Keep Your Focus!

A distraction can be anything or anyone who derails us from the assignment God has for our lives. I've discovered that a distraction will always send the wrong message. It will tell you to quit when you should press on. It will tell you to divorce when you should work through the issues. It will tell you to go back to your old ways when you need to put the past behind and live in the now.

I recently read about a lady who was distracted with the wrong message! It was a wrong E-mail message. The message was so disturbing that it caused her to faint. Let me read you the story: “…A couple from Minneapolis decided to go to Florida to ‘thaw out’ during one particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the very hotel where they spent their honeymoon twenty years earlier.

“Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day. The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an e-mail to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her e-mail address, and without realizing his error, he sent the e-mail.

“Meanwhile…somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband’s funeral. He was a minister of many years who was called home to glory following a sudden heart attack. The widow decided to check her e-mail, expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the message, she fainted.

“The widow’s son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:
To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I’ve Arrived
Date: January 8
Message: I know you’re surprised to hear from me. They have computer here now and you are allowed to send e-mails to your loved ones. I’ve just arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow! Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was… P.S. Sure is hot down here!”

This lady got the wrong message. The wrong message will distract you every time. And remember: A distraction always sends the wrong message! What are the things that distract us? How can we avoid distractions? Any thoughts?

How Do I Know What God Wants Me To Do?

People ask all the time: “How Do I Know What He Wants Me To Do?” It's a great question. We are all unique. Even as pastors, our assignment, giftings, strengths and weaknesses differ from one another.

The Psalmist said in Psalm 139:3-5, “…You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head…” I'm thankful that God’s hand of blessing is on us.

Jeremiah's assignment was clear: “…The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations…” (Jeremiah 1:4-5). I have discovered that when it comes to ministry, it takes many years before you discover the purpose for which you were created. Then, all of a sudden, something shifts. You say, "This is why I was created!"

What clues may suggest that we've had a defining moment? First, something you love may be a clue to something God has assigned you to fix. I used to hear people say, "If you don't want to go to Africa, don't say it! God will call you to go there!" I used to believe that. I don't anymore. I believe that God delights in giving us the desires of our hearts. He's not mean. He won't punish us by sending us to a place we despise. He'll put a desire in our hearts to fix a problem, call us to that place, and anoint us to fix a problem we were created to fix.

Secondly, something you hate may be a clue to something God has assigned you to correct. For many years in the south, African Americans were forced by law to sit in the back of the bus. But one courageous woman hated that injustice enough to do something about it! After a hard days work in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks sat down on a crowded bus. When the bus filled, she refused to give her seat to a white man! Her stand that day led to much needed, dramatic changes in our country! You will not change a situation until it becomes intolerable. Whatever you tolerate, you will not change; but when something becomes intolerable, God can use you to bring change!

Finally, something you grieve over most may be a clue to something God has assigned you to heal. There is a lady in our church who was told a year ago that her husband had cancer. They gave him six months to live. Forty one days later, he was gone. They had three children in their twenties. This family was not prepared for it. He was in his fifties. Five weeks after his funeral, this grieving wife got a phone call that her youngest daughter (twenty-one) was killed in a car accident. After several months of pain and learning to deal with grief, this mom and wife started a "Grief Share" ministry; and today she has two support groups; and is starting a third. She is discovering that she was created by God to comfort grieving moms and wives.

Like Jeremiah, my prayer for you today is that you can say, "Lord, you've placed your hand of blessing on my head!"

Who's Home Tonight?

Years ago, I had a young man approach me with a request for lunch. He spent several minutes sharing all of the wonderful things that he was doing in recovery ministry. Teaching several nights each week at the Homeless Shelter and Recovery Homes and Programs, his testimony was quite impressive. He was influencing people well into the hundreds. He was (and is today) one of the most radical soul winners I have ever known.

At lunch that day, he said, "Pastor Jeff, I've been attending your church for more than six months now. One day, I'd really like to join your ministry team and staff." My first thought was "Wow! This guy is amazing! Let's talk salary and do this thing." But the Holy Spirit convicted my heart. He said, "Jeff, he's doing too much!" So, I started to ask more questions. Finally, I said to this man, "I'm sorry. I couldn't have you on my staff. You do too much. You're only home one night each week. I require that my staff is home no less than three nights each week, having quality family time. The only way I could ever hire you is if you preach and teach less." He was shocked by my words. But he took my advice, quickly consolidated some of the teaching nights to one night. Instead of going to the programs, he got permission to bring them to the church for our recovery night (Tuesdays). About one year later, he joined my staff. Today, after five years, he has an awesome recovery ministry; and our church has grown ever since.

What about your leaders? Who's home tonight? What are your requirements for staff? Do you require your music pastor, for example, to be in the office at 9 a.m. (when they may have had rehearsals until midnight the night before)? Is your youth pastor expected to work 70 hours a week (that wouldn't be in writing - but do they feel pressure from you to perform)? Do they know that you expect them to take days off, vacation time, study time, prayer time, and family time? I have a confession to make. I won't be home tonight. I wasn't home last night. And, I won't be home tomorrow night. This week is an exception. Sorry if this surprises you or sounds a bit hypocritical. I promise that I'll be home more next week. My family is enjoying Heavenly Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe with my brother and his family at their Time Share.

