Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
It would be helpful to read, along with this passage, Titus 1:5-9.
Some Guide Questions:
- What in this text strikes you as remarkable?
- How many "qualifications" does Paul mention for one to be an overseer or elder?
- Why are these things important to God?
- Which of these is the most difficult?
- Do you know of men who are like what Paul describes?
What else is on your mind this week?
42 comments:
Hey, don’t you think the blog has been boring lately? Just kidding.
The text spells it out pretty clear. The thing thats strikes me the most is we have to be very careful who we pick.
Annette
Beautiful sunrise this morning!
Not the topic yet, but something that I have thought about a lot since yesterday.
How many enjoyed Noble's prayer yesterday morning?
Was that not awesome? I felt almost guilty listening as I felt like I was listening into a private conversation between Nobe and God. It was so beautiful to hear him really talk with God.
Great prayer, great content and great delivery.
RR
Got to agree with RR's post about Noble's prayer yesterday. It was very down to earth, matter of fact, conversation with God. Hadn't heard a prayer like that since we used to go to the Shoals church. Tony Sanders always had such a common, simple prayer like that. Good job Noble.
Tony
I have to agree with RR and Tony. Listening to Noble pray was very humbling. It was so refreshing to hear words truly from the heart. Allen sorry but I think it was the best part of the service on Sunday.
Robin
I, too, loved Nobe’s prayer, and I was moved deeply by John’s arrangement of “Alas and Did My Savior Bleed.” I felt OK about the sermon because it did what the text does/did; this is my goal in preaching.
This week’s text is about the qualities or, as they are sometimes called, “qualifications” to be an elder. I want to tie this in with the role and function of an elder, shepherd, bishop, overseer, pastor, etc. First I want to say that I believe the New Testament uses all the words I just used to describe one role or position.
Here is a little bit of technical stuff. There are three Greek words that come into play in this discussion:
Presbuteros - translated as “elder”
Episkopous - translated as “overseer” or “bishop”
Poimaino - translated as “shepherd” or “pastor”
Some churches/traditions use these as distinct and different roles in the church, whereas I see them as all being the same. Our text from last week uses all three these words to refer to the same set of men.
Acts 20:17, 28-31
From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the ELDERS
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you OVERSEERS. Be SHEPHERDS of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears."
You can see the same thing in 1 Peter 5:1-4: elders, overseers, and shepherds are the same thing.
What difference does it make?
I think it helps us better understand the role and function of this particular group of leaders in the church. As we said yesterday in the sermon, elders certainly have authority over the church and us. We are to obey them. They have positional authority–authority that comes with the position, but I believe true authority is derived through service, which is represented by shepherding.
What do you think of this statement? Elders will only be effective if they are truly shepherds.
Here are some thoughts about role and function of elders, overseers, and shepherds. Taken together they provide a fairly good concept about what God has in mind. I will present the citation and then some thoughts from it. You’ll have to look them up. Sorry.
Acts 28:28-31
watchful, protective
1 Peter 5:1-4
Care for and oversee God’s flock.
Be willing, and a be an eager servant
Be an example.
1 Timothy 5:17
Elders are to direct the affairs of the church – spiritual affairs.
They are to preach and teach.
Titus 1:8-11
Elders are to be hospitable.
Elders are to know the Word of God, using it to encourage and to refute.
James 5:13, 14
The elders are to pray with the sick.
They are to be there during times of need.
Hebrews 13:17
Elders are to keep watch over the church.
They will give an account of their leadership.
1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
These exhortations apply to everyone in the church, but first and foremost they apply to the eldership.
Elders are to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Ephesians 4:11-13
Elders are to be “equippers.”
They are to prepare the church to work as Jesus worked.
They are to provide maturity.
They are to provide leadership.
Nobe prayed for rain. It's raining.
Let me jump on the pile. I also thought Noble's prayer was heartfelt and meaningful.
Mike C.
Pretty cool about the rain, huh? I don't think it was even supposed to rain, today, was it?
