Have you ever noticed that we often get a mind picture of something and that is the only way we see it? I find my self doing that way too often. I will sing a song and get a picture in my mind from that song. Even when I read the scripture passage from which the song is taken I will reflect upon the mind picture I have from the song. I am keeping it all in a neat little box! I have realized that when I get another picture there is great excitement, it is as if I have been released to see new horizons! That is just what happened to me this week. Here, let me share.
In my daily devotions I was reading a story that got me out of my little box and let me see something from a brand-new perspective. The story teller had gone to Pakistan on a missionary visit. While he was there, he and another missionary were visiting a small village and encountered a potter. As they visited with the potter, they learned that he had studied his vocation in China being taught by an old Master Craftsman who made china. This Master had taught him everything he knew about making pottery and along with many, many years of practicing the art himself had made him a Master Craftsman as well.
The story teller had asked the potter if he would show him how to make a master piece from start to finish? The potter was very excited at their interest and agreed to show them how it was accomplished. He took them to a shed behind his house-shop. It was an old tin building that looked about to fall down. When he opened the door of the shed, a horrible stench emanated from inside. The story teller said it was all they could do to follow him inside because of the horrible smell.
Inside there was a large pit full of muck and mire. The potter explained that this is where it all started for the master piece. He went on to explain that he added certain types of grass to the mud and as they decomposed they made added to the clay staying together, this gluing effect is called colloidal. He went on to explain that this mix was mixed together by him walking in the pit and mixing it with his feet. He then reached down into the mire and searched until he found a lump of clay that suited his purpose.
The clay was taken back to an area behind his house where there was a large round rock. Very carefully he placed the clay in the center of the rock. He was very careful to find the center of the rock before proceeding any further. He then sat on a stool and with a foot treadle began to turn the rock. He would dip his hands in water and as the rock and clay were spinning he began to shape a vessel.
The story teller shared a passage of scripture that came to his mind during this visit. Of course my mind had immediately gone to the encounter of the prophet Jeremiah with the potter and I had almost checked out of the story right then. I have witnessed many potters working with the wheel and felt I already knew what was going to happen and what would be shared. However, the passage the story teller referred to came as a result of the pit and was from Psalms 40:
"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” Ps 40:2 KJV
The picture I have always had in my mind went along with an old song we sang when I was growing up, the chorus went like this:
“He brought me out of the miry clay, He set my feet on the rock to stay, He put a song in my soul today, a song of praise Hallelujah!” (By Rev H. J. Zelley and H. L. Gilmour)
The picture I have always had was one of salvation. Being mired in the muck of sin, sinking lower and being unable to escape when God in His mercy reached down and lifted me out of that trap. He then placed me on the Rock Christ Jesus giving me hope and the promise of eternal life with Him.
The new picture was different in that now I saw God reaching down into the pit and picking me out by choice. Saying to Himself, as the Master Craftsman, this is just what I need to make a vessel of honor, good for the Master’s use. He then placed me in the center of the Rock, Christ Jesus, to shape me into that perfect master piece.
Now there is nothing wrong with the first picture. It is still applicable to our lives. However, the second picture takes us a bit further in our relationship with God. Jeremiah, the prophet, relates to us that God desires to work with us as the potter works with the clay. He desires to mold us into a vessel of honor. This process starts at the pit of mire. He lifts us from a life of hopelessness because of his desire to make something beautiful of our lives. He places us on the solid rock and as long we stay centered in Christ Jesus, the Rock, we can be made into the master piece He has pictured us becoming.
The picture of the clay being taken from the miry pit and formed into a master piece, a beautiful vessel is one that speaks to us of complete submission to the will of the Master. It speaks of being chosen and pliable in the hands of the one who has our best interest at heart. Becoming a vessel of honor, Meet for the Master’s House!
So once again, I am blessed be the old song that says:
“He brought me out of the miry clay, He set my feet on the rock to stay, He put a song in my soul today, a song of praise Hallelujah!”
Well, it is just a thought!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Thoughts for Young Preachers and Leaders
Let me share with you a couple of thoughts that I believe will help you as a young (in length of time) minister:
1- Stay close to the spiritual authority in your life. We all need someone who is watching for our soul and is not afraid to talk “straight” to us.
2- Set up mentors in your life. Timothy had Paul. These are men who you can seek advice and direction of in spiritual matters.
3- Stay in the Word. If you feel you are called to preach, then preach the Word! I recently heard a man preach two sermons. Although he started with a scripture his message was not from the Word of God. He had something he wanted to say and tried to use the scripture to get across what he wanted to say. He should have said something to get across the scripture.... Stay in the Word!
