Thur. 4 Missions: Settler or Pioneer?

This is taken directly from Guy Muse's blog:

Frontier Theology

--By Wes Seeliger--

There are two views of life and two kinds of people. Some see life as a possession to be carefully guarded. They are SETTLERS. Others see life as a fantastic,The visible church is an outfit with an abundance of settlers and a few pioneers. The invisible church is the fellowship of pioneers.

To no one's surprise there are two kinds of theology. Settler theology and pioneer theology. Settler theology is an attempt to answer all the questions, define and housebreak some sort of "Supreme Being," establish the status quo on Golden Tablets in cinemascope. Pioneer Theology is an attempt to talk about what it means to receive the strange gift of life and live! The pioneer sees theology as a wild adventure, complete with indians, saloon girls, and the haunting call of what is yet to be.

The Wild West offers a stage for picturing these two types of theology. Settlers and Pioneers use the same words but that is where it stops. To see what I mean--read on.

THE CHURCH

IN SETTLER THEOLOGY--the church is the courthouse. It is the center of town life. The old stone structure dominates the town square. Its windows are small. This makes the thing easy to defend, but quite dark inside. Its doors are solid oak. No one lives there except pigeons and they, of course, are most unwelcome.

Within the thick, courthouse walls, records are kept, taxes collected, trials held for bad guys. The courthouse runs the town. It is the settler's symbol of law, order, stability, and most important--security, The mayor's office is on the top floor. His eagle eye scopes out the smallest details of town life.

IN PIONEER THEOLOGY--the church is the covered wagon. It is a house on wheels--always on the move. No place is its home. The covered wagon is where the pioneers eat, sleep, fight, love, and die. It bears the marks of life and movement--it creaks, is scarred with arrows, bandaged with bailing wire. The covered wagon is always where the action is. It moves in on the future and doesn't bother to glorify its own ruts. The old wagon isn't comfortable, but the pioneers could care less. There is a new world to explore.

GOD

IN SETTLER THEOLOGY--God is the mayor. The honorable Alpha O. Mega, chief executive of Settler City. He is a sight to behold--dressed like a dude from back East, lounging in an over-stuffed chair in his courthouse office. He keeps the blinds drawn. No one sees or knows him directly, but since there is order in the town who can deny he is there? The mayor is predictable and always on schedule.

The settlers fear the mayor but look to him to clear the payroll and keep things going. The mayor controls the courthouse which in turn runs the town. To maintain peace and quiet the mayor sends the sheriff to check on pioneers who ride into town.

IN PIONEER THEOLOGY--God is the trail boss. He is rough and rugged-full of life. The trail boss lives, eats, sleeps, fights with his men. Their well being is his concern. Without him the wagon wouldn't move--the pioneers would become fat and lazy. Living as a free man would be impossible. The trail boss often gets down in the mud with the pioneers to help push the wagon which frequently gets stuck. He slugs the pioneers when they get soft and want to turn back. His fist is an expression of his concern.

JESUS

IN SETTLER THEOLOGY--Jesus is the sheriff. He is the guy who is sent by the mayor to enforce the rules. He wears a white hat--drinks milk--outdraws the bad guys. He saves the settlers by offering security. The sheriff decides who is thrown in jail. There is a saying in town that goes like this--those who believe the mayor sent the sheriff and follow the rules won't stay in Boot Hill when it comes their time.

IN PIONEER THEOLOGY--Jesus is the scout. He rides out ahead to find out which way the pioneers should go. He lives all the dangers of the trail. The scout suffers every hardship, is attacked by the Indians, feared by the settlers. Through his actions and words he shows the true spirit, intent, and concern of the trail boss. By looking at the scout, those on the trail learn what it really means to be a pioneer.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

IN SETTLER THEOLOGY--the Holy Spirit is a saloon girl. Her job is to comfort the settlers. They come to her when they feel lonely or when life gets dull or dangerous. She tickles them under the chin and makes everything O.K. again. The saloon girl squeals to the sheriff when someone starts disturbing the peace. (Note to settlers: the whiskey served in Settler City Saloon is the non-spiritous kind.)

IN PIONEER THEOLOGY--the Holy Spirit is the buffalo hunter. He rides along with the wagon train and furnishes fresh, raw meat for the pioneers. The buffalo hunter is a strange character--sort of a wild man. The pioneers never can tell what he will do next. He scares the hell out of the settlers. Every Sunday morning, when the settlers have their little ice cream party in the courthouse, the buffalo hunter sneaks up to one of the courthouse windows with his big black gun and fires a tremendous blast. Men jump, women scream, dogs bark. Chuckling to himself, the buffalo hunter rides back to the wagon train.

