Well, the election is over and I am so glad. It seemed like politics was controlling the airwaves of television, radio and especially the internet. Oh, wait a minute! That really hasn't changed, has it?
As I scan social media I find many posts about boycotting one retailer or another, posts about protesting various social issues, even posts about laws that need to be passed or need to be protected. Sadly, I don't see as many posts about the one thing that can turn the world upside down: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Only the Gospel can change the hearts of men, women, boys and girls.
This is a short blog post so I'll leave you with this. The only way that evil can be stopped in our world is one heart at a time.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
http://bible.com/1/mat.28.19-20.KJV
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Friday, February 19, 2016
My Two Cents Worth
Every four years I get a really bad taste in my mouth. I've often wondered what the cause is but the reality sets in and I cease to wonder. It's Presidential election season, again! I usually try to avoid entering the fracus.
As I was driving down I-485 this morning I was amazed at what I was hearing on the radio. You probably heard it as well.
First, the major news story of the day was a confrontation between Pope Francis and Donald Trump. Apparently, Pope Francis commented on Donald Trump's Christian faith. The Donald's response was, "For a religious leader to question someone's faith is disgraceful.".
As a Pastor, I have to say, " That's my job."
"If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained."
1 Timothy 4:6 KJV
Paul wrote these words instructing Timothy in his responsibilities as Pastor of the church in Ephesus. Part of God's purpose for Pastors is admonishing and exhorting the flock over which God has given him charge. Someone who is truly Christian would understand this because the Holy Spirit would have revealed it. There is a difference in calling yourself Christian and being Christian. One is a label. The other is a relationship.
Then, another candidate was quoted as saying, "I have my faith and it is important to me. Whether or not Donald Trump has faith is none of my business.". Again, I was surprised. Jesus, who is the one who saves, said just the opposite.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.". Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
The very nature of faith in Jesus Christ makes whether or not people I know have faith every bit my business. It is my only business. Every other part of life, by necessity revolves around my faith.
Now, you may be asking why this is important. Jesus said it best.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:21 KJV
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6:29 KJV
Remember when you get to the polls.
As I was driving down I-485 this morning I was amazed at what I was hearing on the radio. You probably heard it as well.
First, the major news story of the day was a confrontation between Pope Francis and Donald Trump. Apparently, Pope Francis commented on Donald Trump's Christian faith. The Donald's response was, "For a religious leader to question someone's faith is disgraceful.".
As a Pastor, I have to say, " That's my job."
"If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained."
1 Timothy 4:6 KJV
Paul wrote these words instructing Timothy in his responsibilities as Pastor of the church in Ephesus. Part of God's purpose for Pastors is admonishing and exhorting the flock over which God has given him charge. Someone who is truly Christian would understand this because the Holy Spirit would have revealed it. There is a difference in calling yourself Christian and being Christian. One is a label. The other is a relationship.
Then, another candidate was quoted as saying, "I have my faith and it is important to me. Whether or not Donald Trump has faith is none of my business.". Again, I was surprised. Jesus, who is the one who saves, said just the opposite.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.". Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
The very nature of faith in Jesus Christ makes whether or not people I know have faith every bit my business. It is my only business. Every other part of life, by necessity revolves around my faith.
Now, you may be asking why this is important. Jesus said it best.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:21 KJV
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6:29 KJV
Remember when you get to the polls.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
A Whirlwind of Blessings!
All I can honestly say is, "WOW!
Almost three years ago, the church I pastor decided to take on the project of remodeling the church parsonage so Cathy and I could live in it. The house had sat empty since 1998 so you can imagine how much work needed to be done.
We started out with new windows and vinyl siding and then moved to the inside doing much of the work ourselves. There were times that I seriously doubted that we would ever get it all done. Time constraints on volunteer workers sometimes slowed the process to what seemed to be a grinding halt. The work that we did hire a contractor for didn't seem to move any quicker. I must confess that, at times, the frustration was quite overwhelming and I was tempted to give up.
On January 16, 2016, we moved in and for me it was a much welcome event. On that day, an amazing thing happened.
