I Don’t Care

Did the title strike you as a bit odd? I hope only enough to get you to read this. Because, the fact of the matter is that I do care. But this is my question. What would the church look like if we said, "I don't care?" Now I am not talking about the apathetic sense of the phrase. But what would things be like if we said, "I don't care who gets the credit?" I don't care about my preferences. I don't care to put anything in front of the mission, and if that means I may be a little uncomfortable, well, then, I don't care.

You see if we didn't care about ourselves, and our own wants and needs and desires, but sought that of others, then I think the church would be a whole different place. But this is not simply a self-destructive kind of a thing. Rather this comes from an understanding that what we are trying to achieve is worth far more than any kind of sacrifice that we could ever make.

This can be one of the most difficult phrases to utter, that is when it is the right context, and yet it can have a profound impact on the church and the mission that God has given to his people. Spend some time thinking and praying about this. Where are you being challenged and ask to say, "I don't care?"

 

God's blessings this week and always.

 

Pastor CJ

Isn’t It Interesting?

There is so much going on out there. There are so many things to think about, be aware of, and look out for. There are so many things to simply worry about and yet what good does worrying do? Isn't it interesting that we can read that and think, "You are so right." And yet, how often do we really live according to that? Isn't it interesting how difficult that can be? Do you ever wonder why that is the case? I mean, where did we get the idea that if we worry about something we will somehow make it better? How did we develop that as a survival strategy?

Now I am not saying that we should not do anything, or take action or be responsible. But I am talking about how we are able to deal with the different challenges and things that come at us in life. Especially since we all know, that after you have managed to survive one challenge, we move right on to the next one. Sometimes it feels like it just does not let up. So what do we do?

I think we can take a clue from Abram. God had promised him that he would have a child, but both he and his wife were, well, old. There has not been a child before, and some time has passed, and still nothing, and Abram is wondering what is going on. You can read this in Genesis 15:1-6. God promises that Abram will indeed have descendants, and what does Abram do? He believes God. Even though the evidence all proves to be contrary to the promises of God, even though the promise seems unreasonable, and is not humanly possible, Abram believes God. He believes him, because God is worthy, and faithful, and always keeps his promises.

Isn't it interesting that we know this, but it is so easy to forget? I hope that this reminder is a blessing to you in these days of great loss and hardship. May the peace of Christ, which surpasses all human understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord, now and always.

 

Sincerely,

Pastor CJ

A Little R & R

I'm sure that you have probably noticed that as of late my postings to this blog has been a bit sporadic.  Actually, that would be an improvement.  They have certainly been irregular.  I apologize for that.  Over the next couple of weeks, I am going to be on vacation.  So you won't be seeing a post for a couple of weeks.  But when I get back I will be rested and ready to go.  Well, that's the plan anyway.  At least I hope to be ready to go.  

I would ask you, during these next couple of weeks, to take some time and think about what topics you would like me to discuss.  Lately I have been doing a random topic that is hit or miss, but if it is better to go through a book of the Bible or to do some more formal type of Bible study idea, let me know.  I am here for you and want to blog about topics that you are interested in reading about.  So think about it, and send me your ideas and thoughts.  I am eager to hear them.

I hope that you are able to find some time to get some R & R.  After all it does a body good.  It is no mistake that God gave the sabbath.  Our bodies, minds and spirits need the rest.  

Have a great couple of weeks, and I will look forward to our future conversations when I get back.  God's blessings and peace in Jesus be yours now and forever.

Sincerely,

Pastor CJ