Selecting Shepherds in 2014 by Greg York

Selecting Shepherds in 2014: A Congregational Exercise in Spiritual Growth

A bit of a departure from our usual use of this space: A chance to speak to us all as a church on the importance of the next few weeks.

This is the year for what has become our biennial shepherd selection process. That means that we have some decisions to make about who will lead this church and how it will be led. We have the chance to see if God is raising up others among us to serve as elders.

In 2004, we began using a system for shepherd selection that was predicated on a number of principles:

·         That the congregation as a whole should be involved in selecting its leaders (and would want to be involved);

·         That the congregation as a whole—having been reminded of the scriptural teachings on leadership among God’s people and having prayed about the matter—was wise enough to see who among us is following in the steps of Jesus in a way that the rest of us want to follow him;

·         That God through his Spirit could and would superintend such a process as we bathed the process in prayer;

·         That being appointed an elder was not like being appointed to a Federal judgeship: no one was to serve longer than four years without the congregation prayerfully reaffirming that this is someone who is leading us in the steps of Jesus;

·         That through participating in the process, all members would be able to feel that our elders were not “the church’s” elders, but “our” elders; and

·         That through participating in the process, all of us would have a clearer vision of who we are supposed to be in Christ.

The current leadership wants to encourage all of us to participate in this process. If you are a member of this congregation, you are not too young in years or too old, too new to this place or too long in place. You are not without a voice in this!

We want that to be an informed voice. Here’s how you can be an informed participant:

·         Read over the summary of the process we will follow.

·         Listen to (and process, alone or with others) the sermon of September 28.

·         If at all possible, be part of the combined adult Bible classes October 5, 12, and 19 where we’ll think further about the Biblical teachings on leadership of God’s people (we will try to have recordings of these available on the website as soon as possible so that you may catch up if cannot be present).

·         Above all, pray for the process (that God’s will for this church will be clear and compelling in the results of the process), pray for God to show you clearly who he has prepared and is raising up for leadership, and that those he is calling to serve through this process will be willing and able to serve joyfully and conscientiously.

Please don’t think of this as a pause in our life of striving to spread the aroma of Christ. Rather: The ultimate desire is that our church’s shepherd selection process enhances the life of this church, that we come out on the other end more deeply committed to follow together in the steps of Jesus Christ, and that Southeastern continues in its efforts not merely to exist but truly to be an outpost of God’s Kingdom, spreading the aroma of Christ. As such, this will be a way we continue to grow in Christ.

Shepherd Selection Process (Abridged)

Southeastern Church of Christ                               Fall, 2014

The process involves the congregation in five phases:  Information, Nomination, Examination, Confirmation, and Dedication.  The whole process is dependent upon God’s blessing as we seek to follow his leading in selecting spiritual men to lead this congregation.

 

Phase One – Information

The purpose of the Information phase is to assure that the congregation understands:  

• The Selection Process itself

A committee will be appointed by the current elders to superintend the selection process.

• The Qualities and Role of Shepherds—Teaching will be provided to the entire congregation to assure that we have the opportunity to hear and understand what scripture teaches about spiritual leadership in the church. 

Phase Two – Nomination

                         

The purpose of the nomination phase is to encourage the congregation to prayerfully consider who God is calling to serve as shepherds.  Nomination Forms will be distributed to the congregation to help identify those whom the congregation is “calling out” to serve as spiritual leaders.

In addition to this formal nomination process, the currently serving elders may draw from their knowledge of the congregation to present additional names to the members for their examination.

Phase Three – Examination

This phase is 1) to provide the committee time to process names, and 2) for the congregation to prayerfully consider the initial list of names presented by the committee.

After the committee has processed the nomination forms, they will ask the current elders for their input and insight regarding these men. It is at this point in the process that the elders may choose to add additional names to the list. Prospective shepherds will meet with both the committee and current elders to jointly explore this opportunity to serve.

Then names of potential shepherds will be presented to the church. Members will then have at least two weeks to alert the Committee of any spiritual basis upon which to challenge the appointment of one of these men.

