Is Waiting An Action?

Coaching tennis for many years, I recall saying, “Get ready,” too many times to count. Waiting for the serve or return in tennis is crucial. How you wait, anticipating, preparing for the ball, is important. A couple of weeks ago I wrote a piece about waiting, and “tactical patience.” I ended that piece with a statement about waiting with purpose. I was reminded again this morning during a devotion reading that waiting is an action. How we wait is important. On my journey of faith, I have learned there will be seasons and periods of waiting. It’s nothing new. We see it all in the scripture. In John Chapter 2, Jesus tells his mother that his time has not yet come. He had been waiting on his time. Saul rushes his waiting season in 1 Samuel 13 and it costs him his kingship. Sarah and Abraham waited on the birth of a son. Just a note, he was 100 and she was 90 years old!  Noah waited on the rain, now his had some work to do in the meantime. The one story of waiting that I hadn’t thought of until this morning, was Ester. She waited twelve months (3:12) before being allowed to come to the king, then it wasn’t a guarantee that he would have her back again.

Waiting is important. We have a choice. We can wait with our arms folded, slouched down, pouting, or we can purposefully wait, shoulders back, knees bent, one foot slightly in front of the other, on the balls of our feet, ready. Purposefully waiting, or “tactical patience,” is being aware of God’s presence and that He is preparing us and others. Making waiting an action requires us to acknowledge that God is always with us, and that we need to be allowing God to work in us during our season of waiting. I believe that God is restoring us always. Restoring our brokenness, shame and guilt. Restoring us to our intended created being. To bring glory to Him. A new creation!

As believers in Christ we are called to think of others. In saying that, I believe that in the relationships, and organizations that we work with as pastors, and leaders, that the waiting is not always about us. It could very well be about the preparation of others. We should not assume that God doesn’t have more to in us, but we should not forget that there are others involved as well. It could be that God is needing to prepare them before we move forward a church or organization.
May prayer for myself is that I wait purposefully. Wait, anticipating God’s work in me and those around me. May we celebrate that work and be ready to go and do as God calls us to. Be ready! 

Matter Of The Heart

Matter Of The Heart

'A king’s heart is like streams of water in the Lord ’s hand: He directs it wherever He chooses. All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives. Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. '
Proverbs 21:1-3

As church leaders and pastor’s, I believe these verses are very important to us. It’s of the greatest importance for us to make sure that our hearts are in the hands of the Lord. When we do that, then we are letting God do as he pleases. We are allowing Him to direct us wherever he wants to. Only the Lord knows our motives and why we are doing what we are doing.

When the writer talks about doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable than sacrifice, I hear him talking about obedience. God wants obedience before he wants sacrifice. Obedience to Him is the most important. We can sacrifice our time, money, material possessions, and even our family, but are we being obedient to God?

David ask God in Psalm 139 to search his heart, to know his anxious thoughts, see if there is any wicked way in him. Why would David do that? He knew that only God knows are heart. Only God knows our intent and motives. We don’t know our hearts. Remember the Proverb 21, “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord knows our heart.” David asks God to see if there is any offensive way in him. We too need to ask God search our hearts. We need to ask God to lead us just as David did. I believe when God is leading us, then and only then can we lead others. Many times we may believe we are doing what is right, but are we? Is our motivation pure? Are we being obedient?

Church Revitalization will only happen in our churches when we as pastors and leaders put our hearts in the hands of God, allow him to do with us as He pleases, search our hearts, and lead us. How can we expect our churches to change unless we are allowing God to change us? All of the successful revitalization stories that I have heard, begin with the revitalization, renewal, and transformation of the pastor. Are we asking God to renew, refresh and revitalizes us? Or are we spending more time asking God to change our churches, but not allowing Him to do in us what he pleases?

I pray that we as pastors and church leaders will place our hearts in the hands of God, allow Him to do as He pleases, ask Him to search our hearts, and lead us. That’s how church revitalization will happen.

'Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.'
Psalm 139:23-24

Purpose Of The Church

Many churches are gearing up the new church year. In the south, many churches begin their new calendar year in September or October. As you are planning now for the new year, I hope you'll consider asking this question. Why do we exist?

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21

In Henry and Richard Blackaby’s book, “Flickering Lamps: Christ & His Church,” Blackaby shares of a great experience of what he saw God do in a church he served in Canada.  It’s a great book that I highly recommend for pastors, church leaders, and churches.

The Blackaby’s share three primary purposes for the church.

1. To Glorify God (Ephesians 3:20-21)
2. To Make Disciples (Matt. 28:19-20)
3. To Preserve and Bless Their Communities (Matt. 5:13-16)

“ When local congregations fulfill these purposes they have God’s power, pleasure, and provision at their disposal. When churches forsake God’s purposes, they invite God’s judgement (Rev. 2:5)” pg. 8

He expands on those three, and really had some great words to share backed by scripture too. He then says that in addition to these general purposes, God gives local churches specific assignments or a focus that drives much of what they do.

“The church at Antioch was assigned to extend the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13:1-3). The church at Jerusalem demonstrated a special concern for meeting the needs of widows and the city’s poor (Acts 4:34-37; 6:1-7). The church at Ephesus was particularly strong in doctrine and exposing false teaching (Rev. 2:2). The church at Philippi felt compelled to invest financially in missionary work (Phil. 4:14-18).”  pg. 12

“At times church members fixate on facility upkeep or doing “business as usual” until they forget why God commissioned them in the first place.” pg. 13

Has your church lost it’s “Why”? I pray that God will show you your “why,” and give you the ability to lead your church to it’s God given mission.

