Solidifying my own preaching style

Someone reading this blog is already taken aback--i used the word 'style'. Someone would say, as I would-'It's not about style; it's about substance'. I totally agree. Please don't read too much into the title. I am using 'style' there for lack of a better word.

Now to the point I want to make: I have been preaching for almost 15 years. Through all of the messages, sermons, teaching, etc., one thing I have learned--and finally accepted: for the most part, I am not an alliterated preacher! This is something I've struggled with, off and on, for years. Alliteration (doing the 5 a's one week, the 4 r's the next week, etc.) is something I have always admired. The minds of some of these expositors just boggles me how they are able to flow with this great and unique gift-to put these words together--almost without ease. Usually, when I have done alliteration, it has been from some preaching book, outline material, etc. I've noticed that alliteration works very well for me in my sentences, in giving the background, and context, and even when giving word definitions. But when I have used the alliteration style/format in my messages--I've learned how to survive a message; but I KNEW, if no one else knew, that the alliteration just wasn't working for me. I do remember reading 7 or 8 years ago that Spurgeon wasn't big on alliteration--though he did use this style earlier in his ministry quite frequently. Even back then, this didn't steer me one way or the other--though I have ALWAYS admired the 'Golden-throated' preacher.

When I first began preaching, I immediately began implementing what worked for me. For instance, my first message. I shared from Philippians 2:12 -17. My points were 1. Walk cautiously and carefully 2. God works in, man works out 3. God's Word is to be obeyed and not discussed 4. God wants you to be blameless and harmless.

Over the years, I used this format quite often...then I would often get caught up in trying to do alliteration (with my points).

Several years ago, I was taking a preaching class with a professor Dr. Denny Autry. He could not attend one class session, and so he invited his friend and preaching colleague, Dr. John R. Bisagno. I was just amazed. John Bisagno? This guy is one of God's best preachers. He is the pastor emeritus of First Baptist Houston. He was along the line of W.A. Criswell--a little younger, but surely considered a sage of a preacher. He introduced us to something that really 'clicked' for me. He showed us what he has popularly termed as PRINCIPLE PREACHING. He explained this idea as creating and delivering sermons for life applications. To really assess and address what the text really says at its core. It has only been now that I fully realize and accept what God has used and shown to work of me (can't speak for anyone else)--and that is principle preaching!!! Just taking the scripture, looking at that scripture and expressing what the writer intended to say and how that truth is integrated (and should be implemented) into the life of the hearer.

I would recommend Bisagno's book, it has been a great help to me. It is 'Principle Preaching' by John R. Bisagno published by Broadman and Holman. I will have to get a copy for all of my preachers--it is a good book with quite a few examples of how it is done!

Digression - need to make a correction

I need to add something to my last blog. I said that no one at our church fellowship has made as many sacrifices as myself and our family. That is, I think, a loaded statement--that is more a matter of opinion. I really don't know the sacrifices of the people who attend our church. I DO NOT!!! I can only assume; but I don't know. I don't want to assume anything about other people just as I would hate for others to assume when it comes to me. I almost edited the last blog and simply made the correction. But I want someone to see here that we all make mistakes and say things that we really didn't give much thought. I've thought about it; and there are so many who make so many sacrifices. Who am I to suggest that I am "number 1" in the sacrifice department? I am not perfect; though I am striving to be like Jesus Christ. I have my own flaws, struggles, questions, etc. But I am faithful to doing this thing God's way. I really want to see His glory shine through me; and it is my sincere desire to see Him take pleasure in my willingness to live a life of transparency, integrity, purity, and love for the body of Christ. I hope that this makes sense.

Monday Memo....

Another Monday has come and it is almost gone. Thankful for all that the Lord has allowed us to accomplish today. As always--I feel that I should have accomplished more, but it is what it is. Mondays, for me, are filled with a mixture of joy and sorrow. So many things I wish were said that I forgot to say and do on yesterday. Then there are the joys of seeing the growth in our fellowship. My greatest dissapointments usually revolve around other people. And I am learning to avoid, discard, and learn from my poor 'people choices' and God is teaching me how to learn from the experiences, pick up the pieces and eventually move on!!! I, like many pastors, often hope and wish that some within our fellowship would catch the vision, run with it, and own it for themselves. But some just don't--maybe this means they're in the wrong place--or maybe they are--but they have not overcome the 'casual Christian' syndrome. I am learning that focusing on people like this will often take my spiritual eye off of those individuals who are really growing, excited about what God is doing, and have the vision and are helped. With this being said--the notion that the enemy/Satan would assert that maybe I am the problem or the issue as it relates to our local fellowship--just doesn't fly any longer. This is not arrogance nor is it conceit--but no one has sacrificed (or tried to improve themselves) for our new ministry venture more than both I and my immediate family. I have had a few instances where the implication has been--maybe there is more I could do. This typically comes from persons who aren't doing anything - but doing what is only convenient for themselves, holding a title, never taking the initiative to serve, and then expect me to perform miracles with so little. That's Christ's job--not mine!!! All in all, God is adding to our church, gradually...those who are there TO SERVE...NOT TO BE SERVED!!! This is exactly what we NEED...

We've started a new Sunday school curriculum entitled 'When God Builds a Church', being led by Bob Russell's book by the same title. Yesterday, one of our new attendars, Earlonzo Hare (who has been such an encouragement to me personally and spiritually), taught the Sunday School lesson dealing with 'Truth'. His daughter, who also attends Cornerstone, tipped me off to he and his wife's teaching background. When I tell you that this man really did his homework and blessed our entire church--he did! So transparent; so timely; so....inspiring. It is the Lord's continual use of people like this--those persons who will make themselves available--that will have a rippling effect throughout our church. We will see more and more people like this frequenting our church!!! I'll document our progress along the way. I remain prayerful and faithful in this regard... God is up to something great!

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Today was a good day! We're continuing to emphasize our Children & Youth on the last Sunday of each month. Our kids did a good job! My sincere motivation continues to be a practical integration of faith into the contemporary affaris of the human experience. I really want to see a maximization of our faith coming alive and become visible and viable--particularly during each and every worship opportunity. The Holy Spirit has clearly led me to identify some things that are affecting us: our location, our leadership, and our commitment to Christian education & youth ministry. I am seeing the Lord shine on our church in His own way and His time. Yesterday, the message shared came from Daniel 3:16 & 17 and its subject was 'The God that we serve is Able'. The underlying premise of the message is the same as that thesis of that text, that our faith in the ability of God and His providence would merge into human affairs and impossibilities. This involves a life that will not compromise in the face of intimidation or circumstance. I took time out of my preaching schedule to both encourage and challenge our congregation as a whole, as well as deal with a subject that could relate to our children and youth. The main points were
1. Remembering your history, heritage, and your hope - they are all connected.
2. Resisting the futility of worshipping and reverencing that which is carnal and corrupt.
3. Remembering the three c's:
Remember your connection '...the God WE serve...'
Remember Who's in control '...is able...'
Remember your commitment (Daniel chapter 1)
4. Reward - You are an overcomer
- Overcome by the Presence of God vs. 24
- Overcome by the Preservation of God vs. 26
- Overcome by the Power of God vs. 27
- Overcome by the Program of God vs. 29
- Overcome by the Promotion of God vs. 30

I need prayer for tomorrow's message

Well--tomorrow is almost here. It will not be long before I stand before our people and deliver a Word from the Lord. Tomorrow is our children and youth Sunday. It is off to a rocky start; but, more than anything else, I am committed to seeing it grow, thrive, and succeed. The Lord is teaching me the importance and significance of using what we have and what He has supplied. I think that when a people, corporately and collectively, unite and are stewards over what God has given them--He will reward them on the basis of their faithful, diligent stewardship. I have been led to share out of Daniel chapter 3--though I am nervous and apprehensive about the message. I know what the text says, etc. I think I am dealing with much of the context and not really getting the points together. I will look over it in just a moment and pray, meditate on the direction. This is actually my first time preaching out of the book of Daniel. For me, the prophetic books are hard for me to grasp. I need the Lord to work on me and the message; allow me to merge my thoughts into that of the text and the gravity of the message. My subject for Daniel 3 revolves around the ability of God. It hinges upon the words in Daniel 3:17, '...the God that we serve is able'. I know that the Lord will love me no less or any more based upon my presentation-I do pray, however, that He will breathe upon His message in a special way.

Spirit of David

I only have time for a quick note, I've just finished the yard, need to jump in the show and get ready for church--our praise dance ministry 'Spirit of David', will be dancing tonight at a nearby church. It will not be all of them--but two of our teens will be ministering in dance. I am excited!!! We don't have MANY youth during this 'season' of ministry. However, I want to be as much of an encouragement to our young people as humanly possible. The scripture teaches us that King David '...danced before the Lord with all his might'. I do not know much else about the program--I trust there won't be any foolishness. For this I am grateful!!!

Just a Thought....

I am praying for the victims in California whose lives have been affected by the recent wildires. It is said to be a little of 500,000 acres and many have evacuated. Mr. Bush has visited the area several times and taken a personal interest in the recent affairs. My original blog was intended to point out the obvious duplicity, parallel(s), hypcrosy of both the recent events in California and Katrina. (It even reflects in my title) But you know what? I've just taught a lesson on Bitterness and, for certain, we all make mistakes and should know that God is in control--even when it seems as if He is not, He IS! I don't know Bush's heart; and even it was impure then, or impure even now--He is my president, I pray for him, his family, and his relationship with the Lord.

