As Paul Harvey said--"and that's the rest of the story. Good day!" This morning as I read through Judges 6, 7, and 8 I kept thinking of the times I have taught/preached "the story of Gideon." I would always emphasize (and still think it true) the necessity of every man standing in his place and faithfully following God, with the result being God gives the victory. However, the rest of the story reveals MUCH more!
"Then the Israelites said to Gideon, "Rule over us, you as well as your sons and your grandsons, for you delivered us from the power of Midian." Judges 8:22, HCSB
How quickly they forgot---how quickly we forget! It was not Gideon, it was God that delivered. They advocated making Gideon king, when they should have bowed down to the King of Kings. In fact, this was just another time they rejected God to be more like the unfaithful men around them who did have kings. Why are we so willing to reject God and His ways for the ways of man.
Gideon must have really struggled with his crises. First, he had to send 31,700 soldiers home and keep only 300. Then after victory he had to send the people home without the king they wanted. Gideon's love relationship with God was so firm that he followed God's ways even when human ways were far more attractive. What human glory do you surrender to do it God's way?
There was 40 years of peace, BUT in Judges 8: 32 - 35, we see that AS SOON AS GIDEON DIED, "as soon as Gideon was dead, that the sons of Israel again played the harlot with the Baals, and made Baal-berith their god." (8:33). They "forgot" the deliverance God had given them--they did not show kindness to the household of Gideon. Before I am too critical of them, I must examine mmy own life. How quickly I forget. How quickly I "play the harlot." I (we) are guilty of spiritual adultery when we fail to surrender all and FOLLOW Christ daily.
That hymn at the end of the service, "I surrender ALL," (have you noticed) is generally sung quietly and mumbled through. Our hearts are literally singing--"I surrender SOME----." May we surrender ALL to Him this day and experience the JOY nad fulfillment that only comes through faithful and COMPLETE obedience/following of the LIVING Lord Jesus Christ!
Showing posts with label God's Will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's Will. Show all posts
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
TAKE TIME To Be With God!
If you have been in the pastorate for any amount of time, you have discovered one thing for sure - you can become mighty busy quickly!! As ministers called of God, our hearts are focused on the needs of the church God has called us to serve. Our churches are busy with activities and programs. Much of what the church does needs our personal attention and involvement. There are ocassions when the activities/the busy-ness make it difficult to find the necessary time to prepare powerful sermons that impact the lives of the people that will make up your congregations on Sunday. And yes - there are even times when no one seems to care that the busy-ness of the church's schedule has overwhelmed you and you don't have that time for personal preparation.
When you begin to recognize that busy-ness has overrun you, it is time to "retreat" in some fashion. Matthew 6: 33 is applicable to we who serve as pastors---SEEK FIRST HIM---all this other stuff can take second, third, or maybe even fiftieth place. Focus on your relationship with Christ Jesus.
All of us have been there! No matter how hard you try to find balance for your life, there will be times when you're going to find yourself short on time and Sunday's sermon or Wednesday's Bible lesson is not yet complete. It's certainly a nail biting and scary stress that sometimes falls upon us Saturday at about 10PM while compiling a Sunday morning message that will lift up, encourage and inspire the congregation. That stress and lack of sleep can interfere with your ability to present the message that God's people need to hear from His servant in that service. So - strive daily to find your "rest" in Him.
A couple of years back a member church in TRBA invited me to do revival in their church. I was sick a LOT that year and had been out of work for several weeks recovering from surgery, etc. There was much concern that I might not physically be able to preach a series of 5 sermons. One of the remarkable things about that recovery time was the lessons God was teaching me as I studied His Word and sought His face. Day-after-day I experience so much as I could do nothing but read, meditate, and pray.
I did go back to work, and I was PHYSICALLY drained!!!! The host pastor was concerned. God would not allow release me from preaching the revival. I remember becoming overwhelmed and stressed the Monday of revival. I came to work and was physically exhausted from the two sermons on Sunday. After a couple of hours I thought, "I cannot stay here all day and preach tonight." I packed up and told the staff I was going home to "prepare for tonight's sermon." The secretary asked, "what are you going to do?" My response - "go home and take a nap."
That night I was refreshed physically. There was no stress from the lack of study THAT day. It was like Jesus comforted me with the knowledge that I had spent countless hours in His Word and seeking His face. I could TRUST Him to provide all that I needed for that hour! From the OVERFLOW of being in His presence, His words came through me His instrument. If we make our time with Christ Jesus our priority, then He can use us in greater ways!
Let me share with you some ideas from 30+ years of ministry. NOTHING I say is "rocket science," but I hope it helps in some way:
1. Stay Focused: Focused on Christ as your Savior; Christ as LORD of all; on His Word; seeking His face in prayer for the message that He desires you to proclaim to His people. I know this generation emphasizes "multi-tasking," and I am pretty good at that! HOWEVER, I think there needs to be a QUIET place where you and the Lord can be together and where you can be IN HIS WORD uninterrupted from the distractions of the world. Find that place where you can BE STILL and KNOW God better.
2. Plan your sermon series/develop a strategy: Having your Bible, commentaries, computer accessories, etc. makes it easier as you seek God in that quiet place. Do not just think of THIS Wednesday's study or THIS Sunday's message. Think of those opportunities under the light of the greater picture of the message that God would have His people to hear. I encourage you to plan 6 weeks or more in advance. I always liked to share with my staff my tentative plans so they could pray with me, plan their part of the service with the knowledge of where I believed God was leading me, and they could "hold me accountable."
Again, from the overflow of time alone with God and seeking His face, comes the message that God's people need to hear. Even during those busy weeks where you face writer's block or the busy-ness of church programs and ministry, you'll have an easier starting point. This will also help you keep your preaching proactive instead of reactive. When your preaching is reactive, you are only cleaning up messes or "excusing" yourself in your own mind. When your preaching is proactive, you are heading off potential problems that will waste the churches time and potential for growth.
3. Spend Time in Prayer: Prayer is the foundational bedrock of all we are to do in His name as undershepherds in His church. Ask God to attend His Word -- to pursue and own it to the hearts and minds of His people. Pray also that He will use it to move and shape you. From the work He is doing in you, proclaim His truth to His people.
4. Develop great resources: Having access to great resources allows you to spark ideas quicker and use that as a springboard for your messages. Listen to sermons; read several translations; read on topics of church health; develop a friendship with another pastort to discuss the topic. etc. etc. Your responsibility is to "feed His sheep" and you must be IN HIM to have the nourishment needed to be that undershepherd He has called you to be!
