Complaining

I am a bad—sorry it has been so long since my last blog. Some of you who actually read my blogs asked me to keep writing, so here goes.

Recently I had surgery on my tongue to remove a fibrous growth and the pain and slowness of recovery has reminded me again of the importance of being grateful. I think we all complain to much and this I know about complaining: it's a killjoy. It makes you & everybody around you unhappy. The big problem with complaining is that is a hard habit to break.

I think our basic human nature is naturally negative so we tend to look at the bad things in life instead of the good. Also, it seems to me we are conditioned by our society. Bad news makes the headlines--we are literally bombarded with all that is wrong with everything--it tends to develop in us the habit of complaining.

But we should be different. Here’s what the Apostle Paul said, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Philippians 2:14-15

Jesus help us! This tells me we are supposed to live our lives and do our ministries without complaining! Sometimes we ‘whine’ and says things like it’s just not fair, people don’t really appreciate me, I don’t deserve this, I shouldn’t have to put up with this or how come the other guy gets all the breaks?

The truth is, life is unfair and so is ministry but as long as we complain it only makes us more miserable! This I know, complaining does not work. I have tried it with my wife, Bonnie! She will just say, ‘O shut up!’ She has a way with words!

Seriously, complaining brought judgment to Israel and it does the same to us today. We miss out on God’s best. If the Scripture says we are to “do everything without complaining…”then perhaps here are some things that may help:


● We have to admit we are guilty. “A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance.” Prov. 28:13 LB

If our speech was recorded for a week, what would it reveal about our words? Let’s not spend time griping, grumping, complaining, arguing and saying things like “life/ministry stinks.”

● We have stop blaming others. Life and ministry is what we make it—plain and simple. Of course there are trials and people are unreasonable but we are free to make choices, however, we are never free from the consequences of our choices. They may not be immediate but they will be eventual. [Selah]

● We have to realize God uses difficult times to grow us--if we handle them right. Here goes Paul again, “This small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. So we fix our attention, not on the things that are seen, but on the things that are unseen. What is seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.” 2 Cor. 4:17-18 GN

-Paul is saying that the good we will get out of our problems will be much more long lasting than the problem. For me, I have noticed the things I complain about the most are often the very things God knows I need the most in order to become all He wants me to be. It is a warning light of God. He is saying, “There is something wrong here. Stop complaining and start changing!”

At a Discipleship Camp years ago one of speakers shared the following on the results of complaining?

1. It absolutely poisons the air.
2. Deflates morale. People start feeling uncomfortable with each other.
3. Hinders vision. Cuts off what God is trying to do.
4. Shows a lack of trust/faith.
5. Keep you from God’s best--The Promise Land.

Pretty good stuff! One more from Paul--Philippians 2:14-15 needs to be the complainers Rhema Word! “Do everything without complaining or arguing…” then there are 3 results:
1. “…so that you may become blameless…” -- nobody can find fault with you! Nobody can point a finger at you.
2. “…and pure…” -- Greek word means ‘having integrity.’ Non-complainers are people of integrity. You cannot trust a complainer—they do not tell the full story—facts are they lie.
3. “…children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in
which you shine like stars in the universe.” – you become positive in a negative world! A positive person shine likes a star on a dark night—there are plenty of critical, put-down type people in this ole world—we are to be different.

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:18 NIV

“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Phil. 4:11 NIV

Being happy and joyful in spite of circumstance is called maturity. I love my spiritual sons and daughters and hope this helps you have a better day. Papa G

Doing Things Together is What Makes Life & Ministry Work!

It was my joy and privilege to ride 58 miles this morning in our annual Missions Bike Hike with some heroic friends! We have been doing this the past eight years adding a mile each year for my b’day. You have to be smart enough to figure out how old I am.  But don’t rub it in or then you’d be dumb! 

This year we raised $10,000 US for TC Moore who ministers in a youth mentoring program in Boston, MA. He is an incredible young man with a great personal testimony of the Lord rescuing him from gangs and drugs. If you would like a copy of his printed personal testimony email kbott@stonecreekwired.com and request it.

