SILENCE IN WORSHIP

"In worship, silence is far more than the absence of sound. Silence constitutes
a vital part of the divine-human dialogue. In silence, worshipers can
experience interchanges with God that will not be known where silence does not
prevail." 

from The Gift of Worship, Broadman Press, 1992

My Life with the Bride of Christ

(A summary of my relationship with the church throughout my life)

From the Catholics I learned to value tangible expressions of a participatory faith and grace.

From the Christian Church I learned to value restoration of unity over denominational lines.

From the Baptists I learned to value the urgency of which to save the lost.

From the Charismatics I learned to value a faith that knows no bounds.

From the Bible Church I learned to value the depths of solid Bible teaching and preaching.

"We are quick enough to feel and brood over the things we suffer from others, but we think nothing of how much others suffer from us. If a man would weigh his own deeds fully and rightly, he would find little cause to pass severe judgment on others. " -
THE IMITATION

OF CHRI ST
BY THOMAS À KEMPIS 

Rewards of a life of integrity

(From today's chapel led by Chuck Swindoll on the life of Howard Hendricks.)

-Sustained cultivation of explemplary Christlike character. You become the message.

-Continued relief of a clear conscience.

-The personal fulfillment of intimacy with the Almighty.
Two great moments in life.The day we were born, and the day we realize why.

-Priceless inheritance of a lingering legacy

-Rare privelage of being a mentor

-The crowning reward of finishing well

How will you imagine your life when you are old and looking back?

My wife, my "ezer"

I read this today and thought of just how much I appreciate and love my wife, my ezer.

The Hebrew word for “helper” is ezer, a word used several times in the Old Testament to describe God as the deliverer of His people. The old folks at church would say it like this: “He made a way out of no way.” An ezer is someone who can do for you that which you simply cannot do for yourself. An ezer is a rescuer and a fighter. It is a powerful definition, and only once is it used to describe a human being--Eve. What a different connotation this has for the marriage relationship. This powerful woman can not only make your dinner and satisfy you in bed, but she is warring for you in Jesus’ name, and encouraging you to be all that God wants you to be. (read full article by Sharifa Stevens here )

Pastoral Stress Quiz

A friend of mine went to a workshop lead by Dale Hudson (@dalehudsoncm). The title, "Leadership That Lasts: How to go The Distance in Children's Ministry". He opened with a quiz that was very startling and made me think about the journey that lies ahead, the dangers, and my family.
1. How many Pastors leave the minsitry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches?
     a) 1,500
     b) 500
     c) 1,200
     d) 900

2. What percentage of pastors' marriages end in divorce?
     a) 10%
     b) 30%
     c) 25%
     d) 50%

3. What percentage of pastors feel unqualified and discouraged in their role?
     a) 38%
     b) 84%
     c) 76%
     d) 41%

4. What percentage of pastor's spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their role?
     a) 65%
     b) 55%
     c) 80%
     d) 25%

5. What percentage of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living?
     a) 75%
     b) 50%
     c) 35%
     d) 15%

6. What percentage of seminary and Bible school graduates who ener the minstyr will leave the ministry within the first five years?
     a) 13%
     b) 80%
     c) 21%
     d) 40%

7. What percentage of pastors polled said they have had an extra-marital affair?
     a) 5%
     b) 20%
     c) 40%
     d) 14%

8. What percentage of pastors' spouses feel their spouse is overworked?
     a) 80%
     b) 100%
     c) 75%
     d) 57%

9. What percentage of pastors' wives wish their spouse would choosse another profession?
     a) 28%
     b) 90%
     c) 80%
     d) 43%

Answers: 1-a, 2-d, 3-b, 4-c, 5-b, 6-b, 7-c, 8-a, 9-c.