4- Develop a relationship between you and God and always seek that first. You must first be a Christian, then a preacher, not the other way around.
5- Never put the ministry or the church before your family. It is always, God, family, Church/ministry.
6- Keep your spiritual man fed and grow. Read... listen to preaching/teaching... your ministry will never out grow you.
7- Remember, it is important that what you say sounds good, but if it doesn't minister then that is all it is, something that sounds good. Always ask God to help you minister to the needs of the people.
8. Always ask God to “manifest” (show) Himself during your message. He has exalted His Word above His name…ask Him to confirm His Word.
9. You will go through times of testing. Do not become angry or discouraged it is these times that will make you into the man of God that you need to be to carry out His work on earth. Be thankful He counts you worthy. The late Elder Clyde Haney once said, “Blessed is the man that can be disappointed and not become discouraged.”
10. Time spent in preparation is never wasted. Joseph was 15 years in preparing to lead Egypt through the famine. David was about 15 years preparing to be king of Israel. Elisha was 10 years preparing to be the prophet. Paul was about 10 years preparing to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. Be ready when God is ready, until then be preparing.
1 Peter 4:10-13, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. KJV
1- Stay close to the spiritual authority in your life. We all need someone who is watching for our soul and is not afraid to talk “straight” to us.
2- Set up mentors in your life. Timothy had Paul. These are men who you can seek advice and direction of in spiritual matters.
3- Stay in the Word. If you feel you are called to preach, then preach the Word! I recently heard a man preach two sermons. Although he started with a scripture his message was not from the Word of God. He had something he wanted to say and tried to use the scripture to get across what he wanted to say. He should have said something to get across the scripture.... Stay in the Word!
4- Develop a relationship between you and God and always seek that first. You must first be a Christian, then a preacher, not the other way around.
5- Never put the ministry or the church before your family. It is always, God, family, Church/ministry.
6- Keep your spiritual man fed and grow. Read... listen to preaching/teaching... your ministry will never out grow you.
7- Remember, it is important that what you say sounds good, but if it doesn't minister then that is all it is, something that sounds good. Always ask God to help you minister to the needs of the people.
8. Always ask God to “manifest” (show) Himself during your message. He has exalted His Word above His name…ask Him to confirm His Word.
9. You will go through times of testing. Do not become angry or discouraged it is these times that will make you into the man of God that you need to be to carry out His work on earth. Be thankful He counts you worthy. The late Elder Clyde Haney once said, “Blessed is the man that can be disappointed and not become discouraged.”
10. Time spent in preparation is never wasted. Joseph was 15 years in preparing to lead Egypt through the famine. David was about 15 years preparing to be king of Israel. Elisha was 10 years preparing to be the prophet. Paul was about 10 years preparing to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. Be ready when God is ready, until then be preparing.
1 Peter 4:10-13, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. KJV
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Hardest Part of Discipleship
The Hardest Part of Being a Disciple
I have often thought of how great it must have been to be a disciple of Jesus. I could see him everyday. I would love to have the opportunity to visit with him. To sit in the same room, or area, and just listen to him talk and share his wisdom and understanding. That would have been incredible.
I have often thought if I could have been one of the disciples of Jesus, I wouldn’t have all the problems that I have now. All I would have to do is take each problem to him and he would solve it. Life would have been glorious.
Then I realize I am a disciple of Jesus. As a disciple I can enjoy those privileges. I can take my problems to him. I have the opportunity to fellowship with him. To listen to him talk and share his wisdom. I can take my all problems and my cares to Jesus. Bringing them all to him with the knowledge, he cares.
Yet, the role of discipleship is not without its difficulties. There are no drawbacks, but there are areas that require adjustment in our lives. Our priorities will change. Sometimes even our vocations might change. Like the vocations of some of the disciples of Jesus changed. Furthermore there is a position of discipleship that can be difficult for even the most ardent of disciples.
To be a disciple simply means to be a learner. It means to follow the teachings of the teacher. When a person becomes a disciple they begin to adhere or hold fast to the teachings of the teacher. A disciple is more than just a student. The disciple actually conforms to the teaching. He in reality becomes an imitator of the teacher. In this case we are talking about being an imitator of Jesus.
In the writings of Luke we find requirements, listed by Jesus, for a disciple. Jesus speaks of a disciple hating his mother, father, sister, brother and his own life. He talks of counting the cost before you start otherwise you might not be able to finish the task. Jesus also said in order to be his disciple we had to forsake all that we have.
