As Christians we are called to worship. We have a God that has given us so much, the greatest of which is allowing his only son to be sacrificed for our sins. How can we do anything but worship him? I think that almost anyone who calls them self a Christian would agree that worship is important.
While there are those that say they don't have to go to church for corporate worship (that's a whole different topic I won't dive into now) they still claim to worship our great God. What I have found, though, is that when it really comes down to it most people really don't have a grasp of what worship entails.
When most people hear the word worship almost all immediately think of the song service at church. How many times have you said, or heard someone else say, " The worship at church was great today. The sermon was a little long though. " People think that church consists of worship (the song service) then the rest of the service. As time has gone on many churches have recognized that this conception of worship is common and are more and more taking time to stress to people that worship is more than music.
At our church we take communion each week and each week it is made clear that this is a part of worship. A special time we set aside to remember the sacrifice Christ made for us and join together in worship and thanks.
Of course another part of almost every worship service is the message. This part of worship is a time of learning more about God's Word, the Bible. Through learning more about God and his eternal plan we are brought closer to Him and want to worship him even more.
The one area of a worship service, that even non-church goers know is included is offering. Offering is often over looked as worship but rather just a time for the church to get into your wallet. The sad part about this assumption is that those that think this way seem to be those who are leading the church. I'm not saying that they actually believe this in theory but they seem to think that those who are new to church think this.
From my experiences within the church, those that are rarely in church or maybe have never stepped foot in a church, understand that offering is a time of our worship. They expect it yet church leaders seem to try and move through offering as quick as possible and at times almost apologize for our worship in giving. We are given EVERYTHING by God and we worship and thank him through our offerings.
I thank God that I go to a church that takes time during each part of our service to explain why what we are doing is worship, including our offering time. If something is not worship it shouldn't be a part of our service. Through this those that are regular church members and those new to the church understand and reminded why we do what we do - everything in gratitude to our God.
I once ministered at a church that started me thinking about churches lack of stressing that tithes and offerings are worship. The Bible commands that the tithe be brought into the house of the Lord. Micah 3:10 (NLT) states "Bring all the tithe into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my temple. If you do says the Lord of Heavens armies, " I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!" Yet the minister of this church actually mentioned several times that we needed to have attendance cards and visitor cards for people to fill out and turn in. The reason for this? So people would have something to put in the offering plate and not be embarrassed!
I began to see that this part of worship was being apologized for through this attitude and it carried over into the water downed messages that were being presented so "seekers" wouldn't be offended. The Bible is the Word of God and the only Truth. We should not apologize for ANY part of the Word or ANY part of our worship.
If we are worried about offending people by the Truth we have no right calling ourselves followers of Christ. We are commanded to worship and worship includes tithes and offerings. When we see a church start apologizing for this part of our worship it will, and does, affect the rest of our worship and the ministry of the Church.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Is Your Church Apologizing for Acts of Worship?
Friday, April 3, 2015
Modeling Affects Generations
Tab: Tab 1 Page 1: I love sitting in church next to my husband Jayson. I am thankful I have a husband who values worshipping together as much as I do. I know that many couples enjoy being in church together. However, for me, being in church with my husband and children is a fulfillment of my childhood dreams. I remember sitting in church when I was about 10 years old. I sat in that old pew and daydreamed about sitting next to my husband. (This probably was not a good thing because I was daydreaming during the sermon!).
I never thought, then or now, that this was weird or unusual for a 10 year old little girl to think about. To me, this was exactly where I knew I wanted and should be when I grew up. I was fortunate to be raised in a Christian family. It was important to my parents that we all worshipped together. This was the model my parents showed us. Because of their example, I knew that when I was grown and had my own family, we too should worship together. Their model was going to be our model. I am so thankful for the parents I was blessed with. Through their example of worship being a priority I realized that it needed to be a priority for my family as well. I am also thankful for Jayson's family because the same was modeled for him.