Osteen

Yesterday I had the opportunity to watch a segment of 60 Minutes I Tivo'd interviewing and taking an inside look at Joel Osteen's life. Osteen, of course, is the pastor of Lakewood Church here in Houston who, upon the passing of his father (Pastor John Osteen) in 1999, became the second pastor of what is now 'heralded' as the largest church in the United States of America. I will not use my blog to say where I am in relation to my personal opinion(s) of Osteen. I will say that as I saw the interview, I honestly believe (and this is only my view) that the young man is sincere. Interestingly, sincerity means nothing is you a sincerely wrong. Now I will get in trouble for my next statement but I will say it nonetheless--but I do admire Osteen to the same extent that I admire Dr. Phil. Both of them are likable, charismatic, intriguing, mysterious, motivational, helpful, and their books are have a Norman V. Peale/Robt. Schuller flare and appeal that is unparalleled. I would actually recommend their books for self help, insights, motivation, and even some biblical insights. They are BOTH Christian and men that I would probably invite to my house for dinner--though I'd much rather be invited to theirs. Incidentally, whether I'm impressed or not--being the kind of person I am--I would study and observe anyone who was touted as the pastor of the largest church in the U.S. I've studied Bill Hybels, Rick Warren, etc. But here is my problem--it isn't as much with Osteen as it is with the consumers who flock to Lakewood, treating the church is if it is a country club, recreation park, and a rock concert. I will not judge--because only GOD sees into the heart of every individual. But something in Osteen's interview caught my spiritual attention. He was asked if he was concerned about the criticism and other's accusations of his compromising the gospel, etc. He said, in a nutshell that he didn't want to beat people upside the head with where they were, etc. Then he said something that really dealt with me (I can actually quote him verbatim on this): There are some who explain the scriptures, expose them, and relate them--that's just not my gift.... Wow! That really dealt with me--isn't that what we as preachers and proclaimers of the Word of God have been called to do? To explain the scriptures? I won't get into whether or not it is a spiritual gift or not. But I do know that 2 Timothy 2:15 admonishes us to 'rightly divide the Word of truth'. I want to encourage everyone who visits this blogspot to 'try the Spirit by the Spirit'. I am committed to 'rightly dividing' the 'Word of Truth'. I pray that through explaining the Word, God will make His word relevant to the people. I believe He will do it. I don't know if this chides with the scripture or not--I didn't mean for this blog to be theological--but you know what my hope is? That God will raise up more and more congregations who will not compromise the exposition of scripture and the Word of God. No doubt, he is already doing this. We need more Christ-centered churches where the Word of God is the centerpiece to successful living, holiness, discipleship, and transformation. I am intent on seeing God do this in our fellowship....

Reclaiming God's Original Intent

• I came across a book in my library that I purchased several years ago. The title of the book, Reclaiming God's Original Intent for the Church, caught my attention. More than this, I was arrested and intrigued by the title(s) of each chapter. The chapter, in and of themselves, preach and proclaim some powerful truths and steadfast convictions. I have not finished this book-though I plan to teach or preach or a series on this at some point. I would like to share just a few of the titles of each chapter...

-It's about AUTHENTICITY...not SIZE
-It's about making DISCIPLES...not simply recruiting VOLUNTEERS
-It's about a CALLING...not a CAREER
-It's about CHARACTER...not CREDENTIALS
-It's about COMMUNITY...not just MANAGEMENT
-It's about TRUSTING GOD...not TECHNIQUE
-It's about FOLLOWING THE SPIRIT...not mere STRATEGIZING
-It's about SERVANTHOOD...not POWER
-It's about FRUIT...not ACHIEVEMENT
-It's about LISTENING...not just PREACHING
-It's about LOVE...not BEING RIGHT
-It's about our TRIUNE GOD...NOT US

New Territory

At the beginning of 2007, we began the process of implementing a vision of outreach--that included a church daycare as well as a community center that would literally improve the quality of the surrounding community and allow us to go further and do more. We incorporated & amended and laid the groundwork for two of these ventures: Pebble Learning Center (Daycare) and The Dream Center (Community Outreach Center). The only thing we haven't had the finances to do is file for our 501c3, the very thing we need to have a tax-exempt status. To say the least, God opened up a door and I will be meeting with a member of President Bush's faith-based initiative board on tomorrow morning. I am nervous but also excited about the possibilities of finalizing the preliminary groundwork--that I have committed much of my time, prayers, and energy since December of '06. I do believe that this is an 'Open Door' for our church. Once we finalize and are granted our 501c3 status within the next month (I pray), then we are able to apply for grants--which he will be helping us with. By the way--he is also a pastor! Once I see how this works, I will pass the information along. As our congregation already knows, I am not very fond of Mr. Bush (though I do pray for him--he needs it!). But his faith-based initiative plan, believe it or not, is outstanding!!! If you've seen it, it is almost overwhelming to view all of the endless possibilities and the funds that are not only out there, but granted to churches and congregations who pursue it. This is not for every church; I wouldn't recommend it for every church. And we will always do only that which honors Christ and also serves in the best interest of our church and our people. One thing we need and I need throughout the remainder of the year--is prayer. I will explain in a future blog how the daycare, dream center, and ultimately Living Stone Community Development Corporation (Affordable housing project) ties into the entire Cornerstone vision.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Yesterday went well during worship. I actually continued our message taken out of Malachi 3, with somewhat of a different angle. IT was my intention to share 'Reverse the Curse, Pt 2'. However, the subject from Malachi 3 yesterday was entitled 'How God Hooks Us Up.' I felt more comfortable in my preaching on yesterday--because of time and last week was just such an intense week--both in my devotion as well as adversity. Imagine that! God blessed the message, allowed me an opportunity to share the urgency and responsibility of our congregation to get in on what God is up to; and really give our congregation a 'pep talk'. Our church goes through these phases where apathy becomes pervasive, attendance is down, and the spirit of our church is not as it should be. This can be discouraging to the 'faithful few'. All in all, the Spirit of God moved on yesterday, His Word clearly explained, and people demonstrated their commitment and re-dedication to the plan and vision God has for our local church. If you read my blog last week on 'revelation', let me just say that I don't know HOW God will do the things He will do--that's not really my problem. I'm trusting, willing, and obedient to His voice and instructions--from here on out I will leave the results up to Him.

Solving Problems

I came across a thought in a journal that I write to my sons: He who solves problems gets paid. This sounds very secular and un-spiritual--but in a real sense, it is very true. If you want to achieve and accomplish more in life--just look for problems, find a solution (only God can give you this)--and then sale your product. Solomon talks a lot about this--but I just wanted to interject a simply thought for today. I hope it makes some sense!!!

My Intention

It was my original intent to blog every DAY! I have noticed that my main page says '14' posts for October and this is the 18th of October. Okay--maybe I am being unrealistic. I didn't think so-considering I am online atleast once or twice per day, and tied to the computer, etc. The tragedy is this: finding things that are of interest to me, and something I can look at and find inspiration at any point in my ministry pilgrimage. The entire point of this blog is to chronicle many of the thoughts that are in my head, form me into a better writer and communicator; communicate with those in ministry; provide an historical journal for my sons; an opportunity for our church to see what goes on in the mind of their pastor (I do not know if any of our members view my blog, haven't heard anything as of yet...if so, let me know!); allow me to chart my ministry thoughts, victories, struggles, etc. and prayerfully look back and thank God for the progressive steps and strides that were made, and so much more. I am committed to the blog! And once I am committed to something, I am almost impulsive about it begin being meaningful, significant, and the best at everything I am a part of. (Being the best preacher, husband, father, pastor, teacher, son, friend, blogger that I can be.)