THE CHRISTIAN

IN SETTLER THEOLOGY--the Christian is the settler. He fears the open, unknown frontier. He stays in good with the mayor and keeps out of the sheriff's way. He tends a small garden. "Safety First" is his motto. To him the courthouse is a symbol of security, peace, order, and happiness. He keeps his money in the bank. The banker is his best friend. He plays checkers in the restful shade of the oak trees lining the courthouse lawn. He never misses an ice cream party.

IN PIONEER THEOLOGY--the Christian is the pioneer. He is a man of risk and daring--hungry for adventure, new life, the challenge of being on the trail. He is tough, rides hard, knows how to use a gun when necessary. The pioneer feels sorry for the town folks and tries to tell them about the joy and fulfillment of a life following the trail. He dies with his boots on.

THE CLERGYMAN

IN SETTLER THEOLOGY--the clergyman is the bank teller. Within his vaults are locked the values of the town. He is suspicious of strangers. And why not? Look what he has to protect! The bank teller is a highly respected man in town. He has a gun but keeps it hidden behind his desk. He feels he and the sheriff have a lot in common. After all, they both protect the bank.

IN PIONEER THEOLOGY--the clergyman is the cook. He doesn't furnish the meat--he just dishes up what the buffalo hunter provides. This is how he supports the movement of the wagon. He never confuses his job with that of the trail boss, scout or buffalo hunter. He sees himself as just another pioneer who has learned to cook. The cook's job is to help the pioneers pioneer.

THE BISHOP

IN SETTLER THEOLOGY--the bishop is the bank president. He rules the bank with an iron hand. He makes all the decisions, tells the tellers what to do, and upholds the image of the bank. The settlers must constantly be reassured of the safety of their values. The bank president watches the books like a hawk. Each day he examines all deposits and withdrawals. The bank president is responsible for receiving all new accounts. This is called "the laying on of hands."

IN PIONEER THEOLOGY--the bishop is the dishwasher. He does the chores so the cook can do his job. He supports the cook in every way possible. Together the cook and dishwasher plan the meals and cook the food provided by the buffalo hunter. They work as an interdependent team in all matters related to cooking. Humming while he works, the dishwasher keeps the coffeepot going for the pioneers. Though the dishwasher has an humble task he is not resentful. All pioneers realize that each man's job is equally important. In fact, in the strange ways of the pioneer community, he is greatest who serves most. (A bishop is the servant of the servants of God. If the servants of God are cooks, what else would a bishop be?)

The complete book from which this was condensed is available from the author for $6.95. Wes Seeliger, 4027 Lanark, Houston, TX 77025

The Time is Now

I have recently heard that you can call it Jesus’ last will and testament. Not wholly  accurate, but a good analogy and it provides good food for thought.

At the end of Matthew 28, just before He is taken up into Heaven, some of Jesus’ last words are:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

This was the last thing that Jesus said before He physically departed this Earth, never to return until it is all over and His eternal reign begins. That should make an impact on us – He obviously thought this was the most important thing left to say. His last chance to tell these folks something direct from the source. What does this mean for us? I have the phrase in my head: “the time is now!” The time is now, not only to evangelize the lost, but to make true, whole disciples of those who already believe in Christ, but have yet to devote themselves totally and completely to Him.

We have a great man of God coming to lead us in the next few weeks and I was thrilled to hear testimony of something like 70 people walked the aisle in ONE service! Amazing and glory to God! However, we must understand that as great a speaker as Dr. Jeffress is, no matter how filled with the Sprit he and his staff are, somebody other than him or the leadership team brought or invited those people to church that day. Don’t miss the forest for the trees here – sure, some people probably came in under the Lord’s divine direction through watching the TV show or listening on the radio – the point is the time is now for us as individuals to begin planting those seeds, building those relationships, being friendly and displaying the love of Christ and His ability to change our world to others. The command is to us all. “Go!” Let’s start now and begin laying that soft, rich soil for the seeds to land on.

The last part: “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” is very important for all believers, not just new converts. I think it is safe to say that for the most part, we all have a deep desire to advance the Kingdom, die to ourselves, and live for Christ daily. Am I exhorting other men that I know who are sort of on the fence to pick up that charge as well? Not as much as I should. Do we exhort each other, not just those of us we know to be on the same page – that’s easy – what about the other guy? That’s hard, and I’m not good at it. I pray that the Lord will give me ‘strength and honor’ and courage in knowing how and when to be an example to my other Christian brothers.

