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If I Were To Pastor Again…
I’ve been a Christian for over forty years. I received Jesus as the Savior of my soul, and Lord of my life back in August of 1975.
I’ve been in Christian ministry, as a credentialed minister, for almost thirty five years. Pastoral ministry for about eighteen years, as well as worship leading and various teaching/preaching responsibilities.
Lately I’ve been reflecting on the pastoral side of ministry.
I have been privileged to sit under the leadership of some great pastors. Here’s some things I have learned and seen modeled along the way.
1. Build the church/ministry upon the personality of Christ, and Christ alone. My smile and encouraging words are important, but should never be more important than God’s words, plans, disciplines, or His Church as a whole.
I will not stay around forever. God will. I am not infallible. God is.2. Help others find their gifts, callings, and anointing; discovering how they fit in the Body of Christ.
3. Let people practice their calling without fear of failing.
4. Focus on the Kingdom of God, and declare/model the many different ways the Kingdom should affect society.
5. Model unity, and teach how to keep unity in an unrelenting manner.
6. Teach by precept and example how to protect one’s life and ministry from wolves who desire to enter into the fold and wreak havoc among the brethren.
7. Pray more, talk less.
8. Listen to my ministry/life partner-my wife. God speaks to her and through her, also.
9. Build friendships outside the borders of the “ministry”, as a well as with those within.
10. Ask more questions and learn the stories of others. Earn the right to speak into someone’s life.
There’s probably more but this list will suffice for now. It will keep me busy as I think of others.
Even if I’m not a lead pastor or head of a specific ministry, I can still focus on those ten things.
After all, I’m in a kingdom which I did not start, is far greater than I know or even imagine, and is in need of every person in the kingdom doing their part.
That’s what I’m attempting to do.
How about you?
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It’s not over yet…
There are at least two reasons why it’s even more important NOW to seek God on behalf of this nation.
1) the nation is as divided as I’ve ever seen it.
2) the election process is not a done deal. There COULD be a fly or two in the ointment…
In my opinion, the country is heading toward a not so civil war…maybe not state against state, but various people groups and ideologies all vying for their rights. Maybe not with guns and militias, but certainly with enough hateful words and actions that would only further divide us.
Pray for not only a peaceful transition from one administration to the next, but for Divine intervention, wisdom, and protection for all leaders.
Pray against rioting and murderous spirits. Pray for the spirit of humility to prevail over the spirit of pride.
There’s a spiritual undercurrent at work attempting to steal, kill, and destroy anything good, pleasant, and connected to Truth. It’s our responsibility, as citizens of God’s Kingdom, to seek God’s face on behalf of our land.
We must stand with God and against our foe.
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Let’s give God half a chance!
Many people think our rights as Christians will be dismantled if a certain person gets elected president.
Others are worried that Christianity itself is in jeopardy.
Really? Since when?
Ever since the resurrection of Jesus, the Church has weathered years and years of tumultuous times, from insane rulers to compromising church leaders. But God has always had a remnant of believers He could count on to carry His message of truth to the next generation.
And it’s the same today.
God is not ceding His power and authority to any man, woman, or devil. Regardless of who’s in charge, God’s truth shall prevail.
If Christianity is outlawed, so be it. We who are Christ followers have sold out to Jesus, not the ways of the world.
If we can no longer claim charitable donations as a tax exemption, so be it. Our heart is for God and His kingdom purposes; that’s why we give.
If we can no longer preach against homosexuality or abortion…if we’re incarcerated for “hate speech”…if we are hunted down like mass murderers because we declare Jesus as the only way to the Father…
…then so be it.
God will not be overpowered, undersold, or outmaneuvered.
His plans and purposes may not be understood, but they’ll never be outplayed.
And we can enjoy the victory along with Him if we’ll simply give Him half a chance to work in our lives.
So in spite of all the fearful rhetoric being tossed about by many well meaning believers, we should be excited to see what God will do next.
After all, He’s the One Who raised Lazarus from that stinky old tomb after he’d been in it four days.