Jayson and I met in June of 1992 and from that time until now, we have been in church together. We both had this godly model set for us and we knew that we wanted the same for our children. We knew that this was God's plan for raising children and we wanted to raise godly children. Proverbs 22:6 NKJV says "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." We believe this promise and modeled a marriage and family that puts worship in the center of our lives. Because our children were taught to worship through the example they saw, when they grew they too knew to have worship center in their marriage and family.
Our oldest Brooklyn, has married and has children of her own. Generations of marriages have set the foundation for how my grandchildren will be raised. Our grandparents modeled to our parents, our parents modeled to us, and we modeled to our children how children should be raised to love God and worship him. We have now been blessed by watching our grandchildren being shown how to love and worship God through the model their parents are showing them.
I was a children's minister and believe that the children's ministry is the most important ministry in the church. This ministry gives children a place to be taught about God in ways they can understand and in a fun way they can enjoy. I am pleased that so many churches have finally realized that a children's ministry is a must. While children's ministries are growing, something is missing - a big something.
We have finally admitted the importance of children's ministry but in doing so we have inadvertently divided the family. Families come to church together but once they hit the doors they are immediately divided. By this divide children are missing the blessing of seeing their parents worship and enjoying worship together with their family.
In Deuteronomy 31:12 Moses gathered the men, women, and children together so they all could hear and understand the law God had set before them. The families were called together for this special event. Normally the men would go to the temple for teaching and debate. But in this instance Moses knew that this law needed to be heard by all. Children were able to join their family in learning about God and worshipping him together.
Our churches have gone from adult worship with kids invited (or just tolerated) to then having children's worship with adults invited (on very rare occasions). It is time we find a middle ground. A time when families can worship together, where all are welcome and can learn together.
Family worship cannot just be adult worship and adult topics with kids just in the room and a few songs sung that the kids know. Family worship needs to be a worship experience where the topic is relevant to everyone in the family and the music is pleasing to both young and old. I have seen many churches say they have family worship but for the most part the service does not include children in the worship and does not put special focus on bring families together in worship. I do love children's ministry and it would be a step backward if this ministry were stopped altogether. However, I believe we are not teaching children completely, or adults for that matter, until all are brought together as one at least a few times during the year.
I have thought all of this for years but have been nudged to write because I am so pleased that my church , Christ's Church Camden, has dedicated one of our four Easter services to the family. This is a perfect example of a time when family worship could and should be done. The resurrection is a celebrated by all ages. This makes it a great subject to bring all ages together. I don't know what is planned for this Easter's family service but I know Christ's Church and I know all ages will walk away with a great time of worship that speaks to all and allows all to worship together.
I pray this will be the start of bringing families together throughout the year. I also pray that churches everywhere will begin to see the value of family worship. It is through families worshipping together that all ages are brought together worshipping in church and then carrying that worship into home.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Denial: What We Do is Not Always What God Wants
Have you ever heard someone trying to justify doing something that is clearly not what God would want them to? There are times that we think we are doing what God wants but in reality we are doing just the opposite. I noticed something, reading about the crucifixion, that I had never zeroed in on before, that shows this exact thing happening.
John 18:15-17 says, "Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 'You are not one of the disciples, are you?' the girl at the door ask Peter. He replied, 'I am not." Peter went on to deny that he knew Jesus two other times that night.
What I had not thought of before was that Peter denied knowing Christ because he wanted in the courtyard, where Jesus was, and was only let in because John was inside. John asked the girl at the gate to let Peter in. Before she allowed him in, she wanted to know if he was a disciple of Christ. This is Peter's first denial.
Here is my question: Would Peter have been let in had he admitted that he was a disciple? My answer would be 'no.' I don't think that Peter would have been let in had he admitted he was a disciple; and clearly Peter thought the same thing. Once he was into the courtyard, he was asked two other times if he was a disciple. My thought is that Peter thought that if he had said he was a disciple that he would have been thrown out of the courtyard. This explains a lot about Peter's motives.