I think that is my issue with pastoring. Pastoring is so different for me--because you have to rely upon more than just yourself. Sometimes I wonder if I am cut out for Pastoral Ministry. Then again-I KNOW that I am because I KNOW that God called me to do this. It can be a little overwhelming at times. I just don't understand what God is doing and why He allows so many difficulties, obstacles, dissapointments, and frustrations in my pastoral experience. My situation is so unique because I am the Founding Pastor of a fledgling church who has yet to gain her momentum, capture it's identity, and most do not see what I see. I was watching BET's EXALTED:Kenneth C. Ulmer. He said something that struck me: you are telling people about a vision that God has given you; but they haven't seen it yet. This becomes the great frustration. NOW-that being said-some do realistically understand the vision and it makes sense, they just don't want to do what needs to be done to accomplish the goal. I would hate to say where I wish I was--but I will just say that it is difficult pastoring in the Houston context. Everybody is just so busy, always running, the church really doesn't get much of their time. This is not the culture I grew up in--people didn't frequent the church or treat it in a cavalier manner; they were committed to the church. Don't get me wrong, large churches here (like other cities) thrive and do well here!!! From my observation, small church do not. There is work to be involved in small churches. EVERYBODY is needed! If someone isn't involved, the person involved begins to either feel guilty or pressured. The larger churches stay large or get larger while the smaller ones get smaller. The greatest thing that the small church can do, I believe, is continue to preach and teach the word, worship in spirit and in trust, be unapologetic about our commitment to COMMITMENT, and THEN...and this is what I think is the greatest challenge for us--GET NEW PEOPLE IN THE BUILDING, KEEP THEM THERE, GET TO JOIN, GET INVOLVED & REPRODUCING OTHER NEW PEOPLE. We'll get it together--it is GOING to work. It's just going to take a lot of prayer, patience, and people who are WILLING to hang in there, run with the vision, come to church, get involved, stop gossiping, SERVE, get others to get involved, bring their families--there is no telling what we could accomplish. I'm praying for more churches like this. I am dedicated to encouraging pastors everywhere who have this mysterious call in the pastorate that keeps telling them 'God wants more'. Let me say this--many pastors sense that God wants more--and think they need to find another church in order for God to do that. Sometimes that is so and may be necessary. I am afraid that, often, God desires to grow US, grow our churches in the place where He has planted us. We just haven't taken advantage of the dry seasons and learned from seedtime and the waiting period. I'm intent on learning. A lesson not learned is worth repeating. I don't want to prolong where the Lord is sending me because I keep ignoring what He is trying to teach me right now, in 2007, 29 years old. Let's learn it so we can pass the test and get to the weightier matters.

...Glossolitis

For the past month we have been in a teaching series on Why Churches Die: Diagnosing Lethal Poisons in the Body of Christ. I know that many can get deep when first examining this subject and suggest this is an oxymoronic statement-the true church can not die because Christ is the Head of the church and He will not let it die. In a real sense, this is true! I believe that that logic relates to the church universal. This book seeks to tackle sicknesses in the body of Christ from the vantage point of the membership. Brunson & Caner draw parallels between sicknesses of the human body and ailments among members of the body of Christ. It is what they have labeled and tagged as 'Spiritual Forensics'. I really wanted to begin Paul's epistle to the Romans, beginning with the first chapter and the first verse. Something (SomeOne) led to glance at the next lesson in the Why Church Die series. The topic is Glossolitis: Swollen Tongues of Fire. The discussion (teaching) centers on this premise: Murmuring Miriam and Sowing Seeds of Discord (Numbers 12:1-15). Of course, I must continue this teaching series, atleast for this week! The underlying theme is GOSSIP. We have a problem with this sickening and deadening (toxic) disease at our church, more than anyone cares to admit. I am certain this is the case in many churches; most of us sense that it isn't going to change. I am convinced that the inevitability of change-lessness should not negate our addressing the issue. It NEEDS to be addressed, even if NO ONE decided to heed and obey. After all, The Apostle Paul succinctly stated that I, the spiritual leader, will be judged if I don't teach it--I will be held accountable! After reading the lesson and studying scriptures, it is clear to me that God despises, abhors, and hates gossip, slander, and a 'false witness'. If just this one sickness is examined, diagnosed, and treated--this alone will do wonders for many churches--but I will just say the one that I pastor. In studying the lesson, I am discovering that at the heart of gossip is suggestion, assumption, deception, and (surprising to me) UN-FORGIVENESS!!! I do desire desperately for God to do a work in and on the people in our congregation, beginning with myself. I know that the Word is a mirror, not a window to look and point at others. I must say as Pastor, however, that God has shown me this is a serious problem in our church and is preventing our growth, joy, freedom in worship, liberation in our praise, and even fully trusting and following pastoral leadership--gossip. I would have never even imagined that a fellowship so small in number would have any problems at all, other than financial. Financially we are not doing what we could do and should do in terms of our giving. But, sadly, that pales in comparison to the toxic issues that threaten to pervade and infect our entire body-if it hasn't already. I pray that the lesson tonight goes well. More importantly, I earnestly pray that those who struggle with this sickness will be convicted, repent, and turn from their ways. If we could turn that negative energy (spreading the BAD NEWS) into positive energy (getting out the GOOD NEWS)--our church would be one of the brightest beacons of light in our dark city!

Revelation

Last night and this morning, I had--what I would call--my fourth REVELATION from God. I have to apologize for not being as spiritual as some preachers who have a revelation every single time you look up. It seems like God does a lot of talking to these guys. Whenever I look in scripture, God shows up to men (and women) in scripture a gap between years upon years. It was then that those revelations (i.e. Moses/Noah), that the person recieving the revelation invest their LIFE in fulfilling that call. I have had 3 previous revelations (as our church already knows). 1) My call to preach the gospel at fourteen in 1993. 2) When God instructed me to marry my wife, D'Ani. 3) When He directed our starting Cornerstone in 2004-05. And, now, God has spoken. (Let's be clear: people who know me KNOW I don't play with God's name--I will often say that the Holy Spirit made an impression, I interpret, I believe, etc.--rarely will I say that 'God said to me'. That's dangerous!) I will not get into the revelation until I have shared with our congregation--which will probably be in December during my State of the Church address. What I will say is that God is good! I trust His plan! I trust His timing! And I thank Him for being gracious enough to choose someone like me. That's amazing!

Dr. Jim Hamilton

This evening I discovered that one my my seminary professors (New Testament Greek), Dr. Jim Hamilton, has a blog!!! I am really gaining my momentum in this blog of a world. I would love to see everyone (particularly pastors/preachers/teachers) participate in this great/powerful medium. His blog address is http://www.jimhamilton.info/

John MacArthur

Last week I picked up a book in my library by Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. entitled Ashamed of the Gospel. MacArthur is a well-respected author and pastor of Grace Community Church (http://www.gracechurch.org/), the voice behind Grace to You Ministries (http://www.gty.org/), and President of The Master's Seminary (http://www.tms.edu/). His book, Ashamed of the Gospel, is an insightful piece of theological work that revolves around the subject of Christianity on the 'downgrade'. He, in this book, kind of builds upon the much publicized controversy between the late Charles Hadden Spurgeon and The Baptist Union upon Spurgeon's resignation, and their battles in the last two years of Spurgeon's life. This is a good read--for laity and laymen--as instruction and exhortatatively encouraging us to stand tall and preach TRUTH in a modernistic attempt within many of our user-friendly churches and cotton candy preachers who are attempting to kidnap the rugged cross from preaching and sell out the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have had this book for many years--but never even casually looked through the book. The other, which I read over this is past weekend--was MacArthur's Power and Freedom of Forgiveness. This was a very timely subject for me (considering there are a few people just this year who are testing me in this area)--also assigned for reading by one of my seminary mentors, Dr. Bob Overton. I've also had this book for some time. MacArthur explores the fundamental concept of forgiving others and forgiving ourselves--saturated in our fundamental approach to understanding God's forgiveness toward us. He says, in a nutshell, that in order for one to experience a transformative realization of forgiveness toward self and toward other people--one must understand the God who, literally, canceled our debt, forgave our offense, and washed(es) our slate clean...day by day. MacArthur is a thorough expositor of scripture and handles every passage with prayerful selection and insightful applications for contemporary relevance. By the way--MacArthur just so happens to be one of my father's favorite writers. It was also the favorite writer of Rev. Steve V. Mack, a close friend of my father who passed a little over a year ago. He was a great preacher, friend of my father's, and just a giant of a man. I miss Rev. Mack and think about him VERY often. All in all, I have many of MacArthur's books by their recommendations--just never really read him or gave him any thought. But, WOW--MacArthur is GOOD! I can see clearly now!!!

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Today, after preaching at our own worship service, I along with some of our members journeyed to Lifestyle of Christ Church in Pearland for the 1 year anniversary of Dr. Mike Forney. This is a new ministry and the people really expressed their appreciation to Dr. Forney today. Contrary to my original plan, the Holy Spirit led me to a passage tucked away in Exodus 14:5-17, the familiar story that records the narrative of God's people of Israel standing face to face with the impossible in every direction. It is interesting how God breathed and smiled on the message, considering this is a passage I hadn't preached from in years. Little did I know how this would serve as an encouragement to Pastor and people. Each week, I am learning more and more to follow God's guidance. Also, I have been working more on my breaking free from the manuscript. At Cornerstone, I had the outline, which is on a previous blog. It was kind of awkward (and quiet), considering I was in Malachi 3 and talking about the tithe. Not too much response. God God directed me to the passage and the message--so I was obedient. (This is a learning process for me) I, probably more than many preachers, am easily swayed by the response of a crowd. This is not a good thing!!! As a pastor, my focus for Cornerstone has and is shifting more each week: Not preaching for RESPONSE; but preaching for CHANGE!