In the Book of John, chapter one, we are introduced to a man that was one of the first disciples of Jesus. In studying this man we find a picture of true discipleship. John the Baptist stood with two of his disciples and saw Jesus walk by. He said, “Behold the lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak and they followed Jesus. One of the two disciples was Andrew who was identified as Simon Peter’’s brother.
In the life of Andrew we find a picture of the most difficult part of being a disciple of Jesus. Most of us know very little about Andrew. There are only four references of him personally to show us anything of his character. Yet in those few words he shows us how to be a true disciple.
Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist. He was among the first to follow Jesus. Tradition says that he was the first. That might be because John doesn’t name the other disciple of John the Baptist who was with Andrew. So when we look at the twelve who became Apostles, Andrew is the one with the most seniority.
Andrew does not have a real reputation of his own. Even the first time he is introduced to us, by John, he is introduced as the brother of Simon Peter. The ironic thing is we haven’t met Simon Peter yet.
He was part of the first men’s quartet, Peter, James, John and Andrew. They were all friends. They all grew up in the same town and worked in the same vocation as fishermen. However, we find that even the children’s Sunday school song fails to mention anything about Andrew. The song just speaks of “Peter, James and John…” being in the sailboat out on the deep blue sea.
Even with his seniority Andrew is not a part of the “inner circle” with Jesus. It was Peter, James and John who were with Jesus on the Mountain. The three of them were the ones who went with Jesus into the room of Jarius’s daughter. They were the trio that went a little further with Jesus in the Garden.
When the disciples were ordained and called Apostles, the writer Mark said that Jesus changed their names giving them a new identity. Simon became known as Peter that means rock. James and John were identified as the Son’s of Thunder. Yet Andrew’s name remains the same. He kept the same identity as before.
Andrew, however, from his first introduction to us shows us what is important. Even with as limited knowledge of Andrew as we have we are witnesses of what he considered to be of great magnitude. It is obvious from the start; there is a hunger in the heart of Andrew to know the Messiah. There is an intense desire to know Jesus.
He was a disciple of John and John’s whole ministry was pointing to Jesus. As soon as John said to him, “Behold the Lamb of God,” Andrew followed Jesus. However he did more than walk behind him. He had questions that would allow him to know Jesus. He asked questions like, “Where do you dwell?””
He was saying, “I want to know you. I want to know where you are living. I want to know where you are coming from. I want more than just a passing knowledge; I really want to know you.” He spent time with Jesus and came to recognize the Jesus was the answer to all he had been seeking.
We find that Andrew is the first soul winner. After he first met Jesus he went to his brother Simon Peter and John tells us that Andrew said to him, “We have found the Messias, the Christ.” We have come to know the one we have been looking for.
When Greeks, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, heard about Jesus they encountered Philip in their search. They asked him for help saying, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” What did Philip do? Philip went and found Andrew and informed him about the men. Then Philip and Andrew went and found Jesus and told him.
In John chapter 6 Jesus looked at the multitude that followed him and realized they were hungry. He turned to Philip and asked him where they could buy bread so the people could eat? Philip’s reply shows the bewilderment I would have felt in his place, “There is no way we can come up with enough money today to feed this many!”
At this moment Andrew, the disciple who was learning Jesus, steps forward to introduce an opportunity for a miracle. We might not have the money, but here is a young boy who is willing to share his lunch of five loaves and two fishes. It isn’t much among so many nevertheless here you are.
Andrew was willing to fit the part that Jesus had for him in the kingdom of God. He wasn’’t colorful or articulate as Peter was. He wasn’t as fervent or intense in his personality as James or John. He didn’t become part of the inner circle that was seemingly so close to the Master. He never was identified as ““the one Jesus loved.”
Yet when we look at Andrew we see that Andrew recognized Jesus as his Rabbi or his teacher. He called Jesus his Messiah or Savior. Andrew, without being angry or jealous, was faithful. He was the steady one. Andrew was the soul winner. Andrew wanted to know Jesus and to point others to him as well.
The hardest part of being a disciple is coming to know Jesus. Realizing that it is not the recognition that is received or the credit that is given that is important. What is important is recognizing who your Master or Savior is. The hardest part of being a disciple is coming to the knowledge that each disciple has a part in the kingdom of God and then striving to become that part to your fullest capability.
The hardest part of being a disciple is to become and imitator of Jesus Christ and in doing so, pointing others to him. Thank you, Andrew, for being a true disciple.
