Jeanne & I are presently reading Proverbs during our morning devotional time. This is what we read today:
Proverbs 8:12-21 The Message
12 "I am Lady Wisdom, and I live next to Sanity;
Knowledge and Discretion live just down the street.
13 The Fear-of-God means hating Evil,
whose ways I hate with a passion —
pride and arrogance and crooked talk.
14 Good counsel and common sense are my characteristics;
I am both Insight and the Virtue to live it out.
15 With my help, leaders rule,and lawmakers legislate fairly;
16 With my help, governors govern,
along with all in legitimate authority.
17 I love those who love me;
those who look for me find me.
18 Wealth and Glory accompany me —
also substantial Honor and a Good Name.
19 My benefits are worth more than a big salary, even a very big salary;
the returns on me exceed any imaginable bonus.
20 You can find me on Righteous Road — that's where I walk —
at the intersection of Justice Avenue,
21 Handing out life to those who love me,
filling their arms with life — armloads of life!
At first Jeanne & I burst out laughing when I read out loud the words "I am Lady Wisdom, and I live next to Sanity..." We joked together that she must be lady wisdom and I, sanity and wondered if maybe sanity is the best way to describe me as I can be pretty weird and insane according to some of my young 18 to 20 something friends. But in all seriousness, the words above provide us who are in ministry a wealth of instruction on how to live and minister.
Almost daily I talk or counsel with a pastor by phone who is facing some level of conflict with a board member or church member. I remember some of my own blunders throughout my ministry and now in hindsight realize what a dumb or ignorant decision I made. If only I had gone to "Lady Wisdom." How often do we make foolish decisions in the course of our life that results in unnecessary emotional pain or affliction either to ourself or toward someone else. There really is good counsel in the above passage for us who are leaders. I hope you will take note of that counsel. I wish our politicians and school board members would listen to the counsel of Lady Wisdom.
Peter Drucker said, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” Leading is about good character and integrity. It is about setting priorities and high standards for life in both the private and public setting. Read again the words of wisdom above and as you do so ask the questions: Am I seeking after Lady Wisdom who lives next door to sanity? Is knowledge and discretion nearby me? If so, you can be sure that insight, virtue, honor, justice, wealth, righteousness, and love is nearby. Your arms will be filled with Life!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Negating a Changed Heart
In 1 Samuel 10:1, we read of Saul's anointing as king by Samuel the prophet. The prophet told Saul that three thing would happen to him to confirm Samuel's action.
1. The donkeys that Saul had set out to look for would be found.
2. Three men would meet Saul at the tree at Tabor and offer him two loaves of bread that he was to eat.
3. At Gibeah, Saul would meet a procession of prophets and he to would join them in prohecying. His heart would be changed that day.
And so it was, we read, "As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul's heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day." (1 Samuel 10:9)
Saul was also given a fourth directive by the Lord's prophet, Samuel. "Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do." (1 Samuel 10:8)
A few chapters later, we find Saul waiting for Samuel to come to Gilgal. Finally, after seven days of waiting and still no arrival of Samuel, Saul took the matter into his own hands and offered the sacrifice (1 Samuel 13).
The lesson we can learn here is that we can negate the heart change that God works within us by our own selfish actions. Self-centeredness, pride and fear works against what God does in the heart. God desires obedience over our sacrifice of offerings.
13 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord's command." (1 Samuel 13:13-14)
1. The donkeys that Saul had set out to look for would be found.
2. Three men would meet Saul at the tree at Tabor and offer him two loaves of bread that he was to eat.
3. At Gibeah, Saul would meet a procession of prophets and he to would join them in prohecying. His heart would be changed that day.
And so it was, we read, "As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul's heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day." (1 Samuel 10:9)
Saul was also given a fourth directive by the Lord's prophet, Samuel. "Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do." (1 Samuel 10:8)
A few chapters later, we find Saul waiting for Samuel to come to Gilgal. Finally, after seven days of waiting and still no arrival of Samuel, Saul took the matter into his own hands and offered the sacrifice (1 Samuel 13).
The lesson we can learn here is that we can negate the heart change that God works within us by our own selfish actions. Self-centeredness, pride and fear works against what God does in the heart. God desires obedience over our sacrifice of offerings.
