In-Between Time

The time between Christmas and New Year's is a strange time, especially for a pastor. The excitement of Christmas programs, message, and music is over but the New Year hasn't begun. That last Sunday of the year seems odd.
All the gifts, lights, and celebrations around Christ's birth have begun to fade. Now the transition to New Years' resolutions (ie. promises we rarely keep) are on the horizon. I think Mary and Joseph had an "in-between" time. That time that follows all the glorious accounts of the Savior's birth, now everyone is gone except for Mary, Joseph, and the Baby. The shepherds are gone. The Wise Men really haven't shown up yet. The sky is no longer filled with Angels. Time for a new normal.
A new normal consisting of a husband and wife plus a new baby. Not just any baby, but God's promised child to the world from before the beginning of time. The noise of the shepherds and angels are now replaced with the cry of a baby, the sounds of caring for the child, and whispers between the parents as to what they will do next.
A time of reflection for sure. Seeing the hand of God protecting them as they journeyed. Mary and Joseph's  needs met even while friends and family questioned the madness of it all. Mary is a new mother and Joseph is a new father: both for the first time! Nervous? Sure! Scared? Most likely! Determined? Absolutely!
God gives us "in-between" times for reflection and renewal. We can look back and see God's hand in so many ways. Times when we may have doubted or struggled are now times of refreshing. A time to renew ourselves to God's plan and God's truth. God uses all that we have walked through to make us ready for tomorrow. I've been through so much this past year. Some exciting times and some disappointing times. Times when I saw God moving and times when those close to me hurt me deeply. I got to celebrate new birth in the Lord in so many new christians and have some of the old faithful pass away. The joy of new friends and the sadness of those who turned their back.
But... God has a perfect plan! So in this "in-between" time, I pray to reflect and be renewed for the year to come. Let the excitement grow as God does His best work ahead. I guess "in-between" times aren't so bad after all!

Blessings,
From the Heart
Pastor BR

Christmas

Last night Charlene and I attended the Michael W.  Smith Christmas concert. One of our sons gave this opportunity as a Christmas gift. We had a wonderful time listening to some of the old Christmas music from our era. It was such a great evening to spend together.

I love Christmas. The lights, sounds, and smells are so unique to this time of the year. The crisp air, leaves falling, and the changing of the landscape is beautiful (except when I lived in south Florida and it was still very warm!). Christmas is a time of expectation. Families get together to share a meal and stories of bygone years. There is just something unique about Christmas.

I have heard it said that, "Christmas is a time when you spend money that you don't have to buy for people you don't like and presents they don't need!" I am sure that is not the case. It is a time to show our love to family and friends. But there is one gift that rises above all other gifts. It is a gift that could only be given by One being. A gift that could only be wrapped in a special adornment. A gift that would last for all eternity and be available to everyone. A gift that would meet the deepest need of all who would receive it. The precious gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ. The Savior of the World.

I imagine that on Christmas Day all the gifts under the tree are given out and opened. I dare say that not a single gift is neglected. Or is it? God has given His greatest gift but many leave it unopened. Some say they will consider opening it in the future when they have time. Others may say that they just can't deal with this gift at this moment. Many don't trust in the gift or even believe it is a true gift from God. And still others deny that there is even a gift there at all. And yet, sitting there is the greatest gift wrapped in God's love for every person.

So the gift is left unopened. It waits for a willing receiver to take it in their hands and unwrap the gift of eternal life. All through the year the gift remains unmoved, undisturbed. Throughout the coming year people walk by the gift and think about it. They may even pick it up and shake it a little. Tempted to remove the bow and tear the wrapping but gently putting it down for another time. The gift doesn't spoil or lose its value. It simply sits and waits.

Maybe this year you will open the greatest gift of all. It might be that you share this great gift with others. Help them take it in their hands and gently unwrap the future of their life. It could be that God uses you to pre-sent the present. Introduce someone to God's greatest gift. I heard it said that God's greatest gift is wrapped in a person!

From the Heart,
Pastor BR

President Bush 41

The country is saddened by the passing of President George H. W. Bush, our 41st president. While watching the funeral services held in Washington D.C., I was moved to hear of his leadership and character. While no person is perfect, I got the sense that he was a genuine man of faith. I am sure that many did not agree with all of his policies and decisions as a Republican president, but they cannot disagree that he was a man of great character and principal.

The world needs such men in leadership that will stand on principle even in the face of attacks. Men who understand the great call of God and will not compromise that call to please men. I am sure that many pastors suffer many attacks as they lead the church in God's plan. I doubt very seriously that the average church attender truly understands the call of a pastor as he serves the local church. The relationship between pastor and church is much different that any other within the church or the world.

Pastoring is not a job. Pastoring is a calling that touches every aspect of that man. The call grabs the very heart and soul of the pastor. The church is not a place to work, but rather, a place to invest the whole life and family. Pastoring is who we are and not what we do. Pastoring is the definition of who the man is and not just a title. With such an understanding, the words spoken to attack a pastor travels much deeper in his soul. They cause much deeper damage and scars then the average person realizes. Pastors are not perfect people by far. They are men with clay feet. They need the grace and forgiveness of God and people. They are imperfect people called to preach the awesome Word of God that is perfect. They are to speak on behalf of God to the church of today. Truly, there is no other position like it in the world, not even being the President of the Untied States.

Christians inside the church can hurt the church much more than lost people outside the church. And so God's Word reminds us to speak truth in love, watch our tongue, let our speech be uplifting and building up the Body of Christ,  not tearing it down. The Bible reminds us that the world will know we are Christians by our love, not by our divisive words. People in the church will not always agree on things. But we should never view the church as "OUR" church. It is God's church that He died for. We serve Him through the church. It is His Bride. When it becomes "our church" it ceases to be His church. When we strive to get it just like "we" want it, we stray from the way God has designed for it to be.

The church is the ONLY hope for the world. We must be very careful to not loose sight of the purpose of the church. The Great Commission and The Great Commandment are the marching orders for the church. All we do and say should lead to fulfilling these two great commands from God. God has chosen fallible, imperfect men to lead His greatest gift to the world, His Bride, the church. Pastors have a great call and a great responsibility. They answer to God, the true owner of the church. Daily they seek His guidance and desires. Daily they are burdened for the condition of the church and the world. They truly understand that you cannot build the church by tearing down people but by lifting up Christ. Their heart is to see God do something wonderful in the heart of man. They desire to fulfill the Great Commission in their generation.

So, pastors be encouraged in the Lord. Your work is very important and ordained by Almighty God. You will not always be liked by man but you will always be loved by God. Your calling is significant to God's great plan for the world. He has chosen you. He is your defender and friend (Psalm 62). And your reward comes from Him. Love the church. Serve the church. Teach the church. Lead the church. And when called upon, suffer for the church. You will be in the great company of God! Presidents come and go every four to eight years. You are called for life. The difference you make will last for eternity. Presidential policies change but the Word of God lasts forever. God will lead you, guide you, and protect you. You can and must trust God. Stay faithful to the end. Stay in love with the Savior and never stray far from His cross!

From the Heart,
Pastor BR