I am so excited about the group of strong men who love the Lord and are ready to go into battle with one another, to lead the charge and change themselves, their families, our city, and the world!
The time is now – be the Light to an unsaved person today. Exhort a brother in Christ today.

 

Nathan Campbell

 

Wednesday is for being challenged!

My view of God

 

I guess God is not through with Nehemiah in my life. It keeps challenging my views. This time it challenges the way I view and approach God.   As some of the books in the Bible do, Nehemiah ends on note that leaves the reader saying…so what happened next?  The last few words of Nehemiah seemed really odd to me at first.

 

The last chapter tells that Nehemiah left Jerusalem, went back to Susa to work for the king then returned to Jerusalem.  Nehemiah found a few things in disarray and set them straight.  He cleansed the temple and reprimanded the leaders.  We know how rebellious Israel was and how they repeatedly turned to God then turned away.  Then they repented and followed God again.  I think the last few verses show Nehemiah's frustration, our human reaction to Israel's choices.  Nehemiah did so much to restore the walls, to rebuild Jerusalem, to reunite the people in their beloved city.  He gave so much of himself for them. He goes back to Susa for a while and ….and what?  The people so quickly cease to obey God.  Like Moses and other prophets in the Bible led by God to guide the people, there comes a time when enough is enough.  The prophet cries out to God to hold the people accountable.

 

"Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites."  Wow, what an indictment and request.  He didn't ask God to forgive them, correct them or punish them.  He asked God to remember them because of their disobedience.  I think I've talked before about our attitude towards our enemies or those we hope God judges.  Add this verse to that topic. 

 

The Bible gives us many examples of behavior- godly and not.  This prayer of Nehemiah speaking to God about anger at the people sounds a lot like some of the prayers of Moses.  This is not the kind of prayer I would instruct my children to pray about a mean kid at school.  I'd probably tell my child he is wrong for doing this…that's frequently the parenting technique I use.  It gets great results.  I'd say they shouldn't pray for that & God surely won't answer that prayer.  At first glance I say Nehemiah's prayer is not an example of the "right" kind of prayer …..but what does that mean?  We should be honest with God, in a reverent manner.  If we cannot speak honestly, openly to God then there is no one to whom we can go.  I don't think God is going to answer by doing what was petitioned.  God is forgiving.  I think we can pray for judgment but we better pray for mercy and repentance at the same time.  Try to balance that one out.  Nehemiah asks God to remember the people because of their sin then he tells how he helped fix the situation.  The very last phrase of verse 31, the very last phrase of the book is what gets me.

 

"Remember me, O my God, for good."

 

It sounds like Nehemiah views God as a judgmental, almost vengeful God.  I wonder how much of that was due to his aggravation and frustration with the people of Israel and because of the judgment he feared God was bringing on them.  It almost sounds like Nehemiah is pleading for mercy.  I immediately thought of my view of God being so different.  I realized an element of my worship is often missing – honoring the holiness of God, living in awe of Him.  He is a powerful, majestic, awe-ful God.  Yes, God loves us.  Yes, God cares for and takes care of us.  He pursues and desires our worship.  But I think, sometimes, we are too willing and ready to call Him our friend without the balance of who He really is.  Everywhere, and yes I mean everywhere, we hear wrong views of God espoused – some totally unbiblical.  We have to be careful our view of God is biblical.  That, my friends, is why we must be in the Word daily- so that we, like our car after 50,000 miles, can get a realignment. 

 

I want to study of the prayers of Nehemiah to see the things he asked of God, how he addressed God, his attitude in prayer.  He obviously listened to and obeyed.  God used him mightily.  I want that in my life.  Not to be famous but to be used by God.  There is no greater joy.  There very thought is unbelievable…. God would use me to bring about His will?

 

Live ready to lead,

Philip Buford

 

Thanks for today's blog posting to - Philip Buford

Thanks,

Gary

gkendall@KendallSystems.com
www.KendallSystems.com
972-488-0009
"While it is hard to motivate someone with no Vision, it is almost
impossible to stop someone with a Vision." - gary kendall

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The Lord is God!

How wonderful a Godly leader is! A leader that follows Christ has the ability to inspire and unite us in a common direction.