5. Set aside special time to prepare your message: I have heard men say they wait until Saturday night to prepare their sermons (as well as SS teachers to prepare their lessons). I have discovered through the years that there are a LOT of Saturdays where I have completely readjusted my plans to accomodate a need in the life of church members; spend time with family and friends; etc. etc. If I did not set aside some "extra" time, then my sermon and Bible study prep suffered. If my time with the Lord becomes less and less, I cannot be "in Him" as necessary and my overall ministry suffers. To please Christ in our delivery of His Word, set aside some time EARLIER in the week - maybe Thursday night or EARLY in the morning would be the perfect time to set aside (with plenty of time to spare before Saturday night) where you flesh out and get the core of your message. This also enables you (generally) to get hymns that reinforce in the bulletin; illustrations and PowerPoint slides organized that reinforce the message; perhaps even email your deacons and staff for specific prayer requests as you continue to meditate and prepare for the upcoming message. Starting early will give you ample time to re-read your message and make needed changes. In fact, often times after a message is put together this way, God has a way of inspiring added thoughts that help to strengthen the message He has for you to share that day!
that you will want to include.
6. Take it all the way to the Altar: When you are delivering the message that God has given you, remember, you are His mouthpiece. You are standing in His stead. Speak with authority. Don't apologize for God's Word. Preach with boldness. Speak with love and compassion. Don't preach down to people. Don't get off track. Make your point and take it all the way to the Altar call. Invite people to "make things right with God."
One of the things I am trying to convince the pastors of TRBA is that we - the TRBA Staff - DAILY lift up our pastors in prayer! As we gather for staff meetings on Monday mornings,we pray for our pastors and our churches. Individually throughout the week, we lift them up in our personal prayers. During the weekends when we know the men who serve as our pastors will be proclaiming His truth, we lift them up in prayer - as well as our church members. We are praying FERVENTLY for renewal and revival! We recognize that the enemy is busy trying to keep us from His purpose.
Wanted to share with you today that you are in our prayers today! May God bless you as you faithfully serve Him daily!
When you begin to recognize that busy-ness has overrun you, it is time to "retreat" in some fashion. Matthew 6: 33 is applicable to we who serve as pastors---SEEK FIRST HIM---all this other stuff can take second, third, or maybe even fiftieth place. Focus on your relationship with Christ Jesus.
All of us have been there! No matter how hard you try to find balance for your life, there will be times when you're going to find yourself short on time and Sunday's sermon or Wednesday's Bible lesson is not yet complete. It's certainly a nail biting and scary stress that sometimes falls upon us Saturday at about 10PM while compiling a Sunday morning message that will lift up, encourage and inspire the congregation. That stress and lack of sleep can interfere with your ability to present the message that God's people need to hear from His servant in that service. So - strive daily to find your "rest" in Him.
A couple of years back a member church in TRBA invited me to do revival in their church. I was sick a LOT that year and had been out of work for several weeks recovering from surgery, etc. There was much concern that I might not physically be able to preach a series of 5 sermons. One of the remarkable things about that recovery time was the lessons God was teaching me as I studied His Word and sought His face. Day-after-day I experience so much as I could do nothing but read, meditate, and pray.
I did go back to work, and I was PHYSICALLY drained!!!! The host pastor was concerned. God would not allow release me from preaching the revival. I remember becoming overwhelmed and stressed the Monday of revival. I came to work and was physically exhausted from the two sermons on Sunday. After a couple of hours I thought, "I cannot stay here all day and preach tonight." I packed up and told the staff I was going home to "prepare for tonight's sermon." The secretary asked, "what are you going to do?" My response - "go home and take a nap."
That night I was refreshed physically. There was no stress from the lack of study THAT day. It was like Jesus comforted me with the knowledge that I had spent countless hours in His Word and seeking His face. I could TRUST Him to provide all that I needed for that hour! From the OVERFLOW of being in His presence, His words came through me His instrument. If we make our time with Christ Jesus our priority, then He can use us in greater ways!
Let me share with you some ideas from 30+ years of ministry. NOTHING I say is "rocket science," but I hope it helps in some way:
1. Stay Focused: Focused on Christ as your Savior; Christ as LORD of all; on His Word; seeking His face in prayer for the message that He desires you to proclaim to His people. I know this generation emphasizes "multi-tasking," and I am pretty good at that! HOWEVER, I think there needs to be a QUIET place where you and the Lord can be together and where you can be IN HIS WORD uninterrupted from the distractions of the world. Find that place where you can BE STILL and KNOW God better.
2. Plan your sermon series/develop a strategy: Having your Bible, commentaries, computer accessories, etc. makes it easier as you seek God in that quiet place. Do not just think of THIS Wednesday's study or THIS Sunday's message. Think of those opportunities under the light of the greater picture of the message that God would have His people to hear. I encourage you to plan 6 weeks or more in advance. I always liked to share with my staff my tentative plans so they could pray with me, plan their part of the service with the knowledge of where I believed God was leading me, and they could "hold me accountable."
Again, from the overflow of time alone with God and seeking His face, comes the message that God's people need to hear. Even during those busy weeks where you face writer's block or the busy-ness of church programs and ministry, you'll have an easier starting point. This will also help you keep your preaching proactive instead of reactive. When your preaching is reactive, you are only cleaning up messes or "excusing" yourself in your own mind. When your preaching is proactive, you are heading off potential problems that will waste the churches time and potential for growth.
3. Spend Time in Prayer: Prayer is the foundational bedrock of all we are to do in His name as undershepherds in His church. Ask God to attend His Word -- to pursue and own it to the hearts and minds of His people. Pray also that He will use it to move and shape you. From the work He is doing in you, proclaim His truth to His people.
4. Develop great resources: Having access to great resources allows you to spark ideas quicker and use that as a springboard for your messages. Listen to sermons; read several translations; read on topics of church health; develop a friendship with another pastort to discuss the topic. etc. etc. Your responsibility is to "feed His sheep" and you must be IN HIM to have the nourishment needed to be that undershepherd He has called you to be!
5. Set aside special time to prepare your message: I have heard men say they wait until Saturday night to prepare their sermons (as well as SS teachers to prepare their lessons). I have discovered through the years that there are a LOT of Saturdays where I have completely readjusted my plans to accomodate a need in the life of church members; spend time with family and friends; etc. etc. If I did not set aside some "extra" time, then my sermon and Bible study prep suffered. If my time with the Lord becomes less and less, I cannot be "in Him" as necessary and my overall ministry suffers. To please Christ in our delivery of His Word, set aside some time EARLIER in the week - maybe Thursday night or EARLY in the morning would be the perfect time to set aside (with plenty of time to spare before Saturday night) where you flesh out and get the core of your message. This also enables you (generally) to get hymns that reinforce in the bulletin; illustrations and PowerPoint slides organized that reinforce the message; perhaps even email your deacons and staff for specific prayer requests as you continue to meditate and prepare for the upcoming message. Starting early will give you ample time to re-read your message and make needed changes. In fact, often times after a message is put together this way, God has a way of inspiring added thoughts that help to strengthen the message He has for you to share that day!
that you will want to include.
