Author: pastorlynnmalone

Twenty Minutes a Day: Ten Reasons to Read the Bible in a Year

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I am on a journey (again) to read the Bible in a year. It is a spiritual exercise I’ve practiced before, but I decided it was time to take up the practice once more.

I started the journey on January 1st, but I did something a little different this year, I invited the congregation I pastor to take the journey with me.

We are a congregation in transition (click here to go to our website) (click here to go to our Facebook page), so I thought it might be nice as we seek a vision of God’s calling for our congregation if we could “be on the same page” for this year of discernment.

This year I found an incredibly helpful tool that makes the discipline easier (it is a daunting task, I don’t care what anyone says). It’s the Bible in a Year Bible (find it here). No more flipping from the Old Testament to the New, back to the Psalms and to Proverbs. The readings are all in one place on a couple of pages to make the discipline simpler. I’m down for that!

Now that I’m five days into the process, I’ve rediscovered it takes about twenty minutes a day to read the passages. Twenty minutes a day! I thought it might be helpful if I share ten reasons to spend twenty minutes a day with the Bible, so here goes…

1. Spiritual Growth

One of the most significant reasons to read the Bible in a year is the opportunity for spiritual growth and maturity. The Bible is not just a collection of ancient writings; it is the living Word of God.

Hebrews 4:12 describes Scripture as “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,” meaning it has the power to change us. Reading the Bible regularly shapes our hearts, minds, and actions, transforming us into the image of Christ.

The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the more we grow in wisdom, understanding, and Christlikeness. Over the course of a year, this daily discipline allows for a deep, sustained relationship with God that produces spiritual fruit.

2. Understanding of God’s Word

The Bible is a complex book (book of books, actually) that spans different genres, time periods, and cultures. By committing to read the entire Bible in a year, we gain a better understanding of its structure and message.

Rather than cherry-picking verses that are familiar or comfortable, reading through the Bible helps us understand the broader narrative—God’s creation, His covenant with Israel, the life and teachings of Jesus, and the early church’s development.

An holistic understanding is essential for knowing God more fully and living in light of His truth.

3. A Closer Relationship with God

One of the most intimate ways to develop a relationship with anyone is to spend time with them. In the same way, reading the Bible is an act of seeking God.

The Bible is God’s communication to us—His words of love, instruction, and correction. By setting aside time each day to read Scripture, we invite the Lord to speak directly into our lives.

Whether we’re reading a psalm that comforts, a prophecy that challenges, or a teaching of Jesus that guides us in how to live, each passage is an opportunity for connection. The more we read, the deeper our relationship with the Lord will become. His presence becomes tangible as we learn more about His character, His plans, and His promises.

4. Overcome Challenges

Life is full of challenges, whether they come in the form of personal struggles, health issues, relationship problems, or spiritual doubts. Reading the Bible in a year provides a foundation for facing these difficulties.

The Scriptures are filled with stories of people who encountered hardships—yet through faith, perseverance, and God’s intervention, they overcame. From the Psalms that express raw emotion in times of distress to the letters of Paul that teach endurance through suffering, the Bible offers encouragement, wisdom, and promises for every situation in life.

Regularly reading God’s Word gives us the spiritual armor we need to face life’s trials with hope and confidence.

5. More Knowledge and Wisdom

Knowledge of Scripture is essential for wisdom. The Bible is not only a spiritual guide but also a practical manual for living. Proverbs 2:6 tells us that “the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Reading the Bible regularly equips us with knowledge that can guide us in every area of life—from decision-making and relationships to work and finances.

The book of Proverbs, in particular, is full of practical advice for living wisely, but the entire Bible is rich with principles that can be applied to modern life.

Whether through moral guidance or examples of wise leaders, reading the Bible in a year enhances both our intellectual understanding and our ability to apply God’s wisdom in daily life.

