I am terribly sad today, broken-hearted for the Kingdom of God as another leader of the church has apparently sinned terribly against his Lord, his church, and his family.
Ted Haggard, the president of the National Association of Evangelicals and pastor of New Life Church in Co. Springs, CO, (I attended a small groups leadership conference there in April, 2006) was accused by a male prostitute of soliciting sex on a monthly basis and of using methamphetamine drugs. Haggard has only said there is 'some truth,' to the allegations and has resigned his position as the president of NAE and stepped aside from his position as pastor to 'seek guidance and spiritual counsel.'
Please pray for this man, for his family, for the church he had led - and for the witness of Jesus Christ in America.
I urge you, Believer, not to become defensive or condemning! This is an opportunity to love a fallen brother before the world in the spirit of Christ Jesus and an opportunity to show humility in acknowledging our sinful humanity, the reason we all need a Savior.
In these kinds of situations we are tempted to become angry, accusatory as we hurt and feel the reflected shame of hypocrisy and failure. Don't do it! Cry for this man. Cry for those who will deepen their suspicions of Christianity as a result. And, PRAY - for the grace of God to defeat evil.
Thank you, friend.
May God's peaceful presence be yours today.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Do you know your need?
So where do you put yourself on the sliding scale of acceptability? Come on, now. It is a common human trait to compare ourselves with others in our search for significance. For example, a person might reason - "I'm nowhere near Mother Teresa on the compassion scale, but I'm not Saddam Hussein, either." As long as we can find someone we consider inferior to ourselves, in whatever measure we are using, we can find a certain kind of comfort. We will also remain unaware of our true neediness!
Simon invited Jesus to his house for dinner. Simon was noted in his town for his rectitude. His home was on the right street. His friends were chosen from among the right group. He kept his finances in order. His family knew his expectations and did not challenge him for they had been well taught about the importance of maintaining his reputation in the community. Even his clothes were right, his robes selected to say, "I'm a serious man worthy of respect." Since Jesus was a rabbi with a growing reputation and was coming to town, it was 'right' to invite him to dinner. The evening was done right, everything prepared in detail, nothing left to chance. After all, that was the way Simon, the Pharisee, lived his life. Appearances were important.
As dinner was ending and conversation was flowing among the men, all chosen carefully according to their position, it happened! A woman with reputation in town for being 'available,' showed up and somehow made it into the room. She went straight to Jesus! The silence was deafening. The rabbi was a customer of this woman? How could that be? Anger rose in Simon as his perfectly planned occasion went off script. He wanted to call the servants to usher this woman out, but Jesus was the ranking guest and she was at his feet so it was up to Him to send her away, but ...
Simon gasped for what he was seeing was beyond imagination. She was starting to cry, not just wet eyes, but cascades of tears. She was kneeling down and .... kissing His feet! Then, loosened her hair as though she were in the privacy of her own bedroom. What? She is wiping her tears from His feet with her hair? Surely, they must be lovers. He couldn't even think for moment. Then, his shock gave way to rage. Ever polite, ever the respectable Simon, he held his tongue, but in his mind, he sneered, "A prophet? If He were a prophet, he would know this woman's reputation and drive her off. He wouldn't let her touch Him." Then, he thought he heard Jesus speaking to him. "Did I say that out loud?" he thought to himself. He hadn't; but Jesus heard his thoughts and was answering him.
"Simon, I have something to tell you. ...
“Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?”
Simon answered, “I suppose the one who was forgiven the most.”
“That’s right,” said Jesus.
Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said,
“Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn’t quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn’t it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.” (Luke 7:40-47, The Message)
The tragedy of a life like Simon's is that is has no passion for God, no deep appreciation of grace. Self-righteousness obscures the desperately sinful heart that is only made right by a grace awakening. Rigid self-discipline restrains the most egregious temptations from becoming reality, not so much from a desire to be holy for God's sake, but to appear holy for self's sake! "What would they think of me?" is a question asked much more often than, "What does God want from me?" Social respectability takes the place of awesome holiness because it is no the Spirit that gives life, but the Law that rules in death! With little sense of need, the Simon's of the world never come to tears of gratitude, never know the amazing love of God in a way that is beyond reason, beyond theology, beyond religion. "The forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal!"
