Not confession in the literal sense of the term. I may need that as well but not in this space.
I have always spoken my mind here without holding much back and sometimes felt like I’ve been a little too honest. Today I need to process and get some things out of my head. As always I welcome your thoughts. I don’t know where this post is going I’m just mind dumping. So consider that fair warning.
In late 2008 I got very discouraged with some of the things being said in relation to the elections. The way I chose to deal with it was to fast all things political for as long as needed and focus on the one thing that can bring real change. Building the Church.
I was so pleased to hear my pastor tell the congregation yesterday. God’s plan is for us to operate in our gifts and there is no plan b. After the elections last year Dutch Sheets, in a letter to his partners, made the comment, God had a plan 50 years and 50 million baby’s ago it was us. These two statements go the heart of what I’m passionate about. Equipping the Saints.
I understand theologically God does not “need” us as much as He has chosen to work in and through us. Jesus modeled this plan as He walked purposefully to the cross while entrusting the message of salvation to 12 men. That is our task. raising up those who have been entrusted to us, calling out their gifts, making sure they are equipped, and then giving them permission to serve with a covering.
This is my foundational message. 2 Timothy 2:2, teach the teachers to teach.
Recently I separated my political thoughts into a different blog so I could keep this one solely for the purpose of ministry. Last week I posted 3 times concerning Conservatism and Christianity on this blog and began to feel bad about it. It is nearly impossible to separate politics from other aspects of our lives. They are completely intertwined.
I am very busy meeting with young men, serving on a couple of boards, helping different people with social media, as well as preparing for worship team retreats, writing a book, and trying to write songs. All good things but it begs the question:
What things, of eternal significance, should I focus on? In what areas should I focus on building the church? It all runs together and gets a bit confusing at times.
As I read other blogs they are mostly focused on one thing. Should I drop the political discussions and focus on building the church? Should I stop doing all but one thing and do it with all of my passion and effort? Religion and Politics are the two things we are told to avoid however Religion and Politics are two of the most important things we should be talking about. (don’t be too literal with that last sentence)
I realize Most of my problems are between my ears and because I’m in a safe place to deal with my pathologies God is bringing them to the surface. It’s good but hard. I’m developing a lifestyle of prayer and fasting that I’ve never understood before.
I am so thankful for my family especially my amazing wife who believes in me beyond my ability to understand. And thankful for friends who love me enough to tell me the truth.
Pastor Brady finished yesterday with this comment. “God has more gifts to give than people willing to use them” I don’t want to be that guy. I don’t want to spend time on things good but not eternally significant. If your still here after 600 words thank you. I’ll keep you posted.
thanks! and hey, I enjoy both sides of the coin.
I understand what you mean though; I suffer from intense interest in everything, and focusing in on the 'important' stuff is very, very difficult for me to do. It's a slow, hard process.
I hope you find it easier 🙂
Gary, Don't know if this will help you much, or if you really need/want help at all. My two cents anyway: What is God calling you to do? Is He calling you to do all that you are doing or only some of it? If He's calling you to do everything, then maybe He doesn't need you to go deep, but to stir others up to go deep. If He's calling you to go deep, then perhaps some things do need to be set aside. Second, what is His timing? Does it all need to be done now? Joseph waited 17 years for his dreams to come to pass. I'm glad you're in a safe place and you have the support of your family. Good time to work through some of those questions and the answer only comes from one place.
Curious, how's the fasting going?
My 25 cents worth : )
Jesus didn't spend much time talking about Herod or Cesar….even after John the Baptist was beheaded, Jesus could have publicly complained and protested but He went away to a quiet place and then ministered to the people. I hate to say "I don't care" about politics, I do vote (!) but I really don't get too worked up about it. Paul did assert his rights as a Roman Citizen but as a means to continue to do what God had called him to do. Sometimes I think that we as American christians get a little to caught up in our "American-ness" and not enough in our faith. I believe we are blessed by God as a nation because of how He has used us to take care of Israel not because we have some kind of virtue in ourselves.
I could go on, but I think I've rambled enough : )