Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
"Back Rows" by Pastor Kyle Lum
Scripture; Luke 14:11
"For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Observation;
Jesus wanted to make a point as He must've noticed the people clamoring for a "top spot" at the banquet table.
I suppose it's a natural human inclination to want to be "front and center", and to have some sort of attention directed their way. Jesus tells them to humble themselves lest they be embarrassed that someone else may have more importance they they themselves. And by humbling ones self to the "back rows" where they wouldn't be near the focal point of attention, there may be the chance that they could be called up to the front , and be honored in the sight of, and in front of everyone!
But also, IT MAY NOT HAPPEN! You might just be left in the "back row", the sloppy second, the spare tire, the reserve team.
Jesus says it's okay! He doesn't want us to humble ourselves in order to try to gain exaltation, He wants us to humble ourselves to transform our hearts into what He did, He does, and always will do, as Paul explains in Philippians...
"...Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature, God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped...
...but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name..." Philippians 2:5b-9
He wants us to humble ourselves to become more like Him. Give of ourselves to that others may THRIVE. And you know what, we are indeed exalted... in the Kingdom of God! The applause there is roaring!
Application;
There are tons of ways to practice this, but for myself, a couple came to my mind and heart...
-- I don't have to be called a "pastor" in order to BE a pastor. My ministry license means no more than a sheet of paper and a card for my wallet. The ministry of Christ exists in my heart, works in my (little) brain, and is carried out by my hands, feet, and (when necessary), my mouth. Das it. I just gotta do what I do, and if people call me "pastor" or not, it's FINE! I've been asked why I don't want to be called a "pastor". I used to throw the "false humility" card down and say, "Oh, no, I'm NOT a pastor!" I'm over that now. I've wanted to shepherd people since the day I gave my life back to Jesus 16 years ago... I worked hard and also applied myself at our Bible College, and in practical ministry... this is merely another step as I travel along. I'm okay now.
-- I must give of myself, and as a representative of New Hope here on Molokai, give of resources, and gifts, and assistance, to the community of Molokai WITHOUT NEEDING ACCOLADES, ATTENTION, OR "A GOOD WORD" for New Hope, out there. I used to get a little irritated when we loan out ice coolers, ice, tables, chairs, tents, to organizations, and get nothing mentioned about New Hope when the "thank you" ads come out... even though just about EVERYONE ELSE gets recognized. I had to grow up and understand that we didn't give out these things FOR recognition... we gave them out because that's what JESUS asked me and us to do here. I'm pretty much over that too.
The back row, the reserve team, the pooper scoopers... it's not really that bad. Jesus spends a whole lot of time here. I feel it. And the time does come now and then when we get called to the foot of the table. But it won't be my goal.
Prayer:
LORD Jesus, thank You for your infinite wisdom. I pledge myself to the "back row", and be happy and free. And I do hear the heavenly applause, though it's not audible here. In Your Name I pray, Amen!
"For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Observation;
Jesus wanted to make a point as He must've noticed the people clamoring for a "top spot" at the banquet table.
I suppose it's a natural human inclination to want to be "front and center", and to have some sort of attention directed their way. Jesus tells them to humble themselves lest they be embarrassed that someone else may have more importance they they themselves. And by humbling ones self to the "back rows" where they wouldn't be near the focal point of attention, there may be the chance that they could be called up to the front , and be honored in the sight of, and in front of everyone!
But also, IT MAY NOT HAPPEN! You might just be left in the "back row", the sloppy second, the spare tire, the reserve team.
Jesus says it's okay! He doesn't want us to humble ourselves in order to try to gain exaltation, He wants us to humble ourselves to transform our hearts into what He did, He does, and always will do, as Paul explains in Philippians...
"...Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature, God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped...
...but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name..." Philippians 2:5b-9
He wants us to humble ourselves to become more like Him. Give of ourselves to that others may THRIVE. And you know what, we are indeed exalted... in the Kingdom of God! The applause there is roaring!
Application;
There are tons of ways to practice this, but for myself, a couple came to my mind and heart...