What strikes me about the various texts that are being referenced, is the enormous amount of energy, physical and emotional, that an elder needs to do his job. Also, I think one of the hardest qualifications to fill would be having godly children. Some of the strongest Christians I've ever known have been disappointed in how at least one of their kids have turned out. In the first few centuries of the church, fathers held much greater authority over their kids than they do now. Parents have to compete with so much in our culture for our kids' attention. Schools (which are becoming increasingly liberal, socially), television, advertising, all have as much influence over our kids as we do, unless we're really careful.
Donna
Our family talked about Noble's prayer too! So sweet, child-like in a way, sincere, refreshing! Joni Mathews
So how’s it going this morning? Looks like rain.
I think Donna is right about godly children. It seems to me that this passage (and others like it) really emphasizes the importance of strong families. It is this broader emphasis that leads to the conservative position regarding divorce in regard to elders, specifically that they should not have experienced it. What do you think about that?
I agree with the emphasis on strong family being a focal point. However, I am not sure that I buy into this being a burden a father should bare totally and be a judgement of his character. I would guess that a large percentage of those who have gone a stray still respect their parents. They know what they have done or are doing is wrong, but have made an adult decision to ignore thier teachings and upbringing. It seems rather severe to hold the father responsible for the wandering child who is considered to be an adult by society standards. A father can only do so much. Just like Allen as the minister can preach and teach but he can't force some one to obey the gospel. The shepards (elders and deacons) can be great examples of leadership but that doesn't mean the church is going to do all that is needed to spread the gospel and be the "model" church family. The same is true for a father.
Good point anonymous. I kinda think it means younger children myself, of course I could be wrong. And a lot of those older children return to what they were taught and grew up with, it just takes them a while. I didn't go to church regularly after I left home until I was about 24.
Have a wonderful blessed day everyone. And I forgot to say Happy Fathers Day to all you wonderful fathers out there.
Annette
From Mike Cope’s blog. Sounds familiar.
I like the word “quotidian.” Daily. Almost leaning into mundane.
On rare occasions we get a chance to do something radical for Jesus. Something out of the ordinary. Something where we put our lives on the line.
But most often, faithfulness is expressed in the mundane tasks of life. Meals prepared . . . lawns mowed . . . friends helped . . . prayers offered . . . appointments met . . . tears wiped . . . assemblies attended . . . games cheered . . . .
Don’t feel guilty that your life borders on mundane. That is where faith, hope, and love are most often lived out.
Linking this to our topic/text, I think much (most) of ministry/shepherding is mundane, which is pretty neat when you think of the etymology of the word. Mundane comes from a Latin word that was usually used to translate the Greek word “cosmos,” which relates to “the world.” We are in the world and often messed up by it. Shepherds help draw us away from the dangers.
What strikes me (maybe because I watched the blog evolve last week) is how much emphasis we put on one qualification to the --sometimes--neglect of the others. A man can be the husband of only one wife and have control in his household, but his approaches to leadership may still not be godly. He may have a low anger flashpoint, he may rule his children through fear and intimidation, he may bark at every imperfect driver...he may look the part in that he fulfills that one qualification about which we are soooooo jumpy, but really not be the mature patient leader a real flock o'sheep needs. I think the choice for shepherds requires looking at the big picture--sometimes someone who has been through some messy times is a better leader because of those times. Someone whose croosed all of his t's and dotted all of his i's without ever messing up, well, I'd be nervous about him as a leader.
I do know this--this is what I kept thinking reading last week--God is bigger than our hearts, and He knows everything. We are not to judge, but when it comes to marriage and divorce, all of a sudden we adopt the language of judges: guilty party. innocent party. I think we need to be very careful.
I think what makes this passage remarkable to me is that we are all to strive for these qualities in our lives. When we look at each of these qualities--unwavering, compassionate, stability, enduring, faithful, commited, focused, kind, open, welcoming, knowledgeable, a good example, respectful of others, life experience to draw from, a good reputation in the community, dependable, humble, there are mem among us who fit the description.
