I'd like some wisdom, please.

There is a saying that goes, “with age comes wisdom.”

Sounds nice, should even be true, right? If you’re like me you’ve met some older people who have no more sense than when they were teens.

James 1:5 says, “if any of you lacks wisdom, ask God, who gives liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

I notice in this verse that there seems to be no age limit on who can ask or receive wisdom. In fact I believe the older I get the more and more I need wisdom.

My father-n-law and I have been talking, praying and seeking God about some plans I’ve shared with him concerning church planting. I want to make sure the time and place is a God thing and not a Vince idea.

He has told me, “Vince, if you make a mistake, you can recover. But at my age if I make a mistake, I die with that mistake.”

Why?

Recovery time.

The older we get the more and more we must seek God’s wisdom. A life that constantly seeks out Godly wisdom will one day get the luxury of saying, “at my age, I’ve got some wisdom.”

Thoughts from the Week

I just got back from the Indiana area where I spent a great week in ministry.
Friday I spent some one on one time with leaders from XENOX Industries and taught some sessions on youth leadership. Saturday night I spoke to the entire youth ministry and had an awesome time in the presence of God.
Sunday morning was an experience in it's self. It was one of those moments in time when God gives a direct word and confirms it in different ways.
I particular enjoyed my time with Pastor Gibson. There was an instant connection I felt in my spirit with him and the members of Charity Tabernacle.
I could feel months worth of "crud" flake off and a new brokenness as I ministered Sunday morning.

This trip was more than just getting to minister, but it was a week getting to connect with Pastors and pick their brain concerning pastoring.

As I sift through the feelings, information and desires in my heart; I know one thing is a must---
get input from others!

At this point in my life, I don't know if I'm to start a new work, or take over an existing work....but I do know this; it will be pastoring. So, I continue my journey.

Here are some thoughts that I picked up from a couple of pastors, as well as my own thoughts, while traveling last week. Thank you pastors David Gibson and Dehner Maurer for your time.


"I don't ever believe it's God's will to start a church by proselyting other church members."--Vince

"Whatever you do; there will always be a price to pay." --Pastor David Gibson

"The best staff is the one you enjoy doing life together with."--Pastor Dehner Maurer

"Commitment and vision is key, and commitment to the vision is a must"--Vince

"When I think of churches doing plays, I often think, who left it up to the church to handle the entertainment department?!?"--Pastor David Gibson

"You can talk about being a multi-culture church, but if you are----it will show up first in your congregation, be evident in your leadership teams, and in plain sight on your staff." --Dehner Maurer

Just Some Things Worth Repeating

Below are some pretty good one-liners.
Some of them have been told to me recently.
Some I've carried with me for a long time.
Some I've read and they've caught my attention.
Enjoy.

"The conversion of a soul is the miracle of a moment, the manufacture of a saint is the task of a lifetime."---Alan Redpath

"All those years, when you worked on a Church staff, God paid you while He was developing your character. Now you've got so much character, He doesn't have to pay you anything."--- Donald Sims

"The most important things in life are not things.--- Dale Yerton

"A true friend stabs you in the chest."--- Oscar Wilde

"If your output is more than your income then your upkeep will be your downfall."--- Kemp Holden

"Anyone who must have superficial sounds to survive lacks depth."---Charles Swindoll

"Integrity is more than "not doing things." It's revealing to people things before you do them."--- Dale Yerton

"Talent will get you where you're going, character will keep you there."---Jentezen Franklin

"There is a difference between success and significance. You first must know which one you want to become."---Rick Clendenen

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results."---Original author unknown



There are tons more I could write down, but honestly I've been sort of disappointed that my last few blogs have been so long. I like to keep things short and to the point. I zone out on most blogs that are over 3 to 4 paragraphs, so needless to say my last few post haven't even kept my attention. HA!!

If you have some "words of wisdom" that you've heard or read, please feel free to leave them in a comment, I'd love to hear them.

The Father's Voice

Bill Gates revolutionized the computer world by creating a method for all programs on a computer to speak the same "language." Before "Windows" each program on a computer worked independently of the others and had to be separately opened and closed before another program could be accessed.
With "Windows" the programs are unique, but able to "talk" to each other because they are in the same "environment." Thanks to Gates' genius, working on a home computer is now fun, fast and focused compared to life before this revolution.

The Father's Voice
It’s a tragedy for young ministers and sons to align themselves with people who can’t speak their destiny. Too many ministers have been misnamed by those who prophesied their defeat instead of their destiny; because of the lack of a Spiritual Father who can't "speak" their language.

Sons need their father's blessings.
Jacob refused to die until he had blessed his sons. Genesis 49:1, 33
Moses blessed the children of Israel before his death. Deuteronomy 33:1
Jesus didn't begin His earthly ministry without His Heavenly Father’s blessing.

1. Fathers Speak With Authority
A. No one speaks like a father speaks.
B. True authority comes from God. Matthew 28:18
C. Fathers have been delegated by God to represent Him.
D. The abuse of authority does not give us the right to become rebels. Romans 13:1-2
E. Understanding spiritual authority is one of the great conflicts of the church.

2. Fathers Speak With Knowledge
A. God gave us parents to care for us until we are able to provide for ourselves.
B. Parents sacrifice to educate their children.
C. Everything we learn in life comes through other people.
D. “Train up a child in the way he should go.” Proverbs 22:6
E. The education and training we receive as youth equips us to find fulfillment as adults.

3. Fathers Speak With Wisdom
A. Wisdom is the ability to properly use knowledge.
B. “Wise people store up knowledge.” Proverbs 10:14
C. Sin makes fools of us. Psalm 14:1, Proverbs 21:15

It has often been said that, "it's best to learn from your mistakes." I believe that it's "good" to learn from your mistakes, but it's "best" to learn from someone else's mistakes. Thus never having to make that mistake yourself.
Let's be honest, there's not enough time in the world to make all the mistakes possible. I'd rather not waste my time and character learning the hard way. A Father's voice is the safeguard.

This is why it's important to hear and know the voice of a Spiritual Father. In looking at these three points, I have discovered there are plenty of people who speak with knowledge but lack wisdom.
A Spiritual Father is one who has knowledge, speaks with wisdom, with the authority you've submitted to in order to grow as a spiritual son.

We must recognize our father's voice.



(inspired by: Dale Yerton)