Can I be honest with you? Some things just don't make sense to me. In chapter 43 is one of those things.
It seems that Israel wasn't kidding about leaving Simeon in prison. The entire family ate through the first portion of what they brought back and it seems that Israel relents when he realizes this was really his only way to get food.
I couldn't understand a scenario where I would let my son rot away in prison and not do whatever I could do to get him out.
It's a head scratched to me.
Heart & Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Genesis 42...
You can't make this stuff up!!!! Joseph's brothers come to Egypt and fulfill the dream of Joe a few chapters back. (one of the factors that lead him to Egypt in the first place). It had to be all the sweeter when Joseph realized that he was going unnoticed.
One thing that really stuck out is how quickly the brothers brought what they did to Joseph out on the table as a reason they were experiencing this trouble.
Years have passed since that day in the wilderness when they were contemplating murder finally settling on saling him. This action still seems to be haunting them.
Sin does that. It lingers and haunts and traps us in a prison of our own making. What we have to do is the hard part of exposing it by allowing the cross of Christ to break us free. Only when we do this will we experience life to the fullest.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
One thing that really stuck out is how quickly the brothers brought what they did to Joseph out on the table as a reason they were experiencing this trouble.
Years have passed since that day in the wilderness when they were contemplating murder finally settling on saling him. This action still seems to be haunting them.
Sin does that. It lingers and haunts and traps us in a prison of our own making. What we have to do is the hard part of exposing it by allowing the cross of Christ to break us free. Only when we do this will we experience life to the fullest.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Friday, March 27, 2009
Genesis 41...
Two more years pass as we dive into chapter 41 and Jospeh is just now getting the rescue he desperately had been hoping for. A verse that really stuck out to me this moring was 16.
Joe is for the first time in a while experiencing fresh air, fresh clothes, and a fresh bath, Pharoah asks if he can interpret his dream and notice Joseph's first response: "No, I can't". I would imagine this would be a very dangerous response especially with Joe knowing where he could end back up.
But Joseph says he can't but God will!!!
What a powerful thought. Knowing the limits you have while giving God credit for what He is about to do through you.
What about you? In the middle of an issue when people are looking to you for leadership or advice, what source gets the credit. YOU? GOD? WIKIPEDIA? Joseph clearly wanted to impress Pharoah and stay out of prison, but was unwilling to take credit for something that clearly God was most definitely doing through him.
How about you?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Joe is for the first time in a while experiencing fresh air, fresh clothes, and a fresh bath, Pharoah asks if he can interpret his dream and notice Joseph's first response: "No, I can't". I would imagine this would be a very dangerous response especially with Joe knowing where he could end back up.
But Joseph says he can't but God will!!!
What a powerful thought. Knowing the limits you have while giving God credit for what He is about to do through you.
What about you? In the middle of an issue when people are looking to you for leadership or advice, what source gets the credit. YOU? GOD? WIKIPEDIA? Joseph clearly wanted to impress Pharoah and stay out of prison, but was unwilling to take credit for something that clearly God was most definitely doing through him.
How about you?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Genesis 40...
Joseph gets some new cell mates who have ties with the king of Egypt. After hearing and interpretting their dreams, I am wondering if Joe was thinking "Surely, this will be my rescue? What are the odds that all these stars would align and I would be in close proximity to two men who are in the very throne room of the king?"
If I were Joseph, as the cupbearer was leaving the prison, I would have been packing my bags and saying good bye because I would have thought that God was using this to rescue me. And though in the next chapter this will be true, verse 23 must have come as a crushing blow. The cupbearer forgot about Joseph, one day goes by and no rescue, two days and no rescue, one month and no rescue, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months no rescue. Two years will pass between verse 23 of chapter 40 and verse 1 of chapter 41.
I am reminded today that God's time and working in my life is at a pace determined by Him alone. He will come to the rescue but I must remain patient and allow Him to deliver me.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
If I were Joseph, as the cupbearer was leaving the prison, I would have been packing my bags and saying good bye because I would have thought that God was using this to rescue me. And though in the next chapter this will be true, verse 23 must have come as a crushing blow. The cupbearer forgot about Joseph, one day goes by and no rescue, two days and no rescue, one month and no rescue, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months no rescue. Two years will pass between verse 23 of chapter 40 and verse 1 of chapter 41.
