The Parable of the Fly

4:27 a.m.

I'm sitting in my recliner sipping from my freshly made cup of coffee, when my lights go out turning my living room completely dark. The next noise I hear is not so pleasant. I have detected that there is an invader in the room. Obviously, he came in from the evening before and unknowing to me he spent the night. Sitting in the darkness of my home, all I hear is this uninvited guest humming, as he moves from chair to chair. It is as if the invader is trying to find the most comfortable place to sit, and is not being quiet about it at all!

Before you get too alarmed, the invader is only a fly. But I dislike these pestering insects! The fly is buzzing around in the room as if he owns the room. I hurriedly finished my cup of coffee, for fear of... well, you know. They always seem to find your coffee cup, if they are around.

About the time I finished my coffee I noticed that I no longer hear the buzzing sound of the fly. Hopefully the invader has left the room. Usually the fly doesn't stay in one place long. Maybe I am "fly free" for the rest of the day.

Wait! I hear that annoying sound of the fly again. He must be back in the room. If I sit very still here in the dark, maybe he won't notice that I am in the room. I turned and looked out my window to see the morning light beginning to peep up over the trees. I turned and looked at my laptop computer, and there he is - the invader! It is this huge fly that has landed on my computer screen. About that time he flew into my face, before landing back on the lighted computer screen.
 

I read this week of a 82 year-old man in France blowing up part of his house, and injuring himself, trying to kill a fly with an electric fly swatter (bug zapper). Unknowing to him he had a gas pocket from a leaking gas canister inside his home, causing the explosive reaction. (But this is not as bad as a man in California in 2018 trying to kill a large spider with a blow torch, and caused a house fire.) 

Flies this time of the year are annoying, but usually all it takes to get rid of them is a fast hand and a fly swatter (or something equivalent). Grabbing a magazine, rolling it up like my daddy once taught me, I swung. Got it! I quietly acclaimed. No more buzzing and no more pestering from this fly. I sit quietly in a dark room feeling good about my accomplishment." My enemy, the fly, has been defeated!

But then I was reminded that Satan is much like a fly. Just like the fly when I open the door of my home, when I open the door of my heart Satan will also invade. Just like the fly, Satan too has a restless spirit moving from place to place. The fly is only looking for a place to land, but Satan is looking for a place live. And just about the time that you think he has left you alone, he's back again (both, the fly and Satan).

While I turned this morning to the internet to find creative ways of keeping flies from coming into my house, I turn every morning to God's Word to find ways to keeping Satan out of my heart. This is what I found to help:

A Fly:  A fan over the door often will help prevent a fly from coming in your house.

Satan:  The Holy Spirit in your heart will prevent Satan from finding resident in your heart.

A Fly:  A freezer bag of water, hanging over the door, often discourages a fly from advancing. 

Satan:  The very name of Jesus, will discourage Satan from attacking.

A Fly: Keep a clean house.

Satan:  Keep a clean heart. 

Like the fly, he is often in the house before you know it. Satan also comes in and tries to make himself at home, in your house. Today, I encourage you to shoo flies, and resist Satan. Neither has no place in your home, nor in your heart.

Shoo fly (Satan), don't bother me... I belong to somebody (Jesus)!

 "Stand firm against him (Satan) and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are." (I Peter 5:9 NLT).

Daydreaming Again?

While in grade school I remember the teacher calling my name, not once but several times, and I was "busted" for daydreaming. If all of us are honest with ourselves, we are probably all guilty. All through school, I majored in daydreaming!

I am not proud of this accomplishment but reality is that we should all daydream. The key is to make sure we are daydreaming at the right time and in the right place. All of us should live with a dream and when our dreams die, we die internally. Benjamin Franklin once said,

"Most men die from the neck up at age 25 because they stop dreaming."     

Here are 7 things about daydreaming that you may want to consider:

1. Set aside a specific time each morning to daydream. Find a time that you're not distracted nor become a distraction. 
2. Have a specific place to daydream. Find a "thinking chair" and just sat for a few minutes each day and daydream. I often sat on my back porch and dream of how that I would like to have a beautiful rose garden. (I love roses). There are quite a few challenges to this dream, but it doesn't hurt to dream.
3. Write down your dreams. Baby Boomers my age call it a "bucket list". Younger generations call it their "goals".
4. Revisit your dreams. It doesn't hurt to dream the same dream over and over again.
5. Ask someone else about their dreams. Everyone has a dream but few are ever asked about their dream.
6. Don't be afraid to share your dream(s) with others. No one ever accomplishes their dream without the assistance of others. You will want to be selected in who you share your dreams with. Find those that will listen, encourage, and help you accomplish your dream.
7. It's okay to have more then one dream. it is also okay if you never accomplish all of your dreams. The important think is to dream!