6. Transformation and Renewal

Romans 12:2 urges believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” One of the most powerful ways to renew our mind is through regular exposure to Scripture.

As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit works to change our thinking and refine our heart. The Bible provides a lens through which we can view the world more clearly, helping us discern truth from error, good from evil, and what is of eternal value from what is fleeting.

As we spend time in God’s Word, our priorities shift, our values realign with His, and our desires are transformed. Over the course of a year, this process of transformation leads to a life that reflects God’s will more clearly.

7. A Deep Appreciation for Jesus Christ

The Bible is ultimately about Jesus Christ—both the Old and New Testaments point to Him as the central figure in God’s redemptive plan.

Reading the Bible in a year gives us a greater appreciation for who Jesus is and what He has done. In the Old Testament, we see foreshadowings of Christ through prophecies, sacrifices, and types. In the New Testament, we witness His life, death, and resurrection.

A year-long journey through the Bible helps us see Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the hope for all people. This deeper understanding leads to a greater love and devotion for Christ, as we see more clearly the scope of His work and His sacrifice on our behalf.

8. Stronger Faith

Faith gets stronger by hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17 tells us, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Regularly reading Scripture deepens our understanding of God’s promises and His faithfulness.

When we read about God’s faithfulness to Abraham, Moses, David, and the early church, we are reminded that God has always kept His Word. This encourages us to trust Him more fully in our own life.

As we see how God has acted in history, we are emboldened to believe that He will continue to act on our behalf. A year of daily Bible reading cultivates a growing faith, rooted in the truth of God’s Word.

9. Inspiration to Share the Gospel

The Bible is not just for personal growth; it is also the foundation of the Christian message. As we read the Bible in a year, we will be better equipped to share the gospel with others (ain’t this what we’re supposed to do?).

The teachings of Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets give us the words to speak when we encounter someone seeking answers to life’s most important questions.

The Bible is filled with verses that highlight God’s love for us, His desire for salvation, and His offer of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. A more thorough understanding of Scripture helps us to communicate the gospel message clearly and confidently, empowering us to be a witness to others.

10. Accomplishment and Discipline

Finally, reading the Bible in a year gives us a sense of accomplishment and develops the discipline of consistent Bible study (Bible study IS a spiritual discipline, after all).

Committing to read the Bible daily is a challenge, but completing it is a rewarding achievement. The Bible is a large book, and reading it in its entirety requires commitment and perseverance. This experience cultivates self-discipline, which is a virtue that extends beyond Bible reading.

By committing to this goal and following through, we not only enrich our spiritual life but also build character. We can look back at the end of the year and marvel at the depth of insight we’ve gained and the personal growth we’ve experienced.

A Closing Thought

So, it’s January 5th. Want to join the journey? Don’t worry! It’s okay to pick up the process now. Just adjust your days by five. So, you won’t be on the same page as me. You’ll still reap the benefits of the process.

Just a word of encouragement before I close…

Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or two. The spiritual disciplines are not meant to be wicked taskmasters trying to whip us into shape. They are gifts of grace from the Lord meant to draw us closer to Him. Simply start where you left off. Reading the Bible in a year doesn’t have to extend from January 1 to December 31, you know?

Hope this was helpful, and I hope you’ll join me on the journey.

Until next time, keep looking up…

Coming Full Circle (and other random thoughts)…

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It’s almost 2025! Can you believe it? I can’t. As always, a new year’s dawning has caused me to be reflective. I thought I’d share a few of those reflections with you.

Coming Full Circle

I suppose this is not so much a reflection as it is a revelation. Christmas Eve was last Tuesday evening. I was preparing for the Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service by laying candles out on the seats in the sanctuary pre-service when it dawned on me that I have come full-circle in ministry. I was doing this Christmas Eve what I was doing the first many Christmas Eve’s of my ministry.