Preachers often point to the fact that just hours before, Peter was willing to fight for Christ - cutting off a guard's ear. Why would Peter, being this willing to fight, all of the sudden deny he even knew Christ. I think that Peter thought he was doing what Christ would have wanted him to do - to stay with him. Peter denied Christ not out of fear but rather out of love. At the time, Peter wanted to be close to Christ but if he admitted he was a disciple, Peter would have been thrown out of the courtyard. Peter thought he was doing what God wanted but in reality it was just the opposite.
People today are the same way - many are those within the church. People within the church are great at justifying their actions by saying they 'prayed about it and this is what God wants' or saying 'God told me this is what he wants.' I am sure Peter could have said those same things.
Don't get me wrong, when we pray God does give direction and I believe he still speaks to us; however, his guidance would be clear and would not cause wrong doing. Here are some things to think about when someone tells you they are doing what God wants them to.
1. Is there secrecy? If so, it probably is not from God. God's will usually requires no secrets.
2. Are there ulterior motives? If so, it probably is not from God. God's will is pure.
3. Does the action mean a sin would occur? If so, it is definitely not from God. God would never ask us to do something that would cause us, or others, to sin.
I have a new insight into Peter's motive for denying Christ. It wasn't that Peter was afraid (although he might have been), it wasn't that Peter didn't love Jesus, and it wasn't that Peter was a bad friend. I believe that Peter's motives were good (to be near Jesus) but his actions were not. Peter did realize this - after the rooster crowed. He realized that even though his motives were good his actions were not. We need to remember this also; even though our motives might be good, if our actions are not, we are not doing what God wants us to.
John 18:15-17 says, "Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 'You are not one of the disciples, are you?' the girl at the door ask Peter. He replied, 'I am not." Peter went on to deny that he knew Jesus two other times that night.
What I had not thought of before was that Peter denied knowing Christ because he wanted in the courtyard, where Jesus was, and was only let in because John was inside. John asked the girl at the gate to let Peter in. Before she allowed him in, she wanted to know if he was a disciple of Christ. This is Peter's first denial.
Here is my question: Would Peter have been let in had he admitted that he was a disciple? My answer would be 'no.' I don't think that Peter would have been let in had he admitted he was a disciple; and clearly Peter thought the same thing. Once he was into the courtyard, he was asked two other times if he was a disciple. My thought is that Peter thought that if he had said he was a disciple that he would have been thrown out of the courtyard. This explains a lot about Peter's motives.
Preachers often point to the fact that just hours before, Peter was willing to fight for Christ - cutting off a guard's ear. Why would Peter, being this willing to fight, all of the sudden deny he even knew Christ. I think that Peter thought he was doing what Christ would have wanted him to do - to stay with him. Peter denied Christ not out of fear but rather out of love. At the time, Peter wanted to be close to Christ but if he admitted he was a disciple, Peter would have been thrown out of the courtyard. Peter thought he was doing what God wanted but in reality it was just the opposite.
People today are the same way - many are those within the church. People within the church are great at justifying their actions by saying they 'prayed about it and this is what God wants' or saying 'God told me this is what he wants.' I am sure Peter could have said those same things.
Don't get me wrong, when we pray God does give direction and I believe he still speaks to us; however, his guidance would be clear and would not cause wrong doing. Here are some things to think about when someone tells you they are doing what God wants them to.
1. Is there secrecy? If so, it probably is not from God. God's will usually requires no secrets.
2. Are there ulterior motives? If so, it probably is not from God. God's will is pure.
3. Does the action mean a sin would occur? If so, it is definitely not from God. God would never ask us to do something that would cause us, or others, to sin.