-- I don't have to be called a "pastor" in order to BE a pastor. My ministry license means no more than a sheet of paper and a card for my wallet. The ministry of Christ exists in my heart, works in my (little) brain, and is carried out by my hands, feet, and (when necessary), my mouth. Das it. I just gotta do what I do, and if people call me "pastor" or not, it's FINE! I've been asked why I don't want to be called a "pastor". I used to throw the "false humility" card down and say, "Oh, no, I'm NOT a pastor!" I'm over that now. I've wanted to shepherd people since the day I gave my life back to Jesus 16 years ago... I worked hard and also applied myself at our Bible College, and in practical ministry... this is merely another step as I travel along. I'm okay now.
-- I must give of myself, and as a representative of New Hope here on Molokai, give of resources, and gifts, and assistance, to the community of Molokai WITHOUT NEEDING ACCOLADES, ATTENTION, OR "A GOOD WORD" for New Hope, out there. I used to get a little irritated when we loan out ice coolers, ice, tables, chairs, tents, to organizations, and get nothing mentioned about New Hope when the "thank you" ads come out... even though just about EVERYONE ELSE gets recognized. I had to grow up and understand that we didn't give out these things FOR recognition... we gave them out because that's what JESUS asked me and us to do here. I'm pretty much over that too.
The back row, the reserve team, the pooper scoopers... it's not really that bad. Jesus spends a whole lot of time here. I feel it. And the time does come now and then when we get called to the foot of the table. But it won't be my goal.
Prayer:
LORD Jesus, thank You for your infinite wisdom. I pledge myself to the "back row", and be happy and free. And I do hear the heavenly applause, though it's not audible here. In Your Name I pray, Amen!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
"Preparation" by Jon Ruckle, M.D.
Dear NHCCM Paddlers,
Getting anxious to go paddling again?
When I heard the paddling season kick off will be coming up in about 6 weeks, it brought a flood of thoughts. On the one hand, I thought of the time and effort it takes to practice, vs. the travel and other obligations I have this year, and wondered "how can I possibly paddle?" But then quickly thought back on the relationships and brotherhood, the pure joy of paddling together, feeling the boat run, the beauty of the ocean and sunsets, the satisfaction of a good hard workout, and wondered "how could I possibly NOT paddle?"
The season will be starting SOON, and I was asked to share a few thoughts..., which mainly turned to questions I asked myself. A few might sound familiar to you?
What are your personal goals as a paddler? How do you want to improve this season? Part of the satisfaction comes from taking your skills to the next level. Want to perfect your timing and technique, build strength and endurance, learn to stroke, learn to steer, or master the perfect turn? "Set the bar" a little higher this year- what will that be for you?
What can you do to contribute to the club? There is so much to do outside the canoe. Just as the body is made of many members, all of you have gifts and abilities, something to contribute. We need you.
Who are you going to invite, and what is your plan to reach out and welcome new paddlers? As happy as we are to see each other from previous seasons,we want to grow, and there are others on the island who need to be with us. You can certainly think of at least one person you'd like to invite to join us, yeah?
What are your plans to expand the ministry of the club and for your own spiritual growth? A deeper level of understanding and support for each other? Service to others? Outreach to the paddling community and beyond? A deeper personal walk with God, that you can share with your crew?
Have you checked the package? What have you done since Molokai to keep in shape? Stepped on the scales lately and realized the holidays are "still with you?" The stronger we are at the start, the more rapidly we can build and the stronger we'll be at the finish. Expect Coach Blane to have you lace up those running shoes on Day 1, before you get in the canoe. If you're not sure where you are at physically, find out. Check your blood pressure,get a physical. If you have any ongoing medical issues, talk to your doctor about them and make sure you know how hard you can push. If all that is in order, do something now to start to prepare- stretch and get loose, walk, run, cycle, swim, surf, paddle OC-1, do aerobics or weights, or whatever..., and take it up a notch or two between now and March.
When speaking of preparation, Joe Paterno (hey, all you college football fans know who he is, yeah?) said "The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital."
See you soon.
God bless,
JR
Aka "Dr. Jon"
Editor's Note: The 2008 New Hope Canoe Club Orientation/Registration Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 24Th, 1:15 PM, at the L.E.A.D. Center.
"Best 2008 Desk Calendar"
The best desk calendar I received this year is Bank of Hawai'i's "Canoe Paddlers."
The photos are great!
The photos are great!
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