It was a warm day in Montego Bay Jamaica. My contact was 2 hours late, and I was getting very frustrated! It was my responsibility to minister to the local children, and my team of children's workers with clowns, puppets and treats were waiting to do there thing. But we could not get in the location where we were supposed to be. It looked like a wash, but I decided to go to plan b. Send the clowns and team out in to the community while I waited on our contact. Just love kids and tell them about Jesus, was my mandate.
Sitting on a brick wall, I got in a whiny phase quite quickly and felt that I would not be able to do anything. I was not a "mature" or flexible as I am now, but back then when my plan did not work because of others which "I" had no control over it could set me in a "tunnel vision" mentality. I quickly prayed to get my spirit in line with God, and as I looked up there was a man walking by me. Long story short, I was able to share Christ with him and lead him in to a new life!
As he walked away, The Holy Spirit spoke up and said " He is why you were here today." The plan got me there, but the project was different than I percieved. Get this in your Spirit! We see In the book of Acts that a disciple heard the "Macedonian Call" by a man to share Christ in a dream. When He got there though, he met a woman named Lydia. This was his open door. He could have said... "No...I am looking for a man" and he would have missed establishing a church in this Godly woman's home. The plan or vision got him there, but the project looked differently than he may have thought things should look.
I am reminded about this daily as I walk with Christ and be faithful in the small things in order to reach the People of Nashville. I despise no man's ministry. I desire no one's field. God has my own field. Just because I cannot yet discern what that looks like, or it has not matured like I thought it would, does not mean that it is less the truth.
In your life today, Be open to God. Do not overlook that which is happening in your life or discount it as insignificant. It is not. God has brought you here, and even when it does not look like plan a for you, get ready to shine with His plan in your heart. Then you will truly experience unexpected blessings! Pastor J.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Big Sky!
Montana is a beautiful State. Majestic mountains, streams, plains. It has been years since I have been there, but what I remember of it was no less than spectacular. The thing that sticks out in my mind most is their marketing phrase..."Big Sky"....and if you have ever seen photos or visited, it is most appropriate. It seems like the sunset goes on forever....limitless in the view of the horizon, and at night the bright sky lit up with millions of stars. Coyotes singing their night song communicating with one another and a breeze from the mountains that put a chill in your body. Nothing like it! Oh Big Sky....I miss you.
This is the end of another year, and another decade. 2010 is as close as the turn of a page. Many are the memories of 2009, and the bittersweet taste of accomplishments in our lives that we had, mixed with many lost opportunities, un-met goals and the loss of special people. Or in lesser yet as painful at times..dreams that may never be realized. They are drops of water in an endless sea of life and history. Many of you may be discouraged, even depressed. Some may be out right defeated! The toll of time sucks the life out of you. But may I encourage you for this season in your life? Go to Big Sky country!
No I am not a travel guide. (though that would be cool), nor a spokesman for Montana. What I do mean is dare to see the unlimited possibilities of 2010. Dare to see the Big, unlimited Sky of life, where you look as far over the horizon, and see as high and as clear as looking at the night sky of the big west. Yes there will still be a chill in the air occasionally. Yes there may be coyotes wanting to ruin your picnic, but keep looking up at the big sky!
I have had many successes in my life, which also means that I have had many failures. Unrealized dreams, stupid decisions, bad choices, missed opportunities. Those failures are like building a building of defeat. As they build up in your life, it becomes a city which can block your view of the big limitless horizon.
This Year, Like me...please dare to dream again. Keep believing! And most of all, keep Jesus as the focus in your life. That is the beginning of peace and it is from God which all blessings abound. See you in Big Sky Country!
This is the end of another year, and another decade. 2010 is as close as the turn of a page. Many are the memories of 2009, and the bittersweet taste of accomplishments in our lives that we had, mixed with many lost opportunities, un-met goals and the loss of special people. Or in lesser yet as painful at times..dreams that may never be realized. They are drops of water in an endless sea of life and history. Many of you may be discouraged, even depressed. Some may be out right defeated! The toll of time sucks the life out of you. But may I encourage you for this season in your life? Go to Big Sky country!
No I am not a travel guide. (though that would be cool), nor a spokesman for Montana. What I do mean is dare to see the unlimited possibilities of 2010. Dare to see the Big, unlimited Sky of life, where you look as far over the horizon, and see as high and as clear as looking at the night sky of the big west. Yes there will still be a chill in the air occasionally. Yes there may be coyotes wanting to ruin your picnic, but keep looking up at the big sky!