Just think what He could do if we believers gave Him half a chance…
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Maybe We Should Let Some Things Die
How long can we keep gripping the slightest sliver of hope? Should we?
Is holding on for dear life always the best course of action?
If our dreams and plans, yes, even our lives, are deemed as utter failure, or they’re cut short before becoming that which we intended, is that so bad?
Even if we’re convinced we’re doing everything for a righteous cause, that God’s honor is at stake, isn’t there a time to stop our powerless efforts and yield to Him?
For honest reflection, we must remember there is no resurrection without first a death, and victory never comes before the battle.
In many cases, the best thing we can do is exchange what we’ve called hope for simple trust.
What do I mean?
Hope is a powerful thing, yet at times it’s nothing more than wishful thinking. As long as there’s at least a small percentage of things working out, we’re hopeful and perky.
But if and when things take a turn for the worse, we work ourselves into a frenzy trying to maintain our hope.
So instead, why not just give up and trust?
Maybe pretend our situation is akin to the story of Eutychus and Paul (Acts 20).
“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.” (Acts 20:7-12 ESV)
Our dreams, like Eutychus, can become so tired. All work, no joy, no life, and eventually they droop and sag until we’re worn out trying to keep them propped up.
But when we finally release our grip, and the results to the God of the resurrection, life becomes enjoyable once again.
At that point the plans and purposes, the calling of God, are within our grasp.
It’s the same with trusting God for our nation.
God has had a purpose, a calling, on this nation from its inception. But to make America great again will take more than a man, woman, or political party.
So maybe things need to die first, to make room for the resurrection.
Yes, we’re to do what we can. Faith AND works (and all that).
But you know what? Many times we never begin to REALLY trust until we’ve exhausted all our resources.
So, like I said, maybe things need to die, expire, or become even worse before we finally trust the God Who moves mountains and raises the dead.
Maybe THAT is what’s needed to make America great again…
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The Christian Voter and What’s At Stake This Election
Let me say up front, I don’t expect to win any popularity contests with this blog, but please hear me out. I welcome your comments, but let’s be respectful of one another. I respect your right as an American to vote as you believe you should. Please give me, and others who may comment here, that same regard.
Could it be we’re missing something big this election cycle?
I’ve heard many arguments from the Christian camp about why we must overlook a certain candidate’s “character flaws” in order to preserve the Republic.
I agreed until I dug a little deeper into the Word of God AND my own soul.
I now believe there’s much more at stake than our nation.
For years our children have heard us tout the importance of believing God, taking a stand for righteousness, and living with eternity in view rather than a temporal mindset of “let’s eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.”
But because it looks as though the only hope for America is a loud mouthed, unpredictable and unprincipled, self-centered egotist, many in the Christian camp are willing to hold their collective noses while trying to get the man elected.
What’s wrong with this picture?
There’s much more at stake than our economy, abortion laws, illegal immigrants, ISIS, and any other issue which threatens to destroy our nation.
So what could possibly be more important?
Truth. Specifically, our stand for truth.
It also could be referred to as integrity.
We say we want to make our nation great again for our children’s sake.
I agree.
But notice: “The righteous who walks in his integrity – blessed are his children after him.” (Proverbs 20:7 ESV)
If we, as followers of Christ, throw our integrity out with the trash, in the name of patriotism, the right-to-life, second amendment rights, or anything else, what does that leave us?
How do we explain our inconsistency to our children?
How can we effectively proclaim “character counts” or even more importantly, “righteousness exalts a nation” after we’ve compromised our basic beliefs?
I’ve been wrestling with this for some time now. My first responsibility is to guard my heart and follow the Lord’s way rather than any other. Even if my fellow believers disagree.
My vote counts. Your vote counts. It counts in who we are and what we are willing to do to really stand for righteousness.
“Who, O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.” (Psalm 15:1 – 15:5 ESV)
For the Christian, there is something far greater than the USA to stand up for.
The Kingdom of Righteousness…
…and our purpose as sons and daughters of God.
The Church isn’t of less value than the nation. It is everlasting, and the dwelling place for God Almighty.
