Let's be honest - we all have days in our work where we just feel like, "Today is my last day. I'm done. I don't want to do this anymore. It's pointless, thankless, tedious, sometimes menial work and I'm just done with it."
Even in the ministry - especially in the ministry - these days pop up. They are not fun days. They are usually spurred by some comment, event or people that just pushed the right buttons. Those are the days that suck big time! And I have them just like the rest of the world.
What's different about working in a church is that you get to hear the other good news that most folks who work outside the church don't hear until much later. Like today...
My buddy and co-worker Vern (and wife Carol) called today to bring me up to date on Carol's brother, Chuck. Last week, to the day, Vern received a call that said Chuck was in bad shape and the doctors only gave him 5-10 days to live. They hurried down last Thursday to be with him and to talk with him about his future. On Friday he prayed to receive Christ and gave his life to Him. WAY COOL! But wait...
I got another call from Vern this afternoon to tell me that Chuck was being sent home - he is getting stronger and the dialysis is working. That, folks, is what you would call a miracle! WOW!
I don't do what I do because I love music. That is just a bonus that God has given me. I do what I do because people matter to God, so they matter to me. Yes, some require more grace than others. But Jesus' command was very clear when He said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind...Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matt 22:37-39)
On the days when I want to quit, I stop to remember the many people that God is using to make a difference in this valley for the Kingdom of God. I remember the people that God has chosen to bless in many different ways. I remember the people that we get to help here with the Food Pantry, Stephens and Samaritans Ministry, and the other service ministries that help meet real needs.
God has each of us where we are for a purpose. If we quit, we will miss out on all the other blessings that He already has in place for us.
Don't hang it up just yet...keep your eyes open to all that God is doing around you and be prepared for some WOW! moments! Meet God in those moments and thank Him for giving you the opportunity to see and hear it.
Sure changes the focus of the day!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Worship Thought
Every once in a while God just reminds me of the basic, simple stuff of life.
Yes, a lot of the time life here is complicated and it seems like we just can't handle one more thing to be piled up on us. My good friend and co-worker, Vern, is going through one of those seasons with his wife, Carol, right now. I won't go into all the details, but it just seems that they have had more than their fair share of struggles, battles, issues, etc. I had the honor of praying with and encouraging him before they left this week for another situation in their lives.
Sometimes it never seems to be enough to say that God is in control, that God knows what is best for us and our loved ones in times like these. We want to know that all is going to be okay. The hard part about that is we are looking for what we want instead of what God wants. That's a hard concept to grasp - His will over mine - especially in times of life and death situations.
As I study His Word, I find it interesting and encouraging that whenever one of God's people was in a situation (King David, Abraham, Moses, Peter, Paul, etc.), they worshipped. I don't just mean they went out and sang a song - that is a PART of worship, not all of it. They went to God and prayed, sang, cried out to Him - they worshipped the One who was in control. Then they talked to God about the stuff they were dealing with and needing guidance in. It's interesting how worry never really played a part!
Worship or worry - the choice is ours every day and in every situation. When you're faced with uncertainty for a job, a health 'scare', a relationship struggle, legal stuff, depression - whatever it might be, next time stop and praise God for who He is in your life - Redeemer, Savior, hope, comforter and friend, true source of strength. Thank Him for what you DO have, for who you have in your life and the provisions He has already given you. THEN, bring your concern, request as scripture calls it, to Him and ask for His will to be done. Trust me, I know it's not always (or ever!) easy to ask for His will over ours. But that's a part of genuine worship. It's all for Him and to Him.
Find a place and simply worship Him. Then let the love, grace and peace of God fill you to overflowing! Know that I am praying for you...
Yes, a lot of the time life here is complicated and it seems like we just can't handle one more thing to be piled up on us. My good friend and co-worker, Vern, is going through one of those seasons with his wife, Carol, right now. I won't go into all the details, but it just seems that they have had more than their fair share of struggles, battles, issues, etc. I had the honor of praying with and encouraging him before they left this week for another situation in their lives.
Sometimes it never seems to be enough to say that God is in control, that God knows what is best for us and our loved ones in times like these. We want to know that all is going to be okay. The hard part about that is we are looking for what we want instead of what God wants. That's a hard concept to grasp - His will over mine - especially in times of life and death situations.
As I study His Word, I find it interesting and encouraging that whenever one of God's people was in a situation (King David, Abraham, Moses, Peter, Paul, etc.), they worshipped. I don't just mean they went out and sang a song - that is a PART of worship, not all of it. They went to God and prayed, sang, cried out to Him - they worshipped the One who was in control. Then they talked to God about the stuff they were dealing with and needing guidance in. It's interesting how worry never really played a part!