God's truth to those of us who are so much like Simon is this - "For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins." (Romans 3:23-24, NLT) We don't have to become human wrecks, drowning in flagrant depravity before we realize His love. We need only invite the Spirit to show us our heart, to shine the Light into the corners of our pride, our lovelessness, our self-sufficiency. When we see the truth about ourselves, we have two options - return to the sliding scale of comparisons where we hide our need - OR we can pray, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’" (Luke 18:13, NKJV)
Do you know your need?
Simon invited Jesus to his house for dinner. Simon was noted in his town for his rectitude. His home was on the right street. His friends were chosen from among the right group. He kept his finances in order. His family knew his expectations and did not challenge him for they had been well taught about the importance of maintaining his reputation in the community. Even his clothes were right, his robes selected to say, "I'm a serious man worthy of respect." Since Jesus was a rabbi with a growing reputation and was coming to town, it was 'right' to invite him to dinner. The evening was done right, everything prepared in detail, nothing left to chance. After all, that was the way Simon, the Pharisee, lived his life. Appearances were important.
As dinner was ending and conversation was flowing among the men, all chosen carefully according to their position, it happened! A woman with reputation in town for being 'available,' showed up and somehow made it into the room. She went straight to Jesus! The silence was deafening. The rabbi was a customer of this woman? How could that be? Anger rose in Simon as his perfectly planned occasion went off script. He wanted to call the servants to usher this woman out, but Jesus was the ranking guest and she was at his feet so it was up to Him to send her away, but ...
Simon gasped for what he was seeing was beyond imagination. She was starting to cry, not just wet eyes, but cascades of tears. She was kneeling down and .... kissing His feet! Then, loosened her hair as though she were in the privacy of her own bedroom. What? She is wiping her tears from His feet with her hair? Surely, they must be lovers. He couldn't even think for moment. Then, his shock gave way to rage. Ever polite, ever the respectable Simon, he held his tongue, but in his mind, he sneered, "A prophet? If He were a prophet, he would know this woman's reputation and drive her off. He wouldn't let her touch Him." Then, he thought he heard Jesus speaking to him. "Did I say that out loud?" he thought to himself. He hadn't; but Jesus heard his thoughts and was answering him.
"Simon, I have something to tell you. ...
“Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?”
Simon answered, “I suppose the one who was forgiven the most.”
“That’s right,” said Jesus.
Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said,
“Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn’t quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn’t it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.” (Luke 7:40-47, The Message)
The tragedy of a life like Simon's is that is has no passion for God, no deep appreciation of grace. Self-righteousness obscures the desperately sinful heart that is only made right by a grace awakening. Rigid self-discipline restrains the most egregious temptations from becoming reality, not so much from a desire to be holy for God's sake, but to appear holy for self's sake! "What would they think of me?" is a question asked much more often than, "What does God want from me?" Social respectability takes the place of awesome holiness because it is no the Spirit that gives life, but the Law that rules in death! With little sense of need, the Simon's of the world never come to tears of gratitude, never know the amazing love of God in a way that is beyond reason, beyond theology, beyond religion. "The forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal!"
God's truth to those of us who are so much like Simon is this - "For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins." (Romans 3:23-24, NLT) We don't have to become human wrecks, drowning in flagrant depravity before we realize His love. We need only invite the Spirit to show us our heart, to shine the Light into the corners of our pride, our lovelessness, our self-sufficiency. When we see the truth about ourselves, we have two options - return to the sliding scale of comparisons where we hide our need - OR we can pray, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’" (Luke 18:13, NKJV)
Do you know your need?
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Doing what's right.
Mort Zuckerman, editor of U.S. News, writes about two kinds of cultures - the shame culture and the guilt culture - in an article published in the 11/6/06 issue. In that essay, he reflects on the growing problem with cheating in our nation - everywhere from Little League, to college entrance exams, to paying taxes. "Millions of Americans routinely engage in insurance fraud, cable TV theft, and software piracy... and see themselves as decent, law-abiding citizens. ... because," he reports, "they think there is more to gain by cheating than to lose. Inflamed by envy, they seek to be better off." One reason for our lack of integrity is that we are shifting from a guilt culture, that is, feeling guilty because we have a conscience that tells us when we're doing right and wrong; to a shame culture, where we only feel badly about doing wrong if we get caught and are exposed to public ridicule.
That really got my attention! With the erosion of knowledge of absolute 'right and wrong' that has developed right alongside of a growing agnosticism, comes a loss of conscience. With a loss of conscience, comes a lack of self-restraint for there is little incentive to do the right thing unless our actions are monitored by another.