Phase Four – Confirmation

A Confirmation Form will be distributed to the congregation. Every member will have the opportunity either to affirm (“yes”), reject (“no”), or simply indicate “I don’t know” for each prospective elder.  The committee will process these responses, and present a list of new shepherds for appointment. (For any prospective elder to be selected as a new shepherd for the congregation, he must receive an affirmative (“yes”) response on at least 75% of the Forms returned. 

 

Phase Five – Dedication

  

A Dedication ceremony will occur during a Sunday morning assembly, to charge the new shepherds to fulfill their God-given responsibilities (Titus 1.7-9; Acts 20.28; 1 Peter 5.2), and to challenge the church to follow the leadership of its shepherds (1 Thessalonians 5.12-13; 1 Timothy 5.17; Hebrews 13.17). 

NOTE: A more detailed explanation of the process will be available at the Welcome Center for you to pick up should you desire it. 

Health Ministry Newsletter-September 2014 by Lisa Fleetwood

How to Visit Someone in the Hospital

Have you ever visited a church member in the hospital only to wait in the hallway until the nurse is finished, or been relegated to the waiting room because there are too many people in the patient’s room? Have you popped into the hospital to see the sweet elderly gentleman that sits two pews up only to discover he had a bad night and can’t stay awake? If so, you know that visiting the sick can be a tricky situation. When things go well, everyone reaps the benefits of fellowship and encouragement but when circumstances vary, the results can leave you frustrated and the patient without the joy of your room-brightening smile! Remember that visiting the sick is an important responsibility that Jesus himself commanded.

Read Matthew 25:31-36 (ESV). 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

Matthew shows the importance of our faith in action. Verse 35 tells us exactly what those actions should include! Since we are charged with this important responsibility, let’s look at some tips to ensure everyone has the best possible outcome.

Don’t underplay the situation. Being in the hospital is a BIG deal. It can be traumatizing, intimidating, and sometimes humiliating. Don’t underestimate the experience. If someone is going in for an elective procedure, make sure to let them know you are praying before they are admitted. Ask them what concerns them the most (privacy, pain, fear, insomnia, recovery, food) and lift up prayers that are specific. Pray with them and continue these specific prayers when you get home.

No need to visit everyone. If you aren’t particularly close to the person, postpone your visit until they are discharged to home. In 2014, if you are hospitalized, it is because your are significantly ill. Allow those closest to the patient to provide support at this time as they can often coordinate visits and care in a manner that meets the patient’s needs best. Once the patient is at home, your visit will be a source of joy as they regain strength and transition back to daily living.

Talk openly. Sometimes, patients in the hospital are facing serious, life-threatening illness. Don’t tip toe around the elephant in the room or worse yet, pretend it’s not there at all. If someone has been diagnosed with cancer, don’t discuss the beautiful weather or your upcoming trip. Ask them how they are coping, what they need, and their greatest concerns. Pray with them, hold their hand, and express your love and support. Remember Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn.” Our church family is our greatest asset in times of despair.

Bring a card. When your loved one returns home, they will try to recall the blur of people that visited them while they were in the hospital. Bringing a card will not just brighten their room in the moment, but it will serve as a reminder that you stopped in to show your support in the weeks after they are discharged. After a week long hospitalization in 2012, I struggled to recollect the many supporters that encouraged me with visits during my stay. Weeks later, I reviewed the lovely cards and sentiments that I received. I was reminded, yet again, of the outpouring of support that I received from my church family.


Keep it to yourself. Whatever is shared during your visit, keep it private. A
hospital stay can be a very vulnerable time for a patient. As a visitor, you may overhear sensitive health information or the patient may voluntarily disclose details of their illness with you. Either way, keep the information quiet. If you feel compelled to share, make sure you clear it with the patient beforehand. Clarify with them what can and can’t be disclosed to others.




Know when to leave (or when to stay). Make your visit short and sweet.
Hospitalized patients are often in pain, medicated, and exhausted. It is important that you express your care and support, but after that they will need to rest. The exception comes when you are providing relief for the caregiver. Offer to sit with the patient so that their loved one is able to go home, shower, and rest. In this situation, it is okay to sit quietly (bring a magazine or book) and encourage the patient to rest. Let their behavior be your guide. If they look sleepy, pull your chair into the corner and quietly read while they sleep.

Don’t forget when they get home….

• Make sure that you provide meals that adhere to their ordered diet. Those with high blood pressure or heart disease may be on a sodium restricted diet. When in doubt, ask! Ensure that the meal you provide will help them heal!

