I’ve reached the point in my life where I desire to be a “yes” man.
We have a new minister on staff. He is fresh on the job with a thousand ideas for improvements, modifications and spiritual tweaks. He, in his eagerness, shares his ideas with me. I, in my experience, can think of a million reasons why it won’t work. I find myself wanting to say “I tried that and it didn’t work.” Or, “because of such and such this will never get off the ground.”
I hear in my thoughts the voices of all those who told me it couldn’t be done back when I was young and energetic. For the record, I don’t like it. I’m turning up the squelch and squashing those voices.
From now on my answer is “yes let’s give it a try.” From now on my encouragement will be “go for it.” We should explore any avenue which makes us more effective for the kingdom. I will be the voice of encouragement not discouragement - even though I am very discouraged with local ministry at this point.
How could I not be a “yes” man? My boss is a “yes” God!
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV) For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
17 Responses to “A Yes Man”
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September 22nd, 2005 at 10:27 am
I’m sorry that you are discouarged. Let me try to be encouraging to you by way of telling you how much encouragement you have been to me through the blog. You were my first blog contact, and through that initial contact, I have received much encouragement and spiritual uplifting through your friends who have now become my friends. Thoughts shared in this way seem to have a way of being very open and honest. Somehow, direct face-to-face discussions cause us to be veiled with our true feelings. Even though, at times, it has been obvious I haven’t agreed with SOME of the feelings expressed regarding our religious heritage, none of you have minded and have put up with me anyway. When I got back to work after my tonsillectomy (first day back yesterday), I had two e-mails from Greg inquiring as to my wellbeing. He showed more concern than many did who actually “know” me. While it wasn’t open-heart surgery, it was still very painful, and I appreciated more than I can say that he thought of me during that time. He, you, and Cecil have been kind and complimentary about my thought processes at times, and I feel a real kinship with all of you. But this all came about because of the initial contact with you. And that came about because you are who you are, serving Who you serve, and serving where you serve! God bless you in your walk with Him.
September 22nd, 2005 at 10:49 am
Good for you! I share much of your discouragement over local ministry, though we have far more freedom here than you do there.
As for meowmix’s comments … aren’t you glad we all met though blogspot? What a blessing she has been!
The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. Keep saying YES.
September 22nd, 2005 at 11:10 am
My fly-casting Brother, don’t forget who you are ministering for, the Lord. Especially when those that we’re working so hard to minister to act as if they are ungrateful. Jesus was treated no less differently.
And yes, it has been great to “meet” and get to know Meowmix. May the Lord speed you with a quick recovery.
September 22nd, 2005 at 11:37 am
YES!
Yeah. Yup. Uh huh.
~nodding~
Or as my 4-year-old has gotten in the habit of saying lately…”Yeah, baby!”
September 22nd, 2005 at 12:20 pm
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I appreciate the developing community and blogership.
We’re glad to have you back meowmix. And the beauty of this type of communication is it doesn’t make your throat sore!
September 22nd, 2005 at 2:34 pm
Now if we can only figure out a way to blog some ice cream to meowmix our mission would be complete.
September 22nd, 2005 at 4:03 pm
I hear what you’re saying about ideas to convert the church from an organization back into a church. Onward, Randy. Be bold. Don’t let the nattering naybobs of negativity get the better of you.
Having said that, Arlington will continue to be, for me, a fondly remembered group of saints.
September 22nd, 2005 at 4:19 pm
“YES, That’s a great idea. Let me help” are some powerful words.
tgckyn
September 22nd, 2005 at 4:33 pm
This post has been removed by the author.
September 22nd, 2005 at 4:37 pm
Sorry for the above deletion. I can’t seem to spell today. Second attmept:
Our small but significant blog community is becoming a community that blesses my day. What’s as valuable (perhaps at times more valuable)as a preacher w/ your attitude and experience is an elder with your attitude (and possible experience). I find that attitude in Cecil. His church and preacher is blessed to have him in that role. It’s in one of our elders out here. It’s seldom found in a majority of the eldership, though. I’ve often said I would never want to serve a church as an elder. I may reconsider that, given the chance, for no other reason than to be a “Yes, let’s give it a try” guy! Well, that and having absolute power!
September 22nd, 2005 at 9:24 pm
Thanks Greg. Your challenge to get back in the ball game so to speak, after my father died started me on the path that I currently find myself in and I relish in the challenge.
And so Randy and Greg, anything worth having (like a loving, sold out group for the Lord) is worth persevering and even at times, fighting for! You guys inspire me and it’s neat to get to know our fellow warriors for the Lord through this blog like Brady and Mr. Intentional Walk Guy. And Meowmix, what an inspiration you are to a group of “young” “whipper-snappers” like us.
September 23rd, 2005 at 1:56 am
That’s funny because I was just talking to my wife about that “cwinwc” guy tonight…about how cool it is to converse so often with saints that, while you may never have met them, you can relate to having the same thing in common. I was telling her how much I was looking forward to meeting him and Greg and others someday. She said, “What? Are all you bloggers planning a get-together?” And I said, “Well…certainly. Some day.”
Hey, is this the 12th comment? Is this a record? Does Randy win something?
mmbgt
September 23rd, 2005 at 8:24 am
Cecil, please…………no more ice cream! (Did I really say that?)
September 23rd, 2005 at 11:00 am
Now that’s a great idea, a blog retreat. Since Randy appears to be kicking our “blogging butts” (sorry about the use of this post modern southern phrase) perhaps he would host all of us at his place. If not, “you all” are welcome to come to my home in central Florida although we might want to wait until after hurricance season.
September 23rd, 2005 at 12:49 pm
I think I’m more centrally located! And we could all go to Graceland………..
September 23rd, 2005 at 3:43 pm
Now that’s an idea meowmix. I wonder what name Elvis would have used for his blog?
September 26th, 2005 at 8:02 am
Uh……..how about “Taking Care of Business!”