I have a new insight into Peter's motive for denying Christ. It wasn't that Peter was afraid (although he might have been), it wasn't that Peter didn't love Jesus, and it wasn't that Peter was a bad friend. I believe that Peter's motives were good (to be near Jesus) but his actions were not. Peter did realize this - after the rooster crowed. He realized that even though his motives were good his actions were not. We need to remember this also; even though our motives might be good, if our actions are not, we are not doing what God wants us to.
Friday, April 29, 2011
To Obey or Not to Obey...That is the Question
This is the question that is being talked about throughout the world with the word "obey" being omitted from the Royal Wedding. Apparently, Princess Di also did not include the word "obey" in her wedding vows which caused quite a controversy.
In the United States, many find the word "obey" quite offensive. Even those within the Church have a hard time uttering the word. "Obey" has become a four-letter-word that none want to utter. We Americans want to be in control of our lives and don't want to submit the the authority of anyone - it is the American way.
While it might be the American way, it is definitely not God's way. God has given us the way to live that help us have the best life possible. He has made it so that some are to be obeyed while others are to follow. God knows us better than we even know ourselves so he is telling us how we will best function - but most think they know what is best. They don't even want to obey God himself.
In the book of Ephesians, God, through the writings of Paul, gives us the way that we submit ourselves. Children should obey their parents, slaves should obey their masters, and yes, of course, the dreaded wives should submit (obey) their husbands. For the purposes of not getting too long-winded, I want to focus on the husband/wife portion as this is what is causing the stir with the whole Royal Wedding thing anyway.
God does tell wives to submit to the husband, and at first glance this might seem extremely sexist and a ploy to keep women in the house serving her master (husband). We American women should not even consider such a thing! But like all scripture, we should never just take a glance. We need to really look at what is being said. Yes, God does tell women to submit to their husband just as we would submit to God himself. However, the scripture continues on to give commands to the husband as well.
The scripture in Ephesians continues by telling husbands that they need to love their wives just as Christ loves the Church. Christ gave up everything for his bride (the Church). Everything He did, and does, is out of perfect love for the Church. His love is so pure and his concern is for the Church. This is the way that a husband ought to love his wife!! Who wouldn't want a husband that loves like that?!! And if a husband loves like that and has only the best interest of his wife and family at heart, who wouldn't want to submit to that? Who wouldn't want a husband that puts nothing before God and his family? His own needs and wants come after that of his family.
I know what you are thinking:
Man: "Yes!!! I am king of my domain. All have to obey me!" Sorry mister, this is no dictatorship. Remember, you are to love your wife like Christ loves the Church. Christ has given the Church a great responsibility. He has given things over to her because it is through the Church that others will come to know Him. Being the head-of-the-house doesn't mean it is your way or no way. You are the leader but a good leader knows when to pass things on to others who do things better. You need to realize that your wife is better at many things than you are - let her do them. A good leader will also give freedom. Your wife needs freedom to be who she is. And a good leader knows that even in a relationship where one is the head and the other is submitting, there should be equality.
Remember, you have been given a big task in being the head of the family, and you will be judged on how well you handled this responsibility. Remember the parable of the Harsh Master? He was going on a trip and gave his three servants different amounts of money to take care of until his return. The first two handled the money wisely and were rewarded while the third did not handle the money wisely and all was taken from him and he was thrown out, away from the master. Men, you have been given valuable gifts in your wife and children. How will the Master find you when He returns. Are you taking care of your gifts wisely or are you handling them poorly?
Women: "I am a strong woman! I don't need a man telling me what to do!" Trust me ladies, I know how you are feeling. Most of us don't remember the days when men went to work and wives stayed home just waiting to serve her beloved mate. Yes, those days are gone. We are in a time when men and women are seen as equals which means we shouldn't have to obey because we are not beneath him!! Being submissive does not mean we have to be a doormat. We do bring a lot to our relationship but when push comes to shove the direction of the family and the well-being of the family falls on the husband. The previous paragraph was not just to harp on the men. Us women can get a lot from it also. It is the husband that will be judged on how well he is taking care of the family - not us - so we need to let him do what God intended for him to do. We will be judged on how well we submit.
