The Worship Minister…..Performing or Ministering?

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires: and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.  But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”  2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NAS)

For the one who calls himself a worship minister, the conflict between “performing or ministering” has been a topic of discussion and possibly a source of conflict for many years.  During my years of ministry, I too struggled with this conflict.  What I have compiled here are my thoughts about the “performing or ministering” conflict.  Additionally, I’ve included statements by others who have given clear and concise thoughts on the subject.  Very little comment is given to the statements; I think they stand on their own.  My desire is that those of you who may be struggling with this conflict will receive some clarity and help you make the jump from performer to minister.  Or, if you really want to be a performer, not a minister, then maybe these statements will help you decide that ministry is not for you.

A performer’s first thought is that it is all about the music; a minister’s first thought is that it is all about the message.

A performer rehearses and worries about the results; a minister rehearses and prays that God will bring the results.

A performer’s desire is to draw an audience; a minister’s desire is to draw souls.
A performer’s first thought is to impress his audience; a minister’s first thought is to reach his audience.

A performer showcases his gift, a minister showcases the Giver.
A performer makes certain he is adequately compensated; a minister, while compensation may happen, realizes that the ultimate compensation is eternal.

A performer seeks to establish worldly connections; a minister seeks to establish Heavenly connections.
A performer will make sacrifices for the good of his career; a minister will make sacrifices for the good of the ministry.

A performer’s motto is “The show must go on!” A minister’s motto is “God’s truth must get through!”

A performer will love performing because it puts him in the limelight; a minister will love performing because he can direct the limelight to the Savior.

A performer’s greatest reward comes from men; a minister’s greatest reward comes from God.

A performer will give up everyone to gain what he wants; a minister will give up what he wants to reach everyone with the gospel message.

A performer’s mission is to showcase his music with perfection; a minister’s mission is to show his audience the perfect Savior.

For those of you who may be struggling with the “performing or ministering” conflict, consider these verses and allow them to guide you. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires: and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.  But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”  2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NAS)

Realizing the truth of all of the above, ask yourself the question I sometimes ask myself; “Why do secular performers so often seem more cooperative and willing to sacrifice, excited about their performance and its results, and eager to do whatever it takes to be successful that we who together have the greater calling to minister?”

Loved ones; aspire to ministry.  And once you’ve consciously made that decision, minister with your whole heart.

Be encouraged today friends!                                                                                                                                                                          Randy

Morning Prayer

This prayer was written by my friend, Pete Stebbins of Salado, TX on August 22, 2004.  He shared this prayer with our Thursday morning mens prayer team at First Baptist Church in Salado.  I’ve carried this in my Bible ever since and read it most mornings when I have my Bible reading time.  I thought it would be good to share with you all.  Many thanks Pete!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for blessing me.  I ask that You fill me with the Holy Spirit and that He be my guide today.  Please rearrange my schedule as necessary to involve me in Your Mission and Your Word.

Remind me to watch for the opportunities You provide to get involved in Your work. As I receive Your grace and love, allow me to pass some along to each person I contact, and to be a blessing to each.

Help me “abide in You” throughout this day.  Allow me to set a Christian example in all I do.  Hear my requests……This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Be encouraged today friends!    Randy

Bare Feet and Burned Lips

The Hall of Fame prophet Isaiah knew what it meant to have bare feet and burned lips.  He recorded a confrontation with the Lord’s angels in best seller, chapter 6.  “Then I said, “Woe is me for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand which he had taken from the altar with tongs.  He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away your sin is forgiven.”  Isaiah 6:5-7.

 So I’m thinking “Wow!,  if this great man of God was having some issues with personal holiness, then maybe I’m not so bad after all.”  Of course this is flawed thinking because all of us have holiness issues, right?  Just about the time I think I’m on the right track, I find myself face down with a mouthful of mud and grit.  So how do we do this holiness thing?  When the scriptures tell us to “be holy as God is holy,” who do we see about that?

 Here are a few things to ponder.

Realize what is making you unclean.  God sent his angel to put the burning coal on Isaiah’s lips.  Obviously the prophet had a problem with his tongue.  Maybe he would curse, speak untruths, or would use perverse speech.  Maybe Isaiah had an anger problem and he would lash out at the people around him.  You know where you need cleansing, so today, ask the Lord to bring on the coals!

 God initiates the cleansing.  Isaiah wasn’t looking for God when he had the vision of the Lord seating high on his throne.  This was God letting Isaiah get a little glimpse of heaven!  It was God who knew Isaiah needed cleansing to prepare him for the work ahead.  Only God is holy and only through Him can we find cleansing.

