Flesh It Out (07/11/22)

 

Read Judges 10:1-5.

Tola and Jair.  Each has a brief paragraph which gives a few personal details but nothing concerning ministry.  In that regard all we're given is how long each served.  That's it. The same Holy Spirit who authorized three chapters to Gideon allowed one paragraph each to Tola and Jair.  We're not told what each did for twenty-plus years, only that they served.  Somewhere in there is a message about faithfully serving God in obscurity.  Don't serve to be impressive before men or to do something noteworthy.  Just be faithful each day to what the Lord puts before you.  Forget notoriety.

How To Be Great In God's Eyes (Lu. 1:15-17)

Read Luke 1:15-17.

1. Stay away from that which God forbids.  There are things He forbids for all His followers, and then there are specific things He might forbid for a particular follower.  The Christian life is about "separation from" in order to be "separated unto."  Beware, lest Christian "liberty" become misinterpreted as "anything goes."

2.  Be filled (and stay filled) with the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit works to suppress sin, stimulate righteousness, and empower your witness.

3.  Serve in the priorities of turning (evangelism) and preparing (discipleship).

The Reality Of The Ministry

1.  Ministry:  There is a great and effective door (1 Cor. 16:9).
2.  Ministry:  There are many adversaries (1 Cor. 16:9).
3.  Ministry:  It is hard work (1 Cor. 15:10; 16:15).

My Prayer (06/14/17)

Read 2 Corinthians 3:6.

Lord, make me an effective minister.  My sufficiency is in You and from You.  Keep me focused more on obedience than success.  Should any praise come my way, help me remember to deflect it back to You in praise.  You alone deserve the glory!  Thank You for the privilege of the call.

Anna's Service (Lu. 2:36-38)

Read Luke 2:36-38.

Anna didn't allow certain things to limit her effectiveness in ministry:  her age, her sadness, her gender, her loneliness, her weakness, etc.  Though she was a prophetess, she still was allowed no further than the court of women.  Anna made every effort and no excuse.

Insights on Matthew 18:31

Read Matthew 18:31.

• This is how ministry is birthed.
• What do you see?
• How does what you see make you feel?
• What does God want you to do, based upon what you see, feel and hear?
• The first step is the hardest, yet easiest.
• The first step is a choice to get involved.
• You're busy.
• You hesitate to put anything else on your do-do list.
• The first step is within your ability and time commitment.
• In this case, step one was for the fellow servants to tell their master.
• You can at least pray about the situation that troubles you!
• Your responsibility might or might not end at step one.
• In this case, the fellow servants told their master and he took it from there.
• Sometimes you will have a step two or even a step three.
• Stay in the process until God releases you.

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 6)

JESUS CHRIST WAS GOD'S SERVANT.

Understand that Jesus isn't asking you to do anything He didn't model.

• In the Old Testament, Jesus was called the Servant.
• There are portions in Isaiah that are referred to as “The Servant Songs.”
• In the New Testament, Jesus called Himself “Servant” (Mk. 10:45; Lu. 22:27).
•  He was God's chosen servant (Lu. 9:35).
•  He was a humble servant (Mt. 11:29).
• He was an obedient servant (Mt. 26:39; Phil. 2:8).
• He was a focused servant.
• He was a silent servant (Isa. 53:7; Mt. 26:62-63a).
• He was a reliable servant (Jn. 17:4).

Jesus fulfilled the task – “drove the donkey” – that He was called to.

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin 4:22-24) (Part 5)

Conclusion:

Both the world and the church could do with fewer self-appointed superstars and more donkey-

drivers (more servants). Which would you rather be – Elisha, who does the miracle, or the unnamed servant, who drives the donkey? If we were honest, most of us would not choose to drive the donkey. It's not as exciting as raising the dead!

Here is God's invitation today: Will you drive the donkey? What do you mean, Pastor? Think of a “donkey” as a simple, non-glamorous task, for which you will receive little thanks, yet its completion is essential to the ongoing testimony of our church's story. You will champion this task by taking it on yourself.

Here are a few donkeys that need to be driven.

• The nursery needs to be re-done and brought up to daycare standards.
• The fellowship hall roof needs to be replaced immediately.
• The annual Thanksgiving Dinner Outreach needs to be coordinated.

Quote: "Christianity “is an intensely practical thing.”¹ (William Barclay) Without the practical things being done, the spiritual things don't seem to work as well.

If you want to “drive the donkey”, then you must embrace the traits of a servant.

1Barclay, William. The Letters To The Corinthians. Revised Edition. Daily Study Bible Series. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1975. p. 116. (Barclay is commenting on 1 Cor. 12:28 re: “helps.”)