I found an interesting post that I want to share:
"It is a mistaken assumption that when a bride says she will obey it means she is going to be subservient. Obedience has to do with trust, with listening, and recognizing that in a family you have different functions. There are times when the husband will rightly obey the wife because she knows better and is the lead in that area. The partnership is equal and leadership in a good marriage always shifts. To say obey in a wedding vow means ‘I trust you to make decisions that are for the good of the family.’ It’s no big deal"
This author does a good job in explaining what is means to submit to the husband.
In my wedding (18 1/2 years ago) I did include the word "obey." I will encourage my daughter to do the same. There are many times that I wonder what I was thinking! I am trusting God, though, and trying to remember that He set things up for our own good and to compliment our differences. I know from experience that it is hard but I also know from experience that a great relief is lifted in knowing that you aren't the one in charge. Think of it this way, if you were the one in charge of a company and the company failed to operate the way it should, it would be you that would take the heat, not the workers under you. The same is true for the family, if men are the ones in charge, they are the ones who are responsible for the family. Not having that kind of pressure is freeing!!
(Good thing I decided not to be long-winded!! You'd be reading this for the next several hours:))
In the United States, many find the word "obey" quite offensive. Even those within the Church have a hard time uttering the word. "Obey" has become a four-letter-word that none want to utter. We Americans want to be in control of our lives and don't want to submit the the authority of anyone - it is the American way.
While it might be the American way, it is definitely not God's way. God has given us the way to live that help us have the best life possible. He has made it so that some are to be obeyed while others are to follow. God knows us better than we even know ourselves so he is telling us how we will best function - but most think they know what is best. They don't even want to obey God himself.
In the book of Ephesians, God, through the writings of Paul, gives us the way that we submit ourselves. Children should obey their parents, slaves should obey their masters, and yes, of course, the dreaded wives should submit (obey) their husbands. For the purposes of not getting too long-winded, I want to focus on the husband/wife portion as this is what is causing the stir with the whole Royal Wedding thing anyway.
God does tell wives to submit to the husband, and at first glance this might seem extremely sexist and a ploy to keep women in the house serving her master (husband). We American women should not even consider such a thing! But like all scripture, we should never just take a glance. We need to really look at what is being said. Yes, God does tell women to submit to their husband just as we would submit to God himself. However, the scripture continues on to give commands to the husband as well.
The scripture in Ephesians continues by telling husbands that they need to love their wives just as Christ loves the Church. Christ gave up everything for his bride (the Church). Everything He did, and does, is out of perfect love for the Church. His love is so pure and his concern is for the Church. This is the way that a husband ought to love his wife!! Who wouldn't want a husband that loves like that?!! And if a husband loves like that and has only the best interest of his wife and family at heart, who wouldn't want to submit to that? Who wouldn't want a husband that puts nothing before God and his family? His own needs and wants come after that of his family.
I know what you are thinking:
Man: "Yes!!! I am king of my domain. All have to obey me!" Sorry mister, this is no dictatorship. Remember, you are to love your wife like Christ loves the Church. Christ has given the Church a great responsibility. He has given things over to her because it is through the Church that others will come to know Him. Being the head-of-the-house doesn't mean it is your way or no way. You are the leader but a good leader knows when to pass things on to others who do things better. You need to realize that your wife is better at many things than you are - let her do them. A good leader will also give freedom. Your wife needs freedom to be who she is. And a good leader knows that even in a relationship where one is the head and the other is submitting, there should be equality.
Remember, you have been given a big task in being the head of the family, and you will be judged on how well you handled this responsibility. Remember the parable of the Harsh Master? He was going on a trip and gave his three servants different amounts of money to take care of until his return. The first two handled the money wisely and were rewarded while the third did not handle the money wisely and all was taken from him and he was thrown out, away from the master. Men, you have been given valuable gifts in your wife and children. How will the Master find you when He returns. Are you taking care of your gifts wisely or are you handling them poorly?
