Heavenly Attitude!

I recently had a dear friend visit me. When he left, he left behind a note: “Thanks for your friendship! Your attitude about life and the way you treat those who have hurt you are a classic example of true Christian love!” Wow, he must have seen me on a good day, lol!

Life is about attitude!

I struggle like all to maintain a good attitude. Whether it is someone cutting me off in traffic, an inconsiderate church member ‘killing me softly’ with his words, a disrespectful staff member, a condemnation of the enemy, the list could go on and on… I try to recover by keeping a right attitude! Sometimes it takes me longer than others, but recover one must!

Charles R. Swindoll made this statement about Attitude: "This may shock you, but I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my successes or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or say about me, my circumstances, or my position. Attitude is that `single string’ that keeps me going or cripples my progress. It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hope. When my attitudes are right, there’s no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme, no challenge too great for me."

Col 3:2 Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ — that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. TMB

In all of this I try to remember to set my mind (attitude) on things above. It seems to help me keep that proper heavenly perspective in relation to things happening around me!

Post Easter Sunday Morning Blues!

One of my most often searched blog posts is It's Friday but Sunday's Coming- Of course it is searched for the most around Easter.

Ah Easter! The most important tenant of the faith- Jesus is risen indeed! What Pastor doesn't enjoy preaching on Easter? What Pastor doesn't enjoy the crowds! Oh, the thrill of all those people coming to hear you preach a powerful sermon and partake of the marvellous activities you provide!

But wait, did they really come to hear you, or be wowed? I noticed again this year a couple who I saw last year at Easter. They didn't come back after my most wonderful sermon and service last Easter and I bet they won't be back this Sunday either! They are quite comfortable with the yearly visit and maybe even know that they are inflating our numbers that day. I think I saw that wry grin on their faces!

We Pastors get overly hyped about Easter. It is the one time (maybe Christmas?) that the church is packed! And what do we do? We get excited, post the numbers and revel in the them. It's as if somehow our ministry success is validated that day. We have arrived at a 'plateau breakthrough' we tell ourselves! We will finally be listed as one of the top ten fastest growing churches in America, hey, how about the world! Yes 'It's Friday but Sunday's coming!'

Problem is, so is next Sunday! The Sunday after Easter is 'reality check' time! The hype has come and gone. Our adrenaline is waning. We try to approach the next Sunday with the anticipation of the last. And Sunday comes! Where are the crowds! Where is the excitement among the congregation and even among the staff. It is like the finish and aftermath of running a marathon- the high and then the emotional letdown. Everyone and everything is depleted. It could be called 'Post Easter Sunday Morning Blues!'

The Sunday following Easter is a letdown and disappointment to many pastors. Some actually go into a depression. I have read that some pastors take a vacation after Easter, but you do have to face reality eventually! There are more Sundays to follow.

What is the word for 'Post Easter Sunday Morning Blues' for pastors? It is to Continue:
Continue to stand firm
Continue to press on
Continue to hold on to your dreams
Continue to understand that your success is not measured by numbers
Continue to be thankful for that Easter Sunday, the souls saved, and the ministry to the saints
...and regardless of the reality of this coming Sunday- continue!

Continue to run the race set before you and don't give up. Pastor I am praying for you today!

Never Ever, Ever, Give Up to Your Dreams!

I am speechless and tearful!

Another Piece of Stupid!

There is a phrase, 'It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.' Loosely interpreted, it means to go ahead and do something and if it's wrong then ask for forgiveness! I recently did a big piece of stupid. Have you ever done a big piece of stupid? I had to write a note asking forgiveness to someone I had offended.

Thank you for asking about the paring note- it came at a very dark, hurtful, disheartening time in my life. I have since removed it.

I had been wondering for some time as my friends list was growing to over 400 people (on Facebook) about why some never wrote anything or corresponded on Facebook or ignored responses. I had been thinking about the downsizing for some time so that my responses could be honed to those that were interested. Your comments are duly noted and valid!

And then I took a hit- I admit my timing on this was way off and somewhat an immature attempt to cover my hurt. In hindsight I wish I had not done it- my wife and I made a pack that I will wait 3 days before writing anything or saying anything in situations like this. Good idea after the fact. You think I would learn but then I am reminded I am human and do have feelings like everybody else.