13 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord's command." (1 Samuel 13:13-14)
Friday, October 26, 2007
Fulfilling God's Call - Be Faithful!
You may have been wondering where in the world have I been, since I haven't been posting many blogs lately. My free time has been consumed with reading a book for my grad studies: The Life and Diary of David Brainerd. It's not the easiest book I have ever read, nor was it it the hardest. But it came close to the latter, because of its 18th century English style. But it has also been an inspirational reading.
David Brainerd was a missionary to Native American Indians in the early 1740's. Brainerds diary and journal gives us a glimpse into a missionary's faith and struggles in early America. He faced depression, loneliness, physical illness, and the physical elements of an unsettled frontier life to bring the Gospel to Native Americans. We discover the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God through one's onbedience and sacrifice on page after page of the book. Brainerd's devotion to God and to the people he was called to minister to, is an amazing and inspiring first person account.
The most meaningful or significant statement for me in the whole book can be found in the words of David Brainerd's prayer. In his diary on Thursday, May 22, 1746, he wrote:
“Here I am, Lord, send me; send me to the ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called comfort in earth, or earthly comfort; send me even to death itself, if it but in thy service, and to promote thy kingdom.” (195)
Within a few months of this written prayer, he would be forced to say farewell to his Native American friends in the wilderness and return to civilization because of an illness from which he would not recover. Throughout his writings, we discover and rediscover the passion, dedication, and sacrifice that he was willing to forge in order that some might be saved. For nearly three years prior to his prayer, he had been living those words daily by example and deed. Brainerd had lived a simple and often destitute life, without proper nourishment or rest in substandard conditions, even by the standards of his day.
After close to two years of ministry among the Indians, Brainerd’s calling as a missionary was tested. The church at Millington, near his hometown of Haddam, called him, in March of 1744, to come and pastor the congregation. He turned it down, praying that the Lord would raise someone else up to take care of them.
He had another offer to pastor the church at East Hampton on Long Island. Jonathan Edwards called this “the fairest, pleasantest town on the whole island, and one of the largest and most wealthy parishes.” (116) Yet, Brainerd writes in his diary, “Resolved to go on still with the Indian affair, if divine providence permitted; although before felt some inclination to go to East Hampton, where I was solicited to go.” (116)
There were other opportunities too. Each time the struggle was resolved with a sense of burden and call. There was no freedom to pursue a better life for himself. Brainerd’s desire was to see the conversion of his Native American Indians. He was willing to forgo the comforts of life, if it was necessary.
Brainerd’s prayer is a reminder to all of us that are laboring in the Lord’s harvest fields that our call is not to self-centeredness but to servanthood. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a longing to discover the spiritual disciplines that enhances one’s ministry. Brainerd’s account of his missionary endeavors is a testimony of a man’s faithfulness to God’s call and God’s faithfulness to a man.
David Brainerd was a missionary to Native American Indians in the early 1740's. Brainerds diary and journal gives us a glimpse into a missionary's faith and struggles in early America. He faced depression, loneliness, physical illness, and the physical elements of an unsettled frontier life to bring the Gospel to Native Americans. We discover the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God through one's onbedience and sacrifice on page after page of the book. Brainerd's devotion to God and to the people he was called to minister to, is an amazing and inspiring first person account.
The most meaningful or significant statement for me in the whole book can be found in the words of David Brainerd's prayer. In his diary on Thursday, May 22, 1746, he wrote:
“Here I am, Lord, send me; send me to the ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called comfort in earth, or earthly comfort; send me even to death itself, if it but in thy service, and to promote thy kingdom.” (195)
Within a few months of this written prayer, he would be forced to say farewell to his Native American friends in the wilderness and return to civilization because of an illness from which he would not recover. Throughout his writings, we discover and rediscover the passion, dedication, and sacrifice that he was willing to forge in order that some might be saved. For nearly three years prior to his prayer, he had been living those words daily by example and deed. Brainerd had lived a simple and often destitute life, without proper nourishment or rest in substandard conditions, even by the standards of his day.
After close to two years of ministry among the Indians, Brainerd’s calling as a missionary was tested. The church at Millington, near his hometown of Haddam, called him, in March of 1744, to come and pastor the congregation. He turned it down, praying that the Lord would raise someone else up to take care of them.