Women: "I am a strong woman! I don't need a man telling me what to do!" Trust me ladies, I know how you are feeling. Most of us don't remember the days when men went to work and wives stayed home just waiting to serve her beloved mate. Yes, those days are gone. We are in a time when men and women are seen as equals which means we shouldn't have to obey because we are not beneath him!! Being submissive does not mean we have to be a doormat. We do bring a lot to our relationship but when push comes to shove the direction of the family and the well-being of the family falls on the husband. The previous paragraph was not just to harp on the men. Us women can get a lot from it also. It is the husband that will be judged on how well he is taking care of the family - not us - so we need to let him do what God intended for him to do. We will be judged on how well we submit.
I found an interesting post that I want to share:
"It is a mistaken assumption that when a bride says she will obey it means she is going to be subservient. Obedience has to do with trust, with listening, and recognizing that in a family you have different functions. There are times when the husband will rightly obey the wife because she knows better and is the lead in that area. The partnership is equal and leadership in a good marriage always shifts. To say obey in a wedding vow means ‘I trust you to make decisions that are for the good of the family.’ It’s no big deal"
This author does a good job in explaining what is means to submit to the husband.
In my wedding (18 1/2 years ago) I did include the word "obey." I will encourage my daughter to do the same. There are many times that I wonder what I was thinking! I am trusting God, though, and trying to remember that He set things up for our own good and to compliment our differences. I know from experience that it is hard but I also know from experience that a great relief is lifted in knowing that you aren't the one in charge. Think of it this way, if you were the one in charge of a company and the company failed to operate the way it should, it would be you that would take the heat, not the workers under you. The same is true for the family, if men are the ones in charge, they are the ones who are responsible for the family. Not having that kind of pressure is freeing!!
(Good thing I decided not to be long-winded!! You'd be reading this for the next several hours:))
Sunday, April 10, 2011
The Cost of Ministry
There are many "costs" that have to be considered when entering into ministry as a full-time profession. The one that I have been thinking about, however, is the actual monetary cost of entering into ministry.
I have been blessed to be able to attend Lincoln Christian College - yes, now University but it was College when I graduated! My husband attended Lincoln as well as my sister, Sarah, and daughter, Brooklyn. My son, Alex, has also talked about attending Lincoln when he graduates next year. I would be thrilled for Alex to attend Lincoln as it is an AMAZING school and is an even more incredible educational institution than what people give it credit for.
A few months ago it was announced that Lincoln had to lay off several of it's faculty and staff because they have felt a financial crunch. It has also been forced to raise tuition for students next year. While LCU is an incredible university, the cost is quite high and now is going to be even higher.
I understand that money is needed to run such a great institution so please don't think that I think any different. Here is my concern: the majority of those that attend LCU are going into full-time ministry. Some will stay here in the United States while others will go into the mission field throughout the world. These students are acquiring HUGE debt to obtain a quality education but the majority of those acquiring that debt will be entering jobs that pay very little.
This all concerns be very much for several reasons:
1. When someone has a great amount of educational debt, they find it hard to go exactly where God may be leading them. Not that they don't want to, and not that they might not think it is an issue, but the truth is, if you have a great amount of debt it is always a factor when looking at a potential job.
2. Those who feel called into ministry might not heed that call because they feel they cannot afford the education. You might say that if they are called cost should not be a factor however when kids are deciding on a career and deciding on where to go to college, pay and cost of education is a factor. This can make the decision even harder - especially if parents can't afford a private school so they discourage their child from going to a Christian university. We could loose many great future ministers because they simply cannot afford the education.
3. Ministry is a stressful career. Having the stress of the job plus the stress of money issues because of the great amount of debt, we could loose those already in ministry because they simply cannot continue with the financial stress they are under plus the already stressful job.
