Know Jesus

Great Spurgeon quote:

"Know Jesus. Sit at His feet. Consider His nature, His works, His sufferings, His glory. Rejoice in His presence; commune with Him day to day. To know Christ, is to understand the most excellent of all sciences. You cannot fail to be wise if you commune with Incarnate wisdom; you cannot lack strength if you have constant fellowship with God."

Refocus Your Vision

I read recently an interesting article in the September/October Issue of Rev! Magazine on why 1500 pastors leave the church every month. One of the suggestions it provided to those pastors who are feeling discouraged was to 'refocus your vision'. The following is the excerpt from the article:

"Focus is a process of holding on and letting go. When facing adversity without focus, we tend to let go of what we need to hold on to and hold on to what we need to let go of. We're prone to hang on to and obsess about someone's negative statement or a picture of failure and shame, while letting go of the vision of our ultimate healing destiny. When you've gone through a leadership experience that's fueled a crisis of doubt, it's crucial that you root yourself in the undisturbed stillness and poise that comes when you focus on the power of God in your life. Know that you will always be divinely guided. Anchor yourself in Psalm 46:10: "Be still and know that I am God." Believe that you will always take the right turn in the road. Believe that God will make a way where there seems to be no way. Desired results are always the product of sustained expectations. When you're vulnerable to doubt, it's essential that you don't let other people define who you are. Envision the kind of pastor you believe God has called you to be, and let this be the focus of your dreams and prayers.
(-written by Ralph Earle and Ken Wells.)

As a pastor, I am often prompted by the Spirit to return to Psalm 46, and just be still and know that God is God, and that He is still in control of everything. As a leader, it is easy to get discouraged by comments that people make or the lack of impact that it seems you are making, but I must remember that these distractions need not take my focus off the vision God has placed in my heart, soul, and mind. However, it is always helpful to take those comments and look for the merit in them and decide if there is something that needs to change in my approach that I am taking. This article and passage of scripture really encouraged me this past week, and I hope you find encouragement in it as well.

What are your thoughts on this one? Anyone else struggling with taking your focus off what is important, and focusing on those things in which you can't control? What are some ways that you deal with these struggles?

Back In The Blogging Saddle

Wow...I can't believe that it has been almost 5 months since I last blogged. However, my life has been tremendously busy, but I am enjoying the ride. Since my last post, I have been serving as pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church now for about 6 months, a director of a non-profit for about 5 months, and am now officially a senior in college (It has only taken me 9 years to get there. :) )

I am looking forward to begin blogging again. I hope that I can keep it up, because I have a lot of things to throw out there for discussion. My wife and I are currently getting ready for our first vacation/honeymoon of our marriage (it has only taken us a little over 5 years), and we are totally excited. We are heading off Friday to go to Walt Disney World (or as my wife says 'the mouse house'). She is so cute!!!

Well that is all I got for now, but look forward to some interesting topics to come. Also, be on the lookout for some pictures of our vacation.

CONTACT (New Job)

I interviewed last week for a job as director of a non-profit organization in my city. I have always been skeptical of non-profits, but this one is really one that I can believe in. The name of it is Contact, and it is associated with the national organization Contact USA.

Contact is a volunteer based 24/7 helpline for people to be able to call in and let their voices be heard. The majority of callers will be those who are suffering from depression, suicidal, or just loneliness. It is really an awesome organization, but the word needs to get out there about it. To few people know about it.

Anyways, the day after my interview I was called and informed that I got the position. So now I am the youngest guy in the room at both of my new jobs, but considered the leader. So I am very excited about the future, and yet nervous because I feel somewhat inadequate in both realms.

It's Official, I Am Now A Rev.

Yesterday marked a new journey in my life. As most of you know, three weeks ago I was officially asked to be the pastor at a church in my area. I accepted their invite, and have been serving there since. However, according to my denomination I could not play certain roles in the church, because I had not yet been ordained.

I have never understood ordination, because the only thing that takes place in one that is biblical in nature, is the laying on of hands. However, once I experienced it for myself yesterday, I totally respect the nature in which it is done, and have a better understanding of the reasons behind it.

I really enjoyed the experience, because represented at the ordination, were many men whom have spoken into my life and who I have the upmost respect for. I had the chance to pick the music, and normally they play old church hymns and such, but I asked a good friend of mine to sing a song called 'God of Justice'. The reason for that song choice, is it speaks volumes to what I picture ministry and the church being about. So if you haven't heard it go over to ITunes and check it out.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

New Title...Same Person

This past Sunday I found out that the church I had been nominated for the pastorate had officially accepted me as their pastor. Allyssa and I were relieved, because this has been a six month process that left us not knowing our future, but now we had our concrete answer and now we can jump in and begin this journey. We are really excited, because the people at this church have really been loving and accepting to us, even though we are uniquely different, not in our beliefs, but in how we choose to live and carry them out.

We look forward to the highs and lows that lie ahead. Our eyes and hearts are focused on the person of Jesus, and we are striving to live Him out in our lives. We hope that even though we may look and speak differently, that the people of this church and community will be able to see how committed we are to each other, Jesus, and to loving them. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, because this is my first time being a pastor. I have decided not to let the title change the person that I am. My goal is still to be the same old Scott, and to remain faithful to who God has created me to be.

Raise the Sun: A Must Have Album by Five A.M.!

You guys have got to check my friend Trent's new album Raise the Sun. He is the lead vocalist for a group called FIVE A.M. They are great and this new album is by far the best stuff I have heard in a long time.

So go to ITunes and download your copy, today. My personal favorite is Be Still.