You know how it is in a small church, right? Pastor Fetch does it all to get ready for every service. This is not a complaint in any way, just a revelation that I’ll end ministry the way I began ministry over thirty years ago. And, I’m okay with that. Countless pastors serve their congregations faithfully doing all the little things that make “church” happen from week to week. Being back in the middle of weekly ministry has renewed my appreciation for all those pastors who ARE the church staff.

Yes, I was blessed to climb the ecclesiastical ladder through my years of ministry. I was blessed to grow to and go to congregations that had staff that assisted in the preparations for those “Super Bowl” services like Christmas Eve and Easter. It was real easy to get lazy (lazier?) when you had staff to do a lot of the work for you.

I was likewise blessed to serve as a denominational administrative officer for a period of ministry. Yeah, I got to spend a couple of years not even worrying about those “special” services. The toughest past of Christmas and Easter for me in those days was trying to figure out where I would attend those services. So challenging!

Then, of course, there was the time I spent away from vocational ministry altogether. Yes, it was a brief time, but it was a time that I didn’t know if I would ever lead one of those special services again. I did as “interim” pastor, but for some reason, it just wasn’t the same as those early years of ministry (no offense to those congregations I served as “interim” pastor).

This year was different for some reason. Thirty-three years after entering ministry and I’m the one preparing the sanctuary. That’s coming full circle for me. Kudos to all those pastors in the small churches who have been the ones every year for every service preparing the sanctuary. You are the true warriors of the Kingdom, and with this end of the year reflection, I salute you!

2025 Awaits

Enough of the reflection. The new year also affords us an opportunity to look ahead. I’m especially mindful of the Apostle Paul’s words to the Philippian church as we head into 2025:

12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3: 12 – 14 NLT)

There are three words that capture my attention as I read Paul this morning.

Forget

Taking a cue from Paul, I could make a list of all the things about 2024 that I’d like to forget. My problem is I’d likely want to forget the wrong things. Some things are best forgotten, and I’m grateful that God has the capacity and the desire to forget my sins, and to forgive them through the blood of Jesus Christ. I’d want to list all the bad circumstances, the losses, the failures and sadness, but I don’t think that’s what Paul had in mind. 

No, Paul had in mind the things he once considered so important:

We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.  (Philippians 3: 3b-7 NLT)

Paul forgot the worldly successes in his life. He forgot the achievements that once mattered so much to him. Those are the same things I need to forget going forward.

My achievements don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. What matters most are the times when I’ve grown closer to Christ. I can say without a doubt that my greatest growth has occurred in my failures. Those are the times when God truly revealed His faithfulness and my own faith was strengthened. Those times–I want desperately to remember.

Being a “large” church pastor? Yes, it was nice. Yes, I was blessed. Yes, I am grateful for the opportunity, but I could also count it to my own human effort. Let me forget so that I might consider what the Lord has done, and so that I might gain Him and become one with Him.

Being a District Superintendent? Same thing as above. Nice. Blessed. Grateful. But, if I’m honest, I have to admit I spent a lot of years working the levers of the ecclesiastical machine…serving on the right boards, going to the right meetings, pressing the right flesh…that I could say I achieved those things. Let me count it all loss so that I might gain Him and become one with Him.

Lord, let me forget the right things.

Stretch

One of the images Paul uses in his words to the Philippians is that of a runner stretching toward the tape at the end of a race. Life is certainly a race, but it is a marathon and not a sprint. We’re in it for the long-haul, and we have to keep growing and keep going as we run the race. What ways can I stretch myself in 2025?

One of the ways I’m going to stretch myself in 2025 is to invite more accountability into my life. It’s so easy for each of us (but especially for pastors) to isolate ourselves, and pretend that we can make it on our own. The reality is we can’t. We need each other, and part of what we need each other for is accountability–at least that’s what I need. That’ll be my stretch. What’ll be yours?

Focus

Paul had a goal. He would call it “this one thing.” A good word of advice for this new year is to define the “one thing.”

