Do you ever hit times where you don't feel right? It's rather vague to describe, but sometimes I feel "off". In my earlier years I felt off on many occasions for longer terms. To be more specific, I lived many days discouraged and depressed. Why do you think I speak so much and so often about encouragement? It's because I wandered through the wilderness of darkness while residing in Funkville for, lo, too many years. I think others (including celebrities) have similar experiences. Thus, I have a job to do! I'm on a mission every day!
There is one passage which works much quicker than two Bayer to bring immediate relief from tempting discouragement: ....in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. In hope against hope he believed....(Romans 4;17-18). This passage is magic to me. Every dilemma, every insecurity, every disorientation is resolved by the fact that our Lord can make dead issues live and no signals of hope arise to become enormous success. His illustration is Abraham and Sarah yet without the child God had promised.
When you sit with a blank stare because you don't know where to turn or what to do next, read this passage. The text goes on to say, Now not for his sake only was it written, that it was reckoned to him, but for our sake also.....(:23, 24). We are targeted for this good news. Our names are written in this text!
Why should you think today has powerful hope? This day, which has it's nagging fears and includes irritating comments? Why should you hope? Because God can stand at a kitchen table with no ingredients, no tools, no oven, and bake the most scrumptious pie one ever tasted! He cooks life up out of nothing. We believe! We adjust! We hope!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
TOUGH BEAUTY OF CORRECTION
Arrrgh! Correction is difficult for the receivee! At times I wonder if we give ourselves a chance to grow up as we have become a generation of defensive deny-ers of needing to make any personal changes. Do we have a chance at growing into Him? Or, are we simply going to continue a pace of doing-life-my-way while we discuss on Sundays the concept of taking up the cross and following Jesus?
We live in a land of "don't offend me or I'll bolt"-ism. I'll go somewhere else. Even parents are more inclined to rear their children with fear their kids won't like them. We are stuck in spiritual quicksand of "you-won't-get-by-with-talking-straight-to-me".
Do you think Peter enjoyed being referred to by the Master as Satan? And, then to have his name rehearsed over the centuries? What a kicker. Yet, Jesus demonstrated a portion of necessary discipleship training. We don't have it all together. If we hunger for the kingdom, we'll refrain from quickly dismissing stinging criticism. We'll learn from it. We'll thank God for it.
I've gone through a ton of hard knocks in my years. Some of them, I didn't deserve. Many of them, I did. What's odd is, I deserve worse. I must not begrudge correction...even when it is quite offensive. I must not yield to the nerve of the protectionary flesh. I must keep learning through the binoculars of my tears. Cry your eyes out if you must. But, don't fail to take the test and pass it.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing....I Satan 4:12, 13?
No, I Peter 4:12, 13. He wanted to run....and did for a day or two. But, he returned because he learned the necessity and value of being corrected.
We live in a land of "don't offend me or I'll bolt"-ism. I'll go somewhere else. Even parents are more inclined to rear their children with fear their kids won't like them. We are stuck in spiritual quicksand of "you-won't-get-by-with-talking-straight-to-me".
Do you think Peter enjoyed being referred to by the Master as Satan? And, then to have his name rehearsed over the centuries? What a kicker. Yet, Jesus demonstrated a portion of necessary discipleship training. We don't have it all together. If we hunger for the kingdom, we'll refrain from quickly dismissing stinging criticism. We'll learn from it. We'll thank God for it.
I've gone through a ton of hard knocks in my years. Some of them, I didn't deserve. Many of them, I did. What's odd is, I deserve worse. I must not begrudge correction...even when it is quite offensive. I must not yield to the nerve of the protectionary flesh. I must keep learning through the binoculars of my tears. Cry your eyes out if you must. But, don't fail to take the test and pass it.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing....I Satan 4:12, 13?
No, I Peter 4:12, 13. He wanted to run....and did for a day or two. But, he returned because he learned the necessity and value of being corrected.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
A WORKSHOP RESPONSE TO JOHN W. BROOKS
This response from John W. Brooks came in from yesterday's questions regarding the Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop.
I haven't attended the Tulsa Workshop for years now. The reason: the last time I attended, the "main" speakers were so sarcastic and contemptuous toward our "less" progressive brethren that it broke my heart to see and hear such behavior.
Thank you, John, for making a stark and stinging point. It needs to be addressed. I had yet realized BlogWorld could, once again, prove itself beneficial.
John is on target. I have grieved over what he so clearly and accurately points out. The workshop, now 32 years old, went through it's childish and teen/early twenties years with brashness and disrespect breaking out like acne. We didn't do a very good job at communicating in depth the love of God.
There are those (many) who would tell you, I wouldn't walk across the street to hear Rush preach. I would respond, I don't blame them. I wouldn't walk across the street to hear me preach either if it was some of the stuff in the past. Would anyone recall my Snorting Pulpits and Snoring Pews sermon?
John, you've told us the truth and I apologize. We were wrong. Period. We had visions of Jeremiah, but came across as Rosie O'Donnell. Our hearts wanted better things for our people; but our resentment, in the name of boldness, proved to be immaturity with a Bible verse poorly tacked on.
The good news is, things have changed for the much better. John's later comment, it must be made clear that we will not give up on those brethren who disagree with us. How will we ever win the world if we can't "win" our own people? Or at least remain in fellowship with them, is is a strong call. Fortunately, such is the way it has been over the past few years. Garnett's unity effort last year was filled with this precise message. This year enhanced this needed call.
You are right John W. Brooks. We have been sadly wrong. The good news is we now see your faithful points much clearer and hope all who have rejected the workshop in the past will not continue to refer of it from its childish moments, but from its growing in Jesus formation of its latter years.
One word of caution for all. Should the Lord give us another ten years to do the workshop, we will look back on the workshop's strength of today and call it weak. Why? Because we assume He will grow us to an even newer level by 2017! We must admit our mistakes, stand corrected by the compass of the Christ, and ever look upward to what we can be rather than what we were.
I haven't attended the Tulsa Workshop for years now. The reason: the last time I attended, the "main" speakers were so sarcastic and contemptuous toward our "less" progressive brethren that it broke my heart to see and hear such behavior.
Thank you, John, for making a stark and stinging point. It needs to be addressed. I had yet realized BlogWorld could, once again, prove itself beneficial.
John is on target. I have grieved over what he so clearly and accurately points out. The workshop, now 32 years old, went through it's childish and teen/early twenties years with brashness and disrespect breaking out like acne. We didn't do a very good job at communicating in depth the love of God.
There are those (many) who would tell you, I wouldn't walk across the street to hear Rush preach. I would respond, I don't blame them. I wouldn't walk across the street to hear me preach either if it was some of the stuff in the past. Would anyone recall my Snorting Pulpits and Snoring Pews sermon?
John, you've told us the truth and I apologize. We were wrong. Period. We had visions of Jeremiah, but came across as Rosie O'Donnell. Our hearts wanted better things for our people; but our resentment, in the name of boldness, proved to be immaturity with a Bible verse poorly tacked on.
The good news is, things have changed for the much better. John's later comment, it must be made clear that we will not give up on those brethren who disagree with us. How will we ever win the world if we can't "win" our own people? Or at least remain in fellowship with them, is is a strong call. Fortunately, such is the way it has been over the past few years. Garnett's unity effort last year was filled with this precise message. This year enhanced this needed call.
You are right John W. Brooks. We have been sadly wrong. The good news is we now see your faithful points much clearer and hope all who have rejected the workshop in the past will not continue to refer of it from its childish moments, but from its growing in Jesus formation of its latter years.
One word of caution for all. Should the Lord give us another ten years to do the workshop, we will look back on the workshop's strength of today and call it weak. Why? Because we assume He will grow us to an even newer level by 2017! We must admit our mistakes, stand corrected by the compass of the Christ, and ever look upward to what we can be rather than what we were.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Order Form: Workshop Tapes
Here is the order form for workshop tapes. The email address is david@galoronline.com. or 615-361-4120 will reach Gaylor Multimedia.
Terry
! 01. **Cancelled
— Rick Atchley
Keynotes:
! 02. Jesus: The Model
— Bruce Marchiano
! 03. Jesus: The Messenger
— Jerry Taylor & Randy Harris
! 04. Jesus: The Mission
— Jeff Walling & Terry Rush
! 05. Jesus: The Way to the World!
! 06. Jesus: The Truth to the World!
! 07. Jesus: The Life to the World!
