"A leader is best when people barely know he exists. Less good when they obey and acclaim him. Worse when they fear and despise him. Fail to honor people and they fail to honor you. But of a good leader, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will all say: 'We did this ourselves.' "
— Former U.S. Senator Alan Cranston
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
"It's Gonna Be Worth It" - or is it already?
There are days when I just want to crawl into a hole and sleep forever, days when I just want to go home and see my family and take a good ride in the pick-up with Dave at the farm, days that I just want to throw in the towel and be done because it is too hard, too tiring, too much, too little, the list goes on and on. And then, there are days like today, when I can truly say that it so worth it.
At times in ministry it is easy to get discouraged because of people; people fail you. Other times it seems like no matter how much effort I put into to something (or someone) that nothing gets better, in fact it may get worse. These are the days that I have to cling on to Jesus and remember that He doesn't fail me and that as long as I am doing everything I can for Him that it'll be worth it.
Today was a "worth it" day. God reminded me that what I am doing is worth it. One girl that I had been praying for and pouring into for months called and began to tell about all the great things that God was doing in her life. The things that we had talked about before in conversations that i walked away from discouraged, because I didn't think she was getting. Then, today she excitedly told me how God was healing her, just like we had talked about. Later in the evening, a woman that I have been working with about once a week said one thing to me that made me realize the impact that I was making. She said, "You have such a good heart." I don't say this to brag, but to give glory to God. When we are faithful to serve Him, He will prove Himself in our lives.
So, if you are in a discouraging spot or if feel like everything is going great. Remember that as long as you are doing the work of the Lord that it will be worth it.
At times in ministry it is easy to get discouraged because of people; people fail you. Other times it seems like no matter how much effort I put into to something (or someone) that nothing gets better, in fact it may get worse. These are the days that I have to cling on to Jesus and remember that He doesn't fail me and that as long as I am doing everything I can for Him that it'll be worth it.
Today was a "worth it" day. God reminded me that what I am doing is worth it. One girl that I had been praying for and pouring into for months called and began to tell about all the great things that God was doing in her life. The things that we had talked about before in conversations that i walked away from discouraged, because I didn't think she was getting. Then, today she excitedly told me how God was healing her, just like we had talked about. Later in the evening, a woman that I have been working with about once a week said one thing to me that made me realize the impact that I was making. She said, "You have such a good heart." I don't say this to brag, but to give glory to God. When we are faithful to serve Him, He will prove Himself in our lives.
So, if you are in a discouraging spot or if feel like everything is going great. Remember that as long as you are doing the work of the Lord that it will be worth it.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Connecting with Music
Recently someone showed a few clips of a Christian documentary about music. When I first heard about I had no interest because I thought it would just be telling me how's all music that isn't Christian Music is Satan's music. After a few short minutes of putting up a pitiful fight (I wasn't really trying), decided to take a gander. As I watched the clips I was (internally) shocked that I was actually very interested.
The video talked about how we connect with music and how there is so many spiritual connections within music. It was speaking about secular music, particularly rock music, but it makes me wonder about Christian music. The film suggested that there is something deep within each of us that is able to connect with music. Judging by history, great music writers of the past and present as well as almost every teenager today, I have to agree. This got me thinking...
I am sure that the producers of the film wanted me to think about all reasons why I shouldn't listen to secular music, specifically rock, a.k.a. 'Satan's music', but I went the opposite direction. I have been contemplating Christian music, more specifically worship music.
A few years ago (about 10), a song came out about the hart of worship. The song was good, but the story behind the writing of the song was inspirational. It was about a church that decided not play music for worship and just seek God (did I mention they had no music?). During that time the song was written. I remember a lot of people would teach about how worship is not about music but its about God. Don't get me wrong, I agree that worship is about God and God alone, but (there's always a 'but') I am beginning to realize how important the music is.
Over the last few months I have been noticing how when I have worship music playing I am more apt to enter into God's presence. Or how when a song of praise comes on my spirits are immediately lifted. So, I have come to the conclusion that is the experience of music one of God's many ways of interacting with us and the music is worship, thus we have no need to get rid of it.
The video talked about how we connect with music and how there is so many spiritual connections within music. It was speaking about secular music, particularly rock music, but it makes me wonder about Christian music. The film suggested that there is something deep within each of us that is able to connect with music. Judging by history, great music writers of the past and present as well as almost every teenager today, I have to agree. This got me thinking...
I am sure that the producers of the film wanted me to think about all reasons why I shouldn't listen to secular music, specifically rock, a.k.a. 'Satan's music', but I went the opposite direction. I have been contemplating Christian music, more specifically worship music.