So, who are you when no one is looking? What thoughts do you allow to fill up your mind where no one, except God, can see? Jesus states the principle that we act out of what we think! He said, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45, NIV) That being true, the key to changed behavior is not greater restraint or monitoring. If we want to act differently, we must begin to think differently.
Here's good news. We can be changed, from the inside out, by the power of the Holy Spirit of God! It's not easy, nor is it simple. It won't happen in one moment or even in a single day. It's an ongoing process that we can sabotage by a few decisions. But, becoming a good person, with real integrity, is possible. It's a costly choice, and will most likely lead some, perhaps even many, to mock you as naive; or worse, as a fool for not seeking your own advantage.
So, how does it happen?
First, we respond to the Spirit of God with humility and faith to put our trust in Christ as Savior and Lord.
We must be converted! The Bible says that we are born to sin, flawed from the first by the nature we inherit from Adam. There is no remedy for this fatal 'disease' apart from Jesus. So, we begin by praying, "Come into my life and take over, Lord Jesus Christ. Forgive me, and clean me up!" Here's the wonderful promise of the Word. "Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, The Message)
Second, we invite the Spirit to be at work in us on a daily basis, not just on Sunday; not just in some quiet moment in the early morning or late evening, but everywhere, all day long.
Paul tells us to "walk in the Spirit." That's just what it sounds like. Take a daily walk with Him. Don't run ahead, don't leave Him at home. Of course, we can't really do that because God, the Spirit, is omnipresent but we can ignore Him! Be in the Presence of God by praying often, inviting Him to speak to your heart, to shape the thoughts of your mind.
Third, we become students of the Word.
As we read and study the Bible, God's wisdom becomes our wisdom. How should a follower of Jesus live? Start with Matthew, chapters 5, 6, and 7! Those three chapters can occupy your meditations for a very long time! Then, in Bible studies, in reading good Christian literature, from solidly Biblical preaching learn about the ways of God.
Fourth, discover the spiritual disciplines.
These disciplines are to the development of Christian character what exercise is to the development of the body! If we want to be fit and healthy, we know we must exercise. It's the one factor of good health that physicians universally agree on. 30 minutes a day walking at a good pace is the simplest and most effective way to maintain our health! But, many of us won't do it! Similarly, a solid Christian character is built by daily disciplines - prayer, Scripture intake, worship, giving, confession - to name a few. We choose to do them, not because we have a surge of feelings or because they are 'fun,' but because we have a goal of becoming good, like Christ. Know this, spiritual discipline comes last, not first! If you move this to the top of the list, you will just become religious, not good! Without a genuine change of heart and the daily experience of the life of the Spirit, any practice of spiritual discipline is just another expression of self, and will soon be corrupted into hypocrisy.
Believer, let me ask you straight out... what's in your heart?
Are you joining others in the shame culture, willing in self-interest to do wrong unless you think you will get caught?
Repent! Yes, turn to God and pray for a new heart and a fresh start. Ask the Lord to give you a tender conscience that knows the difference between right and wrong, that feels guilt so that you will quickly turn to Him and do what is right - ultimately for the glory and honor of God!
Here is a word from the Word. Take it with you today.
"Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom. ... we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18, NLT)
That really got my attention! With the erosion of knowledge of absolute 'right and wrong' that has developed right alongside of a growing agnosticism, comes a loss of conscience. With a loss of conscience, comes a lack of self-restraint for there is little incentive to do the right thing unless our actions are monitored by another.
So, who are you when no one is looking? What thoughts do you allow to fill up your mind where no one, except God, can see? Jesus states the principle that we act out of what we think! He said, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45, NIV) That being true, the key to changed behavior is not greater restraint or monitoring. If we want to act differently, we must begin to think differently.
Here's good news. We can be changed, from the inside out, by the power of the Holy Spirit of God! It's not easy, nor is it simple. It won't happen in one moment or even in a single day. It's an ongoing process that we can sabotage by a few decisions. But, becoming a good person, with real integrity, is possible. It's a costly choice, and will most likely lead some, perhaps even many, to mock you as naive; or worse, as a fool for not seeking your own advantage.
So, how does it happen?
First, we respond to the Spirit of God with humility and faith to put our trust in Christ as Savior and Lord.
We must be converted! The Bible says that we are born to sin, flawed from the first by the nature we inherit from Adam. There is no remedy for this fatal 'disease' apart from Jesus. So, we begin by praying, "Come into my life and take over, Lord Jesus Christ. Forgive me, and clean me up!" Here's the wonderful promise of the Word. "Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, The Message)
Second, we invite the Spirit to be at work in us on a daily basis, not just on Sunday; not just in some quiet moment in the early morning or late evening, but everywhere, all day long.
