Thursday, June 25, 2009

Peaks & Valleys

I just finished reading a book by Spencer Johnson, M.D. called Peaks and Valleys, making good and bad times work for you - at work and in life. I really enjoyed the book and the message that is made through a story of man going through the valleys in search of the peaks.

Let me share just a couple of thoughts with you....

1. Peaks and Valleys are not just the good and bad times that happen to you. They are also how you feel inside and respond to outside events.

2. Peaks and Valleys are connected. The errors you make in today's good times create tomorrows bad times. The wise things you do in today's bad times create tomorrow's good times.

I highly encourage you to pick up the book, read it and put in place the simple strategies to get you out of a valley sooner, stay on the peak longer and have more peaks and fewer valleys.

Pastor John

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Thinking about Dad's on Father's Day

This Sunday June 21st will be Father's Day and I find myself reflecting on my relationship with my Dad and my Father-in-law. Two men that have shaped me into the man that I have become. It is an awesome responsibility to be a dad as I think of the impact we have as Father's.

When I was little guy I remember my Dad as a stern disciplinarian. The words "wait till your father gets home" rang home to me... and I remember seeing my Dad being moved to tears by God and watching God change his life when I was a young teenager. From the time that he sang (what I think was his first solo ever) in the church cantata, to times of praying in the men's bible study to experiencing and participating with Dad worshiping God in a Sunday service, he has been an influence in my life.

When I met Brenda's dad I was intimidated. A Pastor, a strong man, with real passion for God and the things of God. I always wanted to be on my best behavior with Brenda! I will never forget one of my first encounters watching ESPN (Baseball, his favorite sport) and a commercial came on and he changed the channel, turned to me and said, "I don't like watching the commercials and having those thoughts/images in my mind"! What an example of taking captive every thought and not letting the world influence you. Another influence in my life.

So here I am with two kids whom I love and adore and it's now my time to model for them the love of God the Father. And then to demonstrate what it means to love and to discipline in the love of God in order to raise them to love the Lord with all their heart, mind and soul. I am so thankful for both the models that God gave me in my earthly fathers.

So on Father's Day, tell your dad what he means to you.... Dad I love you and I thank you for showing me how to turn my life over to God so that I can love my wife and my kids the way God wants me to love.

Thanks Dad!

Pastor John

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Right People, Right Seat, Right Bus

One of my favorite authors is Jim Collins. In his book Good to Great Jim suggests to his readers that in order to be a great company, you need to have the right people in the right seat and on the right bus.
I've been thinking about how that concept fits in the church. We too, need the right people in the right seat and on the right bus. Have you ever found yourself feeling "burned out", overworked or just plain "tired"? Perhaps you're not sitting in the right seat. Or perhaps you feel under utilized, bored or not needed? Not in the right seat, maybe not the right bus?

God may have been calling you to a new find a new seat but you didn't get up and move to where He wanted you to be seated. Think about this... if you are the wrong person sitting in the wrong seat, how does that impact the right person for what would be their right seat? God wants the right person (heart, spirit & soul serving Him) in the right seat. But if you are the wrong person (grumpy, self-focused, tired, burned-out) sitting in the wrong seat you have a double negative impact on the kingdom.

I have not found a church yet that has too many workers for the harvest field. What I have seen is too many workers not sitting in the right seat and perhaps not even on the right bus!

May God challenge us to put Matthew 9:36-38 into practice. Jesus had compassion for the lost, the hurting and those lacking direction. Who will be Jesus to the world today? Will you?

This bus is now leaving the station please take your "right seat"!

Pastor John

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership... interesting title understanding that many who are "first" shall be "last" and the "last" shall be "first", Matthew 19:30. Jesus came to serve, not to be served... and was a great leader. What an awesome example for us!

I've been reading Jesus' teaching in Matthew 20 about being a laborer for God and the request of a mother for her two sons to be seated on the right and left side of Jesus when he entered heaven. It's really not about earthly titles or roles. We need to be thinking eternally just as James and John's mother was thinking. But understand that titles and the seating chart is not what God is concerned about, it is about serving others so that they too can know eternal life.

Jesus models for us what it means to be a Servant leader. He set the example by being a leader while serving others. He always put others before Himself. He listens and responds, shows compassion and love, provides direction and encouragement. The list could go on and on.

Reflection:

What kind of a leader or example are you?