Just a Thought

Occasionally I visit the blogspot of H.B. Charles, Jr. (http://www.hblogcharlesjr.blogspot.com/) for spiritual insights, valuable nuggets, and (to be quite honest) sermonic ideas-he is an inspiration to so many young preachers, particularly his commitment to thorough study, biblical exposition, and his integrity, call, and Christian commitment glistens through his very persona. If you've met him, you know exactly what I mean. When I visited his page not long ago, I noticed that he had a book listed there by Ron Mehl entitled 'Meeting God at a Dead End'. I was captured (captivated & arrested) by the title of the book--and with the questions, dead ends, peculiar corners I have encountered in ministry--I felt as if I "needed" this book. I like books, and if H.B. recommends it, you can't really go wrong--so I ordered the book. I also ordered another book by Mehl that looked pretty interesting. God has blessed me with almost 3000 books in my library. To some, that isn't a lot--but I am really beginning to think fond thoughts (without using the word 'pride') about my little collection. It was always a dream of mine of getting as many books in my library as my dad--I'm not there but at the pace I'm going, I think I will be soon. *smile*. I went by our church P.O. Box this evening and, to my surprise, the books by Mehl had arrived. Upon opening up the package, something hit me like a ton of bricks--immediately when I saw the cover of 'Meeting God at a Dead End'--I realized I HAVE THIS BOOK!

Wow! Then it began to dawn on me--just a proverbial question-how often do WE do that? Instinctively, we rush in haste to search and acquire what, unbeknownst to us, was there all along. Dreams, ambitions, grace gifts, etc.--it was there all along. If only I had done invententory--I would have found this TREASURE and saved time, energy and, yes, money. All I can do--is once I find where that old book is--my responsibility is to give it to somebody else who needs God to meet them at a dead end. Maybe we have everything that we need that God will use to bless us and move us to what He has S.H.A.P.E.d us for; it just needs to be re-discovered and cultivated in the hand of the Master Craftsman. Just a thought; but I think it'll preach...and LIVE!

Malachi 3:6-12

Today I've concluded my PRELIMINARY SHEET in my sermon preparation. Though I've been preaching for almost 15 years, I have only done a prelimary sheet (formally) maybe 4 or 5 times. It is so easy to neglect this important and meaningful step. Particularly when you are called and are certain that God will bless what He will bless. The PRELIMARY SHEET was first introduced (to my knowledge) by Dr. Al Fasol, a preaching professor at Southwestern BTS. I also noted a PRELIMINARY SHEET chronicled by Dr. Ralph West in Dr. Cleophus J. LaRue's Power in the Pulpit. The PRELIMINARY SHEET is the 2nd Phase in my sermon preparation. 1st phase consisting of sripture selection, study of context & study of original language (familiarizing myself with the passage and a general understanding of the passage). Phase 3, once the PRELIMINARY SHEET has been constructed, consists of sermon illustrations, related passages, anecdotes, etc. Phase 4 begins the writing of the sermon (along with the construction of the introduction and conclusion). I hope to get into the habit of constructing a PRELIMINARY SHEET on a consistent basis in my sermonic preparation. CIT stands for Central Idea of the Text; MOT stands for Main Objective of the Text; MOS stands for Main Objective of the Sermon. This is my PRELIMINARY SHEET for the message I intend to preach at Cornerstone this Sunday (October 14, 2007) at the 8:15am worship service, if the Lord says the same!

PRELIMARY SHEET

Text: Malachi 3:8-12

CIT: God’s return and judgment are imminent. You have departed from the command of God; it is reflective your giving. God’s grace abounds with His desire to reciprocate our giving back to Him. Bring the tithe; the relationship will be restored; the storehouse (church) will abound—and God will be pleased and you will be blessed.

MOT: Pastoral & Exhortative

Thesis: The God above has given an awesome promise—to bless those who honor His command. God owns it all; He commands the tithe; He uses His tithe to provide a blessing to somebody else, namely, the storehouse. Paying the tithe flips the script, reverses the curse, and creates a flow that can not be contained.

MOS: God’s goal for his church (his people) is to honor Him in their giving. Disobedience to God’s command for giving dishonors God and curses the robber. Obedience to God’s command for giving honors God and blesses the giver. Ultimately, God’s glory is CONNECTED to our giving.

Practical Themes: Stewardship, Giving, Tithing

Keywords: Flow, Rob, Steward, Manager vs. Owner, Tithe, Prove/Test, Pour

Title: Reverse the Curse

Outline:

I. The Danger of Disobedience (vs. 6 – 9)
a. Rebellion ‘…you have gone away…’
b. Robbery ‘…you have robbed me.’
...............i. You are robbing God
...............ii. You are robbing God's house '...even this whole nation.'
...............iii. You are robbing yourself
c. Result ‘…you are cursed with a curse…’

II. The Grace of Giving (vs. 7 – 10a)
a. The grace of giving is based on your Position ‘return…’
b. The grace of giving is based on Privilege ‘bring you all the tithe…’
c. The grace of giving is based on Purpose ‘that there may be meat…’

III. The Outcome to Obedience (vs. 10b – 12)
a. God promises to reward our faith ‘I will open…not be room enough…’
b. God promises to rebuke our foes ‘I will rebuke the devourer…’
c. God promises to renew our fruitfulness ‘…all the nations…delightful land...’

Greek Day

Tonight is New Testament Greek. I am about to do my parsings for this evenings exploration. Also--there is both our weekly quiz and also our mid-term exam. The good news is that the exam is take home. But I know that it will be challenging; and ethics are involved! I have a lot to do--and not enough time. I will keep this short and simple-today I am praying to accomplish everything that needs to be accomplished while also prioritizing devotional time with the Lord. I preach 2 times this coming Sunday--2 different messages--so I am sure that will be fun. The plan is to begin a short Stewardship series this Sunday. Also, I will be preaching a Pastor's anniversary morning service immediately following our morning worship. The challenge--keeping the message at our church in a timely frame to allow us time to get to the other service. I pray that God is honored and pleased with this day and will honor the order and structure I am trying to create in my hectic environment. In the language of Gordon MacDonald, I'm attempting to 'order my private world.' I'll catch the blog tomorrow. God alone be glorified!

Let me add another note!

I want to add something to the last blog I sent about 5 minutes ago--the people at our church really made Harvest Sunday a great success. First, they showed up in record numbers (15 or so people) for our evangelism effort in the park. Then the women at our church turned around and helped make Saturday a good time for our guests and again on Sunday. I love these people. I can't begin to tell you what they mean to me. God sends people like these just to remind you that this is about Him. So many of them have shown me that they truly are in love with Jesus Christ and love His church. There is nothing negative about this; the enemy was at work--but they just kept serving, working, and praising God.

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Today we observed our Harvest Sunday. The original intent was to have our Harvest Weekend (Festival & Worship service) the last week of October--as an alternitive to Halloween. However, there was a scheduling conflict with our special guests. Pastor Lloyd A. Pullam and St. Emmanuel Baptist Church (http://www.stemmanuel.org/) were our special guests. Pastor L.A.P. just so happens to be my father's brother (making him my uncle) and he is a dynamic, solid preacher. He, along with another one of my uncles, Rev. Monty E. Francis, were factors in my attending Soutwestern Seminary, where they both recieved their Masters degrees. It was good to finally have he, his family, and church family at Cornerstone. He shared from John 9:1-9 about the man born blind. His subject was 'The Man who was Born Blind'. Harvest Sunday was also intended to be the time I planned to break ground on the land we had spotted in the Houston-Pearland area. We started a capital campaign (Together We Build) to raise $75,000 for down payment of land, beginning the building process, and for a few things we didn't have--such as chairs, etc. What I am learning is this: Our plan is different from God's plan. I am also learning that there are some who will often VOICE their desire for more and to move, but action becomes the deciding factor on who will or will not follow through. In a real sense, there are some who've expressed, over and over, that we 'NEED' a place of our own; that we 'should have' our own place. As the pastor and founder of Cornerstone--I have expressed from the beginning that this is NOT one of my priorities!!! However, it continued to be a big issue that bothered me for some time--that some cannot see the forest for the trees . At every opportunity, the question of 'when are we going to have a place of our own?' would come up. At times, the insinuation may be that our not having a building is a sign of a misapropriation of funds, misplacement of priorities, etc. I will not go into all of that--God sees all and knows all! I have made it clear: Our first priority is the build people. I don't know if it is our second priority--but on the list of priorities has been for us to: fill the place (school or church) we are meeting in now! Incidently, those who desire the building the most...have given nothing (nothing) to the building fund (together we build) as of October 8, 2007 and the church attendance has not increased by their inviting others to our worship. Go figure! My philosophy is this: if we pack out the building that we are in, inviting our families, friends, coworkers and neighbors--there is NO CHOICE but to build or to move.

Here is what I have learned--or rather--what I already knew, but the Lord confirmed it even more: the enemy tries to throw the church and many pastors off course by getting us to MAJOR IN THE MINORS AND MINOR IN THE MAJORS. Most of us can re-visit our mission and vision statements--and will conclude, of course, after reading scripture, that Christ's priority was not buildings, budgets, or burgeoning congregations. It was transformation, reformation, sanctification, outreach, ministry.

After all--there are many congregations who didn't rush out to get a building. Higher Dimension (http://www.higherd.net/) opened its doors with hundreds in their first service; they grew to over 2000 within 3 years, and stayed at an elementary school 5 years. Saddleback (http://www.saddleback.com/) met for 11 years in over 30 different facilities before purchasing over 50 acres in Orange County. And then there is Fort Bend Church (http://www.thebend.org/) who is in the Houston metropolis who came out of Brentwood (http://www.brentwoodbaptist.org/). They had over 700 people in the first worship service--started about a year before Cornerstone--and they continue to meet in the Junior High School.

