- Not everyone should think the way I think regardless of how strongly I believe they should.
- Those who believe the strongest we are the only ones saved are often the very ones who fear most they are lost.
- I preached too many sermons on church growth when I should have been preaching on The Church Grower.
- I've learned to like to pray.
- God will remain in the shadows of mystery and I need to learn to live there without explanation and response for every question coming my way.
- I am not tired of ministry but am growing in curiosity. What has God in store that no one has yet seen Him do for mankind?
- The Holy Spirit loves to work directly in our lives; yet He remains humble enough that mere man can quench him if we so desire.
- Everyone is deeply guilty of sin; not just the rare few of us I had assumed.
- People possess a deep strength within that only God will reveal when we are in pivotal crisis.
- God will bless when we will risk.
- The more we accept the unacceptables of society the more the heart of Jesus seems to reign among us.
- I've learned the sermon isn't the main part of church; it turns out God is.
- The more we stay out of His way the more we see His way becomes ours.
- While I spent so much time trying to escape weaknesses I discovered they are His secret to my strength....II Cor. 12:9.
- God will make a way....when there seems to be no way.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
WEDNESDAY IS MY 32ND ANNIVERSARY AT MEMORIAL DRIVE
It's been an interesting and exciting experience to be around this congregation this long. Here are a few of the things I've learned along the way:
Monday, July 13, 2009
HOW YOU PERCEIVE OTHERS' PERCEPTION
If you care to be a leader, you care about what others think of you. This can be a pebble in the shoe. What others think is not the criteria for a leader.
I'm one of those personalities which has struggled greatly with this topic. I carry so many sores of inadequacy that I cannot afford for anyone to add another by rejecting me. Therefore, I worked very hard at pleasing people.
Guess what. I failed at that also.
It took me a bit to develop an attitude of not caring. That's both a tedious and sensitive statement as I care....but reached a point for good emotional health I simply had to do my work and let the chips fall where they may. Yes, I want people to like me. Yes, I know all won't. Yes, I am content to get to serve in the way God let's me and the judges? Well, they'll have to judge they way they want....but I refuse to play their game.
Don't let the weaknesses and the quirks of others boss you around. You are no better than others and neither are others better than you. Jesus is the one who matters. Some will misread others. Others will be accurate in their critical assessment....sometimes we are just a louse. But shrug the disapproval of those few who deem their opinions as something that matters. They don't.
Your trust in God when no one is looking...or approving....does. Lead out. You'll get killed for it. You've got it coming. Everyone does who gives their life for His cause. The cross isn't jewelry for the neck. It is the symbol of crucifixion for any who dare walk in his sandals. Jesus did not fold to the pressure of disapproval. He made it his theme of ministry.
I'm one of those personalities which has struggled greatly with this topic. I carry so many sores of inadequacy that I cannot afford for anyone to add another by rejecting me. Therefore, I worked very hard at pleasing people.
Guess what. I failed at that also.
It took me a bit to develop an attitude of not caring. That's both a tedious and sensitive statement as I care....but reached a point for good emotional health I simply had to do my work and let the chips fall where they may. Yes, I want people to like me. Yes, I know all won't. Yes, I am content to get to serve in the way God let's me and the judges? Well, they'll have to judge they way they want....but I refuse to play their game.
Don't let the weaknesses and the quirks of others boss you around. You are no better than others and neither are others better than you. Jesus is the one who matters. Some will misread others. Others will be accurate in their critical assessment....sometimes we are just a louse. But shrug the disapproval of those few who deem their opinions as something that matters. They don't.
Your trust in God when no one is looking...or approving....does. Lead out. You'll get killed for it. You've got it coming. Everyone does who gives their life for His cause. The cross isn't jewelry for the neck. It is the symbol of crucifixion for any who dare walk in his sandals. Jesus did not fold to the pressure of disapproval. He made it his theme of ministry.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
I WASN'T SO GOOD AT IT MYSELF
Young leaders, learn from me. I'm an example of great breaks and God's good grace. Name another who is so plain; yet so fortunate in getting to work in the kingdom.
I entered ministry both flawed and carrying many flaws. One of those was the inability to endure criticism. I endured it all right...but simply because I loved my roll and not because I saw any value in it. There is important value in receiving criticism.
I was, instead, a pouter. I was a very poor leader; well I was not a leader. Why do you think I cling to the "yes" promise of II Cor. 1:18-20? For two reasons: (1) it is God's truth, and (2) I needed to learn the "yes-world" of God. I had never heard of it (even in the church) and certainly wasn't prone to walk it.