If we know what the goal is, then we can develop strategies to help make THE goal become the reality. I think, too often, I’ve failed because I’ve tried to do too many things and to be too much to too many.

Certainly, for those of us who call ourselves disciples of Jesus Christ, the goal is to always be a better disciple, but simply stating that fact leaves the achieving a bit nebulous. Focus is specific. State the goal in the beginning. Write it down. Review it daily.

I can’t define your focus for you. Only you can do that. I can tell you my focus for the year. It’s to be a better spouse.

Sure, I need to be a better pastor. My children probably think I need to be a better parent. I know I need to be better engaged in the community, and I’m certain I could be a better follower of Jesus. I want to be all those things, but this year, I’m going to start by being a better spouse.

Does it mean all those other things I want to be are not important? Of course not! But I have to believe that being a better spouse will help me to be better in those places, too. That’s the focus I hear God calling me to in this new year. What about you?

Going for the Gold

Forget. Stretch. Focus. Sounds like my new year is planned. These are not resolutions. They’re just words to guide my new year. I’ll use them in the hope that I’ll come to the end of next year and will have run the race of life with intention and faithfulness. Maybe they’ll help you do the same.

Until next time, keep looking up…

Merry Christmas, Y’all…

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It is really hard for me to believe that another Christmas Day is only three days away. Where does the time go? I know what the “old folks” meant when I used to hear them say, “Time sure does go by fast!” I know what they meant because I’m the “old folks” now.

Of course, I went to the heart doctor (yes, I said “heart doctor”) this week and during the examination he called me young and healthy. It made me feel good, but I thought to myself, “If I’m so young and healthy, why am I in YOUR office?”

Old Folks

I know I’m the “old folks” now because I’m more of a curmudgeon than I’ve ever been. Oh, I’ve always had a bit of curmudgeon in me, but my desire to be more Christ-like has often kept a little bit of a damper on it. The “older” I get, the more I realize that Lord still has a lot of work to do on the curmudgeon aspect of my personality. No, I’m not proud of that fact, but one of the ways the Lord can sanctify it is for me to put it out there in confession, so…

I also know I’m the “old folks” now because this body of mine doesn’t act like it used to act. My metabolism is slower, my muscle mass is shifting, my hair is more gray than brown, and I’ve got wrinkles in places I’ve never had wrinkles before. On top of all that, now I’ve got to deal with high blood pressure. I’ve never had blood pressure problems in my life! Then, the Lord gently reminds me–“Lynn, you’ve never been this old before.”

Talk about frustrating! And to add to the frustration this aging thing has put me in direct conflict with “Big Pharma!” I used to hear everyone complain about the high cost of medications. Now, I have personal experience that casts it in a whole new light. I’m learning that at this age I really can’t afford to be sick. I’m also learning that I can’t afford to get healthy, either.

I’m telling you…this whole “health” thing is nothing but a scam between big Pharma, insurance companies and the government. Those three just keep passing bucks (my bucks!) between their hands until its all gone, and then they come back for more. (Yeah. I know–curmudgeon, right?)

Grateful for Getting Older

Anyway, I really don’t mean to go all curmudgeon on you this holiday season. I am eternally grateful as I reflect on the circumstances of the past couple of weeks. I’m grateful that I’m alive. As the old saying goes, “I’m up and taking nourishment. It’s a good day.” I’m having a really good day!

I’m also grateful for doctors and nurses and other health-care workers who are compassionate and patient with curmudgeons like me. I’m grateful for their knowledge and wisdom, and their willingness to use it to heal. It is a gift they possess, and I’ll receive that gift as best I can, well, because I want to get older!

Getting older. That really is my goal. Well, kinda’ sorta’, anyway. Yes, I want to get older. I want to outlive my dad. My dad died when he was 63. I’m 61 now. Unfortunately, men in my family (on either side) don’t have long histories. A grandfather and a couple of uncles lived to age 72 (and I had 8 uncles). The rest all died before age 70. I get a little more health conscious with every day that passes.

