The other day I pulled my car into the garage - nothing spectacular to be sure, but upon shutting off the car and beginning the extraction process I had an epiphany.
I opened the car door and went to leave the vehicle when there was this strange resistance keeping me bound in the car. I tried a second time to vacate the premises, but with a similar result. Then it suddenly dawned on me that I still had my seat belt on! Sheepishly I reached down and un-clicked the seat belt! I then was able to walk into the house without this strange force holding me in my seat.
Walking into the house pondering this moment in time, I had my epiphany. In order to leave the confines of the former space I had to remove the constraints that held me there! The same is true of those who wish to leave the constraints of the sinful life! Too many individuals try to make a fresh start, to allow Christ to come into their life - allowing them to start fresh. Yet even as they try and leave they try to live this new life setting in the same seat, and under the same constraints.
In order for us to live a new life in Christ, we must move to a new place and un-click the restraints in order to actually move to a new place.
As you begin this New Year in a matter of hours, what are the restraints that are holding you back? What things do you need to un-click so that you can move to a new place?
As you begin this New Year may you know the joy of a fresh start and in a fresh place!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Power In Prayer
In the life of any pastor, there are weeks, and then there are weeks. The last seven days, has been one of those weeks! So many things have occured.
The season of Advent, is in and of it self a time where there is so much to be done. Layered over that, the formulation of a budget for the next year, end of the year items that must be cared for, several families in crisis of various sorts, the death and home-going celebration for a wonderful man of God - well, i think you get the idea.
Sunday, as i had a conversation with someone in crisis, I was gently reminded of how limited I am to meet the needs of those I shepherd. I have no magic wand to wave, nor pixie dust to gently blow, that will magically make everything all better. I was reminded that I do have the ability to pray and lay it all at the feet of Jesus. He, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is much more effective at supplying the needs of His children! So I prayed.
Monday was a wonderful celebration of Ken Clements home-going that also reminded me what daily Christian living is about -- loving God, loving others, and looking forward to Christ's return. What a woship celebration. I thought I would be stressed, but the more I leaned on the Lord, the more peace I discovered! Isn't God wonderful!
Yesterday, I followed up on my Sunday conversation, sharing with that individual my frustration on one hand of not knowing what to do, and knowing that I could and was praying for them -- trusting God. The individual looked at me with the biggest smile on their face, and began to share with me how God had helped resolve the crisis, and brought healing and restoration. Isn't God wonderful!
One of the other crisis situations, seems to still be a crisis unresolved, filled with hurt, frustration, and pain . . . I'm still praying. I'm trusting God. I believe He is wonderful, and almighty God no matter how this situation unfolds.
Maybe you have a situation, or situations in your life that you need to take to Jesus, and share with Him in prayer. One of my favorite quotes is: "Christians need to be reminded, more than they need to be informed". I have been reminded about the power of prayer -- now you can consider yourself reminded, and together we can give God the glory!
The season of Advent, is in and of it self a time where there is so much to be done. Layered over that, the formulation of a budget for the next year, end of the year items that must be cared for, several families in crisis of various sorts, the death and home-going celebration for a wonderful man of God - well, i think you get the idea.
Sunday, as i had a conversation with someone in crisis, I was gently reminded of how limited I am to meet the needs of those I shepherd. I have no magic wand to wave, nor pixie dust to gently blow, that will magically make everything all better. I was reminded that I do have the ability to pray and lay it all at the feet of Jesus. He, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is much more effective at supplying the needs of His children! So I prayed.
Monday was a wonderful celebration of Ken Clements home-going that also reminded me what daily Christian living is about -- loving God, loving others, and looking forward to Christ's return. What a woship celebration. I thought I would be stressed, but the more I leaned on the Lord, the more peace I discovered! Isn't God wonderful!
Yesterday, I followed up on my Sunday conversation, sharing with that individual my frustration on one hand of not knowing what to do, and knowing that I could and was praying for them -- trusting God. The individual looked at me with the biggest smile on their face, and began to share with me how God had helped resolve the crisis, and brought healing and restoration. Isn't God wonderful!
One of the other crisis situations, seems to still be a crisis unresolved, filled with hurt, frustration, and pain . . . I'm still praying. I'm trusting God. I believe He is wonderful, and almighty God no matter how this situation unfolds.
Maybe you have a situation, or situations in your life that you need to take to Jesus, and share with Him in prayer. One of my favorite quotes is: "Christians need to be reminded, more than they need to be informed". I have been reminded about the power of prayer -- now you can consider yourself reminded, and together we can give God the glory!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
You Don't Have To Have This, In Order To Have This!