He had another offer to pastor the church at East Hampton on Long Island. Jonathan Edwards called this “the fairest, pleasantest town on the whole island, and one of the largest and most wealthy parishes.” (116) Yet, Brainerd writes in his diary, “Resolved to go on still with the Indian affair, if divine providence permitted; although before felt some inclination to go to East Hampton, where I was solicited to go.” (116)
There were other opportunities too. Each time the struggle was resolved with a sense of burden and call. There was no freedom to pursue a better life for himself. Brainerd’s desire was to see the conversion of his Native American Indians. He was willing to forgo the comforts of life, if it was necessary.
Brainerd’s prayer is a reminder to all of us that are laboring in the Lord’s harvest fields that our call is not to self-centeredness but to servanthood. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a longing to discover the spiritual disciplines that enhances one’s ministry. Brainerd’s account of his missionary endeavors is a testimony of a man’s faithfulness to God’s call and God’s faithfulness to a man.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Called to Ministry?
I recently had an opportunity to share with some third and fourth year VFCC ministry students my thoughts about ministry calling and the credentialing process. I want to share them with you too.
Being a minister is a great calling. It is a demanding task and a rewarding experience. It takes a special person!
What is the essence of a call to full-time ministry? The apostle Paul was keenly aware of his calling as an apostle (Rom. 1:1 and Gal. 1:1). The emphasis of Paul’s calling was on that of being a servant-leader.
How can I know God’s call? Very few people ever hear God’s audible voice calling to them. Instead some individuals have a hunger or a yearning to know God in a deeper way. Other’s describe an inner sensing or feeling to say “yes” to God’s call. Still others speak of an inner “tugging” at one’s heart.
How can I be sure of my call? It will be clear. There will be a witness of three: God’s Word (Scripture), God’s Spirit (within you), and God’s people (mature Christian friends). The following five tests can also help you to discern the genuineness of God’s call:
1. The test of God’s grace. Are you saved? Do you live a holy life? Is the fruit of the Spirit evident?
2. The test of gifts. Are you being used in the Spiritual gifts? Are you able to reason and communicate with people in a loving manner? Do you listen to the counsel your pastor and friends?
3. The test fruit. Are you influencing others? Are you open about your faith? Have you brought others closer to the Lord?
4. The test of an abiding sense of a divine call. Is there an inner awareness of God’s leading? Do feel like you have this inner passionate drive to serve others? Are you willing to “pay the price” and give yourself in preparation and service as part of the calling?
5. The test of open doors. Has the Lord opened doors for ministry preparation? Have you had opportunities to use your talents and gifts in the local church?
Is it wrong to desire a call to full-time ministry? Absolutely not! “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer (includes bishop, pastor), he desires a noble task” 1 Tim. 3:1 NIV). Not all who desire—or even prepare for such a work—will be called by God. But it is commendable.
Why should I become a credentialed minister? Why would you not want to be officially recognized? Would you want an attorney, not recognized by the “Bar Association” representing you? Would you want a surgeon performing an operation on you who has not been recognized by the appropriate medical association? Of course not. Credentials don’t limit the freedom to minister; they open a world of possibilities to you through fellowship, accountability, and networking with others of like faith.
The Assemblies of God, which I am a part of, offer three levels of credentials:
1. Certified Minister—shows promise of usefulness in the gospel.
2. Licensed Minister—has a clear evidence of a divine call.
3. Ordained Minister—demonstrates mature ministry.
If you want to know more and learn more about becoming part of this wonderful fellowship, contact me.
Being a minister is a great calling. It is a demanding task and a rewarding experience. It takes a special person!
What is the essence of a call to full-time ministry? The apostle Paul was keenly aware of his calling as an apostle (Rom. 1:1 and Gal. 1:1). The emphasis of Paul’s calling was on that of being a servant-leader.
How can I know God’s call? Very few people ever hear God’s audible voice calling to them. Instead some individuals have a hunger or a yearning to know God in a deeper way. Other’s describe an inner sensing or feeling to say “yes” to God’s call. Still others speak of an inner “tugging” at one’s heart.
