When you’re tired, be careful!

Being a pastor is a joyful calling for me … most of the time.  It is a privilege to lead a congregation, to love people, to be there for others in times of need.  Then there are those weeks when I give it my all, walk with people through crisis, when I’m disappointed in an outcome, preach with a holy passion and I get tired.  When fatigue sets in, I become vulnerable to discouragement. Everything looks impossible and worst of all, I am prone to anger. In my own life, I call it the “Elijah complex.” 

Elijah was a preacher to Israel in an evil time, when two ungodly people ruled: Ahab and Jezebel.  The Lord God gave Elijah the difficult job of announcing judgment!  At God’s command, rain would not fall and consequently, crops would not grow, leaving many to suffer and die. Obviously that message would not make Elijah an admired man, would it? Famine came and people hated him. Finally, there was a crisis, a conflict, and an amazing victory on Mt. Carmel. Jezebel was furious and declared that she would kill him if she found him. Should he have been afraid? Not really, God was with him but the man of God was exhausted and in the moment when he might have rejoiced, he ran away! Alone under a tree in the wilderness, he sobbed, "I have had enough, Lord. Take my life." (1 Kings 19.4) He was not just being dramatic or selfish. He was genuinely spent and his perspective was skewed by fatigue. Listen to his lament: "I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I alone am left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." (1 Kings 19:10)

Can you identify with his heart?
Have you ever poured yourself into some great effort for the Lord,
or given life your all only to descend into discouragement when it was over:

overwhelmed by feelings of isolation, futility, or hopelessness?

God didn't kick him while he was down. God didn't say, "Well, what a weakling my prophet turned out to be. I'll just let him die and find someone else to do my work." The Lord showed up to restore Elijah! First, he was fed miraculously to restore his strength and then God gave him a new vision.  Those few verses in 1 Kings 19 that describe the scene are among my favorites in the Scripture.  The mountain where Elijah was holed up was torn by a powerful wind, then shaken by an earthquake. After that, a blaze of fire swept the face of the mountain. The prophet discerned that God's Presence was not in the BIG, NOISY, and IMPRESSIVE displays! Then came a gentle whisper- God's revelation of Himself.  The prophet was reminded that he was not alone. "There are 7000 in Israel who have not joined the idol worshippers!" And, he was directed to go find Elisha and start to mentor him.

Tired? Too many failures in a row?  Working diligently and not getting results you desire? In your fatigue, have you concluded that God has 'failed' you? There is no sin in feeling disappointment or even in asking questions. But, make sure you listen for HIS answer. Likely God's answer to you will come in a quiet whisper that invites you to wait out His purposes. Do not try to go it alone! Stay involved with those who love you and share your love of God. Remember this: "'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6) I'd love to have my work validated by all the marks of success, but that may not happen. Faithfulness is enough.

And, hear this word from the Word. Even when we are faltering, HE knows what is ahead and He is able to accomplish His purposes.  “Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” Romans 8:25-26 -- The Message

____________

Lord I Need You

Lord I come I confess

Bowing here I find my rest

And without You I fall apart

You're the one that guides my heart

Lord I need You oh I need You

Ev'ry hour I need You

My one defense my righteousness

Oh God how I need You

Where sin runs deep Your grace is more

Where grace is found is where You are

And where You are Lord I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

Where You are Lord I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

So teach my song to rise to You

When temptation comes my way

And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You

Jesus You're my hope and stay

And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You

Jesus You're my hope and stay

Lord I need You oh I need You

Ev'ry hour I need You

My one defense my righteousness

Oh God how I need You

My one defense my righteousness

Oh God how I need You

Christy Nockels | Daniel Carson | Jesse Reeves | Kristian Stanfill | Matt Maher

© 2011 sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

Sweater Weather Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055

“They are full of cheap wine!”

The Spirit filled the first generation Christians. He came with wind, fire, and as they drank His Presence deeply, they were overcome with ecstasy, speaking in tongues, creating a commotion that drew a crowd!  Some who saw what was happening, dismissed it all as nothing more than a bunch of people who were drunk!  It makes me smile that the God we so often worship with such careful decorum chose to begin the Church with a chaotic celebration. 

See the story for yourself. "On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee," (Acts 2:1-7, NLT)  "But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”" (Acts 2:13, NLT)  Was it all just a noisy party that was over in day? No, it was the birth of the Church.

Luke’s story in Acts is about ordinary people who were extraordinarily empowered! Without a national office to coordinate their efforts, funds on reserve in the bank, an advertising budget, or a counseling office – those people changed the world. They took a confounding message of a God come to earth, who died and rose again, to a pagan world and, within one century, there were hundreds of thousands of Christ-followers. That first day in Jerusalem the movement seemed laughable. What could a few dozen followers of Jesus do to change a world full of cruelty and desperation? But, they had a promise:  "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8, NLT)  Full of faith and expectation, they waited, they were filled, and they did the impossible.

Their message? God invites you to know Him, to come into His Kingdom, a place of love, hope, joy, and ultimately - eternal life!  Their power did not exempt them from sacrifice. Deprivation, disappointment, and death stalked them, but it was of little consequence to them. They were not perfect and Luke tells us that they had conflicts, made false starts, and sometimes got it wrong. But, they met sin and evil head on with God’s power. They preached and lived a divinely given vision of a new way to live 'in the Kingdom' even as they lived here on earth.