I am not sure what the answer is. Christian institutions have to pay bills and they have to pay for quality professors. I do know that this issue needs to be addressed because, quite literally, the fate of the world is at risk. We need full-time ministers and missionaries. Financial issues should not have to be a reason for a person not going into the ministry.
I have been blessed to be able to attend Lincoln Christian College - yes, now University but it was College when I graduated! My husband attended Lincoln as well as my sister, Sarah, and daughter, Brooklyn. My son, Alex, has also talked about attending Lincoln when he graduates next year. I would be thrilled for Alex to attend Lincoln as it is an AMAZING school and is an even more incredible educational institution than what people give it credit for.
A few months ago it was announced that Lincoln had to lay off several of it's faculty and staff because they have felt a financial crunch. It has also been forced to raise tuition for students next year. While LCU is an incredible university, the cost is quite high and now is going to be even higher.
I understand that money is needed to run such a great institution so please don't think that I think any different. Here is my concern: the majority of those that attend LCU are going into full-time ministry. Some will stay here in the United States while others will go into the mission field throughout the world. These students are acquiring HUGE debt to obtain a quality education but the majority of those acquiring that debt will be entering jobs that pay very little.
This all concerns be very much for several reasons:
1. When someone has a great amount of educational debt, they find it hard to go exactly where God may be leading them. Not that they don't want to, and not that they might not think it is an issue, but the truth is, if you have a great amount of debt it is always a factor when looking at a potential job.
2. Those who feel called into ministry might not heed that call because they feel they cannot afford the education. You might say that if they are called cost should not be a factor however when kids are deciding on a career and deciding on where to go to college, pay and cost of education is a factor. This can make the decision even harder - especially if parents can't afford a private school so they discourage their child from going to a Christian university. We could loose many great future ministers because they simply cannot afford the education.
3. Ministry is a stressful career. Having the stress of the job plus the stress of money issues because of the great amount of debt, we could loose those already in ministry because they simply cannot continue with the financial stress they are under plus the already stressful job.
I am not sure what the answer is. Christian institutions have to pay bills and they have to pay for quality professors. I do know that this issue needs to be addressed because, quite literally, the fate of the world is at risk. We need full-time ministers and missionaries. Financial issues should not have to be a reason for a person not going into the ministry.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
"The Stones Will Cry Out"
If you are like me you have been following the events in Japan after the earthquake and tsunami this past week. Over the past few years our world has experienced many major natural disasters. During such times it makes a person wonder just what is going on in our world that such terrible things are happening.
Some may believe that our earth is deteriorating and that the end is coming soon. It makes sense. Just how much can this planet take? Some might look at those who are affected and claim that God is using nature to punish them. Some look to the book of Revelations and see that our earth is falling apart and that we might be close to the coming of Christ. Again, it could make sense - and wouldn't it been wonderful to know that Christ would return in our lifetime!? But I find myself in the book of Luke.
Luke 19:28-44 tells of Jesus' "Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem just prior to his crucifixion. I was reading this and something popped out to me that I had never paid much attention to. As Christ was riding the donkey into Jerusalem, the people were laying down their cloaks for him to pass over and they were joyously praising him. Of course the Pharisees didn't like this and told Jesus to make the people quiet down. Here, in Luke 19:40, Jesus says, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
Now think for a moment what it would be like if the stones actually cried out. Think about the power that would take place if stones cried out. Stones don't have voices, as we do, so their praise would be through movement and movement of rock can be devastating to civilization.
Psalm 148 also speaks of all creation praising God. Psalm 148:7-9 (NLT), "Praise the Lord from the earth you large sea animals and all the oceans, lightning and hail, snow and mist, and stormy winds that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars." Again, think about just how nature would praise it's Creator.
Now don't get me wrong, I know that we live in an imperfect world and disasters do happen. But just dwell for a moment on Jesus' own words - "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." Now take a moment and think about your worship.
