Go HARD After GOD...

"The authenticating, inner essence of worship is being satisfied with Christ, prizing Christ, cherishing Christ, treasuring Christ. You can see how this definition of the essence of worship is free from Sunday worship services. It encompasses all of life that flows from the heart. But it is tremendously relevant for understanding what worship services should be about. They are about "going hard after God."

When we say that what we do on Sunday morning is to "go hard after God," what we mean is that we are going hard after satisfaction in God, and going hard after God as our prize, and going hard after God as our treasure, our soul-food, our heart-delight, our spirit s pleasure. Or to put Christ in His rightful place-it means that we are going hard after all that God is for us in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen."

~ Piper, John (2002). Brothers, we are not professionals: 

a plea to pastors for radical ministry (p. 236). 

Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

And ... as you lead your flock into worship today and in days ahead, I pray that you will "GO HARD AFTER GOD". Never settle for anything less and the Lord will surely bless!

From a heart that thirsts for God, as the deer thirsts for flowing streams,

~ PJVS

Jars of Clay ...

"But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves." - Luke 22:26 

Management Consultant Peter Drucker once wrote, "No institution can possibly survive if it needs geniuses or supermen to manage it. It must be organized in such a way as to be able to get along under a leadership composed of average human beings." While Drucker has been a popular resource and widely read, few C.E.O.s have ever gotten hold of this concept.

Jesus wisely selected "average human beings" to serve in spiritual leadership. He himself gave us a perfect example of what it means to be a "servant leader". This model alone allows for all glory to be given to the Lord. Paul reinforced this principle in 2 Corinthians 4:7, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." 

Are you surprised that God has chosen to use "jars of clay" to serve Him? Have you finally settled on the fact that you will best serve the Lord as an "average human being" my friend? Do you lead through serving, striving to give God all the glory? Remember; It's all about HIM and not about us.

Alone with God...

"Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself... And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone" -- Matthew 14:13, 23

In our western culture social interaction has become overwhelming. There never seems to be a quiet moment to be found. We go from meetings to celebrations to games to parties to community events with little time between. Most of us are constantly surrounded by people, from family members to church members. Many of us actually choose this lifestyle because we don't know how to deal with extended quiet moments. Is there any value in being alone?

Jesus had just heard about the death of his cousin John the Baptist. He was grieved over the death and sought a quiet place to be alone and pray. When pressed by the crowds he responded with gracious compassion. Yet, when this ministry was completed, the Lord slipped away by himself to pray. Jesus knew the value of quiet time with his Father.

I am sure that you have heard the phrase "take time to smell the roses". But we need to do far more than "smell the roses". Spiritual health for the Christian leader also needs quiet time to reflect and commune with the Lord. We need time to rest and seek His face with our joys and sorrows. As the Lord sought time to be alone, you will find restored strength, and renewed vision by making regular times to be alone with God.

~ PJVS

DESIGNED to LEAD...

"So, instead of looking at our frail humanity and complaining about our deficiencies, let’s joyfully accept our humanity with all its potential and ask God to help us make the most of it. David asked the Lord, “What are mere mortals that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Ps. 8:4). What are mere mortals? We are the precious objects of God’s love!

If the Lord has called you to be a leader, it’s because He knows you better than you know yourself, because He loves you, and because He planned it all before time began. Your genetic structure was designed by God so you could do the work He has called you to do (Ps. 139:13–16). 

Leaders are people—God’s people—God’s chosen people—chosen to do His will and His work, and to help others to do His work. His promise is, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5)." - Warren W. Wiersbe, On Being a Leader for God

So, ride the wave of God's incredible call, being richly encouraged and empowered as you're carried in the love of Christ while you do His work and help others do the same! 

Fallen by the wayside...

Poet Randy L. McClave provides us with some provoking thoughts to consider when those we disciple fall by the wayside ... 

      

               ~ JUDAS ~

"Judas had the very best pastor

And the wisest master,

He had the very best advisor

And the only one who was much wiser.

He had the very best teacher

The ultimate preacher,

He had the very best counselor

Be it now, or ever before.

The problem wasn't Judas's leadership

Or how he did worship,

Nor was it the temple that he went to

Or all that he knew. 

Nor was it because of any of the disciples

Or even any of their rivals,

It wasn't even a sadness or a careless whim,

It was all because of him.

If your character or attitude doesn't change

If your soul stays estrange,

And if your heart doesn't ever transform

And sin stays your norm.

If unto peace and salvation you will not proclaim.

You will then always stay the same

And then like Judas the fool,

You will then become the Devil's tool."

On a personal note... 

I would encourage you with further application... You can Pastor, preach, lead,  advise and counsel just like Jesus and still have elders, deacons and congregants go completely off the rails. 

So, just keep your eyes on Jesus and praise God for those of your leadership and flock who, by the grace and power of God are staying the course. 

Keep pressing on, 

~ PJVS

Keep it Real!

What do you think Paul had in mind when he wrote Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season"? 

Paul certainly had more change of seasons than most … “Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:24-28) 

So, however wild your week has been, let’s keep it real my brother!  Hold on to His promise… “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

~ PJVS

Hold Fast!

“I have prayed for new men, fiery, reckless men, possesed of uncontrollably youthful passion - these lit by the Spirit of God. I have prayed for new words, explosive, direct, simple words. I have prayed for new miracles. Explaining old miracles will not do. If God is to be known as the God who does wonders in heaven and earth, then God must produce for this generation. Lord, fill preachers and preaching with Thy power. How long dare we go on without tears, without moral passions, hatred and love? Not long, I pray, Lord Jesus, not long....” 

― Jim Elliot

“The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens...

 ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name... Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown." 

~ Revelation 3:7-8, 10-11