Serving on Empty...Sitting on Full

As a pastor, this is a sticky subject area for me to venture into.

What area?

The area of talking about balance in serving. The reason it’s sticky is that there are generally two types of people in our churches, and both tend to run to the extremes. You have those who serve on fumes, you know, the folks who don’t miss teaching every class, cooking for every potluck, picking up trash at every work day. They are so committed that they may even miss actual church services for several weeks in a row because they are rocking babies in the nursery or directing traffic in the parking lot. The problem here can be that spiritually they run out of steam because they aren’t making sure they are fueling up by being a part of worship or hearing the preaching of the Word. Worse still, they may allow the “good works” they are involved in to take the place of personal time they should be setting aside to spend with the Lord.

What about the other type of people I referenced? Oh, those are the people who when asked to serve always have the overused answers: “I’m burned out! Passing out the cookies at that VBS last summer really took it out of me!”, or “I did my time! I ushered for 19 years! It’s my turn to sit in the pew!”, or my personal favorite, “Oh, I really need to pray about it!” Don’t get me wrong – we need to pray! But, if we are spending time alone with God and in His Word on a regular basis, those in the first category will always be fueled up and those in the second will be ready to answer in and out of season.

Do we need breaks? You bet! If Jesus needed them, you know we do! Do we need to be good stewards of our time and energy? Of course! I have to confess I would definitely fall into the category of fume-serving at times and that is nothing to be proud of. God doesn’t want us coasting on empty spiritual tanks, but He doesn’t want us sitting on full ones either.

So, if you're running on empty...don't get frustrated with other people who are not pulling their weight. Just spend some time with Jesus and get filled up again.

Oh, and if you are full...don't you think it's time to become a "participator" instead of a "pew potato?"

"And the Glory Goes to..."

Today I would like to tell you a little story about my wife! Now, before you get too nervous for me, please understand that this story is expressed with her complete permission. (Telling stories about your spouse can sometimes be dicey, but not in this case, I assure you)

KyAnne had an epiphany of sorts about 8 years ago. While in prayer one night she told me she realized that most of her life she had used God for her glory, and not the other way around. You see, she’s a pretty bright woman and had long understood that God’s ways are smart ways and it just made sense to her to do the right things. When she did, for many years, right things happened right back. I've often wondered if that's why we even see many non-Christian celebrities and world leaders using principles found in Scripture in launching their own brands of religion or philosophies.

The bottom line...Jesus works. You can bank on Him every time - all good Christians know that. But, I guess what we all need to remember, is what my wife came to grips with that night at an altar of prayer: we are here to be used for God’s glory, and how He chooses to use us for that purpose is His prerogative. Joseph (the Old Testament one) understood this from a pit. Paul understood this from a prison. Jesus understood this from a cross. A pit, a prison, a crucifixion - not exactly what most of us have in mind when we sign up for the glorious life in Christ we imagine.

But, when we’re weak, He is strong…when we’re willing, He empowers us…when we decrease, He increases…when these things happen, people find salvation…and God gets the glory. I have to tell you, that experience is better than any other!

I'm sure that if we were honest with ourselves, we would all agree that this is a lesson we need to hear often. I know I do, and I'm very glad that God gave me such a wonderful woman to remind me.

Servant Boot Camp

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it”. Proverbs 22:6

With three teenage boys in the house, KyAnne and I find ourselves leading discussions on serving with a great attitude on a pretty regular basis. Whether it is just having a happy heart while loading the dishwasher or joyfully stopping to help a neighbor move branches from his yard, we want our kids to serve with gladness.

Unfortunately, too many parents have a lackadaisical “either my kids have it or they don’t” philosophy when it comes to getting their young to think of others. This is where Proverbs 22:6 comes in. The key word is “train”…not “bribe”, “beg” or “bother”. And the earlier in life children witness adults joyfully serving, the earlier they will find the joy in it themselves! Do you see the key here...for us it has been being the best expample as possible. Even at times when we have failed it has been a teachable moment for our kids.