I have often thought of how great it must have been to be a disciple of Jesus. I could see him everyday. I would love to have the opportunity to visit with him. To sit in the same room, or area, and just listen to him talk and share his wisdom and understanding. That would have been incredible.
I have often thought if I could have been one of the disciples of Jesus, I wouldn’t have all the problems that I have now. All I would have to do is take each problem to him and he would solve it. Life would have been glorious.
Then I realize I am a disciple of Jesus. As a disciple I can enjoy those privileges. I can take my problems to him. I have the opportunity to fellowship with him. To listen to him talk and share his wisdom. I can take my all problems and my cares to Jesus. Bringing them all to him with the knowledge, he cares.
Yet, the role of discipleship is not without its difficulties. There are no drawbacks, but there are areas that require adjustment in our lives. Our priorities will change. Sometimes even our vocations might change. Like the vocations of some of the disciples of Jesus changed. Furthermore there is a position of discipleship that can be difficult for even the most ardent of disciples.
To be a disciple simply means to be a learner. It means to follow the teachings of the teacher. When a person becomes a disciple they begin to adhere or hold fast to the teachings of the teacher. A disciple is more than just a student. The disciple actually conforms to the teaching. He in reality becomes an imitator of the teacher. In this case we are talking about being an imitator of Jesus.
In the writings of Luke we find requirements, listed by Jesus, for a disciple. Jesus speaks of a disciple hating his mother, father, sister, brother and his own life. He talks of counting the cost before you start otherwise you might not be able to finish the task. Jesus also said in order to be his disciple we had to forsake all that we have.
In the Book of John, chapter one, we are introduced to a man that was one of the first disciples of Jesus. In studying this man we find a picture of true discipleship. John the Baptist stood with two of his disciples and saw Jesus walk by. He said, “Behold the lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak and they followed Jesus. One of the two disciples was Andrew who was identified as Simon Peter’’s brother.
In the life of Andrew we find a picture of the most difficult part of being a disciple of Jesus. Most of us know very little about Andrew. There are only four references of him personally to show us anything of his character. Yet in those few words he shows us how to be a true disciple.
Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist. He was among the first to follow Jesus. Tradition says that he was the first. That might be because John doesn’t name the other disciple of John the Baptist who was with Andrew. So when we look at the twelve who became Apostles, Andrew is the one with the most seniority.
Andrew does not have a real reputation of his own. Even the first time he is introduced to us, by John, he is introduced as the brother of Simon Peter. The ironic thing is we haven’t met Simon Peter yet.
He was part of the first men’s quartet, Peter, James, John and Andrew. They were all friends. They all grew up in the same town and worked in the same vocation as fishermen. However, we find that even the children’s Sunday school song fails to mention anything about Andrew. The song just speaks of “Peter, James and John…” being in the sailboat out on the deep blue sea.
Even with his seniority Andrew is not a part of the “inner circle” with Jesus. It was Peter, James and John who were with Jesus on the Mountain. The three of them were the ones who went with Jesus into the room of Jarius’s daughter. They were the trio that went a little further with Jesus in the Garden.
When the disciples were ordained and called Apostles, the writer Mark said that Jesus changed their names giving them a new identity. Simon became known as Peter that means rock. James and John were identified as the Son’s of Thunder. Yet Andrew’s name remains the same. He kept the same identity as before.
Andrew, however, from his first introduction to us shows us what is important. Even with as limited knowledge of Andrew as we have we are witnesses of what he considered to be of great magnitude. It is obvious from the start; there is a hunger in the heart of Andrew to know the Messiah. There is an intense desire to know Jesus.
He was a disciple of John and John’s whole ministry was pointing to Jesus. As soon as John said to him, “Behold the Lamb of God,” Andrew followed Jesus. However he did more than walk behind him. He had questions that would allow him to know Jesus. He asked questions like, “Where do you dwell?””
He was saying, “I want to know you. I want to know where you are living. I want to know where you are coming from. I want more than just a passing knowledge; I really want to know you.” He spent time with Jesus and came to recognize the Jesus was the answer to all he had been seeking.
We find that Andrew is the first soul winner. After he first met Jesus he went to his brother Simon Peter and John tells us that Andrew said to him, “We have found the Messias, the Christ.” We have come to know the one we have been looking for.
When Greeks, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, heard about Jesus they encountered Philip in their search. They asked him for help saying, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” What did Philip do? Philip went and found Andrew and informed him about the men. Then Philip and Andrew went and found Jesus and told him.