6. Take it all the way to the Altar: When you are delivering the message that God has given you, remember, you are His mouthpiece. You are standing in His stead. Speak with authority. Don't apologize for God's Word. Preach with boldness. Speak with love and compassion. Don't preach down to people. Don't get off track. Make your point and take it all the way to the Altar call. Invite people to "make things right with God."
One of the things I am trying to convince the pastors of TRBA is that we - the TRBA Staff - DAILY lift up our pastors in prayer! As we gather for staff meetings on Monday mornings,we pray for our pastors and our churches. Individually throughout the week, we lift them up in our personal prayers. During the weekends when we know the men who serve as our pastors will be proclaiming His truth, we lift them up in prayer - as well as our church members. We are praying FERVENTLY for renewal and revival! We recognize that the enemy is busy trying to keep us from His purpose.
Wanted to share with you today that you are in our prayers today! May God bless you as you faithfully serve Him daily!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Looking Forward to 2012
Happy New Year! That's the greeting going around this weekend. It is a good time to examine who we are in Christ and what He would have us to do with out lives! It has been a LONG time since my last post (on any blog), so my first New Year's Resolution as it relates to "social media" is to post more often on the blogs and sites I maintain.
Not just posts, but posts "with purpose." Some of you understand that term. It is not my desire to fill up my time with useless info. Rather, I want my posts to have some value to the reader. So, whether it be an actual blog, FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or TRBA's website, it is my prayer you will find information useful that I post in 2012.
As I have thought of what to post in 2012, I have prayed and then examined what I am "hearing" from various sources in denominational life. To that end, I have determined to focus on the purpose of the association, as well as issues related to overall church health. I will be looking a LOT to Transformational Church and Transitional Pastor as I am working with both LifeWay and the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina in those areas. Truthfully, I think there are things we can glean to strengthen the church and impact lostness (our purpose as an association of churches).
In a conversation with a Sunday School director today we began to discuss some information we had obtained during a Josh Hunt conference several years back. In fact, I bought a book by Hunt today that reiterated the idea of "how to double your Sunday School in two years or less."
The gist of the conversation centered on the fact that the classes seemed content with where they were and had not grown in several years. Basically, we talked about the lack of evidence in many area churches (from conversations the two of us have had with other church leaders in neighboring churches from three associations) that churches want to grow.
I think that is perhaps the first thing we need to honestly look at as we begin the new year. Do we have a genuine desire to grow closer to Christ personally and to grow both spiritually and numerically in our churches. Or are we content with where we are. I would invite you to pray and search with me this simple fact over the next couple of days. After the first of the year I will examine the idea of doubling Sunday School attendance in less than two years. I am pretty confident I will address it from the standpoint of IF we REALLY want to see growth.
I have become convinced that we have all the tools we need to advance the kingdom. We have attended conference after conference. In the YEARS we have attended, there has been little kingdom advance and virtually no SUSTAINED evidence of growth in many of our churches. Yet - we have the tools sitting idly beside us as we moan about our lack of advance.
What do we have:
1. The authority of Christ who commanded that we make disciples.
2. His Word.
3. His presence to instruct, lead, guide, empower.
4. Prayer.
5. His promise to hear, answer, empower as we walk in obedience to Him.
Then we have other tools to assist. Among the ones I have emphasized in TRBA are Link2Lead, The Mapping Center, continued training of church leadership, Transformational Church, Transitional Pastor, etc. etc. etc. Over the next few weeks, expect much info to be shared. As it is shared, pray about your participation individually and as a church.
Do you want to see kingdom advance in 2012? If you do, please join me and the other TRBA staff members as we answer the call to prayer by our denominational leaders. Pray with us daily for kingdom advance. Join us on Monday, January 23rd at 7 PM for a corporate time of prayer.
Again, I wish you the best for 2012. I look forward to walking alongside you as we set out together to strengthen His church and impact the lostness of THIS generation!
Not just posts, but posts "with purpose." Some of you understand that term. It is not my desire to fill up my time with useless info. Rather, I want my posts to have some value to the reader. So, whether it be an actual blog, FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or TRBA's website, it is my prayer you will find information useful that I post in 2012.
As I have thought of what to post in 2012, I have prayed and then examined what I am "hearing" from various sources in denominational life. To that end, I have determined to focus on the purpose of the association, as well as issues related to overall church health. I will be looking a LOT to Transformational Church and Transitional Pastor as I am working with both LifeWay and the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina in those areas. Truthfully, I think there are things we can glean to strengthen the church and impact lostness (our purpose as an association of churches).
In a conversation with a Sunday School director today we began to discuss some information we had obtained during a Josh Hunt conference several years back. In fact, I bought a book by Hunt today that reiterated the idea of "how to double your Sunday School in two years or less."
The gist of the conversation centered on the fact that the classes seemed content with where they were and had not grown in several years. Basically, we talked about the lack of evidence in many area churches (from conversations the two of us have had with other church leaders in neighboring churches from three associations) that churches want to grow.
I think that is perhaps the first thing we need to honestly look at as we begin the new year. Do we have a genuine desire to grow closer to Christ personally and to grow both spiritually and numerically in our churches. Or are we content with where we are. I would invite you to pray and search with me this simple fact over the next couple of days. After the first of the year I will examine the idea of doubling Sunday School attendance in less than two years. I am pretty confident I will address it from the standpoint of IF we REALLY want to see growth.
I have become convinced that we have all the tools we need to advance the kingdom. We have attended conference after conference. In the YEARS we have attended, there has been little kingdom advance and virtually no SUSTAINED evidence of growth in many of our churches. Yet - we have the tools sitting idly beside us as we moan about our lack of advance.
What do we have:
1. The authority of Christ who commanded that we make disciples.
2. His Word.
3. His presence to instruct, lead, guide, empower.
4. Prayer.
5. His promise to hear, answer, empower as we walk in obedience to Him.
Then we have other tools to assist. Among the ones I have emphasized in TRBA are Link2Lead, The Mapping Center, continued training of church leadership, Transformational Church, Transitional Pastor, etc. etc. etc. Over the next few weeks, expect much info to be shared. As it is shared, pray about your participation individually and as a church.
