Allow me to start this article by sharing my feelings regarding reading: "I hate it!"
I am not a big fan of reading books. But I heard a preacher say once that preachers should make friends with books. If that's true then my friend base is very minimal.
However, no matter my dislike for reading I understand the necessity to read regularly. Reading keeps my thinking juices flowing. It provides me with the ability to learn and see things differently. Reading helps me grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
And during this season of my life and ministry I want to re-charge my sermon pistol with fresh information. Therefore, I've developed a reading plan for 2012 that I'm going to do my best to maintain and follow.
Bible Reading Plan - When I pastored First Goodwill we journeyed on a bible reading plan that I developed by reading the shortest books of the bible first. It worked pretty well for me because I didn't feel overwhelmed while reading. I accomplished my goal of reading the bible in a year and now I'm doing it again this year.
The Book of Revelation - I'm currently reading through the book of Revelation during my devotional time in preparation of teaching through it at Mt Pilgrim. The lesson series is entitled "Relevant Lessons From Revelation". It will be a 10-12 week course study that I'm looking forward to teaching.
Planned book reading:
- A Hunger for God - John Piper
- How much Does God Control by RBC Ministries
- Keeping Your Focus When Your Dreams Are Shattered - A Look At the Life of Joseph by Precept Austin
- How Can A Parent Find Peace - RBC Ministries
- Marriage Under Fire by Dr James Dobson
- Why Would Anyone Want To Be Holy by RBC Ministries
- Men of the Bible by D L Moody
- Surviving Storms of Stress by RBC Ministries
- Contending For the Faith by John Piper
- Most Of All God Loves You by John Piper
You will notice some of the writers repeated. There is a method to my madness. I pick 1 to 2 authors a year to read with hopes of following and understanding they're thought process when writing. Last year I read books by David Jeremiah and Tony Evans.
I like RBC Ministries because they're 30-50 page pamphlets packed with good material on handling life situations with heaven in view. Very practical how-to lessons.
It is also my goal this year to share highlights of book I've read as an article on my blog. This should be fun and helpful to those reading my blog regularly.
In addition, I started an online book on healing some years ago. I want to finish that book not online but as a published book. So I will began writing again soon with hopes of finishing by the end of 2012.
Have God blessing day!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
Ministry on The Move
This coming year looks to be pretty busy with ministry opportunities for which I am so grateful. I'm excited about what God is doing in my personal ministry as well as Him using me at Mt Pilgrim to assist Bishop Sanders. Here's a few highlights for the year that I'm looking forward to:
January 13th and 14 - Teaching a leadership conference for One Church Bishop WT Ervin entitled: The Soul Health Of Leadership - Leading When It Hurts To Lead
January 22 - Preaching at a Renewal Service with New Harvest Christian Church - Pastor F Demond Harris at 8:30 am. Preaching for Divine Direction Church - Pastor A E Johnson @ 11:30 am.
January 29th - Scholarship Prayer Bowl - First Missionary Baptist church @ 3 pm.
July 9th - 13th: Citywide Revival in San Angelo, Texas
Writing curriculum for the church - Theme: Shifting from Doctrine to Duty - James 1:22
Planning for True Word Conference late summer/early fall
Study/writing series in book of Revelation entitled Relevant Lessons from Revelation.
Thanking God for ministry opportunities.
January 13th and 14 - Teaching a leadership conference for One Church Bishop WT Ervin entitled: The Soul Health Of Leadership - Leading When It Hurts To Lead
January 22 - Preaching at a Renewal Service with New Harvest Christian Church - Pastor F Demond Harris at 8:30 am. Preaching for Divine Direction Church - Pastor A E Johnson @ 11:30 am.
January 29th - Scholarship Prayer Bowl - First Missionary Baptist church @ 3 pm.
July 9th - 13th: Citywide Revival in San Angelo, Texas
Writing curriculum for the church - Theme: Shifting from Doctrine to Duty - James 1:22
Planning for True Word Conference late summer/early fall
Study/writing series in book of Revelation entitled Relevant Lessons from Revelation.
Thanking God for ministry opportunities.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Looking Ahead - 2012 Here I Come
I can't believe that we're just about done with 2011. Wow! Each year this is a time when I reflect over the year personally to see what plans I accomplished, where have I grown, what do I still need to work on, who have I wronged, who do I need to forgive, and who do I need to ask for forgiveness.
Needless to say, nothing went as I hoped for, planned for, wished for... well you get the picture. And I mean nothing!
It is true when the bible says "Only God knows the plans for a person's life."