Take Elijah. I Kings 18 tells a story we all know. Elijah was commanded by God to go and face King Ahab. Ahab considered him a troublemaker and a rabble-rouser. The king asked him, Is it you, you disturber of Israel? (verse 17) Notice Elijah's response. It is not I who disturb Israel . . . but you and your family, by forsaking the commands of the LORD and following the Baals (verse 18).

Elijah was unpopular because he stood for what God had spoke to him. And he led the people in the way God instructed him. It was something he seemed born to do. His very name meant "God is Jehovah (the Lord)." You know the story from here. Elijah challenged the king and the prophets of Baal on the mountain. The one that answered by fire would be the one true God. Baal of course did nothing. God moved in an incredible way. Notice the response of the people. The LORD is God! The LORD is God!

Thank you God for the wonderful leaders you have given us to teach and encourage us in our walks.

Darrell Baty

Friday Vision - The faith of a child.

I have a Vision to raise my kids with a strong faith in answered prayer.  I am always looking for ways to encourage them to pray for things.  Sometimes we have trouble with asking God for little things.  We think he is too busy to bother with the minor things in our lives but this is not true. 

 

My son Chris, who is 14, has been going out with one of my workers, Josiah, on a pool cleaning route, earning money for next summer's trips.  Yesterday they did 10 pools and it was hot and they were tired.  Josiah goes to a pentecostal school here in Dallas (CFNI) and is just full of faith and talks about God all the time to anything that moves.  So I have been enjoying having my son exposed to his influence.

 

Well at the end of the day they came back and I was asking how things went and Josiah told me that Chris was particularly tired after they had done one particular pool and as they were headed to the next he said he was praying that God would make the next pool perfect so they would not have to clean it.  Well, what do you know.  When they arrived at the next pool it was pristine and required no scrubbing or cleaning. 

 

Leave it to a child to not even consider that God might not be interested or might be too busy to bother with his request.

 

So, what is going on in your life that you are struggling to carry all by yourself?  How about asking God for help?  Take a lesson from a child and let Him know your request and then watch Him work.

 

Thanks,
 
Gary
 
gkendall@KendallSystems.com
www.KendallSystems.com
972-488-0009
"While it is hard to motivate someone with no Vision, it is almost impossible to stop someone with a Vision." - gary kendall

Thursday is For Missions

Get this: "70% of young adults (ages 23-30) dropped out of church for at least a year between the ages of 18-22. That 70% includes many who spent their teenage years as active members of their church youth group. The sharpest drop occurs between the ages of 17-19 and reasons for leaving the church fall into three main categories: life changes or situations, church or pastor related reasons, and religious, ethical, or political beliefs." Emphasis mine.

That's a quote from Lifeway Research. You can read more about this here.

Scott Stevens from Lifeway wrote the article and expands on the reasons "why." I won't dispute the data he cites; however, I can articulate it differently.

What the young adults see in organized religion is garbage. We pay lip service to raising the relationship over religion, but it's not lived out authentically. The adults in church are in bondage and they're scared to death of freedom. They're in bondage to legalism, tradition, approval, and on an on. They attempt to place their children and the youth they work with in the same bondage (misery loves company) and the youth are saying no way. Actually they're biding their time. Once they leave home, they leave the church.

What does this have to do with missions?

A missionary is primarily concerned with two big things: Being the Lord's instrument to transfer the lost from darkness to light through Jesus Christ, and establishing healthy churches that will multiply. If 70% are bailing, I'm guessing our churches aren't healthy.

To do these two things, one must first study the culture and environment of the group he or she is trying to reach. Without ever compromising the Gospel, the missionary will alter the presentation, the medium, and means to make it as culturally appropriate as possible. For example, if a natural meeting time is at night around the fire, then you have church at night around a fire where you recount God's word and truth.

To establish healthy churches, he or she sets up checks and balances and constantly goes to scripture for the governance of His church.

You are constantly asking, "What will it take to reach these people?" You don't simply export your system to their culture. The missionaries who have done that have failed, often spectacularly. I've waded through the messes they've left.

It's funny, when you focus on What will it take? and you have an outward focus with your hands on the plow, you don't worry so much about the tertiary junk that leads to unhealthy churches that drive their youth away from Christ.

Better a millstone be tied to our necks.

Mike

Do you understand your role as a man?

Do you understand your role as a Man?

Do you understand how important it is for you to be the man of God that you
were created to be?

What does that look like? If you are like me and the majority of guys out
there, we are all fumbling around trying to do what we think we should be
doing; and guess what? We aren't doing too good of a job. I want to give you
a few stats and I think it will give you a glimpse of how serious of a
problem we are now facing.

