Ablaze vs. A Control Burn

I heard a pastor talking about the Ablaze initiative and was concerned about things getting out of control. He really wanted somehow to curb the enthusiasm so things stayed manageable. Is that really the heart and attitude we find in Acts? I don't thinks so. We are called upon to spread the gospel. We can't control the affects nor should we. I think we should all be praying for a blaze not a control burn. In a forest fire the control burn is the way the fire fighters try and put the fire out. It that our calling to snuff out the gospel or spread it like wildfire? Let's set this world, our community, our families on fire for God.

The Beauty of Forgiveness

I have discovered that one of the most difficult concepts to understand and master is this idea of forgiveness. People have all kinds of ideas of what forgiveness is and isn't; when forgiveness should be asked for and given. But the one thing I have discovered is not forgiving someone can destroy not only your relationship but you as an individual. Resentment and an unforgiving heart can change a person's outward apprearance. It can make beautiful people (by worldly standards) look ugly. It makes gentle people harsh. But people with a forgiving spirit have a certain calmness and peace about them. More on this later.

Focused Living Vs. Purposed-Driven

It is amazing how at peace you can become when you discover your God-given purpose. I spent time in the fall at a ReFocus living retreat. It reminded me of my first one years ago. At that time I went away questioning my calling only to come back with a more focused and clearer view of how God has shaped and molded me in the past for the present and future work he has in mind for me. I came back to realize that all the painful events in my past and present are God's way of shaping me and sharpening the sword. I can now look at my life and look at the difficulties that I face daily in a totally different light. I am not purpose-driven because that puts the pressure on me to achieve. Instead I am practicing "focused living" which is based on how God is leading me. The congregations that are going through it now in our district in the next few months will have the opportunity to also go through Focused Living and I pray it will give them the same inner peace and understanding about their individual calling in life that it has given me.

When the Going Gets Tough.

One stanza in my favorite hymn is:

When through fiery trials your pathway will lie,

My grace, all sufficient, will be your supply.

The flames will not hurt you;

I only designYour dross to consume and your gold to refine.

It hits me particularly this week as we beging a new year that chances are there will be some difficult trials in 2008. And I realize I have only two options in dealing with the trials. First, I can stand on my own abilities and fight the trial head on. The problem with doing it on my own is I will only come away more battered and bruised. The trial more than likely will win! Option two is to see the trial as this stanza points out as an opportunity for God to shape me and mould me for his service. Notice the words of the last verse. "The flames will not hurt you I only design your dross to consume and your gold to refine." God will use the trials I go through to refine me. It will not be easy and at times the task seems daunting but God will prevail. I will turn the situation over to him and allow him to guide me through. His grace is sufficient.