The Power of Mentoring

February 16, 2010 at 7:10 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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I posted a book review of The Power of Mentoring, Shaping People Who Will Shape the World by Martin Sanders.

I found this older article, “Live Free or Die!”  by Mark Steyn interesting also.  You can find it here: http://www.hillsdale.edu/news/imprimis/archive/issue.asp?year=2009&month=04

I hope you are encouraged and learn something new from the reading.

Don’t Quit, Keep Pressing On!

February 16, 2010 at 11:11 am | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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Sometimes circumstances or people can give us a swift unexpected kick. At times like that we have to remember some foundational truths. One being, Christians are involved in spiritual warfare. We live in a war zone, all day, and every day. But there is help and there is hope. They are found in the person of Jesus Christ and the promises of the Word of God.

“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12 NIV)

Second, those of us who are in Christ, who know Him personally as Lord and Savior, can be assured of His presence in our lives. Whether in good times or bad times we can be confident of His presence and provision. Our enemy may throw fiery arrows at us trying to get us to doubt the Word of God. But we need to remember that is part of the Christian life.

“But,” the doubting soul may ask, “what if I cannot grasp this assurance, or vouch for those evidences which I once thought to be true?” Then try the following prescriptions as a tonic for your ailing faith.

First of all, renew your repentance, as if you had never repented. Put forth fresh acts of faith, as if you had never believed, and you will beat Satan at his own game. Let him tell you that your former actions were hypocritical, or that they are old and worthless. What can he say against your present affirmation of faith? In this way, the very accusations he uses to drive you away from God, instead draw you closer to Him.

If he still haunts you with fears of you spiritual condition, then apply to the throne of grace and ask for a new copy of the old evidence, which you have misplace. The original is in the pardon office in heaven, of which Christ is the Master. And if you are a saint, your name is on record in that court. Appeal to God, and hear the news from heaven, rather than listen to the tales your enemy brings from hell. If you would argue less with Satan and pray more to God about your fears, they would soon be resolved. Can you expect truth from a liar, or comfort from an adversary? Turn your back on him and go to God. Try not to worry. Sooner or later you will receive your certificate of assurance. (from The Christian In Complete Armour by

William Gurnall, Feb. 16)

Third, my brothers and sisters, we have to keep pressing on. Don’t give up on your faith in God. Don’t believe the father of lies who tries to tell you that either God doesn’t care or He simply can’t do anything about your problem. Remember the words of Paul, Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me (Phil. 3:12). We have a responsibility to lay aside what easily entangles us and look toward Jesus and press on. He has overcome and in Him we are overcomers! Don’t quit, keep pressing on!

You Mustn’t Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest! if you must – but never quit.

Life is queer, with its twist and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about

When he might have won if he’d stuck it out;

Stick to your task, though the pace seems slow –

You may succeed with one more blow.

Success is failure turned inside out –

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt –

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems afar;

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –

It’s when things seem worst that YOU MUSTN’T QUIT.

–         author Unknown, from Along The Road To Manhood

by Stu Webber, p. 92.

Five Movies Every Guy Should Watch

February 13, 2010 at 8:04 am | Posted in men, movies | 2 Comments
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I was listening to a sports radio program a week or so ago and they started talking about movies. The host mentioned a movie that every guy should watch. I haven’t seen it. I’ve seen clips of it on TV, but I haven’t watched Die Hard. But it did start me thinking about movies that every guy should watch. This was difficult to narrow down to 5 movies, so I have an honorable mention too. Maybe I’ll post that next week.

My top 5 are based on the fact that they move me in some way. There is something about them that holds my attention and makes me come back again. They’re that good. The top 5 could be interchangeable. I haven’t gotten bored with any of the top 5.

