Blessed Are The Fraudulent or Faithful?

Luke 12:37  “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.”

Faithfulness is a quality that is very often lacking in the moral fabric of men. It is an interesting attribute in that it requires something that every individual can provide. Anyone can & should be faithful. However, the Scripture says, “a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6). It is difficult to find someone who is faithful & who remains faithful. We all know those who seemed to want to be faithful & appeared to be faithful for a while, but in time, they did not keep the charge that was committed to them.

True faithfulness is not something that is demonstrated initially, or even occasionally. A married person who is occasionally unfaithful to his or her spouse is not considered faithful. God intends for us to be faithful until death or until He comes. Our text tells us that there will be a special blessing for those “servants” who remain true to the Lord.

The Scripture says, “Blessed are those servants.” We are God’s servants. We belong to Him & we have committed ourselves to serve Him. We are not to serve our own interests & agendas, but we are to serve our Master, Jesus Christ. How long are we to serve? Until we are no longer excited about serving? Until our bodies are old & aching? We are to serve Him until He comes. THE BLESSED MAN is the servant “whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching.” The Lord Jesus Christ will come again to this earth. We are to serve our Savior until He comes. Have you ever known someone who seemed to be a loyal worker as long as someone was watching over him, or until the supervisor was out of sight? This is not a description of faithful service.

When Jesus comes, or when we go to be with the Lord, will we be found faithful? Those who are faithful will be rewarded. To those He finds watching, the Bible says, “he shall gird himself & make them to sit down to meat & will come forth & serve them.” This blessing is reserved for those who are found faithfully serving Jesus to the end. He will serve those who have been faithful servants. May He find us faithful.

Dealing With Your "OffenceSet"

 

Check out the message, "Dealing With Your OffenceSet" here: https://youtu.be/o4LhBZ38FU0?t=2957

We're tackling the topic of "Living Offended". Friend, if we listen to the words of The Lord, live in them & let what we learn be worked into our life, then & only then, will it set us free.

Paul says it well in Ephesians 4:15...

"Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, LET US GROW UP in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."

The only way you get to the next place that you want to be, it always happens this way, God will deal with you about something where you're at right now.

Leaguership: Pastor, are you emotionally healthy?

Pastor, are you emotionally healthy?

Ministry can be draining. You know you are beginning to be drained emotionally when…

• You find yourself getting angry with the people who work with you for petty reasons – or no reason at all.
• You’re having imaginary arguments with people over things that really don’t matter.
• You are feeling a strain on your marriage.
• Your energy level is low & you feel like you’ve run out of time to give your spouse & kids.
• You think about quitting the ministry…routinely.
• You struggle with your thoughts.
• You can’t seem to sleep at night & have a hard time staying awake during the day.
• I could go on…but I think you get the point.

How do you snap out of it?

Here’s my take…

#1 Confide in your Spiritual Father/Mother

You can’t go on pretending that everything is fine while you’re slowly dying inside. Confide in your spiritual mentors…someone…but do not think you have to bear the burden alone.

#2 Step away from work & do something fun

Pastors often struggle with this because they think that going out & doing something “fun” while there is so much to be done is sin. However, I know from personal experience that when I allow myself to disconnect & do something that I enjoy…I get my batteries recharged. Also, it’s during those times that I usually come up with some really great ministry ideas.

#3 You may need to also get some Christian counseling

It’s not a sin to see a counselor or a therapist. There may be times that the load is so heavy that a confidential counselor can help walk you through those times. There are also some great places that provide pastors a place to rest for a few days. Beverly & I have been blessed to connect with these resources over the years.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed & emotionally drained, perhaps this is a step for you to take. Yes, it may cost money…but you can’t afford not to invest in yourself.

Pastor…you are the only that can take care of your emotional health. It is your responsibility to keep the flame burning. You are too important to be another ministry casualty.

Culture CANNOT change God's STANDARD.

God has always had a STANDARD. The OPINION of a crotch-grabbing, pot-smoking, alcohol-guzzling, fornicating, gender-confused, cheating, you owe me a trophy & a check world...can never change it.

Culture CANNOT change God's STANDARD.

There is NO CREDENCE when worldly lifestyles applaud worldly lifestyles.

It matters not how many people go along with it. If The Bible (The Standard) calls something a SIN...it is a sin. No amount of AMENDING, BLENDING or TRENDING can alter its plumb line.

What is a plumb line?

A plumb line is a tool used by builders & painters to find the true vertical. Basically, a leaded weight is suspended from a string & gravity then makes the string hang perfectly straight. This enables a builder to build & a painter to paint exactly.