For every 10 men in the average church...
* 9 will have kids who leave the church
* 8 will not find their jobs satisfying
* 6 will pay monthly minimum on credit cards
* 5 have a major problem with pornography
* 4 will get divorced affecting 1,000,000 children each year
* Only 1 will have a biblical worldview
* All 10 will struggle to balance family & work
What is a Biblical Worldview? George Barna has put together what he believes
are the eight criteria to having a Biblical Worldview. They are:
1. Belief in absolute truth as defined by Scripture.
2. Accuracy of the Word of God. In other words, the inerrancy of Scripture.
3. Sinless nature of Jesus Christ.
4. The literal existence of Satan.
5. The Omnipotence of God, or God is all powerful.
6. The Omniscience of God, or God is all knowing.
7. Salvation by grace alone.
8. Personal Responsibility to Evangelism.

On a typical weekend in America, 26 million men will attend church sevices,
while 68 million men will stay at home. Of those 68 million, 85% of them,
were at one time or another connected to the church.

I love statistics! I know that one can skew them to say what you want them
to say, but usually, they can give you a pretty good gauge of what's going
on and where we're headed.

The Greatest Needs We Face...
* A Moral & Spiritual Reformation of Society
* A Discipleship Reformation of the Church
* A Reformation of the Christian Family
* A Reformation of Christian Marriage
* A Reformation of Biblical Manhood
Now I'm not going to go thru each of these things, but I want to touch on
the last point: Reformation of Biblical Manhood. Did you know:

* If a child is won to the gospel, we, the church have a 25% chance of
winning the whole family to the Kingdom.
* If a woman or wife comes to know the Lord, we, the church have a 29%
chance of winning the rest of that family, but*
* If a man or husband is won to Christ, there is a 95% chance that whole
family will be saved!

It's not just a lack of presence; most of the men who do attend our worship
services just aren't "getting it." Every week the gospel bounces off their
souls like bullets off superman's chest. Here are the facts:
* More than 90 percent of American men believe in God, and 5 out of 6 call
themselves Christians. But only 2 out of 6 attend church on a given Sunday.
The average man accepts the reality of Jesus Christ, but fails to see any
value in going to church.
* A significant number of churchgoing men attend out of habit, unaffected by
what they hear.
* Quite a few men go to church simply to keep their
wives/mothers/girlfriends happy.
* The majority of men who attend church do nothing during the week to grow
their faith.
* Relatively few churches are able to establish or maintain a vibrant men's
ministry.

We all need other "healthy" men to come along side us to help us out. One
thing I have come to know and it is this: Satan wants to keep you isolated.
He wants you by your self, and it doesn't matter whether you are married or
single. When you are by yourself, this is when Satan can work on you the
best. You see, it is so hard for him to work on you if you have a couple
godly men around you and pouring themselves into you. We need men as our
peers to help us be accountable to each other. We need some of you gray
hairs to guide us. Men, older men, you have lived it! We need you more than
ever! Besides, the Bible tells you to. See Titus chapter two.

If we are going to have healthy churches, the men of the church must get
involved in the life of other men. Together, we can see our churches get on
fire for the Lord. The end result is what the church needs is a great
revival and take back what Satan has robbed us from.

Glory, Honor, and Praises to the Lord Most High!

Ed Sanchez
Men's Minister
First Baptist Church, Dallas
214.969.7735 office
214.208.3190 cell

Thanks for today's blog posting to - Ed Sanchez

Thanks,

Gary

gkendall@KendallSystems.com
www.KendallSystems.com
972-488-0009
"While it is hard to motivate someone with no Vision, it is almost
impossible to stop someone with a Vision." - gary kendall

Please pass this email on to anyone you think should see it.

Visit the blog at:

http://firstdallasmen.blogspot.com/

To subscribe to the list, send a message to:
menofgod-subscribe@kendallsystems.com

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menofgod-unsubscribe@kendallsystems.com

Monday Blog - The Love of God

     I was flipping through the channels on TV the other day, watching a little bit of several programs (a habit that drives my wife insane) when I came across a group of "experts" talking about the love of God. After listening to them, I wondered what credentials they had to be "experts" because I began to think they had not read the same Bible I have read.  Misconception after misconception spewed from their mouth.  The highlight of the conversation came from the moderator who made this comment in reference to God, "It doesn't care what you call it because it has much bigger and better things to worry about."  There was wild applause from the audience and all of the panel nodded in agreement.  I was horrified!  This is in no way the truth of our Lord.  Satan has deceived many people into thinking God is too big or too preoccupied to worry about us and our everyday problems.  The Bible tells us something very different about the character of God.

