Deep Thoughts by Mr. G

Top 10 Things that I've learned from Ice Road Truckers ... and can be applied to the ministry as well: I. Going Slow isn't always bad. II. Everyone needs patience. III. Attitude is everything. IV. It is good to know where you are going. V. Prayer helps ...Alot. VI. Conflict resolution comes in handy. VII. It is good to know WHO is in control. VIII. Respect, respect, respect ...need I say it again? IX. Communication is a Must. X. If things get out of control - check that you are not. Taking care of one's self and being flexible when things are beyond what you can handle. (This helps also to take care of your own soul as well) Others you would add?

We are to strive for: I. Holiness "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:13-16) II. Love one Another. 1 John 4:7,8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. III. Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. What are you striving for?

There are several lies we are told all the time. I. The government can fix anything. II. You can have it all. III. Education is the answer. IV. I can trust everything my preacher says. V. You can do it on your own. The problem with the these "lies" is they sound good but in reality Jesus is the answer. Government cannot fix sin. You can't have it all. You can have all the knowledge without wisdom. Preachers are fallible thus trust God's Word. And without Christ and the Holy Spirit - it cannot be done on your own.

Our attitudes reflect our heart. We just finished studying, "Lord, Change my Attitude." by James MacDonald. so what how is your attitude? Is it reflecting the things of God? It isn't so much as to you are what you eat, but what is eating you? Our Lord, Jesus talks about our attitudes through the parable of the Good Samaritan. That ultimately we are to love God, and love others. How are you loving God? How are you showing love to others? How is your attitude changing and being transformed for Him?

I'm learning this lesson along life's journey. Life is full of surprises. Life is messy, broken and isn't easy. Ministry is about listening. It is about listening to: 1. God's Voice - and doing what He would have us do. 2. It is about listening to God's people - their stories. There are many hurting people out there that just want you to listen. 3. It is about listening leaders. We need leaders that don't just talk, but sit still and listen and try to comfort, grieve, be joyful when the occasion is needed. 4. It is about listening to those that need Jesus. Listening to their stories of suffering, pain, and on life's journey ...knowing that that the GREAT Listener has been there all along. 5. It is about listening to parents. Listening to their dreams, visions they have for their children. It isn't so much telling parents how to parent; as it is listening and encouraging parents to parent. 6. It is about listening to mentors. Learning how

A generation ago this is what Bob Pierce wrote in the margin of his Bible. That directive ordered his life. Here are some things I found from Lookout Magazine August 14,2005 editon "For 20 years, he traveled to Korea, Africa, China, India, and Europe saving souls, housing orphans, and building hospitals. Through his documentary fi lms, radio broadcasts, and personal appearances, he awakened the social consciousness of an entire generation of American Christians. In the process he formed a worldwide relief organization, World Vision, which continues to be an effective Christian relief agency. The man’s name was Bob Pierce. But while Bob Pierce was reaching the world, he was losing his family. He had accepted the believable lie, “If I take care of God’s business, God will take care of my family.” His all-consuming work kept him away from home for months at a time. Relational distance increased as time with his family decreased. Eventually he became frus

So I read Group Magazine's old issue from Sept/Oct. 2006. And in it is 3 Dirty YM Lies and a Fourth. Here are the lies: 1. YM is a meat grinder that will destroy you. I like How Rob Bell puts it in Velvet Elvis, you can be cynical, and bitter or you can choose to reclaim your innocence. 2. "Do it all myself" is the best way. - UMM ever hear of working yourself to an early grave? 3. Close Relationships are the goal of Youth Ministry. Umm isn't the goal about presenting Jesus? 4. The percentage if young people who are Bible Believing Christians has now dropped to 4%. Funny thing is it is based upon sampling polls from Barna and even the Data from that April 2003 Report is different. I think there is more hope. Here are some more lies (The above 4 were discussed in the issue but I gave them and my opinion) 5. The average Tenure of a Youth Minister is 18months. Where did this come from? I still haven't seen the stats for this. And if it is? in 6ye

In a recent conversation I had with a fellow church leader in our area ... he mentioned to me that there are 4 types of sheep. I. Sheep that are leaders. They know the Master. They are ready to follow Him and lead others and other sheep to Him. II. Flock. Those sheep that just go with the flow. Never really do anything but go any direction. III. Renegade Sheep. This sheep is the one that sometimes needs to be broken to be mended to follow the Shepherd's voice ... It tends to go its own way and let pride get in the way ...rebeling against everything and everyone and tries to thwart any change, leadership, and leading. IV. Loner sheep. Not really a follower nor rebel but stand offish .... tends to get lost easy and the parable of the lost sheep applies here. So question is which sheep are you? Leader? Rebel? just in the crowd or the loner?

You may of noticed my blog silence over the last few weeks. It has been kind of hectic. I. Been in a season of ministry from VBS to a few funerals, baptisms, and ministry opportunities. II. My children have been in camp: Church camp, scouts, and day camp. III. I've moved from one part of town to a bigger home ... so the moving has taken a toll. IV. I've moved others - my favourite mother-in-law to my favourite American Sister-in-law's home. V. I needed the break to concentrate more and pray more. Being online alot takes time and I don't need to be. VI. won't you take time to continue to pray for me? Thanks.

Top Ten Reasons Why Ministry? People seem to have looked at ministry as sometimes depressing.. When people ask "Why ministry?" I answer "Why not?" Here is a top ten reasons to consider supporting the preaching ministry within your church. I. It helps to train, equip, rebuke, in righteousness in helping them know God's Word. To preach the Word. 2 Timothy 3:16,17. II. It helps people to "Go ...." People more than ever are willing to be stretched, used and be out of their comfort zones than ever before. Thus the Mission Trips and Service Projects are very important. "Go ye into all the world ..." Matt. 28:19,20. III. It helps ministry be professional more so than ever before. Ministry is now seen as a must need within the church. It helps people lead balanced lives in their mental, social, physical and spiritual aspects. It clarifies the expectations. IV. It makes disciples. Matt. 28:19,20. The old stats of 80% of Christians do so