That Thing You Do

We were asked, why do we do what we do ?......my first thought was..... that's a lot of do....LOL.....I can hear myself say to people "That's why we do what we do." There are many selfish reasons I am a recovery pastor. Number one is it keeps me sober. Helping others with their struggles and addictions keeps me out of mine. It is a blessing beyond words to see an addict or alcoholic's life restored. By the way alcoholic or addict....it's all the same thing and same answer. To see families transformed and lives renewed, to see that light bulb finally come on and witness first hand peace and serenity in the lives of others,maybe for the first time in their lives, it's indescribable. The true friendship's and the brotherhood of ministry is a powerful truth. Allowing people in our hearts and learning to trust again is spiritual. I could go on and on about the blessings of ministry. Just this week we experienced the sadness of ministry as well. A close friend lost his wife this week after a long illness. They were together over 50 years...true soul mates still in love after all those years. We watched as a gray haired grown man wept uncontrollably at the heartache and realization of going on without her. We helped in all aspects of the service, we provided The Mission for them to have the memorial service. Clinton has been at our house two times this week for dinner and just to hang out. My wife is taking him to the roller derby tonight so he will have something to do...the funeral was today. Clinton and I have had a couple of good talks this week about spiritual qualities...... life and such...We don't have words to make it all better....we are here to walk with people through life....good and bad....all to glorify Jesus.....and that is why we do what we do.
Peace and Love
Jeff

Percentages...

What percentage is my part in ministry...? I do my part God does the rest.... Random thoughts along this same line of thinking are numerous. What really is my part or percentage ? I don't know much but what I do know I really know and believe with my whole heart. When asked what was the most important law or to sum up the law Jesus said to Love God with all we are and to love others.Those two things, no matter how they look or how we perceive them , are all we can do. It's a comfort and a peace I have obtained later in life that allows me to have faith and not worry. I have control over two things....what I say and what I do. Outside of that I am powerless...but I know the One who has all power. I do my part He does His. As far as those we try to help and walk with through life, they have their part..... We merely give loving suggestions.......thing is, if you don't follow the suggestions we can refund your misery !!!!!
Doing my part.......
Peace and Love
Jeff

Fisher of Men or Keeper of the Aquarium ?

Being the owner of several large and small fish tanks I have way over thought this blog entry ! Somebody has to take care of the aquarium or the fish die. If it wasn't for the fishermen we would have no fish to keep alive, so it's a balance. I see myself as both. If you think about it all fishers of men SHOULD be keepers of the aquarium as well. I look at this as discipleship. Being a keeper of the aquarium is a requirement of a fisherman. We are called to disciple not just to "catch." There is way more to owning a large aquarium than most people think. Just like there is way more to ministry than most people think. I like this thought process...think of all the parallels we can draw from this visual. Certain fish can only live with certain fish. We have separate classes for different people as well....and so on !! Some aquarium owners just throw in a little food every now and then. Their tanks may look good at first but its only a matter of time and the water gets murky then the whole aquarium dies !!! I could go on but I will let you think of some more.....
Peace and Love
Jeff