Do you want to see kingdom advance in 2012? If you do, please join me and the other TRBA staff members as we answer the call to prayer by our denominational leaders. Pray with us daily for kingdom advance. Join us on Monday, January 23rd at 7 PM for a corporate time of prayer.
Again, I wish you the best for 2012. I look forward to walking alongside you as we set out together to strengthen His church and impact the lostness of THIS generation!
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Developing A Spiritual Vision For 2011 - Part Two
I want to continue today some thoughts about our need to develop a spiritual vision for our lives in 2011 - praying for God to reveal one scripture to guide our path/prepare us to deal with life's circumstances throughout 2011. In part one of this discussion, I focused on Proverbs 29: 18, "Without revelation people run wild, but one who keeps the law will be happy." (Holman translation). I closed the discussion by revealing what I referred to as "Reality One." I stated, "The reality is - without a spiritual vision for your life, you will run wild." That's where I want to begin in this discussion.
Reality # 1: Without Spiritual vision for your life, you will run wild. That's a reality. That's what the Bible tells us. Without a spiritual vision for your life, you're going to run wild. I'm telling you we've got a lot of wild-eyed Christians right now. You will run on your own. You'll run loosely, you will run freely, you will run unrestrained. You will run shamelessly. You will run naked (Young's Literal Translation puts it), and you know one of the real tragedies of running naked? Is you don't even know you're naked. That's what John wrote about in Revelation 3, of the lukewarm church, you don't even know your own condition, that you're blind, and naked, and weak, and in need because you don't have the Word of God pouring into you.
In the Message, Proverbs 29: 18 reads, "If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed." In this case, I think we can learn from this translation as well! There seems to be a LOT of times that we are stumbling all over ourselves and accomplishing nothing for the Kingdom. Conversely, when we attend to that which God reveals to us/calls us to do in His Word, we are indeed blessed!
With a spiritual vision for your life, you will discover the good life God intends for you. I believe Jesus stated He came to give us "life more abundantly (John 10: 10)." That's a pretty exciting statement. If I can develop a spiritual vision for my life, I can begin to live and discover the good life that God intends for me. And that is true for all! Don't you want the good life God intends for you in your life? Then follow the counsel of God's Word and discover life to the fullest.
Many churches today (and we as an association) have established vision statements or purpose statements. If they set out to achieve their purpose as a church, then they are likely to achieve their goals. If they wander aimlessly - doing a little of this and a little of that - doing what "feels good for the moment" or just that which is popular to the masses - then they may last for a season but they will not achieve the life more abundantly that God has in store for those that devote themselves to following the precepts of God's Word.
As an association, Tar River has established it's primary purpose many years ago. It's purpose is to strengthen the local church. It is our aim to walk alongside our member churches and assist them/resource them/equip them through training and modeling so that the church, the Bride of Christ, will prosper as God directs. If we fail to live by that purpose, we may do a lot of things - even things that are good - but if not in accordance with what God would have us to do, then we will just stumble all over ourselves doing a lot of busy-ness stuff, but we will NOT experience the blessedness of operating in God's Will.
Some of you have heard my story of serving on the Mental Health Board many years ago. I had been appointed to represent the needs of those addicted to drugs and alcohol - a noble cause. I was honored. I set out to do the best job that I could. After a while, they asked me to serve as chair of the board and then politics entered the picture. My life became consumed with meeting after meeting; working lunched with directors and committee chairs from other public service agencies; lobbied state legislators for services to meet the needs of the people I represented and all the others with mental health needs. There were even times the regular meeting went LONG we would go into what the press reported as an "executive session (the press was released and our purpose was SUPPOSED to be dealing with issues of a confidential nature). Reality - the other members of the board ate supper while I rushed out a side door and drove to the church and conducted prayer meeting at the church. I would return and call the press back into the meeting and report, "there is no public action necessary for any items discussed while the board was in executive session.
I became so busy with the work of the board, my life was consumed! When I was not in a meeting, I was meeting with people to prepare for the meeting or talking with a reporter about what was determined at the meeting, etc. etc.
The church I served sent me on a spiritual retreat. There I went to my first session. The leader is well known NOW, but I had never heard of him. His name was Greg Laurie. He made this statement, "This was not what I had planned to say but someone in here needs to hear this; 'Noble causes do not replace God's call for your life.'" I thought - what a great saying and wrote it down.
I went to my second session. I do not remember the name of the individual that was leading the session but he began by saying: "I did not have this in my plans, but someone here needs to hear this statement - noble causes do not replace God's call for your life." I quickly looked around the room to see what individual was in my first session and needed to hear this word - which I was beginning to realize was indeed a word from the Lord.
Now it was time for my third session. I know the presenter was a member of Billy Graham's family, but I can not recall the name. You guessed it - again I heard the words - "noble causes do not replace God's call for your life." I fully realized, that word was for me and as the presenter continued to present, I wrote out my letter of resignation as Chairman of the Mental Health Board and a letter to the County Commissioners stating that I would not accept reappointment to the board. I realized I had allowed a noble cause to replace God's call on my life at that time. He had called me as pastor of Massey Hill Baptist Church, not Chairman of the Board."
Today I strive to be where God wants me to be and not allow noble causes to crowd Him out. Problem is, I still get distracted. That's why I believe we need to continually review our purpose for the cause of Christ and attempt to live in obedience to His call. If we are not careful we get super-busy with lots of good stuff - even noble stuff - yet we are operating outside of God's calling upon our lives. We need to HEAR God - that's why we really need to be in His Word. Again, I challenge you to pray and asking God to reveal a scripture to help you throughout 2011.
We will look at this more throughout our days of prayer as member churches. Until then, pray that all of us will really HEAR God and do those things that He is calling us to do as His disciples.
Reality # 1: Without Spiritual vision for your life, you will run wild. That's a reality. That's what the Bible tells us. Without a spiritual vision for your life, you're going to run wild. I'm telling you we've got a lot of wild-eyed Christians right now. You will run on your own. You'll run loosely, you will run freely, you will run unrestrained. You will run shamelessly. You will run naked (Young's Literal Translation puts it), and you know one of the real tragedies of running naked? Is you don't even know you're naked. That's what John wrote about in Revelation 3, of the lukewarm church, you don't even know your own condition, that you're blind, and naked, and weak, and in need because you don't have the Word of God pouring into you.