— Don McLaughlin
! 08. Overcome Fear of Teaching Others
! 09. How to Set Up a Bible Study
! 10. How to Follow Up a Bible Study
— Forrest & Patty Smith
! 11. Your Small Church CAN Grow: ATMOSPHERE
! 12. Your Small Church CAN Grow: ATTITUDES
! 13. Your Small Church CAN Grow: ACCOUNTABILITY
— Robert Peek
! 14. The Holy Spirit and Us!, I
! 15. The Holy Spirit and Us!, II
! 16. The Holy Spirit and Us!, III
— Roger Thompson
! 17. Life Changing Small Group Ministry: A Model that Works
! 18. Life Changing Small Group Ministry: Transforming Power
! 19. Life Changing Small Group Ministry: Evangelize and Multiply
— Buddy Bell
! 20. **Cancelled
! 21. **Cancelled
! 22. **Cancelled
— Rick Atchley
! 23. Jesus: The Model of Acceptance
! 24. Jesus: The Model of Discernment
! 25. Jesus: The Model of Love
— Debbie Smith
! 26. Leadership: From Good to Great, I
! 27. Leadership: From Good to Great, II
! 28. Leadership: From Good to Great, III
— Barry Stephens
You may order via email: david@gayloronline.com
PRICES
Single CD $ 5.00
12 CD Album $ 60.00
24 CD Album $ 110.00
Complete Set (85) $ 350.00
PURCHASE
# CDs _______Amount = $_________
* Shipping & Handling = $_________
Total = $_________
* Singles @ $1.00 each up to $5.00
1 Album @ $5.00
Add $1.00 for each additional album
! Cash ! Check: #_____________
Payable to GAYLOR MultiMedia
PLEASE PRINT
Name:_____________________________
Street:_____________________________
City:______________________________
State:_______Zip:___________________
Phone:____________________________
NOTES
! Paid ! Bill Church ! Pick-Up ! Ship
__________________________________
__________________________________
! Visa ! MasterCard ! Discover ! AMX
(For Mail/Fax Orders Only)
Card #___________________________
Exp.Date:_________________________
"JESUS: THE MODEL AND
THE MISSION"
March 22-24, 2007
! 29. Jesus: The Mission of Connecting
! 30. Jesus: The Mission of Risking
! 31. Jesus: The Mission of Winning
— Terri Fanning
! 32. Praise and Harmony Seminar, I
! 33. Praise and Harmony Seminar, II
! 34. Praise and Harmony Seminar, III
— Keith Lancaster
! 35. Failure: The First Step to Godly Success With Our Money
! 36. The A, B, C's of Godly Money Management
! 37. Killing the Debt Monster and Getting Ahead
— Steve Diggs
! 38. The Irresistible Revolution: God in the Margins
! 39. The Irresistible Revolution: Making Sense of the Mess
! 40. The Irresistible Revolution: Making Room for the Stranger
— Josh Graves
! 41. Jesus Draws Everyone!
! 42. Planting Churches: What A Way to Grow!
! 43. Jesus: How To Get To the Going Part!
— Robert Cox
! 44. Effective Campus Ministry: Curb the Shrinking Church
! 45. Effective Campus Ministry: Finding Purpose in Outreach
! 46. Effective Campus Ministry: Activating Hands-on-Faith
— Lynn Stringfellow
! 47. Evil
! 48. Good
— Randy Harris
! 49. Abundant Life: Meeting Jesus in Baggage Claim
! 50. God Shows Up in Amazing Ways!
— Jeff Walling
! 51. To Live In Resurrection Power God Must Live
! 52. To Live In Resurrection Power We Must Die
— Wade Hodges
! 53. Jesus: He Was Socially Evangelistic
! 54. Jesus: Man of Spirit
— Jerry Taylor
! 55. Feeding the World's Starving People
! 56. Jesus Envisioned Winning the World!
— Marvin Phillips
! 57. Church Leadership: Upgrade Needed
! 58. Church Explosion Is Possible
— Lynn Ragsdale
! 59. Jesus Came to My Town in a Hurricane!
— John Dobbs
! 60. Evangelism Isn't An Option....It's Our Passion
— Tim Luster
! 61. Jesus Reaches to Guadalajara!
— Tim Rush
! 62. Leadership: The Mystery of God Among Us
— Terry Rush
! 63. Jesus Reaches All Streets!
— Robbie Goldman & Matt Wallace
! 64. Developing Life Transformation Groups
— Jay Jarboe
! 65. Television: Outreach Ideas for Your Congregation
— Steve Tandy
! 66. Jesus Grew Our Church from 19 to 160!
— Jeff Switzer
! 67. Jesus Reaches Into the Darkness of My Soul
— Deron Smith
! 68. Responding to Homosexuality with the Heart of Jesus
— Angie Burns
! 69. Jesus Reaches to the Deaf Population!
— Hollis Maynard
! 70. Mission Too Simple: See the People
— Daryl Hayes
! 71. Jesus Reaches Through Campaigns In America!
— Larry West
! 72. **Cancelled
— Warren Blakney
! 73. Jesus: The Presence of the Future
— Danny Sidders
! 74. Jesus Works In Albania!
— Art Henley
! 75. Fathers Need to Connect with Their Families
— Matt Crain
! 76. Let Us Advance More Effective Global Missions
— Alan Phillips
! 77. Jesus Reaches Through World Radio!
— Ken Bolden
! 78. Make Wednesday Nights Burst with Excitement
— Jack Cummings
! 79. Achieving the Mind of Christ
— John Smith
! 80. Jesus Reaches to China!
— Larry Buck
! 81. Jesus Unleashed: The Friend of Sinners
— Ron Clark
! 82. If You Kill It, They Will go: The re-birth of Mission
— Eric Magnusson
! 83. Let's Start Talking All Over the World!
— Mark & Sherrylee Woodard
! 84. How To Walk the Talk to Reach the Hurting
— Todd Box
! 85. Helping Preparation for Short Term Mission Trips
— Greg Taylor
! 86. **Cancelled
— Kerry Cox
! 87. TeenSurge: REPLICA, I
! 88. TeenSurge: REPLICA, II
! **. Only two messages on #87, #88
— David Fraze
! 91. Why Do Kids Need Jesus?
! 92. Why My Friends Need Jesus
! 93. The Most Amazing Race
— Misty Matthews
! 01. **Cancelled
— Rick Atchley
Keynotes:
! 02. Jesus: The Model
— Bruce Marchiano
! 03. Jesus: The Messenger
— Jerry Taylor & Randy Harris
! 04. Jesus: The Mission
— Jeff Walling & Terry Rush
! 05. Jesus: The Way to the World!
! 06. Jesus: The Truth to the World!
! 07. Jesus: The Life to the World!
— Don McLaughlin
! 08. Overcome Fear of Teaching Others
! 09. How to Set Up a Bible Study
! 10. How to Follow Up a Bible Study
— Forrest & Patty Smith
! 11. Your Small Church CAN Grow: ATMOSPHERE
! 12. Your Small Church CAN Grow: ATTITUDES
! 13. Your Small Church CAN Grow: ACCOUNTABILITY
— Robert Peek
! 14. The Holy Spirit and Us!, I
! 15. The Holy Spirit and Us!, II
! 16. The Holy Spirit and Us!, III
— Roger Thompson
! 17. Life Changing Small Group Ministry: A Model that Works
! 18. Life Changing Small Group Ministry: Transforming Power
! 19. Life Changing Small Group Ministry: Evangelize and Multiply
— Buddy Bell
! 20. **Cancelled
! 21. **Cancelled
! 22. **Cancelled
— Rick Atchley
! 23. Jesus: The Model of Acceptance
! 24. Jesus: The Model of Discernment
! 25. Jesus: The Model of Love
— Debbie Smith
! 26. Leadership: From Good to Great, I
! 27. Leadership: From Good to Great, II
! 28. Leadership: From Good to Great, III
— Barry Stephens
You may order via email: david@gayloronline.com
PRICES
Single CD $ 5.00
12 CD Album $ 60.00
24 CD Album $ 110.00
Complete Set (85) $ 350.00
PURCHASE
# CDs _______Amount = $_________
* Shipping & Handling = $_________
Total = $_________
* Singles @ $1.00 each up to $5.00
1 Album @ $5.00
Add $1.00 for each additional album
! Cash ! Check: #_____________
Payable to GAYLOR MultiMedia
PLEASE PRINT
Name:_____________________________
Street:_____________________________
City:______________________________
State:_______Zip:___________________
Phone:____________________________
NOTES
! Paid ! Bill Church ! Pick-Up ! Ship
__________________________________
__________________________________
! Visa ! MasterCard ! Discover ! AMX
(For Mail/Fax Orders Only)
Card #___________________________
Exp.Date:_________________________
"JESUS: THE MODEL AND
THE MISSION"
March 22-24, 2007
! 29. Jesus: The Mission of Connecting
! 30. Jesus: The Mission of Risking
! 31. Jesus: The Mission of Winning
— Terri Fanning
! 32. Praise and Harmony Seminar, I
! 33. Praise and Harmony Seminar, II
! 34. Praise and Harmony Seminar, III
— Keith Lancaster
! 35. Failure: The First Step to Godly Success With Our Money
! 36. The A, B, C's of Godly Money Management
! 37. Killing the Debt Monster and Getting Ahead
— Steve Diggs
! 38. The Irresistible Revolution: God in the Margins
! 39. The Irresistible Revolution: Making Sense of the Mess
! 40. The Irresistible Revolution: Making Room for the Stranger
— Josh Graves
! 41. Jesus Draws Everyone!
! 42. Planting Churches: What A Way to Grow!
! 43. Jesus: How To Get To the Going Part!
— Robert Cox
! 44. Effective Campus Ministry: Curb the Shrinking Church
! 45. Effective Campus Ministry: Finding Purpose in Outreach
! 46. Effective Campus Ministry: Activating Hands-on-Faith
— Lynn Stringfellow
! 47. Evil
! 48. Good
— Randy Harris
! 49. Abundant Life: Meeting Jesus in Baggage Claim
! 50. God Shows Up in Amazing Ways!
— Jeff Walling
! 51. To Live In Resurrection Power God Must Live
! 52. To Live In Resurrection Power We Must Die
— Wade Hodges
! 53. Jesus: He Was Socially Evangelistic
! 54. Jesus: Man of Spirit
— Jerry Taylor
! 55. Feeding the World's Starving People
! 56. Jesus Envisioned Winning the World!
— Marvin Phillips
! 57. Church Leadership: Upgrade Needed
! 58. Church Explosion Is Possible
— Lynn Ragsdale
! 59. Jesus Came to My Town in a Hurricane!
— John Dobbs
! 60. Evangelism Isn't An Option....It's Our Passion
— Tim Luster
! 61. Jesus Reaches to Guadalajara!
— Tim Rush
! 62. Leadership: The Mystery of God Among Us
— Terry Rush
! 63. Jesus Reaches All Streets!
