The story of the woman with the alabaster box has got to be one of the greatest in the Bible. That's probably why Jesus said it must be told whenever the gospel is preached. Recently I have been studying this story and speaking about it from various angles.
Consider your life as that box.
All the good experiences! Like the day you were saved. The first time you led someone to the Lord. The times you have felt renewed in His presence and were off to a fresh start.
Also consider your pain. The abuse, hard words, broken dreams and broken promises-- all neatly packed away in that box.
The good, bad and ugly all living together.
Now picture the woman carrying the alabaster box. Recall her reputation.
Can you imagine her emotional baggage--the pain and humiliation?
This box of perfume was her most valued possession.
Despite how she had earned it.
When she found out that Jesus was near, she tucked the box under her arm and set out on a journey. She made her way out of her familiar place of abode and into the streets where she was likely looked upon with disgust.
At this point, nothing mattered but Him and a divine appointment of sorts. And Simon's house...a meeting place to trade her pain for his healing.
When she came through the door, she fell to her knees in worship. She bathed His feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. She worshiped until she was finally able to offer the one thing that she held in high esteem; the only thing that could give her real identity and true purpose--her box.
The box held it all.
She reached for it and with all the strength she had, she broke it! She took what she had held dear and gave it away!
It was love and worship. It was emptying--a dieing out of what she was. It was also a discovery of who she was about to become.
Jesus wants your box, too. Your box is intended to be a blessing. All the wrongs and rights mingled together in that box are designed to bless someone else. Give Him your box.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Shut up and Think
I once heard that there are some people who have "diarrhea of the mouth"! Wow, how true!
And, yes, "WE" all have had this problem at least once!
Fridays are supposed to be my "off" day-- if there is any such thing as an off day being a pastor! I was on my way to the beautiful Little Red River nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains to do some fly fishing which has got to be the most enjoyable and restful sport ever! Apologies to you golfers. While driving, I was listening to the radio and this guy who was a guest on Dr. Dobson's broadcast was speaking about the "prodigals". In the middle of his message I recieved a text so I turned the volume down on the radio to make a phone call. When I finished the call, I resumed listening to this message! Perfect timing. Although I missed the introduction to this wonderful story, I heard the important part.
A pastor of a church had been bringing in the "nobodies" to his local church. One day a lady in the church came to him saying, "Pastor you are destroying our church. We have always had this good place of worship and fellowship and now all these people that don't fit and make it very uncomfortable are invading our quaint little atmosphere"! (paraphrasing, but real close) Most of us, if in this pastors shoes, would call the fire of God down on this woman's head and give her lots of Biblical proof that Jesus would have the same people following His ministry! Instead, he turns too her in a gentle voice and says to her, "Your right" and then asks her, "What should we do about it?" then asks her if she would help by disciplining some of the ladies! This lady became a great help to this church.
Proverbs 15:1 says: "a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger".
You have to understand that if someone has the courage too come to you and criticize what you are doing--when you and most everyone else know its the right thing--you can bet that person (whoever they are) has thought it through, weighed the consequences and is prepared to take on your response!! Further more, they are ready for a fight! This is where you need to"shut up and think"!
I once heard it said, "Wisdom is knowing what to say and when to say it"! The next time you are challenged by someone with "diarrhea of the mouth" stop and say too yourself, "This is a good time to build a bridge and mend a heart!" Give it a try. You'll never know if it works unless you give it a try!!
And, yes, "WE" all have had this problem at least once!
Fridays are supposed to be my "off" day-- if there is any such thing as an off day being a pastor! I was on my way to the beautiful Little Red River nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains to do some fly fishing which has got to be the most enjoyable and restful sport ever! Apologies to you golfers. While driving, I was listening to the radio and this guy who was a guest on Dr. Dobson's broadcast was speaking about the "prodigals". In the middle of his message I recieved a text so I turned the volume down on the radio to make a phone call. When I finished the call, I resumed listening to this message! Perfect timing. Although I missed the introduction to this wonderful story, I heard the important part.
A pastor of a church had been bringing in the "nobodies" to his local church. One day a lady in the church came to him saying, "Pastor you are destroying our church. We have always had this good place of worship and fellowship and now all these people that don't fit and make it very uncomfortable are invading our quaint little atmosphere"! (paraphrasing, but real close) Most of us, if in this pastors shoes, would call the fire of God down on this woman's head and give her lots of Biblical proof that Jesus would have the same people following His ministry! Instead, he turns too her in a gentle voice and says to her, "Your right" and then asks her, "What should we do about it?" then asks her if she would help by disciplining some of the ladies! This lady became a great help to this church.
