Yesterday we had a men’s workday and had a good crew there to help. We tore down the overgrown Cypress trees by the street. They have been blocking our view from oncoming traffic, so we knew it was necessary to remove them. We were also able to dig a trench to run power to our sign. As I drove by last night after dark, it looked beautiful. Now people can tell we are a church, even in the dark.
Thanks to all of the guys who came out to help. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Last night before my board meeting, Hannah had some important news to tell me. She was sitting in “MY” chair while I sat on the couch and she informed me of an important decision she had made. Hannah looked at me and said, “I’m getting a new pastor. You’re not the pastor anymore.” My own three year old daughter got rid of me.
I don’t know what it is about my children when they are three years old. 12 years ago, Josh was three years old, when he walked into his Sunday School class exasperated. He looked at his Sunday School teacher while shaking his head and said, “We need to get us a new pastor around here.” Ms. Harlene asked him what he said and he repeated it verbatim. “We need to get us another pastor around here.”
Either my children don’t like their pastor or they just do this to give me a complex. For a pastor, it is a bad sign when your own family want to go to another church. I just hope the word doesn’t get out and I find out everyone else feels the same way:)
Ernest Shackleton the famed adventurer and explorer wanted to be the first person to cross Antarctica. It had already been discovered but no one had crossed from shore to shore. Within him was this passion, this calling to take the risk and explore the whole continent.
In the days before GPS and cell phones, Shackleton set out to find a band of men who would go on this journey with him. He placed an ad in the newspaper looking for a “few good men.” The ad read, “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months in complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. honor and recognition in case of success.” 5,000 men applied.
Within the heart of mankind is a sense of adventure. Most people play life safe. Never taking any risks. They read the ad that says hazardous journey and constant danger and decide that it is not for them. There are, however, those who read the ad, recognition and honor in case of success.
There are risk takers and those who like the safety. Which one are you?
All of us are called to take bold risks for the Kingdom of God. I am not talking, just about risking our lives , but rather being willing do something for God. Most people will hide behind fear of failure and never attempt anything. They will always play it safe, because they do not want to disturb the status quo. Then there are many who will hold back because change is too hard.
God is not looking for a people who want to stay comfortable but for a people who are willing to stretch themselves. Who will be willing to risk reputation, comfort, security and mediocrity, and attempt something great for God. It was William Carey who said, “Expect Great Things From God, Attempt Great Things For God.”
We often expect God to do great things for us, but we attempt very little for Him. We wait for Him to do something and then we will act. But God waits for us to make the move. He is waiting for us to launch out. Peter did not know if he could walk on water until he got out of the boat.
We could advance the cause of Christ more if we would get out of the security of the boat. Money follows ministry, salvations follow evangelism, transformation follows action. Let’s take bold risks for God! Let’s do something great for Him!
Sunday afternoon Josh and I took a 3 mile hike. We went to Hobbs Conservation area and hiked the Bashore Ridge Loop. It was a good brisk hike. Alot of hollows but the greatest part was the view of Beaver Lake. On the ridge loop it takes you by a ridge that overlooks the Lake and it was beautiful on this sunny day! I think the most interesting sight was the old truck that seemed out of place. I wondered if they broke down a long time ago and never got it towed. The chrome in the middle of the windshield looked brand new. It was extremely shiny with no rust.
We have been having spring-like weather here in Northwest Arkansas so we went out for the day, Saturday. Took a trip to Devil’s Den State Park. One of the most beautiful places of NWA.
We had another a great day yesterday. The worship was awesome. The team introduced Everlasting God and the crowd picked it up quickly. Our Project Rebuild is coming along well. We have already received pledges and offerings that total around $20,000. God is supplying our needs!
We began our Wisdom For Living series by looking at the story of Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. God asked Solomon what he wanted God to do for him. Solomon had a blank check from God and he asked for Wisdom. We learned how Solomon was tested by God and wound up passing the test. I am looking forward to our new series from the book of Proverbs.
Life of a Pastor Blog 