Hi Friends!!! Today's chapter from the New Testament is the 5th chapter of Timothy. Again, this is a book of encouragement and guidance for a young pastor/overseer of a young church. Much was being established in the early churches, how to care for one another, and how to care for those who were needy in the church. Accordingly, this chapter gives insight into how widows were to be cared for, and what to watch out for in the process, as well as reminding us to treat one another in respectful ways. It also shares about the responsibility of church elders and how they are to be looked up to and respected. I'm not big into establishing authority, as you probably know, but I am big into respect. I look up to our church elders, knowing that while they are not perfect, they have good hearts and care deeply about each person in the congregation. I also look up to some of the people in our congregation who have been here for years, people like Leora Smith, Leonora Knapp, Frank and Frances Engle, John Farner, Jean Buckles, Alice Martin, and on and on the list goes. It is good to take time to love and honor those who have worked hard to keep the message of God's great love heard in our community, and to honor the many hours of prayer they continually put in for all of us. I love the authority that these saints carry with them, because it isn't something that they state for themselves, its something that they have earned, something that we can bless them with. I encourage you to take a moment to pray for them, and to encourage them next time you see them. Remind them that their time here is one full of blessing and that they still have much to offer all of us through their prayers, their wisdom, and their efforts. And may we all continue on, pushing forward, so that someday our names will be mentioned with those who have prayed, those who have persevered, and those who have worked to share the great news of what God has done for us. Blessings, Chris
Hi Friends!!! I know, it's been a while, and I apologize that I haven't been sending out the emails regularly. I really enjoyed the Focus Conference that I attended last week. Pastor Gar Mickleson from Hayden Lake spoke on outreach to your community, and it was good to hear this, go through what it could look like, and discuss it with pastors that are similar to myself as far as personality type and church size. Ask me about it if you want to hear more!! Timothy 1 and 2 are two fantastic books, and in my first 6 years of ministry I have referred to them often in my own study and work. You see, Timothy, was a young preacher/pastor. He oversaw the church in Ephesus and worked with other churches as well. As a young new believer he was called to ministry, and he started at a very young age, but was highly lauded by Paul and others. These two letters are written as instruction and encouragement to the young Timothy as he works with this new young church. In today's chapter, we see guidelines set for overseers (who are eldar/pastor type people) as well as deacons (who are like stewards of the church). I've read both many times and they seem to be routine descriptions to me, but I remember comparing myself to them to make sure that I fell in line with every area, because I want to make sure that I am not letting any area of my life slide. Here's the question, as you read through the lists, do any of them jump out at you? Is there anything there that would be counted "against" you? This isn't for the purpose of guilt or shame, but to help you see if there are any obstacles to your faith that need to be addressed? As Friends, we believe that all are ministers, that we are all responsible for sharing the good news, that we are all responsible for pastoral care, that we all are called to love, to encourage and build up as well as admonish. So is there anything that you need to work on? We'd be wise to pray, read slowly, and listen for God's voice to speak to our hearts and our condition. Blessings, Chris
Hi Friends!!! I know, I know, I've been a slacker this week! I haven't written any comments on the chapters and I am sorry! I have been reading, and I always think of you all when I read, but I just haven't gotten it done. However, today, in spite of the busy-ness, I am sending it out, because you all matter to me! Have you ever had someone tell you not to do something, that well, sounded fun? Like dance Stay up late Whatever? Rules are great things, especially when we are immature and lack understanding of what is good for us and what isn't. But rules can be in place for the mere sense of having rules. Eventually a person shouldn't live by rules, but by wisdom and love. Choices shouldn't be based around what others have told you, but on what is really true. When it comes to faith, rules only inhibit us. We don't do something because of a rule but rather because of our belief and understanding. In the Colossian church, Paul is reminding them to live their lives based on loving God and loving their neighbor as themselves, rather than become a robot who obeys a bunch of rules. Because God does not delight in routine sacrifice, but in a heart that is made alive to Him and follows Him through love. Let's look at it this way. -Do you want your kids to look before crossing the street because you tell them, or because they understand that you care for them and there is an inherit danger in carelessness? -Do you want your kids to say "I love you" because that's what you always do when you say goodnight, or do you want them to say "I love you" because they mean it, they've been staring at you for a while, and are happy you are their mommy or daddy? Silly question right? God doesn't want us to read our Bibles, pray, or live a light filled life because we are supposed to... He wants us to do those things because we have been staring at Him for a while, and have realized that our lives wouldn't be the same without Him, and our hearts are filled with love for Him, and in love we begin to connect with Him, follow Him, and be empowered by Him. May your life be filled with the love of God, and may that love overflow into good things, Blessings, Chris