But God's "yes-promises" are our ticket out of pouting. Everything that goes right is a "yes" and everything that goes wrong is also a "yes". Why pout? God is working everything out.
In the beginning and for several years in ministry, I didn't know that. I was moody, touchy, and paranoid. That's not leadership. That's a fear-bundle. That's a bummer to the church.
So young leader, do what you can to grow up. For us, we will always find ourselves growing up. Such is a non-arrival pursuit. We are always moving forward in Him. When things don't go our way we understand that in God's wisdom and timing something just went our way....and all we can do is chalk it up to His marvelous mystery, accept it by sheer faith, and keep smiling.
I wasn't so good at it myself....but I see improvement here and there...and so will you. Don't give up, don't give out...and whatever you do, don't quit.
I entered ministry both flawed and carrying many flaws. One of those was the inability to endure criticism. I endured it all right...but simply because I loved my roll and not because I saw any value in it. There is important value in receiving criticism.
I was, instead, a pouter. I was a very poor leader; well I was not a leader. Why do you think I cling to the "yes" promise of II Cor. 1:18-20? For two reasons: (1) it is God's truth, and (2) I needed to learn the "yes-world" of God. I had never heard of it (even in the church) and certainly wasn't prone to walk it.
But God's "yes-promises" are our ticket out of pouting. Everything that goes right is a "yes" and everything that goes wrong is also a "yes". Why pout? God is working everything out.
In the beginning and for several years in ministry, I didn't know that. I was moody, touchy, and paranoid. That's not leadership. That's a fear-bundle. That's a bummer to the church.
So young leader, do what you can to grow up. For us, we will always find ourselves growing up. Such is a non-arrival pursuit. We are always moving forward in Him. When things don't go our way we understand that in God's wisdom and timing something just went our way....and all we can do is chalk it up to His marvelous mystery, accept it by sheer faith, and keep smiling.
I wasn't so good at it myself....but I see improvement here and there...and so will you. Don't give up, don't give out...and whatever you do, don't quit.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
WOULDN'T YOU KNOW...I'M NEOLOGISTIC!!!
Tracy Kouns pointed out a discovery this week....about me. I'm neologistic as I continually create new words. It's just one of those things I do because my vocabulary lacks and I need additional descriptive words....for any situation. So, I make them up on the fly and often they sound authentic and usually are ironically understandable.
However, when one looks at the definition of a neologist, an explanation seems to unfold.
ne·ol·o·gism
Pronunciation:
\nē-ˈä-lə-ˌji-zəm\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
French néologisme, from ne- + log- + -isme -ism
Date:
1803
1 : a new word, usage, or expression 2 : a meaningless word coined by a psychotic
— ne·ol·o·gis·tic \-ˌä-lə-ˈjis-tik\ adjective
Did you by chance catch the second definition? I did....immediately. I think this explains a lot about my inventableistic mind. It's scramblistic which explains my thirst for neolistic approaches to simplistic or emptifusional moments.
Now I get it!
However, when one looks at the definition of a neologist, an explanation seems to unfold.
ne·ol·o·gism
Pronunciation:
\nē-ˈä-lə-ˌji-zəm\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
French néologisme, from ne- + log- + -isme -ism
Date:
1803
1 : a new word, usage, or expression 2 : a meaningless word coined by a psychotic
— ne·ol·o·gis·tic \-ˌä-lə-ˈjis-tik\ adjective
Did you by chance catch the second definition? I did....immediately. I think this explains a lot about my inventableistic mind. It's scramblistic which explains my thirst for neolistic approaches to simplistic or emptifusional moments.
Now I get it!
Friday, July 10, 2009
HOW TO DESIGN A PRISON BREAK
I received a letter yesterday from a prisoner in Illinois. Such notes tear me up. Having visited a few state prisons, such has left an indelible imprint on my heart. Guilty or not, to see grown men caged like zoo animals is a horrendous vision.
The note came from the son of a former classmate whom I baptized just before his death to cancer. Rich faces 11 years for DUI. He's getting by....moment by moment....day by day.
Such scenes sadden me. Another scene does the same; those who live as if imprisoned without bars locking them down. This is the prison of the mind. It doesn't strike a certain social class or ethnic group. Such a prison is unbiased. It enjoys taking the top-of-the-line hostage as well as the down-and-out.
How do we break out? How do we escape self-sentencing? Rejoice. Learn to rejoice over every thing rejoiceable. Practice rejoicing. Peace moves in; fear evaporates.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let you mind dwell on these things.....practice these things and the God of peace shall be with you.
Practice rejoicing over the many good things....you'll find the prison bars will fly open voluntarily!