Of course, I tell my children that I intend to live to 100, if for no other reason than to be a burden to them. We’ll see if that really comes to pass.

My Goal in Getting Older

My real goal in getting older is to grow in Christ-likeness…to grow in holiness. Honestly, I thought the older I got, the easier it would be. I’m discovering, though, the older I get and the more I desire to surrender, the more the Devil gets in my business and does all he can to slow the growth.

Isn’t it supposed to get easier the older we get? I thought the longer we walked with the Lord, the closer we became. Oh, yeah. I hear His voice in ways I’ve never heard before. Yes, I feel His presence in ways that bring strength and comfort like I’ve never experienced, but meeting that standard of holiness–well, that’s just another thing altogether. As desperately as I want to attain it, I find myself falling so far short.

It’s frustrating! It is as frustrating spiritually as this “old” body giving way physically. I don’t have any choice at this point but to rely on grace–His grace. The older I get, the more I need His grace to get me through. If I haven’t learned anything else, I’ve learned that.

The older I get, the more my life becomes a cycle of confession and repentance. Of course, the wonderful part of that equation is the experience of His forgiveness. He gently reminds me that His judgment and His mercy met on the cross of Calvary, and that mercy won. So, He shows me His mercy, and the older I get the more He shows me how much mercy I need. Thank you, Lord, for your mercy!

Wow! Some Merry Christmas message this turned out to be! Let me try again…

My prayer for each of you is that you will experience the peace, love and mercy of Jesus Christ this Christmas season…that He will abide with each of you as you grow in His grace, and that you will experience the joy of His mercy everyday in the coming new year…that as you grow older, you might also grow in holiness and in His likeness. May He be born in each of us in new and living ways this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas, y’all!

Until next time, keep looking up…

The Lord’s “Mess”-enger…

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My desk was always a mess! Now, it seems to be the dressing area in my bedroom. Vanessa refuses to clean it up because it’s my mess. I’ll empty my pockets at the end of the day, and there’ll be receipts and such I’ve stuck in my pocket for one reason or another, and they’ll just pile up day after day. No, she never touches my mess! I made the mess, I can clean it up—that’s her motto.

 Here’s the thing, though. Sometimes I get tired of the mess. Sometimes, I realize the mess has got to go—that I really need to clean it up. So, I’ll take the time necessary to pick through, organize, throw away or file everything that’s a part of my mess. There’s a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when the project is completed. It just feels good to get all the mess cleared away. There’s this sense of order emerging out of the chaos that seems to be my life.

I like that feeling, even though I must not like it too much. Vanessa thinks I don’t clean the mess up often enough.

Life is a Mess

I’m not so certain my dresser doesn’t really reflect my life, though I have heard it said that a messy desk (dresser?) reflects an organized mind. Perhaps, in some way, it reflects all our lives…maybe even life itself.

Life just gets messy sometimes, doesn’t it? We have a mess that’s far worse than any clutter we might have around on our desk or on our dresser. Maybe for you, the mess is in the closet or under the bed, but you know there’s a mess somewhere.

For others of us, maybe it’s a mess of someone else’s doing…a mess that is worse than a massive sewer backup in our homes. We have the mess of sin that hangs on us. Sometimes, we need the mess to be cleaned up. And, that’s exactly what God does for us. He cleans and purifies. Not only does God clean and purify us, he prepares the way for that purification to ensure our hearts are ready.

An Old Testament Messenger

Malachi is the last of the Old Testament Prophets. He’s writing a prophecy at a messy time in the life of the nation of Israel. This prophet was writing to the nation after their return to the Promised Land after a 70 year exile into Babylon.

Since their return, Jerusalem had been rebuilt and the temple restored, but the people had not learned their lesson from the exile. They had grown skeptical of God’s love, careless in worship, indifferent to the truth, disobedient to the covenant, faithless in their marriages and stingy in their offerings. In other words, their lives were a mess and the nation was a mess.

