July 9, 2009 ~ Around the Water cooler

Where do you gather to share information?

Today's Scripture:

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Ephesians 4:29

Every organization has a hub for casual conversation. Whether it is the coffee pot, the water cooler, the teacher's lounge, the break room or perhaps today it may be through twitter, myspace or facebook. There is likely a place where the Monday news can be heard buzzing...be honest you know just what I'm talking about. You may find a challenge in avoiding the hub of conversation altogether. But you can sound a different voice amid the chatter.

Unwholesome talk covers a lot of ground. You could consider negativity, rumors, gossip, and untruth to be unwholesome. Whew. You may think you have that covered, since you do not involve yourself in such destructive communication. But wait. When you read beyond the warning of what not to do, you are presented with a challenge.

It is not enough to use self-control only to withhold unsavory conversation.

Silence alone is not the self-control needed in the workplace. You fight against a negative with a positive. Engage yourself in the building up of others.

The challenge presented to you here is to encourage others according to their needs. Ignoring others is not an option. You are to help them by encouraging them in the areas that they need it. You are to benefit others with your words. Your voice may be a lone voice in a cloud of conversation. But your words can bring hope and inspiration to others.

Selah people' and friends join a conversation that you would normally avoid. Infuse positive and encouraging comments in the dialogue. Meet the challenge of meeting the needs of others. This has been my inspiration and what continues to motivate me to thrive at working my secular work at Mount Olive Pickle and my God calling as pastor of Selah Christian Church in both areas our Lord allows me to be an encourager to others where they are in the middle of the business we call life.

"Make today the day you don't hide from those gathered about in gossip but get in there and bring a positive voice by living the word of God and by being Christ to those who are lost."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston ~ Via mobile phone UNC Hospital ~ Chapel Hill, NC

July 7, 2009 ~ Man with a Mission

Is your mission and path clear?

Today's Scripture:

God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:17

Jesus Christ was a man with a mission. He stated that his mission was to come to earth to offer salvation to those who wanted it. Everything that Jesus did was focused toward accomplishing that mission. Jesus was a man of prayer, instruction, and encouragement, all of which led others to believe in his mission. He was able to state his mission in life to others very clearly. He made it known, with no hidden agenda.

You can follow the example of Jesus in this way. Know your mission and state it in ten to fifteen words that you can recite easily. One woman's mission statement it to "ignite others' passion for Christ," and she carries it out as a prayer leader in her church. Another woman's mission is to "help others realize their full potential." She lives it out by homeschooling her children and mentoring youth in the community. Develop your own God given mission statement that can be a guide to your life.

Once you are sure of your mission statement, be willing and ready to share your mission with others. It may mean you need to study or have additional skills or credentials as I found I needed to do when I went from part time to full ministry serving as a pastor for the first time. I had to commit two years to growing and completing courses to be accomplish becoming fully ordained. Did I need that paper or classes to show other my calling? No, but to continue my mission and call to serve as pastor it was a necessary step in the journey. Like Christ, commit your endeavors to God through daily prayer.

Teach others what you have learned in life.

Encourage them to succeed as you have succeeded. Jesus was not shy to share his mission. It was embedded in him and in those around him through his words and actions. Follow his example and live out the mission of your life.

Selah people' and friends share your mission in life with someone else this week. Ask them to help you stay focused on that mission as you address the various areas of responsibility God has placed in your life. Your mission much like an exercise plan or diet has much more chance of success if you have a partner helping to keep you on track and you have your eye on the prize that God has in store for you if you stay committed to his direction.

"Choose today to seize the opportunity of coming out of the fog and focusing on the direction and mission Christ has for your life."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston ~ Via mobile: Mount Olive, NC

July 6, 2009 ~ Woe Is Me

Is taking the call the right thing to do?

Today's Scripture:

Obedience is far better than sacrifice.

1 Samuel 15:22

Cell phones can be such a nuisance. It seems that wherever you go, some one's obnoxious ring or boisterous conversation can be overheard by everyone around him. Cell phone interruptions can even be heard in churches, at weddings, and yes at funerals as we stand at the graveside paying our respects to those we love, of all places. You wonder if the mandate of a cell phone makes a person feel more needed or important. The urgency of leaving a business meeting to receive a call has seemingly replaced the rudeness of entering late because one was caught on the phone with an important call. Some even have the brashness to announce the reason for the call in a martyr's tone.

When you see others arriving late to meetings or answering interrupting phone calls, it does not mean that they are more important or indispensable than you or I. Sacrificing your personal time, or someone else's professional time, does not equate to importance or success.

It is far better to set your phone on silent ring and respect those in the meeting with you and honor both them and yourself by choosing not to take the intruding call.

Serving God does not have to be so sacrificial that it causes inconvenience or disruption in your life. God does not expect everyone to sacrifice to the point of woe or martyrdom. But he is interested in your obedience to him. When you pray or read your Bible, give God your full attention. You can please him by accomplishing those things that he asks of you.

Selah people' and friends set your clock or reminder a few minutes early so that you can arrive early to meetings and gatherings. Set your phone to off or silent ring while there so that you can give your full attention where it is due. This is true for special time with friends and family as well...you can't be with them 100% if your texting, emailing or talking on your phone. When your with people you care about and respect look them in the eye and really be there and enjoy the time that God has given you to be together.