In the Message, Proverbs 29: 18 reads, "If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed." In this case, I think we can learn from this translation as well! There seems to be a LOT of times that we are stumbling all over ourselves and accomplishing nothing for the Kingdom. Conversely, when we attend to that which God reveals to us/calls us to do in His Word, we are indeed blessed!
With a spiritual vision for your life, you will discover the good life God intends for you. I believe Jesus stated He came to give us "life more abundantly (John 10: 10)." That's a pretty exciting statement. If I can develop a spiritual vision for my life, I can begin to live and discover the good life that God intends for me. And that is true for all! Don't you want the good life God intends for you in your life? Then follow the counsel of God's Word and discover life to the fullest.
Many churches today (and we as an association) have established vision statements or purpose statements. If they set out to achieve their purpose as a church, then they are likely to achieve their goals. If they wander aimlessly - doing a little of this and a little of that - doing what "feels good for the moment" or just that which is popular to the masses - then they may last for a season but they will not achieve the life more abundantly that God has in store for those that devote themselves to following the precepts of God's Word.
As an association, Tar River has established it's primary purpose many years ago. It's purpose is to strengthen the local church. It is our aim to walk alongside our member churches and assist them/resource them/equip them through training and modeling so that the church, the Bride of Christ, will prosper as God directs. If we fail to live by that purpose, we may do a lot of things - even things that are good - but if not in accordance with what God would have us to do, then we will just stumble all over ourselves doing a lot of busy-ness stuff, but we will NOT experience the blessedness of operating in God's Will.
Some of you have heard my story of serving on the Mental Health Board many years ago. I had been appointed to represent the needs of those addicted to drugs and alcohol - a noble cause. I was honored. I set out to do the best job that I could. After a while, they asked me to serve as chair of the board and then politics entered the picture. My life became consumed with meeting after meeting; working lunched with directors and committee chairs from other public service agencies; lobbied state legislators for services to meet the needs of the people I represented and all the others with mental health needs. There were even times the regular meeting went LONG we would go into what the press reported as an "executive session (the press was released and our purpose was SUPPOSED to be dealing with issues of a confidential nature). Reality - the other members of the board ate supper while I rushed out a side door and drove to the church and conducted prayer meeting at the church. I would return and call the press back into the meeting and report, "there is no public action necessary for any items discussed while the board was in executive session.
I became so busy with the work of the board, my life was consumed! When I was not in a meeting, I was meeting with people to prepare for the meeting or talking with a reporter about what was determined at the meeting, etc. etc.
The church I served sent me on a spiritual retreat. There I went to my first session. The leader is well known NOW, but I had never heard of him. His name was Greg Laurie. He made this statement, "This was not what I had planned to say but someone in here needs to hear this; 'Noble causes do not replace God's call for your life.'" I thought - what a great saying and wrote it down.
I went to my second session. I do not remember the name of the individual that was leading the session but he began by saying: "I did not have this in my plans, but someone here needs to hear this statement - noble causes do not replace God's call for your life." I quickly looked around the room to see what individual was in my first session and needed to hear this word - which I was beginning to realize was indeed a word from the Lord.
Now it was time for my third session. I know the presenter was a member of Billy Graham's family, but I can not recall the name. You guessed it - again I heard the words - "noble causes do not replace God's call for your life." I fully realized, that word was for me and as the presenter continued to present, I wrote out my letter of resignation as Chairman of the Mental Health Board and a letter to the County Commissioners stating that I would not accept reappointment to the board. I realized I had allowed a noble cause to replace God's call on my life at that time. He had called me as pastor of Massey Hill Baptist Church, not Chairman of the Board."
Today I strive to be where God wants me to be and not allow noble causes to crowd Him out. Problem is, I still get distracted. That's why I believe we need to continually review our purpose for the cause of Christ and attempt to live in obedience to His call. If we are not careful we get super-busy with lots of good stuff - even noble stuff - yet we are operating outside of God's calling upon our lives. We need to HEAR God - that's why we really need to be in His Word. Again, I challenge you to pray and asking God to reveal a scripture to help you throughout 2011.
We will look at this more throughout our days of prayer as member churches. Until then, pray that all of us will really HEAR God and do those things that He is calling us to do as His disciples.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Building Up The Fellowship Among Pastors
By now you have heard my views about the NEED for fellowship among those of us who serve as leaders/pastors/ministers of our member churches. I have encouraged us to fellowship together around the table, over a cup of coffee, as we partake of a meal. I truly believe this is an important part of the strengthening of the local church to become more effective in its ministry to the community. However, there are many who have yet to "fellowship" with the pastors in area chuches.
Like the church grows closer and stronger by not forsaking thee assembly, I believe the fellowship of pastors is a key element that we should not ignore. My pastor keeps addressing our congreation with a piercing question, "who is the 2 AM friend that you can call?" Truth is, we who serve in ministry often receive that call, but have no one to call. I encourage us all to become involved in fellowship with area ministers on a regular basis!
I also believe there is a real need for us to meet regularly to share information and experience training/dialogue together. I guess that would be accomplished at a "Ministers' Conference." They tell me that all throughout Baptist Life those type meetings are poorly attended. I hate that for this generation of pastors! I look back to my early years and I treasure the friendships made and support networks developed as a result of our monthly fellowship meetings and those times around the table. I enjoy the times I go off to pastors conefernces, meetings, etc. but there is a real need for us - as local pastors to build up our fellowship. Point is - we need one another! So - again, I unapologetically encourage us to get together over a cup of coffee or around a fellowship meal. And yes, I encourage us to become involved in regular Pastors/Ministers Fellowship meetings.
I hope you go ahead and place the dates on your calendar and strive to be in attendance. I honeslty believe your (and my) involvement will strengthen the churches of the Tar River Baptist Association. Please pray with me in this important matter.
In 2010 TRBA has scheduled the THIRD Tuesday of each month as our Ministers' Monthly Fellowship Meetings. We will be meeting at TRBA Center at 10 AM and conclude by 11:30 AM. We encourage you to continue fellowship after the meeting over a meal - at leasty occassionally.
It is our prayer to have meetings that share relevant information helpful to you in ministry. If you have ideas, please share with me at domtarriver@hotmail.com. Right now, we have several things planned:
Saturday, January 23rd at 9 AM - Pastors and Families Fellowship Breakfast at Ephesus. This is a different time than normal, come and join us. There is no cost, but we do ask that you register with us so we know how much to prepare. I will get more info out later, but PLEASE place this on your calendar and join us if at all possible.
