I read an article this week 10 Bad Reasons To Be A Pastor. For the most part it was right on-target.
Even if we have the right reason (singular, not plural) for being a pastor—namely, that God called us—we can still battle discouragement over what is or isn’t happening in our ministry. I am convinced that much of this discouragement comes from listening to the wrong applause.
John Chrysostom, a man very reluctant to answer God’s call on his life to enter the pastorate, wrote—
“Let, therefore, the man who undertakes the strain of teaching never give heed to the good opinion of the outside world, nor be dejected in soul on account of such persons; but laboring at his sermons so that he may please God, (For let this alone be his rule and determination, in discharging this best kind of workmanship, not acclamation, nor good opinions,) if, indeed, he be praised by men, let him not repudiate their applause, and when his hearers do not offer this, let him not seek it, let him not be grieved. For a sufficient consolation in his labors, and one greater than all, is when he is able to be conscious of arranging and ordering his teaching with a view to pleasing God.” (emphasis added)
Our view must always be to pleasing God. It matters little whether humans hands applaud us or not. We must live, and preach, and discharge our pastoral duties solely for the applause of nail-scarred hands. If our Master says, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” what does it matter what anyone else says?
This is a weekly series with things I’m reading and pondering from Oswald Chambers. You can read the original seed thought here, or type “Thursdays With Oswald” in the search box to read more entries.
The Power To Descend
The test of spiritual life is the power to descend; if we have power to rise only, there is something wrong. … Spiritual selfishness makes us want to stay on the mount; we feel so good, as if we could do anything—talk like angels and live like angels, if only we could stay there. But there must be the power to descend; the mountain is not the place for us live, we were built for the valleys. …
The reason we have to live in the valley is that the majority of people live there, and if we are to be of use to God in the world we must be useful from God’s standpoint, not from our own standpoint or the standpoint of other people.
From The Love Of God
When Peter, James and John were with Jesus on the mountain and He was transfigured in their presence, Peter said, “Lord, let me build some shelters so we can stay here always!” (see Luke 9:28-36). But there was no one on the mountaintop, except for them. In the valley below was a demon-possessed boy who needed help (Luke 9:37-43). If they had stayed on that mountain, this boy would not have been helped.
On the day of Pentecost, the followers of Jesus were on the “mountaintop” of an upper room when the Holy Spirit baptized them (Acts 2:1-4). It was an amazing experience, probably very similar to what those apostles had seen with Jesus. It would have been very tempting to stay there, basking in the presence of God. But Jesus had said that this baptism in the Holy Spirit was to empower them for the “valley” of service (Acts 1:8). There were people in valleys all over the world who needed the good news of Jesus.
Mountaintops with God are great. God gives us these experiences so that we can be of greater service for Him in the valleys. The people are in the valleys and they need what you and I have received from God. Enjoy the mountaintop experience with God and then go quickly to minister in the valleys!
These are links to articles and quotes I found interesting today.
Truth! What Gossip Actually Does
“How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing, it is irresistible.” —C.S. Lewis
“The difference in winning and losing is most often not quitting.” —Walt Disney
A son shows his sick mother some love: A Message Of Love In The Snow
Max Lucado on what angers Jesus: Hucksters And Faith Peddlers
Researchers question the long-term effectiveness of ADHD medicines: The Smart-Pill Oversell
An interview with Alvin Plantinga: Is Atheism Irrational?
[VIDEO] A great TobyMac song with a great message: Speak Life
This coming Sunday we begin a new series at Calvary Assembly of God called Sit Walk Stand: A Study In The Book Of Ephesians.
Why Ephesians? Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, who preached 232 sermons on this book to his packed-out church, said, “It is very difficult to speak of Ephesians in a controlled manner because of its greatness. Many have tried to describe it. One writer has described it as the crown and climax of Pauline theology. Another has said that it is the distilled essence of the Christian religion, the most authoritative and most consummate compendium of our holy Christian faith. What language! And it is by no means exaggerated.”
