Taking Time For Transparent Reflection

How often do you take time away, just between you and God? When you are alone with God, are you as open and transparent with yourself as you should be?

I believe, as ministers we often get too busy with ministry and forget to take the needed time alone with God that we need. In Scripture, we see Jesus getting away to the mountains, we see prophets like Elijah and Moses led into extended times with God alone. It seems that through such times alone, God moves to change and mold their lives for the mission ahead.

I was recently reading through Isaiah 6, the call of Isaiah. It seems that Isaiah was spending one of those times alone with God, when God began to call him. In response to God's presence surrounding him Isaiah goes into a time of deep confession. Isaiah says, "Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips" (Is. 6:4). This revelation is so important for Isaiah to be cleansed and prepared for the call God is giving him. God then cleanses Isaiah through touching him with the burning coal.

Ministers often build walls to protect their own psyche, which prevents them from being transparent before their congregations. We are pressured to live up to standards that seem nearly impossible, by some who we serve. In Protestant circles the church often leaves little room for true open confession and encouragement for anyone, but this is especially true of the minister. I wonder how often we forget to be transparent with God and ourselves, because we are pressured in such ways in our world?

God desires us to be fully transparent in His presence on a regular basis. When is the last time you opened yourself up to what God may want to cleanse you from? When is the last time you sincerely examined your life before the Lord? Are pressures of daily work and ministry preventing you from serious times of reflection with God?

We live in world where the fall of ministers to burnout, stress, loss of focus, and moral failure is rampant. Maybe it is time that we get serious with our own spiritual walk with the Lord. God desires our souls far above the ministries we are doing. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9 that he "made my body a slave, so that after preaching to others I myself will not be qualified" (1 Cor. 9:26). Have we kept ourselves in control and spent the time needed with God to face the challenges of carrying the Gospel into our world? Let us strive to be all that God wants us to be in following Him.

A Minster: Prophet, Priest, or King

There is a discussion that has been going on through out Christian history, about how each of the roles of prophet, priest, and king works in Christ. There is little doubt that Christ fulfills each of these roles in His life, ministry, sacrifice, resurrection, and eternal life. A further question that often surrounds the prophet, priest, and king conversation, comes to those of us who are called to minister to others in the body of Christ. Theologians, church administration teachers, and others discuss such roles in the life of a minister from time to time. I have often seen where each plays its role, but I was reminded in my thoughts today of just how important this question is to our ministry to others. I put forth a disclaimer here that I use these terms prophet, priest, and king from the traditional discussion with use of the biblical text; however, it applies to any and all pastoral leader male or female. I think that any leader no matter of gender must come to understand our responsibility in leading well.

Our church recently went through the book of Job, where we meet a man fully dedicated to God. He seems to have been a respected leader, as well as a priest, and of course it could be argued that he tried to pass those things of God he knew to others. Many historical theologians place Job near the time of Abraham, and we see in Abraham a similar situation. In this time era it seems that the clan leader fulfilled the role of leader (king), priest, and prophet (proclaimer). We also see that in some respects Moses’ father-in-law Jethero fulfilled similar roles.

I want to consider now what are these three roles, and how did they originate in conjunction to God’s people. The role of priest is found through out Scripture as one who conducts worship and intercedes with God on behalf of themselves and others. This role was to be fulfilled in various levels: fathers and heads of household, leaders of whole clans such as Jacob, and finally those appointed officially by God. This final category comes about after the Exodus, when The Law is given, and before the full establishment of the nation. The Levites were appointed to be the ones responsible to carry out the rituals of worship, the sacrifices of the people, intercession for the people, listen for God’s responses, and passing on God’s Word in the Law. They were the central leaders under God that united the nation of Israel together.

This system worked for a time, but by the time of Eli’s son’s corruption began to come into the priesthood. God brought Samuel up to be the first of many prophets who would speak to God’s people. The priest remained vital to uniting the people in worship, ritual, tradition, and even God’s Word. The prophets came the proclaim God’s instructions of truth, need, change, and direction. Still God remained at the center of this process. Yet, even under this first of many prophets, the people demanded to be like the rest of the world. They wanted to have an earthly king to unite and lead them. God gave the people their wish, but told them that that king would make demands of the people and exploit them. What were the common roles of the kings of that time? They had several roles in a community: uniting the people, protecting the people, mediating problems of the community, and negotiating with other kings for safety and commerce. Most kings become a bit focused on their own agenda over responsibility to the care of the community. They get focused on the size of their kingdom and go to war to expand it.