The bike hike today reminded me how much fun it is to do life and ministry together. However, over the years I have noticed that some pastors/ministers seem to withdraw from fellowship especially as they grow older or perhaps more successful. This is such a tragedy and hurts their leadership effectiveness. Here are some thoughts on doing life and ministry together:
1. Michael Jordan won ‘zero’ NBA championships but his team won six. You may be a super-pastor or minister but you won’t win the big ones unless you do life & ministry together with others.
2. The Lone Ranger was an old make-believe black and white TV show that was actually pretty cheesy. You are making yourself look bad by avoiding fellowship and doing life and ministry without others. Not just talking about those in your church group but working with other pastors and churches!
3. Life and ministry gets hard but when you do it with others the encouragement they give you keeps you going.
4. Withdrawal from ministerial fellowship is proof that insecurity has not been nailed to the cross.
5. Withdrawal from ministerial fellowship is proof that pride has not been nailed to the cross. This is big.
6. Withdrawal from ministerial fellowship is proof that a root of bitterness is springing up and causing trouble.

Repentance is the key to restored fellowship with others not just God. As pastors we are always in the ‘teacher’s seat’—we need to humble ourselves and sit in the ‘learners seat.’ That’s what fellowship and working together does—it humbles us.
If life and ministry haven’t been working for you as good as they should—it’s time to make a greater effort to be in fellowship. It makes both lots more fun! Selah

Observations from my “Motherland” Ministry Trip

Just finished an awesome time of ministry in England (the motherland!) with my friends Paul Alexander and Ken Williamson. With Paul I did a whole week of lectures at the college where he serves as Principal at Mattersey Hall and with Ken an elders meeting and morning and evening services.

Here are some ministry observations:
1. Ministering to college students is incredibly rewarding-- I have this deep sensing of shaping future ministries and lives. They are not as stuck in the rut of life and are so eager to learn. Investing in others no matter the sacrifice is what makes ministry satisfying.
2. I absolutely love it when young people show a hunger for the things of God by asking questions. Ricky Spindler and Wayne Northup are some of the best I have seen at asking questions. It is the position of a continual learner. I need to be a continual learner and ask lots of questions.
3. It was fun speaking on the Holy Spirit baptism on Pentecost Sunday a week ago. I did so in a creative way at Langold in Northern England and a few folks were Holy Spirit baptized. Being hosted by a young sharp student, Marcus from Mattersey, was a great way to start my time there. I cannot leave the message of the Holy Spirit baptism out and being a good host helps others do a better job.
4. Traveling from Northern England to London with Shawn on a train going 125 miles an hour and being on the Internet was a wonder of technology! Going that fast and doing Skype with my son-in-law and granddaughter was a cool moment in time. Being willing to learn new techy things will help me.
5. Having a global plan on my cell phone so I can do calls & texts and receive both has really been handy and helpful. Thanks Ed Burnson! Communication is what makes life, family, everything work right!
6. The similarities between Bethel Church in East London and Stone Creek in Urbana, IL USA are amazing. I love what God is doing around the world. Being with my friend Ken Williamson is always fun and crazy! Proof that the effort it takes to have good friendship is worth it. To have friends, we have to show ourselves friendly by making the time to get together, communicating, and taking initiative.
7. I look forward to the High Holiday where we celebrate our Independence from the Motherland! j/k (Ken Williamson says “why” when I can have pork pie!)

Love you and believe in you, Papa G.

Basics I Knew Our Children Had to Learn

By Billy Graham

1. Learn the difference between right and wrong. It takes more character to do right over wrong. Everyone needs to learn rules for living.
2. Honesty is rewarding. A good conscience is worth more than millions. Honesty is related to happiness.
3. Suffering is part of life. Hardships are a part of normal living. Complainers do not get very far in life.
4. Self-discipline is a good thing. Discipline is the road to success.
5. There is a God is heaven. The best way to teach is by example.
6. Finish what you start. Winners never quit and quitters never win.
7. Love is a necessary part of living. Got to learn to love God, family and others.
8. Sin displeases God. Disobedience hurts God, others and yourself.
9. Becoming a follower of Jesus is the goal of life. Jesus has a personal plan for everyone.
10. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit are necessary for living out God’s will.