These qualities are important to God because He wants the church to be nourished and to spread to this dark world which needs Him so much. He thought it was important enough to send His precious Son to die for us, the church, baptized believers. I couldn't do that, could you--those of us who have children of our own.
One leader who strays from these principles is like a shepherd who would lead his flock into areas it should not be in. The wrong kind of food can kill a lamb, leading sheep into dangerous terrain will scattter the flock. Not attending to the injuries and illnesses will make them ill and weak. The good shepherd left the flock to find the one little lost one and he did with with urgent action. He didn't wait until morning. He put all else aside to strike out and find the little guy who had gone astray. He also could discern different personalities and act accordingly as we have done with our own children. He had discernment to meet their needs and not just their wants. He gave them a safe place, a peaceful place with calm waters, quiet rest. Then it was out into the pastures again and into the dangers of grazing in the world and he watched over them with care and concern. He loves his sheep.
I think what is difficult varies from person to person depending upon each of our own strengths and weaknesses. We are all different and unique just like each sheep is with it's own personality and point of reference.
As parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles we want to give our loved ones a place of safety, unconditional love, encouragement, a welcoming environment. We feed them good food from God's word by example to strengthen their souls and provide for their feeling of contentment and comfort in a world that is often uncomfortable and unkind. God bless all of you today as we ponder the decisions as to who will be our shepherds. We are very blessed in those we now have and those who have served faithfully for so long. Sherron.
PS: Thank you Noble for the prayer and thank you God for the rain. I don't have to water tonight.
Oh Boy Rob, that did it I'm getting the horse. Donna, kids were respectable and obedient back in the day because if they were rebellious to their parents or elders they were stoned, and I'm talking rocks. I probably would have made it to six.
It strikes me that the faithulness Mike Cope speaks of in the mundane areas of our lives fits right in with what we do in our families. Maybe that is why it is so important for an elder to have a strong family....one which is strong in all the little daily tasks of life (or in spite of). I'm sorry we weren't here to hear Nobe's prayer Sunday, but we were 2 of the privileged few to hear his prayer Sunday night during the Communion Service. I was touched by it and was surprised to hear that the same thing happened Sun.am. Not just a coincidence I think. I feel really encouraged to read the blog this week. Sometimes I feel that I'm not adequate to be an elder's wife and that people who really know me will feel that too. It's very encouraging to see that people are not looking at the eldership(and their families)in judgemental ways in this congregation and I am reminded once again of why we have been so happy here at MCOC. Thanks for being such a kind and caring group of people.
Cabin Fever, I don't know that divorce is the "be all, end all" to us, so much as it's so prevalent in the culture, and even in the most conservative congregations, that we feel compelled to confront it. Social values change, and churches need to decide how far to go in being tolerant and accepting without compromising Christian ethics. I'm not speaking from a high horse, I married a divorced man. But, other issues (abortion, homosexuality, pre-marital sex) are a bit more cut and dried. I think we're still feeling our way around divorce.
Donna
Good morning!
Here are some various thoughts in response to some of yesterday’s posts:
I think the emphasis on believing, behaving children is much less about adult children and mostly about children who are living at home. Does the father have the respect of those of who live in his home? Do they pay attention to what he says and show that by living decent lives?
Cabin F. makes good points. I do think our particular congregation is trying to move past the check list approach. That is why we are spending time doing this. I know some don’t understand the slow approach, but I think in the past in some places there has been a check list approach. This allows a person who may not have the heart of God to be appointed. I am really open to having a good discussion here, or anywhere really, about the divorce piece. While we should not do the rock-throwing kind of judgement, we must discern and decide about certain things. That’s why Paul has this list and others. Right?
Sherron is right. These qualities are important for all to consider; clearly they are important to God. Of course, not everyone is gifted with all these things.
Bigg Daddy for Sargent at Arms? We could create a new position in the church. Any unruly teen could be turned over to him for discipline.
