Walking Willfully into God's Workshop

Is it possible that the "professionalization" of ministry has somehow robbed us of a simple, deepening trust in God?  Have we gotten so good at our research, our analysis and our application of data, that we somehow have missed actually seeing God?

I marvel at the incredible intelligence God has bestowed on some of my colleagues and in looking at their incredible ministries, sometimes I also feel exceptionally unqualified for my own.  Sometimes I can't even understand the dialog that runs between them, so I stay out of the discussion.  And it is then that I long to be more educated, more articulate, more able to add something to the dialog.  But for what purpose?  If I am to be honest, it is usually for the purpose of making me somehow look better.  To make me look more intelligent. To perhaps be more respected.  And at this juncture, God usually crashes into my little daydream to remind me that He is all I need.

The conversation typically goes something like this:
God: What are you thinking about?
Me: Like You don't know?
G: Oh, I do know...but I think you need to really hear what you are saying.  So...what are you thinking about?
M: I'm thinking about how inadequate I am to the task You called me to do.
G: Who said you were supposed to be adequate?
M: Well, it would be nice to know that I can handle what you send my way...so perhaps I should go get my doctorate or something.
G: Would that make you adequate to the task I've called you to?
M: Umm...I would at least appear smarter and perhaps people would respect what I say a little more.
G: So this is really more about you than about what I called  you to do?
M: Well...I suppose, perhaps...ummm...maybe... Ok...Yes.  Since you put it like that.

G: Do you think I AM adequate to the task that I have prepared for you?
M: Sure YOU are!  But this is me we are talking about!
G: What was the promise I made right before I left?
M: That You will be with me always?
G: Right!  So this is US we are talking about.  Not just you.  US...you and ME together.  And really, if I so chose, I could actually do it all Myself, but I wanted to share a little with you.  Like a Father in a workshop teaching His child how to make things, I have invited YOU into my MY workshop, and I will provide everything you need.
M: But what about more education?
G: That may be the path that I have chosen for others to go down...but YOUR path is here in my workshop.  Learn of ME.  Learn of MY WAYS.   Don't lose sight of me in the midst of your dreams of grandeur.  That is not the path I have chosen for you.  I have fully equipped you for the path that you must walk.  I have promised to go with you...and as always, I AM!
M: And that is enough for me God.

And so I come back to realizing that God has called each of us render service where HE has placed us, using the tools that He has given each of us.  I have come to realize that He has not called me to be successful.   Only faithful.  And if I am faithful to that calling, that will be enough.

God help me to be faithful and to remember that You called me to serve right where I am with the tools that You have given me...and that YOU are enough.

Not all the wisdom and skill of man can produce life in the smallest object in nature. It is only through the life which God Himself has imparted, that either plant or animal can live. So it is only through the life from God that spiritual life is begotten in the hearts of men. Unless a man is "born from above," he cannot become a partaker of the life which Christ came to give. John 3:3, Steps to Christ page 68

Thoughts on Life

I wrote these back in 2000, and have published them in an old blog, but thought they might be worth revisiting as I begin this new venture.  Here then are my deep thoughts on life.  Let me know what you think.


Pastor Don's Thoughts on Life

1 Never get so busy that you forget what makes life worth living.
2 People are more important than things.
3 Sunshine is good for you. Be sunshine for others and they will be sunshine to you.
4 There are few things worse than having little sweaters growing on your teeth. Knock them off with a toothbrush and people will like you better.
5 Work hard-Play hard. Be honest in both.
6 Laugh- Alot!
7 Life is short....eat dessert first! (Especially at potlucks...otherwise you get what's left...which is usually something nasty that no one else wanted)
8 Never forget who raised you and invested so much in you. Show them your gratitude in as many ways as you can. Parents, Teachers, Pastors and Work Supervisors need affirmation as much as you do.
9 Be thankful. To as many people as you can for as long as you can. This prevents hardening of the attitudes.
10 Laser Tag is good for you. So are cookies and milk. Engage in both whenever you can, and you won't lose your fun quotient.
11 Life is hard, but God is good. Whenever you go through a storm...make sure He's in your boat, and don't forget to call on Him to help.
12 People are more important than money.
13 Arguing with people always ends up showing one of you to be an idiot. Usually it shows both of you to be such. Avoid it if at all possible.
14 Share. It makes people like you...and gives you a warm feeling inside. This is especially true when you can share Jesus. Share Him whenever you can.
15 Don't be afraid to cry. It lets out a lot of gunk when you feel gunky inside. Tears are God's gunk removal tools. You are no less of a man because you cry. See John 11:35.
16 If and when you get married, dedicate yourself to the happiness of the both of you. If you seek your happiness only, you are selfish. If you seek only to make your spouse happy, you usually end up growing bitter. If you can seek a road that both of you can work together to travel, there you will find happiness growing as a by-product.
17 Don't go to bed mad. It ruins your relationships and your stomach lining.
18 Don't be anxious about anything, but by prayer and petition make your requests known to God. Depend on Him to take care of you. He will.
19 Pain is universal. No one escapes it. Don't ask' "Why me, Lord?" Rather pray, "Carry me, Lord!" Then, when you are through grieving...turn around and help someone else who is just entering their time of grief.
20 Recognize that no trial or pain in life will be allowed to touch you without prior approval of Jesus. And if He approves it, He will be there to hold you up. He doesn't cause pain....the devil does...but God will use it to help you grow.
21 Be wary in your business dealings. The world is full of trickery.
22 Don't let the world's trickery blind you to the many people of virtue and high ideals. Find and associate with them.
23 Don't compare yourself with others...It will only lead you to be haughty or bitter, for there are always those who can do something better or worse than you.
24 Don't judge. Be gracious to those whom you don't understand.
25 Never forget that your first duty is to God. Love Him with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Then...Love your neighbor as yourself.

©2000 Don Keele Jr.