— Robbie Goldman & Matt Wallace
! 64. Developing Life Transformation Groups
— Jay Jarboe
! 65. Television: Outreach Ideas for Your Congregation
— Steve Tandy
! 66. Jesus Grew Our Church from 19 to 160!
— Jeff Switzer
! 67. Jesus Reaches Into the Darkness of My Soul
— Deron Smith
! 68. Responding to Homosexuality with the Heart of Jesus
— Angie Burns
! 69. Jesus Reaches to the Deaf Population!
— Hollis Maynard
! 70. Mission Too Simple: See the People
— Daryl Hayes
! 71. Jesus Reaches Through Campaigns In America!
— Larry West
! 72. **Cancelled
— Warren Blakney
! 73. Jesus: The Presence of the Future
— Danny Sidders
! 74. Jesus Works In Albania!
— Art Henley
! 75. Fathers Need to Connect with Their Families
— Matt Crain
! 76. Let Us Advance More Effective Global Missions
— Alan Phillips
! 77. Jesus Reaches Through World Radio!
— Ken Bolden
! 78. Make Wednesday Nights Burst with Excitement
— Jack Cummings
! 79. Achieving the Mind of Christ
— John Smith
! 80. Jesus Reaches to China!
— Larry Buck
! 81. Jesus Unleashed: The Friend of Sinners
— Ron Clark
! 82. If You Kill It, They Will go: The re-birth of Mission
— Eric Magnusson
! 83. Let's Start Talking All Over the World!
— Mark & Sherrylee Woodard
! 84. How To Walk the Talk to Reach the Hurting
— Todd Box
! 85. Helping Preparation for Short Term Mission Trips
— Greg Taylor
! 86. **Cancelled
— Kerry Cox
! 87. TeenSurge: REPLICA, I
! 88. TeenSurge: REPLICA, II
! **. Only two messages on #87, #88
— David Fraze
! 91. Why Do Kids Need Jesus?
! 92. Why My Friends Need Jesus
! 93. The Most Amazing Race
— Misty Matthews
Terry
! 01. **Cancelled
— Rick Atchley
Keynotes:
! 02. Jesus: The Model
— Bruce Marchiano
! 03. Jesus: The Messenger
— Jerry Taylor & Randy Harris
! 04. Jesus: The Mission
— Jeff Walling & Terry Rush
! 05. Jesus: The Way to the World!
! 06. Jesus: The Truth to the World!
! 07. Jesus: The Life to the World!
— Don McLaughlin
! 08. Overcome Fear of Teaching Others
! 09. How to Set Up a Bible Study
! 10. How to Follow Up a Bible Study
— Forrest & Patty Smith
! 11. Your Small Church CAN Grow: ATMOSPHERE
! 12. Your Small Church CAN Grow: ATTITUDES
! 13. Your Small Church CAN Grow: ACCOUNTABILITY
— Robert Peek
! 14. The Holy Spirit and Us!, I
! 15. The Holy Spirit and Us!, II
! 16. The Holy Spirit and Us!, III
— Roger Thompson
! 17. Life Changing Small Group Ministry: A Model that Works
! 18. Life Changing Small Group Ministry: Transforming Power
! 19. Life Changing Small Group Ministry: Evangelize and Multiply
— Buddy Bell
! 20. **Cancelled
! 21. **Cancelled
! 22. **Cancelled
— Rick Atchley
! 23. Jesus: The Model of Acceptance
! 24. Jesus: The Model of Discernment
! 25. Jesus: The Model of Love
— Debbie Smith
! 26. Leadership: From Good to Great, I
! 27. Leadership: From Good to Great, II
! 28. Leadership: From Good to Great, III
— Barry Stephens
You may order via email: david@gayloronline.com
PRICES
Single CD $ 5.00
12 CD Album $ 60.00
24 CD Album $ 110.00
Complete Set (85) $ 350.00
PURCHASE
# CDs _______Amount = $_________
* Shipping & Handling = $_________
Total = $_________
* Singles @ $1.00 each up to $5.00
1 Album @ $5.00
Add $1.00 for each additional album
! Cash ! Check: #_____________
Payable to GAYLOR MultiMedia
PLEASE PRINT
Name:_____________________________
Street:_____________________________
City:______________________________
State:_______Zip:___________________
Phone:____________________________
NOTES
! Paid ! Bill Church ! Pick-Up ! Ship
__________________________________
__________________________________
! Visa ! MasterCard ! Discover ! AMX
(For Mail/Fax Orders Only)
Card #___________________________
Exp.Date:_________________________
"JESUS: THE MODEL AND
THE MISSION"
March 22-24, 2007
! 29. Jesus: The Mission of Connecting
! 30. Jesus: The Mission of Risking
! 31. Jesus: The Mission of Winning
— Terri Fanning
! 32. Praise and Harmony Seminar, I
! 33. Praise and Harmony Seminar, II
! 34. Praise and Harmony Seminar, III
— Keith Lancaster
! 35. Failure: The First Step to Godly Success With Our Money
! 36. The A, B, C's of Godly Money Management
! 37. Killing the Debt Monster and Getting Ahead
— Steve Diggs
! 38. The Irresistible Revolution: God in the Margins
! 39. The Irresistible Revolution: Making Sense of the Mess
! 40. The Irresistible Revolution: Making Room for the Stranger
— Josh Graves
! 41. Jesus Draws Everyone!
! 42. Planting Churches: What A Way to Grow!
! 43. Jesus: How To Get To the Going Part!
— Robert Cox
! 44. Effective Campus Ministry: Curb the Shrinking Church
! 45. Effective Campus Ministry: Finding Purpose in Outreach
! 46. Effective Campus Ministry: Activating Hands-on-Faith
— Lynn Stringfellow
! 47. Evil
! 48. Good
— Randy Harris
! 49. Abundant Life: Meeting Jesus in Baggage Claim
! 50. God Shows Up in Amazing Ways!
— Jeff Walling
! 51. To Live In Resurrection Power God Must Live
! 52. To Live In Resurrection Power We Must Die
— Wade Hodges
! 53. Jesus: He Was Socially Evangelistic
! 54. Jesus: Man of Spirit
— Jerry Taylor
! 55. Feeding the World's Starving People
! 56. Jesus Envisioned Winning the World!
— Marvin Phillips
! 57. Church Leadership: Upgrade Needed
! 58. Church Explosion Is Possible
— Lynn Ragsdale
! 59. Jesus Came to My Town in a Hurricane!
— John Dobbs
! 60. Evangelism Isn't An Option....It's Our Passion
— Tim Luster
! 61. Jesus Reaches to Guadalajara!
— Tim Rush
! 62. Leadership: The Mystery of God Among Us
— Terry Rush
! 63. Jesus Reaches All Streets!
— Robbie Goldman & Matt Wallace
! 64. Developing Life Transformation Groups
— Jay Jarboe
! 65. Television: Outreach Ideas for Your Congregation
— Steve Tandy
! 66. Jesus Grew Our Church from 19 to 160!
— Jeff Switzer
! 67. Jesus Reaches Into the Darkness of My Soul
— Deron Smith
! 68. Responding to Homosexuality with the Heart of Jesus
— Angie Burns
! 69. Jesus Reaches to the Deaf Population!
— Hollis Maynard
! 70. Mission Too Simple: See the People
— Daryl Hayes
! 71. Jesus Reaches Through Campaigns In America!
— Larry West
! 72. **Cancelled
— Warren Blakney
! 73. Jesus: The Presence of the Future
— Danny Sidders
! 74. Jesus Works In Albania!
— Art Henley
! 75. Fathers Need to Connect with Their Families
— Matt Crain
! 76. Let Us Advance More Effective Global Missions
— Alan Phillips
! 77. Jesus Reaches Through World Radio!
— Ken Bolden
! 78. Make Wednesday Nights Burst with Excitement
— Jack Cummings
! 79. Achieving the Mind of Christ
— John Smith
! 80. Jesus Reaches to China!
— Larry Buck
! 81. Jesus Unleashed: The Friend of Sinners
— Ron Clark
! 82. If You Kill It, They Will go: The re-birth of Mission
— Eric Magnusson
! 83. Let's Start Talking All Over the World!
— Mark & Sherrylee Woodard
! 84. How To Walk the Talk to Reach the Hurting
— Todd Box
! 85. Helping Preparation for Short Term Mission Trips
— Greg Taylor
! 86. **Cancelled
— Kerry Cox
! 87. TeenSurge: REPLICA, I
! 88. TeenSurge: REPLICA, II
! **. Only two messages on #87, #88
— David Fraze
! 91. Why Do Kids Need Jesus?
! 92. Why My Friends Need Jesus
! 93. The Most Amazing Race
— Misty Matthews
! 01. **Cancelled
— Rick Atchley
Keynotes:
! 02. Jesus: The Model
— Bruce Marchiano
! 03. Jesus: The Messenger
— Jerry Taylor & Randy Harris
! 04. Jesus: The Mission
— Jeff Walling & Terry Rush
! 05. Jesus: The Way to the World!
! 06. Jesus: The Truth to the World!
! 07. Jesus: The Life to the World!