Monthly Ministers' Fellowship Meetings: Beginning Tuesday, February 16th at 10 AM and continuing each THIRD Tuesday of the month. All meetings will be at TRBA Center unless otherwise noted. In the February Meeting we will share detailed information about how TRBA will be involved in "Find it Here" for the next year. Please understand, "Find it Here" is not JUST an effort to get people to church on Easter Sunday 2010, it is an intensive effort to get ALL believers sharing the Gospel and EVERY lost person in North America hearing and having an opportunity to receive that message.
Programs after February are:
March: Learning How To Lead People In A Non-Committed Culture
April: How To Become A Spiritually Healthy, Reproducing Church
May: Associational Missions Emphasis
I look forward to seeing you at these gatherings and encourage you to share ideas so that we can develop programs of interest/help to you.
God Bless!
Like the church grows closer and stronger by not forsaking thee assembly, I believe the fellowship of pastors is a key element that we should not ignore. My pastor keeps addressing our congreation with a piercing question, "who is the 2 AM friend that you can call?" Truth is, we who serve in ministry often receive that call, but have no one to call. I encourage us all to become involved in fellowship with area ministers on a regular basis!
I also believe there is a real need for us to meet regularly to share information and experience training/dialogue together. I guess that would be accomplished at a "Ministers' Conference." They tell me that all throughout Baptist Life those type meetings are poorly attended. I hate that for this generation of pastors! I look back to my early years and I treasure the friendships made and support networks developed as a result of our monthly fellowship meetings and those times around the table. I enjoy the times I go off to pastors conefernces, meetings, etc. but there is a real need for us - as local pastors to build up our fellowship. Point is - we need one another! So - again, I unapologetically encourage us to get together over a cup of coffee or around a fellowship meal. And yes, I encourage us to become involved in regular Pastors/Ministers Fellowship meetings.
I hope you go ahead and place the dates on your calendar and strive to be in attendance. I honeslty believe your (and my) involvement will strengthen the churches of the Tar River Baptist Association. Please pray with me in this important matter.
In 2010 TRBA has scheduled the THIRD Tuesday of each month as our Ministers' Monthly Fellowship Meetings. We will be meeting at TRBA Center at 10 AM and conclude by 11:30 AM. We encourage you to continue fellowship after the meeting over a meal - at leasty occassionally.
It is our prayer to have meetings that share relevant information helpful to you in ministry. If you have ideas, please share with me at domtarriver@hotmail.com. Right now, we have several things planned:
Saturday, January 23rd at 9 AM - Pastors and Families Fellowship Breakfast at Ephesus. This is a different time than normal, come and join us. There is no cost, but we do ask that you register with us so we know how much to prepare. I will get more info out later, but PLEASE place this on your calendar and join us if at all possible.
Monthly Ministers' Fellowship Meetings: Beginning Tuesday, February 16th at 10 AM and continuing each THIRD Tuesday of the month. All meetings will be at TRBA Center unless otherwise noted. In the February Meeting we will share detailed information about how TRBA will be involved in "Find it Here" for the next year. Please understand, "Find it Here" is not JUST an effort to get people to church on Easter Sunday 2010, it is an intensive effort to get ALL believers sharing the Gospel and EVERY lost person in North America hearing and having an opportunity to receive that message.
Programs after February are:
March: Learning How To Lead People In A Non-Committed Culture
April: How To Become A Spiritually Healthy, Reproducing Church
May: Associational Missions Emphasis
I look forward to seeing you at these gatherings and encourage you to share ideas so that we can develop programs of interest/help to you.
God Bless!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Do Not Grow Weary
If you have been in ministry for any amount of time, there have been times you might describe as "Blue Mondays." A lady named Miss Charlotte that worked with my family when I was coming up as a child often made that statement. But I also remember her constantly singing hymns as she worked around the house and in the fields. She experienced "Blue Mondays," BUT she smiled and praised the Lord in song as she went through the discouragements of her life.
Ever had a "blue Monday?" Let me define it from a ministry perspective. You have already spent 26 hours this week in 5 different hospitals with church members and their families with surgeries and intense/life-threatening ailments; altered all your plans to go with a family in crisis due to a wayward child; counseled three couples with conflicted marriages; drove over to the church at 10 PM because Aunt Susie left her umbrella after church on Wednesday night; decided that since you were there, you would type out the bulletin and run it off and you leave the church office at 1 AM because you need to go back to Duke Thursday morning for open heart surgery for one of those church members you visited Monday while he was having a catherization. You decide to take lunch Friday with your wife because you need to make 2 outreach visits Friday afternoon. While you were out to lunch, a deacon and his wife came to the church office at 12:10 PM and wanted to get into the church to pick up something on their way home. Early Saturday morning, your doorbell rings and it is the deacon chair. He says, "someone complained to him that you were not in the office Friday morning when you should have been. Can you please explain yourself?"
You've hardly had no time to "be still and know God" this week and now the devil has a foothold on what little time you will have to study today. You wonder---how can I stand before these people and proclaim His Word without putting too much of myself in the sermon
Well---here's the answer:
1. Stay true to God's call upon your life.
2. It is physically impossible to be in 4 places at one time.
3. If you were honestly "on mission" do not whip yourself up that someONE complained.
4. Understand that people with an "agenda" can never be satisfied even if you could be in 4 places at one time and they sometimes don't even care about the truth.
5. Trust God and be faithful to His call upon your life.
6. Remove yourself and proclaim His truth - never change your message to pacify or appease.
7. Strive to do daily what God has called you to do in ministry as faithfully as you can and leave the results to God.
8. Think about the people's lives that you have touched in the name of Jesus and forget the critic.
One day recently as I was driving home from a meeting in one of our member churches that night, I recollected the events of the day. I had had breakfast, lunch, visited on the field with, met at SEBTS, been in meetings with, etc. 22 pastors; 2 new church planters; 2 men from BSC about church planting; ran into 3 former pastors while at SEBTS; spoke with a couple of people from BSC about some upcoming events; called a couple of Associational Missionaries about a couple of issues; had several cell phone conversations with pastors, pastor search chairs, etc. I think I counted up more than 35 people from our member churches, plus several others in Baptist life. I chuckled to myself---all I will hear about today is "Dougald was not in the office today."
Sure enough -- that's all I heard about the day. That's OK -- God knows and I know the truth. In eternity, that is all that will matter. Therefore, trust God and keep going forward.