March Madness

Have you ever had one of those days where you asked yourself, "did I sign up for this?" I know March is considered, "March Madness" but come on already.

Well, now that I've gotten that off my chest - I feel better. :-)

The truth is, I did sign up for this:

• The good, the bad.
• The ups, the downs.
• The ins, the outs.
• The fun, the boring.
• The busy, the slow.

1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

Someone sent me a link on youtube yesterday that was encouraging to me. It was Howard Goodman (The Happy Goodmans) singing his signature song, "I Don't Regret a Mile." I haven't heard that song in years and yet it came at just the right time.

Sometimes you just have to remind yourself of Who called you! I'm thankful for the call and thankful for the opportunity to serve in the Kingdom.

Faithful & Fruitful,

Russell

Ministry Mentorship through Relationship

Philippians 2:19-21 19But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

Paul was thrilled to claim Timothy as his son in the faith. I can imagine that Timothy was just as thrilled to have Paul as a spiritual father.

Both had a perspective of their relationship:

Paul

• Timothy was young and could be relied on.
• Timothy could check on the churches while Paul was under arrest.
• Paul could trust Timothy.
• Paul knew Timothy would handle problems/situations just like him.
• Timothy had proven his character.
• Timothy would take care of the churches just like Paul would.

Timothy

• He had witnessed the highs and lows of ministry.
• He witnessed the miracles in Paul's ministry.
• He felt the love of his spiritual father.

Paul & Timothy serve to me as a model of "ministry mentorship" through their relationship. I guess that's why to this day we consider young men & women as "young Timothy's."

Relationships in ministry are vital! I realize that not everyone will be your "best friend" - however, we must place value on all the relationships God affords us.

I have practiced this model for many years now:

• Paul you're following
• Barnabas you're walking beside
• Timothy you're leading

Identifying my relationships in these three categories has brought clarity to each relationship.

I am also learning to adopt the following Five Levels of Relationship in my life, based on the relationships of Jesus & Moses:

Jesus

• One - John the beloved
• Three - Peter, James & John
• Twelve - Disciples
• Seventy - Sent two by two
• Multitude - Showed up everywhere He went

Moses

• One - Joshua
• Three - Joshua, Aaron, Hur
• Twelve - 12 Tribes
• Seventy - Elders
• Multitude - a multitude came out of Egypt

My thoughts on this wonderful Wednesday....

Russell

Hooking Up With The Man of God

Who have you "hooked up" with as a covering for your ministry? I believe all of us know the value of a covering and someone who will hold us accountable.

This morning I slept in! It felt so good! I started watching some Christian programs and came across a well known preacher who had a public failure in his life many years ago. As I watched, I was thrilled to hear the message he was sharing. But, just like a human, I had this thought in the back of my mind... "ummm...wonder if he's walking in victory today?"

I guess the reason I thought that is because he didn't submit to a restoration process through those he claimed to be "hooked up" with. Although his calling and gifting's are evident and cannot be repented of, it just seems to me that if he had allowed the process by which he said he was submitted to - to WORK, then more than likely his audience would have a greater degree of trust in him today.

It's great that he's preaching...but who's listening? I don't want to ever be in that situation. Guys, we must stay "hooked up" with the man of God in our life.

Saul met Samuel in the city while en route to find his father's donkeys. Samuel had him spend the night with him before he left his side. On his way out of the city, Samuel told Saul "stand still awhile, while I show you the word of God." Literally, Samuel had made provisions for this future king - even when Saul knew nothing of his coming promotion. As long as Saul stay connected through obedience - he kept his covering.

However, he lost his covering when he walked in disobedience.

Who are you hooked up with?
Who's your daddy?

Russell

I Want A Refund?

I realize that in these tight times that many of us have felt the "Squeeze" if you will when it comes to tithes and offerings. In fact, when it gets thin we often search for creative ways to create revenue streams without taxing our people. However, today I read an article about a church in Indiana that is starting their annual stewardship campaign and is promising their people a full "Refund" on any contibutions that were already made if they lose their job in the next year. You hear me right, give but in the event that you lose your job by the end of the year just call the church office and they will give you a full refund. You can read about it here http://blogs.indystar.com/thoushalt/2009/03/churchs_offer_l.html. This promotion has already stirred up many emotions and responses in the church world. I guess I will take a moment and share my thoughts.

*I will refrain from quoting all the scriptures that most of you reading this already know but aren't we telling people "trust God until it gets hard and then retreat?"

*Is this just a "tactic" to get people to give thinking that most people would never eally ask for their money back?

*Shouldn't we as a church have supoort systems in place so that if families in our church are hurting that we can help them?

*People on the outside always say "the church just wants your money". Even though that thought is off-base let's be clear, SO DOES BUDWEISER, MARLBORO, OLD NAVY, CHILI'S, VERIZON ETC

I believe in creativity because our God is creative and He has given many of us creative thoughts and ways but never at the expense of truth! I believe that as hard as it may be it only presents God an opportunity to show just how amazing He is. God loves "Cheerful Givers" who are not holding onto a "Money Back Guarantee"...He and His Word are our guarantee.

Your Thoughts.....