 We are cleansed for a mission.  Isaiah had a big job ahead of him.  In verses 8-12 of chapter 6 he gets his marching orders and realizes that without the cleansing of the Lord, then he would be ill-equipped for the mission.

 You only get clean when you get real close to God.  Isaiah’s personal space was invaded by an angel carrying a hot coal!  God will draw you to himself even if He has to take extreme measures to get you there!

 Many thanks to Jon Walker and his 2007 devotional on this subject.

Be encouraged today friends!

Psalm 23 – The Psalm of the Shepherd

In the original languages of the scriptures there are several names for God….Elohim, Adonai, Theos, Kurios, Despotes, Pater and Yahweh or Jehovah.  Jehovah meaning “I am the one who is……!” 

There are 9 words that describe Jehovah’s role in our lives:

In Genesis 22:14 He is Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Provides; In Exodus 17:1 He is Jehovah Nissi – The Lord is my Banner; In Judges 6:24 He is Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is Peace; In 1 Samuel 1:3 He is Jehovah Sabbaoth – The Lord of Hosts; In Exodus 31:13 He is Jehovah Maccaddeschcem – The Lord your Sanctifier; In Jeremiah 23:6 He is Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord our Righteousness; In Exodus 48:3 He is Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is There; In Isaiah 17:6 He is Jehovah Elohim – The Lord God of Israel, and;

In Psalm 23:1 He is Jehovah Raah – The Lord my Shepherd

On Sunday, September 1, 1996 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Temple, Tx, Pastor Darryl Dunks preached a sermon on Psalm 23.  The following five-point outline is his with my own personal thoughts as to how God has used and is using this psalm in my life. 

 Psalm 23 teaches us that there are five things we can know and experience about, Jehovah Raah, the Lord is my Shepherd.

1.  Psalm 23:1 tells us that we have a person to encounter…”the Lord is MY shepherd.”  We can know the Lord in a personal way.  As a young boy, I had an encounter with Jesus Christ and gave my heart and life to Him; I became a born again believer.  Throughout my life, I’ve tried to be testimony of the inner change that took place after I had a life-changing encounter with Jesus.  You too, can know Jesus as guide, protector and constant companion.
2. Not only do we have a person to encounter, but we have a providence to expect.  Providence is defined as …”the foreseeing care and guidance of God.”  He knows what we need and when we need it.  Verse 2 says, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters; He restores my soul; He guides me in paths of righteousness for His namesake.  I know, in a very personal way, the providence of God.  He has seen me through some very dark days and is my constant guide every day!
3. Psalm 23:4 teaches us that we have a presence to experience.  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear NO evil; for Thou art with me.  Thy rod and staff, they comfort me.”  The good shepherd protects His sheep.  With the rod, he protects his sheep by fighting off the wild beasts that would try to get at the sheep.  With the staff, He gently guides His sheep to food, water and protection.  Throughout my life and especially these past two years, I have known the protection and guidance of the Good Shepherd.
4. We have a person to encounter, a providence to expect, a presence to experience and also a peace to enjoy.  Verse 5 says, “Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed by head with oil; My cup overflows.”  God as a gracious host provides all that we need.  I can testify of how God has always provided every need for Pam and me. 
5. And finally we have a promise for this life and place to enter.  Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  There’s the promise for this life of goodness and lovingkindness, and we have the promise of the place to enter as we dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  The only way that you can have the promise of goodness and lovingkindness for this life and life eternal with God is if you give your life to Jesus Christ.                                                                                                 

Be encouraged today friends, 

Randy

 

 

 

The Great Lie of Tolerance

”Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”  John 14:6 (NASB)

The city of Eugene, Oregon boasts that it is one of the most liberal, tolerant cities in our country.  See the sections under “community” and “anarchy” at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene,_Oregon

They celebrate their tolerance!  However, this week the city council of Eugene, Oregon decided that reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before city council meetings is divisive and they would no longer recite the pledge.  Can you imagine?  Yes friends, the Pledge of Allegiance is now being described as divisive.   From the city that describes themselves as a seat of tolerance, comes the ultimate act of intolerance.

I began thinking about this politically correct tolerance movement and what God might think about it.  As I read the scripture, I have come realize that God is NOT tolerant.  Throughout scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, there are examples where God did not allow His people to stray far before He brought down His wrath.  He is not a tolerant God.  The ultimate act of His intolerance is shown in whom He allows into heaven…”Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”  God will not allow non-believers into His heaven.

Let’s not allow the “tolerance” police to dictate what we allow in the public sector.  We are blessed to live in this great country.  Yes, we have challenges but when the “tolerance” crowd seeks to impose their belief system on us, we need to push back!  Let’s be intolerant of the “tolerance movement!”  The citizens of Eugene, Oregon need to stand up to this crazy city council and demand that they give honor where honor is due.