There is so much I can complain about as it relates to what didn't go right. But unfortunately to complain would be the direct opposite of trusting God no matter what cards life deals to me.
Therefore, I don't want to focus on what didn't go right, instead I want to focus on what I've learned and what I need to do become the man, husband, father, and preacher/pastor God desires me to be.
I will write this in sections because there is a lot for me to say as I look back over 2011.
Life's Adjustments -
There has been so many adjustments this year beginning with walking away from what I love to do the most...pastoring, to getting a new job, to changing churches, to developing new friendships, and praying for old relationships that have become distant for so many reasons. What I've learned is that adjustments are inevitable in life! I (we) will always experience adjustments whether we like them or not. How we handle adjustments is key to our spiritual development. How we respond to adjustments will dictate and determine how effective we are in our ministry service for God. Paul explained to the church at Corinth that he had plans to come visit but kept getting detoured. He also explains to the church at Philippi while in prison that his life adjustment turned out for the furtherance of the gospel (Philippians 1). When reflecting on Paul's statement of what happened to him turned out for the furtherance of gospel, I ask myself, has my life's adjustments furthered the gospel in any way, shape, or form? I answer honestly.... I don't know! Personally, I say know because I don't see any fruit. On the other hand, I don't know because what I see is not what I really see. God works out the details which we don't always see physically with our eyes.
Staying focused in life's adjustments is staying focused on furthering the gospel. Detours will happen but it can't stop the gospel from moving forward and drawing someone to Christ. The best sharing of the gospel is not preached but lived through each of our lives.
These adjustments are teaching me to be patient with myself, others, and circumstances. I have a tendency to want to move things quickly ahead before its tome if i can. So much for that now. I have no choice but to wait on God.
I hear all the cliches...
"Waited time on God is never wasted time on God".
"Time heals all wounds!" "Recovery/forgiveness is a process!"
"It just takes time!"
Yea, ok!
Let's just be true to ourselves, it's hard waiting on God when you want/need immediate deliverance.
However...
Here's what I have learned so far, waited time is necessary and needed time!
We need waited time....
- To grow
- To forgive others
- To regain trust
- To discover and/or re-discover God's will for your life
- To re-adjust priorities
- To seek God for direction
- To correct a wrong
- To establish boundaries
- To re-focus
- To spend time with family (children, husband, wife, mother, father, brothers, sisters, etc).
- To prepare yourself for the next assignment. I know my calling in ministry as being a pastor. Why because after all I've been through, I still have a desire and burden to shepherd God's people.
- To develop a financial plan.
Needless to say, nothing went as I hoped for, planned for, wished for... well you get the picture. And I mean nothing!
It is true when the bible says "Only God knows the plans for a person's life."
There is so much I can complain about as it relates to what didn't go right. But unfortunately to complain would be the direct opposite of trusting God no matter what cards life deals to me.
Therefore, I don't want to focus on what didn't go right, instead I want to focus on what I've learned and what I need to do become the man, husband, father, and preacher/pastor God desires me to be.
I will write this in sections because there is a lot for me to say as I look back over 2011.
Life's Adjustments -
There has been so many adjustments this year beginning with walking away from what I love to do the most...pastoring, to getting a new job, to changing churches, to developing new friendships, and praying for old relationships that have become distant for so many reasons. What I've learned is that adjustments are inevitable in life! I (we) will always experience adjustments whether we like them or not. How we handle adjustments is key to our spiritual development. How we respond to adjustments will dictate and determine how effective we are in our ministry service for God. Paul explained to the church at Corinth that he had plans to come visit but kept getting detoured. He also explains to the church at Philippi while in prison that his life adjustment turned out for the furtherance of the gospel (Philippians 1). When reflecting on Paul's statement of what happened to him turned out for the furtherance of gospel, I ask myself, has my life's adjustments furthered the gospel in any way, shape, or form? I answer honestly.... I don't know! Personally, I say know because I don't see any fruit. On the other hand, I don't know because what I see is not what I really see. God works out the details which we don't always see physically with our eyes.
Staying focused in life's adjustments is staying focused on furthering the gospel. Detours will happen but it can't stop the gospel from moving forward and drawing someone to Christ. The best sharing of the gospel is not preached but lived through each of our lives.
These adjustments are teaching me to be patient with myself, others, and circumstances. I have a tendency to want to move things quickly ahead before its tome if i can. So much for that now. I have no choice but to wait on God.
I hear all the cliches...
"Waited time on God is never wasted time on God".
"Time heals all wounds!" "Recovery/forgiveness is a process!"
"It just takes time!"
Yea, ok!