At Ransomville Free Methodist we are blessed to have the opportunity to add Pastor Greg Harp as an Associate on staff. Together as the Pastoral Team we share responsibility for leadership and equipping responsibilities for the people of RFMC.
One aspect of our duties means being able to respond to crisis situations and those things which occur outside normal "business hours". We take this very seriously, and so added a special cell phone number for people to use. Every other week Greg hands the phone to me, and a week later, I hand it back to him. Carrying one phone is cumbersome enough, but two phones bring additional challenges.
One morning as I was leaving the house and strapping on the phones, I asked myself the question, "Why do I have this? The obvious answer came back to me, but then another thought krept in - "I don't have to have this, in order to have this". What a strange thought. But in those crucial moments it ocurred to me - it is true. The phone we use has call forwarding. I don't have to carry the actually phone to have all the benefits of the phone.
Then I had another thought - I don't have to have the tangible, bodily Christ, to have the Christ. In Scripture when He ascended He said He was coming back, but He was sending us His Holy Spirit. "I'm with you always" is a great Truth and reality of Scripture, my life, and I hope your life!
Today remain connected to the greatest source of Life!
One aspect of our duties means being able to respond to crisis situations and those things which occur outside normal "business hours". We take this very seriously, and so added a special cell phone number for people to use. Every other week Greg hands the phone to me, and a week later, I hand it back to him. Carrying one phone is cumbersome enough, but two phones bring additional challenges.
One morning as I was leaving the house and strapping on the phones, I asked myself the question, "Why do I have this? The obvious answer came back to me, but then another thought krept in - "I don't have to have this, in order to have this". What a strange thought. But in those crucial moments it ocurred to me - it is true. The phone we use has call forwarding. I don't have to carry the actually phone to have all the benefits of the phone.
Then I had another thought - I don't have to have the tangible, bodily Christ, to have the Christ. In Scripture when He ascended He said He was coming back, but He was sending us His Holy Spirit. "I'm with you always" is a great Truth and reality of Scripture, my life, and I hope your life!
Today remain connected to the greatest source of Life!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Essential or Required
From time to time I have these spurious thoughts -- they just seem to pop up without provocation. Early this morning as I was engaged in my Sunday morning routine, a thought leaped into my head. I have gathered with others for the purpose of worship, almost every Sunday I have been alive -- that's a lot of Sundays! I am currently 50, so todate I have had 2600 plus Sundays that are possible. I am guessing , but I think I have missed no more than 30. If my math is correct, than I have been in a minimum of 2, 570 services. I cannot fathom, not worshipping with God's people.
In 2004 I missed the bulk of my "not-in-church" Sundays due to being ill with pnuemonia. How I longed to be in worship - I craved being with God's people.
In the midst of these thoughts I had another, is worshipping with God's people essential? I mean, is it necessary for salvation? Countless people have told me that they love God, but can worship him wherever they happen to be, i.e. golf course, camping, you get the picture.
I am inclined to agree with them -- worshipping is not essential for salvation. I believe that worship is however required.
When you get a new whatever - -on the box it says "some assembly may be required". You don't have to screw on all the parts. You may be able to use it in some fashion for a period of time, but if you want the full usefulness, the full function of your product you had better grab your hammer, phillips screwdriver, glue, and hex head allen wrench.
I recently purchased a used LaSabre. Now I don't have to take my car in for routine maintenace, it's not essential, my car still goes down the road. if however I want to get the most out of my car, if I want to be able to have dependable transportation-- routnine maintenace is required.
The same is true with the life of a Christian. If we are going to be all that God wants us to be, we cannot "forsake the gathering of ourselves together". You can still know eternal life through Jesus Christ, but you will be missing out on what it truly means to be His follower.
This next Sunday I'll be the guy getting up and heading off to worship -- not because it is essential, but it is a requirement that helps me be all that God wants me to be, and I do it because I love spending time with God and His people in worship! Come join me this next Sunday!
In 2004 I missed the bulk of my "not-in-church" Sundays due to being ill with pnuemonia. How I longed to be in worship - I craved being with God's people.
In the midst of these thoughts I had another, is worshipping with God's people essential? I mean, is it necessary for salvation? Countless people have told me that they love God, but can worship him wherever they happen to be, i.e. golf course, camping, you get the picture.
I am inclined to agree with them -- worshipping is not essential for salvation. I believe that worship is however required.
When you get a new whatever - -on the box it says "some assembly may be required". You don't have to screw on all the parts. You may be able to use it in some fashion for a period of time, but if you want the full usefulness, the full function of your product you had better grab your hammer, phillips screwdriver, glue, and hex head allen wrench.
