Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord
and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10
This summer has been a season fraught with difficulties. The spiritual warfare I've experienced has been intense...
and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10
This summer has been a season fraught with difficulties. The spiritual warfare I've experienced has been intense...
I've had to cope with physical and mental exhaustion. I was hospitalized for an infection in my right leg for the second summer in a row. Then there were concerns about my family, plus other personal issues. In addition, there was an array of church and ministry matters that needed my time and attention, and these things simply added extra stress.
Earlier today, however, during a time of Scripture reading and reflection, a particular Bible verse came to mind. "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair (II Corinthians 4:8)." I could relate!
And one thing I must deal with concerning my congregation is in the area of communication. We've yet to learn to communicate amongst ourselves as clearly as we should, especially when it comes to making plans and preparing our schedule for the days and weeks ahead. We seem to lack the ability to operate in one accord when it comes to organizational matters. And I'm sure every church has he same problem, more or less. After all, we're human beings, and we're far from perfect. We have our defects and our shortcomings. Yet we continue to strive to work together as a family.
Likewise, also along the same line, my chaplain will often neglect to let me know in advance when he plans to take time off. Thus I would sometimes show up at church only to be informed that he won't be in. This of course will place me under a degree of stress because it now becomes my responsibility to oversee the entire worship service. Certainly I'd want to know as far ahead of time as possible of his planned absences so that I could be ready to preach, if necessary.
In the business world this would be called "bad management." But in the church it's carelessness, and this is not good. Nevertheless, I love my chaplain. I love these men, too. And we are one body in Christ. We're also, both individually and as a congregation, a work that's under construction. God has all of us in training when it comes to doing the work of ministry and feeding His flock of precious souls for whom I and my fellow elders are accountable.
Yet through it all I must always remember that the joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
D.B.
Earlier today, however, during a time of Scripture reading and reflection, a particular Bible verse came to mind. "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair (II Corinthians 4:8)." I could relate!
And one thing I must deal with concerning my congregation is in the area of communication. We've yet to learn to communicate amongst ourselves as clearly as we should, especially when it comes to making plans and preparing our schedule for the days and weeks ahead. We seem to lack the ability to operate in one accord when it comes to organizational matters. And I'm sure every church has he same problem, more or less. After all, we're human beings, and we're far from perfect. We have our defects and our shortcomings. Yet we continue to strive to work together as a family.
Likewise, also along the same line, my chaplain will often neglect to let me know in advance when he plans to take time off. Thus I would sometimes show up at church only to be informed that he won't be in. This of course will place me under a degree of stress because it now becomes my responsibility to oversee the entire worship service. Certainly I'd want to know as far ahead of time as possible of his planned absences so that I could be ready to preach, if necessary.
In the business world this would be called "bad management." But in the church it's carelessness, and this is not good. Nevertheless, I love my chaplain. I love these men, too. And we are one body in Christ. We're also, both individually and as a congregation, a work that's under construction. God has all of us in training when it comes to doing the work of ministry and feeding His flock of precious souls for whom I and my fellow elders are accountable.
Yet through it all I must always remember that the joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
D.B.
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