Prayer for My Kids

Several from our Stone Creek Church family requested the sample prayer I have prayed over my children and now grandchildren. I wanted to list it for you along with a great article I read a long time ago from Billy Graham. Please know you are loved greatly, Papa G

“Lord, I pray for Jimmy/Stacy that he/she will have the spirit of Daniel and the three Hebrew children: an excellent spirit and skill in learning, wisdom and knowledge in all sciences.

I pray he/she will increase and grow mentally, physically, spiritually and socially.”

And for Stacy I would add, “Lord, help her to take things and ponder them in her heart; give her a spirit like Mary.” Based on Luke 2:51

Prayers based on Daniel 1:4, 8-9, 17 5:12, 14 and Luke 2:52



Stacy's dedication in Pekin, Illinois

6 hours of driving for 5 hours together!

Yesterday I was blessed with one of my sons in the faith, Carlos Ortiz from Dallas, TX.

He was at a Round Table meeting in St. Louis, MO and then drove three hours here to just hang out. We had steak together, a fun meeting at a local pastor friend’s church anniversary celebration, and then hung out at my house until midnight!

He drove the three hours back to St. Louis and then flew back home by nine this morning! Wow, the things we do for friendship and spiritual fathers/sons! I was so blessed and encouraged and Carlos was too.

Here are some quick thoughts on friendship and the relationship that spiritual fathers and their spiritual children have:

● Spiritual fathers/children lift each other up. We all get down and under heavy burdens. Without others to lift us up, we can’t make it.
● Spiritual fathers/children let each other out. Some people like to release the wolves on us. But we all need those who will let us out, regardless of whether we are totally on our game or not.
● Spiritual fathers/children pull each other away. What I mean is we need those who pull us away from the mundane and keep us living our dream.
● Spiritual fathers/children lead each other in. We lead each other into avenues of service and truth. We lead each other higher in God.
● Spiritual fathers/children look each other up. We call each other, get together--even drive 6 hours like Carlos did just to spend 5 hours with me!
● Spiritual fathers/children labor with each other. We cannot live withdrawn to ourselves. If we do we miss out and become deceived in some way.

Be encouraged and know you are loved, Papa G.

Antioch Prayer Model

Dear Sons and Daughters,
Here is a way to pray for your church/youth group/ministry. Trust it is a blessing!
Love you much and wish the best for you,
Papa G.


The Church at Antioch is an example of what God wanted the Church to be. Look at Acts 11:19-30 and pray that you would model the Church at Antioch by:

1) Being a “Cutting Edge” church (vv. 19-20)
2) Being an “Evangelistic” church (vs. 21)
3) Being a “Discipling” church (vv. 22-24)
4) Being a “Generous” church (vv. 27-30)
5) Being a “Word” church (Acts 13:1)
6) Being a “House of Prayer” church (Acts 13:2)
7) Being a “Missions Minded” church (Acts 13:3)

It’s Good to Be Reminded:

Sorry I’m behind of blogs but I had the joy of speaking to youth pastors for Paul Hinzman (Illinois District Youth Director) at a meeting in Carlinville, Illinois a few weeks ago and here’s what I shared. To all my sons and daughters please know you are loved, believed in and prayed for!

Here are some things that are good to be reminded of that I hope gives you some strength & encouragement.

Always good to be reminded that faithfulness produces results.
One of the works (fruit) of the HS is faithfulness (see Gal. 5:22-23) and you know a life verse of mine is Hebrews 10:36 “But you have need of endurance so that after you have done the will of God you may obtain the promise.” There is a Living Bible verse that says, “Steady plodding brings prosperity.” There may be lots of ‘talent’ things I cannot do, but I can be faithful—and so can you.

I heard Dr. CM Ward say one time that all it takes for a miracle to happen is to “just show up.” He was talking about the children of Israel and the miracle of multiplication that took place every day with the quail and manna and all they needed to do for the miracle to take place was to just show up and gather it in.

Missionary Karla Weise told Bonnie and I a story about a woman who prophesied over her in the days when her husband Paul planted a great church in Batavia, Illinois. The lady said it takes more faith to endure than overcome. Wow, that is a great word! Sometimes being faithful seems very unspiritual but I need to remind you it is the stuff that produces great results!