I recently purchased a used LaSabre. Now I don't have to take my car in for routine maintenace, it's not essential, my car still goes down the road. if however I want to get the most out of my car, if I want to be able to have dependable transportation-- routnine maintenace is required.
The same is true with the life of a Christian. If we are going to be all that God wants us to be, we cannot "forsake the gathering of ourselves together". You can still know eternal life through Jesus Christ, but you will be missing out on what it truly means to be His follower.
This next Sunday I'll be the guy getting up and heading off to worship -- not because it is essential, but it is a requirement that helps me be all that God wants me to be, and I do it because I love spending time with God and His people in worship! Come join me this next Sunday!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Did ja ever?
One of the stops on my morning preparation route is taking a few moments to check my email -- it is one stop before considering to blog or not to blog. I suscribe to a free daily email from http://www.mikeysfunnies.com/ which provides some levity to face the day. A regular feature of this email is simply called "Thot For The Day" --- today, whether it was intentional or not, it was simply blank. Does this mean Mikey isn't thinking? His mind went blank? That today he did think, but his thought wasn't funny? I am definitely going to check my mail tomorrow, Lord willing, to see if he has a funny thought tomorrow.
I can identify with my friend Mikey. Two Sundays ago I preached a sermon that I was able to hit out of the park. As I prepared for yesterdays sermon, I felt like I was going to strike out, or worse yet, take a full-blown swing only to have it come off the bat and land directly in front of the plate -- did ja ever have that happen to you?
Wrestling with these thoughts (or lack of) I did have another thought. The greatest batters in baseball don't hit home runs or grand slams each time they come to the plate. Why do I feel like each Sunday when I preach I must hit it out of the park? Why do I feel that each day has to be better and more incredible than the next? Isn't preaching more than a week by week event? Isn't life more than one day?
Preaching and Life are journeys over an extended period of time. Some of those times will be on the mountain top, but many will also be in the valley. Reading Psalm 23 today gently reminded me that it is about green pastures, quiet streams, and yes even valleys of shadowy death, and days that are lack luster. God is Lord of all of those days! Today maybe a lack luster day (Monday to boot), but God is still God and he is walking with me -- and even as I think on these things -- I think I had a thought -- God is with me and He loves me!!! WoW! Did ja ever?
I can identify with my friend Mikey. Two Sundays ago I preached a sermon that I was able to hit out of the park. As I prepared for yesterdays sermon, I felt like I was going to strike out, or worse yet, take a full-blown swing only to have it come off the bat and land directly in front of the plate -- did ja ever have that happen to you?
Wrestling with these thoughts (or lack of) I did have another thought. The greatest batters in baseball don't hit home runs or grand slams each time they come to the plate. Why do I feel like each Sunday when I preach I must hit it out of the park? Why do I feel that each day has to be better and more incredible than the next? Isn't preaching more than a week by week event? Isn't life more than one day?
Preaching and Life are journeys over an extended period of time. Some of those times will be on the mountain top, but many will also be in the valley. Reading Psalm 23 today gently reminded me that it is about green pastures, quiet streams, and yes even valleys of shadowy death, and days that are lack luster. God is Lord of all of those days! Today maybe a lack luster day (Monday to boot), but God is still God and he is walking with me -- and even as I think on these things -- I think I had a thought -- God is with me and He loves me!!! WoW! Did ja ever?
Friday, November 2, 2007
Post A Comment
Recently I received an email from someone who wanted to post a comment, but didn't know how to do it. Being a friend and a responsible, blogging pastor, I assured them there was a way, and I would go and discover how. When I came here to my illustrious blog I searched and couldn't find out how to connect to post.
Now I know I am male, but I do stop and ask for directions (not as frequently since I got a GPS system, but that is an entirely different post for a different day). Not wanting to let this person down, I decided to click the "help button" and search for answers. After a few minutes I realized I had not selected that feature when I set p the blog. A few moments later all was right with the blog. Now you can go to the end of each post and simply click on "Post A Comment" and in the next window, respond to your hearts content.
I was thinking - sometimes I feel like there are things I need to respond to, connect to, and yet I have no idea how to do it. I sometimes feel like I'm being asked to do something I can't do. Sometimes I feel like God is asking me to engage but I don't know where the link is.
That is the very time that I need to go to God's Word - the "help directory" and search for the answer. To my amazement I discover that God has provided the info that I need! He has already provided the means, I just hadn't discovered it or utilized it. God always provides what we need!
