Last night I got to speak to around 60 students who meet weekly in a gathering of the ministry now called CRU. It's the ministry formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ. For years I've had the privilege of ministering typically once a semester as a guest speaker to their gathering. Last night was one of the best yet.
I walked into the auditorium - the Maxwell auditorium - housed in the Maxwell School of Leadership. I told the students as I began so speak last night that earliert walking up the hill I asked myself - 'Who will be here tonight?' If Jesus doesn't come first, and if the Lord grants us more years - then where will the students I speak to tonight be in 20 years? What will their lives be like? What about their families? What about ministry God will do through them in all spheres of life? What about their communities, this nation and even the world? I knew I would be speaking to difference makers.
I had posted on Facebook that I was headed there to speak. Shortly before I spoke, I noticed that a pastor who is a friend of mine from Florida had commented on my status to say that both his parents had graduated from SU - one in 1929 and one in 1940. I was able to share that story with the students. Who knew that those two SU grads would marry, have a son - and he would be used by God for great impact for the kingdom of God? God knew. He writes the story. History becomes His story.
I taught on the passages the leadership had asked me to speak on as they have themes for this semester. They also gave me the freedom to challenge them in any way I felt led. So, I finished with 2 Peter 1:3-10, a passage God has blazing in front of my face the past two weeks. They welcomed it it seemed to me, and I encourage you to read it and consider it as well.
You see to Keep the Fire Burning, I believe you need to love your community. I have long been an SU fan. I have a daughter and son-in-law who are both graduates of Syracuse University. I still love that place. I will be going their tonight for Midnight Madness - to support our basketball teams and some friends and encourage them.
I heard someone say recently that 'if you are going to be somewhere, be all there'. I like that. In ministry, you may find it easy to think about where you wish you were. God has you where you are if you have been obedient in following Him. So stop resisting the challenges, and welcome them as growth opportunities. One word: persevere. The Lord will strengthen your heart. Love where you live. Love the Lord where you live. Love the people where you live. Jesus does. He wants to love them through you. It might even start by speaking to a small group meeting in a small auditorium on a huge campus like I did last night. Most people will never know we met. Life was going on all around us throughout the city. I pray for someone it made an eternity of difference and will in the future.
Be faithful. Be steadfast. Be encouraged. God is at work. I saw it last night in the eyes of young men and young women at Syracuse University. Glory to His name!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Perseverance
Today was our day of prayer. Our pastoral team takes one day a month where we go off campus and spend the day at a location that has become a great place for us to meet with the Lord. Upon arrival, we typically each go to our own area that has become a place of prayer and seeking the Lord.
I don't say this to draw attention to our prayers. The truth is I feel I have so much to learn in this area. What I know is that the Bible says of pastors that we are to 'give ourselves to prayer and the word' (see Acts 6:4). I'm not sure that defines the role of the modern day pastor. We do a lot of things. If we are not careful, we don't spend much time in the word or in prayer.
My time with the Lord was launched by a phone call from a former member. Coach Rick Moody, for whom I have the highest regard returned a call I had made to him last night. I had called to let him know I appreciated him and he was on my mind. He called back this morning and we talked.
I asked Coach what was the greatest life lesson you can learn from basketball. His answer? Perseverance. Wow. That was powerful. He talked about how we all have struggles, but to not talk about our struggles. Struggles are an opportunity for growth.
He referenced the book of James. This morning, I dug deep into the subject of perseverance in the word of God and followed that with prayer. Here are a few things I was reminded of today:
'Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.' James 1:2-4, NIV
'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.' Hebrews 12:1, NIV
'But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.' 1 Timothy 6:11
'For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.' Romans 15:4-5
The concept of persevering means to endure, or stand fast. It means to bear patiently. Struggles are a time for you to grow. Don't resist them. Grow from them. It will help keep the fire burning!
I don't say this to draw attention to our prayers. The truth is I feel I have so much to learn in this area. What I know is that the Bible says of pastors that we are to 'give ourselves to prayer and the word' (see Acts 6:4). I'm not sure that defines the role of the modern day pastor. We do a lot of things. If we are not careful, we don't spend much time in the word or in prayer.