A few years ago (about 10), a song came out about the hart of worship. The song was good, but the story behind the writing of the song was inspirational. It was about a church that decided not play music for worship and just seek God (did I mention they had no music?). During that time the song was written. I remember a lot of people would teach about how worship is not about music but its about God. Don't get me wrong, I agree that worship is about God and God alone, but (there's always a 'but') I am beginning to realize how important the music is.
Over the last few months I have been noticing how when I have worship music playing I am more apt to enter into God's presence. Or how when a song of praise comes on my spirits are immediately lifted. So, I have come to the conclusion that is the experience of music one of God's many ways of interacting with us and the music is worship, thus we have no need to get rid of it.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Rebellion
So many times I have heard people say either directly or indirectly that they want to be a rebel. Sometimes they don't even have to say it because I can tell by the way that they act that they want to be a rebel; these are typically the people who do exactly the opposite of what it asked and look you in the eye and smile while doing it. I don't completely understand this, yet.
Recently, I was talking with a teenager (for some reason I think that people who are in junior high, high school and college seem to want to rebel against something the most) and the statement came out of her mouth that she doesn't do her homework or listen to her parents simply because she doesn't want to do what they want, she wants to do what she wants. I am pretty sure that she only wants to do things her parents don't want her to do. She wants to do well in school, but it is as if since her parents want that also, she suddenly doesn't. I don't get it. I think it is partially a result of our tolerance society that allows us to hold onto many conflicting beliefs. But I think there is more to it than that.
I am beginning to think that the idea of independence/being an unique individual has gone too far. Everyone wants to be their own person and never wants to conform. . . to anything. The problem is that in trying to find our own individuality we end up trying to become someone else that already exists. For instance, in the process of becoming an unique individual this girl who has decided to rebel against her parents has become just like her friends. I wonder what is next, will she rebel against her friends and then become like her siblings? Its all rather cyclical.
So now what? We have a problem: we rebel against someone in order to be our own person but in the process we become someone else that surrounds us. So what is the solution?
Webster defines rebellion as:
"1: opposition to one in authority or dominance 2 a: open, armed, and usually unsuccessful defiance of or resistance to an established government b: an instance of such defiance or resistance"
What if we were to take rebellion into the spiritual realm and do it in a God honoring way? What I am saying is that maybe we should all rebel against Satan. We should oppose him, defy him and resist him. I think that if we were to do this than we would take on a new identity, that being the identity of Christ. As we take on the identity of Christ, I believe that we would all find our own uniqueness in Him.
My new plan is to rebel against Satan.
Just a thought...
Recently, I was talking with a teenager (for some reason I think that people who are in junior high, high school and college seem to want to rebel against something the most) and the statement came out of her mouth that she doesn't do her homework or listen to her parents simply because she doesn't want to do what they want, she wants to do what she wants. I am pretty sure that she only wants to do things her parents don't want her to do. She wants to do well in school, but it is as if since her parents want that also, she suddenly doesn't. I don't get it. I think it is partially a result of our tolerance society that allows us to hold onto many conflicting beliefs. But I think there is more to it than that.
I am beginning to think that the idea of independence/being an unique individual has gone too far. Everyone wants to be their own person and never wants to conform. . . to anything. The problem is that in trying to find our own individuality we end up trying to become someone else that already exists. For instance, in the process of becoming an unique individual this girl who has decided to rebel against her parents has become just like her friends. I wonder what is next, will she rebel against her friends and then become like her siblings? Its all rather cyclical.
So now what? We have a problem: we rebel against someone in order to be our own person but in the process we become someone else that surrounds us. So what is the solution?
Webster defines rebellion as:
"1: opposition to one in authority or dominance 2 a: open, armed, and usually unsuccessful defiance of or resistance to an established government b: an instance of such defiance or resistance"
What if we were to take rebellion into the spiritual realm and do it in a God honoring way? What I am saying is that maybe we should all rebel against Satan. We should oppose him, defy him and resist him. I think that if we were to do this than we would take on a new identity, that being the identity of Christ. As we take on the identity of Christ, I believe that we would all find our own uniqueness in Him.
My new plan is to rebel against Satan.
Just a thought...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
What I've Gleaned
Going through the different things this last month that I have mentioned in the previous blog has for sure taught me somethings, mostly these things are about conflict and conflict resolution (sad to say The Office's "Conflict Resolution" did not really help me learn anything except for go for the win-win-win). There are 2 big ideas that I have learned:
1) Before approaching a resolution for a conflict it is important to figure out the how major the conflict is. This is done by asking 3 questions: 1-Is it going to matter in a year? 2-Is it over about a non-negotiable? 3-Is the person that you are in conflict with a key influencer in any groups that would affect you.