Take some time today to read God's help manual - The Bible! It has the answers you are looking for! And if you still can't find what you're looking for, don't hesitate to stop and ask for directions -- I'm as close as the "Post A Comment" button away.
Now I know I am male, but I do stop and ask for directions (not as frequently since I got a GPS system, but that is an entirely different post for a different day). Not wanting to let this person down, I decided to click the "help button" and search for answers. After a few minutes I realized I had not selected that feature when I set p the blog. A few moments later all was right with the blog. Now you can go to the end of each post and simply click on "Post A Comment" and in the next window, respond to your hearts content.
I was thinking - sometimes I feel like there are things I need to respond to, connect to, and yet I have no idea how to do it. I sometimes feel like I'm being asked to do something I can't do. Sometimes I feel like God is asking me to engage but I don't know where the link is.
That is the very time that I need to go to God's Word - the "help directory" and search for the answer. To my amazement I discover that God has provided the info that I need! He has already provided the means, I just hadn't discovered it or utilized it. God always provides what we need!
Take some time today to read God's help manual - The Bible! It has the answers you are looking for! And if you still can't find what you're looking for, don't hesitate to stop and ask for directions -- I'm as close as the "Post A Comment" button away.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
It's Always Something
This morning I fired up the ol' laptop with the intended purpose of posting my second entry onto my new blog. The morning air was crisp and cool, while the first rays of dawn edged over the horizon. The peculiar sound of windows loading penetrated the stillness -- I sipped a little morning blend waiting for the moment.
Clicking on the Internet Explorer icon, my senses quickened. Now I simply had to type in my blog url and I could begin placing words and phrases together for the second day in a row! My blog leaped to the screen, and then . . ..
then there was more clicks! My blog was there and then it was gone! Hijacked to some site seeking to sell me on how much I needed viagra. Ugh! Some spyware had attached itself! With some effort it was removed, but the opportunity, the moment was lost forever!
Isn't that how life is sometimes! We long for those special moments! We long for all to be right with the world. The sad news is that the not all is right in the world. The good news is that God is control no matter what the world or our current status happens to be. Psalm 46:10 says: "Be still and know that I am God"
I shut down my computer. Sipped a little more of the morning blend, and then I closed my eyes and quietly slipped into His Presence. Though that moment was lost, there will be other moments. Right now I will give thanks enjoy this moment.
Take some time today to just be quiet before the Lord!!!
Clicking on the Internet Explorer icon, my senses quickened. Now I simply had to type in my blog url and I could begin placing words and phrases together for the second day in a row! My blog leaped to the screen, and then . . ..
then there was more clicks! My blog was there and then it was gone! Hijacked to some site seeking to sell me on how much I needed viagra. Ugh! Some spyware had attached itself! With some effort it was removed, but the opportunity, the moment was lost forever!
Isn't that how life is sometimes! We long for those special moments! We long for all to be right with the world. The sad news is that the not all is right in the world. The good news is that God is control no matter what the world or our current status happens to be. Psalm 46:10 says: "Be still and know that I am God"
I shut down my computer. Sipped a little more of the morning blend, and then I closed my eyes and quietly slipped into His Presence. Though that moment was lost, there will be other moments. Right now I will give thanks enjoy this moment.
Take some time today to just be quiet before the Lord!!!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Power of Written Word
This morning, as i was surfing the net, i came across a reference to a new book --http://oneyeardailygrind.blogspot.com/ a twenty-something devotional from author Sarah Arthurs. Sarah and her husband intentionally live in a difficult section of Durham SC, intending to make a difference in their world. From her location she has written multiple books, and is impacting not just Durham, but people through out the US and the World.
It occured to me once again today, the power and influence that the written word has to effect life transformational change within an individual. Ask anyone who knows me, and they will tell you that I am a highly verbal person. Writing is not necessarily one of my strong suites.
One of the reasons today I have begun this blog is to stretch my writing skills, share all most on a daily so others could join me on this incredible journey God has called me on, and reach out to the world outside of Ransomville NY.
I invite you to interact with me - come back often - and discover with me the power of the transformational Word of God.
This is so kewl!!!!!
It occured to me once again today, the power and influence that the written word has to effect life transformational change within an individual. Ask anyone who knows me, and they will tell you that I am a highly verbal person. Writing is not necessarily one of my strong suites.
One of the reasons today I have begun this blog is to stretch my writing skills, share all most on a daily so others could join me on this incredible journey God has called me on, and reach out to the world outside of Ransomville NY.
I invite you to interact with me - come back often - and discover with me the power of the transformational Word of God.
This is so kewl!!!!!
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