I love reading books. I love delving into the minds of the great. Finding interesting details of lives gone before me, or wise counsel of those still alive. Books inspire me. They take me into another dimension. They help adjust my perspective. They allow me to feel and think in retrospect for the future. Reading helps me with my game plan. Reminds me of strategies and intricate information for situations at hand. I have heard that Bill Gates, when he takes a vacation. He also takes a reading vacation. To catch up on his reading. To read the latest, I guess. And maybe to set his mind in motion for the upcoming projects and agendas. Yet, long chapters, and me are not very good friends. I do not like chapters of say, 15 - 25 pages. I don't know, I just do not like them. I mean, its not that the book is boring, its just that you'd want to go on. Remember, I've read four inch books mind you.
1. Your life is a book.
Everyday you live, we write in that chapter of our life. You state interesting details of who you really are. What you're really like.
2. Your life is the only life book unbelievers will ever read.
Today, I talked to a guy in L.A. I was getting my window fixed. I began a conversation, to somehow, i wanted to lead to the gospel. Which it did. Then it kind of hit a block wall. He started saying, that it doesn't work for him. That all the "Born Agains" (The name he kept using) were all hypocrites. That they serve God one day, six months, then you see them back on the streets. That they were trash in the world, then they are still trash, in the future. Of course, I take no junk from guys like him. I guess I used the best example at hand. Myself. I said, "What about me? Been serving God 28 years. What's up with That? Lost my wife, and I'm still serving God." He kinda shut up after that. He said, "Wow, that's a long time." I said, "That's right". Your life is really, the only book unbelievers will ever read.
3. God is the one doing the writing of our book.
The Bible says, in Heb. 12:2 He's the "Author and finisher of our faith". Is it any wonder, that He is also writing the Book of Life. That 66 books consist of One Book, The Bible? I wonder, though, its not biblical, if He's not writing it with the Blood of Jesus!?
What can we say, that we've learned this year? What has impressioned us, and has left an indellible mark? What areas have we grown in and have sought or seeking to change, before we enter the new year? Well, let me share with you 8 things I've learned this year:
1.) Since time goes so fast, it's important to include God in our plans.
Prayer is so vitally important. This year, my prayer life has been challenged, interrupted, attacked, and mangled. I have been so busy. Yet, God must be in our plans. Scripture says, "Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your paths." Prov. 3:6. Have you had things you've planned that went awry? That didn't pan out? Did it ever come into your mind, that it wasn't planned by God? That we didn't talk to Him about it? Pray.
2.) That you have to work, to get great things accomplished.
The beginning of this year, God opened doors for our building. It took multiple meetings, negotiations, paperwork and counter offers. Finally we got it done. We signed, they signed. And we recieved the keys. What a great joy it has been. Yet, there was alot of work behind the scenes with our real estate agent, brokers and the like. I assume it will take hard work in 2010, as well.
3.) That its tough working alone, in the ministry.
I'm speaking of teamwork, of course. When we bought our building, there was much work to do. You know the true heroes of any growing church, is its leaders and Christian workers. Our building had alot of things which needed to be removed. We had teams to help us do all the hard work, and fundraising. Thankfully, alot of it got done. We cannot do it alone in ministry. It takes teamwork.
4.) As a Christian minister, I have to be open to people's ideas.
Sometimes we think we know it all. Other times, we already have a plan of what things should look like, and a blueprint of how we think should work. people are an important commodity. Remember, everyone has a different perspective. They see things in multiple ways. A fool, is one who is never open to anything. That man or woman is the most prideful in the land. For we can learn from everyone. Be open to ideas in 2010'.
5.) I can make bad choices, though, with good intentions.
This year, began as we launched out our sixth church. The couple we sent were, also key leaders of an important ministry in our church structure. Which, at that time, we installed a new leader. No matter what I tried with individual, it didn't work. It is so funny. When people begin, they are so devoted, honest, and so pure in heart. When some get some type of power or authority. My', how it goes to their noggin. In this case, it had to do, not only with authority issues, but indiscretion issues. Hey! I tried. People know I bent over backwards, though I'm not double jointed. No matter what it just didn't work. When it comes down to it? It's something I learned and have to live with.
6.) I cannot let go of things I'm passionate about.
Something is taken out of us. We lose a spring in our step. When we lose our passion. One thing I am passionate about, is music. Our youth ministry has their service on Tuesday nights. My son, is the overseer for the music, and plays the key board. Pretty good at that. I, well I, jam on ma guitaar. I can't say, I'm very good, but people have said, I play alright. Well, on tuesday nights, I'm there. Jamming away, in the youth service along with the Youth band. Drummer, conga, keyboard, singers, bass, and another young guitarist. Reason I do that, is my love for music. If I could, I would be on a band. And I would devote my whole time to that. It's one of my passions. What is your passion? Do not lose your passion for God, and or the thing God put inside of you. Col 3:23-24
7.) That though you're giving your life, some just don't care.
Yes, its true. You give your life. You put everything on the line. You see no other way than sacrifice. Then when it counts, people walk away. They walk away by their uninvolvement and lack of participation. They back away from ministry for no important and unknown reason. And some just keep on drifting in their years old stream of their own doing. Then you just stare at the river and see them float away. Wow!? I wonder how Jesus felt. What do you do? Keep going on. Forgive. Keep a good attitude. Love people. Reach out. Be honest in your dealings. Pray. Love your family. Embrace the things that truly count. Press into the presence of the Lord. No matter. As long as God is pleased, and God is being glorified, is what matters and counts. Society loves to point fingers. But when they see the proof in the pudding, they run to their private rooms, grab a towel and wipe the humble pie off their faces. Then recognize that there is God in heaven. Matt. 5:14-16. So don't you give up! Oh', don't worry, naysayers will continue to abound, wherever you go. A good book to read is the Book of Nehemiah. Whooh! What a timely manual of ministry. Thank you Lord.
8.) Family, friends & fellow soldiers, do bring a refreshening.
My son Elias, is a joy. At times he is a trying joy. He's growing up fast. So proud of him. He just doesn't know it. I have many precious friends I love so dearly. Pastor friends, mentors, and a beautiful family. Many of church members, I could go to their houses and just kick off my shoes, go to sleep on their couches and just chill. Why? Because they are a refreshing to me. I love them. I tell the pastors who go out, that the ones they are closest to, they always must look out for them, protect them and be there. It is tough as a Christian minister. Many of my peer friends are in some far away cities. So we do not have alot of time for fellowship. But when we do, what a joy it is. I recently had time to fellowship with my friend, pastor of VO Philadelphia. One of my best friends in ministry. We sat around talked for many hours. What a joy it brings to be around friends. This year do cherish and stay close to the ones you love.
Yes, brothers and sisters, in the next few days, the chapter which has been written in 2009' will come to a close. The beautiful thing about God is, I think. He doesn't like long chapters either. Why? you ask? Well, you know as well as me. This year went by so fast. So here we are. With another chapter and another threshold of many great opportunites and new beginnings. May God bless you. May He look out for you, and strengthen you. May you make a difference in thousands of lives for the cause of Christ. For a new chapter begins January first. Mine? Well it begins at our 16th Annual New Years Day Picnic. Our pigskin classic. The Youth GA.N.G vs. the O.G.'s. You know, a time when our crazy youth love to challenge us in football (Man, when do I ever get rest?!!)! Oh, well. Look, if I see you or not, Happy New Year! And to you, I don't say goodbye. To you I say, "See You Later!"
Comments accepted. If not be blessed. Talk to you next year!
(In couple of days! Hah!)
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