Paul tells us to "walk in the Spirit." That's just what it sounds like. Take a daily walk with Him. Don't run ahead, don't leave Him at home. Of course, we can't really do that because God, the Spirit, is omnipresent but we can ignore Him! Be in the Presence of God by praying often, inviting Him to speak to your heart, to shape the thoughts of your mind.
Third, we become students of the Word.
As we read and study the Bible, God's wisdom becomes our wisdom. How should a follower of Jesus live? Start with Matthew, chapters 5, 6, and 7! Those three chapters can occupy your meditations for a very long time! Then, in Bible studies, in reading good Christian literature, from solidly Biblical preaching learn about the ways of God.
Fourth, discover the spiritual disciplines.
These disciplines are to the development of Christian character what exercise is to the development of the body! If we want to be fit and healthy, we know we must exercise. It's the one factor of good health that physicians universally agree on. 30 minutes a day walking at a good pace is the simplest and most effective way to maintain our health! But, many of us won't do it! Similarly, a solid Christian character is built by daily disciplines - prayer, Scripture intake, worship, giving, confession - to name a few. We choose to do them, not because we have a surge of feelings or because they are 'fun,' but because we have a goal of becoming good, like Christ. Know this, spiritual discipline comes last, not first! If you move this to the top of the list, you will just become religious, not good! Without a genuine change of heart and the daily experience of the life of the Spirit, any practice of spiritual discipline is just another expression of self, and will soon be corrupted into hypocrisy.
Believer, let me ask you straight out... what's in your heart?
Are you joining others in the shame culture, willing in self-interest to do wrong unless you think you will get caught?
Repent! Yes, turn to God and pray for a new heart and a fresh start. Ask the Lord to give you a tender conscience that knows the difference between right and wrong, that feels guilt so that you will quickly turn to Him and do what is right - ultimately for the glory and honor of God!
Here is a word from the Word. Take it with you today.
"Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom. ... we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18, NLT)
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
A day to celebrate LIFE!
This past weekend, a movie called "Saw III" was the number one money-maker in American theaters. The movie is one of a genre called slasher films and features copious amounts of terror, blood, and torture. (No, I have not seen it. I read the website!) For reasons I've never understood, some of us get a kick out of being scared to death by watching psychopaths destroy human beings on film. Of course, I know that what is on the screen is not real. But, why make 'art' out of the horrors that actually do take place in hidden corners of our world? Which brings me to this day, not one of my favorite days on the calendar; the day of little witches at the front door, fake blood, destruction of property, and all things ugly!
Yes, it is Halloween, the time for fright and "fun." But, I'm going to pass on it, as I usually do. Unlike some Believers, my reason for passing up the celebration of Halloween is not fear of demons or worry about being tainted by evil. The power of the Resurrected Christ and the Spirit of God in me has removed fear of the occult from my life. For me there's enough evil, horror, and tragedy in the daily news. I just don't need to have a day to mark the ever-present death and sorrow that stalks our world. My calling as a follower of Jesus Christ is a to be a person who gives life, light, hope, and joy to those in my world.
No, I'm not a crank. I'll meet the kids at the front door this evening with a sugary treat. But, throughout this day, I will be praying for the blessings of God to come to this broken, fallen world were there is so much suffering and sadness coming from deceived sinful people and from the schemes of the Evil One. I will be looking for ways to be a person who gives those blessings - in my words, in my attitudes, and in my actions. You see, I want to be known for being a person who is 'for' something, not for what I'm against, don't you? I'm not against celebrating Halloween, despite the occult and evil themes that are woven into the day. I'm for Jesus and for goodness! I believe we who are His followers should be noted for the rich and full lives we enjoy as a result of His love, rather than being known as cranky people who are always 'against' this or that.
I am a rich man because of knowing Christ as Savior and Lord. From Him, I gain purpose for my life. I am part of a grand plan that God Himself created for the world! From Him, I gain hope. Even death, the great enemy of us all, loses the power to terrify me because in Him I live eternally. From Him, I learn to love because I am loved. No longer must I fight to keep my place in this world, for He has secured me as His own child. From Him, I gain the ability to over-rule the sinful nature that drives others to self-destruction, for the Spirit in me teaches me to "turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. ... and to "live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God!" (Titus 2:12, NLT)
Do you know Him? Have you received the gift of His life?