We return now to the point of our discussion at hand, the role of those of us in ministry with regard to the roles of prophet, priest, or king. We can see by my short definitions of each of these roles in history that ministers do often have to step into any and all of these roles. We are called on to administer the rituals of worship, to teach and pass on the traditions. To both proclaim and teach God’s Word. We are responsible to help the church community facing both internal and external problems that may arise. We also have to work with the other leaders in administering the business of the church, and uniting the church community. In all of this we see that we are prophets (proclaiming God’s Word), priests (praying and worshipping with people), and king (leading the church).

In pondering this today I began to think about how we often get so caught up today in the kingly side of our role. Remember I pointed out that historically kings/leader often let power corrupt them, and soon the size of the kingdom is what is most important. While we continue to make effort to carry on the other two roles, it never ceases to amaze me that when ministers get together the conversation is always on size or health (often the new term for growth) of our church in comparison to the other ministries in the room. Are we any better than the kings of old? These kings often held great parades to show off their armies, fortunes, conquests, and wares for any and all visiting dignitaries.

We often receive pressure from friendly pastors instead of supporting one another freely with the role God has given us. The pressures also come from leaders who are over us, some who have not ventured out of the palaces to the smaller communities where we may be called to be. There may even be pressure from those whom we are leading, who have their own visions of grandeur and what that means. We feel the pressure to succeed in these areas, which is where the numbers and reports seem to fall far too often.

I return to the biblical callings put upon people. In God’s plan He set up priests to maintain His Laws, worship, prayer, and intercession. God also called and appointed prophets to proclaim truth and teaching to His people. While kings came to be appointed by God, it does not appear that this role was central or in the original plans. The reason for this is that God was originally the king of His people. The Laws given in the Torah were similar to agreements drawn up by the kings of that time. God set forth a plan with His people, and they latter rejected God, in Samuel’s time, for a human king.

With regard to those of us now living in the Christian faith, we see Paul even reminds us that in the church Christ it the head (Eph. 5:23 & 1 Co. 12). He also shows that we are all vitally important to the Body of Christ, and as members we work together in Christ. The issues of unity, the body, and working together seem to come out in a lot of the New Testament writings. This reminds me both of how important it is to keep these things right, and how easy it is to miss the mark. If it were not so, I don’t think there would be need to write so much on these issues.

To often in our world we see pastors seeming to worry more about building their kingdom, instead of simply living alongside of their brothers and sisters and the churches nearby. The American church of competition seems to drive us far from where we should be. We need to return our hearts to be more like Abraham, who welcomed neighboring leaders with hospitality and openness, instead of competition. We need to worry more about the Kingdom of God, which we all serve, over our little places of responsibility.

I hope we can all learn to keep balance in our ministries. I pray that we do not let our little kingdoms take precedent over The Kingdom of God, which we are a part. May God bless us with the ability to better serve the role of prophet and priest, so the Kingdom of God will be blessed. When we must, and times will be such, be the leader, may we lead with humility and care above all. May the need of the small out way any desire of greatness. May God be glorified in our mere service in His plans.

- DGS 3/1/12

Sharing Generously

The Apostle Paul gives some great advice in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, about sharing and receiving from others. Paul had just finished praising the churches of Macedonia, who gave out of their own poverty to help those in need in Jerusalem. When we find ourselves with out, or have went through times it often seems easier to relate to someone else who is in need. Paul encourage the Corinthian Church in some practical ways, with regard to giving. We can learn from these instructions some practical steps for giving in our own lives.

First, Paul instructs us that when we are generous the blessings flow back to us. This is not some formula for success, but rather a way in which blessings seem to continually flow. We are blessed that we may bless others, in turn they may bless others, and as Paul points out at the end of this passage in prayer those blessed are blessing the giver. This flow really reminds me that we are not alone, but interconnected to the believers around us. We need one another, and in living we bless one another through life.