Worship or worry - the choice is ours every day and in every situation. When you're faced with uncertainty for a job, a health 'scare', a relationship struggle, legal stuff, depression - whatever it might be, next time stop and praise God for who He is in your life - Redeemer, Savior, hope, comforter and friend, true source of strength. Thank Him for what you DO have, for who you have in your life and the provisions He has already given you. THEN, bring your concern, request as scripture calls it, to Him and ask for His will to be done. Trust me, I know it's not always (or ever!) easy to ask for His will over ours. But that's a part of genuine worship. It's all for Him and to Him.
Find a place and simply worship Him. Then let the love, grace and peace of God fill you to overflowing! Know that I am praying for you...
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Helping Those In Need!
Most of you know that FBC Pocatello has a food pantry that is stocked by donations from the church family and a few local food places. On average, we are seeing on a weekly basis more than 50 people come in. That equates to roughly 15+ families per week that we get to help with food and some basic household items.You can see here how we have just about run completely out of everything as of today! (The rest of the pantry looks the same or worse!)
Because of this increase, we need to adjust how we distribute food, schedule volunteers, etc. so that we can be more effective in meeting this very real need.
We will be CLOSING the Food Pantry until JULY 1st in order to restock the pantry and get the new process/system in place.
Quickly, here are the major changes to the process as well as a list of items that we need to continue to meet this need:
All of these changes will be effective July 1st.
NEW - Hours of operation will be Tuesday through Thursday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
This will give us time on Monday to restock as needed, as well as assemble boxes for distribution during the week. (Yes, we will meet needs if someone comes in at 'off hour' times!)
Food/Toiletries List - will be posted in the Food Pantry as well as available in the church office.
Canned meats (chicken, beef, tuna, etc.) Canned stew Soups Ramen Noodles
Pasta Rice Ravioli Canned/Bottled Juice Canned Fruits Canned Vegetables
Evaporated/Powdered Milk Mac-n-Cheese Hamburger Helper Chili Refried Beans
Toothpaste Toothbrushes Shaving Cream Razors Dental Floss Shampoo/Conditioner
Deodorants Toilet Paper Dish Soap Diapers (all sizes)
Look for more info in church as we get closer. If you would like to be a part of the team that organizes the pantry, makes up boxes, or distributes the food during hours please call Stacy at the office or find her or myself on Sunday. This is one of the coolest things we do here, in my opinion. The look on faces, the hope that they get and the love - genuine Christ like love - they feel from the volunteers is incredible!
Whenever I get the privilege to give one away, I ALWAYS feel like I'm the one who was blessed!
See ya in church...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
What It Is...
acw13 asks a great question: how do you define a break?
We all have differing opinions on what this will be, but let me try to (as briefly as I can) define what I'm talking about here.
There will be times in your service that you will have to step back from serving because of scheduling conflicts, family obligations, and the like. These are, mostly, unavoidable situations which require a re-thinking of how to continue to serve God. I get that.
There will be times in your service that you 'hit a wall' and just don't feel like you can keep on serving for this reason or that. People like to call that burn out. Hate that term, mostly because it's a choice we make. There are many thing's that can be done to avoid burn out in ministry/service such as clear communication, clear commitment guidelines, not over-scheduling other areas, etc. We have to chose to make what we are doing a priority and not let burn out win.
I'm not talking about any of these, or the ones that I haven't mentioned. These two are the most common ones I hear and deal with.
What I'm referring to is the idea of not serving in the body, the local church, all together, mostly because we don't agree on something. We will NEVER all agree about stuff. That's insane to think we will.
But the body of Christ is a living, breathing organism made up of imperfect people. When we don't agree on stuff we need to be working to move toward unity "...so that body of Christ may be built up." (Eph. 4:12)
That requires work on both ends - the end that got 'hurt' and the end that did the 'hurting'. We won't always get it taken care of in one or two conversations. It may take several conversations to find 'common' ground. Working toward unity is the goal we all need to be striving for. The biblical word is reconciliation - the idea that we restore what was broken or damaged.
As leaders, we have to do our part to make sure we hear what's being said. As those who were hurt, we have to make sure we communicate clearly - with specifics - what the issue is. And then the tables get reversed and we move the process forward.
You don't do this by distancing yourself from the issue/situation. Running away doesn't help solve the problem, doesn't help anyone learn anything and just keeps the stuff hanging out there longer than it needs to.
If - when - we get hurt in church life, we have to chose to make it a priority to walk and talk through reconciliation. It may not be easy. In fact it may be downright painful. BUT, as a follower of Christ we are obligated to love one another through it all. (Read Ephesians 4 to get a picture of this idea.) And our witness to the rest of the world will tell them one of two things:
1. You, as a Christ follower, are a different person because of Him.
2. You, claiming to be a Christ follower, are no different from me, regardless of Him.
Ouch, I know. But how we respond to stuff really says a lot about who we claim to be.
