1 Timothy 1:15
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
How do I see myself?
People often put their pastors up on a pedestal. Pastor's are viewed as experts on many subjects, eloquent, patient, good husbands, loving fathers, willing servants, wise counselors and all-around great guys... and they should be. We ought to strive to be such. Yet the image and reputation can often skew self image. It can be tempting to believe that public opinion and ignore the reality within us. Like Paul, we are sinners.
Walking in the light does not eliminate the darkness within us but instead illuminates the darkness and reveals even the slightest shades of gray.
I may not steal but am I privately covetous?
I may not commit adultery but am I lustful?
I may not kill but do I harbor bitterness and hate?
I may not use profanity but to I secretly judge and label others in my mind?
I may not outright lie but do I ad a little yeast to my illustrations?
I may not worship idols but do I give my personal time to unworthy subjects?
I find that regular time in self examination and confession is necessary in order to stay humble and qualified for ministry. Without confession and a regular reminder that I am along with Paul, a wicked sinner, I disqualify myself for His service.
Father, search me. Amen.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
where do i find my strength?
1 Timothy 1:12 ESV
"I thank him who has given me strength,"
What strengthens me? Where do I find my courage, consistency, clarity and character as a pastor and shepherd over the church of Jesus Christ? Do I find my strength in the acolades and acceptance of my sheep? Do I find my strength in results, size of ministry and scope of influence? Do I find my strength in personal pleasures, indulgences, selfish preservation, abundance of resources or breadth of authority? What is my motive and motivation for ministry?
Christ above all should be my strength.
Christ's incarnation strengthens me to show up.
Christ's humility strengthens me to serve.
Christ's sacrifice strengthens me to give.
Christ's words strengthen me to lead.
Christ's miracles strengthen me to pray.
Christ's suffering strengthens me to endure.
Christ's death strengthens me to proclaim.
Christ's resurrection strengthens me to live.
This strength however is not delivered generically or passively to those who, at one time or another, have called on Christ. This strength is made available to those who call on Christ daily out of humility and a profound and deep awareness of dependence on him. This is the promise of God.
Isaiah 40:30-31 ESV
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
"I thank him who has given me strength,"
What strengthens me? Where do I find my courage, consistency, clarity and character as a pastor and shepherd over the church of Jesus Christ? Do I find my strength in the acolades and acceptance of my sheep? Do I find my strength in results, size of ministry and scope of influence? Do I find my strength in personal pleasures, indulgences, selfish preservation, abundance of resources or breadth of authority? What is my motive and motivation for ministry?
Christ above all should be my strength.
Christ's incarnation strengthens me to show up.
Christ's humility strengthens me to serve.
Christ's sacrifice strengthens me to give.
Christ's words strengthen me to lead.
Christ's miracles strengthen me to pray.
Christ's suffering strengthens me to endure.
Christ's death strengthens me to proclaim.
Christ's resurrection strengthens me to live.
This strength however is not delivered generically or passively to those who, at one time or another, have called on Christ. This strength is made available to those who call on Christ daily out of humility and a profound and deep awareness of dependence on him. This is the promise of God.
Isaiah 40:30-31 ESV
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
where do i find my strength?
1 Timothy 1:12 ESV
"I thank him who has given me strength,"
What strengthens me? Where do I find my courage, consistency, clarity and character as a pastor and shepherd over the church of Jesus Christ? Do I find my strength in the acolades and acceptance of my sheep? Do I find my strength in results, size of ministry and scope of influence? Do I find my strength in personal pleasures, indulgences, selfish preservation, abundance of resources or breadth of authority? What is my motive and motivation for ministry?
Christ above all should be my strength.
Christ's incarnation strengthens me to show up.
Christ's humility strengthens me to serve.
Christ's sacrifice strengthens me to give.
Christ's words strengthen me to lead.
Christ's miracles strengthen me to pray.
Christ's suffering strengthens me to endure.
Christ's death strengthens me to proclaim.
Christ's resurrection strengthens me to live.
This strength however is not delivered generically or passively to those who, at one time or another, have called on Christ. This strength is made available to those who call on Christ daily out of humility and a profound and deep awareness of dependence on him. This is the promise of God.
Isaiah 40:30-31 ESV
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
"I thank him who has given me strength,"
What strengthens me? Where do I find my courage, consistency, clarity and character as a pastor and shepherd over the church of Jesus Christ? Do I find my strength in the acolades and acceptance of my sheep? Do I find my strength in results, size of ministry and scope of influence? Do I find my strength in personal pleasures, indulgences, selfish preservation, abundance of resources or breadth of authority? What is my motive and motivation for ministry?
Christ above all should be my strength.
Christ's incarnation strengthens me to show up.
Christ's humility strengthens me to serve.
Christ's sacrifice strengthens me to give.
Christ's words strengthen me to lead.
Christ's miracles strengthen me to pray.
Christ's suffering strengthens me to endure.
Christ's death strengthens me to proclaim.
Christ's resurrection strengthens me to live.
This strength however is not delivered generically or passively to those who, at one time or another, have called on Christ. This strength is made available to those who call on Christ daily out of humility and a profound and deep awareness of dependence on him. This is the promise of God.
Isaiah 40:30-31 ESV
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
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