• Offer to run errands like grocery shopping or pharmacy pick-ups. It will ease the burden of the primary caregiver to know they have what they need without leaving their newly discharged loved one. 

• Keep visiting. After discharge, patients can sink into a depression. Your visits are more important than ever. Bring them your favorite book to borrow or a flower from your garden. The gesture will brighten their day and speed their healing.

Mind the Gap by Greg York

Mind the Gap                                                                   

By tompagenet (Tom Page) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tompagenet/303824827/) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.’

-- Mark 10.17-18

On the way back from mission trips to Poland in 1994 and 1995, our teams had a couple of days’ layover in London each year. There were some debriefing meetings with other Let’s Start Talking teams from Europe and a chance to do a little sight-seeing. And getting around in London inevitably means riding on the Underground. That’s where I first encountered the signs advising me to “Mind the Gap.” When the trains stop at the platforms to disgorge and engorge passengers, there is inevitably a small gap between the opened doors of the train and the platform. Not much of one, just enough that I suppose you could catch a toe or a heel and do a face-plant if you’re not paying attention. So, there are signs and announcements reminding us all to “Mind the Gap.” It is a gentle reminder that the train and the platform are two different things.

In my devotional reading one day this week, I read a section of Psalm 119 and then read all of Psalm 53. I was struck by the contrast between two lines, one in each of these two psalms.

You are good and do good;

   teach me your statutes.

                                                                        -- Psalm 119.68

God looks down from heaven on humankind

   to see if there are any who are wise,

   who seek after God.

They have all fallen away, they are all alike perverse;

   there is no one who does good,

   no, not one.

                                                                        --Psalm 53.2-3

God is good, morally right.

People… well, not so much

Mind the gap.

Perhaps that seems like a “duh” sort of observation to make. Indeed, it would be, if we did not seem to have trouble remembering that so much of the time. Rather than seeking after God and his goodness, we want to be “good” as we define goodness, “good” as we are comfortable defining it. If you’re like me, you always find it quick and easy to see your actions (and therefore yourself) as good. (I’m reminded of Sir Lancelot in the old Broadway musical, Camelot: early on in the play, he sings in the self-appreciating song, “C’est Moi,” that he’s so comparatively pure that “had (he) been made the partner of Eve, we’d be in Eden still.” A few scenes later he’s betraying his lord the king and committing adultery with the king’s wife. So much for comparative goodness.)

Maybe we’re just letting ourselves off the hook when we think of ourselves as really good people. Then again, maybe we, in fact, are better morally than some people around us.

But here’s the issue in this: Is our thinking about what is “good” and how to do “good” focused on ourselves or on God? There’s a gap there, you know. Mind the gap.

Then again, that “duh” distinction between God and people gives us some insight into the odd response by Jesus to the fellow in the quotation at the top of this post. I always want to say, “Hey, Jesus, give yourself some credit – you are good!” Sometimes I want to say, “Come on, Jesus! Give this guy some credit—he’s asking you about what he should do, after all? We’re about to find out that he’s a good, law-abiding guy.”

Mind the gap, Jesus says to this fellow. You want to measure goodness by your ability to be good and do good. Maybe you are pretty good. But not as good as God. Are you just interested in being as good as you feel like being, or are you committed to pursuing God’s goodness and rightness in all things? Is your “good” focus on you or on God? Mind the gap.

(For what it’s worth, I think that’s what Jesus is doing in part of Matthew 5.21-48, leading up to v. 48: Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Are you making your moral choices based solely on what you’ve always heard, or on what you’re feeling at the moment, or…are you taking your cues from the one who defines good, who is good, who does good? Mind the gap.)

Well, Greg, what does this have to do with spiritual growth, the alleged purpose of this blog?

Here’s my point for that purpose: When it comes to determine and do the good, my ability to do that begins with the recognition that I am not God. There is a gap between

what I’ve always been taught,

with how I was raised,

                with what my best-informed thinking might be,

                                with what my best intentions are…

and God and his goodness

and his good desires for me and for others.

Forgetting that gap does not serve me well. Forgetting that does not serve others well. Forgetting that does not serve the purposes of the kingdom well.

