In my 30+ years of adult life I have worked in both the "church" world in full time ministry and in the "secular" world in sales and management. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly of both scenes.
I will not bore you with the secular world too much. Suffice it to say there are people who need Jesus and business practices that need to be changed.
One of the practices that took place in my mind as I would sit in board rooms and discuss marketing, sales and profit and loss was that I would often think: "Man if the church would do things this way we would get a lot more accomplished for the kingdom." or "If we would do what the church does in these type of situations, we would be much more successful." There were things in both worlds that could be used in the other world to be more effective.
But truthfully, there was a lot of conflict in the world of business. We had a lot of disagreement and arguments over ways of doing things and expectations of the results. But the thing I liked about business was that business was not personal. We could sit in a conference room and have intense disagreement but afterward be standing on the first tee box laughing together. Why? Because if you are going to get anything accomplished in business, you can't take things personally. You have to move on.
Well, I'm not sitting in those board rooms anymore. Being in full time ministry I now discuss things like worship, outreach, budgets, and the like. When I sit down with others now, it's usually about marriages, addictions, or salvation. I think the church has the "leg-up" on the business world on many facets of life. We care about the individual often more than the results. I like that. The Spirit is prevalent and active in the life of the church.
But there is one thing I think the church could really improve on. We take ourselves WAY TOO seriously. We get offended and take so many things so personal it hinders and even stops what we are supposed to be about. Glorifying God and Kingdom building. Why do we get so offended so easily in the church? Then we have even rationalized it and made it a spiritual responsibility. We walk on eggshells in the church because Joe or Mabel (names have been changed to protect the innocent, if your name is Joe or Mabel its merely a coincidence) get so offended so easily. I am amazed at people who are supposed to be so like minded instead are so stinkin' sensitive.
My suggestion: Relax! Chill! Quit taking yourself so seriously! It's okay, we are going to be alright! Let's start living the way we are supposed to live. Let's stop getting so easily ticked off and burnt. Stop putting that responsibility on everyone else in our lives and start taking responsibility to be loving, forgiving and relaxed. Don't take things so personal. It's okay to disagree but I am not sure it's okay to be disagreeable.
I have learned a few things in my years in ministry and one thing I for sure have learned is that I am going to do things that some just won't like. I don't mean anything personal by it. And guess what? Some people in the church where I serve do things I don't like. I can't take that personal.
Let's stop being so touchy that we think we are untouchable.
Ephesians 4:2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
RELAX!
Take care,
Rod
Monday, August 27, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
When faith and fears collide
There are times in our walk of faith in Christ that it seems like faith and fears collide head on. I have experienced this on numerous occasions as a Pastor and as a Person of Faith.
I have heard a Doctors diagnosis and the future did not seem long for someone. It was right then that my faith and my fears collided. Now understand, fears can be good, I believe that fears can help you through perilous times. Fears can be there as guardrails to our behavior and decision making process. But here's the key point: They are "guard" rails not "guide" rails.
When I have fears in leading a church or in my own personal life, I understand then and there, that the only way to deal with my fear is with my faith. If I allow fear to go unchecked by my faith, fear takes over. And you know what I found out about fear? Fear is a bully. When we are GUIDED by fear, we pray without faith, we worship without awe, we serve without joy, we suffer without hope, and the result is a life of stagnation and no vision. Fear causes us to withhold and not be a generous giver. It causes us to trust only in what we see and not in God's promises. When we fear, we have an inability to persevere and see it through.
I have heard a Doctors diagnosis and the future did not seem long for someone. It was right then that my faith and my fears collided. Now understand, fears can be good, I believe that fears can help you through perilous times. Fears can be there as guardrails to our behavior and decision making process. But here's the key point: They are "guard" rails not "guide" rails.
When I have fears in leading a church or in my own personal life, I understand then and there, that the only way to deal with my fear is with my faith. If I allow fear to go unchecked by my faith, fear takes over. And you know what I found out about fear? Fear is a bully. When we are GUIDED by fear, we pray without faith, we worship without awe, we serve without joy, we suffer without hope, and the result is a life of stagnation and no vision. Fear causes us to withhold and not be a generous giver. It causes us to trust only in what we see and not in God's promises. When we fear, we have an inability to persevere and see it through.
Fear is a big
bully. It pushes us around, tells
us how to act, how to live and what we can and cannot do. I find that many people choose to live
in fear. Many churches do too.
