Who’s Next?

At our recent camp Meeting I watched almost 1400 teens as they exuberantly worshipped their Lord.  What I and many others saw as an amazing event should not have been viewed as such.  These were our youth whom we have raised up in our congregations.  It seems each preceding generation always questions whether the next generation will be able to carry the torch of the faith.

  I sometimes wonder if Paul had these misgivings about Timothy.  Did John Wesley question if there was anyone to carry on his ministry when he passed?  Did Martin Luther or other great fathers of the faith think they were the last to declare the beautiful story of Jesus Christ?

I remember as a young minister being chastised by an older pastor for what he considered my lack of commitment and work ethic.  He proceeded to tell me that my generation, “didn’t have what it took” to keep the church going forward.

Is it just me, or do these kinds of words deny the power of God?  Cannot God choose who He will, when He will, to do what he will to accomplish His plan for earth?  Who are we to decide we are the only ones that have the answer for the church and the world?  After all it does all belong to God.

Will there be another generation of godly men and women who will lead the kingdom of heaven?  Will there be another group of revivalists to impact this and any future society with His glorious light?  I don’t know!  That’s not up to me!

What I can do is celebrate with them their calls to service.  What I will do is encourage, disciple, and mentor this “next” generation to follow their faith into their future.

After all, I believe it is Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit who determines “Who’s Next”.

Mean People

How do you deal with mean people?   I was recently reading the Proverbs and came across something interesting.  Proverbs 26:4 states, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.” NKJV.   The Contemporary English Version says, “Don’t make a fool of yourself by answering a fool.”

People who tell tales, love to criticize, berate , or defame are wishing for your response.  Do not pleasure them by engaging them. Allow them to wallow in their own folly by talking to themselves.  I have learned in life it is difficult to fight alone.  The person who tries only wears himself out.  If you don’t engage their blows, they are only shadow boxing.

Do not lower your standards.  Stay above the fray and allow your character to develop.  Ignore mean people and they will go away.  Afterall, what is one or a few mean people in God’s scheme of eternity?  Stay focused on the “prize” and do not be distracted by the fool.

Welcome to my blog!

I’m glad you stopped by! These writings are the simple musings of a 1st generation denominational leader with a desire to bring hope, inspiration and encouragement to those who read it.

My intention is not to preach to you or provide you with sermon outlines, but to provide some relief from the everyday cliches, challenges, and struggles of life.

I look forward to sharing with you simple thoughts and understandings of my journey, perhaps to give you a lift and a place of refuge for your daily walk.