Church in the Wildwood

Eyes of Jesus

"Lord, help me to see others through your eyes!"

That is the prayer we were challenged with Sunday as we studied, "A Word of Compassion."  How is that going for you?  There is no doubt that Jesus desires to extend compassion to others, and that he chooses to use you for his hands and mouth.   You can reread our text from John 19:25-27. 

A couple of other passages that we looked at Sunday are worth reviewing: 1 John 3:16-18, James 1:27, James 2:14-17. 

The following is from a message by Dave Stone.  He shares a time when he was willing to see with the eyes of Jesus.  May it encourage you to keep praying that prayer.

"Our take on things may not be completely right. We miss out on so many things, but God sees the needs and through the prompting of His holy spirit, sometimes we even meet a need accidentally.  This week I was out of town at a conference, and so I ended up writing my sermon on my laptop. Rusty Russell wanted me to read that Max Lucado story, so my secretary faxed me, several pages of Lucado's book, Just like Jesus. When I went down to the front desk to pick it up, the clerk was engrossed in reading my fax. I had seen her the day before; she was kind of a loner. She said, "May I help you?" I said, "Yeah, Good, I see that my fax came, I think that's for me." And she was embarrassed , tried to put it back in order, and she apologized. And I said, No problem, he's a great author, would you like to make a copy of it. She said, "Could I?" I said, sure, so she hurried off and made herself a set.   Well, later that day I was at a Christian bookstore, and they just happened to have one copy left of Max Lucado's book, Just like Jesus. So when I returned to my hotel, she was behind the counter with a couple of other clerks and I said, Here I got you something, and I handed her the book, and she said, "thank you" and then, her eyes started to well up with tears, and she started to cry.  I asked for no explanation and she offered none. It was a little awkward with people standing there, so I said, Hope you enjoy the book, and I left. But when I checked out the next day the manager gave me a thank you card from this clerk saying, Thanks for your kindness to me... you blessed me. But the real question is how could you bless someone this week. "

Taken for Granted

Reminders show up in many forms, but this one had me both smiling and reflecting.

First of all, do you ever take the world around you for granted?  I am the first to confess that I am guilty of forgetting the wonder of the world around me.  Psalm 103:1-18, is a reminder to "not forget all His benefits...."

Here is a video that expresses this straight out.  Before you watch it, let me point out that they blip out a curse word.  So if that offends you, just don't be inspired.  But if you want a funny and pointed reminder that we take our world for granted, then watch the following video.

Everything is Amazing, Nobody is happy.

Stressful Days

Some days are just more stressful than others, aren’t they?  In saying those words, I realize that my life is good compared to 95% of the world around me.  That is only due to the Lord that I serve and his love for me.  Yet, there are those days where life and even ministry gets frustrating, discouraging, and tough.
This weekend we found out that several more families are facing tough financial times because of job issues (or lack of jobs).  I also spoke with a couple of families and the physical issues they are struggling with.  I know that there are marriages and families that are on the brink of collapsing.  Then I had a couple of conversations with people who have decided that Wildwood isn’t for them.  Thankfully they are staying with the Lord which is the crucial decision of their life.  Yet it is hard for me to remember that we are not for everyone.  It is also tough to realize that no one person can meet everyone’s needs, no human that is.
What do I do when discouraged?  The most important truth is to remember WHO I serve and live for.  Our heavenly Father can take any situation and make it a bridge to a better tomorrow.  It is His power and His plan in our lives that we want to follow.  This morning I was reminded of Philippians 3:7-11.  What especially came to mind was verse 10, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection....”
The other thing I do when discouraged as a Pastor is to continue to learn.  I have been in ministry for over 25 years, but have so far to go.  Last week I spent in Joplin, MO, learning and relearning important priorities in being a Pastor.  I desire to be the best preacher and pastor for the Lord, and events like the Preaching and Teaching Convention help me. 
Thank you for your love and faithfulness to the Lord even in trying times.  Remember the prayer of Paul in Romans 15:13,  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.