My time with the Lord was launched by a phone call from a former member. Coach Rick Moody, for whom I have the highest regard returned a call I had made to him last night. I had called to let him know I appreciated him and he was on my mind. He called back this morning and we talked.
I asked Coach what was the greatest life lesson you can learn from basketball. His answer? Perseverance. Wow. That was powerful. He talked about how we all have struggles, but to not talk about our struggles. Struggles are an opportunity for growth.
He referenced the book of James. This morning, I dug deep into the subject of perseverance in the word of God and followed that with prayer. Here are a few things I was reminded of today:
'Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.' James 1:2-4, NIV
'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.' Hebrews 12:1, NIV
'But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.' 1 Timothy 6:11
'For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.' Romans 15:4-5
The concept of persevering means to endure, or stand fast. It means to bear patiently. Struggles are a time for you to grow. Don't resist them. Grow from them. It will help keep the fire burning!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Memphis
Recently I returned to Memphis, Tennessee to preach the funeral of a long time family friend. In 1980, I moved to Memphis to go to seminary. I was 22 years old. Two years later, I married Kathy. Five years later we headed back to New York with our first child with us and a second on the way! During my twenties two of the people who impacted me most were Jerry and Marti Parker. Marti just went to be with the Lord. After a difficult battle with cancer, she is home with Jesus.
The Parkers were married for 49 years. To see one was to see the other. They were inseparable. They had a rock solid faith, and a deep love for our Lord and for each other. They loved the local church and served the Lord faithfully for many years. It was my privilege to serve with them for seven years at the Faith Baptist Church, in Atoka, Tennessee. When the family asked me to return to do the funeral, I was humbled and honored. Marti Parker was a Proverbs 31 woman. Jerry is one of the best friends I've ever had.
They knew how to keep the fire of faith burning. My friendship with them helped keep the fire burning in my own heart for the gospel and all the things that matter most in life. Returning to Memphis brought a rush of memories and emotion. It was there that I grew as a young pastor. It was there I was trained at a great seminary. It was there that I developed roots in the ministry with some of the finest people I have ever known in my life.
Looking back 31 years makes me all the more grateful for the hand of God upon our lives throughout the years. When you look back, trace the hand of God. Reflect on His blessings and His goodness. It will amaze you. Life is never perfect, but God is always faithful. Knowing that is enough.
One week ago today, we buried Marti's body in a cemetary in Memphis. But trust me - she is not there - she is with the Lord for the Bible says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. She fought a good fight. She kept the faith. She finished her course. May we do the same.
The Parkers were married for 49 years. To see one was to see the other. They were inseparable. They had a rock solid faith, and a deep love for our Lord and for each other. They loved the local church and served the Lord faithfully for many years. It was my privilege to serve with them for seven years at the Faith Baptist Church, in Atoka, Tennessee. When the family asked me to return to do the funeral, I was humbled and honored. Marti Parker was a Proverbs 31 woman. Jerry is one of the best friends I've ever had.
They knew how to keep the fire of faith burning. My friendship with them helped keep the fire burning in my own heart for the gospel and all the things that matter most in life. Returning to Memphis brought a rush of memories and emotion. It was there that I grew as a young pastor. It was there I was trained at a great seminary. It was there that I developed roots in the ministry with some of the finest people I have ever known in my life.
Looking back 31 years makes me all the more grateful for the hand of God upon our lives throughout the years. When you look back, trace the hand of God. Reflect on His blessings and His goodness. It will amaze you. Life is never perfect, but God is always faithful. Knowing that is enough.
One week ago today, we buried Marti's body in a cemetary in Memphis. But trust me - she is not there - she is with the Lord for the Bible says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. She fought a good fight. She kept the faith. She finished her course. May we do the same.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
The Furnace Room
I wrote recently of a trip to New Hampshire to visit the Higher Ground Baptist Church. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share with 29 leaders on Tuesday night. I was blessed to serve at a prayer tent at the Deerfield fair. I was especially blessed to learn that the idea had grown out of a breakout session at Keep the Fire Burning. In God's providence, I was able to be there and minister with the people the very week of the fair. I also was blessed to be able to preach three times on Sunday.