I am reminded today that God's time and working in my life is at a pace determined by Him alone. He will come to the rescue but I must remain patient and allow Him to deliver me.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Genisis 39...
Here we dive into one of the most recognizable stories in the old testament. Joseph is cornered day after day by a woman wanting to sleep with him. Instead of giving in and justifying his actions, he acknowledges the damage would be done to Potiphar but more importantly he refused to do such a diservice to his Heavenly Father. So Joseph flees from his temptor but still ends up in a jail cell.
How many times have you done the right thing only to not get your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Go through the chapter and note how many times there is a reference of God's action in Joseph's life. Take a speial note of the location of these words. God was with Joseph before the wife's advances and during the prison sentence.
The same is true for you. The same God that would see Joseph through the dungeon is the same one that will see you through your storm.
Keep reading because in the following chapters you will see unmistakingly the unfolding plan of God.
Heart & Soul,
BAG
<><
How many times have you done the right thing only to not get your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Go through the chapter and note how many times there is a reference of God's action in Joseph's life. Take a speial note of the location of these words. God was with Joseph before the wife's advances and during the prison sentence.
The same is true for you. The same God that would see Joseph through the dungeon is the same one that will see you through your storm.
Keep reading because in the following chapters you will see unmistakingly the unfolding plan of God.
Heart & Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Genesis 38...
Sorry it's taken a little while with another Genesis post. I have been diving elsewhere in sermon prep.
Chapter 38...
This chapter has a Shakesperian feel to it, as if there is always just one surprise lurking around the corner just waiting to unleash itself on every character in the play. Because Judah was looking in love in all the wrong places is tricked and sleeps with his daughter in law. He finds out that she is pregnant and is ready to burn her when he finds out it's his kid (sounds like a soap opera).
Have you ever been guilty of something like that? Your zeal leads you to judgement over another only to realize that you are just as much if not more guilty than the other party?
We need to walk a fine line when it comes to punishment and judgement. Because you just never know when you will be exposed for actions you thought were hidden but have been in plain sight all this time.
Heart & Soul,
BAG
<><
Chapter 38...
This chapter has a Shakesperian feel to it, as if there is always just one surprise lurking around the corner just waiting to unleash itself on every character in the play. Because Judah was looking in love in all the wrong places is tricked and sleeps with his daughter in law. He finds out that she is pregnant and is ready to burn her when he finds out it's his kid (sounds like a soap opera).
Have you ever been guilty of something like that? Your zeal leads you to judgement over another only to realize that you are just as much if not more guilty than the other party?
We need to walk a fine line when it comes to punishment and judgement. Because you just never know when you will be exposed for actions you thought were hidden but have been in plain sight all this time.
Heart & Soul,
BAG
<><
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Merge Tomorrow...
I am really excited about the new series we are starting tomorrow at Merge. You don't want to miss this one. We are going to talk about Jesus. A topic, to me, that never gets old.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
A Conversation With Barak...
Misty just told me about a conversation Barak and her had today on their way to work. It went something like this:
B--- mom, I had a terrible dream last night. A monster ate my body.
M--- were you scared?
B--- no, I kicked it's butt.
That's my boy. The monster killer.
B--- mom, I had a terrible dream last night. A monster ate my body.
M--- were you scared?
B--- no, I kicked it's butt.
That's my boy. The monster killer.
Genesis 36...
In the mist of all the sons of Esau and the rulers of Edom there is one overriding thought there. The phrase is praticularly more noticable in the last part of the chapter as the kings are listed.
Did you catch it? It's one phrase that is consistent with all of them.
How about now?
All right, I'll tell you. "_________, succeeded him as king."
To me this has many different implications:
As a dad, how I train Barak will have a dramatic effect in how he trains his children.
As a husband, how I treat Misty makes a difference in how people see love in a marriage.
As a pastor, how I challenge and teach today will change how the next generation of leaders accept their call.
As a leader, I am reminded that eventually someone will be following in the steps that I am no longer walking in. Merge will eventually (hopefully many, many years down the road) be under the leadership of another man.
