This past week our church experienced Mother's Day with Baby Dedications, great music (I was in the Praise Team), an outstanding message and 55 people giving their lives to the Lord in baptism. In my excitement I posted a Rick Warren Twitter quote. "The church that isn't passionate about growing, is saying to unbelievers "You can go to hell!"
Then I got some responses from friends who think it is not about the number of people being saved as it is about making disciples of people. Focus on the few and teach them the depths of Christianity. In fact one person said that our church is not seeing real growth which is a win for the Devil.
Here's my candid opinion regarding church growth.
While I agree that just getting people to make a decision is not the end all that you find in some TV only programs, I believe the church of 2012 MUST reach those far from God with today's technology and with a plan!
I am tired of those who criticize God's church because they feel "closer to the Lord in training and discipleship" than us who are giving our lives away every day to see people give their lives to the Lord.
You may ask, "So your church has a plan to make disciples of people?"
From my observations almost all large contemporary churches have detailed plans for growing new members. Our church plans for "after decision" time are seen in the results we experience.
For 2011: 443 baptisms; 66% of 4200 people are in small groups getting that discipleship; several in depth training programs that are part of a new Christians understanding what it takes to be a Christ Follower; 646 new people are serving others in the church; giving increased by 11.5% for the year in a time of recession; and 14 mission trips throughout the world as well as being a major player at KARM (Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry).
For those people who want to criticize something they do not understand I only ask that you find a church that is growing and check out their full growth plans that are all inclusive which DO make disciples from new believers. It is not the staff that is getting people to become believers but the people themselves who are chasing after the Lord everyday and bringing their family and friends to a relationship with the Lord and not a religion.
Maybe if you still think that we should not be passionate about growth, check out Acts 2:41- "That day about three thousand took Peter at his word, were baptized and were signed up". Acts 2:47 - "Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved". (The Message)
As for me and my family we want to make it hard to go to hell from East Tennessee not turn inward just watching people go to hell and not care because we are building disciples. (A holy huddle?)
Just my thoughts!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
How I Wish the Homosexuality Debate Would Go
Below is a blog from The Gospel Coalition which mirrors my feelings on what the United States is talking about today. Why do we have to take sides for the sake of politics? I love my friends who chose any alternative lifestyle and do not judge them for their lifestyle.
Please read all the blog below and understand that we are to hate the sin of everyone around us but love the sinner. There is no bias in that or political sides to be taken. Just love the people around us but you do not have to love what the Bible says is sin which goes far beyond the subject of today. If it were the case to not love the sinner because of their choices, then I know I would not be loved except by God.
Please read all the blog below and understand that we are to hate the sin of everyone around us but love the sinner. There is no bias in that or political sides to be taken. Just love the people around us but you do not have to love what the Bible says is sin which goes far beyond the subject of today. If it were the case to not love the sinner because of their choices, then I know I would not be loved except by God.
How I Wish the Homosexuality Debate Would Go
Just once, I’d like to see a TV interview go more like this:
Host: You are a Christian pastor, and you say you believe the Bible, which means you are supposed to love all people.
Pastor: That’s right.
Host: But it appears to me that you and your church take a rather unloving position when it comes to gay people. Are homosexuals welcome to come to your church?
Pastor: Of course. We believe that the gospel is a message relevant for every person on the planet, and we want everyone to hear the gospel and find salvation in Jesus Christ. So at our church, our arms are outstretched to people from every background, every race, every ethnicity and culture. We’re a place for all kinds of sinners and people with all kinds of problems.
Host: But you said there, “We’re a place for sinners.” So you do believe that homosexuality is sinful, right?
Pastor: Yes, I do.
Host: So how do you reconcile the command to love all people with a position on homosexuality that some would say is radically intolerant?
Pastor: (smiling) If you think my position on homosexuality is radical, just wait until you hear what else I believe! I believe that a teenage guy and girl who have sex in the backseat of a pick-up are sinning. The unmarried heterosexual couple living down the street from me is sinning. In fact, any sexual activity that takes place outside of the marriage covenant between a husband and wife is sinful. What’s more, Jesus takes this sexual ethic a step further and goes to the heart of the matter. That means that any time I even lust after someone else, I am sinning. Jesus’ radical view of sexuality shows all of us up as sexual sinners, and that’s why He came to die. Jesus died to save lustful, homo- and heterosexual sinners and transform our hearts and minds and behavior. Because He died for me, I owe Him my all. And as a follower of Jesus, I’m bound to what He says about sex and morality.
Host: But Jesus didn’t condemn homosexuality outright, did He?
Pastor: He didn’t have to. He went to the heart issue and intensified the commands against immoral behavior in the Old Testament. So Jesus doesn’t just condemn adultery, for example, as does one of the Ten Commandments. Jesus condemns even the lust that leads to adultery, all with the purpose of offering us transformed hearts that begin beating in step with His radical demands.
Host: You say he condemned adultery, but he chose not to condemn the woman caught in adultery.
Pastor: That’s right, but He did tell her to “go and sin no more.”
Host: But who are you to condemn someone who doesn’t line up with your personal beliefs about sexuality?
Pastor: Who am I? No one. It’s not all that important what I think about these things. This conversation about homosexuality isn’t really about my personal beliefs. They’re about Jesus and what He says. I have no right to condemn or judge the world. That right belongs to Jesus. My hope is to follow Him faithfully. That means that whatever He says in regard to sexual practices is what I believe to be true, loving, and ultimately best for human flourishing – even when it seems out of step with the whims of contemporary culture.
Host: But you are judging. You are telling all the gay people watching this broadcast that they are sinners.
Pastor: I’m not singling out gay people. I’m pointing to Jesus as the answer to all sexual sinfulness.
Host: But you are referring to gay people. Why are you so focused on homosexuality?
Pastor: (smiling) With all due respect, you are the one who brought up this subject.
Host: Are you saying that you can’t be gay and Christian?
Pastor: No. I’m saying that you can’t be a genuine Christian without repentance. Everyone – including me – is guilty of sin, but Christianity hinges on repentance. We agree with God about our sin, and we turn from it and turn toward Jesus. When it comes to Christianity, this debate is not about homosexuality versus other sins. It’s about whether or not repentance is integral to the Christian life.
Host: But do you see why a homosexual watching this might think you are attacking them personally? You’re saying that something is wrong with them.
