Getting on with life after the National House Church Conference Weekend
It may not be a typical "Monday" morning, because of the Labor Day weekend, but for me today sure feels like the prototypical Monday. My desk is piled high with correspondence that I am supposed to deal with, my email inbox is at 100 plus (and I got rid of 50+ emails yesterday!), and I have a business conference that I am away at early next week and I haven't contacted any of the people that I need to see while I am there. It feels like one of those times when I would love to hear Jesus say, "Come ye apart and rest a while." But as I quiet my heart what I actually hear is a reminder of Jesus' words, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh , when no man can work ." John 9:4.
I remember a memorable morning when I had overslept and went in to work late. It was during my two years away from medical school, while I was supporting myself through Bible school. I guess I was feeling a little sorry for myself, and wondering why life is sometimes pretty difficult! When I got back to my apartment that evening, before going to the evening Bible school that I was attending, I read my daily devotional. The lead verse was for that day was, "Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise." OK, OK Lord, I guess you are allowed to be forceful if you want.
Modern life tends to be ruled by convenience. But there is no getting away from the fact that Jesus never promised us convenience, but He did promise to be with us in all that He calls us to do. I may feel like kicking back after a particularly busy period, including the National House Church Conference, but He is allowed to call me to learn an even greater dependance on Him. "The life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20.
So join with me fellow adventurers, and let's take this land, this good land where there Lord has put us, by storm. Let's "work out our salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that is at work in us to will and to do His good pleasure."
BTW, did you know that Wolfgang Simson's new book, is just released. This is a simplified version of Houses That Change The World, probably the most influential book written so far that has helped release house church movements around the world.
I remember a memorable morning when I had overslept and went in to work late. It was during my two years away from medical school, while I was supporting myself through Bible school. I guess I was feeling a little sorry for myself, and wondering why life is sometimes pretty difficult! When I got back to my apartment that evening, before going to the evening Bible school that I was attending, I read my daily devotional. The lead verse was for that day was, "Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise." OK, OK Lord, I guess you are allowed to be forceful if you want.
Modern life tends to be ruled by convenience. But there is no getting away from the fact that Jesus never promised us convenience, but He did promise to be with us in all that He calls us to do. I may feel like kicking back after a particularly busy period, including the National House Church Conference, but He is allowed to call me to learn an even greater dependance on Him. "The life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20.
So join with me fellow adventurers, and let's take this land, this good land where there Lord has put us, by storm. Let's "work out our salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that is at work in us to will and to do His good pleasure."
BTW, did you know that Wolfgang Simson's new book, is just released. This is a simplified version of Houses That Change The World, probably the most influential book written so far that has helped release house church movements around the world.
Views: 3
Tags: work
-
Comment by Jim Fletcher on September 11, 2009 at 2:18pm -
I thought the house church conference was awesome!! Jana and I are so glad we attended. We needed to be with some like-minded people since we are now grouped in with the 'lost and unchurched.' We were both moved and challenged. I am co-owner of a 4th generation family business which demands a lot of my time. I want to lay up treasure in Heaven and my work is primarily for income and carrying on the family tradition. Nothing wrong with that, but I don't want to be distracted from working directly for God. Tony, I know you manage a business and are also changing lives through your ministry. Any thoughts on how to be effective with both? I think about the words of John when he said 'He (Christ) must increase and I must decrease.' I've asked God if I should lay down my involvement in the business but it seems as though I'm on hold.
-
Comment by Tony Dale on September 12, 2009 at 10:32pm -
My own feeling is that the norm for us is to "work with our hands so that we have enough for ourselves, and to be a blessing to others." That is a rough paraphrase I think from 1 Thess 4. In principle, it is vital that leaders are equipped in such a way that they are "well thought of by the world." (Quote from either timothy or Titus on leadership qualifications). In our experience the Lord gives the grace to seek Him and His kingdom first, even while carrying all of the responsibilities that anyone else has to carry for normal work.
I hope those few thoughts are a help!
Every blessing,
Tony
-
Comment by Tony Dale on September 13, 2009 at 8:53am
-
Great thoughts, Ching! Felicity and I are so blessed that our little book has been a small part of the way that the Lord is leading you. Keep following Him on this exciting journey. Tony
-
Comment by Lahry Sibley on September 13, 2009 at 9:09am -
Ching,
I think too many people equate success in the kingdom of God with what you describe that you are no longer into as a pastor. We attempt to measure success in the kingdom of God by man's standards, way, methodology, and worst of all, understanding.
I don't think it is much like that in the kingdom of God. I think obedience is still better than sacrifice. I think God values one on one relationships as being just as important, if not more so, that preaching to thousands in Africa somewhere.
I think we just need to walk with God, day by day, regardless of where our day takes us. We must be read to plant and water, knowing all the while, that only God can give the increase. We don't need a title to be a witness, we just need His power. That comes from walking with Him, day by day, in the highways, the biways, the marketplace, the home meetings, wherever life takes us. We also need to remember that it is our good works (not to be saved, but because we are saved) that makes the light shine, and others glorify God in them, not us! Jesus must be the centerpiece of our life, all of it, or He is not any of it.
Immersed in Him,
Lahry
-
Comment by Ching Alkuino on September 13, 2009 at 4:53pm -
Thanks Tony, that book you guys wrote is something I love to pass around to my friends. Excellent job.
Thanks Lahry. What you are saying is exactly what I'm realizing also.
Ching
-
Comment by Jim Fletcher on September 13, 2009 at 7:10pm
-
Thanks Tony! That does help. I know that it's not wrong to provide for family and have the resources to help others. We have just been a little frustrated living here in the 'wilderness.' We so desperately want to find like-minded believers in our community but so far have not. I just don't want financial security to be something that would keep me from following Christ completely. (like the young man in Matthew 19) Thanks for sharing your insight.
Jim
-
Comment by Tony Dale on September 20, 2009 at 7:50am
-
Jim, a quick comment on finding "like minded believers" in your community. If the Lord blesses you with friends near by who have already started on this journey that is wonderful. But we can pray (Luke 10:2b) that He leads us to people of peace, those who are not yet Christians, but are open to our message and who will open up their sphere on influence to the gospel message. In this way you may find yourself starting church among a group of unbelievers. Not that really is fun!
-
Comment by Tony Dale on September 20, 2009 at 7:55am
-
Whoops! In the comment above in the last sentence, I meant to put "Now" rather than "Not." It should read, "Now that is really fun!"
Comment
Our Partners
Badge
© 2012 Created by Dale Interactive.
You need to be a member of SimpleChurch to add comments!
Join SimpleChurch