I have had many successes in my life, which also means that I have had many failures. Unrealized dreams, stupid decisions, bad choices, missed opportunities. Those failures are like building a building of defeat. As they build up in your life, it becomes a city which can block your view of the big limitless horizon.
This Year, Like me...please dare to dream again. Keep believing! And most of all, keep Jesus as the focus in your life. That is the beginning of peace and it is from God which all blessings abound. See you in Big Sky Country!
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Best is Yet to Come!
Recently, a local magazine came out with a "best of" list for 2009 for our city. There were many list concerning eating establishments, clothing stores, cake decorators, catering and the like. It was very impressive except for the fact that I was no where on the list for say...."best blogger" or "best cyber pastor" or anything else! Maybe next year.
One thing that I thought about when viewing the list was that we as a people have a great capacity to thrive during adversity.We are also people who make choices. Our choices make us who we are. Let me expound.
If you decide to live in the past, you will have limited or no future. This is your choice. If you truly believe that you have lived your best years, and it is all downhill from here, you will be correct. However, if you believe that the best is yet to come, and you choose to work hard, make a goal, develop a plan, and follow through, I can assure you that your future is bright. No, not all of your dreams will come true, but many will. Not everything will be easy. We are a product of our decisions, and many times things beyond our control happen that prevents us from accomplishing said goal. You cannot change certain things, and need to learn to let them go. Only change what you can. Keep moving. Keep beleiving. Keep putting Christ first. If you do these things, I am sure that the best is yet to come!
One thing that I thought about when viewing the list was that we as a people have a great capacity to thrive during adversity.We are also people who make choices. Our choices make us who we are. Let me expound.
If you decide to live in the past, you will have limited or no future. This is your choice. If you truly believe that you have lived your best years, and it is all downhill from here, you will be correct. However, if you believe that the best is yet to come, and you choose to work hard, make a goal, develop a plan, and follow through, I can assure you that your future is bright. No, not all of your dreams will come true, but many will. Not everything will be easy. We are a product of our decisions, and many times things beyond our control happen that prevents us from accomplishing said goal. You cannot change certain things, and need to learn to let them go. Only change what you can. Keep moving. Keep beleiving. Keep putting Christ first. If you do these things, I am sure that the best is yet to come!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Who Ya Gonna Call?
No. this is not a retro look at "Ghostbusters". But nonetheless a point that I hope you get.
A few days ago,it was pooring down rain. I was driving on the highway, when I passed by someone involved in a pretty bad looking wreck. They had lost control, and were in the woods wedged against a tree. Due to the fact that traffic would not allow me to stop, I called 911. The first time, I was told to call another number. I did so, and then was placed on hold! We are talking 911 here! After a short wait, I was then told again that I would be transfered to another THP site. It took about five minites to finally get the right people, and by then, help was on the way. WOW
The Bible states that some trust in horses, or chariots, but we will trust in the name of the Lord. Psalms 18 states this "In my distress, I called out to you, and you answered me, and came down from your high place....."
If you were to read the entire chapter, David states that God is his rock and fortress. That when he needed help from evil men, or persecution or confusing times, he called on God, and the word says that God answered. It kind of gives a picture of a parent who hears the scared or helpless cry of their child. They immediatly flair up and take a defensive stance to come to the rescue and take care of anyone or anything that is messing with their own. God came down, and took care of business.
I do not know where you are, but in my life, I needed to hear this. With uncertain and frustrating times, I needed to be reminded not to look to anyone else for a false hope, but rather to look to God the author and finisher of our faith. Amen.
A few days ago,it was pooring down rain. I was driving on the highway, when I passed by someone involved in a pretty bad looking wreck. They had lost control, and were in the woods wedged against a tree. Due to the fact that traffic would not allow me to stop, I called 911. The first time, I was told to call another number. I did so, and then was placed on hold! We are talking 911 here! After a short wait, I was then told again that I would be transfered to another THP site. It took about five minites to finally get the right people, and by then, help was on the way. WOW
The Bible states that some trust in horses, or chariots, but we will trust in the name of the Lord. Psalms 18 states this "In my distress, I called out to you, and you answered me, and came down from your high place....."
If you were to read the entire chapter, David states that God is his rock and fortress. That when he needed help from evil men, or persecution or confusing times, he called on God, and the word says that God answered. It kind of gives a picture of a parent who hears the scared or helpless cry of their child. They immediatly flair up and take a defensive stance to come to the rescue and take care of anyone or anything that is messing with their own. God came down, and took care of business.