Our former Illinois Superintendent (Bishop) Ernest Moen used to say what it takes to produce a fruitful work is to “Preach, pray & plug away.” Certainly we are all tempted to quit but the rewards of faithfulness & longevity are so great! The old adage says, a great oak tree is just a little nut that stood its ground!

Always good to be reminded of our calling & words God has given us
For me I have to visit a vision God gave me at youth camp after I graduated from high school to keep the call of God fresh in my life. When I first came to Stone Creek the Lord gave me some great promises in Zech. 4:10, Joel 2:25, Haggai 2:9-10, Ezk. 36:11. You have to get some words for your life and ministry and then remind yourself of them regularly!

When the Lord first called me as a teenager He made John 15:16 and 1 Thess. 5:24 so real. I re-visit them ALL THE TIME to stay fresh. There are times when I’m discouraged that these verses are my life-line. Sometimes in prayer I say to the Lord, “I love you & you're stuck with me.” He is a father to me and somehow I make it another day—and so can you.

Always good to be reminded that we serve a supernatural God who still does supernatural things
Heb. 13:8 says “Jesus Chrst is the same yesterday, today and forever.” In January of 1970 I was healed of about an inch spot of tuberculosis—He supernaturally did that for me—and He will do the same for you. When I came to Urbana the second Sunday of April 1988 the Lord gave us our first salvation here on May 1—a cute little teenager who is now married and still in the church with her family! It took us nine months to break the 100 attendance barrier—it was so exciting! The church was a financial mess and some people began to give literally thousands of dollars at a time! It was all supernatural for me/us.

I want to remind you that the God you serve is supernatural and still does supernatural things. In Ex. 12 He supernaturally led Israel out of Egypt. And remember when God enabled Elijah to supernaturally outrun Ahab’s chariot! Supernaturally our God parted the Red Sea and supernaturally the walls of Jericho fell flat! And supernaturally the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead!

When I was a youth pastor in Central Illinois God supernaturally gave me a burden to pray everyday for missionaries David & Julie Leatherberry. I have tried to be faithful to this all these years. If you know the Leatherberrys or have read their book "Afghanistan My Tears" you know how God has so supernaturally moved in their lives. This includes waking up in the middle of night and having a breakthrough for David in learning the Pashtun language! He says God helped him supernaturally!

Whatever situation you are in I want to remind you that God will do supernatural things for you! He will.

Always good to be reminded that it’s all about relationships (relational theology).
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching" Heb. 10:25.

"Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled" Titus 2:5 .

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction" 2 Timothy 4:2.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" 1 Thess. 5:11.

I want to remind you that what we are doing is all about relationships—right relationships. Whatever network you are a part of it is your calling to partner with others. The Apostle Paul talked about partnering with others all the time! Being a part of a denomination or church fellowship is like being married—there are things you have to do not because you want to (like vacationing with your mother-in-law) but you do it because you are committed to your marriage relationship.

When you are committed to relational theology you spend time and money to be a part of meetings and programs (even if they are sometimes like vacationing with your mother-in-law!). I am speaking prophetically to my spiritual sons and daughters now. I must remind you to not be a hypocrite! I know that is strong but I speak with love in my heart for you life, ministry and future.

You want people to participate in your program but you are not faithful to participate in the programs and meetings of the network God has put you in. Remember, we reap what we sow. I am convinced the next step for some of you is to practice relational theology and not just preach about it. Selah.

Love you and want the best for you—really. Papa G.

Out of the Box

Got to be at our youth groups (Sudden Impact) retreat last weekend and had a blast. We got crazy ‘dancing’ and praying with some wonderful teenagers a week ago Friday night at Little Galilee Camp outside Clinton, Illinois. Congrats to Ricky Spindler our Student Ministries pastor along with his great leadership team for a job well done! As I shared with the students at the end here’s what came to me about “Living Outside the Box (the camp theme):

Make right decisions. Life is all about making right decisions and avoiding wrong ones. There is a passage in the old Living Bible that says, “He grants the godly ones the ability to make the right choices every time.”
Being godly means to really go after God in every area of life. I shudder inside at times when I think about how close I have come a few times to making wrong decisions. Thank God for good council and friendships that has helped me over the years make right choices.
Deciding to not praise the Lord is a wrong decision. Deciding to praise the Lord is a right decision. Deciding to not obey your parents is a wrong decision. Deciding to praise the Lord is right decision.