When a church is GUIDED by fear instead of GUARDED by fear it shrinks back. In fact, it shrinks God. We start living and worshiping a small, unattached, inept God.
Fear is good when placed and used in right way. Fear is never to guide our paths. It is only serving to God's will when it guards us from foolishness.
Take care,
Rod
Fear is good when placed and used in right way. Fear is never to guide our paths. It is only serving to God's will when it guards us from foolishness.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1: 7
In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear). Ephesians 3: 12
So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? Hebrews 13: 6
Rod
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Things I've learned on my time off
I have been on sabbatical for the month of July and had a great time of refreshing and visiting family. Over that time I have learned some things that I want to share with you.
1. Family: I had time with my dad and mom in the month. It was great to see them and spend some time with them both. I played golf with my dad often and together we did projects around their house, ate some meals together, and spent a lot of time visiting with each other. I didn't need the reminder, but it was good to spend time with the people that mean the most to me. My mom and dad have been a great support to me and also to the work of Journey. It's sometimes tough to see your parents growing older and slowing down a bit, however it was so good to see that they are still very much in love with each other and with the Lord. I hope to be like them and I especially hope to make them proud with my life.
2. Political campaigns: Well, I am going to be honest here. I HATE the campaign commercials. Not because they come so often or that I don't believe them. ( although both of those are true). I get tired of both presidential candidates so involved in attacking each other and not speaking of a vision they have for America. I think America lacks vision. The Bible tells us that "...where there is no vision, the people perish." I don't like what has been going on for the last 40+ months in our country, but I do pray for our president. I wish he would stop blaming the past and being almost embarrassed by being an American. I also, wish that the challenger would stop pointing out the obvious that our country is in deep trouble and tell us what he believes America COULD be by him being in office.
3. Chik-Fil-A: Man what an uproar that was created by a man who spoke of his convictions. God forbid we should speak of our own convictions if it disagrees with the "minority" of American Citizens. Yes, that is right, the MAJORITY of Americans believe as Mr. Cathy believes. Marriage is between a MAN and a WOMAN. But you know that doesn't mean anything really. What's IMPORTANT is not what you and I think or desire. Rather it's all about what GOD thinks or desires. You can disagree with me, but all you have to do is read your Bible. You just need to decide if your life is going to please God or yourself. To quote Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my house, we will serve (please) the Lord."
4. The OLYMPICS: I love the olympics and I root for the American's whether they are rowing a boat, swimming in a pool, or shooting baskets. I love to root for all the Americans. But I love to see athletes from all around the world displaying their incredible talents. The only part of the olympics I don't like was the opening ceremony and the dishonesty displayed in the boxing ring and the all important badminton court. Shame on those referees and coaches and players who choose to try to cheat at such a prestigious event.
5. AURORA COLORADO: What a terrible tragedy that took place at the movie theater in Aurora, CO. The Idle family used to live there in Aurora, so it held a little more weight with us. Sad to see a young man with such hope and promise, resort to violence and selfishness. Everything within me wants to put this guy away for good. But I also care about his soul. He obviously doesn't know God or has forgotten Him. I hope he finds Jesus and the real hope that can come in calling upon Christ. Also, the only way healing, true healing can come to the families and the community of Aurora, is that Christ is allowed into the situation.
6. JOURNEY: Well, as always, while I truly loved my time off, I really missed being at Journey. I love the family at Journey God has allowed me to serve. July is always a tough month for most churches. Attendance is usually down and the offerings are usually low as well. That makes it tough for a church to continue to do it's work. Journey has experienced some REAL difficulty this month. The staff lost their health insurance and were not paid this past pay period. I had to walk down the street to my landlord and tell them I couldn't pay my rent on the house I live in. Fortunately they showed understanding. All of this is because we have forgotten our church and the call of God. While vacations are important and summer activities are great for our life. We CANNOT forget that our tithes and offerings are VITAL to the success of the church.
Well, I am not sure that is ALL I have learned over the last month, but just about covers it. I hope that through all of these trials and troubles it helps us turn our eyes toward Christ. It would be such a terrible waste and tragedy of a spiritual kind, if we ourselves forgot that God is still in control and He holds the answers we so desperately seek in times like these.