Our lives are very much cycles of breathing and eating and sleeping and doing. One day it will wrap up. Now the good news is that we have a say in how well our stories end. We can influence the person that will succeed us. In fact great leaders will always leave their organization in better hands than it was previously (if they were doing their job as a mentor).
I am reminded of a verse in the book of Daniel that reminds me how everything I do is simply a stewardship rewarded to me by my Heavenly Father. "The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and He gives them to anyone He wishes."
I hope you realize that one day the world will revolve without you. If you are doing your job, your company, your department, your team will be able to survive without you. But don't let that be your excuse to shuck responsibility, rather let it motivate you to go all out as you make a great difference in this world.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Did you catch it? It's one phrase that is consistent with all of them.
How about now?
All right, I'll tell you. "_________, succeeded him as king."
To me this has many different implications:
As a dad, how I train Barak will have a dramatic effect in how he trains his children.
As a husband, how I treat Misty makes a difference in how people see love in a marriage.
As a pastor, how I challenge and teach today will change how the next generation of leaders accept their call.
As a leader, I am reminded that eventually someone will be following in the steps that I am no longer walking in. Merge will eventually (hopefully many, many years down the road) be under the leadership of another man.
Our lives are very much cycles of breathing and eating and sleeping and doing. One day it will wrap up. Now the good news is that we have a say in how well our stories end. We can influence the person that will succeed us. In fact great leaders will always leave their organization in better hands than it was previously (if they were doing their job as a mentor).
I am reminded of a verse in the book of Daniel that reminds me how everything I do is simply a stewardship rewarded to me by my Heavenly Father. "The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and He gives them to anyone He wishes."
I hope you realize that one day the world will revolve without you. If you are doing your job, your company, your department, your team will be able to survive without you. But don't let that be your excuse to shuck responsibility, rather let it motivate you to go all out as you make a great difference in this world.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Genesis 35...
There is a lot going on here. Jacob is returning to Bethel and in so doing is fulfilling a covenant God had started long ago. Here we see God tell Jacob to be furitful and and basically continue to build the nation of God's children.
Jacob loses the wife he spent 14 years working for. Rachel was the one that caught his eye and seems to hold a special place in his heart. Her death had to have a dramatic effect on the entire family dynamic.
What spoke the loudest to me today was Jacob's return to the home he fled from years earlier. As his father passes away Jacob arrives just in time. I wonder how those conversations went in those last days? As Jacob, Esau and Isaac spoke about the past, the present and the future.
This may sound a bit corny, but, this chapter is a reminder to me that the ones that I love deeply will eventually breathe their last breath. Dying is a part of living. I am encouraged today to make the time we do have with one another mean something. Let us not live lives just waiting to expire.
Let us live rich lives full of the adventures of the God size; that way when we do breath our last breath it will be in an attempt to catch it one final time.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Jacob loses the wife he spent 14 years working for. Rachel was the one that caught his eye and seems to hold a special place in his heart. Her death had to have a dramatic effect on the entire family dynamic.
What spoke the loudest to me today was Jacob's return to the home he fled from years earlier. As his father passes away Jacob arrives just in time. I wonder how those conversations went in those last days? As Jacob, Esau and Isaac spoke about the past, the present and the future.
This may sound a bit corny, but, this chapter is a reminder to me that the ones that I love deeply will eventually breathe their last breath. Dying is a part of living. I am encouraged today to make the time we do have with one another mean something. Let us not live lives just waiting to expire.
Let us live rich lives full of the adventures of the God size; that way when we do breath our last breath it will be in an attempt to catch it one final time.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Monday, March 16, 2009
Genesis 34...
You just can't make up this stuff. Jacob's daughter is defiled and her assailant comes in after the fact and decides that he wants to marry her. What a strange request, you would think that he would have done this in reverse order. Either way, once again I am blown away with the deception of Jacob's family as it seeps it's way into yet another chapter. They convince the men to be circumscribed only to attack them with their proverbial pants down.
However, it were my sister, I can't say I wouldn't have done the same.
But that doesn't make it right.
The trouble with this scene is not in what is written but in what isn't. Many times in scripture you will see a situation similar to this one and then read the words, "Then ___________, inquired of the Lord." In verse 34 we see no reference of God or Jacob's family seeking counsel.