Then celebrate it! Do not give in to the Pharisees in the church that find every occasion to criticize, condemn, and carp on the sins of the world.
Sing a new song! Make it about the glory of being one of God's own people.
Jesus wants us to live in joyful celebration.
He says, “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16, The Message)
_______________________
All I once held dear,
Built my life upon,
All this world reveres,
And wars to own,
All I once thought gain
I have counted loss;
Spent and worthless now,
Compared to this.
Knowing You, Jesus,
knowing You,
There is no greater thing.
You're my all,
You're the best,
You're my joy,
my righteousness,
And I love You, Lord.
Now my heart's desire
Is to know You more,
To be found in You,
And known as Yours,
To possess by faith
What I could not earn;
All surpassing gift of righteousness.
Oh to know the power of
Your risen life,
And to know You in Your sufferings,
To become like You
In Your death, my Lord;
So with You to live, and never die.
Knowing You, Jesus,
knowing You,
There is no greater thing.
You're my all,
You're the best,
You're my joy,
my righteousness,
And I love You, Lord.
Knowing You - Kendrick, Graham
Copyright: 1993 Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services)
Yes, it is Halloween, the time for fright and "fun." But, I'm going to pass on it, as I usually do. Unlike some Believers, my reason for passing up the celebration of Halloween is not fear of demons or worry about being tainted by evil. The power of the Resurrected Christ and the Spirit of God in me has removed fear of the occult from my life. For me there's enough evil, horror, and tragedy in the daily news. I just don't need to have a day to mark the ever-present death and sorrow that stalks our world. My calling as a follower of Jesus Christ is a to be a person who gives life, light, hope, and joy to those in my world.
No, I'm not a crank. I'll meet the kids at the front door this evening with a sugary treat. But, throughout this day, I will be praying for the blessings of God to come to this broken, fallen world were there is so much suffering and sadness coming from deceived sinful people and from the schemes of the Evil One. I will be looking for ways to be a person who gives those blessings - in my words, in my attitudes, and in my actions. You see, I want to be known for being a person who is 'for' something, not for what I'm against, don't you? I'm not against celebrating Halloween, despite the occult and evil themes that are woven into the day. I'm for Jesus and for goodness! I believe we who are His followers should be noted for the rich and full lives we enjoy as a result of His love, rather than being known as cranky people who are always 'against' this or that.
I am a rich man because of knowing Christ as Savior and Lord. From Him, I gain purpose for my life. I am part of a grand plan that God Himself created for the world! From Him, I gain hope. Even death, the great enemy of us all, loses the power to terrify me because in Him I live eternally. From Him, I learn to love because I am loved. No longer must I fight to keep my place in this world, for He has secured me as His own child. From Him, I gain the ability to over-rule the sinful nature that drives others to self-destruction, for the Spirit in me teaches me to "turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. ... and to "live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God!" (Titus 2:12, NLT)
Do you know Him? Have you received the gift of His life?
Then celebrate it! Do not give in to the Pharisees in the church that find every occasion to criticize, condemn, and carp on the sins of the world.
Sing a new song! Make it about the glory of being one of God's own people.
Jesus wants us to live in joyful celebration.
He says, “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16, The Message)
_______________________
All I once held dear,
Built my life upon,
All this world reveres,
And wars to own,
All I once thought gain
I have counted loss;
Spent and worthless now,
Compared to this.
Knowing You, Jesus,
knowing You,
There is no greater thing.
You're my all,
You're the best,
You're my joy,
my righteousness,
And I love You, Lord.
Now my heart's desire
Is to know You more,
To be found in You,
And known as Yours,
To possess by faith
What I could not earn;
All surpassing gift of righteousness.
Oh to know the power of
Your risen life,
And to know You in Your sufferings,
To become like You
In Your death, my Lord;
So with You to live, and never die.
Knowing You, Jesus,
knowing You,
There is no greater thing.
You're my all,
You're the best,
You're my joy,
my righteousness,
And I love You, Lord.
Knowing You - Kendrick, Graham
Copyright: 1993 Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services)
Monday, October 30, 2006
Your work is appreciated!
Yesterday, members of the congregation I that I serve as Pastor said, "thank you!" It was an observance of Pastor's Appreciation Day. I have difficulty accepting affirmation. Since I am the privileged one who gets to do what he loves to do in life, I'm always more than a little embarrassed by an event organized in which people thank me for just doing what I love and what God has called me to do! After all, what could be more rewarding than having the trust of people who allow me to teach them God's Word, week by week? I feel like I have a family numbering in the hundreds - complete with kids to love, fights to settle, sorrows to share, and significant milestones to celebrate. Most days I love being a Pastor. (Yes, there days when I complain, but don't we all?)
