I've Moved!!!

Thanks to each and every one of you who have ever taken the time to read this blog! I've moved and would love you to come along with me. Visit me at... www.likeiwishidlived.wordpress.com Go to the menu on the right and sign up to follow my blog via email. I'd love to hear from you so take the time to leave your comments. Also... You can be a guest blogger! Send a testimony of how God has delivered you from a painful circumstance in your past. Mail it to povrotty@gmail.com! Thanks so much and I hope to hear from you!!!

Leaving the Past Behind

      Every second that ticks is another deposit in the bank of our yesterday.  It's a span of time that is forever gone yet it's content can impact a life forever.  It's a conglomeration of pleasant and painful memories and yes, we all have one... a past.  When you are forced to reflect on your past, what comes to mind?  Do you think about the good old days or do you recall circumstances that you wish you could erase for eternity?  Whatever your recollection might consist of, there's a reason Paul wrote of his resolve to release the past...  

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before... Phillipians 3:13

   Here lies a truth that can and will change the lives of each of those who choose to receive it's message.  First of all, Paul was not a man who, at any time, felt as if he'd reached his full potential in Christ.  Isn't that what God's will is for each of us... to be all that He would have us to be?  He begins by saying, "I count not myself to have apprehended".  In other words, "I don't consider for a minute that I've arrived".  Take into consideration who we're talking about here!  This is PAUL!!!  The Apostle who's testimony nearly converted the heart of Agrippa; the man who was left for dead after being stoned for his faith then stood up, dusted off and went on to the next town loudly and boldly proclaiming the good news of the gospel; Paul, who prayed and sang hymns at midnight with Silas resulting in a prison break and ultimately the conversion of the prison guard and all of his family!  This same Paul wants to make sure we understand that he is fully aware that he has NOT reached his spiritual potential!  Oh, if many of those in the church today could grasp the same truth of themselves.... oh well, moving on.

   Nope, Paul says, I don't consider myself to be all I should be but... [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind... Yes sir, undoubtedly, this is a key to becoming what God has in mind for us to be; FORGETTING THE PAST!  Now if you are like me, there are things in your past that you wish to forget and, according to this scripture, you need to.  If there are situations, scenes and circumstances that haunt you and cause you grief, disappointment, despair and regret; decisions that you made that were sinful and harmed your testimony, your name and those whom you love, repent of it, receive God's forgiveness over it and forsake it.  Satan will seek to use your sinful mistakes to stop you in your spiritual tracks.  Take a look at Paul's sinful history... he held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, a Spirit filled man of God.  Paul was on his way to Damascus to wreak havoc on the Christians there having them imprisoned and even put to death if he could.  Paul, then Saul, HATED the cause of Christ and sought to put an end to this force called "The Church".  Friend, there is nothing that you've ever done that could outweigh the grace of God.  Walk in the forgiveness God so sweetly grants you and leave your painful past far behind you!

  
    Just as you can't live in the defeats of yesterday, I believe, it's just as detrimental to hang on to the victories you've experienced.  Our victories are certainly cause for celebration but Satan can use them against us as well.  Remember, we have a destiny to fulfill; a goal to reach, and we'll find it hard to advance if we are holding on to the victories of our past.  Why?  Because complacency, pride and comparable expectations can be the result.  The fact that you've experienced a great accomplishment in some area in your life could certainly cause you to be hesitant in regards to striving for greater things.  Hanging on to past successes could cause fear to believe that what you do today could never amount to what you've done before.  In short, it could stop you from further growth.  You may ask yourself, "What if I mess up?  I could ruin my track record"... At that point those past accomplishments have birthed pride into your heart.  God's word is clear when it says, "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble".  Yep, hanging on to the past is not a good thing under any circumstances!


   I've found myself, at times, thinking about failures in my past and then reaching back further to reminisce on the way things were before the storm.  Here's what I've learned; when I come back to earth it is today.  If you've made decisions in your past that have resulted in pain, grief and distress I have some advice for you... begin TODAY making a past you can be proud of.  Leave your past in the rear view mirror and set your sights on those things which are ahead for you!

Ministry's Meaning

  It amazes me how many, who are a part of the New Testament church, have yet to realize what ministry means.  I have spent the better part of my life involved in ministry and this term has never been one to cause confusion for me.

  Last evening I stood behind our (Greater Vision's) product table at a venue in Missouri as a gentleman began to ask me about how I came to be a part of this trio.  He asked me what I had been doing with my life for the past years.  When I mentioned that I had pastored a church for the past seven years his comment to me was, "So now you've left the ministry to sing?"  SAY WHAT???!!! Left the ministry?  How has the definition of ministry escaped the body of Christ?  Somehow the vast majority of those who make up the church have bought into and believe the idea that only those who stand behind the pulpit and preach the Word of God can be considered "In the ministry".

