Monday Morning 10/22/2012

The word “Thanks,” according to some scholars, is written 41 times in the Letters of Paul. It is a picture of Paul’s heart for those in ministry, and he takes the time and effort to single out those for whom he is thankful. He is thankful not only for what they do but he is thankful for their influence and testimony to others in the name of Jesus Christ. Most times these people are not in front of ministry, but behind the scenes working faithfully in service to God.


October is set aside as “Pastor Appreciation Month.” While the most common thing to happen is for individuals and congregations to express or show appreciation for the Pastors of their churches, there is a different application also. Paul was a Pastor to many pastors and the Pastor to many churches. To Paul “Pastor Appreciation” meant a chance for himself as a Pastor, together with other Pastors, to show appreciation to those who faithfully work in ministry.

Truthfully, many of my brothers and sisters, when they are honored or praised would rather have the praise and glory go to God and have the Name of Jesus exalted rather than their own. But Paul is saying something deeper here. He is trying to say, “Act Thankfully.”

When you see a soloist in the choir or a greeter at the door; when you see the Pastor of a church with thousands of members, or someone cleaning the bathroom or taking out the garbage, act in a way to show thanks to God for that person and what they do.

Master’s Hands Deaf Church is not about me as the Pastor. It is about Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. There are those to whom a word of thanks is due. I am personally thankful to these people and their willing servant’s hearts.

I am thankful:

- To my wife who has to put up with me when I am experiencing frustrations, joys, sorrows, or fatigue.

- To those who help put my ideas into motion either by media, art, printing, or action.

- To Our treasurer and assistant Treasurer who faithfully keep track of God’s money and our budget. They willingly give above and beyond what is expected.

- To our trustees who make sure things are kept on the right path and nothing gets too out of control.

- To those who share in worship by praying, offering music, and helping with the offering.

- To those who lead worship when Pastor is away.

- To those who clean the church, willingly giving of their time to make sure God’s house looks great.

- To those who sweep, shovel, help with signs, help with parking, and anything else outside the building.

- To those who set up and take down chairs and tables for special events including revival, and FABB Sundays (Fellowship and Breaking Bread).

- To those who freely use God’s gift to create special food for FABB Sundays or special events.

- To those who teach children and adults.

- To those who are willing to give up their time and travel to Master’s Hands for special work days.

- To those who faithfully come to Master’s hands only to be sent into the world to make disciples.

- To those who “think outside the box” to share the Gospel.

- To the Pastors, staff and members of Cornerstone Baptist Church for their faithful support.

When you meet one of these people, take a moment to tell them “Thank You.” Not only does it show appreciation for what they do, it helps them to know their work is important. In the same way, that faithful work influences others to get involved.

Monday Morning 10/15/2012

My Father-in-Law has been on my mind. I recently had the opportunity to drive to Pennsylvania and visit with him. For those that are not aware, this is Brenda’s dad. He is now in a nursing home in Ephrata, PA. He may be confined to a bed, but his mind and spirit are as good as ever and continue to lift up the spirits of anyone who visits with him.

I know many Godly people and my Father-in-Law ranks up there in the top three. I ran across Psalm 37 in my devotion and in my mind it’s like David knows my Father-in-Law. Psalm 37:1-8 really is a picture of Mahlon’s heart.

1 Don’t get upset about evil people.
    Don’t be jealous of those who do wrong.
2 They are like grass and other green plants
    that dry up quickly and then die.
3 So trust in the Lord and do good.
    Live on your land and be dependable.
4 Enjoy serving the Lord,
    and he will give you whatever you ask for.
5 Depend on the Lord.
    Trust in him, and he will help you.
6 He will make it as clear as day that you are right.
    Everyone will see that you are being fair.
7 Trust in the Lord and wait quietly for his help.
    Don’t be angry when people make evil plans and succeed.
8 Don’t become so angry and upset that you, too, want to do evil.

Mahlon is a Godly man. One can take several points from this Psalm of David and see Mahlon. I know in my heart Mahlon would not like me to talk this way about him. But in his humble way he impacts my life. And though I fail in so many ways, I know I can look to my Father-in-Law as an example of what it means to be Christ-like.

“Enjoy serving the Lord” (Ps. 37:4). Take delight in serving! Christians should rejoice in God and desire to walk in obedience. The Lord must have first place in our life and I know where God’s place is with Mahlon. And I thank God for his example of delightful, humble service. Even when confined to a bed, He shows delight in serving God. The many times I remember Mahlon serving, whether in the family Farm Market or in church, it was always with a smile and a willing heart.

“Depend on the Lord. Trust in Him” (v. 5). My Father-in-Law allows God to lead him in everything. And like him we must allow God to change any aspect of our ambition that is not His will. Remember that when God doesn't answer a prayer as we wish, sometimes He has something better in mind and it’s for a reason. God can still speak from a bed in a nursing home as well as He can from a burning bush.

“Trust in Him” (v. 5). Mahlon is wise, kind, and generous. God is merciful, all-knowing, kind, and generous. One thing my Father-in-law has taught me is that we can trust God with our hopes and dreams. Mahlon lives and not only tells people about Jesus but is obedient to God’s plan and shows people how to live Christ-like lives. Mahlon actually puts God’s word into action.

“Wait quietly” (v. 7). Waiting quietly means trusting God to answer prayers in His timing and in His way so they conform to His will. In chatting with Mahlon he has mentioned he doesn’t want to be a burden. I just calmly let him know he teaches us each day and for him to stay obedient to the end…whatever that is or whenever that is. God can and will use our labors here until that time he calls us to heaven.

Jesus waited thirty years before beginning His three-year ministry on earth. According to His example, waiting is one of the key principles of Christian living. Some people need to wait only a few months, and some need to wait a lifetime. Nothing is ever wasted if used for God’s glory.

Do you feel like giving up? Do you feel a like you have a burden or that you are a burden? Ask yourself this: Do your desires align with God's purpose and plan for your life?

I can say with confidence that my Father-in-Law’s example has taught this son-in-law what it means to live Christ-like. It’s not always easy or convenient to do what God wants us to do. But as Mahlon has taught me, living Christ-like is the right thing to do. I cannot speak for him, but I feel Mahlon would want you to know that God wants to give His followers abundant blessings and fullness of joy.  And more so, when you can show in your life, as Mahlon does in his, that Jesus has first place in our life, God is faithful to show Himself mighty, merciful gracious to those around us.

There is a song that says:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

I can’t say it better.