that I visited were the caves of Qumran. In 1947, a shepherd discovered some old clay jars. These old earthen vessels contained the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are a very valuable source of study for the Church today. The jars themselves were not so valuable, but the treasure of God’s word inside was priceless.
In a similar way, we are like clay jars - earthen vessels. The treasure is the eternal glory of God and the unseen things of the spiritual world. The vessel is the outer person which slowly wastes away. Paul says that death and life are both at work in the Christian’s heart. Death is within each of us, because we have sinned. It works its end of destruction and takes each of us down to the grave. But because of our faith in Christ, death does not defeat us. In fact, we have victory over the grave because of Jesus’ resurrection.
We have a choice today of what part of life that we will hold on to. Where is your focus? On the physical or the spiritual? God wants you and I to focus our lives on God and allow Him to mold us and make us into men and women, youth and children who realize that it is faith in Jesus Christ that is of prime importance. We can have a great treasure in this clay jar of ours. And Paul has a word for each of us in the midst of this life, "We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." We need to grasp onto Jesus Christ so that we might deal with the adversities of life and as a result gain that which is eternal . . . faith in Jesus Christ.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Your Finest Hour
Winston Churchill, one of the great leaders of England, said:
"There comes a special moment in everyone's life, a moment for which that person was born. That special opportunity, when he seizes it, will fulfill his mission -- a mission for which he is uniquely qualified. In that moment, he finds greatness. It is his finest hour."
Throughout the Bible we read story after story of individuals who rose to the occasion and fulfilled God's plan and purpose. It was their finest hour. Hebrews 11 has a list of such men and women. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, to name a few. Hebrews 11 also mentions a host of "others." People with no name, only known by God. People who who seized that special moment and found greatness. It was their finest hour.
The greatness of these individuals who are mentioned in Hebrews 11 is found in their faith.
Heb 11:1-2
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
Heb 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Heb 11:39
These were all commended for their faith . . .
Your greatness is found in your faith. It too, will be your finest hour.
"There comes a special moment in everyone's life, a moment for which that person was born. That special opportunity, when he seizes it, will fulfill his mission -- a mission for which he is uniquely qualified. In that moment, he finds greatness. It is his finest hour."
Throughout the Bible we read story after story of individuals who rose to the occasion and fulfilled God's plan and purpose. It was their finest hour. Hebrews 11 has a list of such men and women. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, to name a few. Hebrews 11 also mentions a host of "others." People with no name, only known by God. People who who seized that special moment and found greatness. It was their finest hour.
The greatness of these individuals who are mentioned in Hebrews 11 is found in their faith.
Heb 11:1-2
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
Heb 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Heb 11:39
These were all commended for their faith . . .
Your greatness is found in your faith. It too, will be your finest hour.
Friday, November 10, 2006
The Little Things
This morning, I am again sitting in my favorite coffee shop, Maine Bean, Windham, Maine, enjoying my cofee and relaxing from a hetic three days of traveling some 900 miles by car for meetings. Sipping my coffee, I got to thinking about a statement I heard on the radio last night while driving home.
I heard a radio commentator talk about how a few twenty-five cent washers caused the Hubble telescope to fail. It cost the American tax payers eighty-six million dollars to fix it. That got me to thinking. It's the little things that matter in life. We are always focusing on the big things. But really, it's the little things that makes the difference.
Zec 4:10 New Living Translation
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand.
When I planted the church in Ellsworth, it began small - two people, Jeanne and myself. After a year it grew to seven. After two years, attendance was eleven, after three years, thirty-five. When I left after five years to follow God's call to new endeavors, attendance was at sixty-five. My point is this, it began small. We can't underestimate little things. They do matter. Today, there is a solid, healthy A/G church impacting the community of Ellsworth. God likes to use small humble beginnings to make a difference. It's the liitle things that matters.
Da 8:9 Amplified Version
Out of littleness and small beginnings one of them came forth [Antiochus Epiphanes], a horn whose [impious presumption and pride] grew exceedingly great toward the south and toward the east and toward the ornament [the precious, blessed land of Israel].
