Every once and while I break these pictures out and look at them. There is so much truth here it's ridiculous! :) Thanks again to Ken Ham and Answers In Genesis ministries...a great, great organization...for all they do. I highly recommend Ken's Answer Books, 1, 2, and 3.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV) - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. (25) Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (26) So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. (27) But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Coming out of four weeks of rest, reflection, reading, prayer, and family time, I can say without a doubt that my biggest personal conviction and rebuke from the Lord is in this area: Personal Discipline. (Sigh)
As glad as I am that the Lord "discplines those He loves" (Heb 12:6), it ain't fun. I basicallly found out that the limiter on accomplishing what He has asked me to do is mostly a time management issue for me. I know what to do...but it's the doing.....
Sooooo...after repenting and begging the Lord not to take away the grace I've been given in ministry because of my lack of diligence, I've recommitted to:
I hear you Lord....loud and clear. Life is short. Thank you for the refocus and thank you for not giving up on me.
Hey, any of you have any personal discipline stories or encouragement? Anybody want to take up this challenge with me to be more productive for the Kingdom?
There is an interesting phenomena in many church circles. I hear it all the time. A preacher goes to someone's church, and with great passion delivers the sermon. Then I hear comments like:
Etc. I admit to have aspired to to the same at times. In fact, for many people, if a preacher doesn't do all the above, "he didn't preach." LOL! :)
But I have a confession. I can't remember any of those sermons. None. Oh I might remember the title. I might remember being encouraged and enthusiastic. I might remember yelling "preach!" But with difficulty, I admit that they rarely moved me.
Now don't get upset. I love good old fashioned preaching at times. LOL. But what I mean is I may have been moved emotionally for a moment and I may have been encouraged, but that's it. When I think about the sermons that caused me to repent, caused me to understand doctrine and truth better, told me how to be a better husband, adjusted me to educate and disciple my children differently, pushed me to pray, evangelize (not just say amen and do nothing), made me get out of debt, convicted me of personal sin, inspired me to worship, and on and on, none of those sermons were "church wrecking" sermons. Men of God simply presented the clear text (many times using lots of Scripture), explained it, helped me see the problem it addressed, and God moved me.
The preaching/teaching was transformational, not just emotional. I was "taught to observe" what the Lord commanded. In fact, the sermons I have on my blackberry and listen to over and over are these type. They present God's truth for the primary purpose of His glory. They expose darkness. They are convicting AND loving and they produce movement.
So going forward, I want to be a better transformational teacher. The need for movement is dire in the Body of Christ. There is a lot of Amening going on, but our marriages don't show it. Our children don't show it. Our money doesn't show it. Our holiness and hatred of compromise doesn't show it. And the culture doesn't show it.
Preaching and teaching should do more than encourage; it should soundly movitate God's people to do His will, and convict those who won't. That's the kind of teacher I want to be.
Psalms 127:1 (ESV) - Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
Every August, I realize (by God's grace) how tightly I hold on to ministry. I suppose in some ways that's good; a pastor must work hard, be passionate about his calling and those he serves, and be watchful for wolves...both spiritual and physical! LOL! But what I seem to re-realize every year is how much of ME is involved. While resting, praying, reading, and spending time with family, it dawns on me how much responsibility I take on for the growth, health, and success of the church. What a ridiculous place to be. You'd think I'd learn by now....LOLOL!
The truth is God is sovereign over His church. It grows and becomes healthy by His will. It extends in influence by His grace. It prospers based on His purpose. The only thing we humans can do is be faithful...
The rest is truly up to Christ. So as a pastor, I am determined to simply present the Holy Text. I am determined to back up my preaching with a quiet, holy life. I'm determined to walk in true contentment, grateful to Christ for whatever He chooses to do. And I'm determined to continue in the path He's set for me...exposing the works of darkness, declaring truth even when it hurts, and working to truly see biblical evangelism and discipleship done.
I'm determined to be faithful regardless of the cost. How about you?