Pastor: I think Jesus’ teaching on sexuality shows us that there is something wrong with all of us – something that can only be fixed by what Jesus did for us on the cross and in His resurrection. That said, I understand why people might think I am attacking them personally. Most people with same-sex desires believe they were born with these tendencies. That’s why they often see their attraction as going to the very core of who they are, and so they identify themselves with the “gay” label. So whenever someone questions their behavior or desires, they take it as an attack on the very core of their being. That’s usually not the intent of the person who disagrees with homosexual behavior. But that’s the way it is perceived. I understand that.
Host: If it’s true that a person is born with one sexual orientation or another, then how can it possibly be loving to condemn one person’s orientation?
Pastor: Well, we really don’t know for certain about sexual attraction being innate and set from birth. All we have is the testimony of people who say that they’ve experienced same-sex desires since childhood. Christianity teaches that all people are born with a bent toward sin. It’s possible that some people will have a propensity toward alcohol abuse or angry outbursts, while others may have a propensity toward other sins. Regardless, Christians believe people are more than their sexual urges. We believe that human dignity is diminished whenever we define ourselves by sexual urges and behaviors. Consider this: married men are sometimes attracted to multiple women who are not their wives. Does this mean they should self-identify as polygamists? Not at all. And surely you wouldn’t consider it hateful for Christians to encourage married men not to act on their desires in an effort to remain faithful to their spouses. It is the Christian way, after all.
Host: No, but it still seems like you are telling people not to be true to who they are.
Pastor: It only seems that way because you believe sexual desire reflects the core of one’s identity. It would help if you and others who agree with you would understand that in your putting pressure on me to accept homosexual behavior as normal and virtuous, you are going to the very core of my identity as a follower of Jesus. The label most important to me is “Christian.” My identity – in Christ – is central to who I am. So I could say the same thing and call you intolerant, bigoted, and hateful for trying to change a conviction that goes to the core of who I am as a Christian. I don’t say that because I don’t believe that’s your intention. But neither should you think it’s my intention to attack a homosexual person or cause them harm merely because I disagree.
Host: But the problem is, your position fosters hate and encourages bullying.
Pastor: I recognize that some people have mistreated homosexuals in the past. It’s a shame that anyone anywhere would mock, taunt, or bully another human being made in God’s image. That said, I think we need to make one thing clear in regard to civil discourse: To differ is not to hate. I hope we can still have a real conversation in this country about different points of view without casting one another in the worst possible light. The idea that disagreeing with homosexual behavior necessarily results in harm to gay people is designed to shut down conversation and immediately rule one point of view (in this case, the Christian one) out of bounds. As a Christian, I am to love my neighbor and seek his good, even when I don’t see eye to eye with my neighbor. Furthermore, the picture of Christ on the cross dying for His enemies necessarily affects the way I think about this and other issues.
Host: You are a Christian pastor, and you say you believe the Bible, which means you are supposed to love all people.
Pastor: That’s right.
Host: But it appears to me that you and your church take a rather unloving position when it comes to gay people. Are homosexuals welcome to come to your church?
Pastor: Of course. We believe that the gospel is a message relevant for every person on the planet, and we want everyone to hear the gospel and find salvation in Jesus Christ. So at our church, our arms are outstretched to people from every background, every race, every ethnicity and culture. We’re a place for all kinds of sinners and people with all kinds of problems.
Host: But you said there, “We’re a place for sinners.” So you do believe that homosexuality is sinful, right?
Pastor: Yes, I do.
Host: So how do you reconcile the command to love all people with a position on homosexuality that some would say is radically intolerant?
Pastor: (smiling) If you think my position on homosexuality is radical, just wait until you hear what else I believe! I believe that a teenage guy and girl who have sex in the backseat of a pick-up are sinning. The unmarried heterosexual couple living down the street from me is sinning. In fact, any sexual activity that takes place outside of the marriage covenant between a husband and wife is sinful. What’s more, Jesus takes this sexual ethic a step further and goes to the heart of the matter. That means that any time I even lust after someone else, I am sinning. Jesus’ radical view of sexuality shows all of us up as sexual sinners, and that’s why He came to die. Jesus died to save lustful, homo- and heterosexual sinners and transform our hearts and minds and behavior. Because He died for me, I owe Him my all. And as a follower of Jesus, I’m bound to what He says about sex and morality.
Host: But Jesus didn’t condemn homosexuality outright, did He?
Pastor: He didn’t have to. He went to the heart issue and intensified the commands against immoral behavior in the Old Testament. So Jesus doesn’t just condemn adultery, for example, as does one of the Ten Commandments. Jesus condemns even the lust that leads to adultery, all with the purpose of offering us transformed hearts that begin beating in step with His radical demands.
Host: You say he condemned adultery, but he chose not to condemn the woman caught in adultery.
Pastor: That’s right, but He did tell her to “go and sin no more.”
Host: But who are you to condemn someone who doesn’t line up with your personal beliefs about sexuality?
Pastor: Who am I? No one. It’s not all that important what I think about these things. This conversation about homosexuality isn’t really about my personal beliefs. They’re about Jesus and what He says. I have no right to condemn or judge the world. That right belongs to Jesus. My hope is to follow Him faithfully. That means that whatever He says in regard to sexual practices is what I believe to be true, loving, and ultimately best for human flourishing – even when it seems out of step with the whims of contemporary culture.
Host: But you are judging. You are telling all the gay people watching this broadcast that they are sinners.
Pastor: I’m not singling out gay people. I’m pointing to Jesus as the answer to all sexual sinfulness.
Host: But you are referring to gay people. Why are you so focused on homosexuality?
Pastor: (smiling) With all due respect, you are the one who brought up this subject.
Host: Are you saying that you can’t be gay and Christian?
Pastor: No. I’m saying that you can’t be a genuine Christian without repentance. Everyone – including me – is guilty of sin, but Christianity hinges on repentance. We agree with God about our sin, and we turn from it and turn toward Jesus. When it comes to Christianity, this debate is not about homosexuality versus other sins. It’s about whether or not repentance is integral to the Christian life.
Host: But do you see why a homosexual watching this might think you are attacking them personally? You’re saying that something is wrong with them.
Pastor: I think Jesus’ teaching on sexuality shows us that there is something wrong with all of us – something that can only be fixed by what Jesus did for us on the cross and in His resurrection. That said, I understand why people might think I am attacking them personally. Most people with same-sex desires believe they were born with these tendencies. That’s why they often see their attraction as going to the very core of who they are, and so they identify themselves with the “gay” label. So whenever someone questions their behavior or desires, they take it as an attack on the very core of their being. That’s usually not the intent of the person who disagrees with homosexual behavior. But that’s the way it is perceived. I understand that.
