Who watches the Dow Jones Averages these days and just gets a positive rush? NOT!!
These are the most traumatic times in my lifetime. There is trumoil on a global scale. The economy is in the tank. The messiah complex reigns in Wash DC. Remember, salvation never has and never will come out of DC. I am from the government and I am here to help you. Right!
I am suggesting that each of our readers develop a "Plan B" strategy for their own family and for the assembly they worship and serve with. It consists of four (4) simple factors. Here they are.
1. Celebration - Where & When will you gather for Worship if there is a disruption in the supply of gas or other factors that may prevent the continuation of your current routines? Corporate Praise & Worship should not be dictated by circumstance.
2. Transportation - What if you cannot purchase gasoline? Is there a way to car pool, meet in homes in geographic regions, simply walk. You won't even need to get on the treadmill if you walk.
3. Communication - What if your cell phone, Blackberry, etc. does not function? I think all the Carrier Pigeons are dead. So, how will we connect if the current means are not available?
4. Preservation - What will you drink if the water supply is contaminated? What will you eat if Wal Mart suddenly has no stuff on the shelves because the delivery trucks did not arrive? A rubber maid tub containing a few thoughtfully chosen items may be a wise addition to one of your closets.
I live in SC. We have Hurricanes. There are always those people who ignore all the warnings until the diaster strikes. We had a former Governor who botched an evacuation and he got to retire early as a result of the lack of planning. Perhaps just a little prudent action and preparation will prove beneficial in the days ahead.
He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. (Prov. 10:5)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Courage to Lead
The Courage to Lead
Courage, real godly courage, is a rare commodity. But then, we don't need a multitude - - just a small band of COURAGEOUS and dedicated servant leaders. They understand the task, the difficulty and the challenges. Seeing all of this they say, "What are we waiting for?"
God and a man or a band of men with courage is the most significant majority the world has ever known. Courage is neither reckless nor foolish. It is bold and guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. That guidance almost always puts you in a counter-culture posture. God always delights to identify men who in times of darkness trust the light of special revelation. Trust God and press on.
A sad commentary on the church in America is that she has been co-opted by a pseudo democratic process. She votes on everything. Majority rules. Robert's Rules etc. It is a wise and prudent Leader who leads and does not endeavor to dictate or, as Scripture posits, 'Lord it over God's people'. However, no Leader should ever permit a "vote" to be taken concerning the clear and unambiguous statements of Scripture.
As I communicate with Pastors around the country, much of their consternation is a direct result of their failure to engage in careful, accurate and precise exegesis of the Scripture. When we know with certainty what God has said, ours is to do, not vote or negotiate. Opposition is a classic response to revelation because of sin. Trust God. Honor Him. Lead from a posture of obedience and let those who would rebel suffer the consequences of their rebellion. That men is COURAGE!
Israel, under the guidance of Moses sent twelve spies into the land. Only two of those men were true leaders. Ten of them were imposters. (Read this history in Numbers 14. Notice God's response to cowardice expressed in Num. 14:36-38). The church needs a legion of Leaders whose character is that of Joshua and Caleb. Read Rev. 21:7-8 for a perspective on the end result of cowardice - - not a happy thought!
So where are you in this vital arena of Courage? Well worth evaluating.
1 Chron. 28:20 Then David said to his son Solomon, "Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.
2 Chron. 15:2,8 - Asa But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work." Now when Asa heard these words and the prophecy which Azariah the son of Oded the prophet spoke, he took courage and removed the abominable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities which he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. He then restored the altar of the LORD which was in front of the porch of the LORD.
Ezra 10:4 "Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act."
Haggai 2:4 But now take courage, Zerubbabel,' declares the LORD, 'take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,' declares the LORD, 'and work; for I am with you,' declares the LORD of hosts.
Acts 23:11 But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, ‘Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also."
Courage, real godly courage, is a rare commodity. But then, we don't need a multitude - - just a small band of COURAGEOUS and dedicated servant leaders. They understand the task, the difficulty and the challenges. Seeing all of this they say, "What are we waiting for?"
God and a man or a band of men with courage is the most significant majority the world has ever known. Courage is neither reckless nor foolish. It is bold and guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. That guidance almost always puts you in a counter-culture posture. God always delights to identify men who in times of darkness trust the light of special revelation. Trust God and press on.
A sad commentary on the church in America is that she has been co-opted by a pseudo democratic process. She votes on everything. Majority rules. Robert's Rules etc. It is a wise and prudent Leader who leads and does not endeavor to dictate or, as Scripture posits, 'Lord it over God's people'. However, no Leader should ever permit a "vote" to be taken concerning the clear and unambiguous statements of Scripture.
As I communicate with Pastors around the country, much of their consternation is a direct result of their failure to engage in careful, accurate and precise exegesis of the Scripture. When we know with certainty what God has said, ours is to do, not vote or negotiate. Opposition is a classic response to revelation because of sin. Trust God. Honor Him. Lead from a posture of obedience and let those who would rebel suffer the consequences of their rebellion. That men is COURAGE!
Israel, under the guidance of Moses sent twelve spies into the land. Only two of those men were true leaders. Ten of them were imposters. (Read this history in Numbers 14. Notice God's response to cowardice expressed in Num. 14:36-38). The church needs a legion of Leaders whose character is that of Joshua and Caleb. Read Rev. 21:7-8 for a perspective on the end result of cowardice - - not a happy thought!
So where are you in this vital arena of Courage? Well worth evaluating.
1 Chron. 28:20 Then David said to his son Solomon, "Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.
2 Chron. 15:2,8 - Asa But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work." Now when Asa heard these words and the prophecy which Azariah the son of Oded the prophet spoke, he took courage and removed the abominable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities which he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. He then restored the altar of the LORD which was in front of the porch of the LORD.
Ezra 10:4 "Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act."
Haggai 2:4 But now take courage, Zerubbabel,' declares the LORD, 'take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,' declares the LORD, 'and work; for I am with you,' declares the LORD of hosts.
Acts 23:11 But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, ‘Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