— Don McLaughlin
! 08. Overcome Fear of Teaching Others
! 09. How to Set Up a Bible Study
! 10. How to Follow Up a Bible Study
— Forrest & Patty Smith
! 11. Your Small Church CAN Grow: ATMOSPHERE
! 12. Your Small Church CAN Grow: ATTITUDES
! 13. Your Small Church CAN Grow: ACCOUNTABILITY
— Robert Peek
! 14. The Holy Spirit and Us!, I
! 15. The Holy Spirit and Us!, II
! 16. The Holy Spirit and Us!, III
— Roger Thompson
! 17. Life Changing Small Group Ministry: A Model that Works
! 18. Life Changing Small Group Ministry: Transforming Power
! 19. Life Changing Small Group Ministry: Evangelize and Multiply
— Buddy Bell
! 20. **Cancelled
! 21. **Cancelled
! 22. **Cancelled
— Rick Atchley
! 23. Jesus: The Model of Acceptance
! 24. Jesus: The Model of Discernment
! 25. Jesus: The Model of Love
— Debbie Smith
! 26. Leadership: From Good to Great, I
! 27. Leadership: From Good to Great, II
! 28. Leadership: From Good to Great, III
— Barry Stephens
You may order via email: david@gayloronline.com
PRICES
Single CD $ 5.00
12 CD Album $ 60.00
24 CD Album $ 110.00
Complete Set (85) $ 350.00
PURCHASE
# CDs _______Amount = $_________
* Shipping & Handling = $_________
Total = $_________
* Singles @ $1.00 each up to $5.00
1 Album @ $5.00
Add $1.00 for each additional album
! Cash ! Check: #_____________
Payable to GAYLOR MultiMedia
PLEASE PRINT
Name:_____________________________
Street:_____________________________
City:______________________________
State:_______Zip:___________________
Phone:____________________________
NOTES
! Paid ! Bill Church ! Pick-Up ! Ship
__________________________________
__________________________________
! Visa ! MasterCard ! Discover ! AMX
(For Mail/Fax Orders Only)
Card #___________________________
Exp.Date:_________________________
"JESUS: THE MODEL AND
THE MISSION"
March 22-24, 2007
! 29. Jesus: The Mission of Connecting
! 30. Jesus: The Mission of Risking
! 31. Jesus: The Mission of Winning
— Terri Fanning
! 32. Praise and Harmony Seminar, I
! 33. Praise and Harmony Seminar, II
! 34. Praise and Harmony Seminar, III
— Keith Lancaster
! 35. Failure: The First Step to Godly Success With Our Money
! 36. The A, B, C's of Godly Money Management
! 37. Killing the Debt Monster and Getting Ahead
— Steve Diggs
! 38. The Irresistible Revolution: God in the Margins
! 39. The Irresistible Revolution: Making Sense of the Mess
! 40. The Irresistible Revolution: Making Room for the Stranger
— Josh Graves
! 41. Jesus Draws Everyone!
! 42. Planting Churches: What A Way to Grow!
! 43. Jesus: How To Get To the Going Part!
— Robert Cox
! 44. Effective Campus Ministry: Curb the Shrinking Church
! 45. Effective Campus Ministry: Finding Purpose in Outreach
! 46. Effective Campus Ministry: Activating Hands-on-Faith
— Lynn Stringfellow
! 47. Evil
! 48. Good
— Randy Harris
! 49. Abundant Life: Meeting Jesus in Baggage Claim
! 50. God Shows Up in Amazing Ways!
— Jeff Walling
! 51. To Live In Resurrection Power God Must Live
! 52. To Live In Resurrection Power We Must Die
— Wade Hodges
! 53. Jesus: He Was Socially Evangelistic
! 54. Jesus: Man of Spirit
— Jerry Taylor
! 55. Feeding the World's Starving People
! 56. Jesus Envisioned Winning the World!
— Marvin Phillips
! 57. Church Leadership: Upgrade Needed
! 58. Church Explosion Is Possible
— Lynn Ragsdale
! 59. Jesus Came to My Town in a Hurricane!
— John Dobbs
! 60. Evangelism Isn't An Option....It's Our Passion
— Tim Luster
! 61. Jesus Reaches to Guadalajara!
— Tim Rush
! 62. Leadership: The Mystery of God Among Us
— Terry Rush
! 63. Jesus Reaches All Streets!
— Robbie Goldman & Matt Wallace
! 64. Developing Life Transformation Groups
— Jay Jarboe
! 65. Television: Outreach Ideas for Your Congregation
— Steve Tandy
! 66. Jesus Grew Our Church from 19 to 160!
— Jeff Switzer
! 67. Jesus Reaches Into the Darkness of My Soul
— Deron Smith
! 68. Responding to Homosexuality with the Heart of Jesus
— Angie Burns
! 69. Jesus Reaches to the Deaf Population!
— Hollis Maynard
! 70. Mission Too Simple: See the People
— Daryl Hayes
! 71. Jesus Reaches Through Campaigns In America!
— Larry West
! 72. **Cancelled
— Warren Blakney
! 73. Jesus: The Presence of the Future
— Danny Sidders
! 74. Jesus Works In Albania!
— Art Henley
! 75. Fathers Need to Connect with Their Families
— Matt Crain
! 76. Let Us Advance More Effective Global Missions
— Alan Phillips
! 77. Jesus Reaches Through World Radio!
— Ken Bolden
! 78. Make Wednesday Nights Burst with Excitement
— Jack Cummings
! 79. Achieving the Mind of Christ
— John Smith
! 80. Jesus Reaches to China!
— Larry Buck
! 81. Jesus Unleashed: The Friend of Sinners
— Ron Clark
! 82. If You Kill It, They Will go: The re-birth of Mission
— Eric Magnusson
! 83. Let's Start Talking All Over the World!
— Mark & Sherrylee Woodard
! 84. How To Walk the Talk to Reach the Hurting
— Todd Box
! 85. Helping Preparation for Short Term Mission Trips
— Greg Taylor
! 86. **Cancelled
— Kerry Cox
! 87. TeenSurge: REPLICA, I
! 88. TeenSurge: REPLICA, II
! **. Only two messages on #87, #88
— David Fraze
! 91. Why Do Kids Need Jesus?
! 92. Why My Friends Need Jesus
! 93. The Most Amazing Race
— Misty Matthews
WORKSHOP: WHAT THINKETH YE?
We have hit the ground running in preparation for the '08 workshop. Tell me your views on the following:
1. How did you like the tandem concept of evening speakers? Prefer two or just one?
2. How did you like the singing stage in the Expo booth area?
3. What would recommend to better promote the workshop?
4. If you could do one thing to improve the workshop, it would be.....
5. What would you like to say to the four Memorial Drive elders to cheer them on as they
consistently provide a Jesus-freeing event?
6. What one "other" comment would you like to make about the workshop?
1. How did you like the tandem concept of evening speakers? Prefer two or just one?
2. How did you like the singing stage in the Expo booth area?
3. What would recommend to better promote the workshop?
4. If you could do one thing to improve the workshop, it would be.....
5. What would you like to say to the four Memorial Drive elders to cheer them on as they
consistently provide a Jesus-freeing event?
6. What one "other" comment would you like to make about the workshop?
Monday, March 26, 2007
DON'T QUIT
We have just wrapped up the 32nd Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop. It was too phenomenal! The theme, JESUS: The Mission and The Model, seemed to resonate with precise timeliness. The attendees were thrilled!
There is great momentum building. Don McLaughlin, Randy Harris, Jerry Taylor, Jeff Walling, and others were so on target. Bruce Marchiano delivered my favorite keynote of the thirty-two years. He took us to the heart and emotion of Jesus like I've never heard. Roger Thompson's Holy Spirit classes were packed. On and on, the reports of gratitude flowed among the crowds.
I share one behind the scenes story. A 20 year old...former member at Memorial....got out of prison on Monday of the workshop. He's a good man and I believe in him. We hired him to tape classes every day. What a great thing for him to experience his first week out. He was on time and smiling...every day! I didn't tell anyone of this setting as I didn't want him to be pre-judged.
After the second day, I told his boss (a most delightful friend over the years) of this young man's past. He teared and said he and his crew would take special care of him and do something special for him. I don't know what the "something special" was as I am still scrambling in post workshop mode. However, one of the couples in the booth had already adopted (really, he had already adopted them) this boy and they asked him to move to Nashville and live with them.....as his grandparents of sort.
While we were preaching Jesus or listening to Jesus be preached, he was being activated. This is only one story of hundreds that took place. The great thing is I only know of a handful. He remains true to His Word....He is able to do more than we can think or imagine.
Don't quit believing the glorious can and does still happen!
There is great momentum building. Don McLaughlin, Randy Harris, Jerry Taylor, Jeff Walling, and others were so on target. Bruce Marchiano delivered my favorite keynote of the thirty-two years. He took us to the heart and emotion of Jesus like I've never heard. Roger Thompson's Holy Spirit classes were packed. On and on, the reports of gratitude flowed among the crowds.
I share one behind the scenes story. A 20 year old...former member at Memorial....got out of prison on Monday of the workshop. He's a good man and I believe in him. We hired him to tape classes every day. What a great thing for him to experience his first week out. He was on time and smiling...every day! I didn't tell anyone of this setting as I didn't want him to be pre-judged.
After the second day, I told his boss (a most delightful friend over the years) of this young man's past. He teared and said he and his crew would take special care of him and do something special for him. I don't know what the "something special" was as I am still scrambling in post workshop mode. However, one of the couples in the booth had already adopted (really, he had already adopted them) this boy and they asked him to move to Nashville and live with them.....as his grandparents of sort.
While we were preaching Jesus or listening to Jesus be preached, he was being activated. This is only one story of hundreds that took place. The great thing is I only know of a handful. He remains true to His Word....He is able to do more than we can think or imagine.
Don't quit believing the glorious can and does still happen!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
YOUR WORD TO PREACHERS?
The Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop begins tonight! WooHoo!
This will be my last blog for the week. Pray when you think of us!
One of the first things out of the Thursday shoot is a 6:30 a.m. meeting in my office with 12 to 15 preachers. They come from South Dakota and Michigan and Missouri.....you get the picture. I meet to give them individual attention; listen to their celebrations and concerns as well as share ideas which might encourage them to keep moving forward.