Proverbs 15:1 says: "a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger".
You have to understand that if someone has the courage too come to you and criticize what you are doing--when you and most everyone else know its the right thing--you can bet that person (whoever they are) has thought it through, weighed the consequences and is prepared to take on your response!! Further more, they are ready for a fight! This is where you need to"shut up and think"!
I once heard it said, "Wisdom is knowing what to say and when to say it"! The next time you are challenged by someone with "diarrhea of the mouth" stop and say too yourself, "This is a good time to build a bridge and mend a heart!" Give it a try. You'll never know if it works unless you give it a try!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Why?
Why is it that 20 percent of the church does 80 percent of the work?
Well, I am sure there are many answers out there! Some would refrain from service because they are not sure where they fit or they may feel that they are void of a gift or talent!
Lately I have been preaching/teaching about spiritual gifts in our church. And yes it is true that many will not, "step up to the plate", because they are not sure of their calling! This is no doubt why we are exhorted to, "make our calling and election sure".
Now let me tell you one of the biggest reasons why I think 20 percent of the people are doing 80 percent of the work. Identity Crisis!
Yes, many have no real concept of the price that was paid for their SIN on Calvary! Yes, SIN!! And because of this, "Sin" issue we have an epidemic of condemnation that is sweeping people away from the church and especially away from service in the church!
Now let me make it clear we are called to live Holy lives! We are called to love Jesus with all our hearts! And yes we blow it sometimes, and sometimes we even, yes, SIN! This is why Jesus came and poured out His blood on Calvary, because you and I had a great need, a need that we were unable to meet. A life of perfection that we could not hold to. Find your identity in Jesus, keep your hope in His blood, in which God says He is satisfied, and keep yourself in His house and serve Him with all your heart!
Well, I am sure there are many answers out there! Some would refrain from service because they are not sure where they fit or they may feel that they are void of a gift or talent!
Lately I have been preaching/teaching about spiritual gifts in our church. And yes it is true that many will not, "step up to the plate", because they are not sure of their calling! This is no doubt why we are exhorted to, "make our calling and election sure".
Now let me tell you one of the biggest reasons why I think 20 percent of the people are doing 80 percent of the work. Identity Crisis!
Yes, many have no real concept of the price that was paid for their SIN on Calvary! Yes, SIN!! And because of this, "Sin" issue we have an epidemic of condemnation that is sweeping people away from the church and especially away from service in the church!
Now let me make it clear we are called to live Holy lives! We are called to love Jesus with all our hearts! And yes we blow it sometimes, and sometimes we even, yes, SIN! This is why Jesus came and poured out His blood on Calvary, because you and I had a great need, a need that we were unable to meet. A life of perfection that we could not hold to. Find your identity in Jesus, keep your hope in His blood, in which God says He is satisfied, and keep yourself in His house and serve Him with all your heart!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Grace
No one comes to understand "grace" better than the one who is sincere in heart and yet caught in an intense struggle with some fleshly imperfection or "sin" in a desperate quest to overcome!
Barak Stafford
Barak Stafford
Monday, July 21, 2008
Glory
Wow! What a day at CIC Sunday!
The church was virtually full and everyone was so excited! Many have voiced their feelings on how they felt after the service. I even heard it said that we turned a curve!
This is such a great felling seeing we have been here for only 6 months. God is so faithful and His glory is to be revealed to His people.
Just wanted to post a blog letting you know that the Lord is on the throne your heart if you are His and he knows where you are, "because He is with you", and what you need. Whatever you do, "don't stop believing"!
All Glory to Him who is faithful!!
The church was virtually full and everyone was so excited! Many have voiced their feelings on how they felt after the service. I even heard it said that we turned a curve!
This is such a great felling seeing we have been here for only 6 months. God is so faithful and His glory is to be revealed to His people.
Just wanted to post a blog letting you know that the Lord is on the throne your heart if you are His and he knows where you are, "because He is with you", and what you need. Whatever you do, "don't stop believing"!
All Glory to Him who is faithful!!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Big People Ride Rollercoasters Too!
Life.
Well sometimes its up and sometimes its down. Wow....what a revelation.
Well sometimes its up and sometimes its down. Wow....what a revelation.
The truth is we all know this very well and still sometimes feel like the oddball-- like I must really be the only person on the planet that has ever felt this way. Then suddenly your in conversation with someone and there it is--almost the same problem you have been dealing with.