Take care,
Rod
1. Family: I had time with my dad and mom in the month. It was great to see them and spend some time with them both. I played golf with my dad often and together we did projects around their house, ate some meals together, and spent a lot of time visiting with each other. I didn't need the reminder, but it was good to spend time with the people that mean the most to me. My mom and dad have been a great support to me and also to the work of Journey. It's sometimes tough to see your parents growing older and slowing down a bit, however it was so good to see that they are still very much in love with each other and with the Lord. I hope to be like them and I especially hope to make them proud with my life.
2. Political campaigns: Well, I am going to be honest here. I HATE the campaign commercials. Not because they come so often or that I don't believe them. ( although both of those are true). I get tired of both presidential candidates so involved in attacking each other and not speaking of a vision they have for America. I think America lacks vision. The Bible tells us that "...where there is no vision, the people perish." I don't like what has been going on for the last 40+ months in our country, but I do pray for our president. I wish he would stop blaming the past and being almost embarrassed by being an American. I also, wish that the challenger would stop pointing out the obvious that our country is in deep trouble and tell us what he believes America COULD be by him being in office.
3. Chik-Fil-A: Man what an uproar that was created by a man who spoke of his convictions. God forbid we should speak of our own convictions if it disagrees with the "minority" of American Citizens. Yes, that is right, the MAJORITY of Americans believe as Mr. Cathy believes. Marriage is between a MAN and a WOMAN. But you know that doesn't mean anything really. What's IMPORTANT is not what you and I think or desire. Rather it's all about what GOD thinks or desires. You can disagree with me, but all you have to do is read your Bible. You just need to decide if your life is going to please God or yourself. To quote Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my house, we will serve (please) the Lord."
4. The OLYMPICS: I love the olympics and I root for the American's whether they are rowing a boat, swimming in a pool, or shooting baskets. I love to root for all the Americans. But I love to see athletes from all around the world displaying their incredible talents. The only part of the olympics I don't like was the opening ceremony and the dishonesty displayed in the boxing ring and the all important badminton court. Shame on those referees and coaches and players who choose to try to cheat at such a prestigious event.
5. AURORA COLORADO: What a terrible tragedy that took place at the movie theater in Aurora, CO. The Idle family used to live there in Aurora, so it held a little more weight with us. Sad to see a young man with such hope and promise, resort to violence and selfishness. Everything within me wants to put this guy away for good. But I also care about his soul. He obviously doesn't know God or has forgotten Him. I hope he finds Jesus and the real hope that can come in calling upon Christ. Also, the only way healing, true healing can come to the families and the community of Aurora, is that Christ is allowed into the situation.
6. JOURNEY: Well, as always, while I truly loved my time off, I really missed being at Journey. I love the family at Journey God has allowed me to serve. July is always a tough month for most churches. Attendance is usually down and the offerings are usually low as well. That makes it tough for a church to continue to do it's work. Journey has experienced some REAL difficulty this month. The staff lost their health insurance and were not paid this past pay period. I had to walk down the street to my landlord and tell them I couldn't pay my rent on the house I live in. Fortunately they showed understanding. All of this is because we have forgotten our church and the call of God. While vacations are important and summer activities are great for our life. We CANNOT forget that our tithes and offerings are VITAL to the success of the church.
Well, I am not sure that is ALL I have learned over the last month, but just about covers it. I hope that through all of these trials and troubles it helps us turn our eyes toward Christ. It would be such a terrible waste and tragedy of a spiritual kind, if we ourselves forgot that God is still in control and He holds the answers we so desperately seek in times like these.
Take care,
Rod
Monday, June 18, 2012
"Words With Friends"
"Words With Friends" is a game you play online with other people. It's basically online scrabble. Although I am not very good at it, I really enjoy playing. I have had games with a woman I got to baptize a few years ago in Virginia, an old college teammate and friend, a man who was in my youth group in my very first ministry, a guy I used to work with in Indiana, and my best friend in the world and his wife (she always kills me). I also play with family members periodically, like my son-in-law, (I really want to beat him someday) and my wife and daughter. It is a real good time and I enjoy the mental thought process, no matter what the score. I don't use a dictionary like I know some of my foes do (you know who you are). I just try to win it by memory and luck. I have probably lost more than I have won, but I keep trying.
Now let's get a little spiritual shall we? What about the real game of words with friends? How are you doing with talking to your "pre-christian" friends about a relationship with Christ? It's hard isn't it. I mean, we try to think of the right words at the right time said in the right way, but somehow we either stumble or chicken out.