"Take the time to really give yourself to those you are with today, don't give them only a piece of you while the rest of you worries about the call that may or may not come. "

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston ~ Via mobile: Mount Olive, NC

July 5, 2009 ~ First Impression

What kind of impression do you make?

Today's scripture:

Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good.

Proverbs 16:2

You have only ten minutes before the clients arrive at the meeting, and the room is mess. You quickly shove papers in drawers, straighten the stacks on your desk, and rearrange the chairs around the table. When the group arrives they would never guess that just moments before your office was in disarray. You have managed to make a good first impression. Everything looks good.

But not everything that looks good. There are days when you put on a smiling face and pretend that all is well, when in reality you are dealing with difficult challenges. Whether you are in the factory, boardroom or at a church event, people may expect you to be "together" all the time. People are impressed by what appears to be good rather than what truly is good.

God is concerned with what is in fact good to the core. God cares about how you really feel about your life, your work, and your relationship with him. He wants things to be right between you and him. Open up to God and tell him about the areas of life that frustrate or challenge you. You can be yourself with God. He isn't looking for a good first impression from you. If you are struggling with doing things the right way, he can help you. He is the One who created you and shares every moment of your life with you.

Selah people' and friends identify your three biggest frustrations at home, work, school or church. After prayerful thought, list some steps for each that you can take to address the challenge.

"Choose today to make lasting impressions on what matters the most."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston - Via mobile phone

Church Leaders Report July 4th,2009

God Bless you and God Bless America!

As Christians it is important stay up with current happenings around us. Even when don't always agree or disagree with events taking place will still should try to gain as much wisdom and growth we can so we can make informed decisions. Take time out today to be aware of this wonderful country God has blessed us with and remember those how continue to fight for the freedom we all enjoy.

Happy July 4th 2009 as we celebrate our countries 233rd birthday!

Received this video shared from my good friend Phil Hood that reminds us why we celebrate the 4th of July.

Rev Patrick Muston, pastor

Selah Christian Church Disciples of Christ
Four Oaks, NC

July 2, 2009 ~ Treasure Hunt

What treasure are you seeking?

Today's Scripture:

My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2: 1-5

If you were a Spielberg fan in the1980s, you may have seen Goonies, the story of a group of self-proclaimed misfits searching for a lost treasure. Although thee goonies were ridiculed for believing that the gold could be found, they searched diligently for the treasure. When the kids found the treasure ship full of the "rich stuff" as they called it, they were careful to leave the captain's treasure untouched. They maintained respect for the captain and a healthy fear of his warnings not to touch his personal treasure. In doing so, they were able to avoid the booby traps and later rescue their families from financial ruin with the remaining treasure that they discovered in the sunken ship.

Wisdom is the real "rich stuff" for which you should search. insight is more valuable than gold and gems. Just as the goonies found their treasure, you can find the hidden treasure of understanding if you seek diligently. Proverbs even gives a treasure map to follow. Listen to wiser, more experienced leaders around you. Try to understanding the way they think. Ask questions of them. Study diligently in the areas they suggest you need to grow as a leader.

When you seek wisdom, you will gain understanding of the power of God.

Just as the goonies respected the captain, maintain a proper balance of respect and fear by heeding God's advice. He has a storehouse of treasured wisdom waiting for you to find it.

Selah people' and friends target an area of your job in which you need more wisdom. With the help of a mentor, develop and implement an action plan to more effectively address the targeted area.

"May our hunt to find the treasure God intended by revealed in the map that he has left to show us the way."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

July 1, 2009 ~ Spiritual Recess

We need to take time each day to just relax with God...

Today's Scripture:

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.

Isaiah 30:15

Taking a rest seems unthinkable to some type A personalities...trust me I'm one of them and it is a daily battle I must face. They ask why you would waste time doing nothing when you could be doing something. You can even spot their "If you have time to lean, you have time to clean" signs posted in the departments they manage.

But just as rest from physical labor is required for the body, so also rest for the mind and soul is needed.

When you give thought to the word restoration, you find its simple definition within the word rest-oration. In other words, stop talking, texting, emailing or calling. Even the silent rehearsing of conversations does not bring restoration to your mind or soul. Many leaders complain that they cannot fall asleep or sleep very little at night because it takes so long to downshift the activity of their brains. Your brain processes so much information every second that you need to allow it to slow down and recharge every now and then.

You can find many ways to strengthen your mind through simple silent treatments. Like some southerners like us, may follow the example found in Britain and enjoy some tea in the afternoon...now ours may be Iced sweet tea vs. the hot High tea of the British but you get the feeling. Using the time to sit quietly and listen to soothing music or just be out on the deck or porch taking in the sounds of nature or poolside in the summer. Take a ten-minute field trip by daydreaming about an exotic destination. Or you might even venture to have a five-minute nap in the afternoon. Give your mind and spirit some down time. You will find the recess quiet refreshing and rejuvenating.

Selah people' and friends set your timer for five to ten minutes of quiet time in the afternoon. Refrain from reading, talking, or planning. Turn of the cell and take your land-line off the hook. Just listen to relaxing sounds and allow God to speak to you in the still small voice of quiet let Him restore your soul.

"Choose today to begin taking that time to spend just you and God. Step away from the distractions of the world and you will fill revived!"

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston - Via mobile ~ Mount Olive, NC