When I started deleting people I didn't know, etc. I got carried away and deleted some I shouldn't have. But there is no 'undelete' the deleted key. So I have to start the task of adding back people. Some may not want to renew with a vacillating 'clay feet' pastor.

Time will tell how big this big piece of stupid on my part will affect me and others.

Please forgive me for the offense it created for you. You know my heart and it is not in me to cut people off. You can please pray for the Lord to heal my heart and I will guard it in the future.

So I have been very candid with you...

There you have it! My confession and request for forgiveness. Fortunately it was well received and I am forgiven.

What have I learned?
1. Don't react, respond or do anything in the time of intense personal hurt and disappointment.
2. Guard your heart immediately after those offenses.
3. Don't retaliate!
4. Don't mess with Texas and Facebook! They are both big countries with intense loyalty.

Because He lives, I too can live again!

Happy Resurrection Day!

Matthew 28:1-10 NIV

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Pastors Need Tennis Rackets!

Five times Roger Federer has been honored as ATP Sportsman of the Year.

Roger was playing Novak Djokovic in the Sony Ericsson Open on April 3, 2009. And it was not going well! He was playing so terribly he had lost 27 of 28 points across parts of the second and third sets. He had fallen behind 2-0 in the third and final set when he dipped a forehand into the net.

Roger uncharacteristically slammed his racket to the court. Totally demolished it! It was the sign of an total implosion!

I play tennis so I can understand the frustration he felt! Thank God for rackets!

But what does a pastor do when the tension is mounting, the hurts occur, and feelings are running amok? I was talking to a pastor friend who told me of a terrible day in the pulpit- he didn't have it that day, he missed his second point entirely. For that one sermon he was off.

But, what does a pastor do? We have no racket to smash! We implode much to our own hurt!

Pastor friend, how do you handle the disappointments, hurts, bad sermons, etc.?

I would really like to hear from you in the comments.

You and Global Impact?

Discontented selfish Christians and churches never become great mission givers!

What is your global impact?

My New Computer!

Where do you get your Coffee?

While 37 percent of folks say they prepare most of their coffee at home and another five percent get their coffee at the office, a whopping three of five coffee drinkers say they buy prepared coffee at retail.

According to today’s American Express Market Brief, almost half of consumers go to Starbucks (29 percent), Dunkin’ Donuts (11 percent) or McDonald’s (nine percent) for their jolt of java. Other coffee venues are other chain coffee shops (four percent), convenience stores (three percent) and independent coffee shops (two percent).

Where do you get your Coffee?

The Top Priority- period!

High on God’s ‘To Do List’ is the evangelization of the world. His early disciples were counted on to tell others. After all, ‘How shall they hear, Rom 10.15’, unless we are the ones who go and tell them.

There is a legend which recounts the return of Jesus to glory after His time on earth. Even in heaven He bore the marks of His earthly pilgrimage with its cruel cross and shameful death. The angel Gabriel approached Him and said ‘Master, you must have suffered terribly for men down there.’ ‘I did,’ He said. Gabriel continued, ‘Do they know all about how you loved them and what you did for them?’ ‘Oh no, not yet, right now only a handful of people know,’ Jesus replied. Gabriel was perplexed, ‘Then what have you done to let everyone know about your love for them?'

Jesus said ‘I’ve asked Peter, James, John and a few more friends to tell other people about me. Those who are told will in turn tell other people, and my story will be spread to the farthest reaches of the globe. Ultimately, all mankind will have heard about my life and what I have done.’

Gabriel frowned and looked rather skeptical. He knew well what poor stuff men were made of. ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘but what if Peter and James and John grow weary? What if the people who come after them forget? Haven’t you made any other plans?’

Jesus responded, ‘I have no other plans. I’m counting on them.’

His early disciples adopted His priorities and devoted themselves to reaching their world. Christ counted on them, and they delivered. Have we done it as well?

We at The Vine Fellowship are serious about His priority- we support 15 missionary families around the globe. We do take seriously the top priority for Christ's church!

Satan Debate - a must watch!