It is so great to live in the great State of Texas where every school child recites the Pledge of Allegiance every school day! Let’s keep it up!

Be encouraged today friends!                                                                                                                                                                                            Randy

Job vs. Ministry

Some people have a job in the church.
Others involve themselves in ministry.

What’s the difference?

If you do it just because no one else will…it’s a job!
If you do it to serve God…it’s a ministry!

If you quit because someone criticized you…it’s a job!
If you kept on serving in spite of criticism…it’s a ministry!

If you’ll do it only so long as it doesn’t interfere with other things…it’s a job!
If you’re committed to staying with it, even when it means letting other things go…it’s a ministry!

If you quit because no one ever praised or thanked you…it’s a job!
If you stay even though no one notices your efforts…it’s a ministry!

If you do it because someone else said it needs to be done…it’s a job!
If you do it because you sensed God saying it needs to be done…it’s a ministry!

It’s hard to get excited about a job.
It’s almost impossible not to get excited about a ministry!

An average church is filled with people doing jobs!
A great and growing church is filled with people involved in ministry!

Be encouraged today friends,

Randy

Tips for a Powerful New Year – Part 2

We’re going to spend a little time over the next few days to think about how to have a powerful new year….not a successful new year; not a good new year; not a happy new year, but a powerful new year!   I’ve had this list on my computer for 5 years and never shared it with anyone.  I don’t know who wrote this list, where I got it or who sent it to me, but the comments under each point are mine.  It’s my hope and prayer that something you read here will encourage you to work toward a powerful 2011.  So here we go with the second installment of 40 Tips for a Powerful New Year.

Be encouraged today friends,

Randy

35. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will so stay in touch. Here’s the lesson for today.  Pick up the phone and make that call.  There is a friend, family member, neighbor, co-worker, or school friend that needs to hear from you today.  Perhaps your friendship or kinship has become strained by a disagreement or distant because of the years but that’s no reason not to make that contact.  Stay in touch!

34. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful. Our lives and homes are full of junk!  Get rid of it.  If you haven’t looked at it in several years then throw it out, give it a way or sell it!  When you downsize, reduce the clutter and clean things up, there is greater clarity.

33. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. Envy is a demon!  No matter how beautiful you are, what you do, how much money or things you have, there is someone in this world that is more beautiful, has a better job, more money and stuff.  Here’s the reality; if you have a roof over your head, a bed to sleep in and food to eat, you are among the world’s richest persons.  Be thankful for what you have and learn to be content.

32. The best is yet to come. The reality of it is this; if you are reading this blog, you have lots left to give.  If you are drawing a breath, then your best days could be ahead of you.  If you are in the twilight of your life, your age and life experience are priceless.  There is someone who needs you, your experience and wisdom, so share it!

31. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. On those days when you feel like staying home, just know that someone needs you!  The devil’s main job is to make you irrelevant.  If you don’t get up, dressed up and show up, that is exactly what you may become.  Don’t let the devil win!  When you show up, things are supposed to get better!  You are needed, wanted and relevant!

MORE TO FOLLOW………..

Tips for a Powerful New Year

We’re going to spend a little time over the next few days and learn some tips on how to have a powerful new year….not a successful new year; not a good new year; not a happy new year, but a powerful new year!   I’ve had this list on my computer for 5 years and never shared it with anyone.  I don’t know who wrote this list, where I got it or who sent it to me, but the comments under each point are mine.  It’s my hope and prayer that something you read here will encourage you to work toward a powerful 2011.  So here we go with the first 5 of 40 Tips for a Powerful New Year.

Be encouraged today friends,

Randy

40.  Enjoy the ride.  You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride. When is the last time you stepped away from the day to day grind and sat and just pondered your life?  For many of you it’s been way too long or maybe never.  You must find the time to relax, unwind, and learn to enjoy this wonderful life we’ve been given.  Remember, yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not guaranteed.

39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed. Stress is a KILLER!  Your body is not designed to thrive under continued stress.  Everyone has it but you must find ways to relieve that stress.  Here are a few suggestions: Exercise, sleep, sing, dance, swim, walk, read, and the very best stress reliever for you married folks…..make love to your spouse!  Kiss deeper, love longer, laugh uncontrollably, and dance with abandon!

38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:   “I am thankful for (you fill in the blank.)” In 1897, the hymn writer Johnson Oatman, Jr. penned these words:  When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your many blessings, see what God hath done. 114 years later the message rings true friend….COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!

