Messy Ministry - 2/20/12

The more that I dive into the Word, and the more I desire to follow God's will, the more I realize that ministry just gets messy. And, I like it!

This weekend was our Purity-4-Life Conference, in which we discuss sexual purity and abstinence with out teens. On Sunday morning, a lady dedicated her life to Christ and asked to be baptized. This sounds like a successful weekend, right? Here's the "messier" part.

When I went to baptize the lady from our church, she came down and almost slipped. It could've been because she was giddy or it the baptistry was slippery - who knows? But, I helped her onto the seat and got ready to do the "baptismal" routine. So, I told her to cover her nose, and immediately she started sliding down, to go under the water. WHOA! I didn't get to pray for her! I didn't get to say the thing that we always say. You know…the "I baptize you in the name…" speech. Well, in the span of about two seconds, all of this flashed through my mind and I began to think, "What in the world am I supposed to do?" And then it hit me. While the words are important, they're not required for someone to be baptized. Jesus commanded us to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, but He didn't say anything about mumbling words. In fact, those words are more traditional than they are necessary. The act of baptizing symbolizes that someone has committed their life to Christ; they have died to sin and are reborn in Christ.

Once I realized that she was going under, no matter what I said to try and convince her to wait, I said, "Well, I guess this is how we're baptizing tonight." She went down, she came back up, and then started walking out the wrong side of the baptistry. I got her attention and told her to go back the other way, so she turned and jumped back onto the seat and then jumped up onto the stairs. If I hadn't done it wrong yet, I most certainly was doing it wrong now. I mean, jumping in the baptistry is about as bad as using the baptistry as a spa.

In that moment, I knew that God saw her as His beautiful daughter. Who was I to be more concerned about the way in which we baptize and less concerned with how God sees people? I mean, isn't the whole point that we make disciples, baptize them, and teach them the ways of the Lord? What happened in the baptistry was anything but clean and neat; but, God was pleased with a new disciple being baptized. When did the tradition become more important than salvation?

After that, we hosted dinner for the congregation. It was left over dinner (from the conference), but we had enough to feed the entire church. I walked into the dining hall and was absolutely blessed to see the room full of people that were eating, talking, and laughing together as brothers and sisters in Christ. But, wait a minute, there was a new lady. Who was she? Did she literally just walk in off of the street? About five minutes later, another man rode his bike up and walked in to get a plate of food. Our first instinct is to protect our people from these strangers, but that is completely the opposite of what Jesus would have done. In fact, five years ago, I would've turned them away, only to find that we had more than enough food to take care of them. In fact, I would've turned them away, despite having enough food. And that makes me sad.

This is messy ministry. And, I think it's how God would've wanted it. So that He might be glorified in and through our lives. Has your ministry been messy lately? Have you asked God to send His Holy Spirit to comfort you and guide you through each day of your ministry? I encourage you to let God's Word be your guiding path, rather than human inhibitions. Really consider how Jesus would've handled each situation that you come across, so that you can bring glory and honor to Him, and not yourself.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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Worship Styles to Live By - 2/13/12

Have you ever been standing in a church service and thought, "I wonder what others think of us? I mean, are we crazy radicals or just middle-of-the-road baptists? And, are we OK with that?" Isn't it crazy that we get caught up in those types of thoughts? I mean, if we were standing there and Jesus walked up to the front of the stage and stood before us, would we have the same thought? Would we be worrying about our worship style?

Last night, as I was leading the singing, I got to a worship-leader-turns-pastor moment, in which I intended to give a mini-sermon while playing guitar. Sometimes, however, when I try to do too many things at the same time, my fingers and brain stop communicating. So, in the instance last night, I was talking and the fingers stopped playing - right in the middle of a chord change! I mean, nothing says that you haven't practiced enough more than just stopping in the middle of a song. While this would have normally left me mortally wounded, surprisingly I didn't care. I was ready to meet Jesus last night, and I don't really think He was concerned with the number of chords I played wrong or the number of times I lost my breath, because I was playing too fast. I just wanted to see Him.

I often think back to the disciples sitting around, having a convo with Jesus. They were with Him all of the time - literally! In fact, in Mark, Jesus left to go and spend some alone time in prayer. The disciples went out to look for Him and exclaimed, "Everyone is looking for you!" ...as if He didn't already know that. They were together so much that Jesus could hardly get away. But, the thing that impresses me the most about this, is that Jesus wanted to spend time with them. He wanted them to be in His presence, because He wanted to be close to them. He wanted them to intimately know Him.

In fact, if we were sitting down with Jesus, and I was playing the guitar to lead some songs, He would probably just laugh and smile when I played some "off notes." I used to think that everything had to be absolutely perfect. As a musician, I strive for good musicianship (playing the best that I can, whenever I play), because I think that quality music is important. But, I think that must also be tempered with the desire to be drawn into His presence.

