Finally, we have seen a bit of winter weather here where I live. That brings a couple of thoughts to my mind that may hit us right where we are thinking and living. Be encouraged by how the Lord is greatly, and I mean in big ways, encouraging me.
I read several blogs each day from church planters and from leaders pastors. One led me to a thought from a church marketing website that ought to catch us, touch us and give us fuel and fire for our journey. Read on:
That ought to push us on and even make us give a few high fives (I trust our church's leadership team was kicked into high gear by this quote). Lets live that out, folks.
Now on to the road signs. I am told that there is a sign just north of Anchorage, Alaska that says, "Choose your rut wisely. You'll be in it for 200 miles." It may not be those exact words, but the sentiment is awesome and challenging at the same time. We are people who like routine and are put off and even opposed to big change. Yet the church needs a little shake up from time to time (one of our founding fathers of Amercia noted that every nation needs a revolution to remind it of it's strengths and weaknesses and to make it strong). The church needs to see our goal, grab it and give God room to run and do big stuff in and through our lives.
That road sign tells us that the ruts of life may keep us from being effective in ministry and may even keep us from seeing the success God has planned for us.
As you give salt and road signs some thoughts, here are some verses that may help us all:
Isaiah 54:2-3 (nlt) --- Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (nlt) --- There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!" And God granted him his request.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (nlt) --- Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.
I read several blogs each day from church planters and from leaders pastors. One led me to a thought from a church marketing website that ought to catch us, touch us and give us fuel and fire for our journey. Read on:
Salt-Seasoning for a Full House
When our success at communicating is measured against the contemporary, creative, and controversial, we're missing it. Like a dieter eating Milk Duds on a treadmill, we must not forget why we're communicating this greatest story ever told in the first place.
Not to be contemporary for the sake of relevance.
Not to be creative for the sake of recognition.
Not to be controversial for the sake of climax.
May we be the salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of the earth ( Matthew 5:13), so that the house of God will be full ( Luke 14:23)!
That ought to push us on and even make us give a few high fives (I trust our church's leadership team was kicked into high gear by this quote). Lets live that out, folks.
Now on to the road signs. I am told that there is a sign just north of Anchorage, Alaska that says, "Choose your rut wisely. You'll be in it for 200 miles." It may not be those exact words, but the sentiment is awesome and challenging at the same time. We are people who like routine and are put off and even opposed to big change. Yet the church needs a little shake up from time to time (one of our founding fathers of Amercia noted that every nation needs a revolution to remind it of it's strengths and weaknesses and to make it strong). The church needs to see our goal, grab it and give God room to run and do big stuff in and through our lives.
That road sign tells us that the ruts of life may keep us from being effective in ministry and may even keep us from seeing the success God has planned for us.
As you give salt and road signs some thoughts, here are some verses that may help us all:
Isaiah 54:2-3 (nlt) --- Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (nlt) --- There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!" And God granted him his request.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (nlt) --- Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.
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