I told someone a couple of weeks ago that I wasn't remotely ready for Thanksgiving, let alone Christmas. And yet...here we are! I guess there's no sense in whining about it now, is there?
So here's what I'm hoping for during this Christmas season for us as a church:
1. That people would connect with the message series, focusing on the gifts of the Magi and what they mean for us today.
2. That people who don't know Christ would come to call Him King!
3. That we would have at least one Sunday where we celebrate baptism in December!
4. That our hearts, as a whole, would be broken for those who are worse off than we are, no matter our situation. If God is for us, NO ONE can stand against us, right?
5. That we would fully understand that He came to serve, not be served. And that we would realize we are here for the same purpose - to serve others!
6. I pray that we can let the Spirit work in our hearts during this season and direct our energy, attention and passion toward the things that move the Kingdom of God forward.
I look forward to seeing how God uses the artists', the technicians, the teachers, the greeters, the leaders in various positions to grow the Kingdom for His purpose and His glory in our little corner of the state.
See ya in church...and if you need a place to plug in and serve, drop me a note and I'll get you connected with the right folks!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Give Your Gift!
God gives us gifts to be used for His glory, to draw attention NOT to us as artists', but for us to point others to Him. When we use our gifts to honor Him it is a beautiful thing - a beautiful offering. What we feel on the inside is often times indescribable. When I'm in that place there is a genuine sense of knowing that I am doing and being who God created me to be! Humbling.
Where can artists' share their gift if they don't have a regular place to share it? How about giving it away as a gift to others this Christmas?
We get so caught up in trying to find the right gift for someone and get sucked into the materialistic side of the universe. "Has to be this...has to be that...I have to spend this much or it won't be..."
Create something from your heart to give to someone and include a verse that spoke to your heart as you were working on it. If you sculpt, create a piece and use Ephesians 2:10 which speaks about being His workmanship (masterpiece). If you write, create a piece that reflects the heart of what you were saying in your piece. If you write/craft music, pick a Psalm that references the idea of singing a new song to the Lord.
Whatever you do, find a way to share your gift with others AND share with them that you understand where and who your gift comes from. Let's not, as artists', get caught up in the worldly view of artistry and allow our ego to be fed lies about how great we can become through our gifts. Instead, going against the world, let's give our gift away!
Have a blessed and merry Christmas!
Where can artists' share their gift if they don't have a regular place to share it? How about giving it away as a gift to others this Christmas?
We get so caught up in trying to find the right gift for someone and get sucked into the materialistic side of the universe. "Has to be this...has to be that...I have to spend this much or it won't be..."
Create something from your heart to give to someone and include a verse that spoke to your heart as you were working on it. If you sculpt, create a piece and use Ephesians 2:10 which speaks about being His workmanship (masterpiece). If you write, create a piece that reflects the heart of what you were saying in your piece. If you write/craft music, pick a Psalm that references the idea of singing a new song to the Lord.
Whatever you do, find a way to share your gift with others AND share with them that you understand where and who your gift comes from. Let's not, as artists', get caught up in the worldly view of artistry and allow our ego to be fed lies about how great we can become through our gifts. Instead, going against the world, let's give our gift away!
Have a blessed and merry Christmas!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A Growing Opportunity
Recently I heard a story about an issue that is growing at an alarming rate in our country. At first I wondered if and how it would impact us here in Pocatello, of all places. We are not a huge city, nor are we a small town. We're rather average and have less than average issues as a city. Or so some of our leaders think.
We have the same problems and challenges that most cities across the country have - gang issues, homelessness, crime (which is relatively low), abuse, etc.
The one that is catching my eye and my heart at an alarming rate now, as confirmed by this news story, is hunger. We have people in our own town, in our own CHURCH, who are lucky to get one meal a day, let alone more than one a week. Nationally, there has been an increase in people visiting food banks, shelters, etc. because of job loss, health issues and addictions.
Here's my question: if we've been blessed - and we have - why would we allow this in our own town, let alone our own country? How can we sit down to eat a meal and not be even the least bit concerned about the family sleeping in their car, going without food? YES, this is happening in Pocatello and every other city in the country. So what are we going to do about it?
For those of us who live here in Poky, let me throw out a challenge to you. I know many folks have lost jobs or have had hours cut, so take this challenge ONLY IF YOU ARE ABLE.
EVERY week you go to the store to buy groceries, pick up ONE CASE of some canned food item- tuna, soup, chili, Dinty Moore stew, etc. - and donate that to the Idaho Food bank, to the food pantry at here at FBC, or to some other agency that you know helps people out in our town. This is not just a seasonal thing to do. This is where people live EVERYDAY, right now! They need our help.
As Christ followers, we're called to be a blessing, to show God's love to anyone who has need. I think this qualifies, don't you? Let's make a difference in the community by being obedient to what God has called us to do!
Got to go now...heading to the store to grab some groceries - and a case of food.
See ya in church...
We have the same problems and challenges that most cities across the country have - gang issues, homelessness, crime (which is relatively low), abuse, etc.
The one that is catching my eye and my heart at an alarming rate now, as confirmed by this news story, is hunger. We have people in our own town, in our own CHURCH, who are lucky to get one meal a day, let alone more than one a week. Nationally, there has been an increase in people visiting food banks, shelters, etc. because of job loss, health issues and addictions.