What would it take to get you and I a little more aggressive? I mean what needs to take place, happen, or change for you and I to get a little bolder and persistent when it comes to having "words with friends" about Jesus? A seminary degree? A near death experience? A "road to Damascus" experience? No, I don't think that is it, because eventually that would wear off. I think what we need is some LUCK.
Before you close the page let me clarify.
L stands for Love. Everything we do is generated out of love for Christ and love for our friends. We would do everything we could to save them if their house was on fire or they were in the middle of a raging river without a life jacket. So what about the fact that if they don't know Jesus personally they are in far worse shape than if they were standing in the middle of that burning house.
U stands for Understanding. We don't often talk to people because we make assumptions about why they are the way they are when it comes to God, Jesus and all things spiritual. I think we could probably feel a little more comfortable if we understood their story a little more. You see telling others about Christ is a little bit of a misnomer. It is more about listening to others understanding, beliefs and perspective on who Christ is and why He came to earth.
C stands for Christlike. I think Jesus was often frustrated with the response He got from His family and friends don't you? I mean His own family at one time thought He was crazy. He taught and people walked away from Him. Yet He stayed true to His message and He was persistent.
K stands for Knowledge. I am always a little disappointed when I ask a Christ-follower why they follow Jesus and what He has done for them and they share from the heart how they feel and what they understand. I like feelings but my faith is not based upon feelings alone. It is based upon some cold hard facts. Like the fact that there is no other way to heaven but through Christ. Like my sins were forgiven totally but I am to live a life of pursuing holiness and bringing glory to God. Like the fact that this world needs hope and Jesus is the ONLY hope. We are to be instant in and out of season to be ready to share Christ with others. Read your Bible, don't just take what you get on Sundays and hope it carries you...because it's not enough spiritual nutrition. You need more. Read the scriptures.
So there is a word for my friends today: LUCK
Take care,
Rod
Now let's get a little spiritual shall we? What about the real game of words with friends? How are you doing with talking to your "pre-christian" friends about a relationship with Christ? It's hard isn't it. I mean, we try to think of the right words at the right time said in the right way, but somehow we either stumble or chicken out.
What would it take to get you and I a little more aggressive? I mean what needs to take place, happen, or change for you and I to get a little bolder and persistent when it comes to having "words with friends" about Jesus? A seminary degree? A near death experience? A "road to Damascus" experience? No, I don't think that is it, because eventually that would wear off. I think what we need is some LUCK.
Before you close the page let me clarify.
L stands for Love. Everything we do is generated out of love for Christ and love for our friends. We would do everything we could to save them if their house was on fire or they were in the middle of a raging river without a life jacket. So what about the fact that if they don't know Jesus personally they are in far worse shape than if they were standing in the middle of that burning house.
U stands for Understanding. We don't often talk to people because we make assumptions about why they are the way they are when it comes to God, Jesus and all things spiritual. I think we could probably feel a little more comfortable if we understood their story a little more. You see telling others about Christ is a little bit of a misnomer. It is more about listening to others understanding, beliefs and perspective on who Christ is and why He came to earth.
C stands for Christlike. I think Jesus was often frustrated with the response He got from His family and friends don't you? I mean His own family at one time thought He was crazy. He taught and people walked away from Him. Yet He stayed true to His message and He was persistent.
K stands for Knowledge. I am always a little disappointed when I ask a Christ-follower why they follow Jesus and what He has done for them and they share from the heart how they feel and what they understand. I like feelings but my faith is not based upon feelings alone. It is based upon some cold hard facts. Like the fact that there is no other way to heaven but through Christ. Like my sins were forgiven totally but I am to live a life of pursuing holiness and bringing glory to God. Like the fact that this world needs hope and Jesus is the ONLY hope. We are to be instant in and out of season to be ready to share Christ with others. Read your Bible, don't just take what you get on Sundays and hope it carries you...because it's not enough spiritual nutrition. You need more. Read the scriptures.
So there is a word for my friends today: LUCK
Take care,
Rod
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Pastor's Confession time
Confession time:
I have always hoped to be a Pastor of a large church, popular among pastor circles, maybe write a book or two, have some speaking engagements, and overall be a guy other pastors look up too.
There, is that self-centered enough for you?
I am not proud of admitting that, but it was the truth. Key word: "was". I wanted all of that, but that never materialized or happened for me. I know the reasons.
Here's why: God couldn't honor my selfish, prideful heart. Plain and simple.