When we think of worship styles, I think that we should think in terms of "draws me closer to" or "pushes me farther away from" Jesus in a corporate worship setting. My dad folds his arms across his chest, while I close my eyes to sing. We both have the same desire for God.

I encourage you to daily worship the Lord. Be in His presence. If you sing at the top of your lungs while driving in the car, then sing out for Jesus. If you worship Him in silence, then let that silence speak volumes. In whatever you do, honor and glorify the Lord this week, and He will be praised.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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The Urgency of Souls - 2/6/12

Last week, I talked about the Transparency of Souls and our need, as Christians, to look deeper or beyond the flesh. But, there seems to be an urgency that many of us haven't yet taken hold of - the urgency of their soul. When you no longer consider people as just flesh and bones, but consider them in light of their eternal soul, you begin to notice the urgency of their eternal damnation, if they die without Christ. And that, in addition to a growing love for them, seems to be the thing that keeps me motivated.

About a week ago, I had a dream. After the dream, I woke up and was immediately conscious of the dream and what had transpired. Someone that I know was pregnant and she died during childbirth. Besides the orphaned child, the thing that stuck out in my thoughts was the fact that she would've died without Christ (had the dream been real). How many chances had I blow to witness to her? How many opportunities was I given to share the love of Christ? Was it my fault that she was lost and without Christ?

I realize that everyone has their own opportunity to accept Christ or not; however, their independence doesn't give us a license to remain silent. In order to truly live out our calling as Christians, we never stop considering their soul. This seems like a simple concept, and yet, we forget so easily. So, I'm just giving this reminder: don't forget about them. Them? Yes, the people that you have been praying for. The people that are on your heart. The people that you have taken responsibility for.

I hope that you can look into their souls this week. I hope that you can see them for who they really are. I hope that you can share the love of Christ with them. And, I hope that God is able to speak through you in every part of your witness!

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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A Fluosilicate of Aluminum to Remember

to·paz [toh-paz]
noun
1. a mineral, a fluosilicate of aluminum, usually occurring in prismatic orthorhombic crystals of various colors, and used as a gem.

Have I ever told you about my first car? It was a gem, and I mean, a real gem. It was a Topaz, to be exact. A Mercury Topaz that was the envy of all who laid eyes on it. When you think, "First car, I wonder what it could be," you may consider a Mustang or even an old-school VW Beetle, but I set my sights on something that was a little more functional than that.

Consider with me the hot summer days of Fresno. In the middle of the afternoon, after your car has been sitting in the sun and ripening all of those spilled drinks, that you desire to roll your windows down and freshen the car hits with the immediacy of one needing to release an evil spirit. Well, not so in this Topaz. I mean, you could roll down the back windows, but they only went halfway due to the child protection locks. The front would roll down, but not go back up. So, if you wanted to get out of the car and guide the window up straight, you could hazard rolling the window down. Why not just turn on the AC? That's a great question. It didn't work. Next question.

What about the look of the car? So it had some mechanical issues...did it still work well on the exterior? Sure! If you consider peeling paint to be gorgeous on a car. Better yet, let me tell you about the functional parts. One of the seat belts didn't work; the lights would turn on, but not off unless you knew the correct angle of depression; the wipers worked when it wasn't raining; the turn signal hung limply and you had to hold it up or down with all of your might to get a blinking light; and, the e-brake was slightly touchy when set in place. But, other than that, it was a beautiful gem that got me from point A to point B.

What was your first car? Did it work? Has it forever more changed your life?

The Transparency of Souls - 1/30/12

I have this thought that has been returning to my mind over the last few days. It really reminds me of an X-ray machine, in that, it allows me to see into the depths of someone's life. Now, before you think that I'm really the next Clark Kent, please don't mistake my awesomeness. And, please don't think that I'm inappropriately using the X-ray machine. I'm just thinking through this ability to see into people's lives and know, beyond anything else, that their soul is at stake.

Last night's sermon was on Amos 4. At the end of the chapter, the prophet says,

"'Therefore this is what I will do to you, Israel,

and because I will do this to you, Israel,

prepare to meet your God.'

He who forms the mountains,

who creates the wind,

and who reveals His thoughts to mankind,

who turns dawn to darkness,

and treads on the heights of the earth-

the LORD God Almighty is His name.'"

And, after reading these verses (12-13), I just get this sense that there is so much more to people's souls than we really take into consideration. Yes, people make their own choices and place themselves in harm's way and do things that they shouldn't and deserve judgment for all that they have done. And, yes, they deserve every, single bit of destruction that is forewarned; because, God is almighty, He reigns on His throne, and He has already spoken of our impending doom, should we continue on in our sin.