  1. Twilight Samurai – a black and white movie about a widowed warrior. He is taking care of his two little girls, his elderly mother and working a job that is below who he really is. People make fun of him and he carries himself well. He does not brag about his past victories. Then he is called upon to defeat a warrior and he is reluctant to go into a fight to the death. But he does and …………
  2. The Greatest Game Ever Played – loosely based on a true event. This is an inspiring and motivating movie. The game was played in the early 1900’s in Boston at an exclusive country club. The three finalists are all from humble backgrounds and families. Classism and prejudice are clearly seen. At the end when the caddy/hero is on the shoulders of the fans he reaches out and…..
  3. Air Force One – the president of the United States is kicking some terrorist butt! The president helps people get to safety and then stays to do some serious hands on good old fashioned butt whuppin. What’s not to like. If only………..
  4. My Side of the Mountain – a movie from my youth about a boy who lives in the big city and runs away from home to live in the woods. He hollows out a dead tree, learns to live off the land and takes care of himself. I think I read the book when I was in the sixth grade. This story is all about the adventure, the exploring and………..
  5. Pork Chop Hill – the old black and white war movie. It’s all about the bravery, sacrifice and heroism. These men chose to fight. They obeyed orders even though it did not make sense at the time. This movie is good. It makes you feel patriotic and ………

This is my list and I own a copy of each movie. What would be on your list of 5 movies every guy should watch. Why? Have some fun and watch a good movie. But not today or this weekend! Go out on a date with your wife or girlfriend and enjoy her company. Invest some quality time in your relationship. That will be more rewarding than watching a good movie. The movies will always be there for another day. Have some fun this weekend.

Bill  (Romans 15:13)

______________________

There will be a new Book Review on Monday or Tuesday, The Power of Mentoring, Shaping People Who Will Shape the Future by Martin Sanders. I started to read it quickly and found I had to go back and read it slowly. I underlined and wrote notes in the margins. I am surprised I had never heard of this book before. I hope you come back and look for the review. Thanks and a shout out to the publisher for sending it to me.

Pray for Our President and His Family

February 12, 2010 at 4:26 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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“(1) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – (2) for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (3) This is good, and pleases God our Savior, (4) who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (5) For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave Himself for all men – the testimony given in its proper time. (1 Timothy 2:1-6 NIV)

When was the last time you prayed for our president and his family? They need our prayers. I am not going to rant or take sides politically right now. If for nothing else than respect for the office of president, let’s pray for him and his wife and his children. Most of us will never meet him, but we can pray for him. We’ll never meet his wife or children, but we can pray for them.

There are enough people criticizing him and his decisions. There is a place and time for that. There are enough people hoping to vote him out of office during the next election. Like him and his agenda or not, Jehovah God has allowed him to be the president of the United States of America. Almighty God raises up and He lowers down whom He wants to. We need to show the president some respect and pray for him.

Pray that:

  1. He, his wife and children will come to a personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior if they don’t now have that.
  2. He and his family will be protected from violence and harm.
  3. He and his family will be healthy and safe both physically and emotionally.
  4. He will be a loving husband and father.
  5. He will think clearly and make the right decision and not a politically correct decision.
  6. He will be a man of integrity, truthfulness, honor and courage.
  7. His closest advisors will come to know Christ as Lord and Savior.
  8. He will get godly counsel and follow it and that ungodly counsel will be thwarted.

He may never know we pray, but God does. Our God is an awesome God! Let’s pray according to Scripture like He is. Thank you for praying.

Be encouraged,

Bill   (Romans 15:13; Psalm 5:11-12)

 Awesome God

by Rich Mullins

Our God is an awesome God

He reigns from heaven above

With wisdom, power, and love

Our God is an awesome God

Wimps, Wildmen and Warriors

February 11, 2010 at 12:11 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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(part 1)

There has been more talk and writing recently about what it means to be a man. Within this discussion people voice their concerns and thoughts about masculinity or the absence of it. There is always the concern about the lack of role models for boys to emulate. There is also concern about men taking longer to grow up and be responsible. Now there are churches trying to have tough men and macho ministries. Many men and women have sought to find an answer to why men don’t attend church regularly or at all.

 Over the next few weeks I will seek to give my perspective and thoughts on this subject. From my vantage point and experience I have broken the discussion down into three areas. There are boys and men in every category. You may already be thinking of where some man fits. I also hope to give an illustration from Scripture of a man in each category. What does God’s Word have to say about wimps, wild men and warriors, if anything at all? Today is just a brief overview to set the stage.

 WIMPS: better known as sissy’s. “Sissy” is not a politically correct word. No boy or man worth anything wants to be called a sissy. More dumb dares have been accepted just to prove that you are not a sissy. Back in the day, it was connected to girlish behavior. But let’s stick to the word, “wimp.” It conjures up pictures of Popeye’s friend, Wimpy. The overweight, out of shape glutton who was borrowing the price of hamburger with the promise of paying it back tomorrow. Who really wants to be known as a wimp?

