That Thing You Do

          Think of all the stuff you do in a day, a week, a month even a year; you are a very busy and determined person. Be careful though, that you do the important things that produce the best in you and for you. Overly busy people are not necessarily productive; they may just be far too busy. Jesus said to Martha, “You are worried and upset over many things.” Martha was too busy! Here is something I heard recently: 85% of what you do can be done by anyone else; 10% of what you do someone else could do; but 5% of the things you do can only be done by you and you alone. The final 5% of your productivity is the most important part. Figure out what that is, concentrate on that part, and you will be a successful person and a better disciple. Have you ever considered that God will hold you accountable for what He asked you to do, but that you never got around to? All of the 95% of what you do will not matter-only what God asked you to do (5%) is what God really requires of you.

            Pay attention to the things that only you can do, and be sure to get them done! Then God will be pleased.

Flood, Fire and Ferocious Beasts

I recently spoke to the congregation about Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was concerned because the people were living in the rubble of disgrace, and were discouraged because the task was so overwhelming. It is when we are overwhelmed that we don't know where to start first; in our disarray, we instead do nothing. That's were the Jewish remnant was living - in the state of dysfunction. I can relate to that!

Recently our house was flooded as a result of a ruptured fresh water line. The water mitigation contractor removed the ruined building material, and now we are waiting for the crews to put the place back together again. Talk about a disorganized mess! On top of that, the recent hurricane played havoc on my yard - disarray inside and out. Then, Rhonda burned two of her hair appliances by accidently placing the power cords against the tool's heated ceramic surface. Five minutes and 425 degrees later, we almost had a fire! On top of everything else, amid the noise and confusion, there is our dachshund, "Snickers" (the ferocious beast) demanding, barking, snapping, chewing and generally being a real pain. Sometimes I feel like Paul; "O wretched man that I am."

But here is the encouraging part. When I tackle one problem at a time, with an attitude of prayer and faith, I am slowly getting back to normal. Soon, the flood, fire and ferocious beast will a be a memory. (Actually the dog will remain, but you get the idea.) God is helping me, even giving me joy while the pile of rubble gradually becomes a house again, and the smell of burned hair and rubber power cords fade.

Nehemiah's people went from being overwhelmed, to being overjoyed in 52 days. I'm on about day 25; half way there!

Free As A Kite

Freedom is a concept I spent a lot of time contemplating last week since it was the time of year our country celebrates its independence. Thank you to the many who served to make that freedom possible. Another freedom came to mind as firecrackers popped and festivities took place; that is the freedom we enjoy because of our precious Savior's sacrifice that was made centuries ago.

Galatians chapter 5 talks about our freedom we have in Christ. We are free from the yoke and bondage of sin, but are we free to do whatever we please? No. Freedom is not a license to do whatever comes to mind, but the power to abstain from those things that would enslave us.

The way for the Christian to live most effectively can be demonstrated by thinking about trains, bumper cars and kites.

Trains can go anywhere they want as long as they stay on the rails; bumper cars can bump with passion as long as they are connected to the power grid by the long pole sticking up from the back of the car; kites can fly with grace and elegance as long as they are tethered by a string which is controlled by the kite operator.

Similarly, as long as the believer is connected and moves within the parameters of God's will, he/she is free to move about, bump, and fly with passion! Only when we operate within the gracious will of God (not in our own self-righteousness, which is legalism, nor irresponsible freedom, which is license) are we able to be who God intends, and fulfill our brilliant purpose.

"Spotty" Blogging

My attempts at blogging have been "spotty" at best, but perhaps I need to revisit the idea. If a blog is kind of a collection of thoughts and reflections, then maybe I can actually do it.

I have been thinking a lot about giving lately.  Not just tithes and offerings, but giving of time, energy, counsel, mentoring, witnessing, church attendance, benevolence/charity, loyalty, worship, study/meditation, work, recreation/exercise, relationships, encouragement, instruction, rebuke,(and more) that is asked of the Christian.  That's quite a list!  Do you think more is required of us now than before?  Or has it always been this way and not many people blog about it?

Let me encourage you to give what God wants you to give, stretch yourself at times and walk by faith; do as much as possible for the Kingdom-but carefully conserve what is left.  I want to develop a healthy church that possesses a reserve of money and strength that can be used in the day they are needed; but not extract every ounce and dime of congregational resources to the point that there is nothing left to give.

  Tell me what you think; since God requires all, what does that actually mean?

Shoes for Japan

We were moved with compassion for the people of Japan affected by the recent earthquake and Tsunami. In response, we joined with many other Assemblies of God churches by receiving an offering, the funds to be administered through Convoy of Hope. (the benevolent arm of the A/G Fellowship) In addition to the cash offering, we also collected shoes from off the feet of worshipers attending a recent Sunday service. After preaching from Exodus 3, where God commanded Moses to remove his shoes, I challenged the congregation to remove their shoes in sincere worship, but also to leave them at the altar. We will send all of the shoes to Japan in a few days!

Pastor Mark