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.
Today I need to compliment Dr. Dobson for his example to all of us to do what he feels is right for the ministry at this stage in its life. Many times leaders, especially founders, hang on too long to the reins of power and the succession of leadership becomes much more difficult.
Ted and Robyn Randall have only been in our life a few months, but they will never know how much their friendship has already meant to us. We have several friends like them, but last night we spent some time at Richard’s Café in White’s Creek with the Randall’s.
If you look at your life and where you are today, has God taken you places you never expected to be? How has God surprised you with the path He’s had for you in life?
If someone you know claims to be a Christian, yet doesn’t walk in obedience to God by loving others, one would have to question if the heart was ever truly changed.
This is another one of those posts that can make a lot of parents mad, but when raising children it is important to remember this verse. The intent of person’s heart is evil from childhood. We don’t have to teach our children to be selfish. We need to model generous living, because selfishness will come naturally. We don’t have to teach our children to covet what others have. We need to model contentment for them, because greed will come easily on its own.
I received an email from an Internet friend via my other ministry site (www.mustardseedministry.com) asking me how I determine if what I am doing is within the plans God has for me. Here’s my quick reply to him for knowing you are within God’s plans for your life:
It also seems that Jesus lived His life that way as well. He was always telling of His love, but He never seemed to brag about His strength, but news of His love and strength spread quickly throughout the world at the time.
The battle between legalism and grace is always difficult. Are we to live holy and righteous lives? Absolutely. Are we to be in the world and friends of sinners? If we want to be like Jesus we should. Does God forgive us when we sin? Thankfully. Finding the delicate balance between those two extremes is difficult.
