CHURCHMEN

It was never my intent to be a churchman. Early on in my beginnings with Jesus, I held on to the idea that I really didn't fit in to a church structure. I am not a joiner, I don't like committee's, I think that Christian men can easily fall into the pattern of only associating with other Christian men, and the results of that are what I refer to as "the holy huddle."

Now I think that without churchmen, we are in real trouble. Women are far more involved in the church than men. Women make up a disproportionate number of any volunteer activity in the church. Men are vital to the body of Christ. I am grateful that there are men who are volunteers and who do not take my stance against participating.

As of now however, Gail and I are participating in several ministries in our church. And it's not so bad. I have adjusted my thinking about this and realize that I can be a witness in the world, spend time discipling men on the outside and be intimately involved in the church's on going service to the greater Frisco area.

Over and over again, Jesus shows me that my fears are unfounded. He guides me gently and teaches me with grace. This is true for all believers. Just stay available and willing.

OBEDIENCE

If you will go back and read the post from mid March, you will see the seeds of this new direction that God has given us.
After spending three weeks in Los Angeles, managing the business during my general managers vacation absence, I finally submitted to what God has been calling me to do. Gail and I are putting our house on the market for sale this coming week. With the proceeds from the sale of this house we are going to buy a home we can pay for. The reduction in monthly expenses will permit us to take a substantial pay cut. This in turn will allow the business some breathing room and perhaps just enough extra cash flow to remain solvent.

The whole idea is centered around us being obedient to the call that we believe God has made on our lives. He has not asked us to change any other portion of our financial picture. We can stay living in this area, stay in our present church, and stay near the doctors and hospitals that are so vital for Gail's mom.

I didn't want to do it. I proposed several options to the Lord rather than do what he was asking. And all of the options were padded in my favor so as not to have to face my piers and family with the ugly truth that I simply could not afford to go on living as we do.

The great part is that every time God has told us to adjust our finances, He has been faithful to continue to provide for us and we in turn are comforted by the fellowship with Him that obedience guarantees.

This doesn't mean that cutting back is fun for us. It doesn't mean that we are joyful throughout the process. It doesn't mean that we don't mourn the loss of neighborhood friends and comfortable surroundings and familiar patterns. What it does mean is that we remain in the center of God's will, and after all, that is all that really matters.

Because of His grace we can continue to have the blessing of giving. Because of His grace we can operate out in the open, free from the shackles of personal bondage, brought on by greed and pride. Nothing in this world is worth clinging to that God wants removed.

So I remember these three reasons surrounding the salvation we have received.

1] You want to be wherever God wants you.

2] Anything God removes you do not need.

3] Anytime God makes an offer--accept it.