Working with Experts in the Church

Paul reminds us in Romans 12, and 1 Corinthians 12 that God blesses churches with people of different gifts, in order to bless the whole church. I spent the time today working with an expert in our church. It was a long hard day of laboring on the church porch pillars, with a masonry expert, with more than 50 years of experience. It was great watching him with his pallet and trowl. His passion for what he has been doing so long. His gift will bless our church with some needed repair, while giving him joy in giving to others.

I love to watch experts, and those training in their talents. When is the last time you were able to help others serve in your church. Bless others with opportunity, especially in the church. Who knows you may learn some new things.

-- Keep on your journey with Jesus today.

In the same passage (Romans 8) Paul reminds us:

• "our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (v. 18)
• "we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him" (v. 28)
  
• "if God is for us, who can be against us" (v. 31)
• "in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (v. 37)

Sometimes we need that reminder that God is in control. Life throws us lemons, and rocks and blessings may seem far away. However, Paul's reminder is still true. God will help us through in His power and His way.

What are you facing today that you need to trust God with? Even in the darkest hours remember God is there.


-Keep on your Journey with Jesus today.

Encouragement is a must

Dr. Barnwell is well known for encouraging people, thanking people, and giving little gifts to remind people of the good things they do. From he and other leaders I have learned how important encouragement is.

This past weekend we held our annual meeting. I choose this year to focus on celebrating the victories of the last year. I also laid out some thoughts on the future. We took time to thank leaders, and gave some gifts to retiring and current serving local board members. In the end people seemed more open to new ideas of moving forward in the future. I think it is clear that a simple thank you and seeing even the small victories is very important to the life of your church.

Encourage others in their Journey with Jesus.

Jesus Prays For You

In John 17 Jesus prayed for all believers. He prayed that you and I would know and understand the power of being in Him, as He was in the Father. Too often we are so busy in our world today that we are running like a laptop with out it's plug.

This past weekend I noticed that our church laptop was running slow, as I put a couple of slides on the overhead. Then a minute before the worship was to start the projector went blank. I asked if anyone had stopped the power point announcements, but no on had. Then I went up front and found that the plug had been pulled. The slow action should have been a warning. However, at the moment of need for worship the computer was not available.

Jesus knew we had to live in the world, which will pull at our spiritual life, and wear us down physically and mentally. He knew the stress of what it would take to be a real follower of Christ. Yet on the night before He would carry the sin burden of all the world He took time to pray for all who would follow Him. He loves us and He wants us to strong in our walk with Him. Stay in connection, and be blessed by Christ this day.

Keep on Your Journey with Jesus Christ today.

Called To God

Abraham was called to leave what he knew. He was called away from family ties, traditions, and his past to a new place. The problem is that most of us do not like to go where we do not know. We prefer the comfort of staying where we are. For Abraham leaving would mean going into the unknown. However, the only way that God's blessing would work was by stepping out in faith and into God.

We as the children of God are called to be His. We are called out of the traditions of humanity into a relationship with the God who creates us. We are called out of our present pain, into the promise of being a part of God's family. Jesus came to open a door, and said "Come, Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." He called us to a new life, and the blessings are being a part of building the Kingdom of God. We are not alone, but are going with and under the guidance of Jesus our Great Shepherd and Guide. Follow Him.

Keep on Your Journey with Jesus

Time & The Healing of Wounds

The old saying "Time heals all wounds" is very true. However, wounds leave scars and may remain tender for many years. When I was in my adolescent years I had to have surgeries on my ankles to build my arches. While the surgery went well and was quite necessary for a better walking posture in the future, it left scars. I recall many, many years going by before those scars healed to the point of not hurting or being tender. No, they didn't hurt everyday. Yet, if the side of my foot was bumped in the slightest on those scars it could nearly bring me to my knees with pain.

We deal every day with people who have wounds, but they may not be so obvious to the world as a cut on our body. Sometimes we have the opportunity to be with someone who has been hurt by divorce, death, sickness, or other situations as those situations happen. We may be the first-responders of the heart and soul for these people. Other times we may come along years after an event and we may be dealing with people who are afraid to reach out or open up their life. The reason is usually a hurt from years gone by.

People may go on for the most part as if nothing is wrong, and then something happens similar to the pain suffered years before. This leads to a relapse for some, and at least a wince of apprehension for others. It happens in our own lives too. Past hurt in ministry, mistakes made in our lives, or change that didn't go as smooth as we had hoped.

Change in a church causes pain at some level no matter how careful the change may be. Just like the surgical scars left on my feet, past change in a church may come up in new opportunity for change. Things may not have went well for someone in the past. A past change may have been handled too quickly. Sometimes we come into a hurting situation, which requires us to wait, and change at the pace the majority can handle. In fact most situations are not so life threatening to a church that time can not be given to allow people the time to work through their needs.

Healing will come, and trust will be gained. Then in time the change that God is leading us toward as a church will happen. It will be less abrupt and hurtful for most. We can never think that no one will be hurt in a change, but we can work to make the wounds smaller and less intrusive in how we choose to handle it. Let us lead in the gentleness of our Gracious Heavenly father in all that we do.

May God bless your journey with Jesus today

Turning a Ship Takes More Than turning a Speed boat

When you go to the lake in the summer and watch a water skier turn and twist to hit the wake of the speeding boat it looks fun. It is exciting to change directions and create a great stir in the water, which is felt by even those on the shore sometimes.

A ship may create a deep and far reaching wake as well; however, it takes far more to turn a huge ship in the water. It will not turn in seconds, but it takes a larger berth in making a change of direction.

It is the same for most churches. The affects of change can not be pushed through because the quick waves of change will make a churning that will rip and tear on the fabric of the church. Does that mean we do not make change? No. It means as we grow in ministry we learn that it will take more time, patience, and effort to change direction. Things that have been done a certain way will take time to change. I have been part of change in the speed boat, and I am learning the lasting changes come when the whole church can go together.

May God bless your Journey with Jesus today