Today, I want to keep TFTD simple. I want to encourage you to be an encourager.
Brighten somebody's day with a word of genuine encouragement.
For that service person, a sincere, "Thank you," along with a generous tip will do it. For someone who has gone the extra mile with you, a note of appreciation is in order. Keep it honest and, where possible, make it specific. As I read through the cards yesterday, there was one that I could not finish because of the tears of joy that blocked my vision. A father thanked me - in a specific way - for expressing affection to his kids, which he realized was meaningful to them and made them understand that they are people who matter in an often impersonal world. His specific word of thanks made me feel great!
The Word tells us to "speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, The Message) Look for creative ways to do that! In few weeks, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. Why not turn the day into a whole month of 'thanks-living?' Purposefully seek out ways to cultivate gratitude. When you find a complaint forming in your mind, and you're getting ready to be a critic, turn it into a compliment or an opportunity for affirmation!
"Ah, Jerry, life's not always rosy. People fail, don't do their job, are sometimes lazy, and take advantage of me." You are right! We're all sinners and we offend each other in a hundred ways - intentionally and thoughtlessly. There are most certainly times when we must correct wrong behavior, when we must speak honestly to another's failure, but must we do that all the time? Is there so little to praise that we feel compelled to be miserable critics, growling our way through the day? I think not!
Truthfully, most of us will respond to affirmation, we will be drawn along to change by genuine praise, much more quickly and effectively than we are driven by criticism.
So, go spread joy today. Give up your need to be 'right,' or 'comfortable,' and encourage. What you give, you'll get, so make it good!
_________________________
Gather 'round me, everybody!
Gather 'round me while I'm preachin' !
Feel a sermon comin' on me -
The topic will be sin and that's what I'm ag'in'
If you wanna hear my story,
then settle back and just sit tight,
While I start reviewin' the attitude of doin' right!
You've got to accentuate the positive!
Eliminate the negative!Latch
on to the affirmative,
don't mess with Mister In-Between!
You've got to spread joy up to the maximum!
Bring gloom down to the minimum!
Have faith or pandemonium's
liable to walk upon the scene.
- Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer
Today, I want to keep TFTD simple. I want to encourage you to be an encourager.
Brighten somebody's day with a word of genuine encouragement.
For that service person, a sincere, "Thank you," along with a generous tip will do it. For someone who has gone the extra mile with you, a note of appreciation is in order. Keep it honest and, where possible, make it specific. As I read through the cards yesterday, there was one that I could not finish because of the tears of joy that blocked my vision. A father thanked me - in a specific way - for expressing affection to his kids, which he realized was meaningful to them and made them understand that they are people who matter in an often impersonal world. His specific word of thanks made me feel great!
The Word tells us to "speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, The Message) Look for creative ways to do that! In few weeks, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. Why not turn the day into a whole month of 'thanks-living?' Purposefully seek out ways to cultivate gratitude. When you find a complaint forming in your mind, and you're getting ready to be a critic, turn it into a compliment or an opportunity for affirmation!
"Ah, Jerry, life's not always rosy. People fail, don't do their job, are sometimes lazy, and take advantage of me." You are right! We're all sinners and we offend each other in a hundred ways - intentionally and thoughtlessly. There are most certainly times when we must correct wrong behavior, when we must speak honestly to another's failure, but must we do that all the time? Is there so little to praise that we feel compelled to be miserable critics, growling our way through the day? I think not!
Truthfully, most of us will respond to affirmation, we will be drawn along to change by genuine praise, much more quickly and effectively than we are driven by criticism.
So, go spread joy today. Give up your need to be 'right,' or 'comfortable,' and encourage. What you give, you'll get, so make it good!
_________________________
Gather 'round me, everybody!
Gather 'round me while I'm preachin' !
Feel a sermon comin' on me -
The topic will be sin and that's what I'm ag'in'
If you wanna hear my story,
then settle back and just sit tight,
While I start reviewin' the attitude of doin' right!
You've got to accentuate the positive!
Eliminate the negative!Latch
on to the affirmative,
don't mess with Mister In-Between!
You've got to spread joy up to the maximum!
Bring gloom down to the minimum!
Have faith or pandemonium's
liable to walk upon the scene.
- Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)