    

     We are told in Matthew chapter 10 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.  What an awesome message!  God is not too busy for us. He is not uninterested in our day to day lives.  He has the greatest concern possible for every detail, even the ones too small for us.  If God literally know and cares about every hair on our head, how much more does he care for your daily walk and struggles?  This is an awesome and incredible love God has for you and the smallest detail.  Don't let the devil and the world convince you that God doesn't care.  He desires to be involved in the smallest of problems, struggles, laughs, successes, and everything else going on.  David wrote in one of his psalms that you number my wanderings; put my tears into your bottle; are they not in Your book? (Psalms 56:8)  God notices every tear you shed.  His love for us is so great he makes a note of ever single one.  God's love for us is incredible.  Don't be afraid to go to Him with all of your cares and troubles.  His love for us is big enough and strong enough to handle our every burden and worry.  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him for he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6, 7)

     

     Knowing that God has such a strong and awesome care for us can tend to make some feel, "boy, I must be great!"  God's mighty love has nothing to do with how great we are but solely rests with how great He is.  God loves us with this intense, furious love and compassion in spite of ourselves  "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (I John 4:9-10). We are further told that God demonstrates His own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.(Romans 5:8)

    

    How can such a wonderful love and compassion and care be ignored?  God cares for us much more than we could possibly even care for ourselves.  His desire is for us to follow after Him and have a relationship with Him.  How can we say no to such a God?

 

In His Love,

Darrell Baty

Darrell Baty

God is still in control….not you (even when the wrong things get posted...twice!!)

 

Fasting update- I tried it for 9 days skipping any food after lunch, nothing until breakfast the next morning and not eating extra at breakfast and lunch.  I didn’t make extra time for God but I maintained my normal time of prayer & study.  Many of the things I’ve read talk about an increased realization of God’s presence in your life when you fast.  They also encourage you to take extra time for prayer and Bible study.  There are many different types of fasting.  Even with the limited type I did both in duration and amount and without making additional time for worship, I had an amazing time spiritually and look forward to doing it again in a few weeks.  I challenge you to try it.

 

I was talking with my brother about the fasting and heightened spiritual awareness as well as spiritual growth in general over the last few months.  He said to not be surprised if the enemy throws junk my way.  Sure enough: dumb fights with my wife, misunderstandings among my kids and with me, stupid things going wrong with cars, the water heater and the air conditioner at home, frustrating things at work.  A fellow believer at work was frustrated the other day.  It would have been so easy to join in and add some negative comments.  Instead I felt convicted to bite my tongue.  Suddenly the words to encourage him to look to our Father for comfort and guidance were coming out of my mouth.  It surprised me.  I told him that although things at work may really be aggravating and seem out of control at times, our Father God is still Sovereign and in control.  My friend appreciated that and it sure changed the mood of our discussion- just sort of snuffed out the bickering.  The very next day when the a/c at my house had problems and I was anticipating a bill in the hundreds, the words I told my friend came right back at me. Ouch.  Our Father God is still Sovereign and in control.  But this is my a/c unit and it is July in Texas and it is finally getting hot.  God is still in control.  But….  God is God.  God is love.  God is Almighty.  God is not surprised or taken off guard by your dumb air conditioner.  It will be okay, period.  Trust.  I hate those issues of trust that involve things like the house or the car and money.  God, let’s just work on relationships – they are messy but at least I can kind of feel in control.  I hate those other issues- I feel so totally helpless. 

 

Well duh.  Is that not where God wants us?  Dependent upon Him alone.  What a loving and caring God that knows us so well that He constructs the perfect “plan” to make me depend on Him!  I look at is as sort of a game He can play at times….”Hmmm, which card should I play today in the Philip Buford Deck?  Which card today to bring him to his knees?  I want him closer to Me and he is straying just a bit.  There are many cards in the deck.  I need to get his attention.”   Or maybe, “He’s growing and following Me but I need to pull out a card to play today to show him something he is not aware of or maybe I’ll play this card that will prepare him to meet that person I’m bringing across his path in two months.  That person is going to need someone with this exact experience and knowledge.”