Here's my question: if we've been blessed - and we have - why would we allow this in our own town, let alone our own country? How can we sit down to eat a meal and not be even the least bit concerned about the family sleeping in their car, going without food? YES, this is happening in Pocatello and every other city in the country. So what are we going to do about it?
For those of us who live here in Poky, let me throw out a challenge to you. I know many folks have lost jobs or have had hours cut, so take this challenge ONLY IF YOU ARE ABLE.
EVERY week you go to the store to buy groceries, pick up ONE CASE of some canned food item- tuna, soup, chili, Dinty Moore stew, etc. - and donate that to the Idaho Food bank, to the food pantry at here at FBC, or to some other agency that you know helps people out in our town. This is not just a seasonal thing to do. This is where people live EVERYDAY, right now! They need our help.
As Christ followers, we're called to be a blessing, to show God's love to anyone who has need. I think this qualifies, don't you? Let's make a difference in the community by being obedient to what God has called us to do!
Got to go now...heading to the store to grab some groceries - and a case of food.
See ya in church...
Monday, November 2, 2009
Leading...a Lonely But Worthy Task
Someone once asked me why I wouldn't let them 'get closer' as a friend, why I would only allow people to get so close to me and then I would back away. It's a tricky spot, and one that I've chosen to be in because of my make up and leadership style.
My comment to them was simple - "One day, I'm going to have to be your pastor and not your friend and you're not going to like it. This is who God has called me to be and how He has shaped me to serve in this body." That didn't settle well, unfortunately for them. We're still friends. But only as far as I feel it's safe to be. I take what I do as a pastor very seriously because I believe it is a very serious calling.
Does that mean that I don't have any close friends? No. They just may not be a part of this church family, but I have them. I've watched too many leaders fall because they allowed people they work with to get too close. When the time came to be the leader, it caused more conflict than was necessary. There has to be some boundaries that, as a leader, we can't compromise on. There are many people in the ministry who don't buy into this logic, and that's okay. They're entitled to their opinion and I respect that. This works for me and it's how I roll.
As we lead in today's church, we need to pay attention to who we allow to be 'close' in our lives. We have to keep an eye toward the future, knowing that someday we'll have to be a pastor to this same person who wants to be our friend. We had a similar situation here not too long ago where someone wanted to see their friend, NOT their pastor. Sorry...can't separate the two.
It may sound lonely, and at times it is. But I do this for the one who called me and for no one else. I love what I do - most of the time - and thank God that He has me where I am today for what He wants me to do.
Lead out of the things you love with the gifts He has given You - and enjoy the ride!
See ya in church...
My comment to them was simple - "One day, I'm going to have to be your pastor and not your friend and you're not going to like it. This is who God has called me to be and how He has shaped me to serve in this body." That didn't settle well, unfortunately for them. We're still friends. But only as far as I feel it's safe to be. I take what I do as a pastor very seriously because I believe it is a very serious calling.
Does that mean that I don't have any close friends? No. They just may not be a part of this church family, but I have them. I've watched too many leaders fall because they allowed people they work with to get too close. When the time came to be the leader, it caused more conflict than was necessary. There has to be some boundaries that, as a leader, we can't compromise on. There are many people in the ministry who don't buy into this logic, and that's okay. They're entitled to their opinion and I respect that. This works for me and it's how I roll.
As we lead in today's church, we need to pay attention to who we allow to be 'close' in our lives. We have to keep an eye toward the future, knowing that someday we'll have to be a pastor to this same person who wants to be our friend. We had a similar situation here not too long ago where someone wanted to see their friend, NOT their pastor. Sorry...can't separate the two.
It may sound lonely, and at times it is. But I do this for the one who called me and for no one else. I love what I do - most of the time - and thank God that He has me where I am today for what He wants me to do.
Lead out of the things you love with the gifts He has given You - and enjoy the ride!
See ya in church...
"Aunt Bea" Has Gone Home
For those of you connected to FBC, Pocatello, we have lost a long time member, Bernice Feldsted. She passed away Sunday at the age of 96.
Just met with the family today for service planning and have some info to pass on to you.
We will have a service THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5th at 11 a.m. here at First Baptist. There will be a time of greeting friends at 10 a.m. There will be a graveside service as well and that information will be available at the service.
We are also providing a meal for the family following the graveside service, at roughly 1 p.m. If you would like to provide something for that or you would like to serve, please contact Stacy at the church office as soon as possible, 232-6305.
Please continue to keep the family in your prayers. Loss is never easy, no matter who has gone. But we can take comfort in knowing that our strength and our comfort comes from the One who knows our pain in a very intimate way.
See ya soon...
Just met with the family today for service planning and have some info to pass on to you.
We will have a service THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5th at 11 a.m. here at First Baptist. There will be a time of greeting friends at 10 a.m. There will be a graveside service as well and that information will be available at the service.
We are also providing a meal for the family following the graveside service, at roughly 1 p.m. If you would like to provide something for that or you would like to serve, please contact Stacy at the church office as soon as possible, 232-6305.
Please continue to keep the family in your prayers. Loss is never easy, no matter who has gone. But we can take comfort in knowing that our strength and our comfort comes from the One who knows our pain in a very intimate way.
See ya soon...
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