Host: If it’s true that a person is born with one sexual orientation or another, then how can it possibly be loving to condemn one person’s orientation?
Pastor: Well, we really don’t know for certain about sexual attraction being innate and set from birth. All we have is the testimony of people who say that they’ve experienced same-sex desires since childhood. Christianity teaches that all people are born with a bent toward sin. It’s possible that some people will have a propensity toward alcohol abuse or angry outbursts, while others may have a propensity toward other sins. Regardless, Christians believe people are more than their sexual urges. We believe that human dignity is diminished whenever we define ourselves by sexual urges and behaviors. Consider this: married men are sometimes attracted to multiple women who are not their wives. Does this mean they should self-identify as polygamists? Not at all. And surely you wouldn’t consider it hateful for Christians to encourage married men not to act on their desires in an effort to remain faithful to their spouses. It is the Christian way, after all.
Host: No, but it still seems like you are telling people not to be true to who they are.
Pastor: It only seems that way because you believe sexual desire reflects the core of one’s identity. It would help if you and others who agree with you would understand that in your putting pressure on me to accept homosexual behavior as normal and virtuous, you are going to the very core of my identity as a follower of Jesus. The label most important to me is “Christian.” My identity – in Christ – is central to who I am. So I could say the same thing and call you intolerant, bigoted, and hateful for trying to change a conviction that goes to the core of who I am as a Christian. I don’t say that because I don’t believe that’s your intention. But neither should you think it’s my intention to attack a homosexual person or cause them harm merely because I disagree.
Host: But the problem is, your position fosters hate and encourages bullying.
Pastor: I recognize that some people have mistreated homosexuals in the past. It’s a shame that anyone anywhere would mock, taunt, or bully another human being made in God’s image. That said, I think we need to make one thing clear in regard to civil discourse: To differ is not to hate. I hope we can still have a real conversation in this country about different points of view without casting one another in the worst possible light. The idea that disagreeing with homosexual behavior necessarily results in harm to gay people is designed to shut down conversation and immediately rule one point of view (in this case, the Christian one) out of bounds. As a Christian, I am to love my neighbor and seek his good, even when I don’t see eye to eye with my neighbor. Furthermore, the picture of Christ on the cross dying for His enemies necessarily affects the way I think about this and other issues.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Dream on Responsibility
Have you ever had a dream and replay it when you wake up? Last night was one of those nights/early mornings when I awoke from a dream about 4:20 a.m.and recalled all the details.
I was standing in heaven and watching God judge people's lives. Each one would stand in front of God, which was odd because I thought every knee would be bowed. One man of prominence stood before God as the angel read off everything about his life.
God said, "Why should I allow you into heaven in light of all the things you have done wrong?" The man said, "It's not my fault because society and the person I lived with made me do all those wrong things."
Puzzled, God looked at this man and said, "I gave you a free will to do what you wanted but you have to take responsibility for your actions and decisions. Why do you think you can take the responsibility for your own life and blame someone else? Only my son took your wrong doings and accepted the blame for those sins. You did not accept him but instead blame everyone else."
The man replied, "But everyone on earth blames others and no one takes responsibility for their actions. People high up in government do it every day and the people accept it. So why can't you get with the times and realize that we don't have to take responsibility any more?"
I raised my eyebrows and watched for God's reaction. With a tear in His eye God said, "I love you my son but away with you, you cursed one, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. (Matthew 25:41) Adam and Eve did not take responsibility for their actions and I had to take them out of the Garden of Eden. Did you not learn from them?
Again the man, "It's not my fault because my parents never took me to church. There was something to do on the weekends that I never had time for during the week. My wife had chores and that kept me from church."
This man tried to continue to blame everyone else for why he never developed a relationship with the Lord. He said, "Send me back to earth and I will get everyone to be responsible for their actions." (Luke 16:19-25)
Finally the Lord said, "I've heard enough. Be gone to the place prepared for the devil and his angels."
I awoke thinking, "What has our world come to? We are just like Adam and Eve just before being cast out of the Garden of Eden. Blame everyone for everything and take no responsibility."
I wish I knew how to change people to be responsible because today and tomorrow's generation must realize that their destination in eternity depends on it!
I was standing in heaven and watching God judge people's lives. Each one would stand in front of God, which was odd because I thought every knee would be bowed. One man of prominence stood before God as the angel read off everything about his life.
God said, "Why should I allow you into heaven in light of all the things you have done wrong?" The man said, "It's not my fault because society and the person I lived with made me do all those wrong things."
Puzzled, God looked at this man and said, "I gave you a free will to do what you wanted but you have to take responsibility for your actions and decisions. Why do you think you can take the responsibility for your own life and blame someone else? Only my son took your wrong doings and accepted the blame for those sins. You did not accept him but instead blame everyone else."
The man replied, "But everyone on earth blames others and no one takes responsibility for their actions. People high up in government do it every day and the people accept it. So why can't you get with the times and realize that we don't have to take responsibility any more?"
I raised my eyebrows and watched for God's reaction. With a tear in His eye God said, "I love you my son but away with you, you cursed one, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. (Matthew 25:41) Adam and Eve did not take responsibility for their actions and I had to take them out of the Garden of Eden. Did you not learn from them?
Again the man, "It's not my fault because my parents never took me to church. There was something to do on the weekends that I never had time for during the week. My wife had chores and that kept me from church."
This man tried to continue to blame everyone else for why he never developed a relationship with the Lord. He said, "Send me back to earth and I will get everyone to be responsible for their actions." (Luke 16:19-25)
Finally the Lord said, "I've heard enough. Be gone to the place prepared for the devil and his angels."
I awoke thinking, "What has our world come to? We are just like Adam and Eve just before being cast out of the Garden of Eden. Blame everyone for everything and take no responsibility."
I wish I knew how to change people to be responsible because today and tomorrow's generation must realize that their destination in eternity depends on it!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
God Comes Through
As many of you are aware, we have a struggling new company that has been trying to grow during the tough economic times. No banks will loan money for purchase orders and we have had to rely on friends and Factors. Factors charge an enormous rate of interest on the money but it is the only money available in today's climate.
Banks will loan money but want to you have the same amount you are borrowing in liquid assets. If I had the money in liquid assets, I wouldn't be asking for a line of credit to get purchase orders and inventory in place.
So during the past five years we have developed a faith in the Lord that I never had to have in all my life. We learned first hand that the Lord is never early, never late, but always a last minute God to the rescue in building our faith.