Now there is nothing wrong with that. My point is this: we allow (or atleast sometimes I have allowed) people who do not bear the weight of the ministry, the call, and accountable to God for the spiritual progress of the church--to steer and veer us off course. Before my time on earth is done--I want to be an encouragement to churches and pastors and remind them that we are accountable to God ONLY and that human lives are our first priority.

Bottom line--tell you how the Holy Spirit works--we have an awesome capital campaign (considering we didn't hire any outside sources)--you can see it at http://www.cornerstonefamily.org/ under Our Future. We kicked off the campaign in January '07. I lifted the challenge, set the goal, and chart our progress. Incidently, we have raised about $3500 toward our $75,000 goal. Do you know what? I have a mixture of emotions about this--I am both glad about it and saddened by it. I am saddened by it because--there is a part of me that would like to have a building (think of the extra programs, classrooms for teachers, children's space, etc.). I would like to have it--it's just not a priority. There is another part of me that is glad--because the Lord has shown me that this is a team effort. It is as if a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders that said that the reason that we don't have a building is because of me. I know now that that is a lie from the Devil himself (John 8:44). God gave me the vision, I lifted it before the church, and I have given to the vision myself; also getting about 3 people who were not members of our church to give to the campaign. I feel SO free.

So when it comes down to where we are with a building--those who have VOICED their problems with our 'NEEDing' our own--if they haven't given anything or contributed to seeing us move in that direction--they will either have to look straight or leave. Hate to see anybody go--but some can only look straight for so long. Now don't get me wrong--I DO NOT want anyone who reads this to think that we have a lot of complainers, etc. at Cornerstone. Cornerstone is the BEST church that there is--I mean that with everything I can muster. I am a pastor--and like many people--I am emphasizing the minority issue here by a small group. I hope that I do both--show my excitement with those whom God is using at our church; and also some of the struggles I have. I know it will bless some if I do--I always strive to be more transparent when I share on this sacred space called blogspot. Didn't mean to go there with all of this--but that's why its a blog!!!

30goodminutes.org

Several years ago I happened upon an interesting site that featured one of my long-time mentors from Corpus Christi, Dr. Cleophus J. LaRue, Jr. Dr. LaRue is the author of The Heart of Black Preaching, Power in the Pulpit, and This is My Story. (Please visit Amazon.com to purchase-it is worth the investment!) I have also been trying to get a hold of his dissertation, which I remember him saying was and/or is in book form as well - don't quote me on that. I do not know for sure if it ever went to publication. Additionally, he presently teaches preaching at Princeton Theological Seminary and is a great preacher. The site is http://www.30goodminutes.org/ It is a rich and refreshing site; there are also many other featured speakers that you can read, view, or listen to their sermonic presentations, including William Willimon, Frederick Buechner, and even Otis Moss, III. I highly recommend this site for preachers, teachers, and scholars who are interested in the academic, structured side of preaching. I hope and pray that whomever takes advantage of this medium will be richly blessed and inspired in their preaching and teaching ministries.

Preaching Priorities (2007 - 2008)

I've begun a list of things I want to explore this year/next year in terms of preaching and teaching. I really want to work my way through The the Sermon on the Mount, the Gospel of Mark, and Nehemiah. This coming year, I kind of want to focus on some of the basics:
* The Lord's Prayer
* The Ten Commandments
* The Beatitudes
* The Seven Churches (Revelation)

Would also like to teach through:
Romans, I Corinthians & II Corinthians

I really want to commit myself to verse by verse preaching and freeing myself from the manuscript. Whenever I set out to do something that will only involve myself and the Holy Spirit, I will do everything in my power to get it done. I do need prayer in the area of consistency, diligence, perseverance, and time management.

Biblical Exposition...Verse by Verse

Tuesday evening, like every other Tuesday night, was spent at the seminary in New Testament Greek with Dr. Jim Hamilton. However-this night was different. I found myself consumed by the pressures and challenges of ministry, kind of concerned about my dad who had gone to the ER earlier that day back in Corpus Christi, and then just the pressures of every day life. Additionally, I didn't like the fact that I had made a B on my Greek Exposition paper. This led to a talk with my professor after class that evening. We had an interesting discussion; it was then that the conversation gravitated toward our commitment to being commited to the exposition of God's word. He asked me, 'What are you preaching/teaching now at your church?' I replied, 'I am now in a series on building relationships'. He then asked, 'Have you ever thought about taking a book and going from verse to verse?' Now--people who know me KNOW that I always deal with the text, wording(S), etc. But something about his question pricked me--even more than I think he knew--and that I cared to admit at that time. What a terrible indictment to me personally--that I have been at this church over 2 years now--and though I have started, I have not STARTED and COMPLETED a single book in scripture at Cornerstone. I remember starting I Corinthians and our working through the 1st chapter; but when I didn't like the response, I STOPPED. Again--I began a series in Nehemiah; but when I got through the 1st or 2nd chapter, I STOPPED--I didn't like the response. Now this may mean nothing to anyone who reads this--and probably nothing at all to the average lay person. But at my previous church assigment, I preached through to entire book of Nehemiah (about 13 weeks) and then again through the book of Ephesians (about 9 weeks) and then a series on Discipleship (about 8 weeks). Both Nehemiah and Ephesians were both tremendous growth opportunities for me. Of course, I recieved such a great response with both Nehemiah and Ephesians. Then I had just concluded that the church where I presently pastor, as I have often said, 'Just doesn't get with a series of messages, verse by verse, chapter by chapter'. But at the last church where I was given the opportunity to preach every week--it NEVER even dawned on me whether or not they liked it, whether or not they came to shake my hand, whether or not they told me how good of a preacher I was--I KNEW they needed it, that the Lord led me to those books, and I had a PASSION to get it all out the way HE gave it to ME!

Herein lies my problem--and where our discussion led--that I have gotten caught in the trap of allowing the approval of men to steer my performance or determine my approach. That night I had a SERIOUS conviction of my sin--not putting what God wants....FIRST. In Houston--there is this jockeying for so many preachers to be RELEVANT and make APPLICATION. In so many ways--so many have said, in their own way, that the Word of God is just not relevant enough. Now don't get me wrong--I have always used scripture, related scriptures, etc. I just haven't committed myself wholeheartedly to being committed, consistent, and pressing through no matter what. And using the gift that God has given ME. From this day forward--I am committed to doing it GOD'S way. I have considered myself doing things His way--because I have always served Him, obeyed Him, stood on His word, studies His word, etc. But here is my issue--I can't follow HIM and keep worrying about what men will say or do at the same time. I want to follow Him COMPLETELY. Let the chips fall where they may.

Here is my commitment: I will hold myself accountable before God, I will monitor my progress, I will lay aside all of the sins/weights that have stood in the way of my hearing God more clearly, I will establish accountability partners, I will completely wean myself from being fearful or timid about what others think about me and what their response will be to what the LORD has to say THROUGH me, I will the temptation to get a response while I am preaching, duplicating just what I heard somebody else say, allowing the enemy to sidetrack me, allowing other people to sidetrack me, committing each day to devotion, bible reading, prayer, journaling, blogging, and 15 minutes a day to reading the original Hebrew &/or Greek text.

I am changing!!! I can promise you that. I have decided that I have to go myself, lose members, or have everyone to whom I preach misunderstand me...I can't quit. I want to see this thing through...

Words of Encouragement!

(Deuteronomy 33: 27) "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

"There is nothing you suffer that you cannot profit by" (George Meredith) This reminds me that adversity is sure to come to everyone and there is some benefit in everything we experience. God's help is always available to us. He shows us the way through adversity (if not out of it) and He makes it an occasion for growth - if we are willing to listen to Him. Look for what you can learn in every circumstance.

Matthew 11: 28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Worry ends when faith in God begins.

Psalm 121:1-8 "I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shad at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

1 John 4:4 "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Isaiah 40:31 "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

John 14:27 " Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Philippians 4:8 "Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Ephesians 6:10 "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."

Matthew 7: 9-11 " Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

Lamentations 3:22-24 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."

Isaiah 30:18 "The Lord longs to be gracious to you. He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"

James 1: 2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Romans 8: 16-18, 38-39: "The spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
An example of faith was found on the wall of a concentration camp. On ita prisoner had carved the words:

I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine,
I believe in love, even when it isn't shown,
I believe in God, even when he doesn't speak.

I try to imagine the person who etched those words. I try to envisionhis skeletal hand gripping the broken glass or stone that cut into thewall. I try to imagine his eyes squinting through the darkness as hecarved each letter. What hand could have cut such a conviction? What eyes could have seen good in such horror?

There is only one answer: Eyes that chose to see the unseen.

I Pastor a Small Church!

More than I care to admit, there is something in my ministry and life I've tried to avoid for a year or so now. For the most part, my reason for evading and avoiding the issue is the sense that if I 'acknowledge' it, I am 'affirming it', 'accepting' it and ultimately declaring what always will be. I have seen my acknowledging the fact as a final admittance that I am a failure in ministry. When I have spoken with ministerial colleagues, seminary counterparts, and even mentors in the faith--I covered up what I have seen as my present reality and what seemed to be my impending fate. The truth is--I Pastor a SMALL church.