Not minding that gap can—and does, often—lead me to spiritual face-plants.

On the other hand, remembering that may help me and in turn help me to help others. Remembering that may not make me good as the One who “is good and does good,” but it will help me to be a better human being.

This next week, when you and I face choices in how we are going to act and speak, here’s my advice for us all: Mind the gap.

Fearful Eagerness by Mike DeCamp

Fearful Eagerness

Earlier this summer, in late June, Nancy and I had the privilege and good fortune to be able to take an incredible vacation to one of God’s true wonderlands:  Yellowstone National Park and The Grand Teton National Park.  We had planned it for a long time, and the trip was off and on and then off and on again as our finances took various turns over the last couple of years.  But, in the end, God blessed us with an opportunity to both escape the usual pressures of our careers and also enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery that He has created anywhere in the world.

We flew to Salt Lake City where we rented a car and then drove on up to the Wyoming.  Staying inside the park, we journeyed each day to another part of the area; taking in as much of the variety as possible in the one week we had for the adventure.  We explored the natural wonders of geysers, hot springs, mountain lakes, and beautiful green valleys.  We watched trout spawning in a small stream.  We watched the Bison roam, and the antelope play.  Eagles, elk, owls, ground squirrels, and bear.

And we hiked.

Nearly every day, we took a good hike or two.  One day was extra special because two of our good friends, Brian & Becky flew in and spent the day hiking with us in the Grand Teton National Park.  We hiked out and around a couple of lakes, getting rained on, hailed on, and enjoying the overwhelming wonders of that mesmerizing mountain range.

However, we saved our best hike for our last day.  We started off hiking along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone…with lots of other people around.  Feeling good.  Feeling safe.  But eventually, we hiked far enough out that the crowds became scarce, and then we took a turn into the back country to make a large loop back to our vehicle.  It was at that turn that it hit us.

The fearful eagerness.

You see, Yellowstone is truly wild.  90% of the people who visit that vast wilderness park do not range more than a half mile from the road.  The animals truly own the place.  And, some of those animals wouldn’t mind having you for a snack.

So, there we were…ready to make that turn that we knew would take us in to the truly wild country.  We were so eager to see what was out there.  To see what we could see.  To see what 90% of the other visitors would never see.  But, even with that bear spray strapped to my belt, there was a streak of anxiousness…fearfulness that wrapped around us like a rope.  We had our doubts:  Maybe we shouldn’t go on.  It was just the two of us, instead of being in a group of at least three like the park service recommended.  Perhaps it wouldn’t be safe, and we should just turn around and backtrack.  We were eager, but fear was right there with us.  

After talking it over for a few anxious minutes, we decided to go for it; to forge ahead with the adventure!  Folks, I am so very happy that we did!

And, in reality it was the fear that made that hike just all that much more exciting and worthwhile!

But, that was early in the summer.  Before Kent’s illness, and before Ebola became so real to us at Southeastern.  Before we witnessed God using harsh, raw situations to touch people’s hearts.  Before we saw Him use a terrible disease to change us, and change others.  Before He used an illness in a young doctor and an obscure sermon given in his home church to reach into the hearts of thousands—famous and average, white collar and blue collar, young and old.  Have no doubt about it!  God is at work!

And, that makes me feel that same feeling that I felt on that trail in Yellowstone: fearfully eager.  I'm eager to see what God is going to do next, but I'm a tad fearful of what that will mean.  I’m not the first.  Daniel at the edge of the lions’ den.  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego at the door to the furnace.  Esther in the hall of the king.  Jesus in Gethsemane.

Each felt the fear.  Each could have turned back.  Each forged on ahead.

Make no mistake friends.  The world is a royal mess right now, but God is up to something!  I can feel it tingling up my spine and looping around my gut…that rope of fearful eagerness.  I don’t know where this is going to take me.  Or you.  And I don’t know how much sacrifice will be required.  Like Daniel, I don’t know in advance if the lion is going to devour or embrace.  I don’t know in advance if the furnace is going to burn me or not.  And, Jesus did die…as did Stephen, and James, and Peter, and Paul.

But, in the end, the victory belonged to all of those biblical heroes, and it will belong to us as well.  God ensures that victory.  And, perhaps… if we don’t turn back…if we head on out into that wild country that God is leading us into, we just might see some mesmerizing wonder of God that most people will miss.  And that tinge of fearfulness will only make the adventure all that much more exciting.