Now I could tell you I am smart enough to figure things out for myself, but we all know that is not the case. So time after time, the Lord shows up in our lives and other people's lives to give us just enough to continue moving forward.
Our case in point this week has been that we have new orders from Wal-Mart for Identa-Label to be in all stores beginning June 1st. But they also require that we have replacement material sitting in the warehouse for weekly pickups. We still are looking to the Lord to deliver the funds for that inventory, but now let me tell you about how the Lord continues to come through.
A requirement of Wal-Mart is that they will have a tractor trailer at our dock every week and we have to quickly load orders. This requires a forklift for the job. We do not have the money to spend on a forklift at this time. But guess what?
On March 2nd we had a tornado come through our property and the only thing it destroyed besides 63 trees was our cargo trailer which I had used to carry a display. (I no longer carry the display) Well the trailer was tossed upon a fence post, then lifted again and rolled three times stopping on another fence post.
What we got from the insurance is within $55.00 of the cost of our new forklift.
Out of something tragic, comes a blessing that we had been praying for to survive in our business.
Time and time again we have done, "GOD COMES THROUGH AGAIN!"
Each of us should have "God Comes Through" times in our lives, but if not, how's your faith? Are you relying on yourself or the creator of the Universe who is passionately in love with you and wants to bless you?
Is it not time to walk by faith and not by site in your life? Faith as seen in the Bible
Banks will loan money but want to you have the same amount you are borrowing in liquid assets. If I had the money in liquid assets, I wouldn't be asking for a line of credit to get purchase orders and inventory in place.
So during the past five years we have developed a faith in the Lord that I never had to have in all my life. We learned first hand that the Lord is never early, never late, but always a last minute God to the rescue in building our faith.
Now I could tell you I am smart enough to figure things out for myself, but we all know that is not the case. So time after time, the Lord shows up in our lives and other people's lives to give us just enough to continue moving forward.
Our case in point this week has been that we have new orders from Wal-Mart for Identa-Label to be in all stores beginning June 1st. But they also require that we have replacement material sitting in the warehouse for weekly pickups. We still are looking to the Lord to deliver the funds for that inventory, but now let me tell you about how the Lord continues to come through.
A requirement of Wal-Mart is that they will have a tractor trailer at our dock every week and we have to quickly load orders. This requires a forklift for the job. We do not have the money to spend on a forklift at this time. But guess what?
On March 2nd we had a tornado come through our property and the only thing it destroyed besides 63 trees was our cargo trailer which I had used to carry a display. (I no longer carry the display) Well the trailer was tossed upon a fence post, then lifted again and rolled three times stopping on another fence post.
What we got from the insurance is within $55.00 of the cost of our new forklift.
Out of something tragic, comes a blessing that we had been praying for to survive in our business.
Time and time again we have done, "GOD COMES THROUGH AGAIN!"
Each of us should have "God Comes Through" times in our lives, but if not, how's your faith? Are you relying on yourself or the creator of the Universe who is passionately in love with you and wants to bless you?
Is it not time to walk by faith and not by site in your life? Faith as seen in the Bible
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Five Reasons Church Leaders Have Affairs
I have had too many friends in the ministry who have left their passion because of giving in to sexual temptation. Here is an article that really makes sense. Do you know any friend or pastor who is heading down this road? Have the Courage to speak to them in love. You may not only save their marriage, but their ministry.
Written by Jeff Fisher
Let me start off by saying, no one is immune to sexual temptation. It doesn’t matter what your job is, how old you are, or how much time you spend with Jesus each day. We all have the potential to fall sexually.
Even ministers… and maybe, especially ministers.
Ministers have jobs that automatically put them in a pressure cooker. It’s not unusual to have a stressful job, but there are five unique aspects of a ministry position that make him more vulnerable to opening the door to sexual temptation.
1. A pastorate is a place of power – Whether the minister is using it or not, he has great influence over others. The pastor is an authority, he is looked up to, he is on stage, and is usually highly regarded. Broken people with damaged lives come regularly to talk with the minister, many of them desperate for a word or attention. It is not hard for a minister to sway others with their words or personality. The minister probably doesn’t realize the power he has over others.
2. Ministers are often isolated and unaccountable for their actions – Ministers spend large amounts of time alone. Many don’t have a set schedule or a structured day. They don’t have to clock in and out of work, and don’t usually have church leaders asking them accountability questions. This is especially true for small church minister who is often the only staff member. Isolation and lack of accountability are seedbeds for disaster.
3. Protection and policies around ministers can be lax – Churches rarely have policies requiring accountability software on their computer or mobile phone. Few or no precautions are taken when the minister is counseling someone of the opposite sex. And ministers often go on visitation to homes by themselves. Policies don’t cure bad behavior or a wayward congregant, but they provide an extra boundary that may be a difference maker in a tempting situation.
4. Ministers have few people they can share their deepest struggles with - It’s hard for a minister to be transparent. His closest relationships are usually church people, and he doesn’t want to share his deeply with parishoners. Neither does he share his personal or sexual struggles or sexual struggles with other ministers, for fear he might lose his job.
5. Ministers frequently feed off the approval of others - Ministers can be approval addicts. Their identities can revolve around the attention and comments of others. A minister’s well-being, if it is unhealthy, rises and falls with every “Good sermon” or “Sister Jones is mad at you.” Not only are broken church members looking for attention, but so are broken ministers. Sexual tension in a minister / parishioner relationship is powerful and deadly. It pushes the button of an approval addict and the needy church member and can quickly lead to disaster.
START THE CONVERSATION, HAVE COURAGEUnfortunately, we must initiate these conversations with our staff and church leaders. It’s doubtful a lay leader or denominational leader will get the ball rolling, until there is a moral failure. It takes courage to talk about potential holes in our ministry. It takes a higher motivation for integrity and sexual purity to draw boundaries, write policies, and set up accountability.
These are points of vulnerability. They have been fault lines for many ministers before us who have fallen sexually. We ministers have a high responsibility and are accountable for the souls of many. We mustn’t be lax in dealing with areas of sexual vulnerability or questioning our staff about them.
Written by Jeff Fisher
Let me start off by saying, no one is immune to sexual temptation. It doesn’t matter what your job is, how old you are, or how much time you spend with Jesus each day. We all have the potential to fall sexually.
Even ministers… and maybe, especially ministers.
Ministers have jobs that automatically put them in a pressure cooker. It’s not unusual to have a stressful job, but there are five unique aspects of a ministry position that make him more vulnerable to opening the door to sexual temptation.