Let's just be true to ourselves, it's hard waiting on God when you want/need immediate deliverance.
However...
Here's what I have learned so far, waited time is necessary and needed time!
We need waited time....
- To grow
- To forgive others
- To regain trust
- To discover and/or re-discover God's will for your life
- To re-adjust priorities
- To seek God for direction
- To correct a wrong
- To establish boundaries
- To re-focus
- To spend time with family (children, husband, wife, mother, father, brothers, sisters, etc).
- To prepare yourself for the next assignment. I know my calling in ministry as being a pastor. Why because after all I've been through, I still have a desire and burden to shepherd God's people.
- To develop a financial plan.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Will To Live
Recently I've been intrigued with the stories on TvOne's documentary show entitled: "Will To Live". It is true stories of survival against all odds. The only way I can describe each story is by using one word...AMAZING!
As I watched an episode this weekend sitting on the couch my sermon brain began to kick in because their were a number of people with a Will To Live against (and in the midst) of impossible situations. It led me to a preaching/teaching outline that I pray to share some day soon (hopefully in my next pastorate).
- Will To Live With Determination - Mark 5:24-34
- Will To Live With Dependency - Proverbs 3:5-6
- Will To Live With Dedication - Romans 8:35-39
- Will To Live With Direction - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
- Will To Live With Decision-Making- Joel 3:14
Pray God blesses my study time and presentation!
As I watched an episode this weekend sitting on the couch my sermon brain began to kick in because their were a number of people with a Will To Live against (and in the midst) of impossible situations. It led me to a preaching/teaching outline that I pray to share some day soon (hopefully in my next pastorate).
- Will To Live With Determination - Mark 5:24-34
- Will To Live With Dependency - Proverbs 3:5-6
- Will To Live With Dedication - Romans 8:35-39
- Will To Live With Direction - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
- Will To Live With Decision-Making- Joel 3:14
Pray God blesses my study time and presentation!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Church Dropout
Last night on KJLH Beyond the Pulpit with Pastor Xavier Thompson pastor of Southern MBC, they discussed the topic "Church Dropout" with special guest pastors of our city, Pastor L A Kessee of Bethany Baptist Church and Pastor Melvin Von Wade of Mt Moriah Baptist Church both in Los Anageles, Ca. Good listening piece of material from seasoned pastors on the subject at hand.
Why do people stop attending and being committed to church?
Here are a few of the responses from callers and guest (that I can remember):
1). Lazy pastors and preachers
2). Church has become a distraction for some people. The caller explains that for them church politics, fighting, etc is too much to handle and therefore resolves that staying home is better to getting closer God.
3). Churchless Christianity- people who use TV, internet, and radio as they're church fellowship
4). Pastor Wade says church dropout is due to "church frailty".
5). Rev Melvin Wade Jr says that the church is not bridging the generational gap to reach young people. When God led the people of Israel to the promise land with Moses they crossed a Red Sea but with Joshua they crossed the Jordan River. Two different bodies of water but headed in the same direction.
6). Entertainment - the church has allowed the entertainment world to enter into the worship service to compel men, women, boys, and girls to come to Christ.
7). Mixed priorities of what's important
8). Lack of developed leadership resulting in senior leadership staying too long as the church's pastor.
9). Under-developed leadership, lack of training, or lack of mentorship in young preachers. Therefore, throwing them into the fire before their time.
10). This one is my thought on the issue....lack of sincere reverence in the church. I believe our reverence for God has lost its sincerity. And churches that strive to maintain reverence are labeled as traditional for which I take exception. I love contemporary, exciting, lively, enthusiastic, zealous worship. However, I believe we can't allow our contemporary worship overshadow our reverence for God. There has to be a limit where we don't push the envelope so far that God is pushed to the back of the line. God is to be the centrality of our worship whereby leading us to worship Him in spirit and truth. In laymen's terms, watch how we treat God in our worship service. Both saved and unsaved attendees need to know that they are in the presence of God.
What's the solution? Writing my thoughts to publish soon
Why do people stop attending and being committed to church?
Here are a few of the responses from callers and guest (that I can remember):
1). Lazy pastors and preachers
2). Church has become a distraction for some people. The caller explains that for them church politics, fighting, etc is too much to handle and therefore resolves that staying home is better to getting closer God.
3). Churchless Christianity- people who use TV, internet, and radio as they're church fellowship
4). Pastor Wade says church dropout is due to "church frailty".
5). Rev Melvin Wade Jr says that the church is not bridging the generational gap to reach young people. When God led the people of Israel to the promise land with Moses they crossed a Red Sea but with Joshua they crossed the Jordan River. Two different bodies of water but headed in the same direction.