In The Bible, God references a plumb line a few times. In Isaiah 28:16-17 God says, "BEHOLD, I AM THE ONE WHO HAS LAID A FOUNDATION IN ZION, A STONE...AND I WILL MAKE JUSTICE THE LINE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS THE PLUMB LINE." God says that justice & righteousness are the standard by which His people will be measured.

A plumb line exposes anything that is crooked.

God's Word is the only true standard we have for assessing our actions. In fact, Psalm 119:11 says, "I HAVE STORED UP YOUR WORD IN MY HEART, THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST YOU."

God's Word reveals God's standards.

God is absolutely perfect & pure, and sin of any kind is an offense to Him. That's why the Bible says we have "all sinned & fallen short" ... because His standards (ways) are much higher than ours.

What I love about God is that He opened up a way for us to come to Him...in spite of our fallen nature & sin! A way for us to be forgiven of all our sins & clothed in perfect righteousness. That way is Jesus Christ. He was without sin, but on the cross all our sins were transferred to Him & He died in our place. Now by faith in Him we can be forgiven & cleaned of our sins & made ready for eternity!

If you are a follower of Jesus, you are responsible for truth. Even if you're struggling to live it, you must never deny it. If we remove THE STANDARD because we can't live up to it at that moment, we will have removed the only landmark that points us to wholeness.

The church is called to lead culture - not live in constant reaction to it.  We're the head...not the tail!

We are desperate to have a STANDARD of speech that is FREE of racial discrimination...where people continue to say things like, 'White this"..."Black this"...etc.,  A STANDARD that speaks the NEW COVENANT not the overtones of ignorance.  A STANDARD of a clean mouth & a pure heart.  "From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34)

Do you have a BIBLICAL STANDARD in your life?  

The world needs to hear more than a DEFINITION...they need to see APPLICATION. 

This is why we need Spiritual Fathers & Mothers!  Those in our ranks who possess the fear of The Lord & who love us enough to tell us to straighten up, stop sleeping with people you're not married to, pull your pants up, shun the very appearance of evil, consecrate your life, sanctify your heart & run after God with everything that's in you! 

May 2021 be the year we see Zion #Restored! 
(Isaiah 1:27)

Hungry

 

Ultimately, as a leader there's no one who can force you to get better except for yourself. YOU are the only person who can make YOU get better. And… a hungry person doesn’t have to tell anyone that they’re hungry - they show it by their actions.

Even before my daughter was able to talk, we still knew when she was hungry; not because she could tell us, but because her actions told us she was HUNGRY.

If you're the smartest person in the room...you might be in the wrong room. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, so that you can continue to grow & learn.

#Leaguership

www.russellhylton.com

Leaguership

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Nothing Else

 

Offended people operate in ULTIMATUMS.

 

Is Your Heart Ready For Christmas?

We are just a couple of days away from Christmas. There’s been lots of things happening to prepare for this special time with family & friends. Over the past month, Beverly & I have been decorating the house, buying gifts, sending cards, etc. Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year. There’s nothing like the joy that comes by sharing our love & what we have with family & friends in our own special ways.

Although this past year has been different & even difficult, God has kept us! Today, we reflect on God’s goodness in spite of the circumstances! This Christmas, we encourage you to remember that the true Christmas spirit is wrapped up in John 3:16 – “God loved us so much that He gave His Son, Jesus, so that we can have eternal life.”

Beyond the great food, beyond the lights, beyond the music & beyond the gifts…God reminds us of the most wonderful gift that has ever been given…this gift is Jesus. The babe in the manger. The Savior of the world, who brought the promise of unconditional love, unending hope & eternal life to every person who believes in Him!

As we reflect on the goodness of The Lord, I was reminded of Paul’s writing in 2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!”

I feel like that many times. I run out of words to describe His incredible gift!

As we’ve made our homes ready for Christmas, we need to make sure our hearts are also ready…both to receive & to share God’s love with others. Allow your ARMS to be the arms of Jesus, “reaching in love!” Allow your VOICE to be His voice as you share words of encouragement & hope with others. Allow your HANDS to be His hands that bring healing & comfort to others.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Russell & Beverly Hylton

Don't Let Your Soul Freeze To Death

A man finds a goose that was shaking with cold & stuck to a pole in Montana. As he got closer, he realized that wrapped up in her wings was a tiny puppy she was shielding from the freezing temperatures. (According to reports, both the goose & the puppy have recovered, were adopted together & are doing well.)

We have so much to learn from God's creation.

This is just a glimpse of what the church looks like. We come together & find strength from one another.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

When you stop coming to church, your soul can freeze to death.

Selah

Sac•er•do•tal

 

sac·er·do·tal

I remember when I first heard this word. I was sitting in a conference where ministerial tax benefits & laws were being discussed.  The idea is that an ordained minister performs "sacerdotal" duties such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, communion, worship, etc.