I want to learn how to do what I do better, not just from a music or administration standpoint. That would also be way cool...but how I can grow as a leader for God's people, THAT'S where I want to grow. And when I screw up, the only way I learn is if people will tell me and help me.
So don't go take a break without taking a minute (or more!) to speak the truth in love to me SO THAT the body of Christ in Pocatello may be built up!
See ya in church...
We all have differing opinions on what this will be, but let me try to (as briefly as I can) define what I'm talking about here.
There will be times in your service that you will have to step back from serving because of scheduling conflicts, family obligations, and the like. These are, mostly, unavoidable situations which require a re-thinking of how to continue to serve God. I get that.
There will be times in your service that you 'hit a wall' and just don't feel like you can keep on serving for this reason or that. People like to call that burn out. Hate that term, mostly because it's a choice we make. There are many thing's that can be done to avoid burn out in ministry/service such as clear communication, clear commitment guidelines, not over-scheduling other areas, etc. We have to chose to make what we are doing a priority and not let burn out win.
I'm not talking about any of these, or the ones that I haven't mentioned. These two are the most common ones I hear and deal with.
What I'm referring to is the idea of not serving in the body, the local church, all together, mostly because we don't agree on something. We will NEVER all agree about stuff. That's insane to think we will.
But the body of Christ is a living, breathing organism made up of imperfect people. When we don't agree on stuff we need to be working to move toward unity "...so that body of Christ may be built up." (Eph. 4:12)
That requires work on both ends - the end that got 'hurt' and the end that did the 'hurting'. We won't always get it taken care of in one or two conversations. It may take several conversations to find 'common' ground. Working toward unity is the goal we all need to be striving for. The biblical word is reconciliation - the idea that we restore what was broken or damaged.
As leaders, we have to do our part to make sure we hear what's being said. As those who were hurt, we have to make sure we communicate clearly - with specifics - what the issue is. And then the tables get reversed and we move the process forward.
You don't do this by distancing yourself from the issue/situation. Running away doesn't help solve the problem, doesn't help anyone learn anything and just keeps the stuff hanging out there longer than it needs to.
If - when - we get hurt in church life, we have to chose to make it a priority to walk and talk through reconciliation. It may not be easy. In fact it may be downright painful. BUT, as a follower of Christ we are obligated to love one another through it all. (Read Ephesians 4 to get a picture of this idea.) And our witness to the rest of the world will tell them one of two things:
1. You, as a Christ follower, are a different person because of Him.
2. You, claiming to be a Christ follower, are no different from me, regardless of Him.
Ouch, I know. But how we respond to stuff really says a lot about who we claim to be.
I want to learn how to do what I do better, not just from a music or administration standpoint. That would also be way cool...but how I can grow as a leader for God's people, THAT'S where I want to grow. And when I screw up, the only way I learn is if people will tell me and help me.
So don't go take a break without taking a minute (or more!) to speak the truth in love to me SO THAT the body of Christ in Pocatello may be built up!
See ya in church...
Monday, June 8, 2009
God Never Quits
I am really getting a lot out of the dialogue that has been happening here and via email. I can honestly say that I am learning and growing in this process.
There is one area that I've been studying that I cannot find any Biblical basis for. This is NOT in any way directed at one person or group of people. This is an issue I've had with church folks since before I came on staff at FBC Pocatello. And, this idea has been around churches for many years, yet no one has ever been able to justify it to me - at least not from God's perspective.
People will tell me - and other church staff - that they feel it's time to 'take a break' and evaluate where they are and what they need to be doing. First of all, I understand the need to take a break from people. They wear us out, use us up, toss us aside and then tomorrow comes and it starts all over! We all get tired of people.
But when it comes to serving God, nowhere do I see that it's okay to take a break from Him. He never took a break from us, and He expects the same in return if we claim to be His.
Somehow we've forgotten that the church is a body that is here to support, encourage, hold accountable, console, pray for and with, celebrate and mourn with, and so much more. We aren't supposed to isolate ourselves when things don't work out. Isolation leads to more depression, anxiety and confusion. I think that's why scripture has over 50 verses related to 'one another' - serve, accept, forgive, greet, bear with, be devoted to, honor, teach, submit, encourage - just to name a few.
We are NOT always going to agree on stuff. That would be insane! But we have to learn how to work through issues when we don't agree. Searching scripture for truth, for direction and for wisdom, spending time in prayer - all should be done together.
To complicate the matter, our service to God CANNOT stop just because we can't get agree with someone or something. When we do that, we put God on a shelf and tell Him to wait for us to figure stuff out. Again, can't find a scriptural basis for this being okay. The only word I have found to describe this is disobedience. When we stop serving (doesn't matter what capacity), knowing that we are called to serve, we are choosing to disobey God, not man. In this case, man wins and God loses out. OUCH!
