The Journey

The Will of God and the Church

Every Monday morning, the leadership team of the church comes together for prayer and dialog.  Recently our meetings have centered on what God is doing and where we need to adjust to be where God is at.  Our discussions are very lively.  I encourage honest, frank, intense conversation.  We respect one another but we are not afraid to share our thoughts.  In the discussions of this morning, we centered our thoughts on reaching the lost--on effectively communicating the Gospel truth of Christ.  There were other meaningful issues raised; but, it seemed that having a fresh commitment to connecting people with the good news of salvation really hit the right cord.  This is still a matter that we are looking at--desiring to hear from God--to discover where God is at work, and effectively position ourselves to where He is.

What to you think?

I can't

The Scripture says that "joy comes in the morning."  But, at the midnight hour there is pain.  This past Monday a member of my church died.  Family and friends experiencing that midnight hour.  What do you say when someone is going through that dreaded feeling?  What words sooth?  As a pastor, I often am confronted with such situations, and it is very humbling.  I want to give the right words, with the right expressions, with the right attitude--and I seem to always come up short.  I want to encourage, to pray, to comfort--but my words fall flat. 

And then I am reminded by the still small Voice:  "You can't but I can."  Although I am called into spiritual leadership, I can't help but realize that I am one beggar telling another beggar where to find food.  I am nothing special on my own.  My own wisdom and intellect is disappointing.  But, then there is God.  He knows all, sees all, and is never limited by time or space.  This all-powerful God can, even when I utterly can't.  And I am glad!  So, at the midnight hour, I do something that seems insane: I praise and worship the God who loves me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).  The morning will come--and there I will find joy.

Fear

We live in a day and age that is ruled by the choking atmosphere of fear.  Politicians, businessmen, religious leader, educators—you name it—people of all walks of life are paralyzed with fear.  Focus groups, polls, trial balloons, advisers, experts are constantly consulted for fear of doing or saying the wrong things.  Christians and the church have also succumbed to fear—dangerously more concerned about offending a godless culture than offending God Himself.

The Art of Conflict

This Sunday I will be addressing (or tackling) the issue of conflict between brothers and sisters in Christ.  The fact of the matter is that conflict is a certainty.  And I would suggest that conflict is alive and well even among the most mature believers in Christ.  The issue is not whether conflict is right or healthy--the issue is how we as Christians are going to deal with conflict.  This is where, I believe, often times failure is a very real possibility.  Emotions, imaginations, frustrations, and confusions invite a departure from the mandates of God's Holy Word.  If we are not careful and disciplined, there is the tendency to abandon reason for us to declare how right we are and how wrong the "other" guy is.  Add to the fact that we want people to choose our side, we now have a big blow up without reconciliation in sight.  The church looses, the lost looses, and once again, Satan comes out the big winner.

However, I know the end of the Book: God wins.  The question is: are we on His side or the "other" guys side (i.e. Satan).

What do you think?

Compassion

Since yesterday's message on compassion, I have been swamped with comments (all of them good so far).  People have a hunger to do the right thing, but the sin nature encourages us to focus on self.  Compassion places the focus on others--others that are in need--others that are hurting--others that are struggling in life.  I want to encourage you to make it a priority in your life to follow the footsteps of Jesus to love unconditionally--looking for ways to show the love of Christ in meaningful ways.  I want to hear what God is doing through you as you put the principles of God's Word in practice.

Crashed

My computer crashed and I lost a whole day's worth of work! I think I am being tested!

Granite City, Illinois

We just arrived in Granite CIty, Illinois.  It was an uneventful trip--everyone behaved!

Busy Day

Today is going to be a busy day!  Over the last several weeks, the church as been collecting bottles of water and packages of travel-sized baby wipes to give out at the Riley County Fair.  The aim of this five-day outreach is to demonstrate the love of Christ in a very practical way.  Oftentimes, the church can be perceived as only interested in money or getting more people to come to church.  In this outreach, all we are focused on is being good neighbors.

In order for me to get everything done, a lot of prep work is in order: icing down the water, getting all our stuff moved to the fair, making sure everyone knows when to man the booth.  It's going to be a lot of work.  Beside this, there is a lot of church work that needs to be accomplished.  And all the while, the walker family is getting ready to go to General Council and vacation.

I just keep telling myself to keep calm!

A Good Church

Just like anyone else, I can have my good days and my bad days.  Sometimes ministry to people can get a bit complicated: marriage issues, personality conflicts, health problems, and sin.  Sometimes I am tempted to run for cover (INCOMING!!!).  However, thankfully, ministry is also about experiencing God's miracles.  Last night as I was walking through the church, observing the different ministries in operation, I could not help but rejoice in God's calling on my life.  The joy of being a part of a church that works hard to provide a loving environment to build one another up is worth it all.

Thanks church!  You are my daily encouragement.  I would not trade it for the world!

When Words Hurt

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."  Remember that old nursery rhyme?  Whoever wrote that was lying!  Words do hurt, and are often more painful and long lasting than most physical injuries.  What we say has consequences, and we would do well to not only guard our hearts, but our mouths as well. 

In ministry, the most lasting wounds that I have experienced were the words that questioned my abilities or my integrity.  Often those words were expressed due to misunderstanding or frustration.  Every time that has happened to me, I have taken a pause and wondered what my words have done to others.  As a Christian and as a pastor, my words must always be guarded.  I must always be vigilant to take care not to hurt people.  Even when I think someone deserved it, words can never be taken back.  There is no rewind and erase button.  When I speak, my goal is to encourage, build people up in the faith, and always promote the ministry of reconciliation.

Words do hurt.  Gossip brings destruction.  Careless speech never builds the Body of Christ.  As a Christian, you would do well never to forget that!

What do you think?