Lk 16:10 New Living Translation
If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.
"This is a maxim which will almost universally hold true. A man that shows fidelity in small matters will also in large; and he that will cheat and defraud in little things will also in those involving more trust and responsibility. Fidelity is required in small matters as well as in those of more importance." (from Barnes' Notes) It's the little things that matters.
Little mistakes, like with the Hubble telescope, can be very costly. I have often heard a someone say to me, "It's no big deal." It may not seem so now, but what is the long term effect? Think about it, little things do matter.
I heard a radio commentator talk about how a few twenty-five cent washers caused the Hubble telescope to fail. It cost the American tax payers eighty-six million dollars to fix it. That got me to thinking. It's the little things that matter in life. We are always focusing on the big things. But really, it's the little things that makes the difference.
Zec 4:10 New Living Translation
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand.
When I planted the church in Ellsworth, it began small - two people, Jeanne and myself. After a year it grew to seven. After two years, attendance was eleven, after three years, thirty-five. When I left after five years to follow God's call to new endeavors, attendance was at sixty-five. My point is this, it began small. We can't underestimate little things. They do matter. Today, there is a solid, healthy A/G church impacting the community of Ellsworth. God likes to use small humble beginnings to make a difference. It's the liitle things that matters.
Da 8:9 Amplified Version
Out of littleness and small beginnings one of them came forth [Antiochus Epiphanes], a horn whose [impious presumption and pride] grew exceedingly great toward the south and toward the east and toward the ornament [the precious, blessed land of Israel].
Lk 16:10 New Living Translation
If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.
"This is a maxim which will almost universally hold true. A man that shows fidelity in small matters will also in large; and he that will cheat and defraud in little things will also in those involving more trust and responsibility. Fidelity is required in small matters as well as in those of more importance." (from Barnes' Notes) It's the little things that matters.
Little mistakes, like with the Hubble telescope, can be very costly. I have often heard a someone say to me, "It's no big deal." It may not seem so now, but what is the long term effect? Think about it, little things do matter.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Passing the Baton
Yesterday, I traveled to Valley Forge Christian College to meet with students and share the credentialing process with them. There were 55 - 60 students present at the meeting. I am impressed with their quality and passion for ministry. We need to do everything possible to prepare our young people to take the baton that we pass on to them. The relay race is not always won by the fastest, but by the team that best passes the baton on to the next runner.The Apostle Paul was baton passer. He wrote to Timothy, Paul's baton recipient, these words in The Message:
2 Tim 1:3-14
Every time I say your name in prayer — which is practically all the time — I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion. That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith — and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed — keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. So don't be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. This is the Message I've been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It's also the cause of all this trouble I'm in. But I have no regrets. I couldn't be more sure of my ground — the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do right to the end. So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us.
Today I travel back north for a committee meeting regarding the future direction for Zion Bible College. The possiblities are promising. The future, should our Lord tarry, is being placed in good hands.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Give It Your Best!!!!
There is a great article in my local paper, the Portland Press, about a teenager that is inspiring. When I was District Youth Director, I would often refer to the youth in our District as my heroes. I would say "You're my hero" and then watch as they light up. Teenagers are still my heroes. In fact my MySpace has a spot to list my heroes. On that short list of mine you will find listed "teenagers" along with pastors and overcomers. The story of Sam is about teenagers and overcomers.
You can read the article, "A Record The Books Will Never See" by clicking on the title. Sam's story is inspiring. It is why I still believe in our youth. It is why still see them as my heroes. They are the greatest resource that our nation and church have.
The story reminds me of Paul's words: "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8). Sam was running for personal best. You and I are running for eternal life. Don't give up!
You can read the article, "A Record The Books Will Never See" by clicking on the title. Sam's story is inspiring. It is why I still believe in our youth. It is why still see them as my heroes. They are the greatest resource that our nation and church have.
The story reminds me of Paul's words: "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8). Sam was running for personal best. You and I are running for eternal life. Don't give up!