Make right friendships. 1 Cor. 15:33 says, “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Hang around winners and you will be a winner. Hang around losers and you will be a loser. Hang around negative people and you will be negative. Hang around positive people and you will be positive.
Don’t let people run your life. You make your life count and the best way to do that is by being with the right friends. Dropping friends can be a super touch choice but it just might save your life!

Make right commitments. There is a Proverb that says, “Commit your way to the Lord and He shall bring it to pass.” Do not be afraid to make commitments because it is the only way to live the Christian life.
Making right decisions, friendship and commitments is life outside the box. It is living life to the max!

These thoughts are good for us in ministry and for my sons and daughters working in the Kingdom. May you be encouraged—I believe in you! Papa G.

Let's Talk About Grace

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:10-11 NKJV).

Thank God for His grace—because we all need it! Here are some definitions of grace I’ve run across over the years:
-James Strong: “The Divine influence upon the heart and the reflection in the life.”
-Bill Gothard: “An active force within us, giving us the desire and the power to do things God’s way.”
-Apostle Paul: “…a good work in you…” Phil. 1:6
-Noah Webster: “Unmerited Divine assistance given for man for his regeneration or sanctification.”

During a noon prayer meeting in our Café one time, I felt inspired at the end as we prepared for Communion to share some thoughts on grace. There was a lady who was just coming to use the prayer room and saw all the cars in the lot and wondered what was going on. She came in and was delighted to find a prayer meeting in progress. The word on grace was exactly what she needed to deal with some trials in her life.

This illustrates how God is always faithful to minister to us when we earnestly reach out to Him in prayer during our time of needs. I want to encourage any of you going through a difficult time to lean heavy on God’s grace. Pray the above definitions of grace for your life and what you are going through and see what God does.

Until we have real revelation of grace, the Christian life and Christian ministry will be a chore and very difficult. Of course there are burdens and difficulties but when God’s grace is at work in our lives there is a deep joy and energy that comes directly from Him! 

Dr. Charles Brown shares this simple outline on grace:
1. GRACE HAPPENS. It comes through relationship, not rules or reason. As we grow in our love for Jesus we grow in grace!

2. GRACE HAPPENS IN JESUS. Grace motivated everything He did. He was ‘grace-soaked.’ Cool, let’s all pray to be grace-soaked!


3. GRACE HAPPENS IN THE CHURCH. Wouldn’t it be great if the first thing we think about when we think about church is grace? If you haven’t read Phillip Yancey’s book What’s So Amazing About Grace? --please at least read the first chapter and the illustration about the prostitute on page 11! It seems to me evangelical and Pentecostal churches are full of truth but little grace and liberal churches are full of grace but little or no truth. The Scripture says, Jesus was full of grace and truth. That should our goal.

4. GRACE HAPPENS IN ME. If you are struggling today please allow God’s grace to work in your heart. Have you ever asked for more grace? Do it now. The NIV of 1 Peter 5:10 says ‘But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

Thank God for His amazing grace. He loves you more than you could ever know.

Love to my spiritual sons and daughters, Papa G.

PS Congratulations to Wayne & Kristi Northup and the whole team of Answering the Cries Ministries for the best Mardi Gras Outreach ever! And thank you so much for letting me be a part. What an incredible team of young adults at the MG this year! Best ever!

PSS After spiritual highs come the lows. Wish I would have written this blog sooner but make sure you rely on God’s grace to see you through the lows just like you relied on His grace during MG.

Everyone Needs a Dad

I had a pastor's wife say to me one time she did not know God as Father. Her dad died when she was very young, was going through a rough time and said, “I just need a daddy.” Being with my granddaughter, Reghan the past few days has inspired me to write about the incredible love of our Father!

This pastor's wife was not alone. No matter what kind of father you have or had, no father is perfect. What I mean is that there is a “father-need” in every one of us. We all need a father. We need someone strong, who is there, wise, faithful. Someone who will love, help, instruct, encourage, guide, counsel, and discipline us. We all need a father.