I'm asking folks to genuinely seek God when it's time to 'break'. Identify what the root of the matter really is, what the underlying cause is. Usually it's not the 'out front' issue that is the issue. Search your heart, seek God, study His Word and make time to talk through stuff.
I'd much rather see God win than man. Seems His way is much better!
Struggling right along side you...
There is one area that I've been studying that I cannot find any Biblical basis for. This is NOT in any way directed at one person or group of people. This is an issue I've had with church folks since before I came on staff at FBC Pocatello. And, this idea has been around churches for many years, yet no one has ever been able to justify it to me - at least not from God's perspective.
People will tell me - and other church staff - that they feel it's time to 'take a break' and evaluate where they are and what they need to be doing. First of all, I understand the need to take a break from people. They wear us out, use us up, toss us aside and then tomorrow comes and it starts all over! We all get tired of people.
But when it comes to serving God, nowhere do I see that it's okay to take a break from Him. He never took a break from us, and He expects the same in return if we claim to be His.
Somehow we've forgotten that the church is a body that is here to support, encourage, hold accountable, console, pray for and with, celebrate and mourn with, and so much more. We aren't supposed to isolate ourselves when things don't work out. Isolation leads to more depression, anxiety and confusion. I think that's why scripture has over 50 verses related to 'one another' - serve, accept, forgive, greet, bear with, be devoted to, honor, teach, submit, encourage - just to name a few.
We are NOT always going to agree on stuff. That would be insane! But we have to learn how to work through issues when we don't agree. Searching scripture for truth, for direction and for wisdom, spending time in prayer - all should be done together.
To complicate the matter, our service to God CANNOT stop just because we can't get agree with someone or something. When we do that, we put God on a shelf and tell Him to wait for us to figure stuff out. Again, can't find a scriptural basis for this being okay. The only word I have found to describe this is disobedience. When we stop serving (doesn't matter what capacity), knowing that we are called to serve, we are choosing to disobey God, not man. In this case, man wins and God loses out. OUCH!
I'm asking folks to genuinely seek God when it's time to 'break'. Identify what the root of the matter really is, what the underlying cause is. Usually it's not the 'out front' issue that is the issue. Search your heart, seek God, study His Word and make time to talk through stuff.
I'd much rather see God win than man. Seems His way is much better!
Struggling right along side you...
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Next 'Stage'
Over the last few weeks our worship team has been studying and praying about our role.
What is our goal? Are we in the place that God wants us individually to be? Is our worship honoring Him each time we lead?
Several different questions helping us to, hopefully, draw closer to Him using the skills and talents that He has given us.
Aaron and I were talking this morning and neither of us really know what to expect for this coming Sunday. Except - that we expect to meet God here!
One thing I do know: when we spend time seeking HARD after God, we find Him (rather He finds us). And God will bless each one that does this kind of searching. "Seek and you will find...knock and the door will be opened..." That's not just a song lyric, it's a promise from our Father that clearly cries out, "I want you to find me, to find what it is I have for YOU! All you have to do is ask."
I believe that each of us need to take time - more often than we realize - to seek God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. If we truly want to know what He has for us...if we truly want to know how to live a life that is REAL...if we want to live on the edge everyday of our lives - then we need to know Him intimately and commit all we have to Him. And that's a daily call, not just a once a week, whenever I remember it call. DAILY!
I hope some of you will take the challenge that Bill put out last week - "30 seconds first thing in the morning and ask God, 'What do you want me to do today?'. And then go do that." Pray that for 30 days and keep track of what God does - it will blow you away!!!
See ya in church...
What is our goal? Are we in the place that God wants us individually to be? Is our worship honoring Him each time we lead?
Several different questions helping us to, hopefully, draw closer to Him using the skills and talents that He has given us.
Aaron and I were talking this morning and neither of us really know what to expect for this coming Sunday. Except - that we expect to meet God here!
One thing I do know: when we spend time seeking HARD after God, we find Him (rather He finds us). And God will bless each one that does this kind of searching. "Seek and you will find...knock and the door will be opened..." That's not just a song lyric, it's a promise from our Father that clearly cries out, "I want you to find me, to find what it is I have for YOU! All you have to do is ask."
I believe that each of us need to take time - more often than we realize - to seek God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. If we truly want to know what He has for us...if we truly want to know how to live a life that is REAL...if we want to live on the edge everyday of our lives - then we need to know Him intimately and commit all we have to Him. And that's a daily call, not just a once a week, whenever I remember it call. DAILY!
I hope some of you will take the challenge that Bill put out last week - "30 seconds first thing in the morning and ask God, 'What do you want me to do today?'. And then go do that." Pray that for 30 days and keep track of what God does - it will blow you away!!!
See ya in church...
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