I pursued the things of my heart and not the things of God's heart. Now let me tell you, there are A LOT of good, godly men who have and do all those things I wanted and it is BECAUSE they are seeking the heart of God that they get to preach and lead in those venues I once desired. But for me, I did ministry out of the heart of selfish pursuits.
Today, my desire is to serve. I want simply to hear the will of God and do it. That's it. I want to serve Fernley Nevada with a heart of Christ and a desire to help others fall in love with Him. Not fall in love with me, not fall in love with Journey, but fall in love with Jesus.
The pride that ruled my heart for years still fights and argues with me everyday. I have to submit my will to God, surrender my pride to God, and supply for the things of God in order to stay on the simple road of hearing God's will and doing it.
I dream of a church that does the same. I dream of leading people to follow Christ into service and battle. I dream of people that simply want to serve however Christ would call them to serve. People who will submit and surrender to God's will. I dream of a church that serves the community with gladness and a passion. I dream of a church that gives generously to the work of the church and the needs of others. I dream of a church that volunteers in the community in order to bring light into the dark places of Fernley.
And as for me, well I want to serve alongside them. Doing the will of the Father. That's it.
Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. Confession is good for the soul.
Take care,
Rod
I have always hoped to be a Pastor of a large church, popular among pastor circles, maybe write a book or two, have some speaking engagements, and overall be a guy other pastors look up too.
There, is that self-centered enough for you?
I am not proud of admitting that, but it was the truth. Key word: "was". I wanted all of that, but that never materialized or happened for me. I know the reasons.
Here's why: God couldn't honor my selfish, prideful heart. Plain and simple.
I pursued the things of my heart and not the things of God's heart. Now let me tell you, there are A LOT of good, godly men who have and do all those things I wanted and it is BECAUSE they are seeking the heart of God that they get to preach and lead in those venues I once desired. But for me, I did ministry out of the heart of selfish pursuits.
Today, my desire is to serve. I want simply to hear the will of God and do it. That's it. I want to serve Fernley Nevada with a heart of Christ and a desire to help others fall in love with Him. Not fall in love with me, not fall in love with Journey, but fall in love with Jesus.
The pride that ruled my heart for years still fights and argues with me everyday. I have to submit my will to God, surrender my pride to God, and supply for the things of God in order to stay on the simple road of hearing God's will and doing it.
I dream of a church that does the same. I dream of leading people to follow Christ into service and battle. I dream of people that simply want to serve however Christ would call them to serve. People who will submit and surrender to God's will. I dream of a church that serves the community with gladness and a passion. I dream of a church that gives generously to the work of the church and the needs of others. I dream of a church that volunteers in the community in order to bring light into the dark places of Fernley.
And as for me, well I want to serve alongside them. Doing the will of the Father. That's it.
Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. Confession is good for the soul.
Take care,
Rod
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Summer Break
Well school is out this week and we start our Summer Break here in Fernley. I love my summer break. I always take the month of July off as a sabbatical and use it to refresh, travel, read and plan. It is important to do that periodically.
Breaks are good. It changes things up, recharges the batteries, and can give us some time to reflect as well as look ahead with anticipation. I like to take breaks.
There is one thing that troubles me though. Many take their summer breaks and they take their break from work, school, daily routines and unfortunately church. Of course, you know what I am going to say, it's not healthy to take time away from the church too often. Especially the whole summer. When we get away from the church we miss out on so much God has in store for our lives. Church should help us in our refreshing. It should contribute to our rest. God wants you to rest, He expects you to rest, but He can help you rest through worship, fellowship and time in the word.
There are other reasons that we should not forsake the assembly of ourselves together...(Hebrews 10:25). It can teach our children that church is an elective to our christian walk. If its convenient then we go, but there are other things equally or even more important, such as trips to the lake, little league, or even lazy Sunday Mornings. Making God's time elective time is a dangerous and damaging habit to the faith of our children as well as our own walk.
Another reason is that the church still has to go on, even during the summer months. We still serve, still have need of nursery help, someone to work with the kids, and other ministries. We also still have expenses. While people may take a break; rent, utilities and salaries must go on! So our expenses don't change during this summer break! Often when people choose not to attend church for a while, they also choose not to tithe and give for a while.
So this summer, I want to encourage you to take your breaks, but don't break from the fellowship of God's church. If you are traveling then visit a church in the area you are staying. See what's out there. Perhaps you will see or hear something that can help out your local church. Or perhaps it will even make you appreciate your local church more.