How can I be sure of my call? It will be clear. There will be a witness of three: God’s Word (Scripture), God’s Spirit (within you), and God’s people (mature Christian friends). The following five tests can also help you to discern the genuineness of God’s call:
1. The test of God’s grace. Are you saved? Do you live a holy life? Is the fruit of the Spirit evident?
2. The test of gifts. Are you being used in the Spiritual gifts? Are you able to reason and communicate with people in a loving manner? Do you listen to the counsel your pastor and friends?
3. The test fruit. Are you influencing others? Are you open about your faith? Have you brought others closer to the Lord?
4. The test of an abiding sense of a divine call. Is there an inner awareness of God’s leading? Do feel like you have this inner passionate drive to serve others? Are you willing to “pay the price” and give yourself in preparation and service as part of the calling?
5. The test of open doors. Has the Lord opened doors for ministry preparation? Have you had opportunities to use your talents and gifts in the local church?
Is it wrong to desire a call to full-time ministry? Absolutely not! “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer (includes bishop, pastor), he desires a noble task” 1 Tim. 3:1 NIV). Not all who desire—or even prepare for such a work—will be called by God. But it is commendable.
Why should I become a credentialed minister? Why would you not want to be officially recognized? Would you want an attorney, not recognized by the “Bar Association” representing you? Would you want a surgeon performing an operation on you who has not been recognized by the appropriate medical association? Of course not. Credentials don’t limit the freedom to minister; they open a world of possibilities to you through fellowship, accountability, and networking with others of like faith.
The Assemblies of God, which I am a part of, offer three levels of credentials:
1. Certified Minister—shows promise of usefulness in the gospel.
2. Licensed Minister—has a clear evidence of a divine call.
3. Ordained Minister—demonstrates mature ministry.
If you want to know more and learn more about becoming part of this wonderful fellowship, contact me.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Growing In The Lord
A couple of days ago, I wrote a few thoughts on 1 Samuel 2:26 and Luke 2:52 about growing in stature and favor with both God and man. As I was reading chapter 3 of 1 Samuel, I was struck by Samuel's learning curve and sensitivty to God's voice over the course of the chapter. The chapter begins by noting that as Samuel ministered before the the Lord as a boy, "the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions." By the end of the chapter we read, "The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord.The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word" (verses 19, 20, 21, NIV).
The more time we spend in secret with God, the more others recognize God in us.
In my reading of The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, I am in awe of his daily "secret times" with God. His impact on Johnathan Edwards and others was a direct result of his daily time in the presence of his holy God. Brainerd never had intended that his personal journals be saved. However, Edwards and others were able to convince him in the final days of his life to entrust them to the care of Edwards. After his death, Edwards had much of the journals published in order that we might get a glimpse of a man, his struggles, and his overcoming faith. It is no wonder that in a short span of four years, Brainerd was able to accomplish so much as a missionary to the native Americans before his death at the age of twenty-eight.
Enlarge upon your secret times with God.
The more time we spend in secret with God, the more others recognize God in us.
In my reading of The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, I am in awe of his daily "secret times" with God. His impact on Johnathan Edwards and others was a direct result of his daily time in the presence of his holy God. Brainerd never had intended that his personal journals be saved. However, Edwards and others were able to convince him in the final days of his life to entrust them to the care of Edwards. After his death, Edwards had much of the journals published in order that we might get a glimpse of a man, his struggles, and his overcoming faith. It is no wonder that in a short span of four years, Brainerd was able to accomplish so much as a missionary to the native Americans before his death at the age of twenty-eight.
Enlarge upon your secret times with God.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Faithfulness Regardless of Life's Circumstances
I just started another book. This one is a biography, The Life and Diary of David Brainerd. I only had time to read the preface this morning, but already I am intrigued by the man's short but powerful witness of his faithfulness under extremely difficult circumstances in just a short 28 years of life. Brainerd was a missionary to native Americans in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York during the early 1740's. My ancestral roots revolve around those three states too, so the book only adds to my interest. Brainerd was a close friend of Jonathan Edwards. Both these men were profoundly affected by the Great Awakening. I was reminded of the Apostle Paul's words as I was reading, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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 also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV). God calls us to be faithful regardless of life's blessings or life's trials.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Favor with God and Man
It is apparent that Christianity no longer gets fair treatment from the media as do other religions. Jesus warned us that we would be hated by the world. Yet, as I was reading this morning, these words stood out:
1 Samuel 2:26 NIV
And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men.