Neva makes a great point, connecting the mundaneness of life with the family. How true! Faithfulness in the small things seems to be really important to God. Think about it. Widows, orphans, children, the hungry, the sick, the down and out, etc. are all portrayed in the Scriptures as being very dear to God. He expects us to love them as he does. I think Neva is a wonderful elder’s wife, and I think that is true of the other two as well.
In case you are wondering, Gino is alive and well. I have spent a fair amount of time with him in the last few days. He has not had computer access for a little while. He is doing well.
I may be flogging a dead horse, here, but I think we need to remember that, not being qualified to be an elder or deacon isn't the same thing as being a "bad" Christian. The vast majority of us, divorced or not, aren't qualified.
Donna
Donna; I know what you are saying. At this point in my life I know I am not qualified to be either an elder or a decon; and I most likely will never be. You are very right it is vastly different than being a "BAD" christian; I have been one. I hope Big Daddy was not on this horse that you may be hitting. It is good to hear that Gino is doing well. Robin
When it comes right down to it, we are all saved by the grace of God and all of us have issues to work on and there are no perfect choices out there since none of us are. There are some that stand out as people who are able to discern what is best for the whole body and who do it with compassion and wisdom. I echo Allen's thoughts on Neva. She and Wayne are good examples of faithfulness and concern for others. They were with us during Brent's ordeal almost two years ago, along with others, praying and showing genuine concern. It wasn't an assignment from a check list. They do things from the heart along with all the other good and humble leaders we are so blessed with at Mitchell. We have to remember that the church is not a club where you work your way up through the 'chairs' to elevated positions. The job of leadership in the church is much different. It gets down to the basics of humble service in looking out for the well being of the flock and the well being of our souls most of all. There was a reason that God set out the qualifications in His word and we may not understand all of it or agree with it but we trust His wisdom that it is for our good. Have a blessed day everyone. Sherron
Donna,how true! I've always been amused when we have these discussions that people worry about not including some very good people because they are unqualified to be an elder or deacon.Donna and I (and all other women)have always been considered "unqualified" but that doesn't prevent us being involved in whatever we can do.Besides, many highly qualified men don't feel adequate for the job and will refuse the office if offered. As for the divorce issue, I have waffled on that one many times and still don't know where I stand. Many of us made bad choices when we were very young because we possibly had more freedom than our maturity level could handle. It was just by the grace of God that I was able to meet a wonderful Christian man when I was still very young and immature and he has stuck with me through all these years. I shudder to think where I would be if I had married one of the boys I dated as a teenager.
Neva, so Wayne was even old when you guys dated? Wow, he has always been an old man.
I think this is a very interesting discussion. Very true that some think to be an Elder you have to be a "Super Christian". I think it is more that you have to have the talents ( God given!!!) and desire to go along with being a Christian. No one should ever feel like they are 2nd string because they didnt get nominated or selected either.
The topic of divorce seems to never miss out on discussion. Bigg Daddy get the horse ready! Do you really think that it is that big of deal to God ? It seems to me that some CoC think it is the great unpardonable sin. I struggle with understanding this topic and I struggle with it when trying to apply it to the selection of an elder or deacon. We have some great guys, some I would call "super Christians" doing super things in our church that fall under this. I love them everyone and would let them shepard me as well.
(BD, I hear the horse galloping my way)
RR
Ryan, I was 17 when Wayne and I met at Harding and he was 20, so I guess he has always been much older than I.
I'll bet you probably think he never did anything silly. Just not his personality,huh? Wrong!!!He could tell some stories if he could remember them,but that's never stopped him before. OK, Wayne I'm just kidding. You can't live with a kidder without some of it rubbing off.
The blog is much more fun and interesting this week. It feels more like a Godly arena than it did last week. As a matter of fact, I had decided not to blog here anymore because it felt like we were moving in a direction I didn't need to go. A friend of mine told me to hang in there, that they would miss me so here I am again :o).
First; Noble had a beautiful prayer and reminded all of us of how we should be praying. Thank you Noble!