Wheew!! Do I feel better just knowing that I may actually be normal.
In all reality, we are all looking for someone that can relate to us. Someone that helps us feel normal.
In all reality, we are all looking for someone that can relate to us. Someone that helps us feel normal.
That brings us from that shameful feeling of isolation because we are just a plain "freak"!
With that idea, lets take a close look at the writer of Psalm 77! You can just "fill in the blank" as to what he may be going through and this might help the chapter to become more personal to you.
The deal is, this guy is really feeling alone in the highest sense. Totally forsaken! In v. 5 he is actually thinking back on the good old days. I find this very interesting as I can relate so much.
The "good old" days, even though filled with what seemed to be inescapable pain and suffering-- like not getting to have my own car or couldn't get a girlfriend because I had too much acne!
With that idea, lets take a close look at the writer of Psalm 77! You can just "fill in the blank" as to what he may be going through and this might help the chapter to become more personal to you.
The deal is, this guy is really feeling alone in the highest sense. Totally forsaken! In v. 5 he is actually thinking back on the good old days. I find this very interesting as I can relate so much.
The "good old" days, even though filled with what seemed to be inescapable pain and suffering-- like not getting to have my own car or couldn't get a girlfriend because I had too much acne!
You know the typical pain and suffering.
Even despite all the "bad" stuff, the "good old days" contained some real memories of growing and experience.....the times when you could really feel your knowledge expanding and you felt smarter than most!
The writer here obviously was not feeling any relief from his pain by only reflecting on the "good old" days! Finally in vs. 11 we see a turn in his mentality when he begins to reflect on what God had accomplished and I know, as well as you do, that some of those memories had to be tied to personal victories that God helped him claim!
His fear turned to FAITH!! And his gloom into glorious visions of who God was, and is and is to come (be)! I tell you this may be your season of "where is God" but it won't last forever!
The writer here obviously was not feeling any relief from his pain by only reflecting on the "good old" days! Finally in vs. 11 we see a turn in his mentality when he begins to reflect on what God had accomplished and I know, as well as you do, that some of those memories had to be tied to personal victories that God helped him claim!
His fear turned to FAITH!! And his gloom into glorious visions of who God was, and is and is to come (be)! I tell you this may be your season of "where is God" but it won't last forever!
You are destined for Greatness... for victory....you are more than a conqueror.
There is something about reviewing all the things that God has accomplished for us and even through us, that brings about praise..... and ultimately hope in Him!
So, the next time you feel down in the low dip of life.... remember your not the only one who has ever been there. And it won't be the last time you will ever be there.
So, the next time you feel down in the low dip of life.... remember your not the only one who has ever been there. And it won't be the last time you will ever be there.
But one thing is for sure..... there is another high place. The sooner you take your eyes off your own problems (I am not saying they aren't real) and look to Him.... who knows all about it and can relate to you more than anyone else.....the sooner you will take to the summit and true praise will flow from your heart for all the wonderful things He has done! Amen!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Who came first...the shepherd or the sheep?
This is relatively easy to answer-- if no sheep then no need for a shepherd!
I was driving a few years ago near Memphis, Tennessee, when I had this image of a shepard walking behind a herd of sheep. This was puzzling to me at first. In the actual sense we always think of those scenes where the shepherd is out front leading while the sheep follow him everywhere he goes. As I thought about this "vision" I realized that God was trying to show me a concept concerning how to lead as a pastor!
First lets look at the modern church, or at least the image portrayed especially in the mainstream interdenominational settings over the past few years. Its seems that it has all been centered around the "preacher". Its as if the sheep have been given the duty to ensure the preacher gets his "Big Break"!
Where are the pastors that smell like sheep, where are the leaders that know how to serve the body?
Let me bring balance now that I have took you to the "jumping off" place! Just yesterday, in prayer and early morning devotion time with my lovely wife, I was revisited by the Lord concerning my greatest responsibility as a pastor. And that is, "staying connected to HIM". My leadership has to flow from time spent in His presence. If that is my highest priority, then that simplifies my role as a pastor, better said, "that puts everything else in prospective"! Its takes the stress out of the routine.
OK, back to the "vision". I understand that leading from behind does not make sense unless you realize, as a pastor or leader in any area, it is your responsibility to see to it that those you are leading reach their full potential!! This kind of heart will come from your highest priority, which is spending time with "the great Shepherd". If from your heart you can live like, "it is not about you, and your Big Break", just like the "great Shepherd" then the joys of life and leading will be unfathomable!