Stephen, the martyr, is an example of the way that they lived. At his trial, he preached an amazing sermon that was not filled with pleas for his life. It was a fearless proclamation of the Truth of Christ, that infuriated the council hearing his case. "At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God’s side!" (Acts 7:54-56, The Message) Stephen's experience of Spirit empowering was not unique. Luke tells us "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s Word with fearless confidence. " (Acts 4:31, The Message)

All Christians are given the Spirit when they accept Christ’s invitation to life. But, there is an empowering experience of Him for all of us, too!  Don’t get hung up on names for that experience, or trying to make it happen in some unique way or place, or fitting it into a neat timeline. Just receive Him!  Peter invites us to be “baptized with the Holy Spirit.’  (Acts 11:16)  When He comes, He will disturb our neat little life. He will lead us to faith that some call folly. He will let us see a hope that others will insist is just a delusion. Jesus said  “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says.” (He said this in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were about to receive.”  (John 7:37-39)

Ah, I am hungry and thirsty for God, aren’t you?  Let us pray for a Pentecostal experience and give away our need to control the outcome. Here is a word from the Word that describes their fellowship. My prayer is that we will live in a similar empowered fellowship, for the glory of God.

"A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved." (Acts 2:43-47, NLT)   Do it, Lord!

______________________

Father of creation,

Unfold Your sov'reign plan.

Raise up a chosen generation

That will march through the land.

All of creation is longing

For Your unveiling of pow'r.

Would You release Your anointing?

Oh God, let this be the hour.

Ruler of the nations,

The world has yet to see

The full release of Your promise,

The church in victory.

Turn to us, Lord, and touch us;

Make us strong in Your might.

Overcome our weakness,

That we could stand up and fight.

Let Your kingdom come,

Let Your will be done.

Let us see on earth,

The glory of Your Son.

Let Your glory fall

In this room.

Let it go forth from here

To the nations.

Let Your fragrance rest

In this place,

As we gather to seek Your face.

Let Your Glory Fall- Ruis, David © 1993 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)

CCLI License No. 810055

Whenever I am afraid

Fear!  The realization of the fragile nature of our human existence can bring terrors, can’t it?  It was as if a chill wind blew through that room, 3 years ago, when the physician told Bev and me that she had advanced cancer, needed extensive surgery and chemotherapy. We both literally shook with fear as we stared into the unknown future.  After we left his office, we sat together in our car choking on our tears.  The old enemy Death stood inches from us and we trembled.  In the months that followed, I found my footing and was strong for her, holding her up, encouraging her in faith. But, that fear became a ‘friend’ who visited often, especially in the early predawn hours when I awakened with a start and listened to her as she slept. As her time of death drew near, I found God’s comfort.  When she died, the three months that followed were filled with constant anxiety, broken by moments of sheer panic – “What now, how can I live? I am alone.” 

Are you afraid? Do you dread failure? Do you feel the anxiety so common to humanity? Is the future something that is dark, without hope? You are not alone, nor are you unique! Anxiety, ranging from a mild sense of discomfort to a disorder so profound that a person cannot function, affects millions of Americans. The threats are real- our health fragile, people who fail us, the world full of tension. So, must we simply be afraid? No, Christian friend, we are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”  (Romans 8:37)

How do we defeat those fears?

The first thing we must do is to change our thoughts, feeding our mind with the Truth. 
The Psalm teaches us to sing, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4, NIV)  Trusting God is not done passively. There must be an active decision to look up, to commit ourselves to Him. Through the years when I awaken worried about things or feeling overwhelmed, I create a mental image of whatever it is that is troubling, then I take it in my hand and, palms up, offer it to God. Prayer, accompanied by that symbolic act of submission, helps me to reorient my mind around His care.

We can defeat our fears by making a realistic evaluation of our situation.

Much of our anxiety is a kernel of fact surrounded by a lot of speculation! I do not suggest that all fear is baseless. But, to imagine every possible problem, to create scenarios of what could possibly go wrong, is a sure way to live fearfully all the time.  The facts tell me that the most dangerous thing I do every day is driving my car.  About a hundred people will die on our highways today. Thousands more will be injured or experience property damage.  So, should I just stay home? No, exercise appropriate caution, drive defensively, and wear my seatbelt. That allows me to live with the very small but real risk involved with operating an automobile. Instead of letting our fears be magnified, we can reduce them by committing ourselves to the One who knows all our tomorrows.

We find security in a deep respect for the Almighty God!

Have you ‘tamed’ God, making Him small? Have you robbed Him of His majesty?  Consider the wonderful world He has made. Thank Him for the intricacies of that amazing body He gave you.  And as we magnify Him, our fears grow smaller.  "Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. …He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes." (Psalm 112:7-8, NIV)

If you are reading this and thinking that I am encouraging you to live in denial or to just ‘think happy thoughts’ I have not communicated clearly. Fear is defeated by knowing the Living God, through Christ, so that the Spirit is active in us and through us. Paul wrote to his young somewhat timid friend, Timothy, reminding him (and us) of God’s real power. "God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)  WE are strong in His might!

Here is a word from the Word. I have chosen The Message so that a familiar passage can become fresh in our minds. Read it thoughtfully, prayerfully, and go face those fears with faith.

"And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours.

This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.

Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." (Ephesians 6:10-18, The Message)

______________

Stand strong when life changes

Stand strong through the ups and downs

Stand strong for you know that God is in control

The storms of life will push and pull

But we are standing on the Rock that never rolls

The storms of life will push and pull

We will keep standing

God is in control

Copied