This morning I encourage you to dream again. Regardless if you are under age or over age, keep dreaming. Everyone needs to dream!

Good morning, and "sweet dreams"!

Chasing Rabbits After Easter (Lesson on Humility)

The Sunday after Easter, for most of us in pastoral ministry, can be a "humbling experience".  If there is no, or little follow up, on our guest from the previous weekend it is most likely that we will have "little or no return". Ouch! That was painful to say.

But hopefully you have managed to follow up, or implement some follow up, on the guest that visited your church last weekend. I am pretty confident that if you intentional follow-up, then visitors will return within the next few weeks.

Now that I chased that rabbit, let's get back to the lesson on humility.

The Bible verse that stood out in my devotions this week is found in Matthew 23:11,12 NLT,

"The greatest among you must be a servant, But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." 

In our Bible verses for today, Jesus give us two options. One is to exalt ourselves, and we will be humbled. The other is to humble ourselves, and we will be exalted. I had rather leave the exalting to God then myself. In a lifetime this is what I've learned about "Humility".

Humility Is A Trait of Spiritual Maturity

Humility is not an absolute. The Apostle Paul stated, "I am what I am by the grace of God." The Holy Spirit can produce the kind of fruit in our lives if we are willing.

Humility Is A Daily Discipline

Humility does not come naturally. There is an inner struggle within all of us to be prideful. However, through our spiritual exercise of being reminded daily of His goodness, we can stay humble.

Humility Is A Benefit

To be successful in what I do depends on my willingness to be humble. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:5 NLT "God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth." That sounds pretty successful to me!

"The dictionary defines humble as 'not proud or arrogant; modest; to be humble although successful." (Peter Wagner) 

I remember, as a child, one of the first lessons I learned about humility. To this day, I am reminded of this lesson when I begin to lack humility. As it was said about Moses, may it be said about all of us, 

"Now Moses was very humble-more humble than any other person on earth (Numbers 12:3 NLT)."

Prayer:  Lord help me to discipline myself in this Christian journey to stay humble, that you may help me to be successful in all that I do for You."

Blessings,
Tim Lamb 

I Love to Tell the Story

One of my friends once stated that he used to have a pretty good memory but was now to the point that he could hide his own Easter eggs. Memory is a funny thing. Some things seem to be imprinted on our mind while other things we forget immediately.

Saturday, the day after the crucifixion of Christ and the day before his Resurrection many memories from this past week is imprinted on the minds of those that witnessed the "mistreatment" of Christ.

The Woman -  "And many woman who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance (Matthew 27:55) NLT."

I am confident that these woman on Saturday morning was still thinking about the events of the previous day, and probably weeping from what they had seen and heard.

The Pharisees - "The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. They told him, 'Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: After  three days I will rise from the dead'" (Matthew 27:62,63 NLT).

The words of Jesus was on the minds of the Pharisees.  On the next day they were encouraging Pilate to seal the tomb until the third day. They were fearful that someone would come and steal the body of Jesus and pretend that He had risen. Pilate not only instructed them to seal the tomb but also to post guards so that this could not happen. However, it didn't work! "No grave could hold Him down!"

The Disciples - "That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders" (John 20:19 NLT).

It is very possible that the disciples of Christ had spent much of the weekend, including Saturday, together. I am confident that their conversations included the teachings of Jesus and the events of the last few days. Many things had been imprinted on the minds of those that had followed Him.

But the story does not stop here! The crucifixion of  Christ has happened but the story continues. Tomorrow we will celebrate a risen Savior! He is alive and He lives forever more! 

Because of Sunday we have a story to tell. A story of His saving grace! I love to tell the Easter story! And it includes the memories of yesterday but it also includes the blessing of tomorrow.

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

Scripture for today:  Matthew 27:62-66; Luke 23:56

Good Friday

Acts 3:25, 26 NLT

“And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it.  He gave it to them and said, ‘Each of you drink from it, (28) for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people.  It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.”