6). Entertainment - the church has allowed the entertainment world to enter into the worship service to compel men, women, boys, and girls to come to Christ.
7). Mixed priorities of what's important
8). Lack of developed leadership resulting in senior leadership staying too long as the church's pastor.
9). Under-developed leadership, lack of training, or lack of mentorship in young preachers. Therefore, throwing them into the fire before their time.
10). This one is my thought on the issue....lack of sincere reverence in the church. I believe our reverence for God has lost its sincerity. And churches that strive to maintain reverence are labeled as traditional for which I take exception. I love contemporary, exciting, lively, enthusiastic, zealous worship. However, I believe we can't allow our contemporary worship overshadow our reverence for God. There has to be a limit where we don't push the envelope so far that God is pushed to the back of the line. God is to be the centrality of our worship whereby leading us to worship Him in spirit and truth. In laymen's terms, watch how we treat God in our worship service. Both saved and unsaved attendees need to know that they are in the presence of God.
What's the solution? Writing my thoughts to publish soon
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Recovery!
A few weeks ago Tracy and I were going to Walmart to do a lil shopping. While driving, she says to me: "Clint, have you noticed that for the past few months we have not discussed our departure from First Goodwill". I looked at her and said: "No, we have not and that's a good thing to give us time to heal". I have discovered in the past few months that sometimes you have to step away from intense situations to clear your mind, to guard your heart, protect your family, and listen to God. Unfortunately, the enemy is not happy when he can't and couldn't destroy you in a situation with the hope that you will doubt God and turn away from Him. So he (the enemy) will throw at you nuggets of past hurtful situations that will cause you to feel the sting of pain, loss, frustration, guilt, unforgiveness, depression, discouragement, and frustration. So, a few weeks ago, we started receiving calls that we thought were calls of concern about our well-being that ended up being a strategic plan of attack to pull us back into feelings of hurt and pain and frustration by discussing events that took place earlier this year. Blood starts boiling! Eyes filled with drops of sadness! Heart is pounding hard and fast! Mind is racing faster than words can come out! We've been incognito on purpose and staying in Lakewood not bothering anybody trying to move on. Why are we being pressured into having feelings failure and that we've done something wrong by moving on. I write this experience as help to others because I know i'm not the only who has been attacked with the weapon of pulling you back into past hurt to get you off the course of recovery. Recovering from any hurt in life is a long process and even still some people still do not recover. The memories still linger in the air of our minds as a dark cloud covering portions of a blue sky. We may never forget the hurt but God will take the pain away. Here are a few suggestions that has helped me recently keep on track to recovery while being attacked at the same time.
1). Pray - this seems simple and easy but also hard to do when the heat is on. Ephesians 6:19-20 teaches us that the best defense in heated situations is a praying offense. Pray about it!
2). Speak the truth in love (confrontation) - Many of us don't like tough conversations. At least I know I don't. However, I've found myself as of late doing it more an more often. The difference is that now I'm slow to speak. Confrontations are difficult but is do-able without breaking fellowship with the other person. Matthew 18 outlines for us how to handle disagreements between two people. Moreover remember, the end goal in confrontation is reconciliation.
3). Control your anger - When I started receiving phones calls immediately my blood started boiling when i discovered the true nature of the call and I was about to burst like a screaming tea kettle. A few months ago, I received some information that again made me boil on the inside. In time past I would have unleashed the dragon but I didn't. I waited for a few weeks before having a conversation with the other person so I could be clear and plain about what I needed to say. I made my point and ended the conversation so that I didnt violate Paul's exhortation to be angry but do not sin.
4). Move on - what happened yesterday cant stop you from moving on not unless you allow it to. I've vowed to the best of my ability to not speak of any issue that will cause me to loose focus. So unfortunately for others but fortunate for me, I kill the subject before it starts. This Sunday I heard one of the greatest messages on Genesis 13:11-16 when Abram and Lot split. One of the points in that message was that we need to find peace in parting. In other words, we need to split from some things so we can be successful in other things. Find peace so that it doesn't bring you down and move on.
5). Surround yourself with godly people who are really concerned about you and not the situation - it's amazing that when I was in the heat of battle I heard from people that I normally don't hear from and now that the dust has settled some I don't hear from them much anymore. But God has placed some genuine people in my life now that is not concerned with what was. We talk about what God has on the other side of it but most of all we just have fun together period. We pray together. We encourage each other. And we hold one another accountable. Without any hidden agendas.
