Be Still and Know That I Am God

 Here is my entrance for next Father’s Day. 

 

It was one of the entries for our Car Show.  It’s the world’s fastest snowmobile. It’s done over 200 mph on ice.  So we’ll ice down one of the aisles and…  

Thanks to Mark, Chuck, Debbie, Karyn, Denise, Jenny, and everyone who went the extra mile to make the goofiness happen on Father’s Day. (Oh yeah, and thanks Clark).  If you haven’t seen it yet it’s online at Parkview Media Center.  

I’m writing this from seclusion today.  Jesus set an example by often withdrawing from the crowds.  I’ve been doing that for the past three days. Fasting and solitude are two really good spiritual disciplines that I would recommend for any of you. It’s not about ministry; it’s about the soul.  It’s not easy, no discipline is, but it is so beneficial to your soul.  

As we finish up another ministry year and get ready to head into another one, I’m looking for answers from God.  I need affirmation; I need to be with my Father and know he is God.  

It’s a weird place for me.  I Timothy 4:12 has always been a theme verse for me.  

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

What’s really bothering me is the realization that I ain’t “youth” anymore.  As a matter of fact, I’m probably older than Paul was when he wrote this to his young protégé!  But that doesn’t take away from the calling.  I have to watch my life and doctrine closely, because a lot of people depend on it.  My friend, Gene Appel talked about the nuances of being a large church pastor. He said when the church was small it was like he was driving a stock car in a race.  But when the church became large, so did the ramifications of the race.  Now it was a multi-million dollar racecar he was driving around the track.  If I crash, it’s a much more expensive issue – in many ways.  We just studied this passage in James where he said, “Not many should be teachers, because you will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1)  

So I take seriously this calling to be the Pastor at PCC. I want you to know that. I’m doing everything I can to watch my life and doctrine closely.  The bigger this thing gets, the more I need to rely on God, because it’s way out of my ability.  

Henry Nouwen says, “A Christian leader is a man of hope whose strength in the final analysis is based neither on self-confidence derived from his personality nor on specific expectations for the future, but on a promise given to him… This hope prevents us from clinging to what we have and frees us to move away from the safe place and enter unknown and fearful territory.” (Wounded Healer).  

And that is where I shall always be.  Fearful, unknowing, and dependent.  

Tim

Comments

[Mr. Puggle]

And a bigger target for the enemy. I pray for you front men at the church. Stay transparent and away from secrets. Keep asking for us to pray for you guys too. You can't do it alone. Ya need those around you to keep your arms raised to win the ultimate battle. May you all keep up the great work!

[Paula]

That's one way cool ride!!!

More Henri Nouwen (With Open Hands):

"Often we use the word "GOD". This word can suggest something fascinating as well as horrible, attractive as well as repelling, seductive as well as dangerous, all-absorbing as well as nourishing. It is like the sun. Without the sun, there can be no life, but if we come too close to it, we are burned. The CHRISTIAN, however, believes that GOD is not "something", but rather a Person who is Love -- perfect Love. The Christian knows it is possible to enter into dialogue with this Loving GOD...AND SO WORK AT RENEWING THE EARTH. Praying, therefore, is the most critical activity we are capable of, for when we Pray, we are never satisfied with the world of here and now and are constantly striving to realize the NEW WORLD, THE FIRST GLIMMERS OF WHICH WE HAVE ALREADY SEEN." (caps mine)

And you are young at heart...that's what HE sees, and what we see when you are still and grateful for His Gift, to the Father you will always be 'tiny' Tim :)

AMEN. GOD BLESS HIS CHURCH :)

[Josh]

Really glad to hear you are doing that Tim. Keep up the good work. Doctrine is so important. The last thing anyone wants is for thousands of people to be able to sit there every week and not really be challenged, especially about their salvation. No one should be able to claim ignorance about what is required.

[Ron]

Dude!

I mean, like, DUDE! What's with the "Youth" crisis? You're the perfect age for what you do - no more, no less. As another 40-something, I realize I have no chance at being Eagle Scout anymore but I've adapted to doing what I can now, with no regret or wish for do-overs. It's the perfect time to reflect and determine what else I SHOULD be doing to lead, or help others. You're already there, and provide more inspiration than you realize.

Dude! Thanks!