Several years ago I preached a series of sermons about the formal trials of Jesus.  What amazed me about the trials is how that in a twelve hour time frame five or six different times Jesus' identity, integrity, and authority were all questioned, all in a formal trial setting.  Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin Counsel, Pilate, Herod, and back to Pilate all played a role in questioning Jesus.  Then Jesus was led to a place call Calvary. 

I wonder what bothered Jesus the most in the last 24 hours, before his crucifixion. 

• Was it when they tied and led him to Pilate, the governor? 
• Was it when he heard that Judas had hanged himself? 
• Was it the cry of the people to "crucify him, crucify him"? 
• Was it the beating with whips? 
• Was it the crowning with a crown of thorns?
• Was it when the people bowed before Jesus and made fun of him, saying, "Hail, King, of the Jews!"?
• Was it when some spit on him? 
• Was it when some of the soldiers "cast lots" for his clothing? 
• Was it the insults from the people that walked by and said, "You said you could destroy the Temple and build it again in three days. So save yourself! Come down from that cross if you are really the Son of God!"?
• Or was it the nails being driven through the hands and feet of Jesus that hurt Him the most?

Unlike many of us, Jesus did not dwell on His hurts.  Nowhere in scripture do I hear Jesus saying, "What hurt me the most is..."  What Jesus did think about when on the cross was what came out of his mouth, "It is finished!" The battle has been won and the victory is ours. Jesus was willing to pay the supreme sacrifice that we might have forgiveness of sin. 

Without "Good Friday" there would be no "Resurrection Sunday!" 

On this day we commemorate the sacrifice that was paid for our sins, that we might have life and have it abundantly. I look forward to Sunday, where we can celebrate His resurrection. For "He is not here, He is risen!" 

Have a great Easter weekend!

Scriptures to read today:  Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 22:66-23:56; John 18:29-19-37

SOLVING THE WRONG PROBLEM

How many times have you worked on a problem only to realize the problem you attempted to solve, was not the problem at all? How many times, after working on the problem, someone commented, "But that's not really the problem?" 

Or we worked on a problem, solved a problem, and then realized that it really wasn't OUR problem? 

Maybe we worked on a problem and realized there really wasn't a problem at all. The old adage says, "If it is not broke, don't fix it!"

I must admit I'm guilty to probably all three of the above, at some time in my life. It leaves you feeling rather foolish in attempting to solve the wrong problem when the real problem goes unaddressed. We often attempt to solve the wrong problem because we don't understand the problem at all!

Here are a few suggestions in problem solving:

1. Focus on the real problem, not always the first problem. Sometimes we need to list the problems in front of us, to recognize the REAL problem.
2. Understand the problem. Get to the ROOT of the problem. Bandages are made to stop the bleeding but not normally designed to bring healing to the wound. Get to the root of the problem before attempting to solve the problem. You may need to ask the question, "What are some of the other challenges we are facing with this problem?"
3. Don't take responsibility of everyones' problems. As a leader, I know that we have a responsibility to "help" others find the solution to some of their problems. But if they are not working on their problem... I need to ask the question, "Is this really MY problem?"   

Early in life I learn that I can't solve all the world's problems, worrying doesn't help, and others need to take "ownership" to their problem(s). But when I identify the right problem and find the root to the problem, then I can become an effective problem solver. Everyone has problems, it is how you deal with problems that will determine the outcome of the problem.

Today's Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom to identify the right problem, the root of the problem and the solution to the problem. Help me not to spend my time nor energy focusing on the wrong problems in life.

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trails, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation" (Romans 5:3,4 NLT).

Have a great Friday! 

Tim Lamb

The Pastor's Wife

March, (by many) is recognized as "Pastors' Wives Appreciation Month." Serving as a pastor's wife is a unique opportunity that God has given many of us. If you are a wife of a pastor I want to remind you of the following:

• You are valued for who you are as a person.

• Your involvement in the ministry is equally important. 

• God has a plan and a purpose for your life.

• You are on a God-given mission.

If you are a minister's wife, here's a poem just for you...  

        She's A Godly woman, she has such grace

Always a warm greeting, a smile on her face. 

She's always encouraging, she knows her place. 

She is - The Pastor's Wife.