Jesus shocked his disciples when He introduced God to them as “Father.” Back then as it is all too often today, people see God as an Unfelt Presence, not as a “Father.” For my spiritual sons and daughters, I hope you really feel loved by the time your done reading this. Here’s some thoughts as I sit here and watch Reghan play:

● A PAPA ENCOURAGES HIS CHILDREN
If you have the blues. If you feel down. Heavy. Depressed. Isolated. Rejected. Forgotten. Ignored. Know our Papa God specializes in encouragement. You don’t have to ‘do life alone.’ You don’t have to live in a dark tunnel. You don’t have to spend your life in an emotional wilderness. You are Papa’s child. And Papa offers encouragement to see you through!

If you are discouraged, hurt, depressed, ticked or whatever—would you please spend some time with Papa God--experience His presence--talk to him--complain to him--fellowship with him--listen to him. And He will encourage you.

● A PAPA COMFORTS HIS CHILDREN
Peace is Papa’s gift to me. Papa’s peace drives out stress. His presence quiets the negative emotions that attack my soul.
► Papa’s presence replaces the winds of worry with whispers of assurance.
► Papa’s presence allows me to rest in the middle of trouble.
► Papa’s peace gets me out of the “Martha mode”—that tells me I’ve got to do something to fix things—and gets me into the “Mary mode”—that rests at Papa’s feet and watches him fix it!!!

Peace is Papa’s gift to me. Papa comforts and encourages his children.

● A PAPA INFLUENCES HIS CHILDREN
Papa God won’t bully you. But He will discipline you. He wants you and me to be a reflection of His nature. He wants me to be like Him. And when I don’t, He loves me enough to let me fail.

Papa influences me through His Word, our wonderful community of believers here at Stone Creek Church and softens my heart in times of worship and praise. His presence gets my attention and melts stress and frustration from my life. His presence clears the cobwebs from my soul.

When I worship, even when I don’t feel like it, His presence restores my exhausted soul. It mends my bruised heart. When I praise Him it attaches me to Papa’s heart. I need to praise Him more and complain less. Maybe we all need to.

● A PAPA WANTS TO BE TRUSTED
Any parent who has ever had their child jump into their arms understands trust. Standing on a chair you tell them to trust you and they jump. Dad could have dropped him. Let him down. But dad loved his child more than life itself. Dad caught them.

Will Papa God do any less for you? You may need to close your eyes and clinch your fists, but go ahead—jump. Papa God is there! He will catch you. I went through a very painful time a few years ago and the Lord reminded me to just trust him. In simple devotions one day during that tough time this verse came alive and gave me strength.

Jer. 17:7 But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.

It is pretty plain--genuine, plain ole vanilla trust is absolutely necessary. Trust is indispensable. Without trust we live independent of Papa. Trust keeps us dependent upon him and humble.

Bonnie says I am a nutty grandpa (well she’s a nutty grandma) because whenever our grandkids call or I’m with them I am never too busy—I drop everything to give them my full attention. So, Papa God will never turn you away. Nor will He bully you into obedience. You have the freedom to trust Him.

In Papa’s embrace, life’s problems seem to work out. Enjoy Papa God. Rest in him. Laugh with him. Cry with him. Listen to him. Be honest with him. Confess to him. Talk to him. Appreciate him.

I don’t care how hurt you feel. How discouraged you may be. You may feel unappreciated—unloved—unnoticed. Listen: You have a Papa who loves you! Papa God loves you!

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

By the way, I can’t tell you how great it makes me feel when Reghan calls me “Papa.” I think God feels the same. I love being Papa Grogan but only Papa God can take care of your deepest needs. Love you, PG

*Some of these thoughts come from an old brochure by Charles Brown that was given to me years ago at an Illinois Discipleship Camp.

A Personal Philosophy of Life & Ministry

This was one of my 'outdoor' trips with and we stopped by the center of the US! Guess where?

I wanted to remind my spiritual sons of daughters that having a good philosophy of life keeps the ship going in the right direction. When people hurt you, when you preach a bad sermon or don’t do as good as you would like to—I hope this encourages you a bit along the way.

