I met with a couple today that is going through one of those waiting times on God. I could sense the tension developing in them as their patience, and literally their faith, is stretched. I could easily identify with their situation, because I have personally been there many times.
What should you do when it feels like God has forgotten you. Here are 7 things to remember or do in those times when God appears silent.
That also made me consider what other ways we may miss the big picture of God’s blessings because we are caught in the little picture of the routines of life. Sometimes we literally miss God, because we are caught up in the busyness of life.
I think it is important however, to allow this incident, and other tragedies in recent years, to consider the security measures of our churches. Ultimately, God is in control of His church and can protect His people, but we live in a scary world where deranged people carry out desperate activities and it is important for us as leaders to be prudent in these matters. (Certainly prudence and wisdom are Biblical concepts.)
Most pastors I know have great hearts for ministry, but don’t always have the tools to move the organization of the church forward. Unfortunately, some of what we experience in the real church world is not taught extensively, if any, in most seminaries.
My heart goes out to the family of Dr. Fred Winters, pastor of First Baptist Church, Maryville, IL. According to news reports a gunman killed him in the middle of services at his church this morning. Read a news report HERE.
Okay, I gave into the pressure. At least once a day for the past couple months someone has asked for this list that has been going around Facebook. Just so you know…well, I’ll put that as one of my 25 things. Here are 25 random things about me:
Here’s a piece of advice for everyone in business, as well as in church life, today. It’s simple, yet complex. It requires time and energy, but it will pay off when needed.
Keep your resume updated and keep it handy.
People always ask me about my relationship with my boys and what I did to cultivate it. I have two amazing sons who I deeply love. I am certainly one of their biggest fans. Thankfully, I think they like me too. It is a privilege to have them continue to come to me for wisdom now that they are 20 and 17 years old.
Times are tough. I have been overwhelmed in the last six months with the struggles of our people. As a pastor, I carry the weight of my people’s burdens. I know this is part of the call and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Still, sometimes I just need a little encouragement.
Today I broke my own rules. I was working from a local coffee shop. A lady approached my table and sat down and started talking. The place was full, so I felt better about things, but normally I would have politely told her about my safeguards. We talked for over an hour.