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Next to who?
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Next to who? by Phil Last time we talked about taking the first step to get involved at church. Now, let's take it a step further... When I study the Bible, I often look for the obscure details, things that are mentioned in passing and commonly skimmed over. The third chapter of Nehemiah is just the opposite. The phrase “next to him” or something similar occurs over 25 times in that chapter! Seems like ole Nehi might have been trying to tell us something. The chapter is a virtual walk around the outskirts of Jerusalem’s former wall, gate by gate. Each family or group of people are repairing a section of the wall, working side by side with their fellow Israelites. Each has a separate job, but all work together to create a cohesive whole. This is a beautiful example for the church today. Each of us has unique talents, abilities and experience. God has a job for everyone, and our jobs are important to create a healthy church. We are called to work side by side with our brothers and sisters, not pushing our agenda into their area of work, and not focusing so strongly on our “ministry” that we disregard how it fits into the complete project. In my mind, I picture the Israelites helping each other, maybe handing a brother a stone that would fit into their area, not silently criticizing their brother’s workmanship. For the wall to provide protection for the whole city, there couldn’t be any weak areas. I would hope when someone saw a potential problem, they would offer helpful comments, not sit around thinking, “Well, let’s just see how long that will hold up!” One other observation from our passage. The Israelites didn’t expect Nehemiah to do all the work and guide each minute detail. His job was to provide a vision and provide the building material the people would need to serve the greater cause. The same is true of pastors. They are just one person and working on their own “section of the wall.” It’s not fair to expect them to be everywhere and do everything. That is not the way God intended His kingdom to work. Everyone is important, everyone has a job. As we said last time, God’s church is not built by spectators on the sidelines. Let’s honor Him and get to work! Roll up your sleeves, we've got work to do! Click Here to Check our Concert Schedule! Check us out on Facebook! - http://www.facebook.com/PhilandPamMorgan |
Phil & Pam Morgan
We're authors and musicians who loves to talk about faith & spirituality, arts & crafts, and music. Subscribe and join over 2,000+ newsletter readers every week!
Spectate or Participate? by Phil Part of my job as VP of our Woodworkers’ Guild is finding programs for our monthly meetings. A while back, one of our members mentioned he was building a beautiful workbench. I suggested he take photos along the way and share his process with us once it was finished. Last week, he invited me over to his shop to show me his latest progress. It is truly impressive! While I was there, he mentioned that I was the only person in the Guild he really knew; no one...
Jesus in Aisle Seven by Phil Hello, my name is Phil, and I am an extrovert. (Sounds like I’m at an Extroverts Anonymous meeting, but extroverts are anything but anonymous!) I don’t know a stranger—just friends I haven’t met yet. I can’t even go to Walmart without striking up at least five conversations with people I don't know. Why do I do this? Partly because I’m wired this way, but mostly to see the smiles I leave behind. It’s so much fun to see someone’s face light up when I compliment...
Oh, Baby! by Phil It may be hard to believe, but since I’ve become a grandpa, there are more than a few photos of my handsome grandson on my phone. For years, people have shown me pictures of their kids and grandkids, and I’m always quick to compliment. But let’s be honest, some of those youngun’s ain’t gonna win no beauty contests, ya know what I mean? That may be where the phrase, “a face only a mother could love” was born. In that way, Moms are a lot like God. “The Lord doesn’t see things...