Month: May 2007

by Steve Cordle

Did you ever notice how much ministry in the New Testament happens around eating?

Several times Jesus was a guest a meals when significant spiritual exchanges took place. Of course, he shared the Last Supper with his twelve (and established that precendent for us, too.) Morevoer, heaven will even feature the “wedding supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9)

I like to say to our leaders “there is something good about eating together”. In fact, it is my practice to have our cell share supper together about every 4-6 weeks. There seems to be a special dynamic among us when we do this. It not only bonds us (friends go out to eat with each other), but it also seems to create an increased level of openess and trust which translates into an even better time of prayer, discussion of the Bible’s application. Plus, it is a great time to bring new people to the meeting for the first time. Eating together is a natural activity, and something that unreached people know how to do!

Meals seem to be an integral part of house churches, and I am convinced that regular eating together can strengthen most cell groups.

Practically, we are careful to keep the meals simple, allow everyone to bring something according to their ability, and to invite the kids as well.

There’s something good about eating together!

 

I like to get things done. That’s the way God’s made me. Yet, several years ago when I was planning how I could get more things done, the Lord convicted me by showing me that He wasn’t so concerned about my “getting things done.” He showed me to stop “doing.” To not get things done is hard for me, but I really couldn’t argue with the clear Scriptural principle of taking one day of rest.

God made it clear from the beginning that we can only run effectively for six days out of the week. Genesis 2:2-3 declares, “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

Scripture doesn’t talk about a partial day, half-day, but rather a full 24-hour day of rest. One day out of the week we need to do nothing. After those six days, we just naturally run out of gas. That’s the way God made us. If you kick against God’s norms, you’ll pay the price eventually.

Now I haven’t always kept that commitment due to my own neglect or schedule conflict. Yet, I’m more convinced than ever that taking a day off is one of the keys to wholeness and effectiveness. Are you taking your day off?

I talked to one leader who refused to take a day off because he insisted that those who he was counseling needed him too much. He felt it would be sinful to neglect the dysfunctional people that needed him. He couldn’t imagine selfishly thinking of himself and not being instantly available 24/7 for those who needed his counsel. “But you’re not going to help them,” I told him, “if you’re frazzled and burnt out.” He just couldn’t accept my counsel. Yet, in reality those who needed him so badly would be better served in the long run if he took a day off.

To coach effectively, you need to rest.

Comments?

Joel

“A doubleminded man is unstable in all this ways.”  “Unstable” means confused like a drunk staggering and reeling around.  I saw a frightening picture of this two days ago.

I was driving on Ranch Road 12 heading to Wimberley (Texas) from San Marcos (Texas).  The two laned highway is a lovely drive this time of year in the Texas Hill Country.  For the most part, RR 12 is lined on either side by some of the most desirable ranches in this part of the world.  I was pondering the events of the day and thinking about the week to come.  And then — I noticed him.

He was in front of me driving a four door sedan.  It was apparent that he was “unstable.”  Was it an elderly person having some kind of medical condition behind the wheel?  Was it someone who didn’t have enough sleep and was dosing off?  Was it a drunk driver?  His car swerved into the incoming lane repeatedly.  With a good turn of the wheel he would accelerate into the shoulder of the road.  It was frightening.  I began to picture my daughter, wife, or friend coming in the opposite direction not knowing the danger they may face.

Inevitably, he lost control of his vehicle crossing over both lanes of the road and slammed into a road sign.  I approached him cautiously asking, “Sir, are you okay.”  He nodded his head and stated, “Yes, I’m okay.”  “Are you drunk?”  I asked.  He said, “Yes.”  I asked him to stay in his car and dashed back to my truck to call the authorities.  Within minutes, he  fled from his vehicle.  As the police arrived, the search began.  He was apprehended thirty minutes later.

Indeed, a real live picture of one who is “unstable.”  He threatened not only his own life, but the lives of others due to his foolishness. 

The author of the book of James writes:  “IF [emphasis mine] any of you lack wisdom…”  Can you picture the tongue of James squarely tucked away in his cheek?  “IF any of you….IF any of you…”  Indeed, we lack wisdom– it’s an international, world wide dilemma.  In such a crisis, James encourages us to turn to God.  “It is the Lord who gives wisdom; from Him comes knowledge and understanding”  (Proverbs 2:6).  James counsels us to expect an answer in faith thanking God in advance.

What is God’s response?  “He will gladly tell you.  He will not resent your asking.”  Simply put, God grants us wisdom continually, generously and cheerfully.

The drunk driver is a picture of one who is “unstable.”  Spiritually, an unstable person is two souled– pulled apart in different directions, exemplifying divided loyalties and priorities.  He or she has the potential of haphazardly crossing lines wreaking havoc and harm to others. 

Wisdom from above grants us the ability to make decisions the way that God would make decisions.  Wisdom is applying the knowledge of God into the world in which we live.  His wisdom eradicates instability and steers us straight.

As we approach Thursday’s National Day of Prayer, may our request be like Solomon’s request many years ago.  May we ask God for wisdom…. for your cell members…for your church family…. for your personal journey down the sometimes dangerous road ahead.