Isaiah 40:31 came true again for me in a very special way. Here it is:
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.". Isaiah 40:31 KJV
http://bible.com/1/isa.40.31.KJV
On that day, my strength was renewed, I soared on eagle's wings. As the day progressed, we had as many as eleven people helping us move in. The excitement in the air that day felt like it did on the day I preached my first sermon here six years ago. It felt like I was the " new Preacher " coming to town for the first time. It was such a blessing to Cathy and me.
I see it as a blessing to our congregation, also. I believe that this excitement can be channeled into our ministry outreach. I believe it can make a huge impact on the spirit of our services. I am praying for and expecting great things to be done for God's glory. Thank you Ben Avenue Free Will Baptist Church for loving God and loving your Pastor. You have been used to bring a whirlwind of blessings on your Preacher and his wife. We love you more than you can imagine.
Almost three years ago, the church I pastor decided to take on the project of remodeling the church parsonage so Cathy and I could live in it. The house had sat empty since 1998 so you can imagine how much work needed to be done.
We started out with new windows and vinyl siding and then moved to the inside doing much of the work ourselves. There were times that I seriously doubted that we would ever get it all done. Time constraints on volunteer workers sometimes slowed the process to what seemed to be a grinding halt. The work that we did hire a contractor for didn't seem to move any quicker. I must confess that, at times, the frustration was quite overwhelming and I was tempted to give up.
On January 16, 2016, we moved in and for me it was a much welcome event. On that day, an amazing thing happened.
Isaiah 40:31 came true again for me in a very special way. Here it is:
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.". Isaiah 40:31 KJV
http://bible.com/1/isa.40.31.KJV
On that day, my strength was renewed, I soared on eagle's wings. As the day progressed, we had as many as eleven people helping us move in. The excitement in the air that day felt like it did on the day I preached my first sermon here six years ago. It felt like I was the " new Preacher " coming to town for the first time. It was such a blessing to Cathy and me.
I see it as a blessing to our congregation, also. I believe that this excitement can be channeled into our ministry outreach. I believe it can make a huge impact on the spirit of our services. I am praying for and expecting great things to be done for God's glory. Thank you Ben Avenue Free Will Baptist Church for loving God and loving your Pastor. You have been used to bring a whirlwind of blessings on your Preacher and his wife. We love you more than you can imagine.
Friday, January 1, 2016
2016: The Year of Our Lord
8,760. That is how many hours 2016 will present to you and me. The question is what will you do with yours?
In this day, society in general tells us we should strive for success in every moment of every day. I don't believe there is anything wrong with wanting success but the problem in society's philosophy lies in how you define success.
Jesus gave us a principle and a promise in Matthew 6:33 -
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
For some, success is defined by how much money is in their bank account or stock portfolio. History has shown that bank accounts and stock portfolios can disappear overnight.
Others define success by the car they drive or the house in which they live. Cars break down and houses burn down.
Jesus taught that real success is found in the kingdom of God and in His righteousness. Jesus Christ, God's Son, did what no other one could do. He bridged the great divide between God and us. Success is salvation in Christ. Everything else is catastrophic failure.
As 2016 progresses, seek Him and His righteousness and all that you truly need will be yours and 2016 will be the year of our Lord.
In this day, society in general tells us we should strive for success in every moment of every day. I don't believe there is anything wrong with wanting success but the problem in society's philosophy lies in how you define success.
Jesus gave us a principle and a promise in Matthew 6:33 -
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
For some, success is defined by how much money is in their bank account or stock portfolio. History has shown that bank accounts and stock portfolios can disappear overnight.
Others define success by the car they drive or the house in which they live. Cars break down and houses burn down.
Jesus taught that real success is found in the kingdom of God and in His righteousness. Jesus Christ, God's Son, did what no other one could do. He bridged the great divide between God and us. Success is salvation in Christ. Everything else is catastrophic failure.
As 2016 progresses, seek Him and His righteousness and all that you truly need will be yours and 2016 will be the year of our Lord.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Have I Done Enough
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
II Timothy 2:15
It's early Sunday morning. Sermon notes are prepared. Prayers have been lifted to Father, asking Him to speak to every heart that will be present later today. I've searched my heart, peeling open every layer asking Him to cleanse every part and fill me with His Holy Spirit. But, as I sit here typing these words, one question runs through my mind: Have I Done enough?