How about you? If we were reading the chapters of your life thus far, would we see these words?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
However, it were my sister, I can't say I wouldn't have done the same.
But that doesn't make it right.
The trouble with this scene is not in what is written but in what isn't. Many times in scripture you will see a situation similar to this one and then read the words, "Then ___________, inquired of the Lord." In verse 34 we see no reference of God or Jacob's family seeking counsel.
How about you? If we were reading the chapters of your life thus far, would we see these words?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Friday, March 13, 2009
Genesis 32...
I have decided to start blogging a little bit of what I read in my Bible. This takes the fact that I rarely have anything useful to say and hopefully gives you some encouragement for the day.
I have been in Genesis for a little over a month now. I have read through God's introdcution as He and the Trinity created planet earth, I found myself encompassed in God's meticulous desgin of man and woman, there was a flood, a guy named Abraham, Issac who was the father of Esau and Jacob. The past week or so I have been walking in the scene of Jacob.
Let me just tell you...I DON'T GET WHY GOD WOULD USE JACOB!!!!!!
He is a deceiver who takes advantage of people what seems to be at every opportunity. He cheats his brother out of his father's blessing, schemes his father in law and all through it we see that God was blessing everything he touched. This just seems strange. In fact, to quote a fifth grader "It just isn't fair".
That's right, it's not fair. Nothing really is. What is 'fair' is that God would have ended it all after Adam and Eve chose to disobey. What was fair is the end of mankind in scene one.
What we have to keep in mind is that through this line we will see some of the great hero's of faith. Joseph, David, Solomon....a guy named Jesus (He is a pretty big player in this game).
I am learning more and more that as God is orchestrating His will in our lives, we have to trust that His ways are secure and safe. That He is not rolling the dice with our lives.
This doesn't really say much about chapter 32 so why don't you go ahead and read it.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
I have been in Genesis for a little over a month now. I have read through God's introdcution as He and the Trinity created planet earth, I found myself encompassed in God's meticulous desgin of man and woman, there was a flood, a guy named Abraham, Issac who was the father of Esau and Jacob. The past week or so I have been walking in the scene of Jacob.
Let me just tell you...I DON'T GET WHY GOD WOULD USE JACOB!!!!!!
He is a deceiver who takes advantage of people what seems to be at every opportunity. He cheats his brother out of his father's blessing, schemes his father in law and all through it we see that God was blessing everything he touched. This just seems strange. In fact, to quote a fifth grader "It just isn't fair".
That's right, it's not fair. Nothing really is. What is 'fair' is that God would have ended it all after Adam and Eve chose to disobey. What was fair is the end of mankind in scene one.
What we have to keep in mind is that through this line we will see some of the great hero's of faith. Joseph, David, Solomon....a guy named Jesus (He is a pretty big player in this game).
I am learning more and more that as God is orchestrating His will in our lives, we have to trust that His ways are secure and safe. That He is not rolling the dice with our lives.
This doesn't really say much about chapter 32 so why don't you go ahead and read it.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
A Blog Of A Good Friend...
Most of the time I like to poke fun at this guy for being a Kelly Clarkson loving, Taylor Swift listening, Drumline watching, Momma's boy. But Swine has been going through the Gospel of Matthew on his blog. He is asking some really good questions about God's Word.
You should check it out: follow the link on the right.
Now that I have said that...I am back to picking on Swine.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
You should check it out: follow the link on the right.
Now that I have said that...I am back to picking on Swine.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Take Away's From "Doing Life @ The Speed Of God" Series...
At Merge we just wrapped up our latest series. Here are a few thoughts that I am taking away from this series:
1) God will not send you to a place He has not prepared you for.
2) Even though we may have a thousands excuses to not "go", God's one reason to "go" is enough.
3) The process from the promise to the promised land is sometimes painful but that doesn't mean that God isn't in the middle of it all orchestrating His will in your life.
4) Coming to your "Red Sea" is as much a part of God's plan as you actually crossing it.
5) Jake said something really inspirational in that week and will take me to long to type it out.
6) Change of place + Change of pace = Change of perspective
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
1) God will not send you to a place He has not prepared you for.
2) Even though we may have a thousands excuses to not "go", God's one reason to "go" is enough.
