God Supreme in the Life of a Cowboy and His Dog
God is supreme in all things, even in the life of a cowboy and his dog. The wonderful thing is when such a man recognizes that truth. This video tells the story
HT: Tom Ascol
Read MoreIdentifying Christless Christianity
Lydia Brownback has a post on Mike Horton’s new book Christless Christianity asking some important questions to Christians.
Preparing (or rather being prepared) for a prospective pastorate: Thinking about the appropriate use of Words in the Ministry
I have received a helpful book from WTSbooks on Proverbs by Anthony Selvaggio entitled, A Proverbs Driven Life.
The first chapter has been of help to me in preparation to enter into my next prospective pastorate. I have been thinking on my approach in preaching, what to say, when to say it and such. These are things that pastors must make decisions on every week and it has done me well to ask God to prepare me during this time for this church. And He has been doing exactly that, using His Word and books that help me understand His Word.
The items in the aforementioned book that have been of help to me thus far are as follows:
Speak thoughtfully (see Proverbs 15:28), that is give thought to God; don’t just go for unedited thoughts that have not been first considered before The Divine.
And speak truthfully, because truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only for a moment (see Proverbs 12:19). This means really making sure that I do not foster an atmosphere of gossip which injures people. And as a pastor I think that we can foster or deter such an atmosphere by the way we react to situations. It is never easy, but it is essential. Turning away from that root that we all seem to be attracted to within us, that loves to hear a story about someone is really important in ministry. Shun evil. James had it right when he spoke of the tongue being small but able to set ablaze a great forest (see James 3:5-6). So, truthfulness as Anthony challenges us involves a battle against gossip. Thinking further however, how much does the Truth, the Word of God, itself help us in this matter! For a pastor, the staff of God’s Word is the very great help in speaking truthfully. I have plead with my conscience, when you hear gossip, think upon the Word of God in some place and perhaps God would grant that I would steer myself and others away from injury.
And speak timely (see Proverbs 15:23). As I think upon these challenges including this one to speak timely, I am encouraged by the fact that these efforts are not mine alone, but God Himself helps me; He is the one who compels me to think toward Him, to speak truthfully; he is the one who steers me toward his word and away from injury–indeed he is my rear guard! (see Isaiah 58:8 if you think that is not biblical and true)! And he is the one who is always on time. From the first day I was aware of his presence he never has given me a multitude of lists to correct in my life. Rather, God has approached me as a tender Father beckoning me to walk with Him in faith and trust. And in my ministry I believe God is preparing me by questions like:
Is it better to remain silent?
Do I have the right to speak? (That is in the eyes of the one hearing me)
In other words, will my word of correction be more likely received at this time, or is there a better time?
Anthony in his book shares some advice on this matter:
A word of correction is more likely to be received if the recipient is spiritually mature.A word of correction is more likely to be received if the giver is seen as spiritually mature.
A word of correction is more likely to be received if the giver and receiver have established a relationship of trust.
A word of correction is more likely to be received if the giver has sought permission to present it.
A word of correction is more likely to be received if it has been asked for.
These are just a couple of thoughts that the author suggests. Of course there is a time to speak correction no matter the response in obedience to God; but I trust that God will lead me in that as well. But as I prepare for my prospective pastorate, I am reminded that God has made me a pastor. Pastors think about these things; how we can shepherd, steer, lead God’s people near to Him for their joy and for God’s glory. And Anthony’s book is helpful from the start at thinking about things further that will help many congregations, not just pastors, to use their words well. Not to mention there are numerous chapters which follow which deal with work, relationships, parenting, etc. Even so, what I have said is how God is using some things to teach me, to prepare me right now. I didn’t intend for this to be a book review, but perhaps it will lend to be that to some degree. More than that, I hope that other pastors and God’s people in general would consider with me how we can use our words more thoughtfully, truthfully, and timely. Anthony ends the first chapter with this verse with his annotations in parentheses:
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth
(rather, let it be thoughtful)
but only such a word as is good for edification
(let it be true)
according to the need of the moment
(let it be timely)
so that it will give grace to those who hear.Ephesians 4:29, versified and annotated
A further note: So what will I be preaching when I begin the pastorate at this new church? Well, that is what these things have made me consider. Whatever I preach it will need to be thoughtful, true, and timely. That is quite a good grid for pastors is it not? My prayer is: Heavenly Father, that you would lead me to books and studies that would be timely for this church; and that you would grant me the ability to discern that and grant me communication that is true to you and filled with your love; and that you would be pleased to bring my thoughts directly to you to seek your counsel in the matter; and that the goal of all this would give grace to those who hear and that you would get all the glory for being the giver to me and to the congregation. Blessings and honor and praise be to you, the only Wise God. Amen.
Read MoreThe Perseverance of the Shepherds
We often here of the perseverance of the saints, but what about the perseverance of the shepherds? What did the shepherds do after they beheld Jesus? The Bible says concerning their first approach to the manger scene:
“…when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.” (Luke 2:17)
Immediately come these contrasts:
“…all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:18-19)
Even there the shepherds experienced different reactions to their preaching per se. But they continued and when they left the scene it says:
“…the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:20
That is the perseverance of the shepherds! It is a great encouragement to pastor-shepherds today like myself. What a wonderful example of perseverance!
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