Weary Yet Pursuing
November 12, 2011 Filed in: Ministry
One can find the title related to the Scripture Judges 8:4, when Gideon was in a time of battle with his 300 selected followers.
I know this journal is way overdue, but here's the scoop. Good progress has continued on my new house construction, and it started about 3 months ago. For me, some of the extra difficult physical work is not as much, and I think my body is catching up a bit. (I have 10 videos now)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6Cjv1GhTSM&feature=feedu
Most of my days have gone like this -- workday ending sometime between 4:30pm and 6p,m. ... then I go back to the home I'm presently in, sit in the recliner and soon doze off for 2-3 hrs ... then I wake up, feed my dog, take him for a walk, shower, then go to bed ... then Sammo (my dog) wakes me up at least 2 more times before I can stay sleeping till morning around 6-7am (Much of the evenings I'm too tired to eat)
Some have remarked humorously my weariness is because I'm "getting old", or because I haven't done such physical work for a long time. However, there is another factor people don't think about -- I have not had a proper vacation in about 30yrs. In the 90's I was fully consumed with revival ministry, and then for about 12 and 1/2 yrs after that taking care of Trish. Then came the stress of her death. But there was no time to rest, as the construction of the house soon ensued. I hope to move into the new home sometime early January. I am concerned that maybe I won't be permitted to rest too much yet again, since a new season for my life and ministry will also open up. God knows. I'm sure things will ease up when the new home is finished.
I wanted to do this journal last night (as numerous times before), but yet again I fell asleep in the recliner. So many things have been 'put aside' for now -- communicating with friends via e-m or Skype, etc., practicing my music, having more time with the Lord, eating and sleeping sufficiently, etc,etc. It remains miraculous how I continue to survive financially. God is good, and so are His people.
On another note, as I've been able, I try to capture some news on what's going on in the world. Since I quit TV about 1/2yr ago, I get my info via my iPad or desktop computer. I am very impressed indeed with the MANY changes that are taking place -- leaders of so many countries have been, or are being removed / replaced, and the European financial crisis looks very serious to me. Crime is obviously on the rise in our country, and immorality gaining more approval with the laws of our land.
So many preachers continue to pump out the "prosperity message", which at times can be appropriate if presented properly, but it seems to me that the message of "Surviving" carries much more relevance for our day. In numerous historic battles, "holding the fort", or just maintaining territory was regarded as victory.
I sense for the coming year that God's people must continue to "tighten their belts", and manage their finances with steadfast diligence. Again, it seems to me that the message of "wise management" should be just as important as "giving" messages. Satan will gladly infiltrate 'overdone' messages on tithing and giving to 'wear down the saints'.
Closing opinion thought: Many pastors and church leaders just don't seem to realize that many saints indeed do NOT come to church physically refreshed and properly rested on Sunday mornings. These are days and times of increasing pressures, and we must remain sensitive to this. Services without the anointing lead to an extra weary start for Monday morning workers.
I know this journal is way overdue, but here's the scoop. Good progress has continued on my new house construction, and it started about 3 months ago. For me, some of the extra difficult physical work is not as much, and I think my body is catching up a bit. (I have 10 videos now)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6Cjv1GhTSM&feature=feeduMost of my days have gone like this -- workday ending sometime between 4:30pm and 6p,m. ... then I go back to the home I'm presently in, sit in the recliner and soon doze off for 2-3 hrs ... then I wake up, feed my dog, take him for a walk, shower, then go to bed ... then Sammo (my dog) wakes me up at least 2 more times before I can stay sleeping till morning around 6-7am (Much of the evenings I'm too tired to eat)
Some have remarked humorously my weariness is because I'm "getting old", or because I haven't done such physical work for a long time. However, there is another factor people don't think about -- I have not had a proper vacation in about 30yrs. In the 90's I was fully consumed with revival ministry, and then for about 12 and 1/2 yrs after that taking care of Trish. Then came the stress of her death. But there was no time to rest, as the construction of the house soon ensued. I hope to move into the new home sometime early January. I am concerned that maybe I won't be permitted to rest too much yet again, since a new season for my life and ministry will also open up. God knows. I'm sure things will ease up when the new home is finished.
I wanted to do this journal last night (as numerous times before), but yet again I fell asleep in the recliner. So many things have been 'put aside' for now -- communicating with friends via e-m or Skype, etc., practicing my music, having more time with the Lord, eating and sleeping sufficiently, etc,etc. It remains miraculous how I continue to survive financially. God is good, and so are His people.
On another note, as I've been able, I try to capture some news on what's going on in the world. Since I quit TV about 1/2yr ago, I get my info via my iPad or desktop computer. I am very impressed indeed with the MANY changes that are taking place -- leaders of so many countries have been, or are being removed / replaced, and the European financial crisis looks very serious to me. Crime is obviously on the rise in our country, and immorality gaining more approval with the laws of our land.
So many preachers continue to pump out the "prosperity message", which at times can be appropriate if presented properly, but it seems to me that the message of "Surviving" carries much more relevance for our day. In numerous historic battles, "holding the fort", or just maintaining territory was regarded as victory.
I sense for the coming year that God's people must continue to "tighten their belts", and manage their finances with steadfast diligence. Again, it seems to me that the message of "wise management" should be just as important as "giving" messages. Satan will gladly infiltrate 'overdone' messages on tithing and giving to 'wear down the saints'.
Closing opinion thought: Many pastors and church leaders just don't seem to realize that many saints indeed do NOT come to church physically refreshed and properly rested on Sunday mornings. These are days and times of increasing pressures, and we must remain sensitive to this. Services without the anointing lead to an extra weary start for Monday morning workers.
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