6). Be honest about your feelings - if it hurts it hurts! God created with emotions but we can control the emotions that we feel. We can hurt and still maintain our faith and character. When I broke my hand years ago it hurt pretty bad. Now, I have scars but no pain.
7). Recovery is a process, so don't rush it
8). Be cautious with whom you share your dreams and successes - everyone can't handle the success (or even potential success) of others. They will celebrate but it will be what I label as "coveted celebration". Some people celebrate and covet your success at the same time with hopes of your ultimate failure. I heard a preacher say once "you can't share your dreams with everyone".
9). Trust people again - I know this sounds like a contradiction after saying be careful with whom you tell your dreams. But it's not. You can develop relationships without sharing your dreams. The point is we can't judge new relationships on past hurtful experiences. I know for a fact God will move some people and bring new people to your life.
10). Keep trusting God - oftentimes when bad things happen the first person to get attacked is God. Why did God allow this happen? It's hard to accept the sovereignty of God most times. However, I've learned a valuable lesson over the years and certainly within these past few months. That is, most times we see the agenda of others before it's revealed and God will throw up a red warning sign saying: "Be careful danger lies ahead!" However, we put on our ignoring blinders saying to ourselves "they won't do that". And then when it happens, we start to blame God. There are some things that happen in life that we can't control and then there are some things in life we can control with discernment.
Keep it pushing! I believe things will get better!
1). Pray - this seems simple and easy but also hard to do when the heat is on. Ephesians 6:19-20 teaches us that the best defense in heated situations is a praying offense. Pray about it!
2). Speak the truth in love (confrontation) - Many of us don't like tough conversations. At least I know I don't. However, I've found myself as of late doing it more an more often. The difference is that now I'm slow to speak. Confrontations are difficult but is do-able without breaking fellowship with the other person. Matthew 18 outlines for us how to handle disagreements between two people. Moreover remember, the end goal in confrontation is reconciliation.
3). Control your anger - When I started receiving phones calls immediately my blood started boiling when i discovered the true nature of the call and I was about to burst like a screaming tea kettle. A few months ago, I received some information that again made me boil on the inside. In time past I would have unleashed the dragon but I didn't. I waited for a few weeks before having a conversation with the other person so I could be clear and plain about what I needed to say. I made my point and ended the conversation so that I didnt violate Paul's exhortation to be angry but do not sin.
4). Move on - what happened yesterday cant stop you from moving on not unless you allow it to. I've vowed to the best of my ability to not speak of any issue that will cause me to loose focus. So unfortunately for others but fortunate for me, I kill the subject before it starts. This Sunday I heard one of the greatest messages on Genesis 13:11-16 when Abram and Lot split. One of the points in that message was that we need to find peace in parting. In other words, we need to split from some things so we can be successful in other things. Find peace so that it doesn't bring you down and move on.
5). Surround yourself with godly people who are really concerned about you and not the situation - it's amazing that when I was in the heat of battle I heard from people that I normally don't hear from and now that the dust has settled some I don't hear from them much anymore. But God has placed some genuine people in my life now that is not concerned with what was. We talk about what God has on the other side of it but most of all we just have fun together period. We pray together. We encourage each other. And we hold one another accountable. Without any hidden agendas.
6). Be honest about your feelings - if it hurts it hurts! God created with emotions but we can control the emotions that we feel. We can hurt and still maintain our faith and character. When I broke my hand years ago it hurt pretty bad. Now, I have scars but no pain.
7). Recovery is a process, so don't rush it
8). Be cautious with whom you share your dreams and successes - everyone can't handle the success (or even potential success) of others. They will celebrate but it will be what I label as "coveted celebration". Some people celebrate and covet your success at the same time with hopes of your ultimate failure. I heard a preacher say once "you can't share your dreams with everyone".
9). Trust people again - I know this sounds like a contradiction after saying be careful with whom you tell your dreams. But it's not. You can develop relationships without sharing your dreams. The point is we can't judge new relationships on past hurtful experiences. I know for a fact God will move some people and bring new people to your life.
10). Keep trusting God - oftentimes when bad things happen the first person to get attacked is God. Why did God allow this happen? It's hard to accept the sovereignty of God most times. However, I've learned a valuable lesson over the years and certainly within these past few months. That is, most times we see the agenda of others before it's revealed and God will throw up a red warning sign saying: "Be careful danger lies ahead!" However, we put on our ignoring blinders saying to ourselves "they won't do that". And then when it happens, we start to blame God. There are some things that happen in life that we can't control and then there are some things in life we can control with discernment.
Keep it pushing! I believe things will get better!
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