Oh yes, I have spent time reading and studying God's Word, but did I read and study enough? Yes, I've prayed, sought God's face, confessed my sin and pleaded the blood of Christ seeking the power of His resurrection in my life, but could I have done more? This is what fills the hearts and minds of pastor's each time they stand before their assigned flock but for the bivocational pastor I believe it is intensified by his tight daily schedule.
Work at the second job (yes, ministry is my first calling, my first responsibility, my first passion) must occur or the family may suffer. Employers expect an honest days work for an honest days pay. To give otherwise is a disgrace to our Savior.
Family must also be made a priority. Quantity of time given to family relationships must not be slighted in the name of quality time. Wives and children as well as parents and siblings need to know they are important.
All of this is what brings me to this point every time I get to stand before my people to give them what our Father has given me. It is a tremendous burden. So, as you prepare to go to your church this morning, prayer for your pastor. He is most likely asking himself the same questions and wondering, "Have I done enough?"
II Timothy 2:15
It's early Sunday morning. Sermon notes are prepared. Prayers have been lifted to Father, asking Him to speak to every heart that will be present later today. I've searched my heart, peeling open every layer asking Him to cleanse every part and fill me with His Holy Spirit. But, as I sit here typing these words, one question runs through my mind: Have I Done enough?
Oh yes, I have spent time reading and studying God's Word, but did I read and study enough? Yes, I've prayed, sought God's face, confessed my sin and pleaded the blood of Christ seeking the power of His resurrection in my life, but could I have done more? This is what fills the hearts and minds of pastor's each time they stand before their assigned flock but for the bivocational pastor I believe it is intensified by his tight daily schedule.
Work at the second job (yes, ministry is my first calling, my first responsibility, my first passion) must occur or the family may suffer. Employers expect an honest days work for an honest days pay. To give otherwise is a disgrace to our Savior.
Family must also be made a priority. Quantity of time given to family relationships must not be slighted in the name of quality time. Wives and children as well as parents and siblings need to know they are important.
All of this is what brings me to this point every time I get to stand before my people to give them what our Father has given me. It is a tremendous burden. So, as you prepare to go to your church this morning, prayer for your pastor. He is most likely asking himself the same questions and wondering, "Have I done enough?"
Friday, December 11, 2015
Why I Decided to Start Writing a Blog
"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." I Thessalonians 5:12-13
I grew up in a church whose pastor was bivocational. He was a painter and worked very hard to provide for his family. At the same time, he made time to prepare three sermons a week, to teach the teen Sunday School class and to minister to a congregation of 20 to 40 people.
I can't tell you how many times over the 42 years he pastored that church that he was criticized for not giving enough time to the church. When he retired a few years ago, the church was still a congregation of 20 to 40 people. Many of his critics blamed him for the church's lack of growth.
Over the last 13+ years I have become all too familiar with what he went through. I have been a bivocational pastor since 2002 and I have gained a firsthand appreciation for the struggles, the perils, the fulfillment and the joys of bivocational ministry. It is my hope and prayer that in writing this blog, I will be able to share that with you and in some small way help you know me better and give you a glimpse into this "One Pastor's Heart". May God bless us both on this journey together.
I grew up in a church whose pastor was bivocational. He was a painter and worked very hard to provide for his family. At the same time, he made time to prepare three sermons a week, to teach the teen Sunday School class and to minister to a congregation of 20 to 40 people.
I can't tell you how many times over the 42 years he pastored that church that he was criticized for not giving enough time to the church. When he retired a few years ago, the church was still a congregation of 20 to 40 people. Many of his critics blamed him for the church's lack of growth.
Over the last 13+ years I have become all too familiar with what he went through. I have been a bivocational pastor since 2002 and I have gained a firsthand appreciation for the struggles, the perils, the fulfillment and the joys of bivocational ministry. It is my hope and prayer that in writing this blog, I will be able to share that with you and in some small way help you know me better and give you a glimpse into this "One Pastor's Heart". May God bless us both on this journey together.
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