In fact, God is trying to use His people as carriers of His Anointing. People who will declare His Kingdom in word AND deed.
Paul wrote: “God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 3:10 NLT)
But He can’t (that’s right, He CAN’T) if we are sidetracked or sidelined under the guise of patriotism.
We must remain faithful to God’s Word. Our heart must be sensitive to the voice of God, and continue to seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
It’s been said that no one’s perfect. And since we’re not electing a pastor, we should overlook a person’s flaws.
Of course that’s only said about THEIR favorite candidate. There’s no way they’ll overlook the opponent’s atrocities!
Christian, the bottom line for me is this:
Jesus Christ is the Lord of my LIFE. I want to represent Him in all I say and do. I don’t want to say something matters and then vote like it doesn’t.
I want to love the things He loves, hate what He hates (Hebrews 1), and trust Him for EVERYTHING.
I love this nation, but for me, it’s more important that I walk in the steps of the Spirit than like a sheep to the slaughter.
God can make this nation great again; God and people who follow His steps, His ways; who put their trust in His wisdom and ability. Who aren’t afraid of the devil, or any of his representatives.
And who don’t “lose their salvation” when someone disagrees with them (or their candidate isn’t elected).
It’s time for true followers of Christ to search our souls, and discover once again the truth we say we believe.
Then vote accordingly.
If we vote our conscience, and our conscience has not become seared (1 Timothy 4:2), our vote will count.
With God, if no one else.
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Are YOU A Facebook Dramatist?
I’ve never known anyone to be as gloomy, nasty, or self centered, as the Facebook Dramatist.
Where else can a thespian find such an instant audience but on Facebook?
Don’t misunderstand me, please. I’m all for sharing concerns and celebrations with those who are your friends.
But the Facebook Dramatist (FD) takes sharing to a whole new level.
For instance, if someone’s mind sat down on them, and they forgot to wish the FD happy birthday, the post will read something like this:
“Well, it doesn’t take much to learn who your friends are. I’ve bent over backwards to make sure my friends have what they need, but how do some repay me? They can’t even remember to wish me happy birthday.”
Or, from the veteran FD, you may read this-
“I’m finished being the nice one. From now on, people are going to dance to MY tune! I’ve had it with do gooders judging me because I don’t act like they want me to. I’m as much a Christian as the next person. I just don’t blow about it like they do. I’m gonna live my life the way I want, and they can kiss my cupcake if they don’t like it.”
Some of the best ones, though, are where they have a gripe with one person, who shall go unnamed (but YOU know who you are)-
“And they told me I could trust them.”
“I wish a certain someone would quit acting like they’re God’s gift to women.”
“I’m not listening to your crap any longer…”
Yes, the Facebook Dramatist can grab an audience simply by posting the bare bones of truth, flocked with a healthy covering of intrigue, highlights of doubt, and published so all their friends can grab a mouthful.
If only the FD would understand things like, “A soft answer turns away wrath…” (Proverbs 15:1) and “…Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8 NLT)
Each time we post something online, we have a decision to make. Will we incite hatred, divide friends, and stir up unbelief, or will we encourage others to be their best, live right, and trust God?
God walks with the humble, the peacemaker, and those who put other people first.
But His face is far from the proud, the instigator, the troublemaker.
Are YOU a Facebook Dramatist, or are you someone who is known as an encourager?
“There are six things the Lord hates – no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.” (Proverbs 6:16 – 6:19 NLT)
“For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:10 – 3:12 NLT)
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The facts aren’t always the truth.
Facts don’t always equal truth. Even when you see evidence of the facts all around you.
Something else needs to be considered when evaluating the “evidence”.
Truth.
Life’s circumstances may try to declare your physical demise and financial despair; all the while supplying you with limitless commentary on just how awful God is.
Facts as you see them.
But facts are not the final word as long as truth is allowed to have a voice.
Elisha and his servant were minding their own business, when, from out of nowhere they were surrounded by an enemy’s army.