Second; Neva, you and Wayne are such a wonderful addition to our church family. You both make such a difference in all our lives. Thanks for being the Godly examples that you are.
Third; WOW! We are finally talking about the leadership deal :o). How do we know if we are thinking about nominating someone if they meet all of the qualifications? Alot of people are very private about their lives behind closed doors. Do we just nominate who we think qualifies and then let the current leaders sort it all out? Is there a certain number we are shooting for as leaders? And the part about children obeying, does that mean minor children or are adult children included in that? (I for one seem to have no control over my adult children!!)
Diane
[More] various thoughts in regard to today’s posts.
Donna’s point is excellent and is always needed to contextualize the discussion. We are talking about specific roles in leadership. There are many ways to serve, and everyone is precious in the eyes of God. I don’t think elders are super-Christians, but they do need to be good examples and model what they want the flock to be. Giftedness is a key concept I think. Ephesians 4:11-16 talks about leadership as gifts from God.
I am sure that there are people in the congregation today who are not “qualified” to be in various roles, but we grow, change, and develop. The leaders of tomorrow may be surprising to us. That, in part is why we are going through this process very deliberately, which evidently is a little frustrating to some.
Someone suggested that the present leadership already knows who they want in certain positions but are just going through this process to let the congregation think they had a part. THAT’S WAY, WAY OFF! We are trying to allow the Spirit of God move among us and identify the right people. I really do not know what is going to happen. I could guess on some of the names that will be suggested, but I also guess that I will be surprised by the process. What we are doing is real and authentic. It is also a great opportunity to remember and relearn things that perhaps some of us already knew, and I think many are learning things for the first time. Why should we hurry this important process?
Indeed, there is no perfect person.
I really am willing to discuss the divorce issue. I don’t think the CofC is the only group that has historically taken a conservative view towards divorce. IF I remember right, the early church, for like the first 500 years, took a very stringent stance against divorce. As for “our” view, I suggest you reread my divorce sermon. There is a link to it, right below my inspirational picture. We have several divorced people doing very key things in our church. I have had some divorced people tell me that they think our present position of not having divorced men serve as elders and deacons is right. Again, I am open to talk about it. But let me say, and you know this, I am advocate for loving and accepting divorced folks. We are all flawed; very flawed. I think divorce is a huge deal for God (along with lots of things), but it is not the unpardonable sin by any means.
Diane, here some thoughts in regard to your questions. If a person is really private and secretive with their life, then I would have to wonder what kind of leader he would be? Am I off on this? Shepherds, especially, need to be pretty relational, in my mind.
Here’s what I think is going to happen:
Sunday we’ll talk about elders, and the next Sunday deacons. Then we’ll ask for names from the congregation of those who they think are good possibilities to be elders and deacons. The present elders will talk to these men and see if they are willing, etc. If so, then their names will be put before the congregation to see if anyone knows of any scriptural reason as to why he should not serve. [I’ve seen this done several times and have never seen an objection.]
There are no set numbers that we are seeking. I do have a dream that I would like to see. I may share it with you some time later.
Sorry about the long post...
Thanks Allen...........and it may be that I have become very anti-social and just don't give these folks a chance to share their lives with me.......I don't seem to be quite as open with people myself as I once was. I pray about it but this seems to be who I have evolved into over the past few years. How can I know the difference?
Diane
Diane, I appreciate your transparency. I’m not sure how you tell the difference. I know I struggle with this myself. Some people don’t believe it, but I lean toward introversion and shyness. I have to work at relationality; sometimes I don’t work hard enough.
I think presence and proximity are important in discerning leadership and “follow-ship” qualitites. I personally think it starts in church attendance, which I think is important to God, but it doesn’t end there.
Personally, I think you are a fun, delightful human being (see, I remember that you thought my picture was fun). Seriously you are enjoyable to be around. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and don’t deprive the rest of us from seeing you enough! Your smiling face is always an encouragement to me.
