I'm aware of my humanity, my frailty, my depravity.
Though I'm also aware of God's calling, His will and His Word, I still choose to live in this prison of flesh. I still choose sin over sanctification. I still choose indulgence over inspiration. I choose selfishness over servanthood. Though I am aware of all the good that is attached to obedience, devotion and piety, I choose less. Though I try to discipline my flesh to obey the Spirit in me, my flesh still wins.
This battle reminds me of Paul's great battle in Romans 7.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
And again, this reminds me of Jesus great promise of freedom.
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." - John 8:32 & 36
Only Jesus can set me free. One day I will be free indeed.
One day I will stand before my Savior, released from this prison of flesh and restored fully in glorious freedom. Until that day, I will take each occasion of sin as a prompt to celebrate the promise of deliverance. I will consider each temptation a reminder of my dependance on Him. I will let every victory draw me into gratitude and worship. I will let every defeat draw me into confession and praise.
I will choose freedom.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
the praying pastor
1 Timothy 2:1-3 NIV84
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone– for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
In light of God's great mercy toward Paul, Timothy and those He has called to pastor our first priority is to pray. We can all identify preaching pastors, compassionate pastors, passionate pastors, encouraging pastors and especially busy pastors. However, how many pastors could we honestly say are first-thought-of as praying pastors?
Paul's instruction to Timothy is that prayer not only good and pleases our Savior, but also grants us peace and steadiness to be holy. Prayer is the essential ingredient of the pastoral life. Without prayer I have no peace, I have no power toward holiness and I do not please the Lord.
The praying pastor is effective because he is dedicated to petitioning, praising, interceding, and thanking God with rhythm and regularity. His church (the people of course) are blessed because he is committed to bringing their needs along with his to God on prayer. This pleases God and He is pleased to respond.
I want to be known as a praying pastor. I don't want to be thought of most as a busy pastor, a cleaver pastor or a fun pastor. I want to be known for prayer and I want those God has entrusted to my care to find comfort in this truth.
Father, deepen my passion for prayer. Help me develop better rhythms of prayer and habits of prayer. I want my ministry to please you. Amen.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone– for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
In light of God's great mercy toward Paul, Timothy and those He has called to pastor our first priority is to pray. We can all identify preaching pastors, compassionate pastors, passionate pastors, encouraging pastors and especially busy pastors. However, how many pastors could we honestly say are first-thought-of as praying pastors?
Paul's instruction to Timothy is that prayer not only good and pleases our Savior, but also grants us peace and steadiness to be holy. Prayer is the essential ingredient of the pastoral life. Without prayer I have no peace, I have no power toward holiness and I do not please the Lord.
The praying pastor is effective because he is dedicated to petitioning, praising, interceding, and thanking God with rhythm and regularity. His church (the people of course) are blessed because he is committed to bringing their needs along with his to God on prayer. This pleases God and He is pleased to respond.
I want to be known as a praying pastor. I don't want to be thought of most as a busy pastor, a cleaver pastor or a fun pastor. I want to be known for prayer and I want those God has entrusted to my care to find comfort in this truth.
Father, deepen my passion for prayer. Help me develop better rhythms of prayer and habits of prayer. I want my ministry to please you. Amen.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sober self-image
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
defend sound doctrine
1 Timothy 1:3-4 ESV
As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
One of the primary charges of a pastor is to defend sound doctrine. In order to defend sound doctrine that we must recognize sound doctrine. In order to recognize sound doctrine we must first encounter sound doctrine; whether by teaching or reading. In order to encounter sound doctrine we must first define sound doctrine.
According to Paul, sound doctrine is not founded on myth, heritage or speculation. Our gospel is not clever, exclusive or mysterious. It isn't reserved for a few, intelligent and genetically blessed individuals. It is a message of reconciliation that is to be shared, stewarded and passed on through faith. Faith is the means of sound doctrine, the goal of sound doctrine, the measure of sound doctrine and the reward of sound doctrine. By faith in God's Truth we will grow, grow strong, grow fruit, grow vineyards of fruit-producing believers and present that growth back to the vine dresser as an offering.
False doctrine produces none of this. False doctrine is arrogant, self-centered, internally focused and presumptuous. False doctrine divides. It draws lines of not only who is in and who is out but also who may be in and who may be out. Falsify doctrine exalts a few at the expense of others. Falsify doctrine discourages true faith and makes impossible what God made possible through faith... to find a way to Him.