The servant had gotten up at the crack of dawn and turned on the coffee pot. As he stuck his head out the front door to see if the morning paper had arrived, he noticed soldiers and horses everywhere.
Quickly slamming the door and shoving the deadbolt into place, he ran to Elisha’s room.
“Elisha! Quick! Look out the window! We’re dead meat for certain!”
Closing the curtain, and turning to face his servant, Elisha said, “Why? What’s the problem? The facts declare we’re hopelessly outnumbered; but the Truth says something entirely different! Truth is telling me there are more for us than against us.”
“Huh? Are you still asleep, Elisha?”
“Then Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!’ The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.” (2 Kings 6:17 NLT)
And so it is with every child of God; everyone who has received Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Facts may say, “You might as well give up! You can never conquer your addiction, or failure, or experience the abundant life Jesus promised.”
Truth says, “God is not a man that He should lie. Every word is backed by heaven’s power and God’s integrity. He will never leave you, nor forsake you.”
We have a choice to make. If there’s ever a discrepancy between what we see or what we believe, are we going to listen to the facts or the truth?
And if we’re having trouble distinguishing between the two, maybe it would be a great idea to spend more time studying the truth.
Because the facts aren’t always the truth.
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The Encourager
There’s no doubt in my mind; everyone needs encouragement from time to time.
And guess what? We should all know how to BE encouragers.
Encouragement can keep someone in the game of life, even when they feel like giving up.
Encouragement can help settle a troubled heart, and bring quietness to one’s soul.
Encouragement can bring new found strength to someone totally wiped out by life’s crazy twists and turns. It can be like cool, refreshing water in the middle of one’s personal season of drought.
Everyone needs encouragement from time to time.
Whether you are a spiritual giant, an apostle to the world, or just someone trying to be faithful in the least of things, you will need encouragement at some point in your life.
And if you’ll need it, so will someone else.
So what’s it take to be an encourager?
Basically two things.
Your time and your willingness to care for others.
We can show our care in various ways; our words, prayers, notes, text messages, or just showing up to lend a helping hand.
What encourages you? Well, why not try that same thing on someone else?
The apostle Paul, though he was a mighty man of God, never outgrew his need for or his appreciation of encouragement.
Notice what he said about Onesiphorus.
“May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me.” (2 Timothy 1:16 – 1:17 NLT)
It’s probably no coincidence the name Onesiphorus means “profit-bearer”, or “bringing profit”.
An encourager “brings profit” to those who may be facing spiritual, emotional, or physical bankruptcy.
An encourager brings cool, refreshing water to a person dealing with the hot breath of the adversary.
And the word “encourage” means “to endue with courage”. The one encouraged becomes able to refocus and reestablish their purpose in Christ.
Notice also, Onesiphorus OFTEN visited and encouraged. He didn’t toss Paul a couple of “praying for you” tokens, but was faithful in ministering encouragement; faithfully refreshing Paul, the prisoner.
When he heard Paul was in prison, he searched everywhere UNTIL he found Paul. In other words, he didn’t look for ten minutes, give up and say, “Well, it must not be God’s will. After all, if I was supposed to encourage Paul I’d be able to find him.”
Don’t give up too soon, especially when you know someone needs what you have to give.
Onesiphorus had another way of encouraging Paul; a way that’s difficult to do at times.
He didn’t let the fact that Paul was in chains keep him from bringing encouragement.
Some people are almost impossible to be around. It’s hard to deal with all the things they’ve gotten themselves ensnared by or even the stuff life has thrown at them through no fault of their own.
Know what I mean?
They may be going through a divorce, or the loss of a loved one, or they are dealing with an addiction of sorts; they’re hard to be around because, frankly, we don’t know what to say or how to relate.
But they still need encouragement, which means they need someone like you and I to step up and give them our time, and our care.
It’s what Paul needed.
It’s what you and I need.
You and I may not have world-wide ministries or many possessions. But there’s something thing we do have-the resources in God to help make an eternal difference in someone else’s life.
As an Encourager.
For an in depth study of how to encourage others AND yourself, follow the link to my book “the Power of Encouragement”.