As funny as it sounds, the truth is, I never really wanted to be a pastor. Those close to me can attest to this fact. Somehow...some way--I just FOUND myself with an inner desire to lead God's people. And when God (yes God) gave me the vision--the vision was great!!! Numbers were never a factor; though I did clearly envision numbers eventually being a given addition in time.

I NEVER, in all of my life, knew that pastoring was so tough! Some have proclaimed it to be easy. I was listening to a popular speaker on television whom I enjoy from time to time, Mike Freeman (Oh yes, cowardice is not a part of my disposition--I don't have a problem calling names) stated that, for him, pastoring was a breeze...easy...never had a problem. There was kind of an implication that if one is called to a work, genuinely called to a work, there should be no times when it is difficult, troublesome, etc. NOW--before I get in trouble--this was only my interpretation--I could be on point or extremely wrong regarding what he said. This was MY interpretation. Because I have met Freeman, fellowshipped with him and admire some of the things that he is doing there at his local church--I don't want it to seem as if I am mocking him or ridiculing him.

My point is--this hasn't been MY experience. When I look at our fledgling congregation--juxtaposed to our dynamic worship experiences, teachings, ministry staff, prayer and intercession, etc.--I wonder, at times, what the Lord is doing.

The truth is--it's not my plan. People have literally walked away without my knowing or understanding why. Leaders (regardless of what they say, think or even feel) get on some trip that I didn't even see coming a mile away. Even accusations that can NEVER and have NEVER been substantiated--are all frustrations I am sure many a pastor have encountered.

My point is this--I pastor a small church. The good news is--God is NOT small, God is big; His promises are for real; and He won't stop until He completes what He started (Philippians 1:6) That is my consolation.

I would tell you what I've learned--but I must admit, I'm still learning. One thing I am learning is that God is growing me. Another is how to discern and identify authenticity from those who have come with their own agenda. I have also learned that: YOU LEARN TO PASTOR BY PASTORING!!! Not from a book, pamphlet, being a layperson, being even an associate minister or a deacon. I was as close to being a Pastor from 2001 to 2005, preached every Sunday, led staff meetings, etc. I can say now--I STILL didn't have a clue about the pressure of such a call.

Believe it or not--there is nothing else I'd rather be doing than to be one of God's chosen servants, carry His word and lead his people. It may be years before we grow numerically or financially (though that is not what I am sensing--but let's go there), my prayer is that if we didn't grow in those areas, that we will grow in commitment, love, the word, sharing, and giving. If we do that anyway--the numeric and financial will take care of itself. (Now don't think that this implies our church is about to close down--financially and numerically our church is not the worst I have seen. Not by a long shot)

I'm enjoying this voyage...And I have discovered...starting small is a blessing! When HE grows HIS church when HE gets ready--after I have/we have done our parts--there can be no question of WHO grew our church and who sustained us before the HARVEST came!!! I can think of no greater testimony--and what a worship service THAT will be.

IN THE MEANTIME (While waiting and preparing for our anticipated numeric and financial growth)--one thing I have learned: GOD IS NOT AGAINST SMALL CHURCHES; HE IS AGAINST SMALL-MINDED CHURCHES. My prayer is that our church never becomes midget-MINDED when we serve such a GIANT GOD!

The Pastor's Need for Encouragement

I think it is safe to say that ministers need a cadre of lay leadership to endorse, support, and encourage their ministry. Pastors and Ministers need men and women in the congregation to be advocates of their programs, ideas, and leadership in general. These persons are those who have no ulterior motives or hidden agendas. But members who naturally hold up the arms of their leader(s), as did Aaron and Hur holding up the weakened arms of Moses, eventually securing their victory against the enemy. In every church (including the one I am blessed to Pastor), there are (according to Guy Greenfield) 1) Clergy Killers, 2) Pathological Antogonists and 3) Passive Lay Leaders. (I'll talk about this another time)

I really don't want to focus on the negative aspects of church life and ministry in this blog; I want to celebrate and shine light on the 'faithful few' who are constant encouragements to the Body of Christ! I thank and praise God for the few that are in my life. My wife has been a constant source of encouragement and support. She is the epitome of what it truly means to be a true servant of God. She is the true personification of the Hesed of God. I honestly know no finer Christian. She continues to be an asset to my life and ministry; not a liability! Other sources of encouragement for me have been my family--my father (one of my best friends and the greatest man I know after Jesus!) and mother (who actually explained to me the plan of salvation in a way that my 6 or 7 year old mind could understand...wow!!!) and my grandparents and brothers and a host of other relatives. And then there are my friends. My friends are a constant, consistent source of encouragement--2 of which are Pastors in other states--they are truly a source of encouragement!

But I thank God that he has given me a few people in our fellowship (Cornerstone) who love, support, and encourage their Pastor. Without them, my hands would be tied in more ways than one. I can think of moments and instances where their words of encouragement have been a source of strength. MAKE NO MISTAKE--these encouragers are not my driving motivation or the entire reason I continue this faith walk and call; they just make the journey a little easier and the load a little lighter (Galatians 6:2). I am learning (LEARNING) that any GOOD pastor will be persecuted, criticized, critiqued, ridiculed, misunderstood, LIED ON, talked about, and mistreated. IF YOU ARE A GOOD PASTOR--that comes with the territory! I am discovering that my adversity isn't always a sign of my inability to lead or 'walk worthy' of the vocation; but my adversity just may the milestones (roadsigns) that I am headed in the right direction (that of faithfulness, integrity, servanthood & God's glory); and the development/shaping of my character.

And it starts with me!!! I want to be an encouragement to Pastors, Spiritual Leaders and Christian Servants. I also desire to be a discipler for laypersons who need both encouragement and to be taught how to encourage their leaders. It starts at home; prayerfully I can teach this principle in our home and church until it becomes contagious and we are known as 'The Encouraging Church'--and that others will then query--'What makes this church so strong, vibrant, empowering, and mature?' I pray that the following answer will flow: we're just doing what Scripture (Christ) teaches us to do--to encourage and love one another!

Let's Run!

Today worship was uplifting, empowering and inspiring today at Cornerstone. I have to admit, I may be a little prejudice, that Cornerstone has one of the most awesome weekly worship experiences that I have every been a part of, hands down. The word today came from one of our associate ministers, Rev. Isaac A. Mahoney. The Lord has uniquely gifted us with very gifted preachers. Rev. Mahoney spoke from Hebrews 12:1-2 and shared from the topic, 'Let's Run'. The basic theme of his message was timely for us as a church body--both pastor and people. He shared from the basic premise that we have a job to do; that God has an awesome and amazing gift that He has given. The things that we desire are available--but there is a price that must be paid--there are weights that we must lay aside; to be clear--we must lay aside EVERY sin. His main focus dealt with that of passion, purpose, pursuit and perspective.

Mahoney truly allowed the Holy Spirit to grab a hold of him and the entire message. I was blessed and I believe that our people are blessed. Mahoney's wife went home to be with the Lord about 2 months ago. He truly loved his wife and she is greatly missed. I am elated to have him as a part of our congregation. I anticipate how the Lord will use him at our church. Interestingly, I intented for him to serve as our Minister of Christian Education. For some reason, I am sensing that the Holy Spirit desires to use him in another capacity at Cornerstone. Something along the line of Pastoral Care and Family Ministry.

I have been praying about leading Cornerstone to an Elder system. If this is something the Lord leads us to do, certainly Mahoney will be a part of this paradigm in a significant way.

The main thing that I want to instill in the minds and hearts of the people of Cornerstone is very simple: that they are a great people, God is limitless, that He has a specific plan for Cornerstone, and they are wanted and needed in order for God to START and COMPLETE that plan. My greatest frustration is the fact that I feel that Cornerstone has not even touched the surface. We have come SO far; but we have So far to go.

There are so many PHYSICAL and FINANCIAL goals that I believe God has for our church. What makes this seem so far fetched because I know personally that there are many SPIRITUAL and RELATIONAL goals that we haven't even began to reach. I will talk about this in the near future....

The one reality is this--I love pastoring the flock that God has given me; I know that God called me to both pioneer this movement along with pastor this church; God has been sustaining not only our church; but also sustaining myself and my family.

What I am praying for most is--1) that God will continue to mold me as a spiritual leader 2) that I will continue to grow as a student and proclaimer of His word 3) that God will order and direct each and every one of my steps as a pastor 4) that He will develop and shape the members of our church into passionate disciples of Jesus Christ and 5)that He will connect us with people at Cornerstone who will join, capture and work toward the vision God has for our church--that we all may move toward Christ-like maturity.

Mediocrity

Once, every so often, I have the opportunity to fellowship with other Pastors. This is a time that is very enriching, motivating, enlightening, and rewarding for me. Whether black or white, young or old, pastoring small, medium or mega-size congregations--I LOVE to pick their brains and gain new insights on how to do the work of the ministry in this contemporary, modern age. One of the questions I often ask Pastors is this: what is your greatest pet peave in ministry. You may not believe this--many of these pastors have never met, but they typically give the same answer: my greatest pet peave is wanting something for people that want nothing more for themselves.

Wow! Think about that--wanting something for someone who doesn't want anything more for themselves. Do you know what I call that? MEDIOCRITY.