The debate with Pastor Mark Driscoll and Annie Lobert versus Deepak Chopra and Carlton Pearson will air this Thursday March 26th at 11:30pm on ABC. Check your local listing as to airing time in your area.

Click here for preview. And then pray!

Still Love What I Do- Regardless!

Ecc 4:12 By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped. TMB

According to several confirmed sources across denominational lines:

Pastors:
-Fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention in their churches.
-Four thousand new churches begin each year, but over seven thousand churches close.
-Seventy percent of pastors constantly fight depression.
-Fifty percent of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living.
-Eighty percent of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.
-Ninety percent said the hardest thing about ministry is dealing with uncooperative people.

Pastors’ Wives:
-Eighty percent of pastors’ spouses feel their spouse is overworked.
-Eighty percent of pastors’ spouses wish their spouse would choose another profession.
-The majority of pastor’s wives surveyed said that the most destructive event that has occurred in their marriage and family was the day they entered the ministry.

Pastors’ Marriages:
-Fifty percent of pastors’ marriages will end in divorce.

Pastors’ Children:
-Eighty percent of adult children of pastors surveyed have had to seek professional help for depression.

(These statistics came from across denomination lines, and have been gleaned from various reliable sources such as Pastor to Pastor, Focus on the Family, Ministries Today, Charisma Magazine, TNT Ministries, Campus Crusade for Christ and the Global Pastors Network.)

I just got off the phone with a dear Pastor friend (a son in the faith that I mentored). His heart was broken as an elder had died. This elder was a close friend and confidant. It was unforeseen and sudden. The pastor was trying to help the family with the funeral details, help his church deal with the grief, and doing all the right things. He is a great pastor- but he too was hurting! I have been there too so I knew how to encourage him and pray for him.

As Pastors, we juggle a lot of emotions- our own and those of others. We need one another when walking through those tough times!

Pastors, can you find a second and third?

GPS Problems!

I can relate to this- we changed the voice on ours to male British accent- seems the American female voice was getting a little testy and rude! lol!

Religion an Ugly Thing!

The ugliness of religion- "Too often, though, religion worships and serves that which has nothing to do with Him, worships money and serves politics, worships charisma and serves ego, worships intolerance and serves self."

A line from the movie Oh, God!, with George Burns as the deity and John Denver as the grocery store manager reluctantly recruited to spread The Word:

''I don't even go to church,'' says the manager.

And God says, "Neither do I.''

And neither are a lot of other people!

This is a revisit of an earlier post on the recent surveys about the attitude of people in US to religion, church affiliation. Read Leonard Pitts article.

Leonard Pitts Miami Herald article.

Pastors, we have our work cut out for us!

Sister Myotis on Thongs!

I may get in trouble posting this so soon after my last post. This is hilarious!

Pastors, please DO NOT try this on Sunday morning!

Butt Dust?? Yep, Read On---

The Sermon I think this Mom will never forget...this particular Sunday sermon...

'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face... 'Without you, we are but dust...'

He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, 'Mom, what is butt dust?'

Future Shock!!!

Must reads for Pastors as well as all:

David Wilkerson’s current prophecy.

John Piper’s response.

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2 more reports that are cause for concern for the future:

More Americans say they have no religion.

The coming evangelical collapse.

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Love this quote by Bern Williams - "Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit."

Is 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Man's human spirit regenerated, renewed and dependant on God shall prevail in the day of calamity!

God, keep us trusting in You, yearning for You, passionate for You, and desperate for You!

Coffee Threat!

Don't mess with a coffee drinker and their coffee!

Mary-Kathryn -- Love her music!

Mary-Kathryn - Her songs are based on Scripture, she is a hit among New Agers, member of the worship team at her church, and married with 2 chldren, ages 20 and 16!

I Love her new album - Dreams and Visions. Check out her website-
Link to another YouTube video.

Interview on CBN. Song on CBN.

Mary-Kathryn – I’m working on a soaking album. Soaking music is music that is very contemplative. It puts you in a place that tunes out the world and brings you to a peaceful place. I’ve got three songs that are basically just scratch vocals and ideas. I hope to eventually have eight or ten songs to put on the album.

Looking forward to it also!

Logan's Understanding of God-

Young boy's understanding of God and hard times! Touching!!

Thank you Logan! God bless you!