WILDMEN: to some boys or men, this is the ideal. The do what I like when I like to whomever or with whomever I like kind of man. He’s the brash, in your face adventurer. To show my hand a little, I have a simple question that I have asked a number of men for a few years. No one has yet given me a good Biblical answer. So if there are any Eldredgeites out there, “where in Scripture are we told to be wild men”? Please show me where God wants boys or men to have hearts that are wild.

WARRIORS: just what is a warrior? Does modern society (especially boys and/or men) understand what a warrior is? The word is used so loosely that I am not sure that we understand the real definition. Is it someone who just toughs it out when things are bad? Or is there more to it than that? When we understand what a warrior was in Scripture is there any application to present society? Is being a warrior a role reserved for men only?

I have my perspective, beliefs and practical application. Not everyone will like what I have to say. That’s o.k. with me. I will leave you with some questions to think over. So now, where is the Church in all of this mess? Where is the Church learning about masculinity, maleness, manhood, and just being a man? How do we let boys be boys while helping them learn to be a man? What is a man supposed to act like? How do men balance being tough with being tender? How do men balance humility with ambition?

I have a lot more questions, but I’ll stop here. I will try to ask and answer some questions next week. I will also give an illustration from the Bible. I hope you will be back to learn about wimps. I just don’t want you to be one!

Much grace and peace to you,

Bill  (a fellow-laborer)

(Romans 15:13; Psalm 5:11-12)

(copyright: Bill Mazey)

Can You Smell The Coffee?

February 7, 2010 at 8:01 pm | Posted in Coffee Reviews, Coffee Shop Reviews | Leave a comment
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If you are a coffee drinker, you know that there is just something about the smell of coffee. I like having a coffee maker with a timer because I can smell the brewed coffee in the morning when I get up and its ready for me and my wife. I usually buy whole bean and grind it as we use it. Sometimes we’ll make a cup in the afternoon too, mostly regular, but sometimes decaf. I like dark roast coffees best, but I’ll try lighter roasts. I don’t drink flavored coffees; just give me regular coffee, strong, not bitter, with one teaspoon of honey and a little cream. Man, I’m looking forward to tomorrow morning already.

So my wife and I like to go on a date and try different coffee shops. We will visit them, see what their daily brews are and pick one to have. We have been in just about every coffee shop in Louisville. We like to see how the staff interacts with us so we usually ask them questions about the coffees and their store. We like to sit down enjoy the coffee, watch the people and talk with one another. One of the coffee shops we really like is Sunergos. They are located at 2122 South Preston Street (www.sunergoscoffee.com). We like their coffee so much we buy the beans to make it at home. Sometimes though we just like to go there, sit down and enjoy the coffee.

My wife likes to look at the art they have hanging on the walls and we like the eclectic mix of furniture. The staff is friendly and helpful. Saturday we tried what they call Blend B in a French Press. The coffee was stronger than being brewed in an auto drip machine. It had more of the coffee oils and grit in it then we are used too, but it was pretty good. In about a week we are going back to try the same blend in a Chemex brewer. We want to see how the coffee tastes with that brewing style. We are trying both of these because we are interested in purchasing one for home use. The staff helped us by answering any question we had. It was an enjoyable coffee drinking experience.

We’ll definitely keep buying Sunergos coffee and brewing it at home. We’ll go to other coffee shops, but I know we’ll be back to Sunergos. We appreciate the products they sell and the friendliness of the staff. If you want some good coffee, go to Sunergos. I don’t think you will be disappointed. You can find them online at: www.sunergoscoffee.com .  I posted this recommendation because we like supporting local small businesses. Oh yea, the date was good too! I’m looking forward to the next one we take to another coffee shop.

Pray for the Pastor’s Wife

February 5, 2010 at 2:40 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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This Friday I would like to encourage everyone to pray for their pastor’s wife. I am not thinking of any pastor or pastor’s wife in particular. I am thinking that the pastor’s wife can be a tired lady. She may also be discouraged and lonely. Some women marry men who are pastors or who are studying to be pastors. Some men are called into the ministry after being married and the wife becomes a pastor’s wife. These are some of the reasons why we will pray this way this Friday.