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Encouragement-Jan-Grace/dp/1629949140 -
The Pattern Is Found On The Mountain
Many followers of Christ live in chaos; not knowing what God wants for their lives.
God isn’t holding out, trying to hide His will from us, but He does require a bit of action.
Our part? Seek Him, His Word, and let our focus be “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
God had a plan for Moses. Besides delivering the people out of Egypt, he the one who would oversee the building of the tabernacle; the place where God and man could meet together.
The Lord called Moses to meet with Him on the mountain, where He laid out the whole plan and pattern before His servant.
He emphasized to Moses: “And see that you make them after the pattern for them, which is being shown you on the mountain.” (Exodus 25:40 ESV)
Whether we need wisdom, direction, or anything else, we can find it on the mountain. That special place where we get alone with God and His word and discover His patterns and plans for our lives.
“The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.” (Psalm 25:14 NASB)
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29 NASB)
Throughout God’s word we find a couple of keys to discovering His will-desire it more than your own, and don’t settle for anything less.
It takes effort and planning to get away to the mountain to meet with God. But wouldn’t it be worth it?
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 NASB)
The word “ask” doesn’t refer to some kind of, “Oh, by the way, I almost forgot…will you give me wisdom?”, request.
No, it means to hunger for, crave, greatly and earnestly desire above all else…In other words, “If any of you are falling short, not knowing exactly what to do in a particular situation, if your wisdom is inferior and won’t stand up to the task, then let him put all he has into finding out from God what he should do.”
It’s not a spare time activity. It’s a prime time, do it NOW kind of effort.
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths.” (Isaiah 2:3 ESV)
The pattern, the answer, is found on the mountain.
What you and I need can and will be found in the Presence of the Lord.
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Are you smug in your Christianity?
My, how smug we can be at times; yes, even as Christians.
“I’ve been saved thirty years, and I’m never tempted any longer.”
“I can handle anything that comes my way!”
“I’m God’s man of faith and power. I have on the full armor of God, and I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.”
Well, isn’t that just dandy!
Look, friends, I’m not knocking it. God DOES anoint His people to do great and awesome things. His word declares such.
But it ALSO says, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12 NLT)
So many people, myself included, have, at times, exchanged humility for pride; becoming great in their own minds and thus a wide open target for the enemy.
We think (or act like we believe) that God is so happy we’re on His side. Like without us His Kingdom surely would have faltered.
It’s as though we are self anointed and appointed. We walk on water continuously, while the whole world watches in awe.
Smug in our Christianity.
Fall into temptation? Me? Why, that couldn’t happen!
Right.
Apparently Peter wasn’t as inspired as we thought, when he wrote: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.” (1 Peter 5:8 – 5:9 NLT)
Do you know what it means to stay alert?
It means keep your eyes open and your heart guarded. Know you have a target on your back. You are in your enemy’s scope and he’s just waiting for that perfect opportunity.
Pride boasts, “I’ve got this! I’m aware of my enemy’s movements and have all the bases covered.”
Humility says, “Will you help me?”
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23 – 139:24 NLT)
A man or woman of God shouldn’t trust their calling, gifting, or anointing to keep them away from the snare of the enemy.
Instead, they SHOULD trust God, ALONG WITH godly associates, to help them navigate life’s pitfalls and challenges.If smugness defines your Christian walk, may I suggest you come up with a different strategy for living?
Understand God resists the proud but provides grace to the humble. The humble receive help, the proud push it away.
Words like, “Help”, “Thanks”, “Please”, and “Will you pray for me?”, are words spoken by every great man or woman of God.
Smug isn’t godly, cool, or becoming.
And it is one major reason why some people aren’t realizing their full potential in Christ.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 ESV)
Are YOU smug in your Christianity?
Please checkout my book, “Picked Off – The Target is You”. It explains why many people give in to the trials and temptations which come their way, and how to keep from being devoured by the enemy.
How to not be “Picked Off”.
Available in paperback or eBook version.
For information on “Picked Off – The Target Is You” Click here
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
Jan Grace 