Monday, November 06, 2006
Ted Haggard's Letter
I don't usually post twice in one day. But after writing my earlier post and then reading the news earlier this morning, I thought you might be interested in reading the letter that Ted Haggard and his wife, Gale, each wrote to their congregation. They speak well and would serve all of us well to search our hearts.
Ted Haggard's Statement
Gale Haggard's Letter
Ted Haggard's Statement
Gale Haggard's Letter
What's below your surface?
This weekend's news of Rev. Ted Haggard's admission of immorral sexual failure has disappointed me and most of the evangelical and Christian world. He has been an individual that many of us have looked to for leadership and guidance. We must pray for him and his family, for healing and restoration to take place in his life. We must be careful not to be too quick to judge him. This weekend I found myself looking for answers . . . asking the questions why? and how?
I think the answer lies deep below the surface of our Christian life. I think our Christian world view is distorted. We look at success in ministry and Christian life as having more and being bigger. Rev. Haggard appeared to be at the top from all outward appearances. He was the leader of the National Association of Evangelical and pastor of a 14,000 member church. He has written dozens of books and many more articles. But he failed. His failure was not spontaneous. It was a process that occurred over time, much like David's sin of adultery and murder in the book 2 Samuel.
Peter Scazzero writes in his book, The Emotionally Healthy Church that "most leaders shipwreck or live inconsistent lives because of forces and motivation beneath the surface of their lives, which they have never even considered." It was not what was seen on the surface, it was what was unseen under the surface that sank the Titanic. Only about 10% of an iceberg is seen. Ninety percent of an iceberg is unseen under water.
We must look deep below the surface of our lives. We must pay close attention to that which no one else can see in our lives. There is a link between emotional health and spiritual maturity. The prophet, Jeremiah said, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what he deserves.” Scazzero points out that it is necessary to ask the hard questions. For example, “Why am I feeling this way?” or “What motivations are driving me in this situation or circumstance?”
In his book, Scazzero examines what it means to be emotionally healthy and spiritually mature. There are far too many Bible believers who have a great deal of knowledge about Scripture, but little idea how Scripture should be applied to themselves as an emotional being. Scazzero reveals six principles that can lead an individual to emotional maturity. These practices include (1) looking below the surface of our life, (2) coming to grips with the scars from our past, (3) being honest and vulnerable about our brokenness, (4) discovering and accepting our own giftedness and limits, (5) embracing our pain and loss, and (6) living an incarnational ministry as did Jesus.
There are many examples from the Scriptures of individuals who were less than perfect. Among them were Moses, David, John Mark, Timothy, Hosea, Amos, Jacob, Naomi, Paul, Jonah, Gideon, Thomas, Jeremiah, Elijah, John the Baptist, Martha, Noah, Solomon, Abraham, and Peter. It's time for each one of us to look deeply into our own lives and become openly transparent and authentic with ourself and with God. It is not what I appear to be outwardly to others that really matters. It is who I really am underneath the surface that matters most. Our lives must be transformed.
Rom 12:2 NIV
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.
I think the answer lies deep below the surface of our Christian life. I think our Christian world view is distorted. We look at success in ministry and Christian life as having more and being bigger. Rev. Haggard appeared to be at the top from all outward appearances. He was the leader of the National Association of Evangelical and pastor of a 14,000 member church. He has written dozens of books and many more articles. But he failed. His failure was not spontaneous. It was a process that occurred over time, much like David's sin of adultery and murder in the book 2 Samuel.
Peter Scazzero writes in his book, The Emotionally Healthy Church that "most leaders shipwreck or live inconsistent lives because of forces and motivation beneath the surface of their lives, which they have never even considered." It was not what was seen on the surface, it was what was unseen under the surface that sank the Titanic. Only about 10% of an iceberg is seen. Ninety percent of an iceberg is unseen under water.We must look deep below the surface of our lives. We must pay close attention to that which no one else can see in our lives. There is a link between emotional health and spiritual maturity. The prophet, Jeremiah said, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what he deserves.” Scazzero points out that it is necessary to ask the hard questions. For example, “Why am I feeling this way?” or “What motivations are driving me in this situation or circumstance?”