Ever had a "blue Monday?" Let me define it from a ministry perspective. You have already spent 26 hours this week in 5 different hospitals with church members and their families with surgeries and intense/life-threatening ailments; altered all your plans to go with a family in crisis due to a wayward child; counseled three couples with conflicted marriages; drove over to the church at 10 PM because Aunt Susie left her umbrella after church on Wednesday night; decided that since you were there, you would type out the bulletin and run it off and you leave the church office at 1 AM because you need to go back to Duke Thursday morning for open heart surgery for one of those church members you visited Monday while he was having a catherization. You decide to take lunch Friday with your wife because you need to make 2 outreach visits Friday afternoon. While you were out to lunch, a deacon and his wife came to the church office at 12:10 PM and wanted to get into the church to pick up something on their way home. Early Saturday morning, your doorbell rings and it is the deacon chair. He says, "someone complained to him that you were not in the office Friday morning when you should have been. Can you please explain yourself?"
You've hardly had no time to "be still and know God" this week and now the devil has a foothold on what little time you will have to study today. You wonder---how can I stand before these people and proclaim His Word without putting too much of myself in the sermon
Well---here's the answer:
1. Stay true to God's call upon your life.
2. It is physically impossible to be in 4 places at one time.
3. If you were honestly "on mission" do not whip yourself up that someONE complained.
4. Understand that people with an "agenda" can never be satisfied even if you could be in 4 places at one time and they sometimes don't even care about the truth.
5. Trust God and be faithful to His call upon your life.
6. Remove yourself and proclaim His truth - never change your message to pacify or appease.
7. Strive to do daily what God has called you to do in ministry as faithfully as you can and leave the results to God.
8. Think about the people's lives that you have touched in the name of Jesus and forget the critic.
One day recently as I was driving home from a meeting in one of our member churches that night, I recollected the events of the day. I had had breakfast, lunch, visited on the field with, met at SEBTS, been in meetings with, etc. 22 pastors; 2 new church planters; 2 men from BSC about church planting; ran into 3 former pastors while at SEBTS; spoke with a couple of people from BSC about some upcoming events; called a couple of Associational Missionaries about a couple of issues; had several cell phone conversations with pastors, pastor search chairs, etc. I think I counted up more than 35 people from our member churches, plus several others in Baptist life. I chuckled to myself---all I will hear about today is "Dougald was not in the office today."
Sure enough -- that's all I heard about the day. That's OK -- God knows and I know the truth. In eternity, that is all that will matter. Therefore, trust God and keep going forward.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Where Do You Fit Into The Christmas Story?
This past Sunday I was called upon to preach for one of our pastors who had to go out of town with a family emergency. I readily said yes, though I had planned to attend another church. After all, who couldn't preach a sermon the Sunday before Christmas - or at least fill the time.
I chose the traditional scriptures for my text. Luke 2 and the Matthew account of the Magi. We are all familiar with the story - perhaps too familiar. We have heard it so many times, we just go through it again and it may not speak to us the way that it really ought to.
I talked about the townspeople - preoccupied with self and caught up in the hustle and bustle of activity due to the census - they took no note of what was going on that night. NOT EVEN when the multitude of angels began to sing praises to God and lit up the sky with their glorious light.
I spoke about the shepherds and how the Angel of the Lord had appeared to them and brought them the Good News. How they left EVERYTHING to run to Bethlehem to see if what they had been told was true. they told everyone that would listen of the Good News and the people of the town were awestruck with what they were seeing in and hearing from the shepherds, but they still did not flock to the stable to worship the newborn King.
I spoke about the Magi/Wise Men from the East. They had been busy studying both the skies and the prophets of old and had come to believe that the King of Kings was to be born - so they left all to follow a star that led them first to Jerusalem, where they stopped in the palace (a logical place) and discovered that no one knew anything.
I spoke of Herod. The jealous ruler of the kingdom that was so afraid of a little baby that he ultimately had all under a certain age killed - thinking he could stop God. He called in the Chief Priests, who - like the Wise Men - studied the prophets almost daily. they reported to Herod and the Magi that the prophets foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
As I prepared for that sermon, it struck me! Common courtesy and protocol should have been extended to the Magi. These learned men from the East should have been guided to Bethlehem by the learned men from Jerusalem. The scripture records that the learned men from Jerusalem did NOTHING to change their agenda - they went back while the Magi went own and worshipped the new born King and gave Him fine gifts.
It is my prayer that more of us will be like the Wise Men and the shepherds. Praising God as we go - even back to work. And giving Him our finest gifts - our very lives - as genuine worship.
Though that is my prayer, it is my fear that most who profess faith in Christ will actually be more like the townspeople, Herod, or the Chief Priests - too preoccupied with self, our own agendas, etc. to come unto Him, worship Him, and experience the joy and fulfillment that ONLY Christ can bring into our lives.
I chose the traditional scriptures for my text. Luke 2 and the Matthew account of the Magi. We are all familiar with the story - perhaps too familiar. We have heard it so many times, we just go through it again and it may not speak to us the way that it really ought to.
I talked about the townspeople - preoccupied with self and caught up in the hustle and bustle of activity due to the census - they took no note of what was going on that night. NOT EVEN when the multitude of angels began to sing praises to God and lit up the sky with their glorious light.
I spoke about the shepherds and how the Angel of the Lord had appeared to them and brought them the Good News. How they left EVERYTHING to run to Bethlehem to see if what they had been told was true. they told everyone that would listen of the Good News and the people of the town were awestruck with what they were seeing in and hearing from the shepherds, but they still did not flock to the stable to worship the newborn King.
I spoke about the Magi/Wise Men from the East. They had been busy studying both the skies and the prophets of old and had come to believe that the King of Kings was to be born - so they left all to follow a star that led them first to Jerusalem, where they stopped in the palace (a logical place) and discovered that no one knew anything.
I spoke of Herod. The jealous ruler of the kingdom that was so afraid of a little baby that he ultimately had all under a certain age killed - thinking he could stop God. He called in the Chief Priests, who - like the Wise Men - studied the prophets almost daily. they reported to Herod and the Magi that the prophets foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
As I prepared for that sermon, it struck me! Common courtesy and protocol should have been extended to the Magi. These learned men from the East should have been guided to Bethlehem by the learned men from Jerusalem. The scripture records that the learned men from Jerusalem did NOTHING to change their agenda - they went back while the Magi went own and worshipped the new born King and gave Him fine gifts.
It is my prayer that more of us will be like the Wise Men and the shepherds. Praising God as we go - even back to work. And giving Him our finest gifts - our very lives - as genuine worship.
Though that is my prayer, it is my fear that most who profess faith in Christ will actually be more like the townspeople, Herod, or the Chief Priests - too preoccupied with self, our own agendas, etc. to come unto Him, worship Him, and experience the joy and fulfillment that ONLY Christ can bring into our lives.