In a blink, our kids will be the leaders of our churches: the elders, the ushers, the children’s volunteers, the worship team. Today, KyAnne and I have purposed to train them as well as we know how…to train them to serve…and not to merely be served. Wow. Imagine an entire generation coming up in church…trained to be like Jesus.

"Lessons on Serving"

“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Churst. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.” Philippians 2:19-22.

I’ve just been spending a lot of time in Philippi lately. Well, in reality, the book of Philippians. Most of us are familiar with the incredible picture of Christ’s servant-nature found in verses 6-11 of chapter 2. But, today I am struck with verses 19-22 and the picture of the relationship between Paul & Timothy. This is always such an encourgement when serving in a role in support of others.

You see, serving wasn’t about getting attention or kudos for Timothy. He was a pretty awesome church leader in his own right, but come on! He was mentored by Paul, the Billy Graham of the New Testament! Fortunately, Timothy cared first and foremost about Jesus getting all the attention…and the church advancing the Gospel.

We may not all leave an amazing legacy as great as Timothy’s…but, we can all look after the interests of our Lord. He was interested in people coming to know the Father by using humble, willing people to serve.

While Pastor Dave is away during a time of rest, I'd like to take the next few days to talk about some of the lessons I've learned about how we can truly serve Christ by serving others. More to come....

"Resisting A Rest..." Guest Contributor, Kevin Weaver

When I was 12 years old my dad had to rescue me from the undertow in the ocean right off of a Tampa, Florida beach. I remember the power of the water as it tossed me back and forth with no regard for my need to breathe. It was a very scary experience...no matter how hard I tried I could not break free to make my way to shore. At the point of total exhaustion I finally just gave up.

The next thing I remember was my dad grabbing on to me and pulling me toward a breaker wall. At first, I didn't know what was happening and I found myself fighting his efforts to save me. But, through a series of frantic commands compelling me to relax and let him do the work we found ourselves on the breaker wall, finally reaching a point of safety.

It seems that my near-death experience as a kid has some similarities to our everyday experiences with people who are spiritually drowning. They are caught in an undertow of sinful deception and God has called us to help them. But, what about those people who don't want help. You know the ones - you grab onto them and instead of allowing you to bring them in the boat, they fight you with all they've got! What now? Let me give you a couple of practical things to ponder.

• Don't give up! When we come across these people in our lives, it is so important to remember that we can't let go...we can't give up. No matter how much they fight God's saving power coming into their lives, perhaps because they are blind to the perils that are all around them, we have to hang on tight! As hard as it might be at times, never let go!

• Be relational! We have to continue to nourish the relationships we have with people. One of the most important lessons we learn from Jesus is that He was a friend to those who were lost. People want to know that you care before they care what you know. We should respect them seeing them as people created by the Father, not succumbing to petty disagreements about doctrine. Remember, it's not about who's right, but rather, it's about them discovering righteousness.

• Be prayerful! Praying for them on a daily basis. Ask God to not only give you wisdom as you spend time with them, but also, ask Him to give you opportunities to speak into their lives as they experience the waves that make life so difficult at times. And when we do get those "divine appointments" making sure we are mindful to turn our conversation towards spiritual things, in creative, non-threatening ways. Listen, you don't have to be outgoing or even articulate...you just need to be available as a friend who loves God and prayerfully communes with Him. Just be the person God has made you, because it's really hard to argue with someone's testimony.

• Be patient! Hang on, don't give up, and always keep in mind: the ocean is big, and some rescues take a little more time. I know that we get tired too, but our Father has promised that He would always strengthen us in our time of need.

This little list is certainly not an exhaustive one, but maybe it can serve to give you a "push" to get your feet wet in rescuing the parishing!

"Cruising for Jesus?" Guest Contributor, Kevin Weaver

Back in January of this year, KyAnne and I had the exciting opportunity to go on our first cruise. It was a fantastic experience cruising to the Bahamas, enjoying the warm weather and hanging out with our friends who joined us on the trip.

I have to admit that this experience in contrast to the metaphor of "rowing a boat" that I have been sharing this week, is certainly much more desirable. But, should it be?

