Expect the Unexpected

Sometimes the unexpected is just God at work...

Today's Scripture:

God does wonders that cannot be understood; he does so many miracles they cannot be counted.

Job 5:9

Miracles and wonders prevail throughout the Bible. Jesus turned water into wine when they ran out at a wedding. When a hungry crowd was without food, he multiplied a small portion of fish and bread to feed them all. When people were running for their lives and needed an escape route, God parted the waters of the sea so that they could cross dry ground. But those were Bibles stories.

It is possible that God still does phenomenal wonders today?

You may have heard about modern-day miracles too. A missionary tells of a time when his car ran out of gas in a dangerous jungle. Since a puddle was nearby, he filled the tank with water, believing that God could make it work. The shares that the car arrived safely at its destination. Maybe that is too unbelievable. But certainly you have heard of the lost and alone young boy who was found alive and in good health after a four-day search. Such a remarkable survival in the Utah wilderness was against all odds. Such coincidences can surely be considered more than simple fate or chance.

When you have faith, you can expect the unexpected. The Bible is not temporary; it is eternal. Just as Job explained the wondrous miracle-working power of God, you can expect it to happen today. When you begin looking for them, you will see the miracles around you. Just traveling toward Smithfield from our home my family spotted a rainbow which always reminds me of a promise made by God in the Bible, but also reminds me that he is just as real and with us today.

Selah people' and friends note at least one spectacular thing that has happened to you this week. Instead of calling it fate, give the credit to God for his divine intervention by sharing it with others. I will share with you the title of our message for our upcoming Graduation Sunday was one of those happy little accidents or better explained as God at work. Sue Hill stopped me in the church office following worship to see if I had thought of the title for our message at that moment we looked to the bookshelf and sure enough staring back us was book titled "You Can If You Think You Can". I will share this message and gift from God that came in an unexpected way next Sunday.

"Take time out to expect the unexpected when you cling to and share your faith in Christ."


Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Help!

When you are in need remember God is there watching over you!

Today's Scripture:

Our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. When he lived on earth, he was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin. Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God's throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.

Hebrews 4:15-16

Leadership does not come with a handbook. Of course there are theories, plans, and suggestions by many so called experts, but when it comes down to it, you and I have to think on our feet. Unfortunately, in leadership every person who attempts it is bound to make mistakes at some point. If you are bold and of strong faith you may make many along your journey from which we can learn and grow.

Admitting faults and weaknesses is humbling for most people. Sometimes you do not even reach out to others for help because it would require an admission of your inadequacy. But be encouraged.

When no one else can console you or understand your pain, God can.

Because Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, it is often forgotten that he was tempted to sin, challenged in his faith, just as you and I are daily, and he too suffered physical pain. But as you experience in your relationships with others, he also endured the very things that you face in life.

When you need help because you have made a mistake, seek assistance from God. Although your blunder may reap undesirable consequences, you can find relief in God. He offers mercy and grace. When you are simply discouraged or doubtful, you can be assured that his grace is not earned but is a gift awaiting you when you need it. Your responsibility is to simply ask God for help. He will answer.

Selah people' and friends make a list of challenges or inadequacies with which you need help right now. Prayerfully and specifically request that God help you with each situation.

"Remember Christ is a comfort in a time of trouble. He like a Lifeguard stands watch and even when you have forgotten it...He is always watching and waiting ready to dive in and save you in your time of need."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Multiply Your Effort

Today's Scripture:

You should teach people whom you can trust the things you and many others have heard me say. Then they will be able to teach others.

2 Timothy 2:2

My Football Coach Jim Sheehan

You endeavor to surround yourself with people who are emerging leaders. But knowing when leaders in training are ready to lead for themselves can be uncertain. The Bible explains that faithfulness and capability are two qualities that you should look for in future leaders.

As head coach of a football team you place players in positions where they would have the most optimal effect for the team. Let's say there is one player one your team that is faithful to practice. He runs each wind sprint, lap and eye opener drill with all he has because of his drive to be the best. He is faithful to the weight room to build his strength because his desire is to be the nose guard on the defensive line crushing running backs and crushing quarterbacks. The problem is that he weighs 138 pounds instead of the needed 280 pounds. He would not be a good fit for that position not for lack of will or determination but perhaps he is just not able, even though he is faithful. Meanwhile, there is another player who can throw the ball a country mile. He is lean and quick and certainly able to be the quarterback based on physical skills. But he regularly arrives late or skips practice all together and doesn't fully participate. He is able, but he is not faithful. Both of these players could develop into vital team members if they were coached to strengthen their weaknesses.

