Obstacles

Life is filled with obstacles and it always has been. If there were no obstacles there would be no stories. Every story has an obstacle or tension involved. If no obstacles, this earth would be heaven and we would be in our glorified bodies living out perfection. I was reminded of obstacles as I paddled Little Bull Creek the other day. In the past, as I would paddle this beautiful little creek feeding into Hillsdale Lake, I would try to paddle all the way to the 215th st. bridge. But, I would always be stopped by a large logjam just short of the goal. An obstacle. Logjams are called strainers by paddlers. A huge obstacle. Last year I noticed how the creek had created another channel and I followed it past the bridge. An obstacle conquered! The other day I paddled and took the alternate channel but found that spring rains had made two more strainers just before the bridge! Obstacles. Doesn't it seem sometimes that life is often "one step forward, two steps back"? My friend puts it this way: "constant and persistent trauma". So what do we do with the obstacles? I believe we just press forward. Because, sometimes it's "one step backward and two steps forward". Press on! Obstacles build character. You're not a failure when you fail, you're a failure when you quit.

Yet He Abideth Faithful!

I really thought I was down for the count! I hate to say it, but my faith was low. I'm a pastor and pastors' faith is never supposed to be low, but it was. Surely, this was it and I was going to 'crash and burn'. But, then I did the only thing one can do at crunch time: pray. I really didn't even know what to pray, but I prayed some feeble prayers anyway. And God did exactly what He promised He would do in II Timothy 2:13: If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful, He cannot deny Himself. My faith was in the tank, yet He remained faithful because that is His nature! God put the pieces back together and I came out of the situation stronger for it! My God is amazing that way! God can take whatever situation you are in and turn it around for His honor and glory.

Out of Season

This has been the mildest winter I can ever remember for this part of the country. It really has not seemed like winter. It is like the weather has been 'out of season' this year. It reminds me of what Paul, the veteran preacher told Timothy, the young preacher: "Preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season." In other words, there are times when it is popular (in season)to preach God's Word, and there are times when it is not (out of season). As a pastor, I must preach whether people accept it or not, and whether it is popular or not. I need to preach what people NEED to hear, not necessarily what they WANT to hear. God, help me to be faithful to do that.
This principle of in season and out of season can also apply to our Christian lives. For instance, we should live for Jesus whether it is in season or out of season. We should do right whether it is in season or out of season. We should pray, study God's Word, and witness whether these things are popular or not!
Are things out of season for you right now? It should make no difference. Do what is right because it is right!

Selling the Store

Today, I am selling the store. Figuratively speaking, of course. Last week in my blog I gave the three reasons I paddle. There is actually another reason that I will divulge this week. The three reasons are: 1. Exercise 2. Quiet and solitude for prayer and listening to music 3. Enjoying God's creation. One reason I paddle and was reluctant to reveal last week is the need to have a diversion that only I (and the Lord) controls! As a pastor, (and I think most pastors can identify with me on this), the church depends on volunteer labor and service.
There are many conscientious servants in church work that do their best and serve from the heart. But, unfortunately, there is always a shortage of workers, and sometimes the service that is given is not from the heart and is not the servants best. There is an 80/20 principle that is true of every organization and business. 20% do the majority of the work, and the 80% let them! In a church situation, it may be more like 90/10! 10% do the work and the 90% are more than willing to let them. And, frankly, the 10% are exhausted!
So, with paddling I do not have to depend on anyone. I can choose the body of water, the reason why I want to paddle that particular day, and how much time I spend on the water. Almost every pastor I know has a hobby, diversion, or an interest in which only they control! One pastor I know has a beautiful garden. One pastor restores classic cars. Many pastors play golf, but I found that I don't have much control on where the ball goes. Another pastor makes beautiful wood furniture. And I paddle. By doing so, I know I will do my best and be dependable.
It probably doesn't help that most pastors are first born, type A personalities with tendencies toward being obsessive compulsive. So, there it is. I have sold the store. I only hope you're buying.

Paddling and Living for Jesus

I only wish I had started paddling my kayak earlier in life. I have always wanted to, but actually started paddling at about 48 years of age. I paddle for one of three reasons.
Sometimes I paddle for the exercise. Paddling is a good upper body workout. One can get out on open water and paddle hard for an extended amount of time. It is great exercise and I always feel better after a good workout.
Often I paddle and listen to music with a cheap mp3 player. I have a couple of dry boxes to keep all my electronics safe and dry. Of course, the idea when paddling is to stay dry and not swim. However, it is a well known fact that if you paddle much, eventually you will end up in the water sometime. There is nothing better than being on the water and spending time worshiping via music and prayer.
And then there are times when I just enjoy God's creation. I have paddled up many creeks that feed into the lakes here in east central Kansas. The best time is right after a rain. I have seen beavers, bald eagles, muskrats, deer, raccoons, and every kind of bird native to this part of the country.
I was thinking that these reasons for paddling correspond to the three areas of the Christian life. Paddling for exercise corresponds to service. Every believer ought to discover his/her spiritual gift and get busy using it to serve the Lord. We are not called to sit, soak, and sour, we are called to serve!
Paddling while praying and listening to music reminds me of our worship lives. Our great God is certainly worthy of praise and worship. If we fail to praise Him, the rocks will cry out. I don't want to allow them to take up the void in my life. I want in on the blessings. We need to praise and worship.
When I enjoy the wonder of God's creation it causes me to know God more intimately. Every beautifully crafted landscape and every wonderfully intricate animal tells me that God loves me and teaches me more about Him. I am reminded of the verse "...that I may KNOW him and the power of His resurrection."