A Bondservant's Musings

We have all heard it. Perhaps we have said it to a friend, family member or colleague faced with a loss or a trial. Perhaps we have posted it as a Facebook comment recently in response to a tragedy or trial. "You are in our thoughts and prayer." Here is the thing. There are at least two problems with that statement. There is no power in our thoughts. When have you ever thought something into being better or fixed or different at all? There is no immediacy in that statement. Truth told, you are doing nothing for them in that moment. So let's fix those problems. First, drop the thoughts part. It isn't helpful. It isn't powerful. Quite frankly, it's lame. When I hear that from someone, I think sarcastically, "Gee, thanks." Second, bring immediacy to the prayer part. What sounds more active -- "I will keep you in my prayers" or "Let's pray now?" Pray for that person right now, in the moment. If you are with them, put your arm arou...

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:5-7) Be subject to? Humble yourselves? These are not familiar pictures for North American Christians. We don't bow down before the Mayor, the Governor (resisting political comment here in Illinois) or the President. Nor should we. But we do have a King. And our proper place before Him is one of humility and lowliness. When I think of Jesus and who He is (Creator, Redeemer) and who I am (created for His worship, blood-bought sinner), I am naturally -- make that supernaturally -- brought low where I belong. So I get verse 6 of I Peter 5 and by extension verse 5 since as followers of Jesus we are to be like Him (Christian =...

Small group leaders and flock leaders carry a lot of responsibility in their ministry roles. Besides their own walk with the Lord, small group leaders carry responsibility for leading and shepherding their small group members. And flock leaders are responsible for shepherding the small group leaders in their flock and helping them grow as leaders. But for those of you who are married, your first area of ministry and spiritual leadership is with your wife. But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3) I want to concentrate on three areas: Prayer - Pray for your wife and your marriage. Pray with your wife. Have your ears and eyes open for opportunities to take an issue or a trial to prayer. Then take the lead. Be the one to say, "Let's pray about that" (i.e., HBC "Let's pray now" principle). Put your arm around your wife or hold her hand and pray with h...