How many times have you read Psalm 23? For me, it is probably several dozen, if not more than one hundred. Until recently I read it with a selfish focus. When I read Psalm 23, I saw the promise of peace, restoration, and protection. While it speaks to these subjects, none of them are THE subject.
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This weekend, my family attended the estate auction of my grandmother… There were several things that would make the people on those antique reality shows drool. I smiled at the thought as my wife and I walked along the tables looking at everything. But then it happened…we walked by a box of wooden shelves and I saw the crescent moon with a stairwell going from one landing at the bottom of the moon to a landing at the top.
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The screaming-fast pace of technology keeps churches scrambling to keep up – at least the ones I’ve been involved in. It seems like we’re always a step behind, a day late, a dollar short! In some cases, the technology really doesn’t apply (or is too difficult / expensive to justify the investment), but in most cases, pastors and ministry leaders – with any real desire to impact their community and this generation – understand that it will involve a certain level of technology to be influential in this age. Here is the NEXT big thing:
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For us to live on mission with God and allow Him to do His work through us means that we must be attentive to how ‘we see life.’ It will help if we can see the whole of life in the context of sowing and reaping… understanding the importance and implications of this Biblical principle in the context of everyday relationships.
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In order to provide for our families, we work more hours or more jobs. We spend more time at work or looking for work knowing good and well our family needs the husband and father around more. But something occurred to me a while ago; the large company I work for doesn’t want me working more. In fact, the company doesn’t want me at all. If you spend the majority of your day working and reading/studying the Bible so you can provide for and lead your family, what are you left with when you realize you work for a company that doesn’t want you and serve a God that doesn’t need you?
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Many of us do it. We live an Old Testament existence in a world of New Testament promises. I guess Law will always appeal to our flesh more than Grace. So we go along mistaking the physical lesson of the Old Testament for the spiritual truth of the New Testament.
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What separates good leaders from bad leaders? You can probably spit out several obvious responses with little effort. Good leaders treat everyone with respect; they lead by example; and they aren’t hypocrites. However, if you are a leader, this isn’t the question you should be asking. Instead, you should be concerned with what makes a great leader. I have outlined below three ways to guarantee your leadership will be nothing more than average.
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For years, I just couldn’t say it. I don’t know why, but I would say anything except those dreaded three words. Three simple words: “I don’t know.” Why are they so difficult to say? It’s because we have to admit a measure of ignorance. It’s humbling. But I want to encourage you to not fear saying IDK any more. Saying “I Don’t Know” is very powerful.
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Too often throughout our day, our focus is on everything except Christ. Our days are so filled at times it can almost seem to minimize our risen Lord. So I will pose the question – What are you focused on? What would merit such a reaction and cause you to jump out of your boat?
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When someone has damaged their reputation or fallen into sin, the easiest thing to do is – well – nothing! But Galatians 6:1 commands something very different. Frankly, I don’t know if there is a verse in the Bible that is less practiced in today’s Christian world. But God has been clear. If you are “spiritual,” it is your duty to get involved in restoration of the fallen – to become a stone catcher.
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