In John chapter 6 Jesus looked at the multitude that followed him and realized they were hungry. He turned to Philip and asked him where they could buy bread so the people could eat? Philip’s reply shows the bewilderment I would have felt in his place, “There is no way we can come up with enough money today to feed this many!”
At this moment Andrew, the disciple who was learning Jesus, steps forward to introduce an opportunity for a miracle. We might not have the money, but here is a young boy who is willing to share his lunch of five loaves and two fishes. It isn’t much among so many nevertheless here you are.
Andrew was willing to fit the part that Jesus had for him in the kingdom of God. He wasn’’t colorful or articulate as Peter was. He wasn’t as fervent or intense in his personality as James or John. He didn’t become part of the inner circle that was seemingly so close to the Master. He never was identified as ““the one Jesus loved.”
Yet when we look at Andrew we see that Andrew recognized Jesus as his Rabbi or his teacher. He called Jesus his Messiah or Savior. Andrew, without being angry or jealous, was faithful. He was the steady one. Andrew was the soul winner. Andrew wanted to know Jesus and to point others to him as well.
The hardest part of being a disciple is coming to know Jesus. Realizing that it is not the recognition that is received or the credit that is given that is important. What is important is recognizing who your Master or Savior is. The hardest part of being a disciple is coming to the knowledge that each disciple has a part in the kingdom of God and then striving to become that part to your fullest capability.
The hardest part of being a disciple is to become and imitator of Jesus Christ and in doing so, pointing others to him. Thank you, Andrew, for being a true disciple.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
And I Am Gone!
Do you struggle with keeping things in focus? I am not talking about being able to see well, I am talking about being able to concentrate on something until it is complete. I have often called the lack of focus “being distracted by shiny objects.”
Many times we start a project and before very long we have forgotten all about it. We walk away and become involved in something else that has caught our attention. I have had this happen to me often. I will start to do some research and come across something of interest that catches my attention and I am gone! I have started to do some cleaning or straightening and come across something that catches my attention and I am gone!
I have also found this to be true in my walk with God. I will be in the midst of a spiritual battle when things ease up and something else catches my attention and I am gone. I have purposed I will put forth extra effort to accomplish some spiritual objectives, I make some head way and then something else catches my attention and I am gone.
God knows human nature! When Israel was getting ready to go into, Canaan Moses was giving them directives from God about how to conquer the land and to live there. One of the things he was adamant about was the conquering of their enemies. In Deuteronomy twenty God instructs them to conquer the nations they would be living close too. When they conquered other nations, they were to kill the men and make servants of the women and children. However, when they conquered those nations that God had given them for an inheritance they were to completely destroy everything that had breath! The reason for this was so the enemy could no be an influence on them for evil.
Many times in our battles we get a small victory and walk away thinking it is all over. Later we find ourselves fighting this same battle again and again. Why? Because we fail to completely destroy the enemy that lives among us. God has given us the victory, He has delivered the enemy into our hands but we fail to completely destroy it. We give it opportunity to once again influence our lives toward sin.
Let me encourage you to be a victor! Let us completely destroy those things that we are battling against so that we don’t have to fight them again another day.
It’s just a thought! God Bless . . .
Many times we start a project and before very long we have forgotten all about it. We walk away and become involved in something else that has caught our attention. I have had this happen to me often. I will start to do some research and come across something of interest that catches my attention and I am gone! I have started to do some cleaning or straightening and come across something that catches my attention and I am gone!
I have also found this to be true in my walk with God. I will be in the midst of a spiritual battle when things ease up and something else catches my attention and I am gone. I have purposed I will put forth extra effort to accomplish some spiritual objectives, I make some head way and then something else catches my attention and I am gone.
God knows human nature! When Israel was getting ready to go into, Canaan Moses was giving them directives from God about how to conquer the land and to live there. One of the things he was adamant about was the conquering of their enemies. In Deuteronomy twenty God instructs them to conquer the nations they would be living close too. When they conquered other nations, they were to kill the men and make servants of the women and children. However, when they conquered those nations that God had given them for an inheritance they were to completely destroy everything that had breath! The reason for this was so the enemy could no be an influence on them for evil.
Many times in our battles we get a small victory and walk away thinking it is all over. Later we find ourselves fighting this same battle again and again. Why? Because we fail to completely destroy the enemy that lives among us. God has given us the victory, He has delivered the enemy into our hands but we fail to completely destroy it. We give it opportunity to once again influence our lives toward sin.
Let me encourage you to be a victor! Let us completely destroy those things that we are battling against so that we don’t have to fight them again another day.
It’s just a thought! God Bless . . .
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