I got to go...it's break time!
Take care,
Rod
Breaks are good. It changes things up, recharges the batteries, and can give us some time to reflect as well as look ahead with anticipation. I like to take breaks.
There is one thing that troubles me though. Many take their summer breaks and they take their break from work, school, daily routines and unfortunately church. Of course, you know what I am going to say, it's not healthy to take time away from the church too often. Especially the whole summer. When we get away from the church we miss out on so much God has in store for our lives. Church should help us in our refreshing. It should contribute to our rest. God wants you to rest, He expects you to rest, but He can help you rest through worship, fellowship and time in the word.
There are other reasons that we should not forsake the assembly of ourselves together...(Hebrews 10:25). It can teach our children that church is an elective to our christian walk. If its convenient then we go, but there are other things equally or even more important, such as trips to the lake, little league, or even lazy Sunday Mornings. Making God's time elective time is a dangerous and damaging habit to the faith of our children as well as our own walk.
Another reason is that the church still has to go on, even during the summer months. We still serve, still have need of nursery help, someone to work with the kids, and other ministries. We also still have expenses. While people may take a break; rent, utilities and salaries must go on! So our expenses don't change during this summer break! Often when people choose not to attend church for a while, they also choose not to tithe and give for a while.
So this summer, I want to encourage you to take your breaks, but don't break from the fellowship of God's church. If you are traveling then visit a church in the area you are staying. See what's out there. Perhaps you will see or hear something that can help out your local church. Or perhaps it will even make you appreciate your local church more.
I got to go...it's break time!
Take care,
Rod
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Waiting on the Lord
I hate waiting. I really do. If I have a slow foursome playing in front of me at the Golf course, I get impatient and I want to hit one at them. (I don't, but I want to). If I have to wait in traffic I get frustrated. Long lines at WalMart drive me crazy. If I have to wait on my computer to process over 3 seconds, I get frustrated. I am NOT a patient man. I admit it.
Now, with that being said I also know that God often requires us to wait upon Him.
Psalm 5:2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
for I pray to no one but you.
3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 27:13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 62:5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
All good verses and certainly show that God often expects us to wait FOR Him.
So what do we do when we are waiting and the answers aren't coming? What do we do when the pressures mount and it seems like we aren't hearing anything?
I have been searching this out recently because I am in a season of waiting upon the Lord. I struggle with this and I want to know what it is He wants from me and I want to know now! But God is asking me to be patient and wait. So here is what I am learning. I am learning that He knows me better than I know myself. He knows what I need and the desires of my heart. I can be rest assured that God loves me and He has my best interest at heart. I need to be patient as I wait on the Lord, the everlasting God. I need to be at peace and let my strength renew.
Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
So you see God knows and I do not. He hasn't lost sight of me or forgotten about me. He is wanting me to trust Him and His lovingkindness. He wants me to stop trying to figure it out and just sit tight and BELIEVE in Him. So I wait and I trust.
Proverb 3:5,6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
So, no real revelation here...wait and trust, wait and trust, wait and trust. This is what I must do. Why? Because I got nothing. I got no answers. BUT, I know who does. So I wait and trust.
Take care,
Rod
Now, with that being said I also know that God often requires us to wait upon Him.
Psalm 5:2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
for I pray to no one but you.
3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 27:13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 62:5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
All good verses and certainly show that God often expects us to wait FOR Him.
So what do we do when we are waiting and the answers aren't coming? What do we do when the pressures mount and it seems like we aren't hearing anything?
I have been searching this out recently because I am in a season of waiting upon the Lord. I struggle with this and I want to know what it is He wants from me and I want to know now! But God is asking me to be patient and wait. So here is what I am learning. I am learning that He knows me better than I know myself. He knows what I need and the desires of my heart. I can be rest assured that God loves me and He has my best interest at heart. I need to be patient as I wait on the Lord, the everlasting God. I need to be at peace and let my strength renew.
Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
So you see God knows and I do not. He hasn't lost sight of me or forgotten about me. He is wanting me to trust Him and His lovingkindness. He wants me to stop trying to figure it out and just sit tight and BELIEVE in Him. So I wait and I trust.
Proverb 3:5,6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
So, no real revelation here...wait and trust, wait and trust, wait and trust. This is what I must do. Why? Because I got nothing. I got no answers. BUT, I know who does. So I wait and trust.
Take care,
Rod
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