Having grown up in the CoC, sometimes, I lean towards some of the old traditions and feel like I can rationalize my way into why we do some of the things we do (instrumental music, communion every week, etc...). Most of that rationalization probably falls right in line with the way most of us think. Thos are all topis that can be open for interpretations sometimes due to not have a set of distinct rules about them.
On the requirements for being an elder, I have also wondered about the divorce issue, but (unless the translation is flawed) I have always felt it was pretty clear.
I am friends with and love many folks that have been through divorce. I don't think any less of them, but I can't change God's words to justify culture. Many of those folks are doing great things in our church. In a lot of cases more than many of us.
I sometimes worry that we get a little hung up on titles and positions of authority. That is very contidictory to the title Shepherd. The sheep follow the shepherd becuase of trust not his authority.
I hope that I've not offended anyone, it's not my intention. I just want to make sure that we let God lead us through this and we don't start leading ourselves.
Brent
Thanks for your kind words Allen. I will keep working on my "introversion". Five years ago I would not have beleived you if you said I would become this way.
Brent, I think you presented your message very clearly and you are right about all of it. We have to follow scripture and it is very plain about divorced men. Being raised in the CofC myself I understand your feelings. I am glad that our church has finally started to recognize that these men have an important role even without the "titles" that are given to some. We are blessed to have these men and their wives in our family.
Diane
My class night was very interesting. We had a spirited (or should that be Spirited?) discussion about many things but mostly about the family life of elders. There were a lot of diverse opinions. To me it demonstrated the value of collaboration in community. I think we all better understand each other as a result of the conversation. I love my Wednesday class!
Bigg Daddy, Sargent at Arms, continues to impress many of us with his wisdom and insight that comes from experience; experience that has not all been good; experience that seems to me that God is redeeming and using Charlie to teach us some things. Thanks BD, SAA.
Wow! It is a beautiful morning! I went back to my pond and watched the sun rise and the fog rise off the waters only to quickly dissipate. Reminded me of James 4 and the fact they were mists that appear for only a little while. What awaits us after our days of mist is exciting! Come, Lord Jesus.
From The Writer’s Almanac:
Today is the summer solstice and the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere. For those of us in the north, today will be the longest day of the year and tonight will be the shortest night. The entire earth is about 3 million miles farther from the sun at this time of the year. The difference in the temperature is due to the fact that our planet is tilted on its axis, and at this time of year, the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, receiving more direct radiation for longer periods of time each day. It is that slight tilt, only 23 1/2 degrees, that makes the difference between winter and summer. The rise in temperature allows most of the plants we eat to germinate. Wheat and many other plants require an average temperature of at least 40º F to grow. Corn needs a temperature of 50º F, and rice needs a temperature of 68º F.
HAPPY SUMMER!
I was going to share this story last night in class but it wasn't totally on subject, and class was pretty lively and didn't need any fillers.
In class we were talking about children and how they sometimes sway from the path when they grow up and leave home, and how they come back into the fold after going out into the world for a while.
A lady I work with, who is my age (her husband 10 yrs older) said to me the other day "I know I am going to hell" Here is her story...
My friend and her husband were both children of ministers. Both of their churches were very strict, no pants for the women, no tv, etc etc. They also had strong doctrine about how you get to heaven. While both were similar in strictness, they differed on certain things. These things were ingrained in both her and her husband and they finally decided after yrs of being married that they just wouldn't talk about those things anymore because neither could be swayed by what they felt was true.
They also couldn't decide on what church to go to so they stopped going altogether. One thing that bothers my friend is that she did not teach her children anything about God and they were never churched although both grandparents had input with the children on the subject.
Both her and her husband were turned off by growing up in homes where everything was so strict, most things they saw at school with other children was condemned, and so on and so forth. The funny thing to me is that both of them truly believe the things they were taught, on the important parts anyway. And this is why she thinks she is going to hell.
Over the years I have talked to her a lot but I have gotten nowhere, well I should say no where that makes a difference. She actually feels the same about most things I do, its just that she feels condemned. I don't know what else to say to her to help her.