1. A pastorate is a place of power – Whether the minister is using it or not, he has great influence over others. The pastor is an authority, he is looked up to, he is on stage, and is usually highly regarded. Broken people with damaged lives come regularly to talk with the minister, many of them desperate for a word or attention. It is not hard for a minister to sway others with their words or personality. The minister probably doesn’t realize the power he has over others.
2. Ministers are often isolated and unaccountable for their actions – Ministers spend large amounts of time alone. Many don’t have a set schedule or a structured day. They don’t have to clock in and out of work, and don’t usually have church leaders asking them accountability questions. This is especially true for small church minister who is often the only staff member. Isolation and lack of accountability are seedbeds for disaster.
3. Protection and policies around ministers can be lax – Churches rarely have policies requiring accountability software on their computer or mobile phone. Few or no precautions are taken when the minister is counseling someone of the opposite sex. And ministers often go on visitation to homes by themselves. Policies don’t cure bad behavior or a wayward congregant, but they provide an extra boundary that may be a difference maker in a tempting situation.
4. Ministers have few people they can share their deepest struggles with - It’s hard for a minister to be transparent. His closest relationships are usually church people, and he doesn’t want to share his deeply with parishoners. Neither does he share his personal or sexual struggles or sexual struggles with other ministers, for fear he might lose his job.
5. Ministers frequently feed off the approval of others - Ministers can be approval addicts. Their identities can revolve around the attention and comments of others. A minister’s well-being, if it is unhealthy, rises and falls with every “Good sermon” or “Sister Jones is mad at you.” Not only are broken church members looking for attention, but so are broken ministers. Sexual tension in a minister / parishioner relationship is powerful and deadly. It pushes the button of an approval addict and the needy church member and can quickly lead to disaster.
START THE CONVERSATION, HAVE COURAGEUnfortunately, we must initiate these conversations with our staff and church leaders. It’s doubtful a lay leader or denominational leader will get the ball rolling, until there is a moral failure. It takes courage to talk about potential holes in our ministry. It takes a higher motivation for integrity and sexual purity to draw boundaries, write policies, and set up accountability.
These are points of vulnerability. They have been fault lines for many ministers before us who have fallen sexually. We ministers have a high responsibility and are accountable for the souls of many. We mustn’t be lax in dealing with areas of sexual vulnerability or questioning our staff about them.
C & E Effect
Well Easter is gone and we are heading towards another vacation season. With the gas prices continuing to rise, many people are looking at stay-cations this year. Yet the summer slump in churches will be in full effect.
Yet the impact of the C & E Effect was felt everywhere this past Sunday. On Easter most churches set record attendances for the day. Our church experienced 7700 in attendance with many decisions for the Lord. A new campus was opened with 1208 at its first services.
Then the C & E Effect took over which resulted in a 45% drop in attendance for this past Sunday. Why? The Christmas (C) and Easter (E) attenders seem to not be looking for a relationship with the creator of the Universe, but to "punch their card" for a service. Some people come to please a family member or just because they feel guilty and think the one service will make them feel better.
I am thrilled that they came to praise the Lord and hear the Word but so many missed the best part of having a relationship with the Lord. One message misses the need for a daily relationship with the Lord. Yes we are all hypocrites in the eyes of the C & E people because they look at the people in the church and not at the reason for celebrating Easter or having that one on one relationship.
If you are a C & E Effect person don't be mad, try this. Go again on a non high energy weekend. Talk to at least five people. Find out what the church believes and does for others. If you are not comfortable with a given church, "kick the tires" on another church until you find one that reaches out to others rather than is just content with where they are today.
I'd love to see some of the 45% this next weekend! Just so they can feel welcome to have a great relationship with the Creator.
Yet the impact of the C & E Effect was felt everywhere this past Sunday. On Easter most churches set record attendances for the day. Our church experienced 7700 in attendance with many decisions for the Lord. A new campus was opened with 1208 at its first services.
Then the C & E Effect took over which resulted in a 45% drop in attendance for this past Sunday. Why? The Christmas (C) and Easter (E) attenders seem to not be looking for a relationship with the creator of the Universe, but to "punch their card" for a service. Some people come to please a family member or just because they feel guilty and think the one service will make them feel better.
I am thrilled that they came to praise the Lord and hear the Word but so many missed the best part of having a relationship with the Lord. One message misses the need for a daily relationship with the Lord. Yes we are all hypocrites in the eyes of the C & E people because they look at the people in the church and not at the reason for celebrating Easter or having that one on one relationship.
If you are a C & E Effect person don't be mad, try this. Go again on a non high energy weekend. Talk to at least five people. Find out what the church believes and does for others. If you are not comfortable with a given church, "kick the tires" on another church until you find one that reaches out to others rather than is just content with where they are today.
I'd love to see some of the 45% this next weekend! Just so they can feel welcome to have a great relationship with the Creator.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Tired of: "Forward this to five people"
Each week I get emails from friends who have forwarded me a great thought or emotional plea but at the bottom of the page is always something like, "Send this to 5 -20 friends and you will have a prayer come true or something great will happen to you".
I have never heard of a prayer to the Lord being answered because you sent this email to other people's "inbox". Yes the Lord does have an INBOX but it has been around since the beginning of time with Adam and Eve. His Inbox is never full and he will give you one of three answers. "Yes"- I want to bless you right now; "No"- because it is not good for you at this time; and "Wait"- Now is not the right time for this blessing but keep coming back to learn when the time is right.
Lifting your prayers to the Lord is just one of the communication links available to everyone. The Lord wants a one on one relationship and the blessings from that relationship may not be money, cars, a new house or other expensive desires, but a peace in knowing that the Lord WILL take care of you.
The next time you get a great story that you want to share with others just take the part off at the bottom where you HAVE to send it forward in order to get a reward. Your reward is that you have friends in which to share insights and compassion. Think about it YOU have firends! Period.
Never foward because of some potential great gain that you will get because you hit the SEND button.
Just my thought on the matter!
I have never heard of a prayer to the Lord being answered because you sent this email to other people's "inbox". Yes the Lord does have an INBOX but it has been around since the beginning of time with Adam and Eve. His Inbox is never full and he will give you one of three answers. "Yes"- I want to bless you right now; "No"- because it is not good for you at this time; and "Wait"- Now is not the right time for this blessing but keep coming back to learn when the time is right.
Lifting your prayers to the Lord is just one of the communication links available to everyone. The Lord wants a one on one relationship and the blessings from that relationship may not be money, cars, a new house or other expensive desires, but a peace in knowing that the Lord WILL take care of you.
