A cool couple of verses

These verses caught my eye as I was preparing for my sermon for next week:

Colossians 1:28-29 "We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."

I have read this chapter before, but it's amazing how sometimes things pop out. These 2 verses summarize what I want to do as an officer.

God strengthens me for his work even though at times I wonder how I will be able to do it all.

Compliment

Yesterday after meeting with someone in my office he turned to me and said, "I've never called anyone this, but I think I'm going to start with you. I'm going to call you my pastor".

I know this man hasn't trusted many people in his life so for him to call me Pastor is a nice compliment.

It's also a big responsibility. To be seen as someone with influence means I have to always watch what I say or do because that has an impact on people. My life will be scrutinized for better or worse because there are some that see me as an example. What I do can influence people positively or negatively.

I pray that God continues to help me lead a life that is a good Christ-like example to others.

Leadership Lesson

I've been an officer in The Salvation Army for about 7 months now. One thing I never realized until now is how hard it was going to be. The Training school did a good job of preparing me, but it doesn't compare to what you learn when you're actually out there.

One thing that I've learned is that while preaching is important, it is only one part of trying to reach and teach people. Spending time with them in a personal setting is also critically important.

That's where they can get to know you and realize that you are not some spiritual superhero, but a regular person that God is using for His credit and for His work. I don't ever want to give the impression that just because I am an Officer/leader that I am somehow super-spiritual, perfect, or somehow better than everyone else.

Once people get to know me they'll realize I'm not this super-spiritual person. I forget to pray. I make mistakes. I sometimes play Guitar Hero instead of reading my Bible.

I'm not super-spiritual or perfect, but just a quiet, introverted guy that is being obedient to what God has called him to do.

New Site

This will be my new blogging site. The reason I chose the name Pathway of Duty is because I really like the words of this Salvation Army song.

I hope this site will spur some thinking.

Pathway of Duty

There's a path that's sometimes thorny,

There's a narrow way, and straight;

It is called the path of duty,

And it leads to Heaven's gate.

While we tread this path of duty,

We will find our needs supplied

From the river of God's mercy

That is flowing close beside.

By the pathway of duty

Flows the river of God's grace.

By the pathway of duty

Flows the river of God's grace.

2.

'Tis a blessed way and holy,

'Tis a path of peace and joy;

Though sometimes the way be stony

And the cares of life annoy.

But this path that we call duty

Is the way the Master trod,

And the smile of love and beauty

Lights the way that leads to God.

3.

Let us walk this path of duty

With our faces to the sun,

Carry all our burdens gladly,

Finish well what we've begun.

From the river of God's mercy

That is flowing by the way,

We may drink and find refreshing

For the burdens of the day.

Sidney Edward Cox (1887-1975)

—Song Book of The Salvation Army