Friday, June 29, 2007
ANY Two People SEEKING GOD Can Work Together
In a sermon preached at Ridgecrest immediately before I became a Director of Missions I heard Jimmy Draper state "Any two people genuinely seeking God can work together." His words were spoken as he preached on "The Single Priority of Christ," using the testimony of the Apostle Paul from Philippians 1: 21 (and associated verses). I took note of those words and have used it as a guide in my work as a Director of Missions/Associational Missionary.
It burdens me that we (as believers) debate and argue on so many issues and harbor such ill will toward one another as a result of past hurts. While we read and respond to this post, hundreds of people will leave this world to eternity - most without Christ. As those committed to being Great Commission/Great Commandment people (and in our positions leading countless others in that same effort), it appears to me that we should make extra effort to work together for the cause of Christ.
I believe God's Word teaches that the world will know we belong to Him by the way that we "love one another." I believe God's Word teaches that we are to do all that we can to "preserve the unity" of God's church. I believe that God's Word teaches that we are to work together as a body of believers to reach a lost world for Christ.
Draper stated that the Apostle Paul was able to state Philippians 1: 21 because he had learned to live by the SINGULAR priority of Christ. The world encourages us to "get our priorities in order." For most of my life I have shared that philosophy. Today I would tell you that I missed the mark when I proclaimed that philosophy. I should have preached prioritY and not prioriTIES. In Matthew 6: 33 Jesus taught us to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness" and declared that all these "things" shall be added as well. I am called of God to be like Him, therefore that should be my message as well. I must stop putting "things" ahead of Christ.
When I state my opinion on issues of importance - they are my opinions and not God's Word. When I work diligently to advance my agenda - I must work hard to insure that my agenda is in tune with God's Will for His Kingdom. When I look to my "friends" or my "enemies" and am swayed one way or the other by their comments, I must look to God's Word and meditate upon it to insure that I am not being swayed by just any "wind of doctrine" that comes my way. That's why Draper's comments hit home that day - am I genuinely seeking God for the advancement of His kingdom or am I continually ignoring God's Word and His Call upon my life for the purpose of building my kingdom?
I commend Dr. Frank Page and those who planned our SBC this year for their efforts to call us to prayer. I believe God is calling His church to repent/turn from our wicked ways and genuinely seek Him. If and when we genuinely seek God together, we will begin to genuinely reflect who He is in the way we live our lives/conduct ourselves. That's what the world around us needs to see in us - a reflection of the Living Christ that offers to those in despair the help, hope, fulfillment, deliverance, and salvation that only Christ can bring into their lives. If we are not careful we turn people away and they remain eternally lost while we are engaged in debate over that which is important to us but may not be quite as important to God.
God is inviting us to join Him in His work - to become engaged in evangelism - sharing His message so that people will hear and come unto Him; to become engaged in discipleship - walking alongside new believers and helping them in their daily walk with the Lord and being there for them when they stumble; to become engaged in fellowship - which is far more than our potluck dinners on any given day of the week in Baptist life; to become engaged in ministry - caring for the needs of one another as part of the body and caring for the needs of our neighbors as Christ would have us to be caring for the needs of our neighbors (His definition not ours); and engaged in genuine worship of the one true God - not just playing church like little children or "going through the motions" of doing church.
The question before us is "will we join Him in His Work" and will be commit to genuinely seeking God together so that we can work together to accomplish His purpose? The QBQ (Question Behind The Question) is - are we willing to lay down ourselves for the cause of Christ, pick up His Cross, and FOLLOW Him? I remain convinced - "any two people, genuinely seeking God can work together."
It burdens me that we (as believers) debate and argue on so many issues and harbor such ill will toward one another as a result of past hurts. While we read and respond to this post, hundreds of people will leave this world to eternity - most without Christ. As those committed to being Great Commission/Great Commandment people (and in our positions leading countless others in that same effort), it appears to me that we should make extra effort to work together for the cause of Christ.
I believe God's Word teaches that the world will know we belong to Him by the way that we "love one another." I believe God's Word teaches that we are to do all that we can to "preserve the unity" of God's church. I believe that God's Word teaches that we are to work together as a body of believers to reach a lost world for Christ.
Draper stated that the Apostle Paul was able to state Philippians 1: 21 because he had learned to live by the SINGULAR priority of Christ. The world encourages us to "get our priorities in order." For most of my life I have shared that philosophy. Today I would tell you that I missed the mark when I proclaimed that philosophy. I should have preached prioritY and not prioriTIES. In Matthew 6: 33 Jesus taught us to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness" and declared that all these "things" shall be added as well. I am called of God to be like Him, therefore that should be my message as well. I must stop putting "things" ahead of Christ.
When I state my opinion on issues of importance - they are my opinions and not God's Word. When I work diligently to advance my agenda - I must work hard to insure that my agenda is in tune with God's Will for His Kingdom. When I look to my "friends" or my "enemies" and am swayed one way or the other by their comments, I must look to God's Word and meditate upon it to insure that I am not being swayed by just any "wind of doctrine" that comes my way. That's why Draper's comments hit home that day - am I genuinely seeking God for the advancement of His kingdom or am I continually ignoring God's Word and His Call upon my life for the purpose of building my kingdom?
I commend Dr. Frank Page and those who planned our SBC this year for their efforts to call us to prayer. I believe God is calling His church to repent/turn from our wicked ways and genuinely seek Him. If and when we genuinely seek God together, we will begin to genuinely reflect who He is in the way we live our lives/conduct ourselves. That's what the world around us needs to see in us - a reflection of the Living Christ that offers to those in despair the help, hope, fulfillment, deliverance, and salvation that only Christ can bring into their lives. If we are not careful we turn people away and they remain eternally lost while we are engaged in debate over that which is important to us but may not be quite as important to God.
God is inviting us to join Him in His work - to become engaged in evangelism - sharing His message so that people will hear and come unto Him; to become engaged in discipleship - walking alongside new believers and helping them in their daily walk with the Lord and being there for them when they stumble; to become engaged in fellowship - which is far more than our potluck dinners on any given day of the week in Baptist life; to become engaged in ministry - caring for the needs of one another as part of the body and caring for the needs of our neighbors as Christ would have us to be caring for the needs of our neighbors (His definition not ours); and engaged in genuine worship of the one true God - not just playing church like little children or "going through the motions" of doing church.
The question before us is "will we join Him in His Work" and will be commit to genuinely seeking God together so that we can work together to accomplish His purpose? The QBQ (Question Behind The Question) is - are we willing to lay down ourselves for the cause of Christ, pick up His Cross, and FOLLOW Him? I remain convinced - "any two people, genuinely seeking God can work together."
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