The secret to me of the Lord's hand upon Higher Ground is the prayer ministry. The pastor is a man of prayer. He doesn't just talk about prayer, he prays. He doesn't just challenge the people to pray, he prays. In fact his wife encouraged him to show me his 'prayer room'. Most never see it. In fact I was only the second or third to ever be given a glimpse. We walked up the stairs into the attic of a two story house and there was a small room - perhaps six by six, devoted to prayer. I knew in that moment the secret of a life well lived, and a ministry that was experiencing fruit and the hand and favor of God. I was struck by the simple but profound decor of the room, and humbled by the diligence and focus of prayer that must take place in that room by that pastor.
Wednesday night, I attended the prayer meeting called 'the school of the Spirit'. The crowd was small, but that was not an issue. The Lord was there. I would simply call it the most satisfying unhurried, focused time of prayer I have shared with other believers in a long time. We began around 7. The prayer meeting ended at 10:20. The people were earnest, the word was shared, prayers were offered and the face of God was sought by His people. I know the Lord strongly dealt with me in a couple of ways that night. It felt like the first time in a long time I have been unhurried and undistracted in prayer.
I told the pastor that the prayer meeting was the furnace to his ministry. I was not telling him anything he didn't already know. I just wanted to affirm what to me was obvious. I left Nottingham, New Hampshire feeling like a first grader when it comes to prayer. Now there is nothing wrong with being in first grade, unless you are 53 years old and have been saved for 38 years. I've got a lot to learn. I'm not sure I will ever be the same - and that's a good thing. So you want to keep the fire burning? Stoke the fire in your own personal prayer quarters and spend time praying with the people of God.
The secret to me of the Lord's hand upon Higher Ground is the prayer ministry. The pastor is a man of prayer. He doesn't just talk about prayer, he prays. He doesn't just challenge the people to pray, he prays. In fact his wife encouraged him to show me his 'prayer room'. Most never see it. In fact I was only the second or third to ever be given a glimpse. We walked up the stairs into the attic of a two story house and there was a small room - perhaps six by six, devoted to prayer. I knew in that moment the secret of a life well lived, and a ministry that was experiencing fruit and the hand and favor of God. I was struck by the simple but profound decor of the room, and humbled by the diligence and focus of prayer that must take place in that room by that pastor.
Wednesday night, I attended the prayer meeting called 'the school of the Spirit'. The crowd was small, but that was not an issue. The Lord was there. I would simply call it the most satisfying unhurried, focused time of prayer I have shared with other believers in a long time. We began around 7. The prayer meeting ended at 10:20. The people were earnest, the word was shared, prayers were offered and the face of God was sought by His people. I know the Lord strongly dealt with me in a couple of ways that night. It felt like the first time in a long time I have been unhurried and undistracted in prayer.
I told the pastor that the prayer meeting was the furnace to his ministry. I was not telling him anything he didn't already know. I just wanted to affirm what to me was obvious. I left Nottingham, New Hampshire feeling like a first grader when it comes to prayer. Now there is nothing wrong with being in first grade, unless you are 53 years old and have been saved for 38 years. I've got a lot to learn. I'm not sure I will ever be the same - and that's a good thing. So you want to keep the fire burning? Stoke the fire in your own personal prayer quarters and spend time praying with the people of God.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
A little place called Nottingham
I was sitting in class at Liberty University in May, 2010. It was my sixth of eight classes toward the hopeful completion of a Doctor of Ministry degree. One of my professors told the story of coming to Christ at the age of sixteen after a co-worker at a hospital invited him to a 'little Baptist church'.
Something happened in my heart in that moment. A fire was lit. I asked him the next day what the name of that town was. He told me and I googled it. Addyson, New York is a small town of about 1800 in the southern tier of New York State, my home state. Dr. Ron Hawkins was the professor who told the story. Today, he is the provost of the largest Christian University in the world, Liberty University, with over 60,000 students.