I want to attach an addendum: people who do things that they know will never fly in the secular industry; but they bring it to the church and expect the church to deal with it.

* We give the secular our finest and our first; we give the church our least and our last
* In the secular we never question the boss' decisions or instructions (atleast not to his face); but in the church...everything the Pastor does is suspect and more than likely will be questioned.
* In the secular we show up on time and at our post; in the church, we show up late (if at all) and will likely sit on the sidelines.

I could go on and on--but I think we see the parallels and the imbalance or, should I say, DUPLICITY!

My prayer is that for laity and leadership alike--we will learn how to give God our best and want more for ourselves. That what we will want is what HE desires for us--that is that HE will be first place in our lives (Matthew 6:33). I know that when we get this, it will change the way we come to church, follow the leadership, serve the Lord, study the Word, give as stewards, work as laborers, and surrender as living sacrifices.

My prayer for each of us, starting with myself, is that we will give God more. I am not saying that the secular needs to be discarded or disregarded. After all, they provide a paycheck, etc. But we should always remember that God made the resume, the call, the interview, the call back, the paycheck, the promotion, the car, the house, and everything in between--POSSIBLE and PLAUSIBLE. He wants and desires for each of us to go further, do more, become more, and give more to HIM.

The greatest disease is mediocritis. What makes it even worse--it's infectious and contageous. The contagion of mediocrities should persuade so many of us to maximize our potential and realize our God-given purpose and identity. I pray that I will. I pray that the people who stand with me will. I pray that you will. Let us go on to be all that God has called for us to be. God us truly up to something GREAT!

I Saw God Wash The World

I Saw God Wash The World

I saw God wash the world last night

with His sweet showers on high,

and then, when morning came, I saw

Him hang it out to dry.

He washed each tiny blade of grass

and every trembling tree;

He flung His showers against the hill,

and swept the billowing sea.

The white rose is a cleaner white,

the red rose is more red,

since God washed every fragrant face

and put them all to bed.

There's not a bird, there's not a bee

that wings along the way

but is a cleaner bird and bee

than it was yesterday.

I saw God wash the world last night.
Ah, would he had washed me
As clean of all my dust and dirt
As that old white birch tree.

William L. Stidger

That poem by Stidger is my prayer as a proclaimer of the Word of God. That God would wash us through the cleansing of HIS Word. That when the last line in the final chapter of life is composed and completed--that people will not have heard KRAIG preach, teach or instruct. But--through this broken instrument--they have encountered the REALITY of a RESURRECTED LORD! That they will continually leave with a sense of URGENCY and RESPONSIBILITY to carry the Word that they have heard THROUGH me TO them who need to hear from Jesus Christ our LORD. Wash us, Lord, and cleanse us all through the instruction and infallibility of your Word. This is my prayer!!!

Preparing for 2008

This is my feeble attempt to start the blog thing again. I don't know much about the blogging world, other than the fact that I have a few friends, co-laborers (ministers) and seminary classmates who are into this blog thing. I have done a horrible job of logging onto the blog, posting, etc. I do love to read the blogs of Kevin L Pullam (my elder brother), H.B. Charles, and Tony Rhone, all pastors and great preachers in their own right. I must admit that I am not even good about reading their posts, mostly because I forget their url's. At this time now-I am praying about the direction our church will take for 2008. Cornerstone is a good church; I think that there is solid, stable, Christ-centered, expositional preaching each and every week. The teaching is sound, relevant and applicable to the lives of the people in our church family. Worship is empowering. Through much prayer, seeking God and observation--we need to do a much better job at assimilation. Yes--we could use more laborers, workers, etc. But the bottom line is that our reaching, retaining and enriching the lives and interests of outsiders--is completely lacking. I will spend time over the next month trying to put together some kind of workable program that will 1) motivate our people to do this 2) clearly show our people (and myself) how to put it into practice 3) execute the plan in a way that we will see it working. Please pray for me--as we seek to do something that I know very little about.

Southwestern Seminary

I graduated from Dallas Baptist University in May of 2001, majoring in Biblical Studies with a minor in English Literature. The follow fall of '01, I began attending what is widely known as the largest seminary in the world, Southwestern. It's main campus is in forth worth, I began attending the campus in Houston. This was a mistake! However--almost irreversable. There have been shortage of classes, miscommunication with the main campus, registration issues because of distance and lack of personel in Houston, etc. Add to this, I began full time ministry a month before beginning Southwestern, so I didn't need to extra complications. My program typically takes the average student 3 years to complete. Because of the pressures of being full-time Minister of Education then, starting a new family, etc., my grades were not as they should have been. Many things contributed to my poor grades and eventual status of being put on probation, limiting me to 6 hours a semester. This continued from 2002 to 2005. Add to this, many of the courses that I had taken by Soutwestern professors at DBU would not transfer. I was devestated at that time. I didn't know that the Lord, even then, was shaping and molding my character. In March of 2005 I started Cornerstone--I continued the semester there. I can't even begin to tell you the trials that I experienced in the Spring of '05. Financial setbacks, hectic schedules, meeting with hundreds of churches. It is shameful to say that I could not continue at Southwestern due to many reasons, including financial, academic, time, etc.

The past two years I have really began to reflect on the importance and value of the integration of faith and learning. According to the first century philosophers, we are all engaged in 'the great conversation', as introduced to me by my College philosophy prof. Dr. Davey Naugle. I have matured, grown and began to value the entire process of education and the pursuit of living the dream of one day teaching on the seminary and Christian college level.

It is my presumption that I have been gifted to preach and teach to persons at every station in life. But I have noticed, particularly when our church was in Pearland (I'll talk more about that later--we are now in Houston) that we attracted (and still do) doctors, lawyers, professors, etc. So not only is my continuing at SWBTS something I enjoy and is needed to 'sharpen my tools', my environment demands it.

I am pursuiing my Master's of Divinity degree, with an emphasis in Biblical Languages. I have accumulated about 50 hours and need 91 to complete my degree. I estimate my expected graduation to be late '08 or early '09. I am praying for a miracle of a transfer of hours for an earlier date. I am in no rush--I just want to raise my GPA so that I can get into a good doctoral program. I am pleased to say that I am more disciplined in my study--and so far I am doing an okay job in New Testament Greek, my joy--also a thorn in my flesh.

IF anyone views this blog some time before 2009, I seriously NEED and solicit your prayers..

Hudson Taylor Biography

Last week I finished a biography on Hudson Taylor, the missionary who is best known for found the China Inland Mission Society; and who initially introduced the Chinese community to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love biographies; however, I have to admit that I probably wouldn't have even picked up this small biography if it had not been for the fact that it was a class assignment at Southwestern, where I attend seminary (I'll blog about my Southwestern experience some other time). It was one of my writing reports for an elective course I am taking entitle 'Life and Ministry of the Pastor', professor Dr. Bob Overton. Our next reading for this couse is John Macarthur's 'Forgiveness.' There is great preaching in autobiographies and biographies. I am posting the blog below, in hopes that in some way it will bless some student at some point.

Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret

After reading Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret, it is no surprise to see how millions have been inspired by Taylor’s loyal, dedicated, and committed Christian life. From his commitment as a dedicated and passionate follower of Jesus Christ, and his founding of the China Inland Mission, our world has witnessed the spawning of Christian institutions and mission ventures that have integrated an exceptional model and paradigm that grew out of his missionary statesmanship for over forty years. It is no wonder he has been designated as “the father of world missions”.[1]

In the Introduction of Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret, Terry L. Miethe, Ph.D., Ph.D., gives an overview of Taylor’s China mission and also includes an excerpt of his background, education, various ventures, and the present need and charge of Christ’s call to the Great Commission and evangelism. Miethe also footnotes the four very important emphasis of Hudson Taylor’s missions effort, which I found to be most inspiring and useful in speaking of the priority of Taylor’s passionate pursuit of fulfilling God’s purpose for his life.

The book begins with Taylor’s account of his mother praying for the salvation of her son while many miles away. As Hudson looks for something of interest to read in the library of his father, he begins to read a booklet that he had picked up and was arrested by the words: “The finished work of Christ.” This starts a series of questions in Hudson’s mind. There was nothing left to do other than for this young boy to fall on his knees and accept Christ’s finished work and praise Him for His saving grace forever. That day Hudson surrendered to the Lord and committed his life to do His work. He, along with his sister, became committed to winning others to Jesus Christ.

Shortly thereafter he struggled with the temptation of putting God first over against yielding to the ways of the world. However, Taylor understood that the soul that is starved cannot rejoice in the Lord and that there could be no substitute for authentic spiritual blessing. He began to notion that if God would give him the inner strength to renounce the ways of the world, he would dedicate the rest of his life to doing the exact purpose for which God had called, commissioned, and created him for. It was then that he knew that he had been called to China. He became consumed with committing his time to evangelism and missions; along with committing to the study of China. Though he could not afford a dictionary or a lesson on China’s formidable language, he took the Gospel of Luke in Chinese and began to compare its English equivalent, he began to learn and identify more than six hundred characters. He was determined and resourceful in his effort to do God’s will.