The next time you get a great story that you want to share with others just take the part off at the bottom where you HAVE to send it forward in order to get a reward. Your reward is that you have friends in which to share insights and compassion. Think about it YOU have firends! Period.
Never foward because of some potential great gain that you will get because you hit the SEND button.
Just my thought on the matter!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Church Hoppers
I have seen this event so much over the years known as 'Church Hopping". It is not a sporting event but maybe to some it is. Here's a scenario: The change the paint in the church and you decide that you need a new church or you just have not gone to church today since your were in high school and grandma is hounding you that your family needs to be in church.
You go to one church and are giving the church and it's people the third degree review. The people are nice so you go there until:
Each week we should grow more in our faith. Find a body of believers you can "do Life" with listen and learn how to grow your faith in the Lord and in others without hopping to another church.
You go to one church and are giving the church and it's people the third degree review. The people are nice so you go there until:
- They ask for your time or money - you're off and hop to the next church
- The pastor does not speak to you one Sunday - your're off and hop to the next church
- The message steps on your toes - your're off and hop to the next church
- They do not meet in a large church building or anything that looks like a church building - your're off and hop to the next church
- You want a classroom painted your favorite color and give money for that project and they use the money for a mission project - your're off and hop to the next church
- The music is too loud - your're off and hop to the next church
- The music is too soft - your're off and hop to the next church
- They don't sing the old hymns - your're off and hop to the next church
- Why are they sending money overseas as we need it locally - your're off and hop to the next church
- The pastor himself does not make hospital calls - your're off and hop to the next church
- The sermons are boring - your're off and hop to the next church
Each week we should grow more in our faith. Find a body of believers you can "do Life" with listen and learn how to grow your faith in the Lord and in others without hopping to another church.
A Duck Out of Water
Last week I had business in Little Rock Arkansas and after work one day I was looking to find a Wal-Mart to get a couple of things. It was pouring down rain (the week of their floods) as I headed down Interstate 35. When I came to a large intersection I turned right and soon saw it was an industrial area so I kept driving. Once again I came to a larger intersection and turned right again.
Then the scenery changed because I found myself in a run down area of Little Rock with windows broken out of many buildings and writing on many walls. I found a store to get the things I needed and thought I'd head back to the Interstate and on to my hotel. But the road I came from was now flooded and so I had to take a left and a new adventure.
Soon I came upon a shopping area and found a KFC so I thought, I'd get some dinner. I never thought anything about it until I got out of the truck and walked into the KFC. I was the only white person there and got stares from every direction.
The clerk behind the counter greeted me with a smile, "I'll bet you stopped here for some good Kentucky Fried Chicken. I did a little more than a nod in a guarded state. He could tell I was a little nervous and said, "We make the best chicken in Little Rock. That's why you see all the other folks here."
There was someone at the drive thru and he started talking back to them like he had known them all his life. I said, "Is that a friend of yours?" He comment was, "Never saw him in my life but no one gets a civil break here". That eased my mind a little and I placed my order.
When it came, he said, "Whittie, I know your lost but we are sure glad you are here." Then laughed really big as I sat down for my meal. He came over and asked me where I was headed and I said "Back to the Airport". He gave me directions and once again laughed and said, "Glad you stopped in. You gave some class to this place."
I thought, I was a duck out of water and he made me feel at ease. I now know how a black person feels in an all white crowd. I was totally out of my element, but this man helped me feel at ease.
I recall another time when I was at the Ohio Governor's mansion where I was attending a cocktail party and felt the same way. The only difference was no one except the Governor and his daughter made me feel at ease. Color has nothing to with it as much as being outside your comfortable environment.
As you go through your day is there someone who needs to be put at ease in the environment they find themselves in? Be the catalyst to helping someone feel at ease. You will make their day!
Then the scenery changed because I found myself in a run down area of Little Rock with windows broken out of many buildings and writing on many walls. I found a store to get the things I needed and thought I'd head back to the Interstate and on to my hotel. But the road I came from was now flooded and so I had to take a left and a new adventure.
Soon I came upon a shopping area and found a KFC so I thought, I'd get some dinner. I never thought anything about it until I got out of the truck and walked into the KFC. I was the only white person there and got stares from every direction.
The clerk behind the counter greeted me with a smile, "I'll bet you stopped here for some good Kentucky Fried Chicken. I did a little more than a nod in a guarded state. He could tell I was a little nervous and said, "We make the best chicken in Little Rock. That's why you see all the other folks here."
There was someone at the drive thru and he started talking back to them like he had known them all his life. I said, "Is that a friend of yours?" He comment was, "Never saw him in my life but no one gets a civil break here". That eased my mind a little and I placed my order.
When it came, he said, "Whittie, I know your lost but we are sure glad you are here." Then laughed really big as I sat down for my meal. He came over and asked me where I was headed and I said "Back to the Airport". He gave me directions and once again laughed and said, "Glad you stopped in. You gave some class to this place."
I thought, I was a duck out of water and he made me feel at ease. I now know how a black person feels in an all white crowd. I was totally out of my element, but this man helped me feel at ease.
I recall another time when I was at the Ohio Governor's mansion where I was attending a cocktail party and felt the same way. The only difference was no one except the Governor and his daughter made me feel at ease. Color has nothing to with it as much as being outside your comfortable environment.
As you go through your day is there someone who needs to be put at ease in the environment they find themselves in? Be the catalyst to helping someone feel at ease. You will make their day!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
He Really Didn't
Well, as we come toward Easter I recall a Christian man in our church talking to me and saying, "Jesus didn't really have the sins of the world on Him when He was crucified. It was like so many other things in the Bible, just symbolism."
My response was to use logic the man could understand. "Do you believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one?" His response was, "Yes because that was perfectly clear in the Bible and spelled out in John 1:1".
"Was God perfect and could not be a part of sin", was my next question.
"Yes as that was pointed our many times in the Old Testament", he replied.
"So why do you think Jesus cried out on the cross, MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?", was my response.
I continued, "Since God will never be a part of sin and can not have sin anywhere near him.
Since Jesus was one third of the Trinity, God separated himself from Jesus at that moment just before Jesus cried out because he literally took on sin for the past, present, and the future.
It was that moment that God had to turn his back on His son and Jesus was truly alone for the first time in Eternity. It was at that moment that Jesus really DID have the sins of the world on Him. Then he carried those sins and our sins into his death.