I was driving a few years ago near Memphis, Tennessee, when I had this image of a shepard walking behind a herd of sheep. This was puzzling to me at first. In the actual sense we always think of those scenes where the shepherd is out front leading while the sheep follow him everywhere he goes. As I thought about this "vision" I realized that God was trying to show me a concept concerning how to lead as a pastor!
First lets look at the modern church, or at least the image portrayed especially in the mainstream interdenominational settings over the past few years. Its seems that it has all been centered around the "preacher". Its as if the sheep have been given the duty to ensure the preacher gets his "Big Break"!
Where are the pastors that smell like sheep, where are the leaders that know how to serve the body?
Let me bring balance now that I have took you to the "jumping off" place! Just yesterday, in prayer and early morning devotion time with my lovely wife, I was revisited by the Lord concerning my greatest responsibility as a pastor. And that is, "staying connected to HIM". My leadership has to flow from time spent in His presence. If that is my highest priority, then that simplifies my role as a pastor, better said, "that puts everything else in prospective"! Its takes the stress out of the routine.
OK, back to the "vision". I understand that leading from behind does not make sense unless you realize, as a pastor or leader in any area, it is your responsibility to see to it that those you are leading reach their full potential!! This kind of heart will come from your highest priority, which is spending time with "the great Shepherd". If from your heart you can live like, "it is not about you, and your Big Break", just like the "great Shepherd" then the joys of life and leading will be unfathomable!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Bad Hair
Are you having a "bad hair" day? Well, I only have "ONE" piece of advice. Please, please do not make any major decisions until your hair looks good again!!!
Many people react out of their emotions, what they feel is right for the moment. Consequently when this happens the repair guys are needed! A trail of chaos and many times destruction follows emotional decisions.
So, the next time your hair looks crooked on your head, go look in another mirror! Take a second look, or a more balanced look, further more just ask someone else their opinion! I have actually asked Cassandra, "does my hair look OK"? She usually replies, "it looks like it always does"!
Well I guess I have "TWO", pieces of advice: 1) Don't make a major decision until your hair looks good again. 2) Ask someone else how they see it.
It might not be as bad as you think!!!!
Many people react out of their emotions, what they feel is right for the moment. Consequently when this happens the repair guys are needed! A trail of chaos and many times destruction follows emotional decisions.
So, the next time your hair looks crooked on your head, go look in another mirror! Take a second look, or a more balanced look, further more just ask someone else their opinion! I have actually asked Cassandra, "does my hair look OK"? She usually replies, "it looks like it always does"!
Well I guess I have "TWO", pieces of advice: 1) Don't make a major decision until your hair looks good again. 2) Ask someone else how they see it.
It might not be as bad as you think!!!!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
South of the Border
Hello friends! This is Cassandra. I just spoke with Barak on the phone and he asked me to share with you what an awesome time they are having in Mexico. For those dear members of our congregation, you will hear more about this Sunday. But, he wanted me to make a quick post here to tell you all is going great and God is really showing up there. So, keep them in your prayers as they leave tomorrow around 1 o'clock to head back this way.
So, I did as I was told and I am sure he will have pictures and things to share next week.
So, I did as I was told and I am sure he will have pictures and things to share next week.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Lend me your eyes and heart!
Hope everyone is having a great week! Just want to take a second a invite you all to continue to check my blog as often as you like.
I am finding this a good outlet to share thoughts and truths. Us pastors really are fortunate to have a pulpit to deliver our souls from and I think that is healthy, (this could be argued, for sure). So I am not necessarily using my blog to be preachy, but in stead to provoke thought.
On that note I would like to think that I do not use the pulpit to be "preachy" either! Of course to get the real truth on that you would need to poll our congregation! In which I think are some of the "best" people in the world!
OK, I guess what I am trying to say is, every now and then stop by and lend me your eyes and heart and I will do my best to bring something that will challenge you and not bore you!!
I am finding this a good outlet to share thoughts and truths. Us pastors really are fortunate to have a pulpit to deliver our souls from and I think that is healthy, (this could be argued, for sure). So I am not necessarily using my blog to be preachy, but in stead to provoke thought.
On that note I would like to think that I do not use the pulpit to be "preachy" either! Of course to get the real truth on that you would need to poll our congregation! In which I think are some of the "best" people in the world!
OK, I guess what I am trying to say is, every now and then stop by and lend me your eyes and heart and I will do my best to bring something that will challenge you and not bore you!!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Kleenex
I was praying this morning in our church sanctuary and was distracted by the boxes of Kleenex scattered across our pulpit area. As I stared at this one particular box I wandered how much money churches invest in Kleenex.
