No Dry Season: Too Good To Be True?

One time during our pastor's accountability/mentoring session, I mentioned casually to the group that by the grace of God, I haven't had a dry period in my Chrisian life (at least nothing that I can remember for at least the last 5 years). Ptr. Sandy was later intrigued by that statement and asked if I can share on what I said and what I mean by what I said. So with much humility, I offer these thoughts.

First, let me clarfy what I mean by ''dry''. I'm using that term in the context not neccesarily of backsliding but of a Christian who enters into a season wherein his personal devotions, prayer life, and sometimes even motivation, passion, and energy for ministry is low.

I cannot recall a turning point or a ''burning bush'' moment as to how I managed to mantain a fervency both for the Lord and ministry. Needless to say, the grace and mercy of God is the number one factor/reason for that, for I affirm John 15: 5 which says, ''Apart from me you can do nothing.''

But this article wouldn't be of much practical help if we stick to jargons or cliches in trying to stimulate one another, especially us pastors who are in the frontlines of ministry. As I reflect on God's goodness and faithfulness in my life, let me share some guidelines I follow on how I have maintained a vibrant walk with God. They comprise a series of comparisons, something like a good v.s. best practices.

1. Truth v.s Real. I teach Theology to students at Messiah College, as such, I have a high regard for truth. I'm convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that CHRISTIANITY IS TRUE, but the issue when it comes to spirituality is this-are Christians REAL? There is a word Jesus Himself uses in describing people who know the truth but don't live out the truth-hypocrites!

I try to live my life wth integrity, and I'll be the first to admit I fall wayfully and shamefully short of my goal. But somehow, in the midst of ugly sins and personal scandals, God has honored my ATTEMPT (not achievement) at integrity.

2. Being Moral v.s Being Spiritual. The issue here is not just of avoiding sin or trying to keep up a good front, but rather an honest pursuit not just of righteousness but of God Himself. We Christians are usually good at avoiding the ''big'' sins-adultery, murder, stealing and pet cultural ''sins'' like drinking, smoking, or playing cards. But how good are we at stuff like helping the poor, fighting against injustice, or even at ''simple'' things like being thankful for all of God's blessings?

There is more to Christianity than just rules keeping. I'm not trying to make light of sin, but God seems to be more honored when like David, we pursue God with all our might-sins, warts, feet of clay and all.

3. Duty v.s. Delight. I try to treat the spiritual disciplines, like bible reading, prayer, and even fasting as a source of delight and not just as a responsiblity. Even when I don't feel anything, I try to be conscious of the fact that God is working in and through me, and that He is using these disciplines to mold me into the image and likeness of Christ.

4. Loving God v.s Being IN LOVE With God. The best way I can expound this is to ask you to try to imagine your parents as compared to your wife or girlfriend (or even crushes, for any very young pastor out there). You love them both , but honestly, how many of us feel ''kilig'' thinking of our parents? You get my point. I try to mantain a child-like wonder, and expectant faith when it comes to my quiet time or even service to God like preaching or leading a bible study or prayer meeting. I always ask God to surprise me, and if in a public context, surprise us. Honestly, oftentimes, nothing out of the ordinary happens, but that hasn't stop me from asking God over and over again, ''Lord, show up. If you want to do somthing new or fresh or supernatural, please do so.'' My biggest reward so far is not a compilation of testimonies on signs and wonders or of the miraculous,but a heart that is soft and tender before God.

5. Existing v.s. Truly Living. One of the modern pastors/authors who really speak to my heart is Erwin McManus. His life theme is ''Live Wide Awake.'' This guy is so adventurous and so courageous that everytime I read his books or listen to his sermons (http://www.mosaic.org/), my spirit inadvertanly get refreshed and renewed. Like him, I try to live a life without regrets. Like our Master, I would love to say when I reach the end, ''Lord, it is finished. Everything you asked me to do, I've done.'' I desperately want to live courageously and be totally unafraid of failure or criticism.

And finally, it's a combination of

6. Faith AND Hope. I used to get discouraged easily, especally when my faith fails-meaning dreams or visions that I thought are from the Lord, only to have me fall flat on my face (which is not always bad). Sometime ago, during one of those ''blue'' moments in my life, I felt the Lord gave me a personal revelaton of the power of hope. When faith fails, there is still hope! I'm now learning to live by both-faith that God will move NOW, but if it doesn't happen, to maintain hope for the future. This potent combination has served to keep my heart from becoming dry and withered. I noticed a lot of pastors dry up because of disappointments and failures. Don't! Live in hope, for the best is yet to come!

Again, to God alone be the glory!

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Concering stressful schedules

I agree with you, Manric. We have a crisis of "product." May I add a thought (or maybe more than one thought)? Our problem is not so much our "product," but our "generic" product. I mean, we are aiming to produce generalists in our leadership core. We want supermen who can do all things (not necessarily through Christ). We want leaders who have all the qualities and competencies of an "ideal" leader. (Talk about "traits" overdose!) Consequently, we ask our leaders to do so much. Instead of focusing, they start decomposing. They are spread out like peanut butter, and it's really a mess, Manric. Why? Because of vague definitions of what it means to be a leader (like"one who influences," sorry Max). The truth is, being a leader is more than just influencing. Our model of leadership must be holistic (you're right again, Manric). I believe there are three things a true Christian leader must focus on:

1. Pursue vital relationships (with God, with family, with friends, etc.)
2. Proclaim the word (starts with evangelism but continues on in various contexts)
3. Produce leaders and shepherd your flock through them

There are degrees to this leadership model, depending on what level of leadership you are in. There are at least five levels of leadership:

• Level One: A Mobilizer (one who mobilizes others, duh)
• Level Two: A Facilitator (one who leads a small group of people)
• Level Three: A Manager (one who manages a unit or group of small groups)
• Level Four: A Director (one who gives direction to an organization)
• Level Five: A Catalyst (one who provides momentum to a movement)

Each level would require a different expression of the threefold model that I mentioned earlier. But all true leaders must focus on only three, not three thousand! If you find yourself neglecting any of the three, it's time to reassess and change. If you can't, just quit and go find another ministry situation where you can. I rest my case.

Great freewares

Hi, fellas. Thanks for the info on freewares. They are really useful. Pastor Lito Sampan gave me a freeware. It's called Rainlendar. You can easily find it in the internet. Just browse using that name and you will find it. It's free, of course. Just download it. You can also put it in your flashdisk. Very convenient, very mobile. Nice. You can use it as a way to schedule your time (in reaction to Manric's burden). God bless.

Francis Kong Site

Here are some gems from Francis Kong that you can use in your sermons... http://franciskong.com/