Determined to Finish...

"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." -- Acts 20:24

A lot happens along the way of a marathon. There are moments of exhaustion, occasions when a runner may stumble and there are times when injuries will almost overwhelm. But every committed athlete is determined to finish.

Paul was just such an athlete. He was on a course received from the Lord. The race was far more important than his personal life. No matter what challenges or setbacks came his way, he had only one goal. Paul was determined to finish.

Pastors are also in a race assigned by the Lord. Their course is set and it will take them through many turns and over numerous hills. The hardships will be great and exhaustion may be unbearable. But, with the grace and strength of the Lord, they will run well. They just need to have one certain goal... being determined to finish.

~ PJVS

"Our motto must continue to be perseverance. And ultimately I trust the Almighty will crown our efforts with success." 

~ William Wilberforce

Room for the Unplanned...

"When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing." - Luke 9:10-11

Plans, plans, plans! Day by day we plan the hours to the minute. We live by tight schedules that will be the most productive and get the job done. Plans keep us focused, plans keep us busy, and plans bring ministry success. Sadly, too often plans become the goal, an end in and of themselves. The question is... "Do our plans allow room for the unplanned?"

Jesus planned to debrief the disciples and further mentor them alone, in a restful place. But the crowds came and he "welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God".  Most often, the unplanned turns out to be people. Jesus always made time for the unplanned and welcomed the providential occasion with open arms. Because he loved people, "His plans allowed room for the unplanned".

What's your plan for this week Pastor? Will you get it all done the way you want? Are you focused with the intensity of an Olympic athlete? Or are you prepared for the unexpected intrusion of people who need the Lord? Are you willing to make time for those who didn't make an appointment? The question is... "Do your plans allow room for the unplanned?"  

~ PJVS

The "Flow" of Leadership...

"Effective spiritual leadership does not come as a result of theological training or seminary degree, as important as education is. Jesus told His disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you” (John 15:16). The sovereign selection of God gives great confidence to Christian workers. We can truly say, “I am here neither by selection of an individual nor election of a group but by the almighty appointment of God.”... 

... Yet spiritual leadership transcends the power of personality and all other natural gifts. The personality of the spiritual leader influences others because it is penetrated, saturated, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As the leader gives control of his life to the Spirit, the Spirit’s power flows through him to others." 

- Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership 

May the power and presence of the Almighty flow through your messages and counsel as His appointed agent of change!

In His Eternal Grip, 

~ PJVS 

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!