 

I think so many times we get so wrapped up in our own puny lives that we forget, we honestly forget that God is constructing all of this & if we will just be obedient, He will be able to use us in ways which we never imagine.  I try to teach my kids this but it is hard.  When something “bad” or unexpected happens, don’t get all fussy about it.  Step back and see what I can possibly learn from this….and if nothing comes to mind, then okay, just go on and live obediently.  We cannot possibly conceive what God has in store.  Who He will bring across our path?  What experience we will be able to recount to someone in such need and that will be the exact thing they need to hear to convince them that God is real and loves them?

 

How dare we be so conceited to think we matter so much – our job, our stuff, our plans.  Good grief, let God run the show.  It is not all about you.  It is all about HIM. Get yourself in the proper place, the proper perspective.  Get your attitude and priorities in line with God.

 

We just need to be obedient and do what He has told us.  Do that first then wait for more instruction. 

And when you do….wow, the joy, the peace, the overwhelming sense of awe that God used me.  God spoke through me.  Why me?  Thank you God, You used me.  To be used by the King.  Incredible. 

 

Live it and lead, be encouraged guys,

Philip Buford

Wednesday- Be Encouraged to Lead

Take a Stand 

 

Gentlemen, today I’m encouraging you, challenging you to lead by example and lead by following God’s will.  The topic is simple: the upcoming decision by our church to accept the man chosen to be our new pastor.  The search committee put in many hours on their knees praying together and alone.  They interviewed dozens and dozens of men.  They sought God on this matter.  Many of us in the congregation prayed for them day in and day out.  We prayed for their safety when traveling, for the precious time with their own families that would be sacrificed.  We prayed for God to lead them, guide them, show them the best man of God to lead our flock.  We prayed for a man with the vision for our church that we have and a vision that is beyond.  Our church has been blessed with that- a pastor that has vision beyond our own.  We prayed and agonized over the months of no news.  We were excited and anxious as word came that the search team had a significant announcement.

 

All along we had no say or guarantee in the final decision the team reached.  We put that in God’s hands. Did God lose His grip?  Did God let something slip out of His grasp?  May it never be said!  The almighty God and Father still reigns and for some unknown reason, still cares about the minutia of our lives.  We trusted in God to lead the search team.  Let our trust continue.  Was our trust misplaced in the members of the committee?  No.

 

A lot of things get blamed on God and a lot of things get credited to God that have nothing to do with God whatsoever.  When someone makes a decision and says it was God’s will, then the decision turns out to be a poor one or the person is discovered to be a charlatan.  God is still on His throne.  When someone achieves something and gives God credit but the thing accomplished is contrary to His Word.  God is not mocked.  God’s will may not always be easy to determine.  When one door closes or is stubborn to open one person may be convinced that God is telling them no.  Another person may be convinced that same occurrence means God is saying to keep trying, pursue, don’t give up.  God is still sovereign, still in control even though we don’t have a clue.

 

I don’t know this chosen man personally; very few of us can at this point.  There is no way that everyone in our church would ever be able to know our pastor personally.  But what I do know is this:  I prayed for the yet-unknown pastor times.  I prayed for the search team.  I prayed for all those things above and more.  I believe God does intimately work in our personal lives and can make things happen for His glory.  I have no reason to doubt, no reason to second guess, no reason to withhold my full support of the decision of the search team.  I supported the decisions in the past.  Men may fail.  Men may change their minds.  Men may be lead by God other places.  Our God is faithful and is able to lead this body of Christ with fallible men. It is not our decision for our pastor to remain at our church for 50 years.  It may be our preference, but it is not our choice.  How dare we doubt God when things don’t go our way.

 

I’m learning more from Nehemiah.  It doesn’t seem possible in my little pea brain that so much can be tucked away in this little book of His blessed Word.  Twice in this small book something is mentioned that we, in our casserole-toting Baptist world, don’t discuss much….fasting.   I do not know why fasting is not discussed much in our circles and I’m certainly no pro about it.  I’ve been reading and I’m coming to understand that when fasting is coupled with prayer and Bible study, fasting can lead to a much deeper, almost intense understanding of God, His Word and His will.  I need that right now.  I need to know what I can do, how I can be used by Him to support the man chosen by our search team.  We can’t enter into this relationship looking back or looking elsewhere, we must enter into it arm in arm, heading straight into battle.  There is too much to be done truly in the name of the Lord, too many souls to be won and too many saved to be strengthened to allow for this foolishness.  I look forward to what God shows me as my fasting continues.

