It’s been said that the “best ability is availability”. I’d had to agree; and along with my last post faithfulness and availability go hand-in-hand.
Once a person is faithful the next step for them is to find an area of service.
The thing about talents is this, while some talents are highly noticeable like playing an instrument, singing, etc. Some are not so evident. Nevertheless, we ALL are gifted in one area or another.
Another truth about gifts is someone else is more likely to notice them in you before you see them in yourself. This is we’re availability comes in to play.
We should have the attitude of “I will serve anywhere I’m needed”. Again, as a Pastor I see needs arise in the church and when that happens, I try to fill it with someone that I have seen a particular quality in. It is usually with a faithful person and then someone that is available to be used.
Faithfulness and availability are brothers in ministry terms. A faithful person will be available; am available person will be faithful. But unfortunately the opposite is true as well…
Unfaithfulness = Unavailability.
I can’t speak for any of you but on that day I stand before The Lord, I want Him to say to me, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”.
I can only imagine what you’re thinking…Pastor Michael has finally lost his mind!
Well, not completely! I’m not talking about the growing trend of obesity in America, that’s for another post.
I’m referring to being Faithful, Available and Teachable. The heart of any pastor is to see people’s lives radically and dramatically changed by the gospel. Then to see those folks become active servants within the body and grow in the knowledge of our Lord. The only way they’ll get there is to be F.A.T!
Faithful- means Loyal & Steadfast
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
As a pastor myself, it thrills my soul to see people step up and step out to serve and take ownership of a certain area of ministry. Faithfulness is required in our jobs, relationships and in paying our bills.
If we aren’t steadfast in our jobs, we will lose them. If we aren’t loyal in our relationships, we will lose them; and if we are faithful in paying our bills…well, you get the point.
God requires that a steward is found faithful. But why is it so easy for a lot of us to be faithful in other areas but so not committed to the things of God?
Time is always at the top of everyone’s list. But you want to know the truth? Of course you do…I’ve learned that I can make time for whatever it is that I REALLY want to do. So the reality is, it’s not time that I lack, it’s will.
How about you?
I think that’s enough for us to “chew” on for now about being F.A.T (sorry I had to do it).
Stay tuned for part 2 of “It ain’t so bad being F.A.T”.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world:but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Hey guys! I just noticed that it had been a little while since my last post. I haven’t forget about you, just been crazy busy! The church is doing wonderfully! God is blessing in mighty ways and yes, of course, the devil is just as faithful as ever. But I have news for him, he’s a defeated foe and he loses the battle. Because, although, he has some power…we serve a God that has ALL power!
I subscribe to several e-votionals and this one that I am sharing today come from the late, great Adrian Rogers. Check it out…
Revive Us Again!
BIBLE MEDITATION: “Wilt thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?” Psalm 85:6
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: What we need in America is a sweeping revival. They tell us that a nation’s decay occurs in nine cycles.
1. People go from bondage to spiritual faith. 2. From spiritual faith to courage. 3. From courage to liberty. 4. From liberty to abundance. 5. From abundance to selfishness. 6. From selfishness to complacency. 7. From complacency to apathy. 8. From apathy to dependence. 9. From dependence back again to bondage.
ACTION POINT: This cycle is being revealed today in our nation’s current status. But I’m telling you, it is time some of us took our place and prayed for God to send a mighty revival and for our nation to return to Him. It’s not too late with God!
Some time ago a group named The Fray put out a song with the same title as above…How to Save a Life. The basis of their song was about a young man who was fighting depression and had lost friends. People had come down hard on him at times but an adult was now trying to reach out to him but just couldn’t figure out a way to connect to him.
I think sometimes, we all have that problem. We want to help out in someone’s situation but we just can’t figure out how.
I’ve discovered that most of the people that we’ve been able to minister to effectively, aren’t interested in my knowledge, me beating them down with my intellect (which is limited anyhow) or even question why they are going through what they are going through.
They want me to listen! Hear them out! Not necessarily “solve” the problem for them but genuinely listen. Which in my profession, that’s something of a lost art. My instinct kicks in and during the conversation it’s easy for me to drift away and start to formulate a solution.
NOT the best thing all the time!
I’ve learned that being a good communicator (which we like to pride ourselves in) is a two way street. The words I take in are just as important as the words that I offer.
So the next time you’re faced with a problem from a friend, co-worker or family member that you’re not quite sure of how to handle…sit back, relax and just LISTEN.
How to save a life…
Think Abundantly. Plan Intentionally. Execute Consistently. Celebrate Frequently
January 7th!!! Really? January 7th already…man alive.
Where did the first whole week of this new year go?
Yesterday was the first Sunday of the year and we, at Wil-Mar Park, had a ball! The Lord met with us greatly in the a.m service as I preached from Luke 14 on Excuses. None of us like to hear excuses but boy do we all enjoy giving them, right?
The challenge was extended to the congregation as well as to myself to quit offering up excuses why we can’t, and just start getting things done!
Then during the p.m service it was more of the same. Just a sweet worshipping spirit as three of our singers did their thing and honored us with songs. And just like He always does, God began to move on the hearts of His people to testify of His goodness, mercy and love.
I did however get to preach for a little while from Matt. 16:18 on The Kind of Church that Pleases God. We had a wonderful time and looking forward to the days ahead!
Anticipating the New Year, many evaluate their lives and make New Year’s Resolutions hoping the next year is far better than the last year. If you Google “Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions,” you’ll get over 200 million hits. You’ll find the Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for couples, for college students, for moms, for sports fans and even the Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for celebrities (which everybody needs to know that).
You’ll discover that the top ten resolutions for the average American include:
Quit smoking
Lose weight
Quit drinking
Go back to school
Spend more time with family
Try something new
Work on spiritual growth
Take a trip
Pay off debt
Get a better job
If you are like many in our world, you’ll make at least one resolution as you begin the new year. As a pastor, I’m hoping you will join me in making a resolution in the spirit of number 7 above: Read the Bible from cover to cover this year with our church family.
Reading the Bible can have many positive effects. You’ll learn more about the Creator of the universe-about His character, about how He has worked in the lives of His people, about how He desires to work in your life. You’ll grow more confident in your life as you follow God’s instructions. You’ll learn to know God’s will for your life. Your prayers will have more energy and greater results. You’ll grow wiser and gain greater understanding.
I anticipate a remarkable journey as we “walk thru” the Bible together.
I along with several others are committing to do this. If you’d like to join in this go to www.youversion.com. Then set up a Free Account and choose the reading plan called CCV: The Bible in One Year. Be sure to add me as a Friend and lets take the next steps and put Faith Forward.
So go ahead—join the millions who are making resolutions and commit to reading the Bible more this year than last year.