Another reason a pastor’s wife may need prayer are expectations some church members may put on her. Some people think they know what a pastor’s wife should be doing in the church without getting to know her. Sometimes she isn’t accepted just for who she is. She may not know how to play the piano. So let’s pray for the pastor’s help-mate. Oh, if you’re a pastor, pray for some other pastor’s wife and trust God to raise up someone to pray for your wife.

Pray that:

  1. She will have wisdom and discernment in dealing with parishoners.
  2. She will have a good or a couple of good close friends.
  3. She will respect her husband privately and publically.
  4. She will be able to know who she is and like how God made her.
  5. She will have a close relationship with the Lord and know His presence.
  6. She will have the joy of the Lord in her life.
  7. She will serve in the church in the power of the Holy Spirit.
  8. She will love people and be friendly.

There may be other ways to pray for her too. Each woman may have different needs and be at differnent stages in life. This prayer guide is in no way exhaustive, but it is a good starting point. Thank you for praying for these important sisters in the Lord. I’ll leave you with a great Scripture and great song to take you into your weekend.

Much grace and peace to you,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

(Romans 15:13; Psalm 16:11)

John 1:14

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.”

“Fairest Lord Jesus”

From Munster Gesangbuch, 1677

1. Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,

Son of God and Son of Man!

Thee will I cherish, thee will I honor,

Thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

2. Fair are the meadows, fair are the woodlawns,

Robed in the blooming garb of spring:

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,

Who makes the woeful heart to sing. 

3. Fair is the sunshine, fair is the moonlight,

And all the twinkling, starry host:

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer

Than all the angels heav’n can boast. 

4. Beautiful Savior! Lord of the nations!

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor, praise, adoration,

Now and forever more be thine.

Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus

February 3, 2010 at 3:28 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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It’s the middle of the week and you may need a little pick me up. Sometimes when I get a little drowsy I will do some exercises or just get up and walk around. It usually makes me feel better and alert and ready to take on my task again. It may be connected to how God made us, but to exercise or physically exert myself helps me feel better and think better. It just helps me focus or refocus. For me its better than a cup of coffee or tea.

Spiritually speaking, getting on my knees literally and physically has the same effect. Humbly myself before God and casting my cares upon Him helps me feel better and alert and ready to serve again. Most of the people I know are busy people. We find ourselves sometimes with fewer hours and more tasks. But let us not forget the most important task, prayer and quietness before the Lord.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God, consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

If you are in need of a spiritual or emotional or even physical pick me up, maybe it comes from kneeling at the Master’s feet. Cast or literally dump all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you (1 Pet. 5:7). I would like to leave you with words from a very good book that I read last year.

The Saviour Can Solve Every Problem

by Rev. Oswald J. Smith; music by B.D. Ackley (1932)

  1. The Saviour can lift every burden, The heavy as well as the light;

His strength is made perfect in weakness, In Him there is power and might.

(chorus) The Saviour can solve every problem, the tangles of life can undo;

There is nothing too hard for Jesus, There is nothing that He cannot do.

2. The Saviour can bear every sorrow, In Him there is comfort and rest;

No matter how great the affliction, he only permits what is best.

3. The Saviour can strengthen the weary, His grace is sufficient for all;

He know every step of the pathway, And listens to hear when we call.

4. The Saviour can break sin’s dominion, The victory He won long ago;

In Him there is freedom from bondage, He’s able to conquer the foe.

5. The Saviour can satisfy fully, The heart that the world cannot fill;

His presence will sanctify wholly, The soul that is yielded and still.

From The Work God Blesses by Oswald J. Smith.

(Marshall, Morgan and Scott, Ltd.: London. n.d) p. 6.

 

One month has passed since I have started blogging. It has been both a good learning experience and creative outlet for me. I want to thank everyone who has visited the site. I will try to blog something at least three times a week. Some posts will be longer than others. Some blogging may just be adding to specific pages. Some ideas I have are just for fun and not about the Bible or theology. Hopefully that is o.k. because I think I am a well rounded man. And I don’t mean weight….(that’s a joke!). When you think of me pray for wisdom, discernment, the ability to communicate clearly and good time management. And as I usually tell people, any other way that God may lay on your heart. Here’s a little of what I have in mind.

Words You Should Know:

Next week I will start putting one doctrinal word or phrase on this page. I will give a definition, a Scripture reference and an application. The first pharse: verbal, plenary inspiration.

