There is one thing I want… peace. Peace in church… family… job… community… in all things. Now, with that being said, most would counter that peace in all things is impossible. There are too many sour pusses, too many bitter people, too many with vendettas in the works. But there ARE pockets of peace. I attended a church this past Sunday where it was obvious peace reigned. A good friend of mine pastors a church where there is great peace. And I know people who have great peace in their lives…
What about you… at night… when you are alone with your thoughts, are you at peace? If you are a Christian, then something’s wrong. Something isn’t as it should be. And since The Holy Spirit lives in you, you should be in the process of becoming more and more at peace. If that isn’t the case, then Jesus lied and the Bible is not true.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (Jesus in John 14:27)
I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (Jesus in John 16:33)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. (Paul from 2 Cor 1:3-5)
How many times do I… we… as Christians have to be reminded that peace is tied to Christ and not events, other people, or circumstances? Now (For Christians) either Jesus lied… the Bible isn’t true… OR there are idols in our lives that need to be destroyed and the heart focused on Christ.
Bold Question: Are we willing to ask GOD to reveal to us our idols, because of which HE is withholding peace until HE ALONE is our joy? And note… you may have to ask more than once or twice for Him to see you are really serious.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:4, 6-7)
Thrown out, Thrown away, Throne up!
Thirty years, that’s how long this minister has been learning the responsibilities and realities of serving our Lord in Southern Baptist Churches. In all these years, I have served several churches with tenures of more than five years. I have never served a church for less than two years.
However, it seems that our churches are becoming more and more influenced by this worldly disposable mindset.
In October of 2014, I had another “first”.. I baptized two new believers, had my picture in the state Baptist paper as recognition for “pastor’s appreciation month” and was asked to resign. What is a minister to do? Five years in this church, and a power shift brings everything to an abrupt end! Disposable. Depressed. Displaced. Thrown out and thrown away, like the fellowship hall trash.
There has got to be a better way to handle matters. I even invited the Director of Association Mission’s to intervene and, after a matter of minutes, the deacons dismissed him from the meeting. Where are our churches learning this from? Boardroom practices should not become the polity of the body of Christ! There are eternal consequences.
Once again, I am seeking refuge at our Master’s throne; lifting Him up! At least I know He has not seen me as disposable.
Minister, have you ever been thrown out? Do you feel like you’ve been thrown away? Take refuge in knowing that our Savior’s throne is up above any man made boardroom! God has called you. You are indispensable.
David… God bless you my friend. I am thankful for our conversations and opportunity to encourage one another over the last few weeks. I know your heart is wounded and you have been hurt, but we serve a God of comfort (2 Cor 1:3-7). I am confident that you are on the road to recovery… but know it is a process rather than an event. It will take time since God works in terms of years, decades, and centuries rather than days, weeks, or months. It is encouraging to me that your last two paragraphs are filled with grace and encouragement! We will continue to talk and communicate as we have been for the last several weeks and together we will see God bring about His glory. Blessings!