The note came from the son of a former classmate whom I baptized just before his death to cancer. Rich faces 11 years for DUI. He's getting by....moment by moment....day by day.
Such scenes sadden me. Another scene does the same; those who live as if imprisoned without bars locking them down. This is the prison of the mind. It doesn't strike a certain social class or ethnic group. Such a prison is unbiased. It enjoys taking the top-of-the-line hostage as well as the down-and-out.
How do we break out? How do we escape self-sentencing? Rejoice. Learn to rejoice over every thing rejoiceable. Practice rejoicing. Peace moves in; fear evaporates.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let you mind dwell on these things.....practice these things and the God of peace shall be with you.
Practice rejoicing over the many good things....you'll find the prison bars will fly open voluntarily!
Thursday, July 09, 2009
THE BIBLE: STILL A WONDER ON EARTH.
One of the great strengths of the church is its emphasis upon the Bible. One of the great faults of the church is when it resists the emphasis of the Bible when it would rather continue contradictory man's tradition. Jesus warned us of this.
We must ever encourage our people day in and day out to have remarkable confidence in the Word of God. It breathes life and judges the inner man while we study it. We must maintain certainty of its glorious truth.
A problem we face is when our people stand upon the Bible with it closed. At times it is not read to learn; but rather to prove. When learning is evacuated the proving becomes suspect.
Recently in the presence of a strong doubter, I was not perplexed as to what would change such a mind. It will be the simple reading of scripture. My challenge is to determine how to get such a practice in order. My point is I am sure of the Bible's ability to persuade.
For you, while there are great new methods of church and while one can be selective in worship style, let not the truth and stability of the Bible slip away. It is one factor among us which cannot be allowed to fade.
We must ever encourage our people day in and day out to have remarkable confidence in the Word of God. It breathes life and judges the inner man while we study it. We must maintain certainty of its glorious truth.
A problem we face is when our people stand upon the Bible with it closed. At times it is not read to learn; but rather to prove. When learning is evacuated the proving becomes suspect.
Recently in the presence of a strong doubter, I was not perplexed as to what would change such a mind. It will be the simple reading of scripture. My challenge is to determine how to get such a practice in order. My point is I am sure of the Bible's ability to persuade.
For you, while there are great new methods of church and while one can be selective in worship style, let not the truth and stability of the Bible slip away. It is one factor among us which cannot be allowed to fade.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
WEAKNESS: THE KINGDOM POWER PLANT
Weakness is about the last thing a man wants to possess. That is precisely why it is the known power source of God's reign on earth.
Some struggle with the term; they have a disregard or disrespect for any who are weak. That is unfortunate. Ironically, I don't know one man who is strong. Any who believe themselves to be otherwise simply have no clue as to how weak they appear to others.
Why does God use this tool? It is the signal to all witnesses that the only way anything can work out is because God is in full demonstration. I Cor. 2:1-5 speaks of the most famous apostle fearing and trembling as the power may be of God and not of himself. The same man later wrote that it is true; power is perfected in weakness.
God's man is always on a mission to powerful encounters and overwhelming opportunities. He gets there when he becomes convinced weakness is the very trait God wishes to see rather than wishes to be hidden. Good leaders are not those who convey their strengths. That's sheer fluff; even bluff. Man's weakness is the substance which induces God muscle.
It takes absurd faith to dare reach comfort in this zone; but it is precisely the power plant from which God displays His strength. Too, weakness removes the problematic ego which wants to focus on ways to convince ourselves we are mini-gods. We are not. He alone is God.
Power.....is perfected in the weak ones. Yippee! I fit in!
Some struggle with the term; they have a disregard or disrespect for any who are weak. That is unfortunate. Ironically, I don't know one man who is strong. Any who believe themselves to be otherwise simply have no clue as to how weak they appear to others.
Why does God use this tool? It is the signal to all witnesses that the only way anything can work out is because God is in full demonstration. I Cor. 2:1-5 speaks of the most famous apostle fearing and trembling as the power may be of God and not of himself. The same man later wrote that it is true; power is perfected in weakness.
God's man is always on a mission to powerful encounters and overwhelming opportunities. He gets there when he becomes convinced weakness is the very trait God wishes to see rather than wishes to be hidden. Good leaders are not those who convey their strengths. That's sheer fluff; even bluff. Man's weakness is the substance which induces God muscle.
It takes absurd faith to dare reach comfort in this zone; but it is precisely the power plant from which God displays His strength. Too, weakness removes the problematic ego which wants to focus on ways to convince ourselves we are mini-gods. We are not. He alone is God.
Power.....is perfected in the weak ones. Yippee! I fit in!
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