It is my desire that the congregation of Calvary Assembly of God be as biblically literate as I can encourage and resource them to be. So Tom Kaastra, a 38-year veteran pastor, is going to co-teach with me, and we’re going to spend the next 6-weeks mastering this powerful epistle. Then we’ll pick it up again around this same time next year, as we continue our way through the entire letter.
The name of our series—Sit Walk Stand—comes from Watchman Nee, who wrote, “Of all Paul’s epistles, it is in Ephesians that we find the highest spiritual truths concerning the Christian life. The letter abounds with spiritual riches, and yet at the same time is intensely practical.”
Please join us this Sunday at 10:30am.
“May God give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” (Psalm 20:4)
How confident David is! How bold! And yet through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David says exactly what Our Lord taught—
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. (John 15:7)
I tell you the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. (John 16:23)
This assurance to ask largely of our loving Heavenly Father looks to His provision alone. It believes and it asks. It knows that God can answer—“now I know” (Psalm 20:6)—and that He does answer—“You have granted all the desires of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips” (Psalm 21:2).
Oh, for faith to believe You and ask You for more!
How would your prayers change if you had the confident assurance of David?
Normally I post book reviews after I have completely read a book. But since I’m going to be working my way through The Archeological Study Bible for quite some time, I thought now was as good a time as any to share my thoughts.
I have never been able to read through the Bible in a year. I find too many fascinating subjects that keep me locked into a passage, and so it ends up putting me hopelessly behind such a rigorous reading schedule. In this study Bible, I’m finding even more fascinating reading that is making God’s Word come alive (and consequently causing me to pause even longer on certain passages)!
Since archeology and anthropology put human history in order, I am reading through the Scripture in its chronological order (i.e. not in the order the books appear in the Bible, but in the order the historical events occurred. There is a helpful chronological list on BibleGateway.com). The Archeological Study Bible is adding such a richness to the places and people and customs that are chronicled in Scripture. With each commentary, map, chart, graph, or in-depth article, I am learning about the cultures in which the people of the Bible lived, and the prevailing thoughts and customs in which biblical writers wrote the Spirit-inspired Scriptures. It is quite fascinating!
If you would like to add a new level of richness to your Bible study, this study Bible should definitely be a part of your library.
These are links to articles and quotes I found interesting today.
“Once we receive the revelation of God’s glory, we cannot continue in our old ways of treating others. That must all change.” —David Wilkerson
“Do we regularly think ‘WHAT’S RIGHT WITH IT?’ instead of ‘what’s wrong with it?’ Do our opinions, as naive as they may seem to be, lift the spirits of others and promote thankfulness, joy and love? Is this how we approach our relationships, our jobs and our church? Do we look for the negative and annoying? Will we drive away from service tomorrow saying, ‘I didn’t like that song’ … or, ‘I thought that message lacked substance’ … or, ‘_______ was really rude today’ … or … something else unkind or unnecessary? I’m guilty of negative opinions too… I’m not proud of this fact and I’m determined to see it radically change in 2014.” —Chilly Chilton
West Michigan is great place to live, and find a job, and get involved with a great church: Why Unemployment Is High In Parts Of Michigan
“No Christian and, indeed, no historian could accept the epigram which defines religion as ‘what a man does with his solitude.’ It was one of the Wesleys, I think, who said that the New Testament knows nothing of solitary religion.” —C.S. Lewis
Muslims are finding Jesus! A Wind In The House Of Islam
Stunning Photos Of Earth From Above
A touching story about Hockeytown′s famous #9: The Best Gift Ever Given To Gordie Howe
A great reminder/challenge from Max Lucado: Someday
Tim Elmore′s helpful advice for anyone working with youth: Six Steps To Prepare For The Coming Culture Shift
“I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking Him to do His work through me.” —Hudson Taylor