Posts

Showing posts from January, 2005

Grief

-
Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...
Read more

uncompromised

-
The Relationship of Truth to Pastoral Ministry from the Pastors’ Epistles Paul opens his letter to Titus and first epistle to Timothy by defining the genuine relationship they share as by implication, “a spiritual father” writing to his “spiritual son” in the faith; specifically, a reference to the relationship established by their common faith in Christ Jesus that leads to Godliness (1 Tim 1:2; Titus 1:1, 4). This is the basis for all relationships in the church, where the pastor models his unswerving faith in Christ Jesus, walking out his theology in and around those he serves. The pastor serves as lead worshipper of God in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:23), basing his life upon truth; that is, upon Jesus Himself who is truth (Jn. 14:6) who gives His Spirit of truth (Jn 14:17), whose word is truth (Jn 17:17). Paul urges that the minister be active in prayer for all men, not only for their salvation but for peaceable living, because God approves as He is the one who, “desires all men...
Read more

unshakable

-
wanna see something cool? If you did not read my last blog about Paul (see "unstoppable"--below), please do so before reading this: In Psalm 15, David asks God two questions (which is really the same question asked two different ways): "who is able to live where you are?" The answer: the one who walks/works/speaks with integrity/righteousness/truth. He is the same on the outside as he is on the inside. In relating to others, the one who lives where God is,is the one who speaks truth and does not slander his neighbor--he walks with integrity by doing no evil to his neighbor--he works righteousness by taking care of his neighbor. The one who lives where God is hates what God hates and loves what God loves. What he says he will do--does not vacillate. The one who lives with God despenses resources without taking record or expecting anything in return. He gives to take care of the innocent. He is on top--with the King of the Mountain! Did you see Paul? Unshakable! If yo...
Read more

unstoppable

-
Back in August,2004 I began to blog on a series called "The Spiritual Foundations of Ministry" beginning with "Effective, or just Successful?". During Christmas break I have been trying to get this study going again by looking at some biographies. One I read was that of the Apostle Paul (Acts 9-28). Once I heard a pastor ask, "Why is it when we think of "spiritual giants" or "heroes of the faith" we only think of those who are no longer living?" After getting through conviction-delux, I realized that I have spent many years looking into the apostle Paul's writing and have never really slowed down to look at the man Paul. Here is a non-exhaustive summation of the man I saw in Acts 9-28: Paul was, from the beginning to the end, a character immersed deep with intention. This is seen in his tenacity of 9:1-3. Immediately one gathers that though he was a man of position and authority, reminiscent of that Roman centurion who met Jesus con...
Read more