37. Call your mom and dad. Need I say more?  I know, some of you can’t call your parents because they have passed away. The lesson here is to pick up the phone and make the call!  The reason is not important.  What’s important is that you make the contact!  Remember, tomorrow is NOT guaranteed.  Do this before it is too late!

36. Do the right thing! Peter F. Drucker wrote, “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right thing!” Do you want to be efficient or effective?  I choose effective but I also think you can do both.  Effectiveness comes first; do the right thing every time!

MORE TO FOLLOW………..



The Great Truths of Life

Friends,

   In my 55 years of life I have uncovered some very important truths about life.  I thought sharing these truths would be a good way to start the new year.  Obviously, all these great truths are not original with me but I have added a few of my own.  It is my prayer that you find these great truths of life to be a source of blessing, encouragement and maybe a smile or two.

Be Encouraged Today Friends! 

Blessings, Randy

THE GREAT TRUTHS OF LIFE

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1. No matter how hard you try, you can’t baptize cats.
2.  When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don’t let her brush your hair.
3.  If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4.  Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5.  You can’t trust dogs to watch your food.
6.  Don’t sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7.  Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8.  You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9.  Don’t wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10.  The best place to be when you’re sad is Grandma’s lap.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1. Raising teenagers is as easy as nailing jelly to a tree.
2.  Wrinkles don’t hurt.
3.  Families are like fudge…mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4.  Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground.
5.  Laughing is good exercise, it’s like jogging on the inside.
6.  Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD:
1.   Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
2.   Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3.   When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you’re down there.
4.   You’re getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
5.   It’s frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
6.  Time may be a great healer, but it’s a lousy beautician.
7.  Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

 THE GREAT TRUTH ABOUT SANTA CLAUS:
STAGE 1: You believe in Santa Claus.
STAGE 2: You don’t believe in Santa Claus.
STAGE 3: You are Santa Claus.
STAGE 4: You look like Santa Claus. 

THE GREAT TRUTH ABOUT SUCCESS:
At age 4, success is not peeing in your pants.
At age 12, success is having friends.
At age 17, success is having a driver’s license.                                                            

At age 35, success is having money.
At age 50, success is having money.
At age 70, success is having a driver’s license.
At age 75, success is having friends.
At age 80, success is not peeing in your pants.

Always remember to forget the troubles that pass your way BUT NEVER forget the blessings that come each day.

The Purpose Driven Life – Day Five

Seeing Life from God’s View

The way you SEE your life SHAPES your life!

Pastor Rick asks the question, “How do you see your life?”  This is a great question and for me, not one that is easily answered.  Depending on your stage of life your metaphor might be something like….My life is a circus!….My life is a game!……My life is a whirlwind!….My life is a battle!  What is your life metaphor?  How you see your life often will determine what you value most. 

The Bible says, “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.  Then you will be able to know the will of God.”  Romans 12:2 (TEV)  The Bible offers us three types of metaphors that teach us God’s view of life:  Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment. 

There are several kinds of tests. There is the I am so busy test.  How many times have you just blown through your day, meeting deadlines, putting out fires, and taking care of your schedule while important situations and people all around you get unnoticed?  Sometimes those unnoticed people are the ones closest to you.  In our desire to complete our tasks, we fail the test God puts before us.  I have never known a man who comes to the end of his life and says, “I sure wish I had spent more time at the office.”  No, what I’ve heard over and over is, “I sure wish I had spent more time with my wife and kids.” 

There is the everyday situation test.  We are given the everyday test when we are standing in line at the convenience store ready to pay for our purchase and the person in front of us has a dozen or so lottery tickets to check on.  When patience is called for, how do you respond? 

There is the endurance test.  We’ve all been tested but some in ways more severely and for longer periods of time. My friend Bill endured his test for many, many years; you see, his wife had become disabled and needed 24 hour nursing care.  His test was not whether or not he loved his wife because he was totally committed to her.  He was going to love her through this illness because he had made a vow….in sickness and in health.  His was not a love test, but rather an endurance test.  Those years she spent in a nursing home, were not lonely years for her because you see, Bill saw her everyday.  He endured years of watching his mate slowly slip away but his love and commitment never waivered.  Bill definitely passed the endurance test.

You will be tested by major changes, undeserved criticism, delayed promises, unanswered prayers, unresolved problems, and senseless tragedies. Pastor Rick reminds us that our character is both revealed and developed by these tests, and all of life is a test.

The bottom line is that your faith, hope and love will all be tested.  How will you respond?

A point to ponder:  Life is a test and a trust.

A verse to remember:  “Unless you are faithful in small matters, you will not be faithful in large one.” Luke 16:10a (NLT)

A question to consider:  What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God?  What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?

Be encouraged today friends!  Randy