All of the above mentioned duties are definitely part of a pastor's work. However, Seminary, Bible College or Ministry School don't prepare you for the "sacerdotal" duties that AREN'T mentioned. 

I can't count the number of WEDDINGS I've officiated in 34 years of ministry. 

I can't count the number of FUNERALS I've officiated in 34 years of ministry.

I can't count the number of BAPTISMS I've officiated in 34 years of ministry.

I can't count the number of ...........

However, they don't teach you in Bible College how to pastor a church during a pandemic. 

As Covid-19 drags on, many pastors are finding themselves tired, discouraged & anxious regarding the long-term implications of this pandemic. Pastors are wondering how they can fulfill their "sacerdotal" duties successfully.  Pastoral burnout is a predictable outcome for those who are running the race at a sprinter's pace rather than what is more likely to be a marathon. 

Pastors are desperate to communicate the message of faith & hope, but the means of communicating that message is difficult to determine. With the responsibility of caring for their hurting flock, from a distance, the challenge weighs heavy on their shoulders. I must admit, it can all but deplete your emotional & spiritual reserves.  Not having access to the "normal tools" people find reassuring - eye contact, bedside manner & physical presence - when comfort is desperately needed can feel like a defeating task. 

 

Fortunately, we have a promise that The Holy Spirit will lead & guide us into all truth.  The past nine months have brought a variety of emotions, decisions, and ups & downs. We've fought for our faith & refused to let fear grip us. The core of the church has held steady & witnessed spiritual & numerical growth in our covenant family.  God has kept us as we've pulled together to shoulder the weight of ministry. 

Pastoring during a pandemic has taught me the following...

1. Be Innovative. 

Look for creative ways to share the Gospel. You're not obligated to continue to do the same ole' thing. Use this season as an opportunity to dismount broken or dead programs, approaches & unfruitful traditions. Some would call it a reset.  Make full use of technology & don't worry about having the best of the best to work with.  Even if you don't have professional cameras/sound/lighting, etc., use your iPhone & realize that most people appreciate the "raw" real you/message with or without the bells & whistles.  Strive for excellence & make full use of what you have.

2. Be Faithful To What You've Been Taught. 

Hold fast to the testimony of the saints. Don't backslide, ghost your church or drop out.  Good teaching will keep you...even during a pandemic.  Continue to be faithful to your church, even if it's online only. Continue to be faithful in your tithes/offerings. Continue to serve where needed. Continue to communicate.

3. Be Compassionate. 

Everyone is fighting a battle. This season has brought new causes for despair all its own: more parishioners are facing physical illness, more of them grieving lost loved ones, more of them teetering on economic despair, anxiety & depression. Pray more & check on people who are struggling. In order for pastors to have sustainable, healthy relationships with their congregations, more lay leaders - not pastors - must take spiritual responsibility for the growth & maturity of others. 

4. Be Fruitful. 

Don't let Covid, or anything else, cause you to be unfruitful.  Increase your witnessing. God expects a fruitful church.  Burying your gift (failing to develop & use it) is frowned upon in the Kingdom because it robs those for whom the benefit was intended. 

5. Be Truthful. 

Some of the same folks who say they can't come to church due to health concerns...YET are out there living their best life at parties, gatherings, work, stores, get-to-gathers, sports, shopping, etc. can be aggravating...especially when you're exhausting yourself to pour into people who are hiding behind excuses. Friend, no matter who's being dishonest...you be honest.  The Scriptures teach us to let your Yeah be Yeah & your Nay be Nay. (Matthew 5:37)  Walk in truth & God will reward you.

6. Reproduce Resources & Train.

By necessity, most churches are putting their services online.  However, without the feedback of an in-service response or post-service conversation, preaching to an iPhone leaves many wondering how to discern whether the message is effectively reaching those who are in their homes.  Such a void can leave pastors dismayed.  We have been challenged to produce Children's Ministry Resources that parents can download & share with their kids. This requires a lot of time & energy from our teams who may wonder if their work is even being utilized.  I believe we must continue to plant the seed & allow God to bring the increase. 

The task of a shepherd is never easy. But we need not despair, nor should we attempt to carry the weight ourselves. Our HOPE in Jesus is our greatest comfort. We do not shepherd alone.  The Good Shepherd - the one who gave His life for the sheep - loves His church far more than we do, and He is, at this very moment, leading His church & beckoning us to have FAITH & FOLLOW wherever He leads. 

I'm praying for pastors & parishioners alike. Don't let a case of the "Monday Blues" beat you up! You are where you're supposed to be!  Be yourself. You don't have to compare yourself with anyone else. Hold your head up & take one day at a time. You're not alone!  Others are experiencing the same emotions - up or down - as you. God believes in YOU!