1. It is not yours by right. Everything is a gift and has to be appreciated. When we become complainers we die in the desert.
2. A correct MINDSET is more important than either Charisma or Gifting! I have always believed my attitude is my choice no matter what happens to me in life.
3. To make a difference in the lives of others you must have healthy attitude and wholesome relationships.
4. Risk-taking is not important—it is imperative!!!!!!!!! Counsel is always needed here—we cannot go off half-cocked.
5. Laughter is good medicine and it helps when life gets serious.
6. Work hard---play hard!
7. Aim for excellence—give everything your best shot—laziness never works and God cannot bless a mess—always try to be thoroughly prepared and do your best.
8. Business principles are often and usually Biblical principles.
9. Make every service count and never go through the motions.
10. If it can be delegated—delegate it.
11. Confrontation is needful but don’t try and be the Messiah. Its ok people are different.
12. Lack of creativity is a sin!!!!!!!!!!!! 11th Commandment.
13. Balance is THE key to long term health and effectiveness.
14. Come to a level of understanding ‘self-love’—we are complete in Christ! See Col. 2:9
15. Got to be a decision maker but include people in the process.
16. Faith without ‘works’ is dead.
17. Always lived with a deep sense of purpose.

Thanks for the comments and please stay faithful. Papa G.

Rest, Fun and Hard Work

I am basking in the goodness of God after another wonderful Sunday at Stone Creek Church. Lead Pastors know preaching on money is often a pressure thing but in our series entitled “Blueprint” we finished talking about “Giving” yesterday. I am so grateful for the way the people responded. By the 3rd service I was actually having fun preaching on a subject I would just as soon avoid!

Here’s a few thoughts in my heart right now:
● Truly taking a day off and time off to rest is so important to maintaining a good attitude about life and ministry. A weekly Sabbath is Biblical you know!

● Fun is a big part of my theology and in order to stay sane with all the difficulties we deal with in ministry we have to learn to not take ourselves so seriously! Got to keep the joy flowing! That’s why I’m posting the pix of Bonnie and I from Lynette’s (former PA) wedding this past summer! O the joy in my old age! 



● Without hard work none of this will work properly. Ricky Spindler, my youth pastor and I were visiting with another minister recently and he asked some great questions: “What is the minimum size a youth group should be that has a full-time employed youth pastor?” “A youth pastor asked me how many hours he should be expected to work per week!” (He thought he was over-worked but when we checked he was only working about 25 hours per week!)

What this shows me is that there are ministers who lack the passion that comes with a divine call! I have noticed two extremes we need to avoid: [1] Those who sacrifice their families & marriage on the altar of the ministry. [2] Those who have made an idol out of their family and marriage. Both extremes are wrong and must be avoided to be successful in life and ministry.

There is no substitute for hard work and passion. Selah. Enjoy the pix!
Love you,
Papa G.

BROKENNESS

We have just finished the best of Week of Prayer we have had in years and I am so massively encouraged! People literally came out by the hundreds in the evenings for prayer services and our morning and noon prayer meetings were just great. Our all-night prayer chain had right at 300 people participating! And, more people fasted for 3-days than I can remember in years.

All this has renewed my relationship with Jesus and given me a new sense of healthy brokenness in my heart. Here’s a classic verse on brokenness and some thoughts as we all try and drink some new wine in ’09 (let’s not whine!).

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Ps. 51:17

Humility, daily dying to self and the world, giving of ourselves--this is such an important word for today--greed is the god of this age; personal gain and security are most people’s goal and motivation.

Glorification of self is popular even in the church—self help and success has replaced humility--we have drifted so far from the cross! Please understand I am not talking about being broken-hearted—crushed by sorrow or grief. Some friends in Israel sent me this comparison between brokenness and being wounded that is very helpful. They say one of the biggest problems in the church today is that we are not so much broken, pliable people as we are wounded people.

So, how do we know when we are wounded instead of broken? Here are a few comparisons to consider:
+When wounded, I focus on myself and on my inner pain.
+When broken, I focus on the cross and on Jesus, and I am not so aware of my own pain.
+When wounded, I find it difficult to forgive others, God, and/or myself.
+When broken, I am aware of and accept God’s mercy toward me, and in gratitude, I extend it freely to others.
+When wounded, I am too preoccupied with inner turmoil to see the needs of others.
+When broken, I am free of self so that I am easily sensitive to the needs of others. [Phil 2:3-4]
+When wounded, I am self-protecting, usually unwilling to risk further pain.
+When broken, I want the best for others, and am willing to sacrificially love and serve them. [1 Thess. 2:8]
+When wounded, my goal is a painless life, free of suffering—‘I don’t want to hurt anymore!’
+When broken, my goal is Jesus at all costs [Phil 3:7-10]…even if further pain is involved.