I had some really good coaches like Jim Sheehan and Earl Taylor, that did a great job of getting the most out of us and showing us how to not just be members of the team but leaders or as my Coach Charlie Gill would call us "Rabbits" as we lead out in front pushing our teammates running laps.


Your job is to help develop the missing quotient through mentoring of the leaders in training.

be it on your team, in your church or business. By teaching them to be both faithful and able, you will develop their individual leadership capabilities as well as their collective effectiveness for your team.

Selah people' and friends assess those around you with leadership potential. Help them develop their faithfulness or capability to become successful leaders by mentoring them as their leadership coach.

"Please know that even as a leader we can't do it all alone...we must develop our brothers and sisters and pass on the gift of leadership. Remember together we can all achieve more for Christ."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Church Leaders Intelligence 5-27-2009

Some words of inspiration and ideas from today's headlines. I was once told that a minister should preach with a Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. Christ uses parables that speak to his people in ways that they can understand. As leaders in the church we must be up-to-date on what is happening in our world so we too can speak intelligently to others so that they can understand what God's word shares about how to handle our current events.

May you each have a blessed week.

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Saving Face

When your in the middle of something and are interrupted
take time out where you are to stop, look and listen.

Today's Scripture:

He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.

Proverbs 18:13

Bosses tell people what to do, but leaders guide people to action. Decision making, intuition, and foresight are all parts of effective leadership. But sometimes eagerness to make quick decisions or bring resolution can cause you to act impulsively or get too bossy. You should try to balance decisiveness with insight to prevent becoming a bossy boss.

The key to listening is to be attentive in the conversation. You might be able to multitask, but you probably cannot multi focus. If you are truly listening, you must be focused on the conversation. Sometimes people listen in order to respond. However, you need to listen to understand. Then you can respond effectively. Listening to the mater at hand only gives you information that you need, it also allows you to understand underlying issues that go beyond the superficial facts.

You can prevent an embarrassing moment for yourself or others by listening to all the facts as well as the feelings before responding. Then you can offer well-thought-out answers and effective decisions.

Give God room to speak to you while you are listening.

He will give yo hidden insight that others cannot provide. If you react too quickly, you may not hear the treasure of God's words speaking to you. With effective listening, the people around you will appreciate your attentiveness and wisdom while you gain understanding.

Selah people' and friends stop, look and listen when someone interrupts you for advice or answers. Stop what you are doing. Look him or her in the eyes. Listen to what they are saying. Then, respond intelligently and with true compassion.

"Begin today giving of yourself be it time or attention so that others know that you really care. You may be the only Jesus people ever have the opportunity to meet."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Rearview Mirror

When you chose to follow Christ and he calls you to lead others.

Check behind you often to be sure they are still following you!

Today's Scripture:

The mark of a good leader is loyal followers; leadership is nothing without following.

Proverbs 14:28

If you were going to take a caravan of travelers to an out-of-state destination, much like our annual trip with the youth, you would have to make some plans ahead of time. You would make sure that everyone driving knew the destination. Of course you would provide clear directions, maybe a map, a call list with every one's cellphone numbers, even an itinerary for traveling. Then, you would engage your gears and embark on your journey. But your responsibility does not end when the cars or vans start moving. A leader that drives with a front view only can see clearly where he is headed.

But if a leader doesn't check the rear view mirror, he doesn't know when he has lost his caravan.

Sometimes in the eagerness of leadership you can take off at warp speed with a new idea or project and even in catching a wave of the Holy Spirit moving you in an uncharted direction. You quickly follow the steps of casting the vision by describing where you are headed and what the goals of the mission are. Then you communicate the vision to all the affected parties. You hold meetings or planning sessions, send notices, and talk it up until everyone understands the plan. But you must also keep the vision in front of the people. Once your project or mission is under way, continue to check that everyone is headed in the right direction, and continue to stir the enthusiasm for the project.

Check behind you once in a while, or you will not know if people are still following you. By keeping an eye on the rear view, you can detect if people need rest stops, coffee breaks, or assistance in accomplishing God's vision for us.

Selah people' and friends choose a current team, family or church project that you are planning. Establish predetermined checkpoints or goals in the project timeline to see if you need to pause for refreshment or redirection. Maybe just that pause to contemplate, ponder or reflect what is already behind us before we move ahead much like the name of our church was originally intended in the Psalms..."Selah".

"God's wisdom be yours and keep an occasional eye watching your flock in the rear view mirror to make sure they have not gone astray and that together we all can make it to our ultimate and intended destination."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Memorial Day ~ 2009

Freedom comes with a price...God Bless those who paid that price just as Christ paid for our salvation. May we never forget what these men and women have done for us.

Rev Patrick Muston, pastor
Selah Christian Church Disciples of Christ

http://selahchurch.com/