The Power of an Examined Life

The names have changed, but the scenarios are all too familiar. An individual accepts Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, they get connected in a church family, eventually get involved in ministry. At times these followers of Christ step into leadership, some respond to the call of God in vocational ministry.

Then it happens. A hidden area of their life causes a complete break down in character and integrity. I've seen friends and acquaintences fall out of anointed ministry due to sexual affairs, drug addiction, among other life-controlling issues that are too embarassing to list here. You probably have similar stories.

The question we each need to ask ourselves is "WHY?" Why when everything seemed to be going well on the outside to everyone else watching, something inside is drastically missing. Kevin Harney in his book, Leadership from the Inside Out, suggests that those, "who withstand the pressures of ministry surround themselves with people who will speak the truth in love" (p. 17). The power of an examined life comes when we allow the Spirit of God as well as a trusted friend or two examine our lives.

Harvey makes the statement, "Your personal choices are never just personal; your choices and the condition of your inner life impact others" (p. 16). So... who in your life knows you well enough to speak the truth in love? Remeber two items: 1) you have to invite them into your inner core; 2) you have to be willing to be transparent enough so they know what's happening.

NOTE: It is not a matter of if we struggle in our inner life, but what we are willing to do about it. If we keep those areas of our lives hidden in darkness, they continue to have power over us. Let's experience the power and the freedom of an examined life. Let's find that person & be that person.

Growing Together,
Pastor Jason T.

The Hard Work of Spiritual Leaders

A discussion arose recently in a group I regularly attend which brought up the question, "What is the hardest part of leading?" As you ponder that question, a few responses may come to mind such as: "dealing with people, communication, unity, recruitment, etc...." All these and more are certaily legitimate concerns of leaders.

However, I would like to suggest that the Hard Work of Spiritual Leaders is the leadership of self. If you're anything like me, there are times when experience the overcoming power of Christ within, and other times you accept that in faith. The Apostle Paul expressed the same thought in a double-talk-discourse in Romans 7. He summarizes in verse 21, "When I want to do good, evil is right there with me."

The Hard Work of Spiritual Leaders is the leadership of self. WHY? Because when it comes to spiritual leadership, we lead by who we are, not just what we do.

I am currently reading a book by Kevin Harney titled, "Leadership from the Inside Out." Over the coming weeks I'll be sharing a mixure of his throughts from this book along with my own. He uses the physical body (i.e., heart, eyes, mouth, hands) as an analogy for the inner life of the leader

The work we are all called to do begins with the Kingdom being established within. Let's not forget to do the "Hard Work" of the inner life, and the remaining work of leading others will be much more effective and productive.

Loving You Much,
Pastor Jason

Eating from the Master's Hand

This Wednesday, April 16, I will be sharing at St. Anne's Episcopal church at 7:30pm. I will be sharing from Luke 24 and the road to Emmaus. The disciples were walking and talking with Jesus for some time as Jesus explained the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. However, it wasn't until the end of this journey when they sat down together and Jesus "broke bread and gave it to them."

We can hear the words of God, but once we eat directly from the hands of the Master that revelation become REAL and PERSONAL. More than anything take some time to Eat from the Master's Hand this week. Afterall, He is the Bread of Life and He is waiting at the table for you and me. Let's see what is at the table.

Rene and I love and appreciate each of you so much. This journey we are on with the Lord is so exciting. May we continue to be found faithful on our Emmaus road journey!

If you would like to join me at St. Anne's, it would be great to see some familiar faces as well as some prayer support as I minister to another flock.

BLESSINGS!!!

Leaders & Prayer

Acts 6:1-7 speaks to the importance of the ministry of prayer. It begins by telling us that "the number of disciples was increasing," and this section ends in vs. 7, "The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly..." The families and individuals of our region need to see a powerful and authentic presentation of this Gospel. A faith they can follow.

As leaders in the Lord's church it is never a mistake to expect growth and people coming to faith. I want to see Cornerstone continue to grow, lost souls delivered form sin, families restored by the Gospel and God's powerful touch of the miraculous occur at every level. However, with increased technology and a focus on most church leadership culture on technique, not much is REALLY taken from scripture about the reason for revival in their world.

PRAYER always has been and always will be the catalyst for true spiritual growth and revival.

E.M. Bounds in "The Weapon of Prayer" wrote, "Prayer cannot be retired as a secondary force in this world. To do so is to retire God from the movement. It is to make God secondary... Prayer is an absolute necessity to the proper carring on of God's work" (p. 12, 1931).

May we not neglect the ministry of prayer, and so handicap God and ourselves from accomplishing His purpose. If shortcuts must be taken, may they not be in the prayer of God's leadership.