  Here lies the answer to why the church is in decline.... and yes it is in decline.  That is not a derogatory statement meant to challenge Christ's words that Hell would never prevail against the church.  In order for Hell to prevail over the church would mean that Satan would seize Christ's position and therefore serve as the governing power.  Those reigns are in the hands of God.. that will never happen.  However the influence, power and effectiveness that we have in this world has begun to decline.  WHY? Because God's people have failed to realize that they have been commanded to serve in positions of ministry and are therefore considered ministers.  Ephesians 4:12 clearly states that God gave Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers... For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: How much more clear could it be that every man, woman, boy and girl who has accepted Christ have therefore been called to the ministry? 

  Pastors preach this message until they are blue in the face but it's as if blinders have been applied to most of those in the congregation.  Pastors have to beg people to keep the nursery.  Sunday and Wednesday evenings find the church pews vacant.  It's hard to get a commitment out of anyone regarding ministry work. Why? Obviously it's because the meaning of ministry has yet to hit home with most of the church.

  I am a minister.  I have been mandated to carry the gospel into a sin-stricken world with the faith that it will change those who hear it's message.  My vocational position does not determine this truth; my position in Christ does... as does yours.  Own the title of minister and wear it proudly!  Be ye therefore CHANGED by the renewing of your minds!!!  The ignorance of this simple truth and the shirking of it's responsibility has gone on long enough!

The Cancer of Complacency

Well, it's been three weeks now since I served my final day as a pastor but I still carry a burden for the direction the church seems to be taking.  Times have rapidly changed but there's something that we all need to recognize has stayed the same; Christ's call on the church to serve.  Sure... we've had to change some of our tactics regarding the delivery of the precious gospel but there is absolutely no justification for lethargy.  What do I mean by that?  I'm thankful that you asked.  Slothfulness has reared it's head among the congregation and behind the pulpit on so many levels.

I'll begin with what is obvious among the people.  For some reason the better part of the church has bought into a myth that says we come to church to be served.  If that's what you believe I defy you to find evidence in God's word that would support your case.  When one is searching for a place to consider his church home the question that seems to be asked is... "What can this church offer me".  You know what I mean... "What kind of program does this church offer for my children?  What kind of music do they sing?  What is the attire?  Does the pastor visit you when you're sick? ETC..." Instead the question ought to be... "God, is this the place you would have me to serve"!  PERIOD!!!  The result is a complacent, lazy, dissatisfied body and instead of it being a concern it has evolved into being the norm among the church.

Along with this the weight of expectation that lays upon the shoulders of the pastor has become heavier than ever.  With that said, I'm sure the pastor would shout "AMEN" but let's not get ahead of ourselves.  The average pastor in America has enabled the behavior spoken of.  Here are some "For instances"...

(1) Sunday evening church has become a rarity.  Pastors justify this by saying things such as, "We consider this family time".  REALLY?  Well let's take a look at that one!  Families are being ripped apart at the seams now more than ever!  Pastor, do you really believe your members gather in the family room in the solitude of their homes from 6:00 - 7:00 to spend quality "Family time" together?  AND if they do, how much would you like to wager that the time consists of watching television?  You might say, "I'm not a gambling man", but the truth is, by closing the doors on Sunday evening, you've thrown the dice and the odds are against the church!  One more thing before we move on... I also believe this has promoted laziness among our pastors.  When the man of God ought to be studying more and being more prepared the opposite is the outcome.
(2) Wednesday evening church has become a rarity.  All of the above applies!
(3) Tactics verses Truth.  I once heard of a wise preacher who said, "If you can lead them in with a hotdog I can lure them out with a hamburger".  It's undeniably clear that the covered dish supper has the power to draw a crowd but it's just as clear that the same crowd will not be present for an hour of prayer.  I'm not saying that we should discontinue these opportunities for fellowship but I am saying that they should not be what we employ as a means to grow the church.  I've been behind the closed doors of leadership meetings as we pulled our ideas together in regards to growing the church and while prayer and fasting IS THE ANSWER,  get-togethers and eating was the consensus.  Pastor... stand firm on what Christ had to say, "My house shall be called a house of PRAYER".  It's the pastor's call to give the people what they need for their souls.  Folks might leave because they're not getting what they want but your obligation is not to feed the flesh.  Preach the word and exhort them to pull up to a table that nourishes the spirit!

We could go on and on but I believe this is enough to get the idea across.  Get mad if you like... I'm just another layman!  The truth is the truth and it will stand when all else fails.  I pray that a handful of believers would share this burden and begin to lead by example... there will be plenty of time to rest on the other side!!!

Called to Service

I know that it's a sore spot but the truth remains that Christ has called us to service.  Each of you who would read this blog, take the time to ask yourself, "What am I doing to actively serve Christ?"