My charge as a pastor is to know and discern the truth of God and the doctrine that brings definition to it. My job is to confront and defeat those who would proclaim another Gospel other than Christ crucified on behalf of and in place of the world... the whole world and accessible by faith alone.
The question for me is this... am I defined by sound doctrine? As a follower of Jesus and a pastor entrusted with His Gospel, am I committed to His truth alone? Have I allowed a Gospel of any other kind, variety or shade other than grace alone through faith alone to Colorado my doctrine and ministry?
Secondly, am I willing to take a stand and remain where God has positioned me in order to defend this doctrine? Am I willing to go toe to toe with false teachers, humanistic philosophy and worldly wisdom? Am I willing to stand alone knowing that I alone may be charged to define and defend the precious promises of God which come by faith in His Gospel?
This is Timothy's charge as a pastor. Will I accept it too?
Father, teach me sound doctrine. Teach me to define it, defend it and display it clearly in the ministry you have entrusted to me. Let me be courageous and strong to stand even if it may be alone. I want to be your pastor for this generation. Amen.
As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
One of the primary charges of a pastor is to defend sound doctrine. In order to defend sound doctrine that we must recognize sound doctrine. In order to recognize sound doctrine we must first encounter sound doctrine; whether by teaching or reading. In order to encounter sound doctrine we must first define sound doctrine.
According to Paul, sound doctrine is not founded on myth, heritage or speculation. Our gospel is not clever, exclusive or mysterious. It isn't reserved for a few, intelligent and genetically blessed individuals. It is a message of reconciliation that is to be shared, stewarded and passed on through faith. Faith is the means of sound doctrine, the goal of sound doctrine, the measure of sound doctrine and the reward of sound doctrine. By faith in God's Truth we will grow, grow strong, grow fruit, grow vineyards of fruit-producing believers and present that growth back to the vine dresser as an offering.
False doctrine produces none of this. False doctrine is arrogant, self-centered, internally focused and presumptuous. False doctrine divides. It draws lines of not only who is in and who is out but also who may be in and who may be out. Falsify doctrine exalts a few at the expense of others. Falsify doctrine discourages true faith and makes impossible what God made possible through faith... to find a way to Him.
My charge as a pastor is to know and discern the truth of God and the doctrine that brings definition to it. My job is to confront and defeat those who would proclaim another Gospel other than Christ crucified on behalf of and in place of the world... the whole world and accessible by faith alone.
The question for me is this... am I defined by sound doctrine? As a follower of Jesus and a pastor entrusted with His Gospel, am I committed to His truth alone? Have I allowed a Gospel of any other kind, variety or shade other than grace alone through faith alone to Colorado my doctrine and ministry?
Secondly, am I willing to take a stand and remain where God has positioned me in order to defend this doctrine? Am I willing to go toe to toe with false teachers, humanistic philosophy and worldly wisdom? Am I willing to stand alone knowing that I alone may be charged to define and defend the precious promises of God which come by faith in His Gospel?
This is Timothy's charge as a pastor. Will I accept it too?
Father, teach me sound doctrine. Teach me to define it, defend it and display it clearly in the ministry you have entrusted to me. Let me be courageous and strong to stand even if it may be alone. I want to be your pastor for this generation. Amen.
Friday, January 13, 2012
true son
1 Timothy 1:2 ESV
To Timothy, my true child in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
True sons in the faith are more than mere converts. True sons and daughters in the faith are those we care for and nurture and protect and teach,etc... after guiding them through spiritual rebirth. Spiritual sons and daughters are those who, when mature, bring us great joy as the walk in obedience to Christ. True sons and daughters will reflect the faithfulness of their spiritual parents and the holiness of their heavenly Father.
In my ministry I've had many converts but have I had many true children in the faith?
Father, teach me to be a pastor, a shepherd, a father who guides those entrusted to my care with perseverance, dedication, love and joy. Amen.
To Timothy, my true child in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
True sons in the faith are more than mere converts. True sons and daughters in the faith are those we care for and nurture and protect and teach,etc... after guiding them through spiritual rebirth. Spiritual sons and daughters are those who, when mature, bring us great joy as the walk in obedience to Christ. True sons and daughters will reflect the faithfulness of their spiritual parents and the holiness of their heavenly Father.
In my ministry I've had many converts but have I had many true children in the faith?
Father, teach me to be a pastor, a shepherd, a father who guides those entrusted to my care with perseverance, dedication, love and joy. Amen.
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