So many of our good men spiral into eventually giving up. They quit. I love to cheer them on hoping to divert such a destination.
If you could be in my chair, what would you say to these ambitious soldiers of Christ?
See you later.....after the workshop.
This will be my last blog for the week. Pray when you think of us!
One of the first things out of the Thursday shoot is a 6:30 a.m. meeting in my office with 12 to 15 preachers. They come from South Dakota and Michigan and Missouri.....you get the picture. I meet to give them individual attention; listen to their celebrations and concerns as well as share ideas which might encourage them to keep moving forward.
So many of our good men spiral into eventually giving up. They quit. I love to cheer them on hoping to divert such a destination.
If you could be in my chair, what would you say to these ambitious soldiers of Christ?
See you later.....after the workshop.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
YOU'RE FULL OF IT
How many times have we had that said to us. Usually on the heels of an outlandish statement someone(s) feel the need to respond with this balancing phrase. The fun thing about the kingdom life is we are.....full of Him; ....and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to the fullness of God. Anticipatorily, we are to be filled to the brim.....WITH HIM!!!!
What does is mean to be full of God? I haven't the foggiest. However, I'll take a stab at it.
Could this passage mean we are filled with His characteristics with the assumption such filling is to flow from us? Could it mean, due to Romans 4:17, that we can have the vision and power to create something out of nothing and give life to dead circumstances? I think so. We carry God- power within us for practical living which will clearly be an outlandishly new order of normal.
Such lets the next sentence in Ephesians 3:21 explode with wow-ism; Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us....
What does is mean to be full of God? I haven't the foggiest. However, I'll take a stab at it.
Could this passage mean we are filled with His characteristics with the assumption such filling is to flow from us? Could it mean, due to Romans 4:17, that we can have the vision and power to create something out of nothing and give life to dead circumstances? I think so. We carry God- power within us for practical living which will clearly be an outlandishly new order of normal.
Such lets the next sentence in Ephesians 3:21 explode with wow-ism; Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us....
- Exceeding. Abundantly. Beyond. Each a God-term superior to our old norm.
- According to the power......the Above power; not the below power.
- That works within us.....Power? His. Location? Us. Meaning? Partners on His turf!
Rick Atchley had to cancel his speaking assignments at this week's workshop due to the death of his mother. I made effort to replace him. It didn't pan out. The elders asked me yesterday of my intent regarding Rick's vacant spots on the program. I told them I was leaving it blank unless and until God filled it. Last night I received an email from Mike O'Neal, president of OC, about an urgent need to address the breaking wonderful news of Rwanda. I am now in the process of making arrangements.
Me? Clueless. And? Full of marvel at the power of God who provides the right stuff at the right time for the right people. We get to see the oddest and strangest things develop because, church, we who lead by the Spirit are truly full of it (Him).
Live like He means it!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
THE VALUE OF BEING CLUELESS
One of the persistent characteristics of individuals noted in scripture is that, compared to Jesus, they were clueless. The disciples were clueless as to how to feed the 5000. Others would be walking along a cobblestone path, encounter the risen Lord, and be clearly unaware.... clueless ...as they filed their dismay to the very one they were seeking. The prayer group was clueless as to believing Peter could be released from prison and found knocking at their court gate. Peter was clueless as to the fact he would soon reverse his confession three times before the rooster cock-a-doodle-do-ed at sunrise. Paul would write about visions and say things like, I don't know if I was actually there in body, or if I just saw it in my mind.
If this went on in the presence of Jesus when he was embodied physically, how is it we believe we are immune to such absurdity; especially when we are relating to him invisibly? I believe we are each most ridiculous to stay long at the well of "brotherhood argument". I don't know the man or woman who isn't clearly clueless. Give me your best scholar and I'll show you one who hasn't the foggiest about the kingdom system. Yes, we know a few random and important facts. But, compared to the mind and the wisdom of Jesus, we are each blatantly clueless. Spiritual arguments fit in the categories of foolish, sham, and vain.
Furthermore, I like it. I enjoy being clueless. While I am very small in understanding, I am enough for Him to use. While my "don't knows" are 70 x more than my 7 "knows", I stand enthused to serve Him giving it my best shot. Why? He's the One that runs the show....Rom. 9:16.....not us.
But Terry, aren't we to give a reason for the hope within us? Yes, and I just did. Clueless is who they were. Clueless is who we are. When we can admit it today, we can be used as those of the early church.....mightily!
If this went on in the presence of Jesus when he was embodied physically, how is it we believe we are immune to such absurdity; especially when we are relating to him invisibly? I believe we are each most ridiculous to stay long at the well of "brotherhood argument". I don't know the man or woman who isn't clearly clueless. Give me your best scholar and I'll show you one who hasn't the foggiest about the kingdom system. Yes, we know a few random and important facts. But, compared to the mind and the wisdom of Jesus, we are each blatantly clueless. Spiritual arguments fit in the categories of foolish, sham, and vain.
Furthermore, I like it. I enjoy being clueless. While I am very small in understanding, I am enough for Him to use. While my "don't knows" are 70 x more than my 7 "knows", I stand enthused to serve Him giving it my best shot. Why? He's the One that runs the show....Rom. 9:16.....not us.
But Terry, aren't we to give a reason for the hope within us? Yes, and I just did. Clueless is who they were. Clueless is who we are. When we can admit it today, we can be used as those of the early church.....mightily!
Friday, March 16, 2007
MARK McGWIRE...I THOUGHT I'D ASK
You know me. I'm always up for taking the long-shot. Mark McGwire is the former St. Louis Cardinal homerun king who has received much negative publicity over substance abuse questioning on Capitol Hill. I like him. I feel sad at the news clips shown as they usually emphasize the worst. From my piddly experience I've seen enough misrepresention toward me, we have no idea how much it goes on with the celebs. And, I wonder how many stick with him....innocent or guilty.
Therefore, he and I exchange emails three or four times a year. I encourage him and sometimes he responds with a "Thank you" paragraph or three. Sometimes, there is no response and I am sure he appreciated my cheering on anyway.
This week I invited him to play golf in Memorial's golf scramble in April with Shawn Mayes, Ralph Gray, and me. Weirder stuff has happened. So, I gave it a shot. He turned me down. It's his wedding anniversary. How was I to know?
I tell you this to keep urging you along in knocking at all kinds of doors. On occasion they open and then it gets really exciting!
Have an exciting weekend!
Therefore, he and I exchange emails three or four times a year. I encourage him and sometimes he responds with a "Thank you" paragraph or three. Sometimes, there is no response and I am sure he appreciated my cheering on anyway.
This week I invited him to play golf in Memorial's golf scramble in April with Shawn Mayes, Ralph Gray, and me. Weirder stuff has happened. So, I gave it a shot. He turned me down. It's his wedding anniversary. How was I to know?
I tell you this to keep urging you along in knocking at all kinds of doors. On occasion they open and then it gets really exciting!
Have an exciting weekend!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
BE YOURSELF
Strange isn't it? A call to be yourself? Who else would one be? The answer might surprise you. Due to a great lack of confidence in Jesus, I know of many (including myself at one point) who estimate they are not good enough to serve the way they are. Traps, then, are set at many turns. We try to mimic some or imitate others. Worse, we find ourselves as human puppets dancing to a stronger personality's assorted whims. I've bounced around in both camps. This isn't God's design.
No one you can imitate does perfect work. Only Jesus. No one who wishes to dominate has superior gifts. Only the Spirit hands those out. Therefore, stop the insanity of trying to be someone you are not. You and the Spirit are enough.
One of my great friends is Marvin Phillips. He is a strong-willed personality. From the time we began working closely 30 years ago, I determined that as truly great as this man was I would not buckle to any pressures to think like him or to minister like him. He wouldn't have wanted it to be any differently, but my insecurity could easily have let such be the case. I did try to preach like him, but couldn't. No one can because he's Marvin; I'm not.
While he's an amazing icon, he's also very much a flawed man. He'd confirm such. Now I use Marvin's name as he's quite well known. Any other name can be used. Any. Your name could be inserted by others who feel they are not enough and if they could just be like you, life would take a bow.
Jesus is the one. Don't gum up your ministry with infatuation of another servant. We are all a mess except for the graceful flow of the Spirit of Christ. Trust God's opinion; you are enough. And such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God (II Cor. 3:4-5).
No one you can imitate does perfect work. Only Jesus. No one who wishes to dominate has superior gifts. Only the Spirit hands those out. Therefore, stop the insanity of trying to be someone you are not. You and the Spirit are enough.
One of my great friends is Marvin Phillips. He is a strong-willed personality. From the time we began working closely 30 years ago, I determined that as truly great as this man was I would not buckle to any pressures to think like him or to minister like him. He wouldn't have wanted it to be any differently, but my insecurity could easily have let such be the case. I did try to preach like him, but couldn't. No one can because he's Marvin; I'm not.
While he's an amazing icon, he's also very much a flawed man. He'd confirm such. Now I use Marvin's name as he's quite well known. Any other name can be used. Any. Your name could be inserted by others who feel they are not enough and if they could just be like you, life would take a bow.
Jesus is the one. Don't gum up your ministry with infatuation of another servant. We are all a mess except for the graceful flow of the Spirit of Christ. Trust God's opinion; you are enough. And such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God (II Cor. 3:4-5).
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
PESKY LITTLE DAY RUINERS
Back in my earlier days when we had no air conditioning in the summer and used wood or coal stoves for heat during the winter blusters, my grandpa had a grocery store. It was oblong; maybe 30' x 90'. The 8' meat display case was toward the back. A 5' circular butcher block was the focus of many a chicken being dissected at my junior and senior-high hands. Flies were a problem in the summer so we used Fly Ribbon; a tube about the size of a roll of pennies and when unfurled became a two foot yellow sticky ribbon hanging from the ceiling. Flies would draw to the ribbon and become forever stuck. Flies hanging above the meat? Gross today....a way of life back then.