Brokenness has to do with giving not getting--it has to do with embracing sacrifice--with emptying ourselves and being tender before God. I pray for you, my spiritual sons and daughters that the ministry will never become simply a profession or way of life. I pray it will be a reflection of your character and life with Jesus. Let’s keep it real.

Love you,
Papa G.

Drink New Wine in '09 (Cheezy, I know!)

We kicked off our annual Week of Prayer and I am massively encouraged! Terry Austria our college pastor did a super job with the message yesterday and we have Kristi Northup here who did worship yesterday morning in all the services, last night in our opening prayer rally and will tonight in our prayer service.

As our church has grown I have witnessed apathy in our people when it comes to corporate prayer. This has been a great concern to me. When we ran four to five hundred we used to get 120-150 to show up for prayer meetings. And back then we did them weekly! Then we would pray for 1 1/2 hours and the time would fly by!

Over the past couple of years our attendance has grown to about 1400 in weekend services but in our monthly prayer meetings we have only seen 60 to 70 attend. Sad and very disheartening for me. Once in the summer I pushed really hard and we had about 120 but that was mainly due our Francophone Pastor, Guy Lombella who motivated many of our Congolese members to attend.

But last night we had 206 in prayer and this morning early 41! I am so encouraged! I have often said it is easy for young ministers to learn how to conduct culturally relavent services, do baptisms, weddings, funerals and so on--the things we do as pastors. But very few pastors including those who have been around a long time (like me) know how to run a prayer meeting. There are usually two extremes to prayer meetings: [a] Too wild and crazy. [b] Too dull and boring. We have to somehow find balance.

Here is a practical outline with some thoughts for my sons and daughter that I hope is a real help to you as you lead God's people. We will be held accountable on how we lead the church. May God give you grace is my prayer:

Prayer Meeting Outline and Thoughts

-Open with scripture and prayer
-Worship
-Identificational repentance
-Missions offering
-Short devotional thought on prayer!
-Go to prayer
(Interrupt as the HS directs)
-Come together at the end
-Sing hymns/songs
-Communion
-Stand in circle (Those with needs step to middle, have people stand in for missionaries, etc., have others lay hands on them and pray, someone (you) lead out in prayer over mic.

(We use to go 1 ½ hours & time really flew! Now about an hour is what most people can handle.)

{Thoughts to share with your people}
1. We have come here to pray. Not just talk about prayer, although guidance is important. Not just worship, although worship is part of it.

2. We have come to intercede. Intercession is giving/a dying to ourselves. This means we have not come to receive although we will. But our motive is to give ourselves. We are not here to figure out prayer, we are here to be used by God.

3. We do have responsibility to requests. But we also need to be and want to be led by the HS. This means I may at times interrupt your praying.

4. Important, practical things:
*You are not here to have personal devotions. Personal devotions are usually meditative and quieter.

*We are not going to be overly emotional but you may find yourself getting distracted become someone is praying with more emotion than you. Important to remember this is a corporate praying meeting and not a private prayer time.

*We are engaging in spiritual warfare. When you are in battle things sometimes get noisy. You still have an individual job to do but you fight along side the rest of your troops. So don’t use someone else as an excuse for not ‘getting into prayer.’

*Focus; cry out to God with more intensity. He wants us all to grow and be stretched in the area of prayer. Folks who are always loud need to be quieter. And folks who are always quiet need to probably be louder.

*Move around. If you get bored or tired change your position for a few minutes! Do not be inhibited (fervent prayer). Take a break (lobby, water, etc.) then refocus and come right back.

*Perseverance – there is always a place in prayer whether it is private or corporate that you need to breakthrough. When you feel bored, or drained, or distracted that is the very place God wants to breakthrough – persevere right there – maybe change your body posture and go after God more.

This is God’s heart--Jesus said, “My house shall be called a House of Prayer for the Nations.” We are here to pray God’s interests and God’s heart. Let’s go for it.