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 4)

5. THE SERVANT WAS RELIABLE.

HE WAS TRUSTED WITH THE WELFARE OF HIS MASTER'S BRIDE. All of a sudden, such a “menial” task took on great seriousness. The servant wasn't just driving a donkey; he was providing needed assistance for his master's wife and would be responsible for her welfare.

Instead of labeling what you are doing as “insignificant” or “menial”, consider Who it is that called you to do it. The “Who” must always frame the “what.”

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 3)

3. THE SERVANT WAS OBEDIENT.

WHEN ASKED TO DRIVE THE DONKEY, THE SERVANT DIDN'T COMPLAIN OR REBEL.

• He wasn't put out nor was he put down by being asked to do such a menial task.
• He didn't cop an attitude: “Now you're going to tell me how to drive the donkey?”
• He just wanted to do what he could with excellence and skill, while pleasing his authority.

4. THE SERVANT WAS FOCUSED.

HE DIDN'T SEE THE NEED TO TALK.  In the story, the servant didn't say one word to anyone. He made no small talk and gave no advice. 

How easily talk can sidetrack or distract people!  I travel Route 66 south often. Usually my intended destination is Monroeville, and my intended stops there are bookstores or specialty food stores. I know, what a narrow life, right?  Occasionally I have to go to Greensburg. I can't tell you how many times I've started towards Greensburg, only to find myself halfway up the ramp to Route 380 towards Monroeville.

No, my memory isn't slipping – at least I don't think so. Rather, it is that sometimes I can't drive and talk. If I don't concentrate on where I am going, I will end up somewhere else. It is not uncommon for my co-pilot to remind me, “Remember, you're not getting off here.”

In my situation, I turned around and got back on track towards Greensburg. I wasted a little time, but I still arrived at my destination.  In today's story, the servant couldn't afford to waste any time. Getting to Elisha sooner than later was essential. Had he made one wrong turn, perhaps the story doesn't end well.

You can talk yourself right into incompetency! When you need to act, talking something to death won't get the job done.

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 2)

FIVE OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE UNNAMED SERVANT

1. THE SERVANT WAS CHOSEN. 

THE MASTER SELECTED HIM FROM AMONG HIS MANY WORKERS. What a privilege when the Master calls you to serve! Remember that He could've called someone else. Since He didn't, that makes you both necessary and special.

2. THE SERVANT WAS HUMBLE. 

HE KNEW WHAT HE COULDN'T DO. He couldn't resurrect the boy or comfort the mother. Either one would've been a “big” deal – highly noticed and much appreciated.

HE KNEW WHAT HE COULD DO. He could drive the donkey. That doesn't sound glamorous, does it? After all, when someone wants to make a contribution, he wants to make one that counts. Don't serve Jesus out of the capabilities you wish you had; serve Jesus out of the capability and opportunity that you do have.

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 1)

Introduction:

Society tends to put down those who are lowly, meek or quiet. Often they are considered “second class”. Some prefer that they be neither seen nor heard.

Society often values the wrong things.

• There is an emphasis on greatness, not humility.
• There is an emphasis on fame, not duty.
• There is an emphasis on rights, not responsibility.
• There is an emphasis on notoriety, not obscurity.
• There is an emphasis on aptitude, not attitude.
• There is an emphasis on leading, not serving.

Society tends to look down on, forget about or ignore the “small”, whether it is an event, a place or a person. Yet, great consequences come from small things. 

• Illustration: Tongue (Jam. 3:5)
• Illustration: O-Ring (Challenger)¹

This week's story is about a little man. No, his name is not Zacchaeus. (Only you Sunday School enthusiasts got that one.)

• We do not know his name or where he was from.
• We do not know why he was chosen for an assignment.
• We do not know anything that he might have said or thought.
• We only know that he was a servant who completed his work.

Read 2 Kin. 4:18-37 for context. This week's message is based upon verses 22-24.

What, exactly, did the servant do? He drove a donkey. That's it. What a resume builder! Can you imagine his next job interview?

“I see that you are in the domestic servant business.” Can you tell me about that?”

“I was servant for a prominent Shunammite man and his wife.”

“I see. What task did you most recently perform for that couple?”

“Well, I drove a donkey.”

In our world, there is slim chance that man gets hired because he can drive a donkey. Remember, though, that without this servant's donkey-driving expertise, there might not have been a miracle, since the woman wouldn't have gotten quickly to Elisha.

The unnamed, faithful servant is essential to this story. What can be said about him? There are five observations to consider.

1http://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/explode.html (accessed 08-06-16)

My Thoughts Inexactly (03/12/16)

NOTES:

1. Today's subject is "expectations."
2. Each person to whom you minister has expectations of you.  It can be crushing sometimes, working beneath all those expectations.  (Of course, there are a lot of "perks" too.)
3. You can't allow the opinions of everyone else to determine how and why you "do" ministry.
4. Be as accommodating as you can, but don't live under the pressure of trying to fulfill every expectation.
5. There is no way, no matter how gifted you are, that you can possibly live up to every expectation of every person.
6. Instead of being liked, it is better that you are respected.