3) The process from the promise to the promised land is sometimes painful but that doesn't mean that God isn't in the middle of it all orchestrating His will in your life.
4) Coming to your "Red Sea" is as much a part of God's plan as you actually crossing it.
5) Jake said something really inspirational in that week and will take me to long to type it out.
6) Change of place + Change of pace = Change of perspective
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Evidence Of Body Shots In The Bible...
Song of Songs 7:2 (NIV)
2 Your navel is a rounded goblet that never lacks blended wine.
We stumbled across this last night with our small group. The whole chapter had the boys giggling like junior highers (even if we didn't show it).
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
2 Your navel is a rounded goblet that never lacks blended wine.
We stumbled across this last night with our small group. The whole chapter had the boys giggling like junior highers (even if we didn't show it).
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Hurt People Hidden On The Highway....
I was driving home from working out this morning when all of a sudden the traffic on the highway went from 65mph to about 40mph. As more cars crowded around me I started getting frustrated about how this is disrupting my life, my schedule, my desires. I was needing to get back and get to work on the important things I have to do.
I thought of so many reasons why the traffic would slow so drastically; a fender bender, grandma escaping from the nursing home, a police speed trap, I even played out a scenario where an elephant got loose and I would be on the 5 oclock news (I would be in a wife beater and speak very hickish to represent my home town of Azle).
However, I was surprised when I realized what was the real reason. I drove up right behind a funeral procession where people were respectively not passing until given permission by the police officer to pass. In a flash of a moment something big happened in my heart. It was as if God spoke "BAG, the people in this line are hurting but are hidden in the middle of the chaos of everyday life. You need to keep your eyes open for these people because I am going to use you and Merge to help them for my glory."
Truth is, there are hurting people all around you hidden in the middle everyday life. A husband who is so full of fear that he may lose his job. A wife who is hurting because she doesn't feel that anyone cares about her. A child who is hurting because no matter how good they are, their efforts just don't seem to be noticed. People's hearts are hurting all around you if you will just take the time to notice.
What we must do as people of God is notice these hurts and allow God's Spirit to strengthen us to be a part of the solution. God will use you to help mend the brokenness of peoples hearts if you will ask Him to show you what He sees.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
I thought of so many reasons why the traffic would slow so drastically; a fender bender, grandma escaping from the nursing home, a police speed trap, I even played out a scenario where an elephant got loose and I would be on the 5 oclock news (I would be in a wife beater and speak very hickish to represent my home town of Azle).
However, I was surprised when I realized what was the real reason. I drove up right behind a funeral procession where people were respectively not passing until given permission by the police officer to pass. In a flash of a moment something big happened in my heart. It was as if God spoke "BAG, the people in this line are hurting but are hidden in the middle of the chaos of everyday life. You need to keep your eyes open for these people because I am going to use you and Merge to help them for my glory."
Truth is, there are hurting people all around you hidden in the middle everyday life. A husband who is so full of fear that he may lose his job. A wife who is hurting because she doesn't feel that anyone cares about her. A child who is hurting because no matter how good they are, their efforts just don't seem to be noticed. People's hearts are hurting all around you if you will just take the time to notice.
What we must do as people of God is notice these hurts and allow God's Spirit to strengthen us to be a part of the solution. God will use you to help mend the brokenness of peoples hearts if you will ask Him to show you what He sees.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Choosing Intentional Blindness Over Painful Sight...
I was talking with a leader the other day when he confessed that there have been times when he chose intentional blindness over the painful sight of the reality that was the current chapter. It is a really strong principle because we all do this at times. We choose to ingore the obvious because of the pain and work involved in recovering or adjusting what is necessary to fix the challenge.
The problem with making this choice is that problems don't stay alone, they compound and bring their friends and before you know it you are wading neck deep in the problems that you originally chose to ignore.
Now here is the thing, sometimes it's just easier to think if you ignore it then it will go away on it's own. You may even get lucky a time or two; but eventually you will feel the sting of intentional blindness.
What we have to do is get to a point where we are willing to tackle the beasts we would rather ignore in an effort to steer clear of unnecessary strife.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
The problem with making this choice is that problems don't stay alone, they compound and bring their friends and before you know it you are wading neck deep in the problems that you originally chose to ignore.