I do not know where you are, but in my life, I needed to hear this. With uncertain and frustrating times, I needed to be reminded not to look to anyone else for a false hope, but rather to look to God the author and finisher of our faith. Amen.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Part Three Re-Focusing
The next portion that I wish to discuss in the area of re-focusing is balance. Have you ever been on a vacation or trip, and you end up with all of the luggage to tote in? It is surely a balancing act the more luggage you have! And you find quickly that you have way too much stuff!
Quickly assess each area of your life. Do you get enough exercise? Are you eating right? Do you spend personal as well as family time? In our home, for example, when the kids seem a bit grumpy, Lynne and I will stop and ask ourselves why they are acting up so. Many times it has been because we had missed family meal times. These times re-center our family. Without them, the kids, as well as mom and dad feel a dis-connect. Sickness or tiredness will make you foggy. Get the proper rest. Is your personal spiritual life on the back burner? Check out your balance. Too much time spent in one area will cause you to drop the rest of your "luggage".
Quickly assess each area of your life. Do you get enough exercise? Are you eating right? Do you spend personal as well as family time? In our home, for example, when the kids seem a bit grumpy, Lynne and I will stop and ask ourselves why they are acting up so. Many times it has been because we had missed family meal times. These times re-center our family. Without them, the kids, as well as mom and dad feel a dis-connect. Sickness or tiredness will make you foggy. Get the proper rest. Is your personal spiritual life on the back burner? Check out your balance. Too much time spent in one area will cause you to drop the rest of your "luggage".
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Re-Focus Part Dos
The next thing I wish to discuss on re-focusing your life when you are disoriented is to go back to a set reference point. This is important. There was a story in the Old Testament concerning Elisha (so I think) that one day a man came to him and said "man of God...i need help. I borrowed someone's axe, and the head fell off in the water." The prophet asked him where he lost his axe head, and said a prayer and the axe head floated to the surface and was recovered.
More recently, I shared a story of a "drug sweep" at a local High School where the drug dog "hit" on this kids car. When the trunk was opened, the officers laughed, and sent the scared teen back to class. What had happened is that drug dogs are trained to find drugs in tennis balls when they are younger. The car belonged to the tennis star of the school, and the trunk was full of fuzzy tennis balls! The dog lost his focus!
When we loose focus, we need to stop, and go back to where we lost our "axe head". Ask yourself what is it that your goal was , find out where you got off track, and go back to what is really important. More later. Jory
More recently, I shared a story of a "drug sweep" at a local High School where the drug dog "hit" on this kids car. When the trunk was opened, the officers laughed, and sent the scared teen back to class. What had happened is that drug dogs are trained to find drugs in tennis balls when they are younger. The car belonged to the tennis star of the school, and the trunk was full of fuzzy tennis balls! The dog lost his focus!
When we loose focus, we need to stop, and go back to where we lost our "axe head". Ask yourself what is it that your goal was , find out where you got off track, and go back to what is really important. More later. Jory
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Re-Focusing your life
I wish to discuss a few things concerning our life focus. It is easy to get out of focus with our daily lives. I was reminded of this as I attempted to drive out of State one day recently. Due to tiredness, I had a problem with my eyes blurring while driving and it made it difficult to stay on course.
A few years back, I read a leadership article that stated that everyone looses focus now and then. Even CEO's and CFO's of large companies. The difference, stated the leadership strategist was that upon surveying the execs of many companies as well as the regular grind of the mill worker, was that the execs had a simple, straightforward plan to regain focus quickly. The average worker did not. based on this nugget, I would like to share some of my re-focusing strategies that assist me. This week is on taking a pause.
In the Bible, we see an unusual word in the Psalms called "selah". It is often translated to mean...."the pause that refreshes" or "quiet yourself and reflect on that". When I am stressed out and need to refocus, I do my best to just stop and take a moment to reflect on how good my life really is. I thank Jesus for my wonderful wife and awesome kids. At times, I open my phone, and look through my scrapbook of pics with my family moments from times past. The grins and giggles, and funny faces make me laugh as I remember the moment that the picture represents. This is why I do what I do every day. My purpose. To raise a Godly loving family and leave my kids fond memories of growing up. Sometimes I pause and think of who I am in Christ, and all He has done for me. After that, I clear my mind of the clutter, ask for guidance through prayer, and re-focus on the task at hand. It's like a mental and spiritual mini-vacation! Next time you get stressed or loose focus, try some of these things. You can also share some of your best ways to "selah" in order to re-focus. Jory
A few years back, I read a leadership article that stated that everyone looses focus now and then. Even CEO's and CFO's of large companies. The difference, stated the leadership strategist was that upon surveying the execs of many companies as well as the regular grind of the mill worker, was that the execs had a simple, straightforward plan to regain focus quickly. The average worker did not. based on this nugget, I would like to share some of my re-focusing strategies that assist me. This week is on taking a pause.