She has to always look just right 

Always on time, though the schedule's tight. 

From early morning, 'til late at night 

Always - The Pastor's Wife

She's such a Lady, everyone's friend 

She serves with love from deep within. 

All the rifts she tries to mend 

Oh she's - The Pastor's Wife

She carries your burdens, she prays for you 

Sometimes she cries the whole night through. 

But you won't know when she's feeling blue, 

'Cause she's - The Pastor's Wife

At church as she starts to walk up the aisle, 

So many need to stop and talk for awhile. 

Though she is tired, she has her own trials 

She's patient, she's - The Pastor's Wife

Her life, her time, is not her own 

There's always a need, they go on and on 

With a knock at the door, or a ringing phone. 

That's the life of - The Pastor's Wife

Her husband she shares with a whole congregation 

She humbly accepts his intense dedication. 

In loneliness she kneels to see consolation 

God Bless - The Pastor's Wife

She will someday reach the end of this race 

As she meets her Master face to face 

Surely our God has a Special Place 

In Heaven for - The Pastor's Wife!

Judy Dycus, March 10, 1992

Thank you for your faithfulness in serving in this unique roll of ministry. Remember, you are loved and appreciated by many whom you serve!

Learning to Travel Lightly

Recently I traveled to Israel and one of the challenges in traveling away from home for two weeks was packing. As my wife and I would pack, and repack (and repack) we kept telling ourselves, "we have to pack ONLY what is needed." Finally, we felt we had succeeded in packing only the necessities for our travel.

Jesus told the disciples on more then one occasion "travel lightly". Maybe not necessarily in those words but in these words,

"'Take nothing for your journey,' he instructed them. 'Don't take a walking stick, traveler's bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes'" (Luke 9:3 NLT).

Now this is traveling lightly! I must be honest. I am glad that Jesus does not require of me to travel quite this light. It wasn't that Jesus wanted the disciples to do without. Just the contrary! Jesus knew that where they were going, that their needs would be supplied. There wasn't any need to carry around any extra baggage.

On this journey of life I desire to travel lightly. No need in carrying extra baggage! So as I check my suitcase (my heart) I want to make sure that I am not carrying around unnecessary baggage. What are the items that I need to toss? What is it that has become a burden and not a blessing?

"God, help me to unpack the unnecessary things of life and only pack the necessary things needed for the journey."

What excess baggage are you carrying around? Are there things in your life that you can do without? What is God speaking to you in this?

"Just because you have baggage doesn't mean you have to lug it around." Richie Norton

Hopscotch

"He (God) does not hopscotch through life, jumping over squares...He hits every step." (Jamie Buckingham).
Hopscotch is a game that has been played by children for over 400 years, and is still being played on school grounds today despite the electronic games available.
In life God never skip steps (or hopscotch) with our lives. He brings us through every step, preparing us for the task that He has planned for us. It is when we try to skip a step that we misstep and often fall.
God orders every step of our life and delights in every detail (or every step) of our life. I am personally thankful for every step that God has allowed me to take. I look up at the stairway of life ahead and see other steps to take. 

My prayer this morning is that God will help me to patiently take one step at a time, and not try to skip a step. That God will find delight in the steps I take and that they will always bring glory (and not a reproach) to His name. 

Today I continue to take one step at a time!

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way" (Psalms 37:23 NKJV).

Old Maps and Outdated GPS'

We need the latest map and the most recent updates on our GPS (God Positioning System) to carry us to the next level in our relationship with Christ. 

"Old maps will not take us on new routes."

As we are well into the new year, here are a few suggestions:

1. Trash the old map that keeps taking you to a dead-end street, and forget it.

2. Find what works best for you, and stick to it. 

3. Lay out a plan, and follow it.

4. Manage your time, and watch it.

5. Just do it. So many start out on a route to succeed but often take a detour in life.

Forget the past, stick to the route, follow the plan, watch your time, and just do it!  "Happy trials to you, until we meet again" (Dale Evans).

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13,14 NIV).

Have a great 2018! 

Blessings,

Tim Lamb

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS

I read recently of a truck driver that was so involved in trying to make sure he didn't missed his exit off of the expressway that he overlooked one of the signs. While he was looking for the exit sign he failed to notice the sign "Low Bridge Ahead". Needless to say, he came to a brutal stop when his truck got stuck under the bridge. Fortunately for him and others no one was injured in this incident.