Book Reviews:

      I am going to try to write two to four reviews a month. Academically I have had to use three different formats: review, summary or report. They are all a little different. Not too long ago I read: “The Holy Spirit in Vietnam” by Orrel N. Steinkamp. I may go back through it and review it because I think it is worth encouraging people to read it.

 I am also attempting to read through “Systematic Theology” by Wayne Grudem as part of my devotional reading. If I read three pages a day I’ll finish it in a year. It is an excellent book. I am currently reading “The Power of Mentoring” by Martin Sanders. I will post a review on it next week. I am also reading “The Spark” by Heward and Bacon.

Lord willing, next week I will start reading “Organic Leadership” by Neil Cole and “Groundswell” by Li and Bernoff. I will post a review on Cole’s book. I have some other reading planned after that also.

 I also allow for flexibility in my reading time, because you never know when someone will recommend something very good. For example, I just read an article in Oncology Times, January 25, 2010, Vol. 32, No. 2 titled, “The Gullible Decade” by Joseph V. Simone. It was short and interesting.

I will pass on to my readers what I have read that I think is worth their time to read and/or purchase. Speaking of that I would like to recommend The A. W. Tozer Electronic Library to you. There are 57 Tozer books, 12 A. B. Simpson books and 12 other Bible References on the disc. If you like Tozer it is well worth having. If you have never heard of Simpson or read any of his material this will be a good introduction for you. You can purchase it here: www.echurchdepot.com.

 Links:

Links from my blog will be added but it is hard to say when. I would also welcome links from other blogs or organizations to my blog as well.

Men You Should Know:

There are men from history that we should know about. They may have impacted the Church in different or crucial ways. I will post on a monthly basis, men I think you should try to know something about. I will trust you to look them up and learn about them

Quotes:

I have collected a lot of quotes over the years. I wrote some new ones down today. I will post quotes whenever and as often as I want to. I will try to find a better way to organize them.

Thanks again for taking the time to read either the posts or pages on this blog. I am grateful and humbled. I hope this blog brings glory to God by teaching and encouraging the saints and by introducing the sinner to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To God be the glory.

GRACE to you,

Bill  (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13; Psalm 21:6

Pray For Young Men

January 29, 2010 at 3:08 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to a church planter’s seminar/lunch. It was only two hours long and I wasn’t sure that I really wanted to go. Some of my reasoning was that I don’t really agree with the theology and philosophy of the organization and its founder. I have never met the man, nor do I believe everything that is written about him. Plus I figured I would be the oldest man there and I wasn’t sure of the attitude in which I would be received. So two days before the event I went online to register, kind of hoping registration would be closed. It wasn’t, so I registered and attended.

Now I was the oldest man there. And I might add I was the best dressed too. Even though I was business casual. It wasn’t as crowded as I thought it would be. I found a table near the back and asked the young guys sitting there if the seat was taken. They welcomed me to their group and we began to talk. One of the guys attended a church while he was in college in a different state and I actually know the pastor. It really is a small world. Our God orders the steps of a righteous man, doesn’t He?

The meeting was started with prayer and lunch, and then the panel took the stage and began to talk and field questions. I kept quiet the whole time. Really. There were times I wanted to speak or comment or ask a question, but I didn’t. I went there as a learner. I wanted to learn about leaders in their network, about their ideas of church planting and about their ideas of pastoring. And learn I did.

I still don’t totally agree with the organization theologically or philosophically. I have some minor concerns about some of the things that were said. I think in twenty years the four younger men who were speaking to the even younger men will have both a different perspective and words to offer. We can all change over time. I really do wish there were some older men there with me. Some older men missed out on something pretty good. These younger men missed out on some input from Christian leaders in a different stage of life.

But I am truly glad I went and learned with my younger brothers. I enjoyed myself greatly. If I can try to be humorous: there was so much testosterone in that room! There were so many hopes and dreams of serving the MOST HIGH GOD! It was both a pleasure and privilege to be in their company. I was with a band of brothers who want to serve their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They are willing to risk it all; they are willing to go where HE sends them. Yes, they have a lot to learn. But I for one am willing to help the younger men who are called by our God. I am willing to teach them. I am willing to learn with them. I am willing to learn from them. Are you? And, I still have a lot to learn and I want to keep learning. Do you?