After answering these questions I was able to see more clearly how to handle the conflict and how to approach each of the steps for resolving conflict below.
2) After getting an idea of how important a conflict is then you must approach the resolution. I figure there are 4 steps to going towards a resolution. 1-Own up. If you messed up or don't know how to do something own that, take responsibility for the situation. This would be the first dose of humility. 2-Apologize. If it is necessary to apologize do it! In most cases you can at least apologize that there was conflict to some degree. This must be coated in true humility. 3-Ask for help. Asking the person for helping in finding a solution for the conflict will give them the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. 4-Pray about it and change. In reality the entire conflict needs to be doused in prayer (and humility). After praying about the various solutions that you and the other person involved has come up with make changes, otherwise it will just happen again.
Other random thoughts that I have had from the things that pertain to conflict in my life are:
- Be Humble!
- Pray and Fast
- Confront the person as soon as possible
- Talk to the first face to face as much as possible
- Keep in mind Eph. 6 which says that "our battle is not against flesh and blood" but really it is spiritual warfare. So take up your armour and pray hard.
1) Before approaching a resolution for a conflict it is important to figure out the how major the conflict is. This is done by asking 3 questions: 1-Is it going to matter in a year? 2-Is it over about a non-negotiable? 3-Is the person that you are in conflict with a key influencer in any groups that would affect you.
After answering these questions I was able to see more clearly how to handle the conflict and how to approach each of the steps for resolving conflict below.
2) After getting an idea of how important a conflict is then you must approach the resolution. I figure there are 4 steps to going towards a resolution. 1-Own up. If you messed up or don't know how to do something own that, take responsibility for the situation. This would be the first dose of humility. 2-Apologize. If it is necessary to apologize do it! In most cases you can at least apologize that there was conflict to some degree. This must be coated in true humility. 3-Ask for help. Asking the person for helping in finding a solution for the conflict will give them the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. 4-Pray about it and change. In reality the entire conflict needs to be doused in prayer (and humility). After praying about the various solutions that you and the other person involved has come up with make changes, otherwise it will just happen again.
Other random thoughts that I have had from the things that pertain to conflict in my life are:
- Be Humble!
- Pray and Fast
- Confront the person as soon as possible
- Talk to the first face to face as much as possible
- Keep in mind Eph. 6 which says that "our battle is not against flesh and blood" but really it is spiritual warfare. So take up your armour and pray hard.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Kick 'em in the Face!!
The month has been road trip through the mountains and hills of struggles in my personal life and around the curves of the evolving relationships in my family life, there has even been a few hitch hikers picked up and a quite a few flat tires changed. Some parts of the journey have been great and the ride has been smooth. Other parts of the ride have made me really angry and upset because someone has cut me off or been riding my tail. Then there are the parts that I have cried through because I had to say goodbye to one that I loved so dearly. Then there have been moments that I have felt as if I just missed a life taking wreck by inches.
Through entire trip though I have been completely humbled, (at least I hope, because eating humble pie is not very tasty and gets old really fast).
From one thing to another it would be really easy to become discouraged, and to be completely honest I have fallen into the discouragement trap and have become entangled in complaining. But every now and then, especially after talking with my good friend tonight I find that yes, I am discouraged, but I know who it is that is discouraging me and I want to KICK HIM IN THE FACE...repeatedly.
I suppose the best part is that I know One who will kick him in the face repeated, thus I will be victorious through Him.
Through entire trip though I have been completely humbled, (at least I hope, because eating humble pie is not very tasty and gets old really fast).
From one thing to another it would be really easy to become discouraged, and to be completely honest I have fallen into the discouragement trap and have become entangled in complaining. But every now and then, especially after talking with my good friend tonight I find that yes, I am discouraged, but I know who it is that is discouraging me and I want to KICK HIM IN THE FACE...repeatedly.
I suppose the best part is that I know One who will kick him in the face repeated, thus I will be victorious through Him.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Here it goes
So I have started a blog. I wonder how many other people start their first blog like this... Well, anyways I am not much for being orginal so I just start it out this way. Mostly, I have been thinking through a lot of things lately and since I live alone and many people don't want to have these sort of discussions with me, (mostly they aren't with me when I am thinking about whatever it is that I am thinking of) I figured I would blog about it.
What kind of word is blog anyhow? It kinda sounds fattening.
So anyway here goes something...
What kind of word is blog anyhow? It kinda sounds fattening.
So anyway here goes something...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
