Saturday, June 28, 2008

Green Gone Goofy

I had a conversation recently with an acquaintance who is overly GREEN. In other words, this individual worries about the environment and ecology to an extreme. To illustrate my point, the shrubs (see my post on pruning below)in their yard are getting huge. This individual did not want to hurt the plants by cutting them; no kidding!

I have been asked a few times about the AG position on ecology. I am not aware that there is one, but I usually refer to Revelation 11:18 which states "The time has come for judging the dead...and for destroying those who destroy the earth." That is a very strong statement that I have personally never heard an AG minister preach about (Before you do, be sure you are informed!). The discussion in our culture usually comes down to who you believe. That is to say, for example, is global warming, now often referred to as global climate change, caused by humans or is it just the normal cycles that have been a part of the history of the earth since creation?

I really do not wish to create any controversy, but I would be interested in hearing other's thoughts. We can agree to disagree. It seems to me this is a legitimate issue as we navigate this journey of life and ministry.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Pruning

Yard work has never been a favorite for me. Mowing the grass, trimming the bushes, and thinning the branches isn't my idea of a good time. I suppose that is why it is called "work." Work doesn't have to be fun. It is often anything but glamorous. You sweat, get dirty, skin your knuckles, generally become exhausted from using muscles you forgot you had. We have quite a number of trees on our property. It seems we are constantly needing to cut back the limbs so the trees don't overrun the place as well as keeping them thinned out so they will be healthy.

As I was working on the yard tonight (I love the long hours of daylight) I sensed what Jesus was talking about when he told his disciples that He was the vine and they were the branches. The wonderful truth is that we abide in him. When we do, we will produce fruit. The tough part is that he always cuts back the branches. He prunes us so we can be healthier and be more productive for the kingdom. Dead branches he cuts back to eliminate unproductive branches. Fruitful branches he cuts back (prunes) so they will be even more productive.

At times we are tempted to complain when we experience his pruning. How much better to recognize our difficulties as opportunities to become even more productive for Christ. One of our couples in ministry have gone through some difficult times as of late. They were reading the passage that states "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." She said, it says "In everything" not "for everything." So true!

We may not enjoy the challenges we face, but we can accept the pruning we experience as God's work in our lives that will result in giving him glory and honor by "rejoicing in the Lord always." We are not required to like the pruning, but we can rejoice in the midst of it because we know He "works all things together" for our good.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Accountability

Navigating the journey of life and ministry should not be undertaken alone. We need one another for many reasons. 1)Mutual encouragement is a biblical mandate. 2)If two are better than one, what happens when we all work together? 3)The battle is a joint effort, not an individual contest with the forces of darkness. 4)Wisdom is gained in the multitude of counselors. 5)Unity is a biblical principle that gives the promise of God's bestowing his blessing (Psalm 133). 6)Accountability occurs in the context of relationships. Many additional items could be listed, but these are a few significant issues important on our journey.

Yesterday, our district presbytery met together for our June meeting. I was reminded by the Lord how blessed we are to have the opportunity of partnering with people of character and integrity. The journey of life and ministry opens many doors of relationships. From time to time, I hear leaders who would like to avoid the governance issues of ministerial leadership. To me, these relationships provide tremendous possibilities of personal and corporate development as we walk together through this life. The accountability that exists does not limit the work of ministry, but rather, serves as a protection for the work of God maintaining integrity for the people of God.

We are here to serve, not to be served. Being accountable to those we serve is never a burden, but a joy.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Fathers



"Father" may be the most significant term in Scripture depicting the relationship we have with God. No earthly father provides an unblemished representation of that celestial reality, but many of us fundamentally long to serve as role models toward that end. A growing trend exists, at least in the American church if not globally, for spiritual fathers to show the way to authentic living through their relationships, character, and leadership. No slick program will ever take the place of individuals who commit themselves to a walk of integrity and godly examples for their biological and spiritual children.

I am personally blessed and honored that the people in this picture are a part of the circle that is my family. Those who know me well are aware of my commitment to the church of Jesus Christ and of reaching those who have yet to come into relationship with Christ. These individuals hold a special place in my heart. To be called Dad and PopPop by them is an honor second only to being called Son by our heavenly Father. To all the fathers, may God enable us to live our lives in a way that reveals the Father in all we do.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Living Sermon

Recently, this poem was sent to me by one of our More Than Conquerers. It has been around quite a while, but it still rings true. Enjoy and contemplate its truth. (Author unknown)

Living Sermon

I'd rather see a sermon
than to hear one any day

I'd rather one should walk with me
than merely show the way.

I can soon learn how to do it
if you'd let me see it done.

I can watch your hands in action
but your tongue too fast may run.

All the lectures you deliver
may be very wise and true,

But I'd rather get my lesson by
observing what you do.

Though I might not understand you
and the fine advice you give,

There is no misunderstanding
how you act
and how you live.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

The Solution to Life's Addictions


This blog addresses the challenges of navigating the journey of life and ministry. One of the excellent ministries that have served the body of Christ for many years in navigating through life's addiction issues is Teen Challenge. This year they are celebrating fifty years of service in this important area. You might want to join them for their celebration at Teen Challenge Training Center in Rehrersburg, PA as expressed in this video.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Revival

From time to time, God does something special in response to the prayers of his people, what we sometimes call "Revival." We would like to think that we can live in a constant state of "Revival" yet history would indicate that is not the case. Many of us long to see a genuine demonstration of the presence of God among us, but have often seen counterfit moves, and as a result are relunctant to jump on a "spiritual bandwagon" without a time of what the Scripture calls "proving all things." In light of recent events in the Lakeland, FL area, our General Superintendent, George Wood, has shared this video that can serve as a guide to those desiring a true move of the Spirit. May God grant us times of refreshing in these last days.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Politics and Prayer

The Primary season is over and it appears the candidates are now in place for the two major political parties who will now press toward the November election for President of the United States of America. Probably you, like me, have been fascinated by the nominating process, especially on the Democratic side. Regardless of who may ultimately be the victor this Fall, one thing is certain. God is at work in His world and nothing is a surprise to Him. We as citizen of this nation have a responsibility to cast a vote for those we believe hold to the values that are consistent with God's Word.

Two areas must be matters of prayer for the follower of Jesus. First, we should pray for God's direction for our country. May the Lord give us leaders of character and integrity who will rule consistently with the truth of Scripture. Second, whoever wins, we are required by the Word of God to pray for our leaders. That is true for godly and ungodly leaders alike. Through the political process your preference or my preference may or may not be the winner of the election. Our part is not be partisan but to be prayer warriors for the kingdom of God. Politics will never provide the spiritual answers needed in America and the world. Followers of Jesus are to be the salt and light that will make the difference in the righteousness of a nation.