But, He have us a way out! That way is Christ Jesus, and each of us (if we are really honest with ourselves), is relieved to not have to bear the burden of sin on our own. But, Christ didn't come to just save you. He came to save you and everyone around you. He came to save parents, children, husbands, wives, co-workers, enemies, agnostics, atheists, hypocrites, and anyone else that you can think of.

When you truly consider the soul of each person that you meet on a daily basis, you begin to see more than just skin color, hair, eyes, perfection, beauty, ugliness, scars, and their physical appearance. You see into the depth of their soul, because your soul is not that dissimilar. You see who they are, because you understand their plight. You desire that they know God, because you were once without Him.

I hope that you can look into their souls this week. I hope that you can see them for who they really are. I hope that you can share the love of Christ with them. And, I hope that God is able to speak through you in every part of your witness!

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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We tried kissing, but the Earth didn't move

Leonard: Oh, we tried kissing, but the Earth didn't move. I mean any more than the 383 miles that it was going to move anyway. (The Big Bang Theory, The Fuzzy Boots Corollary)

We're coming close to the "Season of Love," aka Valentine's Day, aka Singles Awareness Day; and, many people are starting to think about what is going to happen on that epic day: February 14, 2012. Some of the men are still wondering how they're going to impress that lady. Some of the ladies are really wondering if they're going to be disappointed. Some of the singles are worried about not having a date. And, some people are just sick of the commercialism found in the day.

But, before you judge me for any cynicism, please hear me out (or read me out). I'm not an advocate for abolishing El Dia de San Valentin. I'm just wondering, out loud, about all of the people that are expecting that ONE moment on that one day to rock their world. They get to Valentine's Day, the anticipation has been building, the chocolate has been purchased, and the food has been paid for; but, the Earth doesn't move and fireworks don't go off. The disappointment that ensues breaks their heart and they feel empty inside.

I've told people, for a very long time, that there can't just be ONE day that is dedicated to your love (or infatuation or like-from-a-distance) to the extent that you neglect the other 354 days of the year. The response from many is, "Bryan, you're single, so you obviously wouldn't understand." Really? That would be applicable had I NEVER dated. That would be applicable had I never been out for a Valentine's Day meal that I wanted to be perfect. But, there is more to life than that one day.

I just want to be an encouragement to all of the rest of us. In the same manner that we consider our relationship to Christ to be a day-by-day thing, our relationship to our spouse or significant other has to be a day-by-day thing. It's great to get excited and do something special; but, if the Earth doesn't move, don't worry about it! There are 364 more days to try and I guarantee that on at least ONE of them, the Earth will move, fireworks will go off and you will be perfectly happy.

But, don't let happiness be your driving force in life. If you only strive for the happy moments, you will miss everything else around you. When Paul talks about contentment in Philippians 4:12, he is expressing an underlying desire to be blessed by Christ - to live for God with everything that you have. You have an opportunity to influence your relationship every, single day. Make every single day a blessed day! And, whether you are married, engaged, in love, in like, or single, make the most of your Valentine's Day!

It's Monday - 1/23/12

It's Monday! Yes, I used an exclamation point, so get over it.

Most of my coworkers realize that I'm not actually awake between 8am and 10am, despite starting work at 8am every day. But Bryan, aren't you missing out on two very valuable hours in the day? Of course not! I work, I'm just not really awake for any type of significant conversation. And, without fail, every Monday morning, between the hours of 8 and 10, it's even worse. I mean, it's not like I do it on purpose. It's just that, after the weekend, NO one wants to go back to work...except maybe the robots...and often I question their salvation.

And, since I technically am a pastor and should probably bring some biblical basis to this whole thought, I'm forced to ask the question: How did the Israelites deal with Monday mornings? Yeah...nothings really coming to mind. There is a LOT written about the Sabbath, but nothing that ever talks about the morning after. Nothing to give us any indication that they required caffeine-filled substances to get their week started. Nothing to prove that they were groggy from 8-10am. Nothing to show that they struggled in this area.

Except...maybe a few different commands.

"Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." - Leviticus 19:2b

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me." - Psalm 3:5

"I obey your precepts and your statues, for all my ways are known to you." - Psalm 119:168

The LORD sustains us. He makes our path clear and gives us guidance every single day. He provides for our needs and is continually faithful. If there is anything that we can take away from Monday mornings, it is that God is still the same God as He was on Sunday; and, He will continue to be the same God tomorrow.

I hope this brings you some encouraging thoughts for the week. As you approach the week, think about the main priorities of your life and accomplish THOSE things.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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