Those young men (and the two young ladies) represent the future of the Church. God owns the Church. No man or woman here has any stock or part ownership of the Church. So will you join me in praying for some young men who are and will be leaders in the body of Christ? You may even know some personally.

Pray that:

  1. They will always be completely surrendered to God (Rom. 12:1-2).
  2. They will be in His Word to study and live it (2 Tim. 2:15).
  3. They will learn to balance their private life and public life.
  4. They will understand that God cares about character more than giftedness.
  5. They will learn about diligence and self-discipline.
  6. They will realize the presence of the God and His joy (Ps. 21:6)
  7. They will stay faithful to God no matter what.
  8. They will confidently know what God has “called” them to.
  9. They will have older godly men to mentor them and younger godly men to mentor.
  10. Their families (if they have them) will be protected from the evil one.

Thank you for looking around, seeing some young men with potential and for praying (interceding) for them. They may never know it, but God will and your prayers will make a difference. I am excited about the future of the Church!

“I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name. I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” (1 John 2:12-14 NIV)

Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

by George Duffield

1.     Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross

Lift high His royal banner, It must not suffer loss.

From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,

Till every foe is vanquished And Christ is Lord indeed.

 2.     Stand up, stand up for Jesus, The trumpet call obey;

Forth to the mighty conflict, In this His glorious day!

Ye that are men, now serve Him Against unnumbered foes;

Let courage rise with danger And strength to strength oppose.

 3.     Stand up, stand up for Jesus, The trumpet call obey;

The arm of flesh will fail you, Ye dare not trust your own.

Put on the gospel armor, Each piece put on with prayer;

Where duty calls, or danger, Be never wanting there.

 4.     Stand up, stand up for Jesus- The strife will not be long;

This day the noise of battle, The next the victor’s song.

To him that overcometh A crown of life shall be;

He with the King of glory Shall reign eternally. Amen.

 Be encouraged,

Bill  (a fellow-laborer)

(Rom. 15:13; 1 Tim. 1:18-19)

Protect and Serve

January 27, 2010 at 4:49 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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To Protect and Serve

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”(1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

Being involved in ministry and leadership will be difficult. We need to get over that so I will say it again. Being involved in ministry and leadership will be difficult. There is no getting around it. But the Church needs us to faithfully stand in the gap. The world may not know it, but it needs us to faithfully proclaim the Gospel and make disciples.

We have to be on our guard because there are wolves that seek to harm the sheep. The wolves are clever, cruel and relentless. It seems they never rest. They change their plan of attack and they try to catch us off guard. Those of us in ministry and leadership have been given the responsibility of protecting the sheep. Believe it or not, sometimes the sheep do not appreciate the shepherds’ service. But good shepherds (ministers and leaders) protect and serve anyway.

It’s the middle of the week.  We may be tired. Protect and serve anyway. We may feel overwhelmed by our duties. Protect and serve anyway. We may feel underappreciated. Protect and serve anyway. Stand in the gap and pray, preach/teach, lead by example, care, visit and love the sheep. Our heavenly Father expects no less from His men that serve Him and His Church. He will help us protect and serve. We can accomplish the ministry He gives us because He will help us.

When we are tempted to whine or complain about our sheep or our circumstances I think we should stop and pray and give thanks to God for His patience toward us. We know our failings better than anyone else does. We know our weaknesses and the struggles both in our thoughts and lives. And God in His great mercy still gives us the opportunity to protect and serve.

Rise Up, O Men of God

By William P Merrill

1. Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things;

Give heart and soul and mind and strength To serve the King of kings.

2. Rise up, O men of God! His kingdom tarries long;

Bring in the day of brotherhood And end the night of wrong.

3. Rise up, O men of God! The church for you doth wait,

Her strength unequal to her task; Rise up and make her great!

4. Lift high the cross of Christ, Tread where His feet have trod;

As brothers of the Son of Man, Rise up, O men of God! Amen.

Your ministry is needed. God will help you.

Redeem the time,

Bill  (a fellow-laborer)

(Rom. 15:13)

P.S.

If you know a police officer or fire fighter, pray for them because they put their lives on the line everyday to protect and serve. They may not know you are praying for them, but they and their families will benefit from our intercessory prayers. Thank you.

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