So here's my question: Do you think the guy who invited Ron to church, knew all God had for him in the future? And the next question is who is going to towns like Addyson to pastor a church today? Who among the faithful will go to the forgotten because it matters forever? To be sure we need ministry in the cities and the suburbs, but our land is also dotted with numerous communities no one knows about. There are no such things as small churches. Every church can have a global impact. That church in Addyson sure did.
I reflected personally on the situation as well. I grew up in one of those towns. I was born in Malone, New York, the county seat town of Franklin county on the northern border of New York. I grew up in a little town adjacent to Malone - Burke, New York. The population then was about 1300 people. I am so thankful that the Lord got the gospel to me in that place known by few, but known by Him.
Out of a desire to be good stewards of what the Lord has entrusted us with, the church I now serve, Northside Baptist Church in Liverpool, New York, began to reach out to pastors and leaders last year with our first of an annual conference we call 'Keep the Fire Burning'. We had hoped for at least 100 people from 50 churches. 200 people came from 82 churches from 7 states. Six of those were members of Higher Ground Baptist Church in Nottingham, New Hampshire.
Recently, I challenged our pastoral team to begin to plan a trip to a ministry somewhere here in the northeast to view up close and personal what God is doing in other places. I wanted us also to consider how we can best encourage pastors, leaders and churches. Just a few days ago, I drove the 371 miles to Nottingham, New Hampshire. I wanted to meet the people who had made a six and a half hour drive to stir the fires in their hearts. What I discovered humbled me, encouraged me, and taught me many things. I will share more on that next time.
It may be a little place called Nottingham, but God knows where it is. I can hardly wait to tell you about it. Stay tuned!
Something happened in my heart in that moment. A fire was lit. I asked him the next day what the name of that town was. He told me and I googled it. Addyson, New York is a small town of about 1800 in the southern tier of New York State, my home state. Dr. Ron Hawkins was the professor who told the story. Today, he is the provost of the largest Christian University in the world, Liberty University, with over 60,000 students.
So here's my question: Do you think the guy who invited Ron to church, knew all God had for him in the future? And the next question is who is going to towns like Addyson to pastor a church today? Who among the faithful will go to the forgotten because it matters forever? To be sure we need ministry in the cities and the suburbs, but our land is also dotted with numerous communities no one knows about. There are no such things as small churches. Every church can have a global impact. That church in Addyson sure did.
I reflected personally on the situation as well. I grew up in one of those towns. I was born in Malone, New York, the county seat town of Franklin county on the northern border of New York. I grew up in a little town adjacent to Malone - Burke, New York. The population then was about 1300 people. I am so thankful that the Lord got the gospel to me in that place known by few, but known by Him.
Out of a desire to be good stewards of what the Lord has entrusted us with, the church I now serve, Northside Baptist Church in Liverpool, New York, began to reach out to pastors and leaders last year with our first of an annual conference we call 'Keep the Fire Burning'. We had hoped for at least 100 people from 50 churches. 200 people came from 82 churches from 7 states. Six of those were members of Higher Ground Baptist Church in Nottingham, New Hampshire.
Recently, I challenged our pastoral team to begin to plan a trip to a ministry somewhere here in the northeast to view up close and personal what God is doing in other places. I wanted us also to consider how we can best encourage pastors, leaders and churches. Just a few days ago, I drove the 371 miles to Nottingham, New Hampshire. I wanted to meet the people who had made a six and a half hour drive to stir the fires in their hearts. What I discovered humbled me, encouraged me, and taught me many things. I will share more on that next time.
It may be a little place called Nottingham, but God knows where it is. I can hardly wait to tell you about it. Stay tuned!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Surprises
Much of life is planned, yet much of life is unplanned. I suppose it is the difference between structure and spontaneity. I like to be spontaneous, but I have learned the importance of structure. Over the past week and a half I have had the privilege of living out a plan, with some surprises. One was painful - the other brought spontaneous joy.