In his book, Scazzero examines what it means to be emotionally healthy and spiritually mature. There are far too many Bible believers who have a great deal of knowledge about Scripture, but little idea how Scripture should be applied to themselves as an emotional being. Scazzero reveals six principles that can lead an individual to emotional maturity. These practices include (1) looking below the surface of our life, (2) coming to grips with the scars from our past, (3) being honest and vulnerable about our brokenness, (4) discovering and accepting our own giftedness and limits, (5) embracing our pain and loss, and (6) living an incarnational ministry as did Jesus.
There are many examples from the Scriptures of individuals who were less than perfect. Among them were Moses, David, John Mark, Timothy, Hosea, Amos, Jacob, Naomi, Paul, Jonah, Gideon, Thomas, Jeremiah, Elijah, John the Baptist, Martha, Noah, Solomon, Abraham, and Peter. It's time for each one of us to look deeply into our own lives and become openly transparent and authentic with ourself and with God. It is not what I appear to be outwardly to others that really matters. It is who I really am underneath the surface that matters most. Our lives must be transformed.
Rom 12:2 NIV
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Sabbath Rest
We preachers are very busy people. We often are so passionately involved, dedicated and committed to helping and assisting others. In fact there are probably those who think I am a workaholic. I wonder what our neighbors think sometimes of my seemingly never being home until late evening? or being away from home so often? Do they see the work of the ministry as busyness or necessity? A fellow grad student in my last class shared how he had a neighbor who deliberately took time off to spend it with his family. This fellow student one day happened to stop by and strike up a conversation with his neighbor. During the conversation the neighbor mentioned the student's busyness by saying something along the line that if the church kept him that busy he wasn't sure that the church would be such a good thing for his family. Maybe I should ask my neighbor what he thinks of my busyness? Is it a witness or a hindrance to the Gospel?
I read this morning: "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." (Genesis 2:2-3 NIV)
Do we rest? God created the heavens and earth in six days. On the seventh day he rested. I am reminded that Jesus also rested. He would take time and set it aside for himself. He would leave the crowds to find quiet times. He would withdraw from the crowds. He made time to be alone.
Are we afraid to rest for fear that nothing will get done? If so, is that a lack of faith on our part to trust God? After all, He is the One who called us and planted us where we are. Is it possible that God wants you and I to take a little R&R? Could a sabbath rest mean going for a walk through the woods? or taking the family on a special outing? or just sitting down by the fire with a good book in the cool of early morning? What is your idea of a sabbath rest?
I read this morning: "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." (Genesis 2:2-3 NIV)
Do we rest? God created the heavens and earth in six days. On the seventh day he rested. I am reminded that Jesus also rested. He would take time and set it aside for himself. He would leave the crowds to find quiet times. He would withdraw from the crowds. He made time to be alone.
Are we afraid to rest for fear that nothing will get done? If so, is that a lack of faith on our part to trust God? After all, He is the One who called us and planted us where we are. Is it possible that God wants you and I to take a little R&R? Could a sabbath rest mean going for a walk through the woods? or taking the family on a special outing? or just sitting down by the fire with a good book in the cool of early morning? What is your idea of a sabbath rest?
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Have You Washed Your Hands Today?
I was reading from the book of Haggai this morning. Haggai spoke these words to a defiled people.
Hag 2:12-13 NIV
"If a person carries consecrated meat in the fold of his garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, oil or other food, does it become consecrated?'" The priests answered, "No." Then Haggai said, "If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?" "Yes," the priests replied, "it becomes defiled."
The Amplified Version says it this way: "Unholiness is infectious." When I come home from a trip, Jeanne washes all my clothes; clean and unclean that was in my luggage. Her reasoning is this. Clean clothes does not make dirty clothes clean. Dirty clothes rubs off on the clean unworn clothes. The clean clothes even takes on the smell of unclean clothes.
