In The Thick of the Summer Slump

Every summer there comes a lull in enthusiasm in a small church that assails the future. Just like to lack of wind for sailors of old called the doldrums, it seems for pastors our winds of encouragement fail also. This goes deeper that the distractions of summer projects and baseball leagues. People are on vacation, the summer economy strikes at giving, and many are worn out after Bible School. I understand their temptations and duties. I am tired too. Seems Satan knows when we are at our lowest.

But alas, it’s a great time to wait upon God. Now mind you, I am a bit fidgety and do not speak as having attained some great plateau of peace. I am looking for it. I have several deadlines at present that I am even drawn to question if certain ministries are still within God’s plan for our church. But the truths that remain are
• God knows the circumstances
• God has solutions planned
• This is quite possibly more for my being built up in faith than in anything else.
• I need to remember all the other triumphs of the past, both Biblical and personal.

Now in a sense of what to do in the meantime, I need to keep in mind a few applications;
• Pray 1 Corinthians 10:13, God will not fail here.
• Look back at what He has been showing me in the scriptures these last few weeks, meditate on how they apply today in Cross Centered Living.
• Work with what He has given me, don’t pine for other pastures.
• Give glory to God. The glory is clearly seen in contrast to the desperation of the situation.
• Ask, Seek, Knock

George Muller did not become a stalwart man of prayer overnight. God worked in him beginnings of which he became a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. Methinks I shall do this. Be watching this blog for updates of the glory of God.

What have we come to?

Not much to say, but when a female can sing "I Kissed a Girl and I liked It" and it becomes a number one hit, something is radically wrong.

Restore, Revise, Refresh

Restore, Revise, Refresh

In a matter of time my family and I will be taking time to be together without the nuances of the urgent. I praise God for places of respite and retreat. It is good for a person to get alone with God. I recently have been enamored by how often in this country’s history God spoke to people when they went away, often for a walk in the woods, to be alone with Him. In a sense that is what we are about to do.

Annually we attend Family Camp. It’s a ministry of Life Action Ministries, at LifeAction.org. Years ago we attended one camp. It was unlike any vacation ever. We were weary physically, spiritually starved and struggling, and perplexed in the call. But the work of God in that time was what we often hunger for. As a matter of fact we skipped the next year and spent the summer lamenting over our poor decision to stay home.

We have learned a lesson. The family needs time together in the presence of seeking God. Disney is nice, but its no Family Camp. It’s a God centered experience that is much like the bread God gave Elisha that lasted 40 days.

Here are ten things I want to share as to why we go to camp.

1. It’s a spiritual marker. It brings to our hearts the blessings of God over the past year and promotes worship.

2. It restores our perspective on God and what matters most.

3. Camp affords us (Its also affordable) time together that we don’t often get in great amounts to go deeper with one another.

4. The example it give us and our kids brings great encouragement to live for Christ.

5. Opportunities are created for exploring the depths of our Christianity and maturity that otherwise are forgotten in the drone of life.

6. Hope for revival is always there. We always encounter people that are longing for God and revival in the land.

7. There is a refreshing perspective for humility. The conviction of sin and the grace of God are hallmarks of what this camp is about. It always takes a person from self centeredness to God centeredness. Much if this is exuded from the camp staff, their living out faith is always the greatest message.

8. Returning home you yourself carry back a fire that blesses others. You will ignite love within the church because of the sincere meeting you have had with God.

9. God will work through you to persevere. The sovereignty of God becomes evermore real and a doctrine for life.

10. There is transcendence. God is not boxed up. Family Camp opens spiritual eye to perceive a greater God that you had ever imagined before.

Folks, Family Camp is often booked full. If you can’t get in, pray they can expand. But reguardless of all your plans, always make time to be alone with God.