Do you have your hiking boots on?

Mike

PS:  I visited Alice Fay Brown in the hospital tonight, and she told me to say “hello” to everyone for her!  So, I told her that I'd put it in the blog and make her famous.  She told me to make sure I spelled her name correctly.  (How'd I do, Alice?)

Mustard Seed & Mountains by Craig Hill

Monday night for the elders' meeting, Mike DeCamp asked us to explain how over the past month, considering Kent Brantly’s Ebola virus illness and recovery, we had been changed. My answer was not very much, because I know God answers prayers and can do all things. I did not know if Kent would survive Ebola, but I did know he would if God wanted him to. I prayed for Kent and also Nancy Writebol (Kent’s co-worker) to survive, so the world would know God’s power, and because Kent got sick doing God’s work, and God would save him from it, if God so desired.

Am I amazed Kent has survived Ebola? Yes. Am I amazed at God’s power in this situation? Yes. Of course! I should be amazed at God’s power in all situations.

Mustard Seed

In Mathew 17, verse 20, Jesus says, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” So, while we should always stand in amazement of God, and be continually transformed by the way he works in our lives, we should not be surprised when he answers our prayers.

We should always be in awe of God’s power, but be confident that he hears our prayers.

Maybe I don’t have a lot of faith, but I think I have faith as small as a mustard seed. Is moving a mountain harder than curing Kent of the Ebola virus? I don’t know. But it wasn’t a sure thing Kent would survive it, despite being relatively young and fit, despite being a doctor, despite receiving an experimental drug, and despite being evacuated. From what I understand, Kent’s roughest days may have been before he was evacuated. Ebola is a viscious killer, and can kill anyone no matter how strong, young, or cared for. Complications can arise when your body’s organs and systems are attacked and ravaged.

And the miracle happened! Kent did survive, and so did Nancy! Wow! And yet, what did we expect? That God would take out these two great servants of His? Of course not.

The main question I raise to myself is: Did I pray more fervently for them than for someone else? And if so, why? I should always expect God to answer my prayers, and I should always pray fervently and with confident expectation. That’s what God teaches us. But do I? No. I don’t. But I should. So this is my resolution: to pray fervently always, and always with a faith. Good question Mike.

Health Ministry Newsletter-August 2014 by Lisa Fleetwood

Got the Blues?

It’s normal to occasionally get the blues but sadness that lasts more than just a few days could mean something more serious.

What is depression?

Depression is more than just a low mood – it's a serious illness that has an impact on both physical and mental health.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Those suffering from depression may lose interest in work, hobbies and doing things they normally enjoy. They may lack energy, have difficulty sleeping or sleep more than usual. Some people feel irritable and some find it hard to concentrate. Depression makes life more difficult to manage from day to day.

What causes depression?

Most likely, depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Some types of depression tend to run in families. However, depression can occur in people without family histories of depression too.

Who is affected?

Each year about 6.7% of U.S adults experience major depressive disorder. Women are 70 % more likely than men to experience depression during their lifetime. Non-Hispanic blacks are 40% less likely than non-Hispanic whites to experience depression during their lifetime. The average age of onset is 32 years old. Additionally, 3.3% of 13 to 18 year olds have experienced a seriously debilitating depressive disorder.

What are the treatment options?

Seeking help is the first step toward reclaiming your life. Contact your physician for an evaluation. Be honest about your concerns. Before your visit, write down your concerns and symptoms. Include severity and duration of each issue. Depression is treatable with therapy and medication but a critical component of recovery is achieved through social support. Reach out to those closest to you.

• Community's 24-hour crisis line (800-662-3445) provides immediate evaluations by phone and/or face-to-face for psychiatric emergencies.
• Mental Health America helpline: (800) 273.TALK (317) 251.7575/TEXT CSIS to 839863 Help is available 24-Hours a Day and is Confidential and FREE. Suicide Intervention/Relationship Issues/Substance Abuse/Depression/Stress Management

*Source: National Institute on Mental Health

A Happier Lifestyle

While clinical depression can involve alterations in brain chemistry and requires medical intervention for resolution, occasional sadness can be remedied with lifestyle changes. Try these tips to keep your emotional health in check!