God started in the beginning of time giving us signs.

"Then God said, 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years'" (Genesis 1:14).

The Word of God is full of signs mentioned, too many to list. The angel spoke to the Shepherds in the field of a sign, so they could identify the Christ Child that is born.

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you. you will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger (Luke 2:11,12)."

The Shepherds went looking for a Savior, paying attention to the sign that the angel mentioned.

Life if full of signs! The signs that God divinely provides for us help us to navigate life. Signs that help us to know when to stop, go, slow down and when to beware of potential danger ahead. Without the signs God give us in His Word we would truly be loss.

So during this Christmas season I encourage you to look for the sign of a Savior. He is no longer wrapped in cloth lying in a manger, nor wrapped in cloth lying in a tomb. He is risen and is at the right hand of the Father praying for me and for you.

When we look around we see the signs of a Savior. We see the signs of one that came and endured life on earth so that we can enjoy life in heaven. There is way too many signs that God gives us, for us to have any excuse to miss our exit from earth, and our road to heaven. In fact, the signs God gives us not only helps us to know where to exit but helps us to know how to navigate life itself. Following God's road signs will make our journey better, often missing "pot holes" in the road and enjoying the scenery along the way.

My "Life Lesson" for today is:

"Stay on the right road, pay attention to all of the signs, enjoy life, and be ready to exit when the time comes."

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Blessings,
Tim Lamb

What Goes Around Comes Around

Galatians 6:7 NLT states "Don't be misled - you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant." This week, repeatedly I have been reminded of the simple words "God is not mocked."

My parents always taught me the life principle that we "reap what we sow". If we sow evil, we reap evil. If we sow good seed, we reap a good harvest. The Word of God is still true today, as it were when the Apostle Paul penned these words in Galatians 6:7.

The Message Paraphrase reads in Romans 2:9-11 "If you go against the grain, you get splinters, regardless of which neighborhood you're from, what your parents taught you, what schools you attended. But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs, again without regard to where you are from or how you were brought up. Being a Jew won't give you an automatic stamp of approval. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own own mind."

While we are not saved because of our works, and it is only God's grace that any of us are saved, God is not mocked. If we do evil we reap the consequence. But if we sow good seed we will reap the benefits.

So the Apostle Paul sums it up in Galatians 6:9 (NLT) when he says, "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."

What goes around comes around, what goes up must come down, and what we sow we will also reap.

The Untold Stories of Our War Veterans

A friend recently shared the following article with me and in honor of all of the United States of America Veterans I wanted to share as a reminder to say "thank you" to all Veterans for your service to this country. God bless America! 

Growing up in Waycross, GA during the '50 and '60s, I was privileged to meet several WW II veterans. They lived in our neighborhood. Marshall, landed on Omaha Beach D-Day, June 6, 1944. He described a beach so filled with dead bodies, he was forced to step on them to get ashore. As he would tell me about his experiences in the war, he never tried to present himself as a hero. Marshall loved his country and was glad to have served. His body contained shrapnel he received in battle.

Leonard, was a P.O.W. in a Japanese Camp. He would not talk about his war experiences. However, he mentioned that he was so cold there that he stuffed newspapers in his clothes to try to stay warm. His war wounds were deep inside and he turned to alcohol to try to manage his pain.

Another WW II Vet, Frank, was a gunner on a B-17 bomber in Europe. He rarely spoke of his experiences, but the pain of them was etched on his face. His Christian faith helped him to cope after the war.

Harry and Henry were in the Korean War. They fought in South Korea at the Chosin Reservoir where thousands of Red Chinese died. Both of them survived the frigid weather but saw dead servicemen stacked on trucks like cord wood. Those memories never go away.

Vietnam was my generation's war. I served on active duty as a chaplain during that era but was not in the country. Several young men that I knew died there. Others described their horrific combat experiences to me. When vets returned from Nam, they were not greeted as war heroes as others had been in other wars. They were greeted rudely by angry war protesters who hurled insults at them.

During this time period a new medical concept was advanced to describe the emotional/mental injuries these returning veterans suffered with. It was called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD). In earlier wars the term was "shell shock" or "battle fatigue."

Today a new diagnostic term is used to more creatively describe this condition. Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome(PTSS) is preferred over PTSD. Most of us would feel stigmatized if someone said we had a disorder instead of just saying we had a syndrome.