In the Bible, we see an unusual word in the Psalms called "selah". It is often translated to mean...."the pause that refreshes" or "quiet yourself and reflect on that". When I am stressed out and need to refocus, I do my best to just stop and take a moment to reflect on how good my life really is. I thank Jesus for my wonderful wife and awesome kids. At times, I open my phone, and look through my scrapbook of pics with my family moments from times past. The grins and giggles, and funny faces make me laugh as I remember the moment that the picture represents. This is why I do what I do every day. My purpose. To raise a Godly loving family and leave my kids fond memories of growing up. Sometimes I pause and think of who I am in Christ, and all He has done for me. After that, I clear my mind of the clutter, ask for guidance through prayer, and re-focus on the task at hand. It's like a mental and spiritual mini-vacation! Next time you get stressed or loose focus, try some of these things. You can also share some of your best ways to "selah" in order to re-focus. Jory
Friday, July 24, 2009
So Long!
Sorry for such a long break! Life is crazy busy. I just experienced a great blessing this past week in going to the wedding of a dear friend and future partners in the ministry. Adam and Billie Smith are awesome. The wedding made me cry. To see such a beautiful bride, and stunnng groom it reminded me of what Jesus might be feeling about His bride...the church. He loves us. He does not love our church culture or the political drama that we create, but He does love His true church. Let us do our best to can the drama, the politics, the religious spirit, and concentrate on our wedding day when we will see the groom for the first time.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Backed up!
You may not wish to read this during a meal, but I need to share it as a not soon forgotten message.
A friend of mine recently told me of a difficult situation he had encountered. As he went in to his basement, he was shocked to find it filled with raw sewage! Mnay hours later, it was revealed that the problem was due to the septic system not being serviced and the old waste removed. Normally, a septic system needs to be cleaned out every two years. The owners of this home had not done so in seven. The problem was neglect.
In the book of Romans in chapter 12 we are reminded to not be conformed to the world (do what they do, speak like they speak, act like they act...or what we acted like before we came to Christ if that is your case) but to be renewed or transformed by the renewing of your mind through Christ Jesus.
In our lives, we have "stuff" that we are exposed to every day. It is just life. Every day, we have to contend with some of our old habits, or ways of thinking. Life again. But as we open up our spirits and allow Christ through the washing of the word and prayer, clean out the old stuff, things will once again flow properly in our lives. What "stuff" are you in need of having cleaned out of your life today?
A friend of mine recently told me of a difficult situation he had encountered. As he went in to his basement, he was shocked to find it filled with raw sewage! Mnay hours later, it was revealed that the problem was due to the septic system not being serviced and the old waste removed. Normally, a septic system needs to be cleaned out every two years. The owners of this home had not done so in seven. The problem was neglect.
In the book of Romans in chapter 12 we are reminded to not be conformed to the world (do what they do, speak like they speak, act like they act...or what we acted like before we came to Christ if that is your case) but to be renewed or transformed by the renewing of your mind through Christ Jesus.
In our lives, we have "stuff" that we are exposed to every day. It is just life. Every day, we have to contend with some of our old habits, or ways of thinking. Life again. But as we open up our spirits and allow Christ through the washing of the word and prayer, clean out the old stuff, things will once again flow properly in our lives. What "stuff" are you in need of having cleaned out of your life today?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Resident Evil
Normally, I do not watch movies, especially of the zombie type..... but in a moment of "i'm off work and kickin' back" insanity, I put in the last R.E. flick. What I found was astonishing to say the least! See, this girl...named Alice is the key to undoing a world wide epidemic which came from a tragic virus released on mankind. It affected everyone, and to spite all of man's efforts, it spread out of control and destroyed the population. It seems that Alice DNA and blood was the key to the cure. It was going to take the blood of one person to reverse the virus that had so devastated humankind. Hmmmmmm. seems like I have heard this story line before. Jory
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