Slow down. Hectic lives include packed schedules that leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled. When we cram too much into our day, we end up scurrying from place to place without taking the time to enjoy. By slowing down, we can actually take the time to experience life’s joys. Pick and choose what goes onto your calendar. Keep what’s important but say “no” to what doesn’t align with your core values.

Practice Gratitude. My friend shared with me an interesting article she had read about gratitude. The article posed the question, “What if you woke up today with only what you thanked God for yesterday?”. Well, what would you have? To what extent do you practice gratitude throughout your day? Focusing on what you are thankful for shifts your thinking and changes your perspective. It may have been a rough day, but if you can find something good (and there is always something) you can transform your attitude.

Eat (And drink) Healthier. Refined sugars, processed foods, salt, and alcohol may contribute to feelings of sadness while foods like salmon and walnuts (high in Omega-3’s), berries (high in mood enhancing anthocyadins), and beans (high in depression fighting folates) can actually keep you feeling mentally sharp and upbeat. Try drinking water, too. According to a 2012 study in the Journal of Nutrition, those who were mildly dehydrated were more pessimistic than their well-hydrated counterparts.

Make a Change. Feelings of powerlessness contribute to sadness. Some of the issues in our lives that cause us to feel down are out of our control, but there are other things that we can change that will lessen the burden we feel. Reclaim your power and start on the to-do list that has haunted you for years. Clean your junk drawer, change your oil, and even make an appointment for your annual physical. Once you feel the weight of some of these smaller tasks lifted, your outlook will brighten as well. 

After Ebola, What Then? by Mike DeCamp

It has been just about two weeks since I learned of Kent Brantly’s battle with Ebola, and it has been quite a ride.  I’ve written a couple of blog posts.  I’ve done a radio interview on Moody Radio (Thank you Kelli Thompson).  I’ve watched the TV news visit our worship and interview a couple of my friends.  And, I’ve even seen our minister, Greg York be interviewed on a national Fox News TV show.  Not to mention that I’ve seen Kent’s picture on every media outlet possible.

I’ve prayed like I haven’t prayed in a long time.  With fervency.  With emotion.  Pleading.  Negotiating.  Reasoning with God.  Fasting was even in the mix.  (That is a practice we need to renew in our church culture.) 

I’ve been sad for the struggle that the Brantly’s have faced.  I’ve been concerned for the outcome.  I was full of Joy when I watched Kent step out of that ambulance and walk into the hospital.  And, I’ve been sorely tempted to be angry at the ignorant and frightened comments of people who are not fully aware of the facts; whether it was some noted public figure, or just some random person commenting on a newspaper article.

And, I’ve been amazed.

I’ve been amazed at the spirit of the church at Southeastern.  So many people jumping in…praying…asking others to pray…sharing information….encouraging one another.  Getting intimately interested in the struggle to care for the Ebola victims in Africa.  There has been a spirit of purpose and unity that I’ve just never seen before.

I’ve been amazed at how God seems to be using this situation.  Incredible new levels of attention from key potential resources have been drawn to the Ebola crisis through Kent and Nancy’s illnesses.  Potential treatments have leapt over years of study and could be brought to bear much, much sooner because of what happened.  And, then there is Kent’s sermon.  Wow.  In the week or so since the link was posted on our church Facebook wall, it has been seen by over 8000 people and been shared 94 times.  (And those are just the hits we can see on Facebook.  There have been more.)  Everyone from CBN to CNN to Fox News has checked it out.  The woman who interviewed Greg even said she had listened to the whole thing and was moved by it.  The message of God’s call on Kent’s life has touched incredible numbers of people in both high and low places…all to God’s own glory.

And the world is awestruck. 

I’m reminded of Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” –Jesus

Kent has given us another very personal example of this to follow.  One article in a popular online publication even coined a phrase:  WWKD (What Would Kent Do?).  Well, I can tell you one thing he would do…he would reject that and point to God.  He would give God the glory.  Kent has done the things that he did because God did the things that He did.

So, it’s been a wild ride, and God has been working, and is being glorified like I have not seen in my lifetime.

But, in a couple of weeks, the crisis will be in the past, and what will we do then?