Annette
Allen; you talking about going to your pond this morning reminded me of my summer days spent in Maine on Long Lake. Almost every Sunday morning I would go down to the lake early before others would be up just to watch the sun coming up and the hear the water splash against the lake. Many of the Sunday mornings were mornings after a very hard Saturday night of blowing off steam; not always things that I would advise others to do or things that I would want to do again. Big Daddy's word about marriage were so beautiful and heart felt last night. They hit a cord with me. It was a great class. Hope all have a great day. Robin
Annette, does she not believe in God's grace? Maybe she really just needs alot of encouragement and that will help her become active in church again and feel God's forgiveness and grace. What is the point of living if there is no grace? How sad for her! Pray about it and I will too.........I'm sure others here will offer up a special prayer for her too. :o)
Diane
Well, I am off on a big adventure in Michigan. I present my paper at the Christian Scholars Conference in morning. Then I will need to leave to be back here for Jodie’s wedding rehearsal. I would appreciate your prayers for safe travel and clarity of thought during the Q&A challenge part.
Annette’s friend’s story is sad, but I am afraid that it is not that unusual. The woman’s feelings are the charred remains of legalism. Grace is very hard to see through those eyes. Some of us who have found grace still sometimes have a hard time seeing and believing it. It’s amazing.
Allen, I'm glad you shared the Writer's Almanac this morning about the summer sun. I receive it each morning at work and listen to it first thing. It is interesting and educational and of course I love the daily poems. Wish I could have seen the mist from the pond. Such a good and mature discussion this week. So many good things said and honest concerns shared. Diane, I go through times where I withdraw too for various reasons and that is not a bad thing, because Jesus did that too. I think there are times we need to be alone with our thoughts, get our 'compasses' set on our true 'North Star' and reflect. I think it is human nature and the pulling of the spirit sometimes. As long as we stay in touch with His spirit and follow what we know is true and right He will lead us home. Donna, I need to share with you something that happened a long time ago when I worked with young people. There was an occasion that while teaching separate (girls, mine--boys, a male teacher) that the male teacher had to be gone and the class had to be combined and can remember getting a small repremand from a leader's wife that I probably should not have taught the class of 'men'. Hard-headed as I am, I didn't let that stop me from teaching them. And it didn't stop me from trying to be a leader of those children, boys and girls. I knew that there was no choice that night because there was noone to take over. I guess I got some of that from a spunky little elder's wife at Jasonville CofC who didn't sit back and just let things not happen that needed to be done. She was responsible for putting the first kitchen in that church and a bathroom inside too. It was so funny. You had to go up front to go through the door to the potty and everyone knew what was going on and the audible flush would embarass any teenager to tears. Good memories of simpler times. The issue of 'not lording it over' was fitting from Brent, he makes me so proud. Like Neva, I thank God for leading me to the man I married who has been a gentle rock for us all. It could have been much different. God was leading, I know. My neighbor lady came over yesterday and I told her of Noble's prayer and Esther said to tell Noble thank you from her. She and I share this gardening sickness. Also please pray for her nephew, Gregory Zibrun who was by himself on vacation in the Ukraine in Russia and had a serious stroke there and is in the hospital unable to be moved. His family in Chicago is working through translaters monitoring his condition. She asked that he be put on our prayer list. Esther's husband Ed, has also been in the hospital the past week and is on oxygen all the time. Our neighbor was also killed in an accident this past week so it has been quite a trying week for our neighbors. Have a wonderful day. Sherron
I'm running way behind the conversation here, but, Donna, I think you are exactly right--I think "feeling our way around" the topic of divorce is where we are and where we need to be--it's not comfortable and it's not easy, but I think it's,more accurately, where we fit in as fellow human beings. I'm glad things are changing and that's where we are. I've just been catching up reading the blog--very thought provoking and encouraging. Summer Solstice up here means that people begin saying "winter is just around the corner" :) It's too beautiful today to worry much about that, though---Jillena
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