What They Didn't Teach You In Seminary - A review.

What they didn't teach you in seminary is a practical book of 25 lessons from the school of hard knocks. One of them in Chapter 10 entitled: Hills to Die for ... could of been the advice I was given "Choose your battles wisely" (which sometimes I didn't)

These 25 lessons range from protecting your spiritual health to that of what the practical aspects of ministry are. The one statement that stood out on pg. 139 is "The Church cannot ensure that all goes well with you." This after stating what the church's job is not. (So often we lose focus and think it is the church's job to raise my kids, save my marriage. make me friends, feed me - and those maybe good things and the church can equip people ... but the Church is ultimately to fulfill the Great Commission ... go and make disciples ... All this other "stuff" sometimes loses that focus)

What they didn't teach you in seminary is a good practical book on ministry. I wouldn't say that it is 25 lessons for successful ministry in your church but rather 25 lessons for any type of ministry period to learn.

Six Sayings that I came across.

HT to Naomi who sent me these sayings.


1. Laziness is the habit of resting before you get tired



2. Those who fear the future are likely to fumble the present



3. Courage is merely fear that's said it's prayers



4. Sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes God let's the storm rage and calms His child



5. We grow too soon old and too late smart



6. Remember to always THINK before you speak



Is it: True

Helpful

Inspiring

Necessary

Kind

The George Zimmerman in Me.

George Zimmerman
has been all over the news.

If you don't know who he is ...here is a quick intro. Mr. Zimmerman killed a teenage boy, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on Feb. 26, 2012. He, as a neighbourhood watch captain was trailing, and (accused of) profiling Trayvon and shot him after a struggle of some sorts and ended Trayvon's life.


Now how is Zimmerman like me?

I. Zimmerman doesn't have it all together.

II. Sometimes we think we can handle things on our own, with our own vices. Zimmeran did so, even after calling 9-1-1 decided to trail and confront what he saw was an intruder.

III. Ego and Pride come in. I'm sure both the Zimmerman and Martin families wish Feb. 26 didn't happen.

How does this deal with me?

Like, Zimmerman, the flesh or sinful nature takes control. We think we have it all together ...we can handle it ...we don't need God in our lives ... The problem is that is so far from the truth.

After we cave into the pressure - we confront and often in the wrong ways what we see as "The enemy" We think pressure, escape, and avoiding the situation helps. Sometimes we make up stories or even if true ... hide from it.

The reality is whether Zimmerman meant to shoot Trayvon or not ...(That's for the courts to decide) ..the fact is there is some of Zimmerman in each of us. None of us is perfect. We fall short. We're sinful. There is racism in this world ...unfortunately. Romans talks about that we all have sinned. And there is a penalty for that sin. And while God demonstrates His love through Jesus .... we have access to the Father because of the ONLY One that is perfect and our perfect Sacrifice and Mediator - the Son of Man, Jesus Christ.

There may have been a George Zimmerman in me but thanks be to Christ; I now have the Holy Spirit within me.

How about you? Zimmerman in you or set Free because of the Grace given?


(Updated edit - I had profiled but don't know that or not so put alleged profiled - the point is when we sin things get out of control ... may we point to Jesus)

In Pursuit of Great and Godly Leadership - A Review.

Just finished reading this book. Here is a description I came across.

"Is it possible for church leaders to use biblical and secular leadership concepts in a way that keeps Christ—not the marketplace—at the center of their mission? Drawing on biblical material and business wisdom, In Pursuit of Great AND Godly Leadership explores the critical leadership decisions and practices that shape the success of Christian organizations. These decisions are illustrated in compelling interviews with over forty leaders of churches, universities, denominational bodies, and international ministries. Mike Bonem leverages his background as an MBA-trained manager and an experienced church leader to bridge the gap between the analytical and structured world of business and the faith-driven approach that is essential for healthy churches.

Written to offer practical solutions for senior pastors, executive pastors, key laypeople, and leaders of other Christian entities, In Pursuit of Great AND Godly Leadership clearly shows the ways that secular practices can be imported into their organizations. Bonem addresses a variety of topics such as planning, finances, personnel management, measurement, team dynamics, and organizational change. In doing so, he points to the AND that every spiritual organization should strive to achieve."

There were two chapters I liked (some of the chapters were rather dry to be honest) The Chapters on "Are 'All' Systems Go? - recognizing your culture and the systems that exist within your congregation and how to adapt and change within. And the Chaper on "Are you Guarding your heart?" The quote which Jeff Wells find wisdom found on pg 212 from Mother Teresa is golden. "Mother Teresa's words: Jesus is the deep well, and everyday I need to drop my bucket into the well." A good reminder of spending time alone with God and connecting with Jesus is essential in ministry not just for sermon prep and lessons.

I'd give this book a B. Or 3.5 stars out of 5.

Where is God?

Where is God .... when?

Then we add the event, tragedy, situation, relationship .... you name it.

Most likely it deals with a terrible situation that one cannot explain. Most of them very personal and very life changing. So where is God when certain things happens? What about the issue and the problem of pain?

I hear certain people respond "Oh, I won't go to church because God took my loved one ..it is all His fault." Of course were they ever in Church to begin with?

So what is the answer?

The Biblical character of Job struggled with this very issue. He lost everything. His friends and family all tried to have him blame God. It didn't work. Some well meaning people want to say it was for God's purpose. (Not really the time nor the place to give pat answers)

Some want to quote scripture. Some want to say it will all work out. (How do you know that?)

So where is God? The same place He has always been in control. I trust it. I believe it. I don't always understand it though.

So what are we to do in times when this question comes up?


I. Listen. There is just something about the ministry of presence. Just being there. Holding one's hand. Just being a friend.

II. Pray. Pray for wisdom. Pray for discernment. Silently pray.

III. Be honest. When the questions come (And they will) say "I don't know ..."

IV. Be there for the long term. Remember anniversaries. Help be a friend. The weeks, months, and years after tragedy still have wounds and they turn into scars ... and people remember.

V. Be a faithful and loving witness for Christ. Nothing is better than being the hands and feet of Jesus by loving others through the tough times and the good times. Be there.

Any other suggestions you would do?

The Stanley Cup Playoffs Begin.

16 teams.... one Cup. Tonight starts the playoffs after 82 games ... the real hockey begins. No Leafs. No Habs. Of course some fierce rivals and all this for the one marble of a trophy in the race for the Cup.

so Let's Start with the Eastern Conference:


FL vs. NJD ...NJ in 6.

NYR vs. OTT. NYR in 5.

Bos vs. Was. Caps in 7 (Should be a good series)


PIT vs. PHI. Pens in 7 (This will be the First round series to watch)


Western Conference:

Pho vs. Chicago. I say Yotes in 6. (And after this round they'll be moving to another city)

STL vs. SJS Blues in 7. (They got the depth there)

VAN vs. LAK Canucks in 5.

NSH vs. DET. Wings in 6.



Predictions for Eastern Champ: Pens. Western: Canucks.


Stanley: (MY son would love the Pens but I'd love to see the Canucks finally win it)

B.C. - He is Risen!