 

We can’t know all that lies ahead.  We can’t answer all the ifs.  Just because we don’t understand something, doesn’t mean it can’t be right.  Praise God that He does things I don’t understand!  I am still called to be faithful.  We can only do what we are called to do.  I am not called to know every matter in this search for a new pastor.  I am called to be obedient.  I am called to pray.  I am called to follow the other commands in Scripture when things look uncertain.  No where am I called to speculate with my 10 closest friends on why the man chosen is not God’s will.  I am called to support, uphold, pray, encourage, uplift, edify.  That is where I am trying to remain. 

 

Be encouraged, lead, be strong,

Philip Buford

Wednesday- Be Encouraged to Lead

Take a Stand 

 

Gentlemen, today I'm encouraging you, challenging you to lead by example and lead by following God's will.  The topic is simple: the upcoming decision by our church to accept the man chosen to be our new pastor.  The search committee put in many hours on their knees praying together and alone.  They interviewed dozens and dozens of men.  They sought God on this matter.  Many of us in the congregation prayed for them day in and day out.  We prayed for their safety when traveling, for the precious time with their own families that would be sacrificed.  We prayed for God to lead them, guide them, show them the best man of God to lead our flock.  We prayed for a man with the vision for our church that we have and a vision that is beyond.  Our church has been blessed with that- a pastor that has vision beyond our own.  We prayed and agonized over the months of no news.  We were excited and anxious as word came that the search team had a significant announcement.

 

All along we had no say or guarantee in the final decision the team reached.  We put that in God's hands. Did God lose His grip?  Did God let something slip out of His grasp?  May it never be said!  The almighty God and Father still reigns and for some unknown reason, still cares about the minutia of our lives.  We trusted in God to lead the search team.  Let our trust continue.  Was our trust misplaced in the members of the committee?  No.

 

A lot of things get blamed on God and a lot of things get credited to God that have nothing to do with God whatsoever.  When someone makes a decision and says it was God's will, then the decision turns out to be a poor one or the person is discovered to be a charlatan.  God is still on His throne.  When someone achieves something and gives God credit but the thing accomplished is contrary to His Word.  God is not mocked.  God's will may not always be easy to determine.  When one door closes or is stubborn to open one person may be convinced that God is telling them no.  Another person may be convinced that same occurrence means God is saying to keep trying, pursue, don't give up.  God is still sovereign, still in control even though we don't have a clue.

 

I don't know this chosen man personally; very few of us can at this point.  There is no way that everyone in our church would ever be able to know our pastor personally.  But what I do know is this:  I prayed for the yet-unknown pastor times.  I prayed for the search team.  I prayed for all those things above and more.  I believe God does intimately work in our personal lives and can make things happen for His glory.  I have no reason to doubt, no reason to second guess, no reason to withhold my full support of the decision of the search team.  I supported the decisions in the past.  Men may fail.  Men may change their minds.  Men may be lead by God other places.  Our God is faithful and is able to lead this body of Christ with fallible men. It is not our decision for our pastor to remain at our church for 50 years.  It may be our preference, but it is not our choice.  How dare we doubt God when things don't go our way.

 

I'm learning more from Nehemiah.  It doesn't seem possible in my little pea brain that so much can be tucked away in this little book of His blessed Word.  Twice in this small book something is mentioned that we, in our casserole-toting Baptist world, don't discuss much….fasting.   I do not know why fasting is not discussed much in our circles and I'm certainly no pro about it.  I've been reading and I'm coming to understand that when fasting is coupled with prayer and Bible study, fasting can lead to a much deeper, almost intense understanding of God, His Word and His will.  I need that right now.  I need to know what I can do, how I can be used by Him to support the man chosen by our search team.  We can't enter into this relationship looking back or looking elsewhere, we must enter into it arm in arm, heading straight into battle.  There is too much to be done truly in the name of the Lord, too many souls to be won and too many saved to be strengthened to allow for this foolishness.  I look forward to what God shows me as my fasting continues.

 

We can't know all that lies ahead.  We can't answer all the ifs.  Just because we don't understand something, doesn't mean it can't be right.  Praise God that He does things I don't understand!  I am still called to be faithful.  We can only do what we are called to do.  I am not called to know every matter in this search for a new pastor.  I am called to be obedient.  I am called to pray.  I am called to follow the other commands in Scripture when things look uncertain.  No where am I called to speculate with my 10 closest friends on why the man chosen is not God's will.  I am called to support, uphold, pray, encourage, uplift, edify.  That is where I am trying to remain. 

 

Be encouraged, lead, be strong,

Philip Buford