Kleenex represent tears and dripping noses. Tears and dripping noses in the church represent repentance and brokenness. Oh that God would once again break our hearts for Him! That our churches would experience true revival!
If you want to know the spiritual climate of your church, find out how much money is spent on Kleenex.
Kleenex represent tears and dripping noses. Tears and dripping noses in the church represent repentance and brokenness. Oh that God would once again break our hearts for Him! That our churches would experience true revival!
If you want to know the spiritual climate of your church, find out how much money is spent on Kleenex.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Slow Down and "Enjoy the Journey"
I am having a wonderful conversation this relaxing afternoon with Cassandra and my Mom. We are reminiscing about the good memories of the past...like when gas prices were within reason!
Really, I was thinking about when we lived "in the country" down in Mississippi - how we lived about 14 miles from Wal Mart. It seemed like such a long ride, of course. When we moved to the city, finally, we only lived about 5 minutes from Wal Mart then. And, you guessed it, still seemed like a long ride. It seems as though the more convenient things get, the more we want.
Have you ever been to a fair or a circus? Well, if you have, you know that for the first hour it really is a treat. After that, you get wearied with all the "sales people" trying to force you to play their games - promising you to win if you will try "one more time"! The fair is good about once every year or two.
Yes, you got it, life sometimes seems like a carnival! Gimmicks everywhere. Promises to get thinner, richer, and more attractive. Just spend $40 and sign up three people and you are set for life. Not to talk about all the other things that fill our days every week. Things that seem good! After all you want your children to play sports like everyone else's do! Well, you get the picture!
The moral of my story, my dear readers, is to keep the main thing the main thing! No pressure, no stress. Be yourself and enjoy the journey!!!
Really, I was thinking about when we lived "in the country" down in Mississippi - how we lived about 14 miles from Wal Mart. It seemed like such a long ride, of course. When we moved to the city, finally, we only lived about 5 minutes from Wal Mart then. And, you guessed it, still seemed like a long ride. It seems as though the more convenient things get, the more we want.
Have you ever been to a fair or a circus? Well, if you have, you know that for the first hour it really is a treat. After that, you get wearied with all the "sales people" trying to force you to play their games - promising you to win if you will try "one more time"! The fair is good about once every year or two.
Yes, you got it, life sometimes seems like a carnival! Gimmicks everywhere. Promises to get thinner, richer, and more attractive. Just spend $40 and sign up three people and you are set for life. Not to talk about all the other things that fill our days every week. Things that seem good! After all you want your children to play sports like everyone else's do! Well, you get the picture!
The moral of my story, my dear readers, is to keep the main thing the main thing! No pressure, no stress. Be yourself and enjoy the journey!!!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Go Ahead...Jump In!
Well, here goes post number two. I am just gonna get in "a bit at a time" and try my hand at blogging. You know, kind of like you do when you go swimming. There are those of us that run real hard and just take the plunge with a big splash landing, hearing the sound of muffled voices as we descend to the bottom of the pool, to push off with a force and surface again for some air! And then there are those that want to experience the water one cold inch at a time.
For some reason we like to be tortured long and slow.
The cool thing is - that is how life is. Sometimes we are ready to jump in to what God has. Other times we are reluctant and move slower because we think, "well I am not sure about this or if this is really what God wants from me."
Just remember scripture says the steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord! If you will stay surrendered He will do the directing! This should eliminate about 80% of your stress, "trying to figure out the where, when and how." He has that under His control. The good news...you will not miss IT if your heart is to do HIS will. So enjoy the JOURNEY!!!!
For some reason we like to be tortured long and slow.
The cool thing is - that is how life is. Sometimes we are ready to jump in to what God has. Other times we are reluctant and move slower because we think, "well I am not sure about this or if this is really what God wants from me."
Just remember scripture says the steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord! If you will stay surrendered He will do the directing! This should eliminate about 80% of your stress, "trying to figure out the where, when and how." He has that under His control. The good news...you will not miss IT if your heart is to do HIS will. So enjoy the JOURNEY!!!!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
I'm Blogging
Hi, Everyone! Just want to let you know that I am "blogging". This will be a great way to communicate with all you guys and let you know what I am thinking. (Of course, that could be dangerous!)
Well, stay tuned and let's all enjoy "the process" together!
Well, stay tuned and let's all enjoy "the process" together!
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