What do you do with those little pests which keep landing on your ears. You swat at them and they land nearby; only to attack from another angle. I'm not referring to flies; but to injurious words which are abruptly served with intent to ruin our day. What do you do with comments good for nothing but stalling your efforts. You know how they linger. You rehearse some of them. You memorize some of them. You can envision the facial expression as they were fired your direction.
What do we do with these pesky little day ruiners? We hang "word ribbon" from the ceiling and snag the little critters. We keep them from landing on our ears and entering our hearts. We will disregard them as they come from dark forces. We will focus on the excellent, the lovely, the worthy of praise (Phil. 4:8), but not on statements intended to shut us down.
When Paul wrote, ...taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one...he was including torturous words hurled like grenades in effort to take us soldiers out. Lift your shield. Hang your "bad-word" ribbon. Stop the incoming pests. Refuse to provide them storehouse. They don't belong to you. Don't accumulate them with interest. Hang the ribbon to snare the day ruiners. You do not have to accept delivery. You didn't order them.
You are not the word-ribbon so quit your practice of letting ill-spoken, unfaithful words stick to your eardrums. They are intended only to ruin your day. We are the ones responsible to throw up our ribbon in defense of these pesky incoming missiles. Brighten up. Lighten up. Silly and belittling talk doesn't have to be taken in.
Praise God! Praise your colleagues! Praise your moment! The word-ribbons are flying. The pesky little day ruiners shall not get their chance at delaying our walk into wonder!
What do you do with those little pests which keep landing on your ears. You swat at them and they land nearby; only to attack from another angle. I'm not referring to flies; but to injurious words which are abruptly served with intent to ruin our day. What do you do with comments good for nothing but stalling your efforts. You know how they linger. You rehearse some of them. You memorize some of them. You can envision the facial expression as they were fired your direction.
What do we do with these pesky little day ruiners? We hang "word ribbon" from the ceiling and snag the little critters. We keep them from landing on our ears and entering our hearts. We will disregard them as they come from dark forces. We will focus on the excellent, the lovely, the worthy of praise (Phil. 4:8), but not on statements intended to shut us down.
When Paul wrote, ...taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one...he was including torturous words hurled like grenades in effort to take us soldiers out. Lift your shield. Hang your "bad-word" ribbon. Stop the incoming pests. Refuse to provide them storehouse. They don't belong to you. Don't accumulate them with interest. Hang the ribbon to snare the day ruiners. You do not have to accept delivery. You didn't order them.
You are not the word-ribbon so quit your practice of letting ill-spoken, unfaithful words stick to your eardrums. They are intended only to ruin your day. We are the ones responsible to throw up our ribbon in defense of these pesky incoming missiles. Brighten up. Lighten up. Silly and belittling talk doesn't have to be taken in.
Praise God! Praise your colleagues! Praise your moment! The word-ribbons are flying. The pesky little day ruiners shall not get their chance at delaying our walk into wonder!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
WHERE'S ABRAHAM LINCOLN WHEN YOU NEED HIM?
Former St. Louis Cardinal outfielder, Curt Flood, was my childhood hero and later became my dear friend. Curt knew all too well the rigors of post-slavery in America. He lived in it. I give you only one example. When the team would report to Spring Training in Florida, the white men would stay in the luxury hotel and the black men would be put on a bus, driven out of to the edge of town, and put up in a funeral home. They would sleep among the corpses. The ingredient that bonded Curt and me was our hunger to see slavery, and it's aftermath, eradicated.
Now how does a middle-class white boy have any earthly idea about slavery? I see it in the church. I see the truth of Paul's sentence: The law kills, but the Spirit gives life. Man-made laws imposed upon the divine construction of the church of Jesus will kill the people. It is killing them now. Church houses are full of prisoners held without bars. Members are afraid. They fear they might make the wrong move, believe the wrong thing, and/or speak the wrong way. This explains why, for so many in the church, so little movement, lack of Bible study to grow/change, and piddly efforts to share the great news with neighbors takes place. There is enormous fear of getting it wrong. Their spirits are held captive. Sadly, these inmates defend with enormous tenacity their restrictive style and their code-talk.
The slave master, Fear, reframes his wording so the prisoners will not feel so blatant about their stark demise. He doesn't point out they are afraid. He leads them to simply, reasonably be safe. Just to be safe is the principle of a cooperative and surrendered prisoner. A well-known church leader advised me years ago, Terry, don't live in the extremes where men can shoot at you. You need to stay in the middle of the road, and more of the brotherhood will be more comfortable with your ministry. Sorry Charlie. Jesus on the cross simply is not the middle of the road. He is extreme. Take a look at his exposed, multi-lashed, deeply ripped back and talk to me about the middle of the road. Tell us again about playing it safe.
The number of people once in the church and now gone due to being killed by the law is extreme. The number of people bailing on us for other brands of churches due to the discouraging leadership of fear is extreme. The need to wade out into the zones of captivity and bring our people back is extreme.
We have work to do. We have people to rescue. We have slaves to free. We are on a mission. I join the rest of you who are doing a mighty work in setting the captives free!
Now how does a middle-class white boy have any earthly idea about slavery? I see it in the church. I see the truth of Paul's sentence: The law kills, but the Spirit gives life. Man-made laws imposed upon the divine construction of the church of Jesus will kill the people. It is killing them now. Church houses are full of prisoners held without bars. Members are afraid. They fear they might make the wrong move, believe the wrong thing, and/or speak the wrong way. This explains why, for so many in the church, so little movement, lack of Bible study to grow/change, and piddly efforts to share the great news with neighbors takes place. There is enormous fear of getting it wrong. Their spirits are held captive. Sadly, these inmates defend with enormous tenacity their restrictive style and their code-talk.
The slave master, Fear, reframes his wording so the prisoners will not feel so blatant about their stark demise. He doesn't point out they are afraid. He leads them to simply, reasonably be safe. Just to be safe is the principle of a cooperative and surrendered prisoner. A well-known church leader advised me years ago, Terry, don't live in the extremes where men can shoot at you. You need to stay in the middle of the road, and more of the brotherhood will be more comfortable with your ministry. Sorry Charlie. Jesus on the cross simply is not the middle of the road. He is extreme. Take a look at his exposed, multi-lashed, deeply ripped back and talk to me about the middle of the road. Tell us again about playing it safe.
The number of people once in the church and now gone due to being killed by the law is extreme. The number of people bailing on us for other brands of churches due to the discouraging leadership of fear is extreme. The need to wade out into the zones of captivity and bring our people back is extreme.
We have work to do. We have people to rescue. We have slaves to free. We are on a mission. I join the rest of you who are doing a mighty work in setting the captives free!
Monday, March 12, 2007
"THE SECRET"
Readership is abuzz regarding the new book and its correlating video, The Secret. I really like it. Of course, just like some tenets of today's Christianity, there are those parts which fail to resonate with my preferences. Yet, the book leads us to available power for all to grasp.
The Secret contains similar jargon as what I first began to hear back in the late 70's when Paul Harvey, Zig Ziglar, Norman Vincent Peale and others traipsed the country speaking at the popular Positive Thinking Rallies. Yet, this book has a slight but significant twist. While it surely includes positive thinking, it really calls one to the next level which is creative thinking.
I've always heard we use only about 2% of our brain (The Secret says 5%). This study has awakened me to wonder what is it God intended of the other 98%? Surely it must have been for something useful. I feel certain that creative thinking fits into a significant portion of the unused per centage.
God is creative through the channel of speaking. We are created in His (Their) image. I look forward to growing in the realm of creative thinking.
The Secret contains similar jargon as what I first began to hear back in the late 70's when Paul Harvey, Zig Ziglar, Norman Vincent Peale and others traipsed the country speaking at the popular Positive Thinking Rallies. Yet, this book has a slight but significant twist. While it surely includes positive thinking, it really calls one to the next level which is creative thinking.
I've always heard we use only about 2% of our brain (The Secret says 5%). This study has awakened me to wonder what is it God intended of the other 98%? Surely it must have been for something useful. I feel certain that creative thinking fits into a significant portion of the unused per centage.
God is creative through the channel of speaking. We are created in His (Their) image. I look forward to growing in the realm of creative thinking.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
THE DIRECTION OF THE TULSA WORKSHOP
Being one of the two who plots the speaker/class topic format for the workshop, I am often hit with the question, "When will Tulsa get back to soul winning?" To be frank, such a question is insulting. It never left soul winning. It left narrowness. It left shallowness. It left politics. It left fear. It left hollow worship. It left brethren who tried to control with their threats and pressures. But, it never left soul winning.
Let's take a look at last year. The unity venue with the Christian Church and the Churches of Christ was considered by the critics as non-soul winning. It was Jesus who said we are to be perfected in unity that the world may believe. However, as I listen to some they evidently don't believe unity has a thing to do with soul winning. Yet, it is at the very core.
Soul winning doesn't just take place at a kitchen table and then in a baptistery. It takes place at an A Cappella concert. It takes place in placing an order for a noon meal and respectfully honoring the waitress. Soul winning occurs in a kind note to a workshop speaker. Soul winning occurs when one assists a stranded motorist with a flat tire. Soul winning occurs when we find ways to get along, abandoning the appetite for divisiveness. Soul winning occurs when one sets up a booth at the workshop. Soul winning occurs when we use polite voices to reorder a part which has been sent wrong three times in a row.
