The Helper of Israel - Isaiah 41:1-10
"Be silent before me, you islands! Let the nations renew their strength! Let them come forward and speak; let us meet together at the place of judgment.
"Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service ? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow.
He pursues them and moves on unscathed, by a path his feet have not traveled before.
Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD--with the first of them and with the last--I am he."
The islands have seen it and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward; each helps the other and says to his brother, "Be strong!"
The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer spurs on him who strikes the anvil. He says of the welding, "It is good." He nails down the idol so it will not topple.
"But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Many schools and other ministries suffer from a "fear factor" syndrome. It looks like this.
- Our enrollment is shrinking; the income is going to dry up
- People will stop giving to the school in this economy
- Other sources of support could go away, too
- We could be forced by the government to hire people who don't share our values
God is not impressed or daunted by current situations; He has a much bigger picture in mind. He reminds His people Israel that they are the chosen; they are not rejected - they are upheld with God's righteous right hand - isn't that where Jesus reigns, too?
The opposite of fear is not blind or reckless courage; it is confidence in the Lord and the boldness to stay on the course He has laid out.
Here is an example: The fund raising dinner or event did not bring (at that moment) the desired goal. We could conclude that this type of event "does not work" and abandon the idea altogether. But, what if there were 10 new friends of the school that came to a new understanding of the education mission and are seeking to get involved? It seems that God was willing to spare Sodom for 10, wasn't He?
Don't fear. Easy to say - hard to do, especially when our measuring sticks are so tangible and near term.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Remember who you are; remember whose you are
2. Look for the "things" that the Lord cares about
3. Take the embers of excitement that the Spirit ignited and gently blow them into flames
Lastly, don't forget who gave you the breath to blow!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sowing and reaping - doing good
Galatians 6:7-10
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers."
There are (at least) two frustrating dimensions in development:
1. Having so many rejections when you are in the middle of doing so much to raise funds - planting seeds.
2. Having those you report to get frustrated because the money is not coming fast enough - this is the "long germination" syndrome.
There is always a delay between sowing and reaping. Farmers and gardeners will experience a lot of anxiety, watching over the dormant seeds for weeks and weeks.
But, it always comes up. We will see the fruit and benefits "come up". Paul is reminding us not to lose heart - we are called to persevere even when the odds or conditions are stacked against us.
What is "doing good" sowing? In verse 10 we are told to "do good" to all people, but especially Christians. This phrase is very sweeping and comprehensive. It means that we are not confined to evangelism and discipling; loving is larger than that. It means seeing a need and meeting it, as it is in our power to do so. Alleviating pain and comforting are examples.
How does this help me in my development goals? Paul does not tell us; he leaves us to guess. Maybe we are to "discover" the benefits of such a lifestyle. In the short run, such a life entails a tremendous number of sacrifices. You bind your heart up emotionally to people who may have no intention or ability to respond in kind. You may miss other "more profitable" relationships where the giving ground is more fertile.
Here are some benefits. Lives are changed, and we may even be thanked. Second, we may have been used to be a soothing balm in a family. Third, we may see those who burdens we have carried become burden bearers.
If we do not only measure our sowing by outward success, we will find our own character changed deeply through ministry. Our consciences will be clear and hearts happy since we are less self-indulgent. We develop a less selfish and more faithful character which serves us well under pressure.
Even under the pressure of raising funds.
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers."
There are (at least) two frustrating dimensions in development:
1. Having so many rejections when you are in the middle of doing so much to raise funds - planting seeds.
2. Having those you report to get frustrated because the money is not coming fast enough - this is the "long germination" syndrome.
There is always a delay between sowing and reaping. Farmers and gardeners will experience a lot of anxiety, watching over the dormant seeds for weeks and weeks.
But, it always comes up. We will see the fruit and benefits "come up". Paul is reminding us not to lose heart - we are called to persevere even when the odds or conditions are stacked against us.
What is "doing good" sowing? In verse 10 we are told to "do good" to all people, but especially Christians. This phrase is very sweeping and comprehensive. It means that we are not confined to evangelism and discipling; loving is larger than that. It means seeing a need and meeting it, as it is in our power to do so. Alleviating pain and comforting are examples.
How does this help me in my development goals? Paul does not tell us; he leaves us to guess. Maybe we are to "discover" the benefits of such a lifestyle. In the short run, such a life entails a tremendous number of sacrifices. You bind your heart up emotionally to people who may have no intention or ability to respond in kind. You may miss other "more profitable" relationships where the giving ground is more fertile.
Here are some benefits. Lives are changed, and we may even be thanked. Second, we may have been used to be a soothing balm in a family. Third, we may see those who burdens we have carried become burden bearers.
If we do not only measure our sowing by outward success, we will find our own character changed deeply through ministry. Our consciences will be clear and hearts happy since we are less self-indulgent. We develop a less selfish and more faithful character which serves us well under pressure.
Even under the pressure of raising funds.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
How do we measure development success?
The Greatest Commandment - Matthew 12:28-34
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.
To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Spring is the time for fund-raising events. My school has its major event this week.
Even before the event transpires, there is peace and joy about the outcomes. Why?
All the "hard work" in developing the relationships has already occurred; the event is the "dessert" that punctuates the relationship with the school. Yes, we fret over the logistics and the presentations, but the fruit is the growing connection with the school as we share the story of our mission and let the Holy Spirit make the connections.
But, what about the money? Isn't this a fund-raiser? Oh, yes, and the Lord has already brought in $9,000 in corporate contributions more than the cost. So, any gifts received will be designated for scholarship for needy families.
A friend reminded me recently that real stewardship cannot happen without love. That love is expressed by the giver because he or she has experienced the truest love from the Father through the Son.
We measure development success by dollars raised or pledged and, sadly, stop there. What if we could see the hearts of the new friends that we made or the old friends who were so blessed through the event? How would these count toward "the goal"?
I'm not sure, either, but we cannot ignore these dividends in light of the commandment "to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
When you think of your most significant relationships or interactions, what comes to mind? Hopefully, you are thinking of someone who came alongside and loved you and encouraged you in your walk with Christ. Did they spur you to see your life as a gift from God that is to be used for His glory? Did they encourage you to live victoriously and confidently?
Can the "wealth of friends" be a contribution to our schools? Yes, and giving will follow those passions that the Lord ignited.
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.
To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Spring is the time for fund-raising events. My school has its major event this week.
Even before the event transpires, there is peace and joy about the outcomes. Why?
All the "hard work" in developing the relationships has already occurred; the event is the "dessert" that punctuates the relationship with the school. Yes, we fret over the logistics and the presentations, but the fruit is the growing connection with the school as we share the story of our mission and let the Holy Spirit make the connections.
But, what about the money? Isn't this a fund-raiser? Oh, yes, and the Lord has already brought in $9,000 in corporate contributions more than the cost. So, any gifts received will be designated for scholarship for needy families.
A friend reminded me recently that real stewardship cannot happen without love. That love is expressed by the giver because he or she has experienced the truest love from the Father through the Son.
We measure development success by dollars raised or pledged and, sadly, stop there. What if we could see the hearts of the new friends that we made or the old friends who were so blessed through the event? How would these count toward "the goal"?
I'm not sure, either, but we cannot ignore these dividends in light of the commandment "to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
When you think of your most significant relationships or interactions, what comes to mind? Hopefully, you are thinking of someone who came alongside and loved you and encouraged you in your walk with Christ. Did they spur you to see your life as a gift from God that is to be used for His glory? Did they encourage you to live victoriously and confidently?
Can the "wealth of friends" be a contribution to our schools? Yes, and giving will follow those passions that the Lord ignited.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)