Anointed Worm?

Jonah 4:7  But God appointed a worm when dawn came the next day and it attacked the plant and it withered.

Really? Doesn’t it  just amaze you sometimes who or what God chooses to use. I don’t know about you, but often times in ministry I feel so inadequate. Track with me for a second.

1. I am not the smartest. I attended summer school for 3 years in High School just to graduate. I had a teacher in High School tell me college wasn’t for everyone. I showed her, 14 years later I graduated.  Have yet to attempt Seminary.

2. I have ADD. Yeah, I know it seems like everyone has it. But I had when it wasn’t cool to have it.

3. I am dyslexic. You would be amazed at how many times I have already hit spell check.

4. I done some stupid stuff in my life. Ask around, better yet don’t.

There is one thing I know. If God can use a worm, He can and will use me! God wants to use even when we don’t feel qualified. Maybe that is where He wants us. God wants us to depend on Him. I believe God does want us prepared, armed and ready to be used by Him. There is value in seminary, training, conferences, education, etc.. But sometimes God just wants us dependent.

Here is my prayer: Father help me to never doubt what you can do through me. Even when I question myself,  I know you can do anything you please. You are God! You Are GOD!!! Whatever you want me to do and wherever you want me to go, Lord I am willing! Thank you for choosing me in spite of me. I love you.

Authentic, Transparent or Holy

If you look at many new ministries core values today, a few words keep popping up.

I see the words authentic and transparent a lot. I believe they both have their merit. However, I do wonder sometimes if we use the words the right way.

First, let me say, I understand the need for us to be real. I want to be approachable. I want to connect. I want to relate. I do not want to come across holier than thou. But on the other hand shouldn’t there be some respect for those on stage teaching God’s word. This has nothing to do with style. I am talking about the substance.

Sometimes I wonder if we don’t use some values as permission to do as we please. When somebody calls us on something, we just point back to our values. When we can cuss, drink, smoke, watch anything they want and brag about, simply because we can. I wonder if we are not missing something. I know some of these issues can be debated back and forth and I have friends on both sides. But where does personal holiness fit in.

James 3  tells us we will be judged more strictly. I think there is a balance somewhere. But what if we focused more on being holy than being authentic or transparent. I know personally I have a long way to go (me being transparent).

I read last week in Amos 5: 23- 24                                                                                                                                                                Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!