The Lord, believe it or not, has concocted a pretty wonderful plan to make serving the body of Christ an easy task.  To all who have trusted Him as their Savior, He has given gifts.  These gifts were given so that we might use them to edify the church (I Cor. 14:12).  My gift is that of a pastor.  I have been gifted to teach the Word of God and to exhort others in the ways of the Lord.  However I am not gifted in the area of organization.  Here's where others come into play.  You see, contrary to popular belief, God has not laid the whole responsibility of church business on the shoulders of the pastor.  As I said before, God has given us a plan that would come off without a hitch if we would ALL sign on.  When 80% of the church decides not to serve it puts enormous and undue pressure on those who are serving.

Often church service seems to become rigorous.  I hear of folks becoming weary in service all of the time and the reason is, such a small percentage of the body is doing all of the work.  We have folks who are being spread entirely too thin as they not only operate within their gifts but have to operate outside of the confines of their gifts to take up the slack of those who refuse to be used.  That a man of God has to use valuable time in the pulpit begging God's redeemed to do something for their Redeemer is shameful.

Can you imagine the day when every single self-proclaimed Christian actually understood the need to actively serve?  You would hear sighs of relief from those who have labored to the extent of exhaustion and you would hear shouts of joy from those who never knew serving the Lord could bring such fulfillment and joy.

From this pastor's heart, I'm challenging the body of Christ to find out what part of the body they are.  Are you an eye?  We need more eyes watching.  Are you an ear?  We need more listening.  Are you a finger, a toe, an arm or a leg?  We need folks reaching and going!  Make it easy on the rest of the body... do your part.  God will be glorified, the body will be relieved and you will be blessed!

A Little Clearing Up

In my post... "This is not a rant", I made a statement that someone took the time to ask me about and I want to clear it up.  First of all... kudos to the one who asked!  It's generally protocol to read, form an opinion (Right or wrong) and then act accordingly.  When one asks, that one will usually find that their conclusions were off base.

I spoke of the demands that are placed on Pastors by other humans.  I actually shared an instance when an actual man told me that every Pastor should be on call 24/7.  My precise purpose was to educate the church on the differences between God's demands verses the demands of people.  Biblical demands placed on a Pastor and the church's demands on a Pastor are at two different ends of the spectrum.  The Bible mandates that a Pastor give himself continually to prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4).  People mandate that a Pastor do that as well as... visit every person who is sick, make it to the annual Birthday party for cousin Sully, remember everybody' name, see to it that the bulletin is printed, make sure the prayer list is up to date, etc...  Why do the people demand that of a Pastor?  Because they aren't obedient to the Biblical demands on their own lives regarding the ministry.  If the body of Christ was as busy finding God's place for them as they were showing the Pastor what they expected, there would be nothing left for the Pastor to do other than pray and minister the word!

Now, if you go to my church... Hear me well... I visit those whom I know are sick, I lay out and print the bulletin every week, I built the church web site and keep it up to date, I gladly celebrate annual occasions with those who invite me to be a part BUT I do not do those things because my job mandates it, I do it because I love the church and I love people.  If you call me at midnight and need me... I'll be there.  Why?  Not because I get paid to be there but because I want to be there.  I love my people.

Thanks to the one who asked the question and allowed me the opportunity to make the matter clear.  I would invite anyone who has any question regarding anything I say to take the time to contact me.  You may find out that you were right about your assumption but you'll probably find out that you were wrong.

All of the above was written with all of the love I have in my heart.  I truly long to see a body operating in obedience and therefore harmony!

Are You Aware of the Cost?

Jesus made a pretty hard statement in the book of Matthew 8:22... "Follow Me and let the dead bury their dead".  Do you think Jesus was serious about our commitment to Him?  Sounds to me like Jesus don't play!  So let me ask you this... why do we?

Ask the congregation corporately if they want to follow, learn and receive all Christ has to give and the overwhelming response will be... "Amen", "Yes sir preacher", "You can count on me"!  Can I?  Can Jesus?

When one disciple told Jesus that he would follow Him anywhere and everywhere Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."  In other words... this ain't no easy road!  He might have asked the disciple, "Do you know what you're signing up for"? I believe the honest answer to that question, for the better part of the body of Christ, would have to be, "No, I don't have a clue what the demands of discipleship are".

On another occasion a gentleman said that he just wanted to go home and bid farewell to his family before he committed to discipleship and to that Jesus replied... "No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the Kingdom"!

One might read the replies of Christ and consider Him uncompassionate but nothing could be further from the truth.  Jesus knew the heart of each individual.  As a pastor, I can't see the intent of the heart but I've been around the block a couple of times.  When that one told Jesus that he would like to go home and bury his father first, Jesus knew that as he walked off and faded into the distance... that's the last he'd ever see of him.  So often folks use excuses as to why the aren't able to serve and generally they are excuses that one would find hard to argue with.  The bottom line is, there is no valid excuse for not committing 100% to Christ!  If there's one thing I've learned it's this; people WILL do exactly what they WANT to do!  Every hard luck excuse for not enlisting in service for the King is nothing but a cover up for the fact that you don't want to!

Your salvation was bought at the expense of Christ Himself... along with that purchase came the requirement of service.  If you're too busy to serve the Lord you're just too plain busy.