I recently visited the Higher Ground Baptist Church in New Hampshire. I will write more on that in a future post. What a blessing it was to visit this wonderful fellowship. Six members came to our 'Keep the Fire Burning' conference last February. It was an honor and a blessing to join them in what God is doing in their midst. On the way there I got my first surprise. I received word that a long time friend was soon to die of cancer. We knew this dear woman of God was close to death, but somehow held out hope for healing to the end.
Marti Parker was a Proverbs 31 woman for sure. She and her husband Jerry have been friends of ours for over 30 years. I met them when I went to seminary and began to serve at the Faith Baptist Church of Atoka, Tennessee. I received the word of her likely soon passing from their son. They wanted me to come and preach the funeral service. Being involved in the service would certain be an honor.
I grieved for the family and for the loss both family and friends would feel. It would indeed be painful - but knowing none the less that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Marti would soon be with the Lord. We would celebrate her life, celebrate her being in the presence of the Lord, but suffer the loss felt so strongly by her family and friends who are still here.
In the plan and providence of God, she passed away toward the end of the week. I finished my ministry in New Hampshire on Sunday and then flew out of Boston to preach at the funeral on Monday morning. I visited with Jerry and stayed until Tuesday seeking to encourage him and walk this road with him. Wednesday and Thursday were busy days back in Liverpool. A lot is going on at Northside, and it was good to be back home.
During a meeting in my office late yesterday afternoon with a friend, a man who just this year began attending Northside, there was a knock on my door. I looked up and through the window in the door saw my oldest daughter's face! That was my second surprise. I was blessed by a surprise visit from our oldest who now lives in the midwest. The last 24 hours have been sheer delight as our family has enjoyed three of our four children being home and enjoying one another's company.
We have shared about our lives, and talked about serving the Lord. We have enjoyed laughter and tears. (mostly laughter!) For me, keeping the fire burning often happens when I simply surrender to the Lord. Learn to simply walk with Him and trust Him always. He has a plan. We may make our plans, but the Lord is the master planner. With Him there are always surprises along the way. Some of those surprises are painful, and some are joyful. I've learned to see Him in them both. I pray you will as well.
I recently visited the Higher Ground Baptist Church in New Hampshire. I will write more on that in a future post. What a blessing it was to visit this wonderful fellowship. Six members came to our 'Keep the Fire Burning' conference last February. It was an honor and a blessing to join them in what God is doing in their midst. On the way there I got my first surprise. I received word that a long time friend was soon to die of cancer. We knew this dear woman of God was close to death, but somehow held out hope for healing to the end.
Marti Parker was a Proverbs 31 woman for sure. She and her husband Jerry have been friends of ours for over 30 years. I met them when I went to seminary and began to serve at the Faith Baptist Church of Atoka, Tennessee. I received the word of her likely soon passing from their son. They wanted me to come and preach the funeral service. Being involved in the service would certain be an honor.
I grieved for the family and for the loss both family and friends would feel. It would indeed be painful - but knowing none the less that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Marti would soon be with the Lord. We would celebrate her life, celebrate her being in the presence of the Lord, but suffer the loss felt so strongly by her family and friends who are still here.
In the plan and providence of God, she passed away toward the end of the week. I finished my ministry in New Hampshire on Sunday and then flew out of Boston to preach at the funeral on Monday morning. I visited with Jerry and stayed until Tuesday seeking to encourage him and walk this road with him. Wednesday and Thursday were busy days back in Liverpool. A lot is going on at Northside, and it was good to be back home.
During a meeting in my office late yesterday afternoon with a friend, a man who just this year began attending Northside, there was a knock on my door. I looked up and through the window in the door saw my oldest daughter's face! That was my second surprise. I was blessed by a surprise visit from our oldest who now lives in the midwest. The last 24 hours have been sheer delight as our family has enjoyed three of our four children being home and enjoying one another's company.
We have shared about our lives, and talked about serving the Lord. We have enjoyed laughter and tears. (mostly laughter!) For me, keeping the fire burning often happens when I simply surrender to the Lord. Learn to simply walk with Him and trust Him always. He has a plan. We may make our plans, but the Lord is the master planner. With Him there are always surprises along the way. Some of those surprises are painful, and some are joyful. I've learned to see Him in them both. I pray you will as well.
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