Some macho military people have said that there is no such thing as PTSD or PTSS! However, MRI's have been done on persons diagnosed with this condition. The test revealed that those with severe PTSS had brain images similar to stroke victims. Now,  Veterans have been awarded a Purple Heart for their injuries.

The purpose of this column is to remind our community of the price our war veterans paid while serving our great nation. We have  Veterans from several wars that carry the scars of battle with them until today. There has been a spike in suicide deaths from our Vets returning from war in Iraq and Afghanistan. This could be linked to PTSD/PTSS in my opinion!
Our Veterans do not expect special favors or honors. This Veteran's Day andthroughout the year they just need to hear us say, "Thank you for your service!" 

Proverbs 25:11, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." 

Rodney O. Callahan
Chaplain(COL) US Army (Ret)

THE PASTOR'S WIFE

 When my husband and I married 38 years ago, he had not yet accepted the call to the ministry. Shortly afterwards (within 3 months) he accepted the call from God to become a minister of the Gospel.  There is much change in ministry that I have observed over the past 38 years. Here are a few changes, for the better, that I have observed:

• The role of a "pastor's wife" has changed. In many church enviorments the pastor's spouse serves in a greater leadership role. Before, in many church cultures it was more of a supportive role then a leadership role.
• The calling of the pastor's wife is often acknowledge in the local church. God has "hand-picked" the pastor's spouse as carefully as he has called the minister.
• This probably has come with wisdom, but pastors seem to value the time of the family more then in the past. Congregations also seem to value the time of the pastor more as well.

There are a few more I could name, but for the sake of boredom I will stop here. However, to the women that gives their support to the ministry. Thank you for your faithfulness! The Church would not be the same without you. 

During "Pastor Appreciation Month" we express our love and appreciation for you. Thank you for serving alongside of your husband. May God give you many more years together as servants in God's Kingdom.

Your friend in Christ, 

Carissa Lamb

LifePoint Ministries 

Ministers Wives Fellowship (MWF) Director 

Thank You Pastor!

I am thankful today for the many pastor friends that serves in a pastoral role. They have the heart of the Apostle Paul that stated, "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them" (I Corinthians 9:19 ESV).

Historically many have honored their pastor on the second Sunday of October each year. As far back as the first century the Apostle Paul encourages honoring the spiritual leader in your life (I Thessalonians 5:12,13).

 “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13 NIV).

There is a network of ministers that I am privilege to serve with through relationships; both within and outside of the organization I serve.

On this Pastor Appreciation Sunday, I make this commitment to you:

1. To love and respect you and your family

2. To value your calling

3. To pray for you regularly

4. To be an encourager

5. To offer ways to strengthen your ministry

6. What matters to you matters to me

I am also grateful to the spiritual leaders God has placed in my life and to you I say "thank you for being my pastor!"

 “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” Jeremiah 3:15 KJV.

Please take time today, or this month to give special honor to the man or woman that serves you in this spiritual role. A card in the mail, a gift card to his\her favorite place to shop or have a meal, or some other gift is great to give your pastor. Take time in a church service this month to publicly acknowledge the pastor and his family. Don't forget the spouse, for they also play a vital role in this ministry.

I have cards that the children have made in Children's Church for my wife and I over the years for Pastor Appreciation. I have notes of appreciation that have been written by adults from congregations that we have served. I look back occasionally and find great joy in reading these "words of appreciation". Carissa and I have memories of this day and we are very grateful for many that said "thank you for serving."

Please honor your pastor and his family this month.

Happy Pastor (Clergy) Appreciation Sunday!

A GOOD LEADER WILL ATTRACT FOLLOWERS

In the Old Testament an individual by the name of Gideon had so many volunteers that God sent some of them home. Gideon once told the Lord, "I am the least of my father's house." Gideon felt inadequate to lead anyone yet later we read Gideon saying, 

"Then he said to them, Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do" (Judges 7:17 NLT).

It was the Apostle Paul that said, 

"Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example" (Philippians 3:17). 

Gideon and the Apostle Paul both knew how to attract volunteers.

Volunteering often gives us a sense of satisfaction in helping others. We volunteer sometimes because it is just the right thing to do. In my life I have been extremely blessed with a lot of volunteers that wanted to give of their time and talent.

