Just Be Faithful

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...

• Faithful to declare the whole counsel of God...
• Faithful to live holy lives as best we can...
• Faithful to share the Gospel....
• Faithful to pray, worship, and study...
• Faithful to disciple those in our care...

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?

The Church in a Pickle

In baseball, "a rundown, informally known as a pickle, is a situation that occurs when the baserunner is stranded between two bases and is in jeopardy of being tagged out.  When the base runner attempts to advance to the next base, he is cut off by the defensive player who has a live ball and attempts to return to his previous base before being tagged out.  As he is doing this, the defenseman throws the ball past the base runner to the previous base, forcing him to reverse directions again.  This is repeated until the runner is put out or reaches a base safely." --Wikipedia

Pickle!

Friends, I submit this is where the church finds herself...caught between decades of following the world and the need to return to Scripture knowing the world (and many in our congregations) won't like it.  Caught between taking a shortcut to winning souls and seeing the vast numbers of false converts as a result.  Caught between our embracing of the world and its methods and the gnawing feeling that something isn't quite right.  Caught between the expectation of preaching pleasant words and seeing our lessening influence in the culture.  Caught between the big churches we've built on debt (and the subsequent need to keep the people happy so they keep giving) and the prophetic message that is needed in this hour.  Caught between years of minimizing the need for truth and doctrine and the realization that turning back will be hard for that very reason.  Often, the saints are so used to breakthrough, blessing, now-seasons, and their "purpose" that "truth" seems strange, dull, and even mean-spirited and judgmental.  As a result, the battle that rages for truth isn't going well.  As an example, when people can look at Scripture and see in its pages an approval FOR homosexual "marriage", we're in trouble.

We should have never tried to steal a base, and instead taken the tough path.

What's the solution?  In my humble opinion...

1.  A rejection of carnality and a return to Scripture.
2.  A willingness to risk our ministries' "success" by declaring the whole counsel of God.
3.  A realization that the key to revival is repentance.  In other words, trusting in the Holy Spirit for results, not our human wisdom or strategies.
4.  A reformation in church ministry, family and discipling children, evangelism, stewardship, and every other area of life.
5.  A regaining of a holy fear of the Lord based on the truth of the judgment to come. So many will face it without Christ.

In other words, we have to realize we are not salesmen. We are not motivational speakers.  We are not leadership gurus.  We are not here to make the world like us.  We are followers of Jesus Christ.  He alone draws men.  We actually get in His way when we disobey Him.

Therefore we must place His desires above the desires of men.  We must dive for first base (a biblical foundation) and pray He gives us grace from being "tagged out".  We must go back.  We must reform...or take every area of ministry and service back to its biblically intended purpose.  That is what reformation is.  That's the starting place...and the only we can beat the pickle.

The problem is that "going back" is almost anathema to most leadership driven, "progressive," "culturally sensitive" church leaders. (I love you brothers...but it's true.)  We keep trying to "out world" the world.  I know I did for years...to my shame.  They move and we move.  Who's leading who here?

Oh Lord, please forgive us.  Forgive us for thinking we know better than you.  Forgive us for being ear-scratchers.  Forgive us for allowing the "love narrative" to be dictated by the world.  Forgive us for our lack of faith and our tolerance of sin in the name of grace.  Forgive us for our carnality and unwillingness to be a holy people.  Forgive us for sending our children to pagans for their education, allowing sin in our homes, consuming sin in our entertainment, our lack of modesty, and our lack of true love..the love it takes to declare your Word.

Lord, we are in a pickle.  We'll only be able to "return" to base by Your Grace.  Help us.  Please.

Still Totally Astounded...

...by my wife!  After 20 years of marriage, she still knocks me totally out with her beauty and love for me and our children! Yay God! :)

 

 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.   (Pro 31:10-31 ESV)

Chick-Fil-A Implications Pt 2: A Beginning Strategy

Well, now I've had a day or so to think through my recent post, here is where I am right now:

• There is no doubt in my mind that our enemy uses a lot of the money from mass industry against the mission of Christ.
• There is also no doubt that many of the tools of industry help many of us teach, minister, and spread the Gospel.

So now that I've written out of both sides of my mouth (LOL), here is what I personally plan to do: ;)

1. Keep reading and learning about the companies that both help and hinder the cause of my Master.
2. Based on #1, minimize my usage and participation (and my church's) with companies that support ungodly causes.
3. Cease dealing with said companies when at all possible, especially when it comes to luxuries and when lots of other choices are available.

For example, some companies that I (personally) can easily dump (like Starbucks) are totally off my list.  I'm currently looking for a way to dump google for email.  I'm also determined to use Christian companies (or at least those that support biblical values) whenever possible.  But if Delta is the only way I can get to our orphanage in Cambodia or to our churches in Haiti, I'd fly it.  If I go to Uganda to teach pastors and can put 10 needed books and commentaries on my Ipad (that I bought used), I'd use it.

So as far as tools (phones, tablets, cars, etc.), I plan to utilize products from better (biblically speaking) companies or buy second hand from believers when I can (as to not directly put money in a more offensive company) IF I feel that having the tool would enhance my ability to preach, teach, minister, and disciple my family.  I also plan to look to do business with those that don't actively hurt the cause of Christ, including more small stores.

In our interconnected industrial society, this is hard.  I don't think becoming Amish is the answer (LOL), but I don't think ignoring the issue is either.  I'm still not totally feeling the greatest about even this strategy, but after reflection it's where I am right now. 

For many people, this whole thing is probably silly.  Yeah I know.  But I have an active conscience, so pray for me! :) For everyone else, I'd love to hear what any of you came up with...let's learn and grow together! :)

CCM