From his time at Drainside, and leaving his aunt’s home on Charlotte street, as test came after test, he chose ‘the pathway of self-emptying and the cross’,[2] simply by virtue of the fact that he had been led by the Spirit of God. The book footnotes that during this time that he was hungry for love, alone, living a life of self-denial—this was not easy and left an opportunity for the Devil to find entrance in his life. It was at Drainside that he found love and longed for her presence. Even his love for her, and her unwillingness to join him in China, could not dissuade him from the mission God had given him to reach the people in China and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those people who had virtually no contact with Jesus Christ. This is a true testament of Taylor’s testimony of rejoicing in one’s pain and forging ahead to do the will of our Savior.

The book chronicles his letters to his dear mother regarding his passion for traveling to China and his love for following the Lord’s call for him there. He fathoms the thought of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with over twelve million souls. There were many hindrances in his new journey of faith. He began to question whether or not he had strong enough faith to embark upon the voyage that had been set before him. He knew that the task was great; all in all, he was willing to pay the price. He discovered that God met him at every crossroad and gave him sufficient strength and provision to move forward in continuing his ‘gospel work’ and enlarging his capacity for joy, thanksgiving and fruitful living. He recounts how even when he could not talk, he learned how to pray, intercede and cry out to God for himself and for those who were in need. He reports of how he had given his all to the poor; but he continued to rejoice in his own sacrifice. It is so astonishing to see how, in numerous ways, how the Lord provided in so many ways for Hudson during the early years of his learning how to ‘walk by faith’.

With a view to preparing himself for his life-work, he became an assistant to a physician at Hull, and subsequently studied medicine at the London Hospital. The great interest awakened in China through the Taiping rebellion, which was then erroneously supposed to be a mass movement toward Christianity, together with the glowing but exaggerated reports made by Carl Friedrich August Gutzlaff concerning China's accessibility, led to the founding of the China Evangelization Society, to the service of which Hudson Taylor offered himself and on Sept. 19, 1853, he sailed for China before the completion of his medical studies.

Chapters six through ten, it reports that the six years from 1854 to 1860 were spent in Shanghai, Swatow, and Ningpo, working sometimes in company with older missionaries of other societies and especially with William Chalmers Burns of the English Presbyterian Mission. It is during this period that he retired from the China Evangelization Society, which subsequently ceased to exist, and continued as an independent worker, trusting God to supply his need. His experiences of God's faithfulness in meeting his own personal needs and the needs of a hospital at Ningpo, of which he had taken charge, had much to do with the subsequent step of founding the China Inland Mission. While at Ningpo he married Miss Maria Dyer, daughter of the Rev. Samuel Dyer of the London Missionary Society. Two of their children also worked as missionaries in China.

According to the book, Taylor suffered poor health in his later years. It was poor health that caused him to return to England in 1860 where he spent the next five years. In company with the Rev. Frederick Foster Cough of the Church Missionary Society, he completed the revision of a version of the New Testament in the colloquial of Ningpo for the British and Foreign Bible Society, and also finished his medical course. The constant pressure and increasing strain inseparable from such a work frequently threatened a serious breakdown for him; but the report is that Taylor manifested remarkable recuperative powers. The book points out that in 1900 at the New York Conference that the first serious signs of failing health began to become even greater for him. He slowly resigned his great responsibilities, still seeking to assist the work as consulting director while living quietly in retirement in Switzerland. He married his second wife in 1871, and she died in the summer of 1904. They had two children. Early in 1905 Taylor determined, though extremely ill, to pay another visit to China. After visiting various centers he reached a place called Changsha, the capital of the previously anti-foreign province of Hunan, where he suddenly and peacefully passed from his labors.

After reading this powerful biography by his son and daughter-in-law, I am truly amazed and inspired by Taylor’s life and commitment to his purpose and Christ’s Great Commission. This is a very encouraging missionary history. It is also wonderful because Hudson does not try to bring "Western Culture" along with his presentation of Jesus. He is one of the first who lives as the Chinese lived and enter their culture.

The Ten Best Ideas that I have found for my life and ministry are as follows:
1. Nothing can possibly compare to God’s plan for your life. (Page 30)
2. That nothing should come before your relationship to the Lord and fulfilling His mission.
3. Where God guides, He provides. What God ordains, He sustains. (Pgs 91-103)
4. When God is the source of one’s strength, He will give one the power to forge ahead and never give up. (Page 166)
5. He seemed to be very humble; even denying what rightfully belonged to him—this has taught me the importance of self-surrender in complying to one’s call. (Pages 30-33)
6. He was a man of prayer—that even when he was unable to speak, he prayed. I must say that in my ministry, this biography has re-ignited my faith in the power of prayer.
7. The importance of standing firm in your convictions; and never allowing one’s flesh to deter one from fulfilling God’s purpose. (Page 28)
8. God can use one person to make a difference and impact the world. (Pages 238-240)
9. God’s timing is everything. Taylor had a desire to go to China long before he actually went. He had to wait until God opened that door. This has taught me to reality of waiting on the timing of God. God’s time is always the best time. My time is not always the best ideal. (Pages 16-48)
10. It is important to use what you have and to use what God gave you.

This biography Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret is truly an inspiring story; it has truly enriched my life and ministry.

[1] Pg. vi
[2] Page 27

Kingdom Agenda

It is my desire to blog on a regular basis, though my schedule/time would disagree. My goal is to eventually discuss EVERYTHING. More specifically, I want to focus on some of my greatest struggles in an effort to 1. Chronicle my thoughts and sort of develop a method to the madness, so to speak 2. Possibly catch to eye of someone who may, literally, speak life to some situations and mentor me through a blog, or simply express that I am not alone 3. So that I can look back and prayerfully see either progress or regression--prayerfully the former, not the latter. My MAJOR frustration--the thing that truly irks me to no end, is the pastorate. Let me be clear--I LOVE the church that I pastor, I love the people; and I absolutely love the call. My frustration is the PROCESS of getting to the PROMISE, if that makes any sense. I am dealing with traditionalism, busyness, a settled-mindset, etc.--and it has a tendency to eat away at me. Add to this, my greatest frustration is pastoring a new church--where it is difficult to find a large number of people who desire to 'pay their dues', have a mind to work, and will do WHATEVER it takes to get to the promise. There are a small group who possess this mentality and spirit. My fear and prayer is that this small group will not become weary, frustrated, fatigued by the others who do nothing, want nothing, desire nothing more, and then complain that nothing more is happening as a result of their do-nothing spirit.

When I finally get my thoughts together, I will begin to post blogs on my findings with regard to some of the things I am really exploring, namely evangelism, missions, follow-up, volunteer participation, etc. My brother, Pastor Kevin L. Pullam, has written a blog that really bespeaks how I feel. You can visit his blog by going to: http://www.kevinlpullam.blogspot.com/ I will post his blog here...

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Kingdom Building Agenda
Just how easy is it for the church to get sidetracked? I mean, don't most of the parishioners of our congregations have the wrong idea of what we are and are to do? In the midst of a consumer generation, it seems as if there is a greater trend of misdirection and misunderstanding about what the church is and does. Most are now in the mindset to "shop around" for their choice of church and pastor. Therefore, it seems as if the church which most appeals to the sensuality of a person is the church that gains the largest membership. Whatever happened to the premise that the church was a place to serve and not simply be served? We go to church now like it's our favorite restaurant or movie theater. Sometimes the service is good and other times the show gets a thumbs down. Therefore, many church leaders have sought good ratings from the masses rather than a "well done" from the Master. I am challenging the congregation of people where God has blessed me to lead. We must move to another level of commitment to the lost of this world. "Who will go for us" is the subject of tonight's bible study. We do have a charge to keep and a God to glorify. There are people dying and going to hell and this business of the Kingdom is of crucial urgency. I am redirecting my attention away from that of satisfying bench members. The reality is that they will consume the bulk of our time and, if allowed, write the churches "to do list." All while the commitment of this group is slim to none. When the church is in real need and ministry needs to embark, these "pew potatoes" are usually nowhere to be found. We need a ministry that is totally mission minded. I am not satisfied until the Lord is. Therefore, I believe that I have just broken through to the next level of politically incorrectness. Sure, I want to be about the business of edifying saints. Although, the greatest joy for me would be to please God with my efforts to evangelize sinners. Street corners, crack houses and jail cells don't seem all that glorious of a place to the average "saint." However, these are places where the Gospel most needs to be proclaimed. "How can they call on whom they have not believed, how can they believe in whom they have not heard, and how can they hear without a preacher..... Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." Lord, use me as one of your trumpeters that these in greatest need may hear...

God's Music

GOD'S MUSIC

God's music is in our ears everywhere in His beautiful
world. We hear it in hurrying streams, sighing winds,
singing hirds, falling waters, and lapping waves. But
deeper still we hear it in our hearts when we stop to listen.
It comes in martial strains calling us to work and to the
service of our fellow men. It comes in softer melody
calling us to rest and contemplation. Again it comes in
triumphant strains from another world when the gates
openand loved ones enter in . . . .
.
There is music in a mother's love, a child's trust, a happy
home, a brave man's battle for a better world, an unselfish
act, a kindly deed. There is "a mighty music echoing, far
and near."

Helen R. Emmons