Now here is the thing, sometimes it's just easier to think if you ignore it then it will go away on it's own. You may even get lucky a time or two; but eventually you will feel the sting of intentional blindness.
What we have to do is get to a point where we are willing to tackle the beasts we would rather ignore in an effort to steer clear of unnecessary strife.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Monday, March 2, 2009
My Friend, Jessie Simon...
When I was 20 years old through an interesting turn of events (that's code for God working all things according to His plan) Misty and I were introduced to my dear friend Jessie Simon. Over the past 8 years we have packed a lifetime of experiences in the journey that God has lead us on together. We have seen some incredible peaks and have battled together through some very difficult battles. I am a better husband, friend and pastor because of his investment and his willingness to take a chance on me.
He has let me in on some of the private battles pastors face and has been transparent enough with me to teach and train through those moments. It is difficult to explain to people how I see him. Granted, there are times when relationships are difficult, expectations aren't met, feelings are hurt, etc. So to say the least, not every chapters has been rosy. But if you are honest can you show me one relationship of yours that have been nothing but floating on clouds? But above all, I am his friend and he is mine.
Yesterday, he transitioned into a brand new adventure by stepping down as pastor of The Ridge. This was a decision that did not come lightly or easily. He walked down a very long road, seeking the counsel of many as he was committed to doing two things really well: 1. Give The Ridge the best opportunity to thrive in it's community. 2. Step away in such a way that it would reflect greatly the love of God.
He did that so well. It is a rare occasion for a pastor to leave a church on his own terms. Many times he is forced out or prodded enough to the point where he sprints out the door. I was very proud of him and how he handled himself. He is a wise man of God.
Now, I know that some who read my blog may have different feelings about Jessie and find it difficult to see redeeming qualities in him. And I would challenge you to ask if you are holding him to a standard that would be impossible for you to reach if the roles were reversed. And ask you to explore the Scriptures and your heart about our role in loving God by loving people.
Over the years he has made some very difficult decisions that had impossible outcomes to please everyone. That's leadership 101, eventually you will be in a situation where regardless of your decision, you will upset someone or a group and they will make the choice to hold you in a relational prison. I get that in ways I would rather not.
But for me, I love the man. He is a flawed man who loves God and finds hope that tomorrow will always be a better day. I believe firmly that he showed great respect for the role of pastor and more importantly brought a smile to the face of His Heavenly Father.
I am changed because he played a big role in my life.
For that I am grateful.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
He has let me in on some of the private battles pastors face and has been transparent enough with me to teach and train through those moments. It is difficult to explain to people how I see him. Granted, there are times when relationships are difficult, expectations aren't met, feelings are hurt, etc. So to say the least, not every chapters has been rosy. But if you are honest can you show me one relationship of yours that have been nothing but floating on clouds? But above all, I am his friend and he is mine.
Yesterday, he transitioned into a brand new adventure by stepping down as pastor of The Ridge. This was a decision that did not come lightly or easily. He walked down a very long road, seeking the counsel of many as he was committed to doing two things really well: 1. Give The Ridge the best opportunity to thrive in it's community. 2. Step away in such a way that it would reflect greatly the love of God.
He did that so well. It is a rare occasion for a pastor to leave a church on his own terms. Many times he is forced out or prodded enough to the point where he sprints out the door. I was very proud of him and how he handled himself. He is a wise man of God.
Now, I know that some who read my blog may have different feelings about Jessie and find it difficult to see redeeming qualities in him. And I would challenge you to ask if you are holding him to a standard that would be impossible for you to reach if the roles were reversed. And ask you to explore the Scriptures and your heart about our role in loving God by loving people.
Over the years he has made some very difficult decisions that had impossible outcomes to please everyone. That's leadership 101, eventually you will be in a situation where regardless of your decision, you will upset someone or a group and they will make the choice to hold you in a relational prison. I get that in ways I would rather not.
But for me, I love the man. He is a flawed man who loves God and finds hope that tomorrow will always be a better day. I believe firmly that he showed great respect for the role of pastor and more importantly brought a smile to the face of His Heavenly Father.
I am changed because he played a big role in my life.
For that I am grateful.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
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