Torn

Some times I just hate ministry life. There seems to be a constant battle between my home and my calling. I know that I am called to be a child of God, a husband, a father and a minister. Now I know that people like to order those things, but sometimes the call lines get blurry depending on the leading of God.

Today I just want to give up on everything other than being a child of God. Sounds horrible doesn't it? Just looking at it now that I have typed it is ugly as it is. It seems that, for today anyway, I cannot do any of the previous callings adequately to the pleasing of those involved. Maybe that's my problem in this moment... trying to please everyone... but God.

It doesn't feel real well when getting torn between your heart and mind. My heart wants to go one way and yet my mind another. Neither are good or bad per say, just going in different directions and I feel stuck in the center being torn by things I love.

No real grand biblical truth today. I am just struggling on the failure side of my somewhere. Maybe you can help me today. Have you ever just wanted to give up? To give in? Than maybe you have something for this pastor to help him in his struggle.

Davy Jone's Locker

 What has...

No backbone so that it can fit into just about any space.

When threatened, it changes color in order to blend with surroundings.

Uses a smoke screen to escape from any who would confront it.

Has many arms and if one gets removed,it just grows back.

Loves to squeeze the enemy and paralyze them before ending their life.

Has been know to turn on it's own kind.

Is poisonous in all of it's different species.

Has been known to build walls around it to hide it's true intentions. 

Though these are some traits of the octopus, I truly wish that was what I was describing here. To my dismay, I am describing something much more hideous, more treacherous, more cunning, more poisonous than any sea creature from down below. What is it I am describing, you ask...

Disillusioned

So you're disillusioned with the church, who isn't? You feel like you're not getting fed or like people are not recognizing you for all of your wonderful efforts. Maybe you believe the pastor's theology is so off base, they're too legalistic, or they're too free.

Has your disillusionment caused you to leave the church all together, church hop, or do you sit in your seat every Sunday stewing in your own "pew"? How long will you be able to contain your discontentment before it turns to outright bitterness and hatred?

If you are tired of the growing disdain in your heart for church, if you are ready to cure the poison of bitterness and resentment that is eating you from the inside out, then give this article the chance to be used of God to speak to right where it hurts. You may not like what I have to say, you may disagree, or it may just change your heart.

Price of Comparison

Sometimes in the shadow of others we can have the tendency to feel small and insignificant. Whether it's in our personal life or in our ministries, feeling insignificant can be the deflation of the largest hearts.

Yet, so many times we get caught in the feeling of it all and miss the eternal truth of the ministries we are called to. If your feelings have cruel intentions of tricking you into feeling insignificant in ministry, you are not alone. Let's take a journey past our feelings though....

Ain't Always Easy

Where do you draw the line between being a polite, civil christian and a frustrated, annoyed mouth piece of God?  I know for me, sticking my foot in my mouth is a constant problem. Getting better at expressing my "pepper" with a "Salt" attitude is a goal worth working towards. If you struggle with a Salt & Pepper attitude then you know "it ain't easy".  What frustrates us so? Is it other people? Bad decisions? Uncertain circumstances? Or could it be the "C" Word?

Those Who Draw Lines

"It's either them or me" 

"You're with me or against me"

 "You need to choose a side"

"There's been a line drawn, don't cross it"

These statements and those like it are things you should never hear from a friend. Unfortunately, in the face of insecurities, relational boundaries,  and broken loyalties, the line gets drawn in the sand and a friend calls you to choose. Happened to you? What do you do? How do you respond?

Spear of Saul

Have you ever wanted to pick up your offense and just throw it at someone? Every time the person's name comes up it's like a reminder of how much you want to see them pinned to the wall!

The story of Saul & David found in the latter chapters of 1st Samuel are an unbelievable tale of hurt, betrayal, faithfulness and mercy. When I try to place myself in this epic battle I am not always certain I know which part I play. Either way, I know this... today I want to throw my spear almost more than I ever have before...