Hag 2:14-15 TLB
Haggai then made his meaning clear. 'You people,' he said (speaking for the Lord), "'were contaminating your sacrifices by living with selfish attitudes and evil hearts-and not only your sacrifices, but everything else that you did as a "service" to me. And so everything you did went wrong.
The world rubs off on us. We are in this world but not suppose to be of it. Are you a friend of this world? In the book of James we read that anyone who is a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. To "become" is a process. How can we avoid that? James gave us an answer. "Submit yourselves, then, to God . . . Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts . . . (Jas 4:7-8 NIV). We need to purify our hearts daily.
Hag 2:12-13 NIV
"If a person carries consecrated meat in the fold of his garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, oil or other food, does it become consecrated?'" The priests answered, "No." Then Haggai said, "If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?" "Yes," the priests replied, "it becomes defiled."
The Amplified Version says it this way: "Unholiness is infectious." When I come home from a trip, Jeanne washes all my clothes; clean and unclean that was in my luggage. Her reasoning is this. Clean clothes does not make dirty clothes clean. Dirty clothes rubs off on the clean unworn clothes. The clean clothes even takes on the smell of unclean clothes.
Hag 2:14-15 TLB
Haggai then made his meaning clear. 'You people,' he said (speaking for the Lord), "'were contaminating your sacrifices by living with selfish attitudes and evil hearts-and not only your sacrifices, but everything else that you did as a "service" to me. And so everything you did went wrong.
The world rubs off on us. We are in this world but not suppose to be of it. Are you a friend of this world? In the book of James we read that anyone who is a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. To "become" is a process. How can we avoid that? James gave us an answer. "Submit yourselves, then, to God . . . Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts . . . (Jas 4:7-8 NIV). We need to purify our hearts daily.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Lessons From Football
As a youth I was active in three sports: wrestling, football, and track. I still run, but not as often or as hard. I don't wrestle anymore, except with life issues. However, my favorite sport is football. And although I don't play the sport anymore, I do passionatly watch the game at high school, college and pro level. There have been many influences in my life. However, I must credit football with some major ones.
Football taught me early in life that there is nothing wrong with hard work. I learned that the harder I practiced, the more likely it was that I would get to play the game. I also learned that the harder I worked the more prepared I was for the game (physially and mentally). There is nothing wrong with learning discipline.
Prov 6:6-8 NIV
Go to the ant , you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
Football taught me lessons about teamwork. I learned early and quickly about getting along with people to accomplish the task of winning. You can check out my blog from yesterday and Monday regarding my thoughts on this. When you think about it, who has really ever achieved success without the help of others?
Football taught me some lessons about rules. If I didn't play by the rules, my team was penalized. Rules are made to be followed, not broken. Rules are part of the game. There are life rules. Break them and your penalized.
2 Tim 2:5 NIV
Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.
1 Cor 9:24-27 NIV
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
I no longer play football. It is a sport for younger individuals. But the lessons I learned still apply to me as I journey through this life. Football helped to shape my life.
Football taught me early in life that there is nothing wrong with hard work. I learned that the harder I practiced, the more likely it was that I would get to play the game. I also learned that the harder I worked the more prepared I was for the game (physially and mentally). There is nothing wrong with learning discipline.
Prov 6:6-8 NIV
Go to the ant , you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
Football taught me lessons about teamwork. I learned early and quickly about getting along with people to accomplish the task of winning. You can check out my blog from yesterday and Monday regarding my thoughts on this. When you think about it, who has really ever achieved success without the help of others?
Football taught me some lessons about rules. If I didn't play by the rules, my team was penalized. Rules are made to be followed, not broken. Rules are part of the game. There are life rules. Break them and your penalized.
2 Tim 2:5 NIV
Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.
1 Cor 9:24-27 NIV
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
I no longer play football. It is a sport for younger individuals. But the lessons I learned still apply to me as I journey through this life. Football helped to shape my life.
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