A second principle is to give using our mind. We should, when possible take the time to consider what type of gift we can both afford, and that is best suited to the need. Thinking is not just a principle of tithing, but of all stewardship. God's plan is that we bless one another, but if we give all that we have with out thought of our own need, then we might well be unable to help others in the future. Thinking and giving should include how we use all of our resources: time, money, education, and influence.

In thinking we also should make decisions as a family, as to what we will give to any given need. By including our family in the process we accomplish two very important tasks. First, we are teaching our children or other family members the importance of good stewardship and sharing. Second, we are keeping clear and open communication between spouses.

This second area is vital to a marriage, as a couple should be giving together. I know of a church in a town I once lived that had held a great pledge drive. The only problem was that several people promised money with our consulting their spouses. Some of these spouses were neither attendee's of the church, or even Christians for that matter. When it came time to collect the money problems arose in these families. One family in the church already faced some problems, and this issue of money and promises with out talking to the other spouse added into their filing for divorce. While the idea and pledging was good, this is a reminder that we must make such decisions as a family, and not alone.

Ultimately God loves a cheerful giver, and so our giving should be from a heart that desires to share and give. Paul even states that we should not give "out of compulsion" (v.7). This heart felt giving may go far beyond money. I know of ladies who sow quilts for missionaries. Others who collect household needs for missions organizations. When my family were headed off on a church planting adventure a church blessed us with both a monetary gift, and with a van load of household items for a move into a new home.

In blessing of God's ministers and mission workers we are freeing people to focus upon the task of ministering to the people God has called them to. We are directly then involved with that mission in our own lives. We should always be willing to give to such needs in our communities and around the world.

Giving is a way of praising God. Paul tells us in verse 11 and 12 that this giving is thanksgiving to God. As we give we can praise God that we are able to help in His blessing of others. It becomes an attitude of thanksgiving and sharing that passes God's love on to others around us.

What if you find yourself on the receiving end of giving, how should you respond? First, with thanksgiving to God and the person who has giving to help you. You may not always know who has blessed you. I remember a time when our family was down to a a couple of cans of food on the shelf. We walked out of our trailer to go to a mid-week Bible study to find two grocery bags full of food. I do not know to this day who gave those to us, but we thanked God and prayed God's blessing upon them. Paul reminds us that those who receive, pray for those who have given. This keeps the blessings passing along.

We do need one another in life, and I pray that you will be able to be blessed in giving generously, as God would lead and direct you to needs around you and your family.

A Piece of the Puzzle

The Puzzle

It was a cold winters day, as the snow and wind blew violently against the window pain. The man went to his shelf to find something to pass the time away. He found the box, and opened it up pouring the pieces out across the table. He looked across the pieces on the table all scatter in disarray. There were shapes of all sorts and sizes. Some were more rounded, and others were more square. Some had holes, and others protruding nodules for placing inside. Carefully he turned the pieces over examining the picture on each and every shape. Soon they were all facing up, and he slowly and methodically began to put piece after piece together.

Starting with pieces with straight edges he soon was able to see a frame for the picture that would be formed inside. Carefully as the days of winter went on the he was able to see the beauty of the picture come into being, as each piece found its place within the whole. It was time consuming, but fun as well to see the form it made. Soon there were less pieces and less holes to fill in the picture before him. Then the pieces ran out, and still a hole remained.

The man could be seen with flashlight in hand, searching under the table and along the wall. He searched the closet, the corners, and all through out the house. One piece was missing, what could he do?

God is piecing together a great tapestry of a puzzle in the church. Every person is a part of this great picture He is trying to make. Every part is important to the whole of who we can be in His hands. Some of us are pieces that help to make the frame for others to build upon, and others are at the center drawing the eye to the beauty of the whole. Our part is not determined by us, but by God Himself.

Yet as He brings us all together to complete the greater purpose of His picture, sometimes a piece or two is missing. Sometimes He is searching for the life that has found itself caught in the darkness of busyness, or fallen off the table of peace into the turmoil around. God may be searching for you to help complete his puzzle in this church. We hope that you will know that you are an important part of what God wants to do. Every part is important. We can not finish the picture with pieces missing, so come and join us in growing in Him.