Will we use this as a catalyst for real change in our lives and in the life of the Southeastern Church of Christ?  Or, will we simply slip back into old patterns?  Will we continue to love more deeply?  Pray more fervently?  Share more urgently?  Care more passionately?  Give more fully?  Worship more zealously?  Or, is it back to the same old church that we were?  If YOU won't change, then WE won't change.

Only you can decide.

Let me seriously challenge you.  And, frankly, this challenge starts with those of us who claim to be leaders.  (Are we going to lead?)  Make some specific decisions to change.  Renew your heart.  Renew your zeal for God.  Find God’s “call on your life” and give yourself to it.  I’m looking for my call…and I’m determined to be different as we come out the other side of this thing.  Are you with me?

Judges 5:2
“When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves – praise the Lord!”

666,216 Hours by Mike DeCamp

666,216

666,216 is the average number of hours that a man in the United States can expect to live.  (709,640 for women.)  I’m approximately 52.5 years old.  That means I’ve used up somewhere around 460,212 of mine…should I only be average.  Which begs the question: How do I want to use the last 206,004 hours of my life?

Of course, I hope to be above average.  My personal goal is to live to be 100 years and one day old.  But, you just can’t count on ‘beating the house.’  In fact, there are a good number of people who fall short of the average.  So, let’s just say I’ll be average.  How do I want to spend those hours?

Maybe playing Candy Crush?  Nope!

Maybe watching TV?  Not anymore.

 

I don’t watch TV nearly as much as I used to, but let’s examine that one.  For conjecture sake…because I’ll never figure this out exactly…let’s say that I’ve watched two hours a day for the last 50 years.  Some days and years were much higher than others.  That’s an estimate, and it may be low because I used to watch A LOT of TV.  But, okay…two hours a day for 50 years is 36,525 hours.  Hmmm.  I’ve wasted 1522 days of my limited life sitting in front of the television.  That equals over four years sitting in front of an electronic brain-sucker.

That’s kind of staggering, if you think about it.  And, my guess is most of us don’t.

Sit on a sofa...or, go see this?

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I’m not opposed to relaxation or entertainment, and I’m not likely to give up TV altogether.  (I need my Walking Dead fixes.)  But, I can tell you, as a guy who has likely crossed the halfway point, I want to be a lot more mindful of how I use up those remaining hours.  I will no longer be donating them to mindlessness.

Frankly, I want to do something worthwhile with them.

I want to create.  I want to see beautiful and interesting places.  I want to worship with zeal.  I want to love deeper.  I want to make a difference in people’s lives.  I want to be available and useful to God.

Living a life well-spent!

I am challenged and inspired by the way that my fellow Christian and friend, Dr. Kent Brantly has devoted his life to serving others.  He could be living a fairly cush life here in the U.S. as a physician.  Nice house.  Nice car.  Maybe a club membership.  Instead, he has been donating himself to a cause where the only reward is the satisfaction of seeing people survive.  Since last fall, he has been working with Samaritan’s Purse at ELWA Hospital in Liberia, West Africa, sharing hope and providing medical care to people that most of the world ignores.  And further, now that he has been stricken with one of the most deadly diseases known to man—Ebola, he still remains committed to his course.  No regrets.  No second-guessing.  He is “praying fervently” for God to save his life, but either way, he has put himself in the Father’s hands.  He is faithful regardless the outcome.  And, based on news reports, still donating himself to others.

Whether he will meet or exceed the average life-span of the US male is very hard to say right now.  The next week or so will likely tell.  But, I can tell you with no hesitation that he has already made more of a difference in this world than most of us ever will.

So, I’m going to make some commitments right now.  I had already put Candy Crush in a cyber-coma.  (Whoever created that game should be…well, I won’t say, it wouldn’t be nice.)  But, I am now declaring it ‘dead to me.’  I had put Words with Friends on hiatus.  That hiatus is now permanent.  TV has been skimmed way down, and will stay that way.

I am going to look forward to my next 206,002 hours with much more intensity.  I will use them with a great deal more intentionality.  (I just gave a couple of them to you.)  And, I will renew my dedication to serving my God.

Now, a question for you…how are you going to use the hours you have left?  Are you ready to make some new, intentional commitments?

#PrayForKent

#PrayForNancy