 "Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart"    Elizabeth Andrew

John Maxwell says, "People buy in to the leader, then the vision." 

It is true that you can attract followers if you are a good leader. 

Being a good leader consist of several qualities including a person of a good character. Here are a few of the reasons I volunteer:

•   The leader makes me feel needed.
•   The leader helps me to find my place.
•   The leader shows appreciation for what I do.
•   The leader is one that I learn from.
•   The leader keeps me "in the loop" by communicating well.
•   The leader helps me to see the "big picture".
•   The leader helps me to understand why we do what we do.   

Playing the silly game "Follow the Leader" as a child maybe wasn't so silly after all. Maybe it was about teaching me the life principle of how to follow the leader, and how to become a leader.

In life I will always volunteer for something and imitate those that follow Christ. 

I love to volunteer!

KINDNESS

"In my neck of the woods" this weekend an unwanted, but expected guest is about to arrive - Hurricane Irma. Rightfully so, ears are glued to the news to find out when and where she is going to make her arrival. In the eye of the storm kindness has also surface. Many thousands are preparing to give, share, and most of all, pray for those in her path. I am thankful for these acts of kindness! This storm could

be horrendous for many!

I don't know much about the storm but I know a lot about kindness.

• Kindness is contagious
• Kindness is meant to heal, not hurt
• Kindness is compassion without judgement 
• Kindness is giving without expectation

Kindness brings hope to a world of hopelessness, encouragement to those that are discourage, light in the darkest hour, love in place of hate, and life in place of death. Kindness is part of the "fruit of the Spirit" that never decays and God's "loving kindness is better then life!"

Mark Twain once stated, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." 

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, KINDNESS, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12 NLT).

Prayer: Lord, help me to put on the garment of kindness, so that others may see You through me.
Stay safe in the midst of the storm, and be kind one to another.

The Parable of the Eclipse

Next Monday (August 21, 2017), in my part of the world, we will experience a solar eclipse. "A solar eclipse (as seen from the planet Earth) is a type of eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and when the Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun (Wikipedia)." This is similar to the one that happened June 8, 1918, so I hear. 

There is another type of eclipse. It is when spiritual darkness invades our life. It is when we allow Satan to come between us and God, and block the Light of the world. Our vision becomes obscured, our imagination becomes distorted, and our future becomes dim. We begin to do things that seems right in the eyes of man, but the results is death (Proverbs 14:12).


I was challenged recently as I read I John 1:5 to examine the brightness of Christ in my life. I was encouraged to make sure there were no "dim" places in my life that could block, or hinder, Christ shining through me. 

A solar eclipse can damage the eyes if not taken seriously but a spiritual eclipse will damage the soul. Guard your eyes on Monday but guard your heart every day!

"This is the message we heard from Jesus, and now declare to you; God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all" (I John 1:5).

The Parable of the Silver Spoon

The Parable of the Silver Spoon

I remember hearing the expression as a child, "He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth." This expression was first printed in English as far back as the 1700's. I also read recently that in the 1700's carrying a silver spoon in your pocket was as common as carrying your keys or wallet. When this expression was first used it was often to indicate that someone was born into a family of financial blessing. It is true that some people are born into a family of financial blessing but many of us "baby boomers" were blessed just to have a spoon, much less a silver spoon.

However, my parents taught me a very valuable life lesson about financial blessings and God's providential provision. It is found in Malachi 3:10, 11 NKJV.

"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this, Says the Lord of hosts, 'If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground."

One of my mentors use to say, "It is not about the money, it is about the obedience to God's Word." While you may or may not agree with this life principle, it works for me. I have seen God's divine provision for me personally and for the ministry. Time and time again financial blessings have occurred. I may not have been born with a silver spoon in my mouth but I was spoon-fed God's Word from an early age abut the importance of tithing and giving.

"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV).

Besides, I have never seen anyone die with a "silver spoon" in their mouth but I have seen folks passed from this life into eternity with "treasure in heaven." So for now, I am not carrying around a silver spoon in my pocket. But if you could look behind my shirt pocket you would find that I am carrying God's Word in my heart, and I am very thankful for this life principle of giving that I have been taught. 

What a blessing it is to give! I encourage you to give it a try if you are not already in the habit of giving.

Blessings,

Tim Lamb