- Daniel Shipton 12/10/11

Learn to Play with Others

Remember when we were kids, and we would go to a friends house or school to play. If they had a toy we wanted we would get very upset if they wouldn't share. If you don't remember, then perhaps its time to spend some time in the church nursery, and observe the behavior of children.

The real problem is that we do not outgrow such behavior very well. Many adults are still trying to learn to "play well together". I was reminded of this recently in looking at the account of the disciples arguing over who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Isn't that just like us, to argue over who gets the best, the most, or our way. Maybe we never learned to play with others in the fun things of life, so it hurts us in working with others in the hard things.

One nice things about children, is that they often forget in a short while why they were angry with another child. A new toy or new interest comes and they are off with life. The problem with adults is that we are locked on the problem, and life can't move on for us. We become consumed with the situation, instead of loving the people God has blessed us with in our lives.

May you put aside your differences in life. May you play and have fun with the people you are a part of. May those blessings encourage love, as God intends it with in His family.

Keep on your Journey with Jesus today.

Technology Is The Pastor's Friend

I know that there are differing views of technology. Many Christians fight change in how we do thing. The fear of the unknown keeps us from trying a new recipe or trying new technology in a church. We as ministers can sometimes be too far one way or the other on the issues of technology in the places we are called to minister.

I do not consider myself a trend setter by any means, but I do try to keep up where I see benefits to those I am shepherding. This week I have been attending a class on ministry using the Web, and I am challenged in my own ideas of how to use technology in a real way to touch lives and help others on their own spiritual journey. In recent months I have improved our church website, by adding online links to daily devotionals, which some in our church already enjoy. I have also recently started a devotion Pod cast to offer encouragement to people through out the week. The devotions are based around whatever the Lord is leading me to preach on the prior week. It is my hope that this additional contact will be picked up by some in my congregation who could use some extra encouragement in their own spiritual walk.

Last night after uploading my message from Sunday onto my free sermon.net account, I checked my status. I was not worried about the number, only to know if anyone is still accessing the weekly messages. Three people are regularly listening to the message. I was thrilled to know that there are others outside the pews, or maybe those listening again to what was being said. I will likely never have the draw of Billy Graham or Andy Stanley, but I can use this web-technology to give extra encouragement to those I minister to in my own small community of the world.

I utilize email for regular contacts, and reminders. I Face Book to keep in touch with many of the younger crowd, who no longer email. I use the church web page to promote and show our church, and now to offer additional spiritual growth to those I am called to shepherd. John Wesley used a horse to get into the world with the message of God. How much more should we not use the vehicle of the internet to carry the message of Christ today.

God bless your journey with Him today.

Billiards and Church Fellowship

I have been thinking a lot about fellowship with in churches this past few weeks. Today a thought came to my mind. In a way this thought is a lot like billiards or the game of pool. A church may be made up of several individuals, and a few groups of people (at least in a small town church like my own). Imagine those groups and individuals represented by several scattered balls, and a few setting side by side. They may go along for several years in their little cliches or groups, and the individuals remain solitary.

The first change I thought of was of a new pastor or leader coming into the church. Being an outsider in most cases these new leaders are accepted, at least at some level by everyone. By virtue of their influence they may make connections with groups and individuals. Unfortunately many times this is really like the pastor being the cue ball on the billiard table. The pastor interacts, attracting some, setting others off, and building new groups or clusters. In the end this may actually cause scattering in view of the table, and new groups form into new clusters over time.

This may happen again, with the change of pastoral leadership in a church.

The second thought is similar, but in regard to visitors to our church. Instead of bouncing balls around the table, these new families and faces do not have the influence or acceptance. All too often they come into a church, and instead of causing separation of groups or clusters in the church they are the ones bounced around. Groups, clusters, and individuals in the church have a mysterious force field or glue holding them together. Since the new person or family can not get into a group they either must become individuals or all too often they drift away from the church to another in search of a place of acceptance.

I pray that our churches are not made up of cliches, but of Christians who are filled with Christ and the Fellowship principle of the Bible. Opening their hearts and lives to one another, and any person who comes into the fold. May we always be open, loving, and accepting in our churches.