To Rebuild or Build New?

  When tornadoes and hurricanes bring destruction, we take the opportunity to analyze the damage in order to build better structures. We look at the power of the destruction and how we might be able to change codes and guidelines in order for structures to thrive. During this pandemic, we have seen major destruction among businesses, schools, economics and churches.

Church life has truly been challenged. Many churches ceased meeting, some closed permanently, others declined drastically. Churches were, and are, looking at how to "make it" through these times in order to rebuild later. "Should we be seeking to rebuild the church and ministries back to pre-pandemic forms and ways, or is God calling us to something new? Churches that thrive during adversity and challenges. Churches that truly disciple in small groups. We must pray and seek the Lord for how HE wants the church to be. Maybe “church” moving forward is to be more holy and pure." This was my FB post of thought.

Maybe we should go back and look intently into God's heart and design for the church. Remove our "additions" and start from His blueprint. Are there "things" we added for our luxury and connivence? Have we misplaced our mission in order to make us "feel" successful and holy? Have church leaders compromised in order to please crowds and keep salaries? I don't know the answers to these and many more questions, but I feel we must be asking.

The early church actually thrived during great times of persecution. They have strong discipleship meetings and shared everything together. Their "building" wasn't elaborate but effective. No smoke and mirrors, no stage of fame, no "stars" but Jesus. Fashion wasn't important, God's presence was. 

Should we be looking to rebuild what we had, or should we take the opportunity and seek God through His Word and build NEW His plan? Our organizations and structures have been challenged and many have fallen, but I know that the Word of God lasts forever. 

From the Heart,

Pastor BR 

A Little Pain Goes A Long Way

 I am much too old for this! That was my thought when my dentist said I needed my remaining three wisdom teeth removed. I couldn't imagine getting rid of WISDOM! Nor the painful process of removing teeth I have had for so long.

A couple of weeks ago, I sat in the oral surgeon's "chair" to take a little "nap" while he removed three teeth that had served me well.Most people have them removed during their teenage years. I skipped that right of passage as mine were doing just fine thank you! I had heard horror stories about adults having this procedure so I was not really looking forward to the event.

I am glad to say that the removal went well, so they told me, and that I should recover just fine. And I must say that I am, except for one little spot. A SORE spot. One small place where some small bone fragments decided to eject themselves. Praise the Lord for Oragel! 

This tiny spot of pain makes the whole mouth feel sore. Ok, maybe my head sore. But I am not a wimp! I have had way too many surgeries in the past few years and have dealt with major pain. This will pass for sure and I will be just fine.

So why write about this? I am reminded that just a little "spot" or "pain" can affect you if not taken care of. Soreness can travel all over the whole body. That one little spot can raise its head and slow you down. It's that small thing in your life or business that you need to deal with that is becoming more and more debilitating. If left unattended, it will fester into a major stumbling block. 

What's holding you back? What are you neglecting or putting off that is causing you to function at less than 100%? You can put some temporary pain reliever or bandaids on it for a while but dealing with the source is the only solution. Don't let things fester!

Blessings,

BR

Something New

 I've been thinking about it for a long time. I don't have it all worked out as yet, but I am on the journey. I want what I say and do to matter to people and for the Kingdom of God. I want to help others heal and add value to their lives. I want to train and encourage leadership to step up to the next level. I want to motivate, teach, lead, stretch, push, challenge, and most of all vision with others. 

With this in mind, I have been thinking about the direction of this blog platform. It originally begin with the publishing of my first book, Simple Living In A Complex World. With time, it grew into more of a "pastoral" blog focusing on mostly spiritual insights. As I grew through some major challenges, it morphed into a "help for healing" encouragement. All these previous emphasis followed my path of growth, what I needed at the time. This brings me to today!

It may sound like ramblings, but I think the direction of this blog needs to pull all these elements together and give help practically, spiritually, mentally, for individuals and businesses. I want to offer helpful insights and challenges to motivate people to grow and really make a difference in this world. It will not be a political blog in any way, shape, or form. I will leave that area to the other guys! It will be from the heart with a biblical basis and practical application.

So, welcome to my NEW BLOG! Feel free to share it with others when you feel it can be of help. Not every topic will hit you personally but I'm sure you will find some nuggets along the way. You might even enjoy some of the humor I hope to share! Most of all, grow from "journeying" with me.

One final thought: A throne has only ONE seat. Be careful who you let sit on the throne of your life!

From the Heart,

BR