I found myself praying, "Lord, I want to grow in your stature and with men." As I continued to meditate on these words, I recalled a similar verse in Luke about Jesus.
Luke 2:52 NIV
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
As I reflected on both Samuel's and Jesus' spiritual growth, I began asking myself this question: "How can I grow in stature with the Lord and with men in this world when there seems to be so much hatred toward Christianity?" It seemed that the Lord was giving me the answer in Proverbs.
Proverbs 3:1-4 NIV
My son, do not forget my teaching,but keep my commands in your heart, or they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you;bind them around your neck,write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Another version says it this way in verse 4: "Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people." (The Message)
I like that. Be faithful to God and love your enemies. Isn't that what Jesus said?
1 Samuel 2:26 NIV
And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men.
I found myself praying, "Lord, I want to grow in your stature and with men." As I continued to meditate on these words, I recalled a similar verse in Luke about Jesus.
Luke 2:52 NIV
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
As I reflected on both Samuel's and Jesus' spiritual growth, I began asking myself this question: "How can I grow in stature with the Lord and with men in this world when there seems to be so much hatred toward Christianity?" It seemed that the Lord was giving me the answer in Proverbs.
Proverbs 3:1-4 NIV
My son, do not forget my teaching,but keep my commands in your heart, or they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you;bind them around your neck,write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Another version says it this way in verse 4: "Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people." (The Message)
I like that. Be faithful to God and love your enemies. Isn't that what Jesus said?
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
A Recent Question
Someone recently asked me, "What are you reading beside the Bible?" My answer, "I am reading a book by Vince Poscente, The Age of Speed." The question then popped up. "How do you choose the books you read?"
I have a habit of walking into bookstores and scanning the recent bestseller rack and the the rack filled with recent books for business men, leaders, and managers. That's how I found my present book.
Here's my favorite method of choosing a book and the one that I shared with my young friend. It may work for you or it may not. But what really counts is that it works for me. You need to discover your own style.
1. The title of the book usually causes me to stop scanning the racks.
2. If the title grabs my attention, I usually pick up the book and read the back cover to find out what others have to say about it. It's helpful to me if one of the commentors is an author that I am familiar with or I have read their book.
3. If I am still interested, I usually open the book to the table of contents and read the chapter headings.
4. If I find an interesting chapter heading, I will turn to those pages and stand in the bookstore and start skimming through the chapter.
5. By now my interest has really been pricked, so I go back to the preface and read why the author is writing the book. I no longer can resist the temptation and off I go to the counter to buy the book.
That's my favorite method of choosing a book. Sometimes, a friend or colleague will recommend a book to me. I will then get it. But by far my favorite way is just to wonder into a bookstore and start looking. I guess I like to shop for a book like some people enjoy shopping for clothes.
The important thing is that you never stop reading and are always expanding your mind. I can thank my mom for my interest in reading. I remember her for almost always having a book nearby that she was reading.
I have a habit of walking into bookstores and scanning the recent bestseller rack and the the rack filled with recent books for business men, leaders, and managers. That's how I found my present book.
Here's my favorite method of choosing a book and the one that I shared with my young friend. It may work for you or it may not. But what really counts is that it works for me. You need to discover your own style.
1. The title of the book usually causes me to stop scanning the racks.
2. If the title grabs my attention, I usually pick up the book and read the back cover to find out what others have to say about it. It's helpful to me if one of the commentors is an author that I am familiar with or I have read their book.
3. If I am still interested, I usually open the book to the table of contents and read the chapter headings.
4. If I find an interesting chapter heading, I will turn to those pages and stand in the bookstore and start skimming through the chapter.
5. By now my interest has really been pricked, so I go back to the preface and read why the author is writing the book. I no longer can resist the temptation and off I go to the counter to buy the book.
That's my favorite method of choosing a book. Sometimes, a friend or colleague will recommend a book to me. I will then get it. But by far my favorite way is just to wonder into a bookstore and start looking. I guess I like to shop for a book like some people enjoy shopping for clothes.
The important thing is that you never stop reading and are always expanding your mind. I can thank my mom for my interest in reading. I remember her for almost always having a book nearby that she was reading.
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