It seems that there are so many believers in Christ who really love the thought of God's grace, mercy and power being made active in their lives, and yet, "cruising for Jesus" is the attitude that prevails as a lifestyle instead of "rowing for Jesus". I wonder if there are many who think that the ocean of blessing is found lounging on deck sipping God's gifts at our leisure. Of course, it's true that there are times when God gives us opportunities of rest and relaxation, but how fulfilling would our life be if all our days were spent on a cruise? Consider this before you answer:

The apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:10-11, "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

Paul's implication is that the most fulfilling experience on this earth is found in giving our all for Christ, even if it means living a lifestyle that is counter to our flesh! It's then that we experience the life giving, resurrection power of God in our everyday living.

Now, don't get me wrong, taking a vacation is great. In fact, it's essential to make time to get away and be refreshed. But, it might serve us well to remember that the greatest gifts in this world are not found on the "Lido Deck" of life, but rather, on the quiet waters of steady rowing.

If you've been cruising and haven't been rowing...why not give rowing a try? You won't be sorry!!

"All Aboard" Guest Contrubutor Kevin Weaver

As we really begin to discover God's plan for our lives it doesn't take too long to find that His purpose includes an ongoing partnership with Him.

One of the great mysteries of our walk with Christ is found not just in what Jesus did for us, but what He now wants to do through us. I am so glad that I can have the assurance of salvation and that God has pulled me out of the water and into the boat. But after we're rescued is there something more?

The question now is, "What's next!"

Well, I know I need to "Keep Moving", but why? Where does God want me to go? What does He want me to do? What's His ultimate plan?

I think the answers to those questions can be found at the point of our own salvation. How fortunate we all are to have someone who was rowing their boat, who came our way and picked us up along their spiritual journey.

For me it happened while in high school. Ed, a friend who had been rescued by God the summer of our sophomore year "rowed" right to me and began to tell me about the change that had occurred in his life since he had entered into a relationship with Jesus. Long story short, with God's help he pulled me into the boat of life and my life has never been the same.

So, where does God want me to go? He wants me to row to those lost in the water. What does He want me to do? He wants me to partner with Him in reaching and rescuing those who are drowning. The greatest thing of all...He promises to give us the strength and ability to do it.

Maybe the final question for us is, "Can we see ourselves as lifeguards instead of passengers on a cruise?" Just a thought!

"Keep it Moving" Guest Contributor Kevin Weaver

While Pastor Dave is fishing in Canada he asked me to share some thoughts with you! I'm glad for the opportunity to dialogue with you during the course of this week, but given the choice, fishing sounds pretty good. In light of that I felt it might be fun to use a metaphor that would allow us the next best thing. Not quite like being on the lake in reality but at least it helps us to connect with Dave just a little in spirit.

After yesterday's service God is really challenging me about "rowing the boat". As I arrived at the office this morning I discovered a few issues that will certainly make rowing a little more difficult. It seems my schedule will be quite demanding and at first glance, my occupation will be consumed with "plugging holes" in the boat and dodging other boaters instead of plotting a course and moving across the lake. Sometimes staying afloat takes priority. I'm sure that sounds pretty familiar. No doubt, to some degree most people have those feelings...especially on a Monday.

So the question is, "How do we keep moving when concerned about floating?"

Asking that question reminds me of being on the lake with my dad when I was kid. We did some fishing from time to time. One thing that I do remember is the little boat we would use to fish in had a plug in the back that would leak when we were not moving, but as soon as my dad would start the engine and we would get underway, he would pull the plug and all the water would miraculously drain right out of the hole.

Maybe this is a good lesson for us! It seems that the best way to stay afloat is to "Keep Moving". And, not just moving in some random direction, but moving under God's power and direction. As I'm writting this I'm growing more confident that if we can stay focused on His schedule for life we won't ever have to worry about sinking!

By the way, if none of this makes sense to you, I would suggest checking out yesterday's message from PCC at http://www.poconocc.com/ if you didn't "catch" it. That might help you understand my discourse. I hope!!