This is why Easter is so important. He left those sins in the grave and was reunited with God and the Holy Spirit. So it is through Jesus that we have forgiveness of our sins and can have a personal relationship with God. Jesus never set up a religion through His sacrifice but built a one on one relationship with you through the Heavenly father."
"Knowing that Jesus literally took on the sins of the world will make me that more thankful for Easter", was my friend's reply, "because he DID leave my sins in the grave for eternity."
How about you? Did you know that you need to have that relationship with Jesus and know that your wrong doings throughout your life are gone because they were on the physical being of Jesus over 1977 years ago.
It relationship time!
My response was to use logic the man could understand. "Do you believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one?" His response was, "Yes because that was perfectly clear in the Bible and spelled out in John 1:1".
"Was God perfect and could not be a part of sin", was my next question.
"Yes as that was pointed our many times in the Old Testament", he replied.
"So why do you think Jesus cried out on the cross, MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?", was my response.
I continued, "Since God will never be a part of sin and can not have sin anywhere near him.
Since Jesus was one third of the Trinity, God separated himself from Jesus at that moment just before Jesus cried out because he literally took on sin for the past, present, and the future.
It was that moment that God had to turn his back on His son and Jesus was truly alone for the first time in Eternity. It was at that moment that Jesus really DID have the sins of the world on Him. Then he carried those sins and our sins into his death.
This is why Easter is so important. He left those sins in the grave and was reunited with God and the Holy Spirit. So it is through Jesus that we have forgiveness of our sins and can have a personal relationship with God. Jesus never set up a religion through His sacrifice but built a one on one relationship with you through the Heavenly father."
"Knowing that Jesus literally took on the sins of the world will make me that more thankful for Easter", was my friend's reply, "because he DID leave my sins in the grave for eternity."
How about you? Did you know that you need to have that relationship with Jesus and know that your wrong doings throughout your life are gone because they were on the physical being of Jesus over 1977 years ago.
It relationship time!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Strange Quotes
I have seen people quote scriptures to highlight their own desires, but today I saw one of the strangest quotes I've ever seen.
Here's the scripture on the back of the T shirt on a man I saw today at a gas station. “All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, But the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.” Psalms 75:10
The picture just above the quote was a bull with the two horns detached just below where the horns should be. On the front was the word "AGGIES DE-HORN BEVO.
For those who are not football fans, and Aggie is the mascot dog for Texas A&M. Bevo is the mascot bull for Texas University. So the excitement of the front is very spirited, but the back is using scripture to promote their thoughts of what they want to accomplish in a football game.
How many times do we quote scripture for our own benefit to prove a point or desire to direct God's word for our own satisfaction or gain. Understand that we need to have scripture in our hearts to help us grow and to increase our relationship with the Lord.
But how many times have you thought of a scripture to justify a feeling or a direction you want the Lord to move in your favor? When the scripture says to "Call on the Name of the Lord" it is for salvation and not to get even. Acts 2:21.
As for me, I can think of better slogans to use on T shirts that are funnier and will get the point of my loyalty to my favorite team.
How about you?
Here's the scripture on the back of the T shirt on a man I saw today at a gas station. “All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, But the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.” Psalms 75:10
The picture just above the quote was a bull with the two horns detached just below where the horns should be. On the front was the word "AGGIES DE-HORN BEVO.
For those who are not football fans, and Aggie is the mascot dog for Texas A&M. Bevo is the mascot bull for Texas University. So the excitement of the front is very spirited, but the back is using scripture to promote their thoughts of what they want to accomplish in a football game.
How many times do we quote scripture for our own benefit to prove a point or desire to direct God's word for our own satisfaction or gain. Understand that we need to have scripture in our hearts to help us grow and to increase our relationship with the Lord.
But how many times have you thought of a scripture to justify a feeling or a direction you want the Lord to move in your favor? When the scripture says to "Call on the Name of the Lord" it is for salvation and not to get even. Acts 2:21.
As for me, I can think of better slogans to use on T shirts that are funnier and will get the point of my loyalty to my favorite team.
How about you?
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thinking of Easter in 60 Seconds
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentine's Day and a Broken Heart
Psalm 34:18 (NLT) says, "The Lord is close to the
brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
It was this past Sunday that I was talking to a single lady who had lost her Dad this past Christmas season and she is not in a relationship. When I talked with her, she began to tear and I knew it was time to stop talking and give her a hug. She hugged tightly and then said, "You made my Valentine's Day! When she saw the pause in my gaze at her, she said that she makes sure her daughter has a great Valentine's Day but she then told me that single people find Valentine's Day is the saddest day for those who are experiencing a broken heart. Just a hug was what she needed.
Then she smiled and noted, "but I know God takes care of the broken hearted and I will rely on that for Valentine's Day."
Broken hearts can be hard to mend. But to God, a broken
heart is good. God loves broken hearts for this is the time when people reach
out to Him for His love. In return God bestows His love to those suffering from
a broken heart. But where is your compassion for the brokenhearted.
It is easy to see someone who has had surgery or a broken bone because they outwardly show evidence of their wounds. Yet the broken hearted people, most of time, will mask their feelings when in the public. But many others just do not get around people when they are experiencing a broken heart. Particularly on Valentine's Day.
Be sensitive to people around you to those who may have broken hearts which can come from divorce, death of a
loved one, and loss of dreams or goals, or just being alone. Is there someone today who just needs a hug?
Learn to be sensitive to others and have compassion on their needs for communication and to know that the Lord loves them as they look for love. As today's scripture says, "He rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Grace vs. Entitlement
It's been a few days since, I posted but that has not stopped my dreams.
Some of our dreams make no sense at all but once in a while you get an "AAHAA" moment as you awake out of sleep. As my mind wondered during sleep, I recall one dream that stands out and that I shared with one gentlman in our church.
I was working at my office and a high school person came in and said that I had to give them a job. When I asked them to fill out an application, they said they did not have to because I owed them a job because I owned a business and had work that needed to be completed. Instead of dismissing the person immediately, I said, "Why do I owe you a job?" The person said that it was their right to have a good paying job and that I had to give it to them.
I said I will hire you for one day only and see how things worked out. Within ten minutes of them going on the clock, I took a look and saw them sitting on a stool. I said,"Why are you not working?" Their response took me by surprise. "I clocked in and thought it was time for a break."
As I told the person to clock out immediately, they seemed puzzled and said, "I will get paid for the entire day?" "Why?" I responded. They said, "I am entitled to geting money and I do not have to do anything for it. That's what the government tells me." My response was,"What are you going to do when there is no more money avaialble by the government?"