"“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:13-16

Freedom To Be You

"For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as  yet  there  were none of them."
Psalms 139:13-16

The book is entitled, "Uniquely Bivocational." In chapter 10, "Being Yourself," author Ray Gilder uses Psalm 139 to remind us that our real identity rests in who God says we are.  Gilder says, "The true source of our self-worth and significance is not what we have done, or the size of the church we serve. Our real identity rests in who God says we are, and what He feels about us." Gilder asks these questions at the end of the chapter.

1. Do you praise God for making you like you are?
2. Do you honor Him by being yourself and by using your special personality to glorify Him?

Listen to this song, "When He Was On The Cross"

https://youtu.be/K2iijI2yEkc

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die."
Romans 5:6-8

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing,

shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39

You are uniquely made by God, he knows you and you are LOVED! Rest in that today!

Who Does the Church Belong To?

"and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”
and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”
So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”"

Revelation 1:5-8

In his book, “Flickering Lamps: Christ & His Church,” Henry Blackaby says this about the passage above.

“No one could have experienced such a divine encounter and not been immediately convinced that every ruler, power, or weapon on earth was insignificant compared to Him. In light of the risen Christ, no king, no celebrity, no tycoon could begin to compare to His glory and majesty. When the exalted Christ is present, nothing else matters. No other opinion is consequential. No other person merits praise or recognition.

When churches lose sight of the risen Christ, people begin to behave as if the church belongs to them, rather than to Christ.  They see the limelight rather than drawing attention to Christ. People criticize other members and divide the church in order to obtain what they want. Members behave shamefully as if they will never give an account to their Lord for what they are doing.” pg. 122

In my currently ministry calling have the privilege of serving eighty-eight baptist churches. A part of this service is to listen when pastors and church members have issues or conflict. Sometimes I am invited in to help mediate or be a part of conflict resolution. Too often the conflict is over a power struggle between members or members and the pastor. It can be really easy for us to loose cite of Jesus.

Pastors and Church Leaders,

I pray that you are reminded today, that no matter what happened Sunday, or after that deacon or committee meeting, Jesus is still Lord! Whether you know it or not, the church still belongs to Jesus. I just pray that the church will but it's focus on Jesus. I believe they will if we as leaders put Jesus first in our lives. Blackaby says this on the next page, “The key to a successful church is keeping Christ the center of everything you do.”  “Churches must set aside their egos, agendas, and preferences in deference to Christ.  It is His will, His glory, and His reputation that matters, not ours.” pg. 124

I pray that as pastors and church leaders, you are able to keep Christ first in all that you do! He is greater than ANYTHING!

"He must become greater; I must become less.”"
John 3:30

The Lord Is With You

God has given me a great heart for the church and pastors. My heart is heavy both. Some pastors feel like they are facing an impossible situation. You may be a pastor reading this and you feel like no one cares, no one is willing, and no one will listen. Don't give up!

"When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." Judges 6:12

Growing up, I was fascinated with the story of Gideon, how God led him to decrease hi army and then go and fight the Midianites! I remember singing a song about it in children's choir. The story has a very different meaning as an adult. I don't recall facing any impossible situations as a child, but I was taught that God is able. As we grow up and experience life, we know how difficult things can be. What do we do when we face a situation like Gideon? When we're out numbered, or the task seems to big?

In 2 Chronicles 14 we read the story of King Asa. God led him to defeat the Cushites, a million man army. Asa only had an army of about 500,000. Yes, you read that correctly, an army of 500,000 defeated an army of 1,000,000. King Asa was out manned, but God led him to victory. You would think that would be the end of the story, but in chapter 15, we see that times were tough again. God shares these words with Asa in verse 7, "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." I don't know what your facing, but I know that God does. Like Gideon, and Asa, God wants to lead you to a great victory. The victory is not to get us a great name, but so that others see how great God is!

My prayer is that God would provide a great victory, so great that all would see it was God's hand at work. We need a great revival. May we lead our churches to repentance! If you go to the beginning of both the passages in Judges 6, and 2 Chronicles 14, the outpouring of God's spirit and strength comes after repentance!

"But as for you, be strong, and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7

Labor, Love, and Repentance

Keep in mind that this started out being a word to pastors, but I believe it applies to all followers of Christ. With that being said, let this be a reminder to pray for your pastor, daily. They face many challenges and need our prayers daily.

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.4Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Revelation 2:2-5

We are no different than anyone else. We allow sin into our lives, and if we're not careful, we can let it go for sometime. I understand it can be hard for us as pastors to admit our faults and sin.

What do you need to repent of today? Is it worry, pride, lust, selfishness, idolatry? Ask God to reveal sins in your own life. Repent, ask him to forgive you and rest in his mercy and grace! Take time today to recall your salvation experience. Recall your baptism. What was your Matthew 1:15-17 experience? Claim God's goodness today! Reclaim your first love!  

1As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So pants my soul for You, O God.

2My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When shall I come and appear before God?

3My tears have been my food day and night,

While they continually say to me,

“Where is your God?”

4When I remember these things,

I pour out my soul within me.

For I used to go with the multitude;

I went with them to the house of God,

With the voice of joy and praise,

With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.

5Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him

For the help of His countenance.

6O my God, my soul is cast down within me;

Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,

And from the heights of Hermon,

From the Hill Mizar.

7Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;

All Your waves and billows have gone over me.

8The Lord will command His loving kindness in the daytime,

And in the night His song shall be with me—

A prayer to the God of my life.

9I will say to God my Rock,

“Why have You forgotten me?

Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

10As with a breaking of my bones,

My enemies reproach me,

While they say to me all day long,

“Where is your God?”

11Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God;

For I shall yet praise Him,

The help of my countenance and my God. Pslam 42

Thank God for his mercy and grace! God is so good and worthy of our praise!  

Prayers for you as you minister this week!