Soul winning is not an event. It is a lifestyle. Every year the workshop is about soul winning. When will we get back to it? It's tough to get back to something we never left. Those who left soul winning to criticize should read a page out of their own log and return to soul winning.
Take a look at this year's program.... www.tulsaworkshop.org .....another soul winning effort.
Let's take a look at last year. The unity venue with the Christian Church and the Churches of Christ was considered by the critics as non-soul winning. It was Jesus who said we are to be perfected in unity that the world may believe. However, as I listen to some they evidently don't believe unity has a thing to do with soul winning. Yet, it is at the very core.
Soul winning doesn't just take place at a kitchen table and then in a baptistery. It takes place at an A Cappella concert. It takes place in placing an order for a noon meal and respectfully honoring the waitress. Soul winning occurs in a kind note to a workshop speaker. Soul winning occurs when one assists a stranded motorist with a flat tire. Soul winning occurs when we find ways to get along, abandoning the appetite for divisiveness. Soul winning occurs when one sets up a booth at the workshop. Soul winning occurs when we use polite voices to reorder a part which has been sent wrong three times in a row.
Soul winning is not an event. It is a lifestyle. Every year the workshop is about soul winning. When will we get back to it? It's tough to get back to something we never left. Those who left soul winning to criticize should read a page out of their own log and return to soul winning.
Take a look at this year's program.... www.tulsaworkshop.org .....another soul winning effort.
Friday, March 09, 2007
ELDERS AND THE ISAIAH FACTOR
A question could be asked as to what makes elders tick? A better question is what makes elders click? Why do some click in with God's system and others are humanistic bullies in full charge. Factors vary as do personalities, backgrounds, careers, etc. Yet, one important item is a wonderful blessing to any congregation who happens to have elders living by the Isaiah Factor of "Woe is me. I am ruined." Too many elders are not ruined. They are self-indulgent, defensive, and often arrogant with assumption that they have arrived and are untouchable regarding opinion and perspective. They feel they are exempt from "Lording it over" as the flock is too sickly to decide/think for themselves. What leadership has kept them so sickly?
My latest decade and a half at Memorial has been blessed due to the Isaiah Factor within our shepherds. Don't mistake; these guys are not push-overs. The difference is they deal with every sore congregational spot with passion, compassion, sympathy and empathy. I marvel at their consistency how they treat flock issues with full awareness of their own exposed sores and knots. How is it they are like this? It seems each leads a consistent life of personally believing they are ruined if it not for the literal and cleansing love of God.
Such an approach is refreshing, accurate, and then more refreshing. This gives the flock room to grow. It gives us room to try without fear of being shelled with their criticism. They aren't scared to let us be mistaken. They figure if God can rekindle their hearts, He can ours. I encourage every elder to take a good look at the Isaiah Factor. Being ruined is not a bad thing. It is most valuable to a ruined flock.
Having said that, the final point I wish to make is the same applies to preachers. We have not and will never arrive. We won't escape the ruined state; no matter how hard we try. Ruined in His sight is a good thing for at that point He can find Himself free to make of us whatever He would like. Isaiah was suddenly volunteering for God's mission. Until ruined, we---preachers and elders---are found to be resistant. Once ruination is admitted, we are full of gratitude to be used and full of mercy toward the colleague who botches the work 70 x 7.
My latest decade and a half at Memorial has been blessed due to the Isaiah Factor within our shepherds. Don't mistake; these guys are not push-overs. The difference is they deal with every sore congregational spot with passion, compassion, sympathy and empathy. I marvel at their consistency how they treat flock issues with full awareness of their own exposed sores and knots. How is it they are like this? It seems each leads a consistent life of personally believing they are ruined if it not for the literal and cleansing love of God.
Such an approach is refreshing, accurate, and then more refreshing. This gives the flock room to grow. It gives us room to try without fear of being shelled with their criticism. They aren't scared to let us be mistaken. They figure if God can rekindle their hearts, He can ours. I encourage every elder to take a good look at the Isaiah Factor. Being ruined is not a bad thing. It is most valuable to a ruined flock.
Having said that, the final point I wish to make is the same applies to preachers. We have not and will never arrive. We won't escape the ruined state; no matter how hard we try. Ruined in His sight is a good thing for at that point He can find Himself free to make of us whatever He would like. Isaiah was suddenly volunteering for God's mission. Until ruined, we---preachers and elders---are found to be resistant. Once ruination is admitted, we are full of gratitude to be used and full of mercy toward the colleague who botches the work 70 x 7.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
IN OVER YOUR HEAD?
More and more I run into Christians who are involved in God's work well over their heads. I say, "Hooray!" I love it that He is so big and we are so small and both are so inter-involved in the kingdom work that we often feel clueless, foolish, and even disoriented. It's about time we were involved in God-sized projects and events. I love to encounter members who are simply trying to serve in some small way and God breaks in or out....or both! I'm so happy we are willing to launch into zones too deep for our meager measurement. I love it that we feel overwhelmed. And, I do very much of the time.
So many wish they had one day of wow and I have so many. Others would love to be astonished by God's involvement so don't sweat it when He delivers more produce than you ordered! I never....NEVER.....believe I am gaining momentum and I am delighted at just the awareness of this truth. I am never more than in kindergarten with God. I'm losing ground. God is too big and the longer I'm around the bigger He becomes to my heart eyes. Compared to Him my vision is blurred and my doctrine is dwarfed, my goals are silly and my faith muscles turn to jelly.
I shall not complain. I love being overwhelmed! How many prisoners wish they could have one good day of overwhelmedness? Some day when I'm in a nursing home and can no longer sit up to ride in a car (let alone drive) I will so yearn for the good old days when I had so much to do I couldn't keep up. I love right now. I love today. It's not a psyche-up with me. It's a way of life.
Jesus said he came that we might have life and have it abundantly. I take that "abundantly" to mean we can expect days when we are in over our heads! Celebrate being you....I'll join you!
So many wish they had one day of wow and I have so many. Others would love to be astonished by God's involvement so don't sweat it when He delivers more produce than you ordered! I never....NEVER.....believe I am gaining momentum and I am delighted at just the awareness of this truth. I am never more than in kindergarten with God. I'm losing ground. God is too big and the longer I'm around the bigger He becomes to my heart eyes. Compared to Him my vision is blurred and my doctrine is dwarfed, my goals are silly and my faith muscles turn to jelly.
I shall not complain. I love being overwhelmed! How many prisoners wish they could have one good day of overwhelmedness? Some day when I'm in a nursing home and can no longer sit up to ride in a car (let alone drive) I will so yearn for the good old days when I had so much to do I couldn't keep up. I love right now. I love today. It's not a psyche-up with me. It's a way of life.
Jesus said he came that we might have life and have it abundantly. I take that "abundantly" to mean we can expect days when we are in over our heads! Celebrate being you....I'll join you!
TULSA WORKSHOP....WHY IT STAYS ALIVE
Who could know, due to His immeasurable grace, why the Tulsa Soul Winning Workshop remains on the cutting edge. Before I give one reason for it's endurance, it would be proper to admit I have made many repeated enormous mistakes. I've invited both liberal leaning and conservative standing speakers who have bombed. I've personally spoken with an attitude which did not come from the Spirit of Jesus; but rather from the divisive emotions of a faithless human. If one ever says they wouldn't walk across the street to hear me preach, I don't blame them.
There is one trait I am grateful to note. Tulsa has been strong to love the vast array of brotherhood characteristics without bowing to its politics. Garnett never succumbed to pressing threats and neither did Memorial. Both sets of elders have bent over backwards to be accommodating, but they would not yield to complaint if they concluded such did not align with the sacred Word. Thousands have been ultra gracious over the years to discard our glaring mistakes and treat us with love and respect.
God has blessed the workshop. Those of us who get to lead out with it never take it for granted. We get constant feedback. Positive letters and calls flow throughout each year. We also evaluate each complaint, weigh the issue, and respond according to what we believe God wants from us at the moment. Our elders take such a ministry quite seriously. While we are sensitive to people, we truly work at gauging where God has us at the moment and where He'd wish to take us.
I've been chastised strongly nearly every year by some attendees because of some facet a few didn't like. Whether it pains our hearts and whether the concern was delivered with love, we weigh all of the thoughts expressed. Some we regard. Others we find we need to let go and move forward. We do our best to make decisions from the basis of faith and not from fear.
So, thank you....all of you....for your kind support all these years. It is not an easy task....but it surely is a privileged one. We have one thing in mind: we want the name of Jesus extended to every soul on earth. Forgive me for those many times I failed to design the best venue for such a goal. I am just like the brotherhood: good at a couple of things and lousy at about 25 (or should that be 225?). We believe we each pool our "couple of things" and the result is the "Body" of Christ. Thank you for holding on to us when you deserved better. Together we will keep growing upward!
The Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop is still one of the most exciting brotherhood reunions on earth and it just keeps getting better. I hope to see you in Tulsa March 22-24!
There is one trait I am grateful to note. Tulsa has been strong to love the vast array of brotherhood characteristics without bowing to its politics. Garnett never succumbed to pressing threats and neither did Memorial. Both sets of elders have bent over backwards to be accommodating, but they would not yield to complaint if they concluded such did not align with the sacred Word. Thousands have been ultra gracious over the years to discard our glaring mistakes and treat us with love and respect.
God has blessed the workshop. Those of us who get to lead out with it never take it for granted. We get constant feedback. Positive letters and calls flow throughout each year. We also evaluate each complaint, weigh the issue, and respond according to what we believe God wants from us at the moment. Our elders take such a ministry quite seriously. While we are sensitive to people, we truly work at gauging where God has us at the moment and where He'd wish to take us.