The person laughed and said, "That will never happen because my parents have ben on welfare and food stamps most of their lives so I can get on that bandwagon. In fact the Bible teaches about getting something for nothing. It's called Grace."
As in many dreams, the scene immediately changed and all I saw was a blank light area and heard, "Teach them to fish" . Then as I sunk back into sleep, I saw a church group of men who initated a summer work program. But this program was different in that they took time to teach work habits and train the basics of getting a job and knowing what is required by an employer. High school students were lining up to take the training and get a summer job.
The rules were simple, businesses and people in the church would list a job and the men's group would connect them to the student. One person would agree to go with the student to make sure they understand the needs of the job and the student would know that they would get $10.00- $12.00 an hour if they worked the hour. If they did not then there were consequences to their playing around or trying to extend the time so they could get more pay by not getting the full hour of pay.
Goals were established but I saw the only goal was to teach that "If you give them a fish (money) they will party for a day. If you teach them to fish (work for money) they will live well for a lifetime."
As I watch this unfold in my dreams, I see how the training ties seving and giving to others by learning to have great work ethics. These ethics were now seen in a mission trip by students.
Grace is a spiritual gift to last a lifetime but one of the best gifts people in the church can give to our youth is to teach our young people how to fish. It will last them no matter what our govenrment does.
Some of our dreams make no sense at all but once in a while you get an "AAHAA" moment as you awake out of sleep. As my mind wondered during sleep, I recall one dream that stands out and that I shared with one gentlman in our church.
I was working at my office and a high school person came in and said that I had to give them a job. When I asked them to fill out an application, they said they did not have to because I owed them a job because I owned a business and had work that needed to be completed. Instead of dismissing the person immediately, I said, "Why do I owe you a job?" The person said that it was their right to have a good paying job and that I had to give it to them.
I said I will hire you for one day only and see how things worked out. Within ten minutes of them going on the clock, I took a look and saw them sitting on a stool. I said,"Why are you not working?" Their response took me by surprise. "I clocked in and thought it was time for a break."
As I told the person to clock out immediately, they seemed puzzled and said, "I will get paid for the entire day?" "Why?" I responded. They said, "I am entitled to geting money and I do not have to do anything for it. That's what the government tells me." My response was,"What are you going to do when there is no more money avaialble by the government?"
The person laughed and said, "That will never happen because my parents have ben on welfare and food stamps most of their lives so I can get on that bandwagon. In fact the Bible teaches about getting something for nothing. It's called Grace."
As in many dreams, the scene immediately changed and all I saw was a blank light area and heard, "Teach them to fish" . Then as I sunk back into sleep, I saw a church group of men who initated a summer work program. But this program was different in that they took time to teach work habits and train the basics of getting a job and knowing what is required by an employer. High school students were lining up to take the training and get a summer job.
The rules were simple, businesses and people in the church would list a job and the men's group would connect them to the student. One person would agree to go with the student to make sure they understand the needs of the job and the student would know that they would get $10.00- $12.00 an hour if they worked the hour. If they did not then there were consequences to their playing around or trying to extend the time so they could get more pay by not getting the full hour of pay.
Goals were established but I saw the only goal was to teach that "If you give them a fish (money) they will party for a day. If you teach them to fish (work for money) they will live well for a lifetime."
As I watch this unfold in my dreams, I see how the training ties seving and giving to others by learning to have great work ethics. These ethics were now seen in a mission trip by students.
Grace is a spiritual gift to last a lifetime but one of the best gifts people in the church can give to our youth is to teach our young people how to fish. It will last them no matter what our govenrment does.
Friday, January 13, 2012
I Can Relate
This last week we had a "substitute" speaker at church. Dale Henry is an outstanding speaker and motivator for corporations like Cisco, IBM, Procter and Gamble, Johnson and Johnson, and the list goes on.
But his message was different as he spoke of Job and about us having JOY even in trials. So Dale spoke of kidney stones and when he asked who has experienced them, my hand went up high. I have had three bouts with kidney stones and they all were about as bad as any pain could be. What starts out as a small pain in the lower back soon becomes a pain that had no end.
For me the pain was such that I vomited uncontrollably when there was nothing to vomit. So when I got to the emergency room they immediately gave me a shot and within minutes the pain became manageable. The problem was that I was in Atlanta for training at Home Depot and it was 3:30 in the morning. When I said that I wanted to go to have surgery in Knoxville, the physician said, we cannot release you to go home until the medication wears off. I said but won't the pain come back and the doctor said yes because the stone is nine millimeters in diameter and quite sharp. My thought while under drugs was, "9 millimeters is not much" only to find out later that it was over 1/3 inch in diameter.
I headed up I-75 to get me home. I made it about 20 miles and had to pull over. After vomiting and resting for the pain to go down, I’d drive another 20 miles and experience the cycle all over again. It took me five hours to get home which normally takes 2 ½ hours. We went straight to the hospital and the surgery was welcome relief.
Where is the joy in kidney stones? I could find no joy in any of the three expereinces except for understanding when someone tells of having a kidney stone. Job had lost everything and was in constant pain from his sores. Yet his best words are simply, “Human life is a struggle, isn’t it?” Job 7:1 (The Message)
Of all the frustration and hurt and loss, it boils down to the idea that Life is a Struggle!
In whatever happens to you that you consider miserable, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds . . . ”. (James 1:2) Understand that the creator of the Universe is in love with you and he can give you a testimony from those pains and trials. Read the last of Job (Job 42) and see the joy that was seen from just trusting the Lord in trails.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Trouble Making a New Year's Resolution?
If you have not made your New Year's resolutions and having trouble with that. Check out Johnathan Edwards 70 resolutions in which he kept all year long. It's a long read but makes any resolutions I think of pale in comparison. The only thing in these resolutions was that they were written in 1723. Anything you can glean from his thoughts? I know I can!
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
Overall Life Mission
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; “knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.”
Good Works
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. .
Time Management
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. .
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.
50.Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. .
51.Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. .
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. .
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. .
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc.
Relationships
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects.
34. Resolved, in narration’s never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.
Suffering
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin.
Character
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.
47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
Spiritual Life
Assurance25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.The Scriptures
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.Prayer
29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.The Lord’s Day
64. Resolved, when I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those “breakings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear’, of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s day.Vivification of Righteousness
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.Mortification of Sin and Self Examination
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed
43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s.
44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.Communion with God
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer.
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance.
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