Friday, February 27, 2009

BLESSINGS

Navigating the journey of life and ministry would be so much more difficult and not nearly as satisfying without the blessings the Lord gives along the path. The blessings I am thinking about today are the women He has placed in my life.

About ten years ago my mother went to be with the Lord. What a loss! I still wish I could call and talk with her. It is not the loss of her great baking skills that I miss the most, although her red velvet cake was the best! Just to hear her voice and for her to remind me she is praying for me would be so good! Next, I am thinking of my mother-in-law. Earlier this week she called and wanted to bring dinner over for Marjie and me. We had a feast! She is awesome! Probably the greatest evangelist (yes I did say evangelist) I have ever know. She never preached in a crusade, but her heart beats for friends who have yet to meet Jesus personally. Then there is my granddaughters, all three of them! They are the cutest, smartest, most fun little darlings I can imagine! Special is an understatement. They melt me! Then I think of my daughter and daughter-in-law. These two young women are incredible women of God who are great mothers and wives. How I got so "lucky" to have them as a part of my family is beyond my wildest wish. Finally, there is my wife Marjie, the primary reason my offspring turned out so incredibly wonderful. There are no words that express how she has enriched my life. She exemplifies the woman depicted in the classic passage, Proverbs 31.

Many other people have significantly influenced me through the years, but these members of the fairer gender bring such joy, pleasure, fulfillment, and focus that it just feels to me like I should tell some body (That is another truth from Proverbs 31, "the city gates" issue). Perhaps you have a similar testimony. I often thank God for the things he has done for me, but I need to thank the people he has placed in my life that have blessed me. Maybe there are some ladies you would want to express gratitude to as well. I often fail to express my appreciation to most of those who are such a support to me, but none as much as these ladies. Without them, where would I be? Thank you, Lord, for godly women who make such a profound difference in this world.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Language

The language we use expresses the condition of our heart. The writer of Scripture under the anointing of the Spirit states, "From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Recently, someone used a four letter word in conversation then followed that up with, "Pardon my French." Obviously, the word wasn't French. What was his heart's condition? I don't know, but something was wrong.

The media, including news, film, and entertainment, often use language that at one time was not allowed on the air ways. The standard continues to change with some networks pushing the envelop as far as they can. As followers of Jesus, it is easy to become callous to what we hear and barely take notice. When otherwise family entertainment takes on this type of language, one wonders if the old timers who preached against TV weren't right after all.

What has become even more troublesome to me is the trend by some ministers to use language for effect that will shock or startle the audience, or make them sound more hip or relevant. The use of the four letter words, you know what they are, can sometimes get a response from listeners, especially the younger generation who may be more influenced by Hollywood than by the Word of God. While I have never heard of a pastor loosing credentials because of the use of fowl language, I have heard pastors loose credibility because of an improper use of language.

We are constantly bombarded by images and ideas from the world in which we live. The Scripture, not culture, must be our source of faith and practice. God's Word still sets the standard. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their need, that it may benefit those who listen" Ephesians 4:29.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Trust

Two names in the news struck me today as a contrast in character; Sully and A-Rod. Now, understand that I do not have personal knowledge of either of these gentlemen, however, they present a tremendous contrast for people in our nation. Sully, the reluctant hero, just did his job and saved over a hundred lives in the process. His expression to the media credited his team members with hero status, not him. One report indicated the co-pilot stated to the rescue workers, "We only got these people into the water (the Hudson), while you got them out," giving credit to the rescue workers of New York City. America looks up to these five crew members with admiration and respect. We may look at the people in the cockpit of the plane we fly in a little differently the next time we go to fly.

A-Rod was "young and naive" according to his statement in an interview. He wanted to be the best player of all time, and now... Well, all his accomplishments are suspect. He may be a great player and have set many records, but he will never be looked at in the same way again. The would-be hero and roll model has lost the respect of his fans and most of the sports world. How tragic! He may be a wonderful individual, but the shame will be a part of his record.

We that are involved in ministry were once looked on with respect and admiration. People looked to their pastor as a man of God who was worthy of respect and loyalty. From our own circle have come Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker, and most recently, Ted Haggard. The lack of trust that results from such high profile individuals is disturbing to say the least. To some, we will be forever tarnished because of what in some people's minds is the association that exists between us and them. I am very happy to leave the judgement of others to the Lord, but we still must deal with the repercussions of other's actions.

When we loose the trust of those to whom we are called to serve, our ministry to them is over. We must live up to what we preach. We have a responsibility to act and live in such a way as to be an example to the flock. Some, even behind the pulpit, wish to be great and attain notoriety. Perhaps we should re-evaluate whether we are closer to A-Rod or Sully in our ambition and quest for greatness. Above all, let us be trust-worthy and honor our Lord so that our testimony will be pleasing to the Lord and we will honor Him.