I've been chastised strongly nearly every year by some attendees because of some facet a few didn't like. Whether it pains our hearts and whether the concern was delivered with love, we weigh all of the thoughts expressed. Some we regard. Others we find we need to let go and move forward. We do our best to make decisions from the basis of faith and not from fear.
So, thank you....all of you....for your kind support all these years. It is not an easy task....but it surely is a privileged one. We have one thing in mind: we want the name of Jesus extended to every soul on earth. Forgive me for those many times I failed to design the best venue for such a goal. I am just like the brotherhood: good at a couple of things and lousy at about 25 (or should that be 225?). We believe we each pool our "couple of things" and the result is the "Body" of Christ. Thank you for holding on to us when you deserved better. Together we will keep growing upward!
The Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop is still one of the most exciting brotherhood reunions on earth and it just keeps getting better. I hope to see you in Tulsa March 22-24!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
WHEN TO STAND AND WHEN TO BE STILL
There is no cookie cutter way to know when one should boldly stand up for an issue. Often silence is effective just as it was on occasion with Jesus. Silence is a way of speaking into existence our trust that God will work in any sticky situation.
My advice to young leaders regarding when to take a stand would be two considerations:
My advice to young leaders regarding when to take a stand would be two considerations:
- NEVER TAKE A STAND TO DEFEND YOURSELF. You have been called to die from your cross every day. He's not kidding. You'll find yourself pummelled with insult and intentional injury. The question is not whether you will die....if you are in it for His reasons, you will die. Count on it. I Peter 2:21-25 lays out our position. No personal defense coupled with assurance in God. I Peter 4:12 pleads with us to believe the fiery ordeal among us is to be of no surprise. Don't flinch. Don't defend. God will take care of you. Jesus never defended himself to spare himself stress. His ministry was never about him and ours isn't about us...which leads to the second consideration.
- STAND UP WHEN YOU SEE THE CHURCH PROCESS IS KILLING THE SPIRITS OF OTHERS. The Word say the law will kill and the Spirit will give life. Law-murder is awful. It's vicious and it's mean. The sheep are in their greatest danger when the law-dispenser comes upon the scene. Our cities are filled with former members who have since distanced themselves from the church Jesus is building. They've been devoured by law-wolves. It is in this arena we must protect the sheep. While there can be seeming peace if the church abides under the rules of the law-keepers, there will not be life. Life is the sphere Jesus insisted was his purpose to give.
Never fight to save your own skin. Do die on the battlefield so others can experience freedom in Christ. Martin Luther King and his cohorts were not the last of the freedom marchers. I'm involved in one every day...and so are you. God's people are subjects of potential slavery. We must risk our own careers and ministries to see they get the freedom God dreamed of giving!
Monday, March 05, 2007
I VISITED GARNETT
Wade Hodges and I swap pulpits each March as we build workshop steam. Yesterday was it. I love being with Garnett. They have been such an inspiring congregation over the years. The thing I like most about them is they are not angels living three feet above ground. They are normal! They praise, they cry, and sometimes they are like the rest of us...they squabble. Nonethless, in their "realness" they are so awesome.
Garnett has been through a few rough spots over the years, but they are back and on track. I see great things continuing to come from this place. Wade is for real. I really like him and believe in him. Greg Taylor is phenomenal. He is a great part of the Garnett glue. And my friend Shawn Mayes is to be saluted for his time spent leading their praise team when his heart is over here with Memorial.....he is "ours!" I loved yesterday! I believe Garnett is being blessed by the Holy Spirit.
You have an assignment, dear reader. Let's be a cloud of witnesses to the faith we share with and in Garnett. Garnett has meant much to many of us. Share today what you would like Garnett to hear: words which you cheer them on.
Finish the sentence: Wade, Greg, Shawn, and church, we believe in you today because......
Garnett has been through a few rough spots over the years, but they are back and on track. I see great things continuing to come from this place. Wade is for real. I really like him and believe in him. Greg Taylor is phenomenal. He is a great part of the Garnett glue. And my friend Shawn Mayes is to be saluted for his time spent leading their praise team when his heart is over here with Memorial.....he is "ours!" I loved yesterday! I believe Garnett is being blessed by the Holy Spirit.
You have an assignment, dear reader. Let's be a cloud of witnesses to the faith we share with and in Garnett. Garnett has meant much to many of us. Share today what you would like Garnett to hear: words which you cheer them on.
Finish the sentence: Wade, Greg, Shawn, and church, we believe in you today because......
Saturday, March 03, 2007
EVERYTHING WILL BE ALL RIGHT
People fret. When things aren't going well, worry can dominate. When things are going well, concern whispers as to what might go wrong. I was raised to be a great worrier. Involved in this development was an innate need to control. If I could control circumstances and people, I wouldn't need to fret over as much. Yet, being in control of an entire community can be a rigorous responsibility for a third grader.
Through the nature of Jesus, I've learned to let go and relax. It's been a major awakening in my life. Psalm 46:10, Be still and know I am God means let go and relax. Some of the stern characteristics of the church in my earlier days provided many things; but nothing came close to training to letting go and relaxing. Few were chosen and, in listening to others, it was doubtful the few would be as many as God had hoped.
Things go wrong up to and into death. Such is a process of living. Quit worrying. He said it...not me. Everything will work out all right...He said it...not me. Relaxing is a signal to Him we trust Him. I love Romans 9:16. It isn't up to man to arrange and coerce things into being. Nor is it up to man to run the show. It's up to God. He said it...not me.
Yesterday I paid $2.39 for a gallon of gasoline. We keep going 10 cents forward and 2 cents back. How can I complain? Most in this world have never ridden in a car!
I have many directions tugging at my mind right now because we have the workshop coming up....plus this week I've worked on '08s and slightly on '09s. Next year the fairgrounds is tearing down three (three out of the six) of our classroom facilities: the Exchange Center, the Trade Center, and the Cafeteria. What am I going to do?
Ah, that's really easy. I going to see what God is going to do. It's not up to me to make this work. He'll figure it and will lead me to conversations and ideas which....WILL WORK JUST RIGHT. Wait and see. It's a done deal.
I know you have stresses. I don't deny it. A stress you don't need and He doesn't want you to possess is fret, worry, and concern. He's got everything under control. And yes, there will be boo-boos and upsets along the way. And what will we do with that? We will go to school and learn from God how He would lead us to rework the puzzle.
Through the nature of Jesus, I've learned to let go and relax. It's been a major awakening in my life. Psalm 46:10, Be still and know I am God means let go and relax. Some of the stern characteristics of the church in my earlier days provided many things; but nothing came close to training to letting go and relaxing. Few were chosen and, in listening to others, it was doubtful the few would be as many as God had hoped.
Things go wrong up to and into death. Such is a process of living. Quit worrying. He said it...not me. Everything will work out all right...He said it...not me. Relaxing is a signal to Him we trust Him. I love Romans 9:16. It isn't up to man to arrange and coerce things into being. Nor is it up to man to run the show. It's up to God. He said it...not me.
Yesterday I paid $2.39 for a gallon of gasoline. We keep going 10 cents forward and 2 cents back. How can I complain? Most in this world have never ridden in a car!
I have many directions tugging at my mind right now because we have the workshop coming up....plus this week I've worked on '08s and slightly on '09s. Next year the fairgrounds is tearing down three (three out of the six) of our classroom facilities: the Exchange Center, the Trade Center, and the Cafeteria. What am I going to do?
Ah, that's really easy. I going to see what God is going to do. It's not up to me to make this work. He'll figure it and will lead me to conversations and ideas which....WILL WORK JUST RIGHT. Wait and see. It's a done deal.
I know you have stresses. I don't deny it. A stress you don't need and He doesn't want you to possess is fret, worry, and concern. He's got everything under control. And yes, there will be boo-boos and upsets along the way. And what will we do with that? We will go to school and learn from God how He would lead us to rework the puzzle.
Friday, March 02, 2007
CHURCH GROWTH ADVICE
What's the one thing you believe is really needed at your congregation? For me, it's the same thing we needed when I moved here and the need never fades. New people keep coming our way. We need 100% of our people to speak to 100% of our people and the guests. We've improved greatly, but we lack 100% participation.
I've never seen such an easy method be so avoided by so many. Jesus calls us to do more than greet our brothers only. We are so far off some can't even greet all of our brothers. How many times do members and visitors look at one of us only to see our eyes dart away instantly to avoid saying, "Hello"? This plagues every congregation. Yes, we all have the outgoing ones....thank you God. However, we have so many who are self-centered and will not risk making a guest feel cordially welcomed. We have paraded our big five doctrines, but still can't get some who have been in the church for forty years to greet anyone but their six friends.
I believe offering friendly greetings to strangers is a call from Him and it's always encouraging to be greeted warmly by everyone. What do you think is needed most where you serve (And, I don't want to hear from the Memorial readers we need a new preacher. That would ruin my point....I think.)?
We all have various gifts....and we can all say, "Hello" to a our visitors.
I've never seen such an easy method be so avoided by so many. Jesus calls us to do more than greet our brothers only. We are so far off some can't even greet all of our brothers. How many times do members and visitors look at one of us only to see our eyes dart away instantly to avoid saying, "Hello"? This plagues every congregation. Yes, we all have the outgoing ones....thank you God. However, we have so many who are self-centered and will not risk making a guest feel cordially welcomed. We have paraded our big five doctrines, but still can't get some who have been in the church for forty years to greet anyone but their six friends.
I believe offering friendly greetings to strangers is a call from Him and it's always encouraging to be greeted warmly by everyone. What do you think is needed most where you serve (And, I don't want to hear from the Memorial readers we need a new preacher. That would ruin my point....I think.)?
We all have various gifts....and we can all say, "Hello" to a our visitors.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)