Some may believe that our earth is deteriorating and that the end is coming soon. It makes sense. Just how much can this planet take? Some might look at those who are affected and claim that God is using nature to punish them. Some look to the book of Revelations and see that our earth is falling apart and that we might be close to the coming of Christ. Again, it could make sense - and wouldn't it been wonderful to know that Christ would return in our lifetime!? But I find myself in the book of Luke.
Luke 19:28-44 tells of Jesus' "Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem just prior to his crucifixion. I was reading this and something popped out to me that I had never paid much attention to. As Christ was riding the donkey into Jerusalem, the people were laying down their cloaks for him to pass over and they were joyously praising him. Of course the Pharisees didn't like this and told Jesus to make the people quiet down. Here, in Luke 19:40, Jesus says, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
Now think for a moment what it would be like if the stones actually cried out. Think about the power that would take place if stones cried out. Stones don't have voices, as we do, so their praise would be through movement and movement of rock can be devastating to civilization.
Psalm 148 also speaks of all creation praising God. Psalm 148:7-9 (NLT), "Praise the Lord from the earth you large sea animals and all the oceans, lightning and hail, snow and mist, and stormy winds that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars." Again, think about just how nature would praise it's Creator.
Now don't get me wrong, I know that we live in an imperfect world and disasters do happen. But just dwell for a moment on Jesus' own words - "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." Now take a moment and think about your worship.
- Is worship a part of your DAILY routine?
- When you worship corporately are you more concerned with how you will be perceived by those around you for your all-out worship or are you more concerned with giving God everything you have?
- How do you enter worship? Are you more concerned with what YOU get out of it or what you GIVE GOD during worship?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Purpose
Have you ever wondered if God has a purpose for you? If you're anything like me, you KNOW that God does have a purpose for you but you might not always FEEL that he has a purpose for you. I have really been struggling with this over the last few months. Without going into details, I found myself in a place where I wasn't comfortable. I really have been questioning what God wanted from me.
During this time, my reaction was to push God away - not on purpose mind you, but I definitely was. When I finally realized what I was doing I decided to call out to God. First for forgiveness for pushing Him away but secondly, I cried out to God for him to show me that purpose. I felt purposeless and needed to know that this wasn't true.
Yesterday, I started a job that quite honestly, I was not thrilled with. To me this is a temporary job, just to get us by. The days preceding I felt down and depressed and I couldn't figure out what God was doing. So this is when I literally cried out to my Heavenly Father.
I immediately felt the peace that can only be a divine peace. God showed me that no matter where I was, He was using me. I needed to realize that He places all of us in situations that can be used to point others towards Him.
If I had any doubt about what God was saying to me he proved it to me today. I was at work today when a man came in who knew me. He said to me that the people where I am working needed to be influenced. He said that I could minister to them. Immediately I knew that God was speaking through this man!
Through this one statement God confirmed that he has a purpose for me - no matter where I am. God is in control and he places us where He needs us.
During this time, my reaction was to push God away - not on purpose mind you, but I definitely was. When I finally realized what I was doing I decided to call out to God. First for forgiveness for pushing Him away but secondly, I cried out to God for him to show me that purpose. I felt purposeless and needed to know that this wasn't true.
Yesterday, I started a job that quite honestly, I was not thrilled with. To me this is a temporary job, just to get us by. The days preceding I felt down and depressed and I couldn't figure out what God was doing. So this is when I literally cried out to my Heavenly Father.
I immediately felt the peace that can only be a divine peace. God showed me that no matter where I was, He was using me. I needed to realize that He places all of us in situations that can be used to point others towards Him.
If I had any doubt about what God was saying to me he proved it to me today. I was at work today when a man came in who knew me. He said to me that the people where I am working needed to be influenced. He said that I could minister to them. Immediately I knew that God was speaking through this man!
Through this one statement God confirmed that he has a purpose for me - no matter where I am. God is in control and he places us where He needs us.
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