RESOURCES:

• Ten Things Members Desire In A Pastor
• Expectations For A Pastor
• What Do Lay People Want In Pastors?
• Healthy Churches, Faithful Pastors by David Keck.  Get the book here.

My Thoughts Inexactly (02/27/16)

NOTES

1. Today's subject is "fishing" - getting ready to maximize the season between Palm Sunday and Pentecost Sunday.  This episode is more of a pep talk than a nuts-and-bolts guide.
2. Just a reminder that Easter is four weeks from tomorrow.  I hope you've already started praying and planning.
3. Don't hesitate to go where the fish are, but realize that, this time of year, many "fish" will come to you.  Be ready for them.
4. Don't dread this busy time.  Sure, it takes a lot out of you, but the reward will be worth it.  Get excited about this most opportune time!

Oh! The Horror! (Mt. 7:21-24)

1.  These were opportunistic, doing exceptional, miraculous work.  No man could deny their effectiveness.  What a ministry!  What a gift mix!  What notoriety!

2.  These were known by men but not by Jesus.  Men were impressed, but Jesus wasn't.  They "knew" Jesus but He didn't know them.

3.  Perhaps the key is v. 24.  Jesus wasn't after their service but their obedience.  Obedience is the fruit or evidence of being Jesus' disciple.  Jesus prefers meticulous obedience to miraculous opportunities.

4.  The final analysis:  These men worked for Someone they never knew.

Don't Forget Judea (Ac. 1:8)

"...and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (Ac. 1:8)

Jerusalem.  This is the locality of your church, the place where your church meets.  If you're at Apollo Assembly of God, then "Jerusalem" is Apollo.  If you attend a house church, then "Jerusalem" is the neighborhood in which you meet. Simple, right?

Judea.  I'll get to that in a minute.

Samaria.  This is your state and region.  Within them are people who have less in common with you.  They dress differently, speak differently and think differently.  They still need to be reached for Jesus!  You're glad to support such organizations as Teen Challenge.  When the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association hosted a crusade in the big city near you, wholeheartedly you led the charge.  You're not against working with other churches and denominations to accomplish regional or statewide impact.

The remotest part of the earth. Global missions.  You're moved each time you hear the phrase "unreached people group".  When a missionary comes, you pledge prayer and finances to that ministry.  You might have even gone on a missions trip.  You're invested, willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill Mk. 16:15.

Question.  What about Judea?  What about the area within your church's 15-mile radius?  What are you doing to reach that area?  It's not that you're disinterested.  It's not that you think it's someone else's job.  You don't believe it's the job of the area "megachurch."  I know resources are limited.  Take a minute and dream, though.  If resources weren't an obstacle, what would you do in your "Judea"?  Write it down.  That's vision, brother.  God gave it to you.  He will cause it to happen.

There Is No Substitute for Passion (Rev. 2:2-4)

Being faithful in your work, taking a strong stand against sin, and having high discernment cannot compensate for diminishing passion toward Jesus.

Monday Morning Thinking

Nelson Searcy stirred my thinking this morning.

1. The average church has developed systems to keep them and their pastor operating in average ways.
2. Did you go into ministry because you wanted to do ‘average’ things for an ‘average’ God at an ‘average’ church?
3. Do you pray to play it safe or do you pray to put a dent in hell?

http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/blog/2012/04/16/are-you-a-renegade-pastor-see-why-so-many-pastors-are-becoming-renegades-the-next-briefing-call-is-tomorrow/ (Accessed 04.16.12)

#1 The hardest thing may be to get church attendees and council members to agree.  So many think we're doing just fine.
#2 No.  I was going to conquer the world and experience extraordinary things!  Lord, deliver me from "average."
#3 I don't want to pray safe prayers.

Bye Bye to the Yews

Thanks to Joleen and Carolyn, who worked so hard today at the main entrance.  The two yews are gone.  This is much better for aesthetics and security.  Flowers were planted.  Shortly, we should be enjoying their colors.

What a good example of ministry.  Ministry is anything you do for the purpose of pleasing Jesus.  There is ministry at home, ministry at work, ministry at church, ministry in the community.

A Ministry of Tears (Ac. 20:17-38)

Certainly, we would say Paul's ministry was successful, faithful and fruitful.  What made it so?  (There were many things.  This subject could become a series in itself.)  One thing that stands out:  Paul's ministry was a ministry of tears.

• Tears of serving (Ac. 20:19)
• Tears of warning (Ac. 20:31)
• Tears of moving and separating (Ac. 20:37-38)

If you're going to serve the Lord, be prepared to sow some tears.  Remember, God collects those tears (Psa. 56:8).  They mean something to Him.