Revitalize Your Church

"Peace, Gratitude, Victory, Hope." These were the last words of the world's oldest pastor, Tsuneharu Oshima, of Japan, age 101, who died last weekend. He served 74 years in active ministry, up to the time of his departure. Well done, thou good and faithful servant -- also, well said!

In the gleaner’s path may be rich reward, Tho’ the time seems long, and the labor hard; For the Master’s joy, with His chosen shared Labor on, labor on, Keep the bright reward in view, For the Master has said He will strength renew; Labor on till the close of day. (More Here) -- Christopher R. Blackall (Civil War Surgeon, 33rd Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers. Later, a prominent and tireless soldier for Jesus in Baptist Sunday School work.)

A poem by the literary great, John Milton: WHEN I consider how my light is spent Ere half my days in this dark world and wide, And that one talent which is death to hide, Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account, lest He returning chide, 'Doth God exact day labor, light denied?' I fondly ask. But Patience to prevent That murmur soon replies, 'God doth not need Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed, And post o'er land and ocean without rest; They also serve who only stand and wait.'

My good friend, Ron McClung, recently wrote a delightful and insightful article, for his weekly column, “Positive Perspective”, that captured how a lot of us feel as we bid farewell to 2008. It’s really true – and with Ron’s gracious permission, I am passing it along to you: The old man limped off the stage. Lines of regret creased his face as he turned and gave one last mournful glance over his shoulder. His unkempt hair and matted white beard befitted his torn and disheveled clothes. Without question, he had been through an ordeal. He testified to his experience with floods, tornadoes, and devastating economic loss. His personal financial worth had plummeted. He watched as friends and acquaintances lost their jobs, the value of their real estate, and the worth of their 401k plans. On the other side of the stage, a child bounced into view. A top hat adorned his golden locks, a bright smile spread across his face, and he walked with the jauntiness of youth. “Naïve!” muttered the old ma...

Bible References to God's Unfailing Love

My friend, Augie, forwarded this picture of the sign in front of Waupun Assembly of God

In light of my last post fretting money issues -- I have an update. I spent some extra time with the Lord this morning in the sanctuary, praying about our church's financial situation. I opened my Bible to Lamentations 3 -- and this verse jumped off the page and into my heart: "Because of His great love for us, we are NOT consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness." That makes me want to shout!

Thy love, O God! from year to year, Has watched thy faithful pastor here, Till fifty years of toil have now Engraved their tokens on his brow. Fast have the seasons rolled away; A moment in thy sight were they, Yet while their rapid course was run, What mighty works thy hand has done! What empires rose, and, at thy frown, In sudden weakness crumbled down! What barriers, reared by earth and hell, Against thy truth, gave way and fell! Meanwhile, beneath thy gracious sight This flock has dwelt in peace and light, By living waters gently led, And in perennial pastures fed. Oh, when before thy judgment seat The pastor and his flock shall meet, May thy benignant voice attest Their welcome to thine endless rest. -- William Cullen Bryant

John Fletcher , one of the early Methodists, was a great spiritual leader, and small town pastor. He served for 25 years as the Vicar of Madeley , until his early death. Both John Wesley and George Whitefield preached from his pulpit. I had the privilege of visiting Madeley in April, and praying at his grave. In his first year of the pastorate, he wrote a letter to his friend, Lady Huntington: If my being stationed in this howling wilderness is to answer no public end as to the Gospel of Christ, I will not give up the hope that it may answer a private end as to myself, in humbling me under a sense of universal unprofitableness. If I preach the Gospel ten years here and see no fruit of my labors, in either case, I promise to bless God, if I can only say from my heart, "I am nothing. I have nothing. I can do nothing." He concluded the letter by adding, ". . . the number here has increased from 30 to above 100."