It was into that mess that God would use Malachi to plea to His people. It was a plea for God’s people to clean their mess up. Yet he uttered the plea as a hopeful refrain. Yes, it was a mess, but God would send someone to clean up the mess. That’s the message of Advent! That the world needs a Savior indicates the world needs saving!

For Malachi, everything God was going to do was going to happen later—much later. It would be more than 400 years before God would bring these prophecies and promises to completion. And in some respect, you and I are still waiting for the full realization of all that God promises as well.

Malachi begins with a promise from God, “See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me” (Malachi 3:1) We see this promise of one who prepares the way especially clear in the work of John the Baptist more than 400 years after Malachi wrote these words. John is Jesus’ cousin, roughly 6 months older than Jesus, whose work would be to get people ready for Jesus’ ministry. A lot of John’s work is not what we would call fun. He was called on to point out the people’s sins and to call them to repentance.

Confronting Life’s Mess

Not many people like to hear about their sin. In fact, we could safely say that no one likes to hear about their sins. We may recognize that it’s necessary, but it’s never a fun thing to be told that what you’re doing, saying, planning, or thinking is wrong. And yet we need to hear that.

I need to hear my dresser is a mess. You and I need to have the mirror of God’s Word held up to our faces to show us exactly as we are: people who are completely and hopelessly a mess. We’ve taken every opportunity we can to offend God, either consciously or unconsciously. Our hearts are filled with selfishness and envy.

Materialism is our idol. Doubt it? How much will you spend on Christmas this year? And, the people who lived in Malachi’s day weren’t different, and those to whom John the Baptist witnessed were no different. It’s called the human condition. 

Fire and Soap

Malachi uses two images to describe how God would clean up the mess. He describes Jesus as a metal refiner and launderer: “For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver” (Malachi 3:3).

So, what about the “soap and fire”? Malachi gives us an image of both God’s judgment and redemption. On the one hand, the prophet says: when God comes in judgment nobody can stand up against His power. Let’s face it, if God starts ticking-off the sinfulness of a man, who is good enough to say, “I’m better than that.”? To do so would make God a liar.

On the other hand, Malachi gives us a glimpse of redemption in the refiner’s fire and fuller’s soap. We may be sinful and undone before God, but God does something for us that we cannot do for ourselves… he cleans and purifies. This has been God’s intention in every contact with humanity—to make us whole, and to make us fit for relationship with him.

Fuller’s soap is not your average bar of Dove or Ivory; it is a harsh, earthy substance that scrubs away the whole top surface of skin.

The refiner’s fire calls for an interactive change. Refining precious metals is a wonderful picture of what God does for us.

All precious metals dug from the earth have a certain amount of impurities. When subjected to heat, gold will melt and run out of the crucible, leaving the impure stuff behind. The less impurities, the more the shine of your gold ring! It doesn’t matter whether we’re talking about grit in the gold or sin in the soul….getting it out increases the value.

Go down to the local jewelry store and buy your honey a gold ring for Christmas and you’ll discover that jewelry is 99.9% pure. That’s fine for something you wear on the outside. But, did you know that there are other uses for gold that call for the gold to be even more pure?

Do you know what they use in your computer to make all the little connections that spread information all over the world? Gold!

Do you know what metal they use to connect the most important technology in the space shuttle? Gold! 

Do you know that gold, silver, platinum and more precious metals are used in the machines a doctor uses to do your MRI and CAT-scan? Do you know the gold that is used in all that technology is 99.9999% pure?

Jesus is the “Mess”-enger

All that gold is on the inside. You see, it’s great to clean up the mess on the outside, but what really changes the world and our relationships is when we clean up the mess on the inside. That’s why we need Jesus. That why we need his cross. 

It is Jesus who is the refiner and launderer. It is he who will purify the people of the covenant. And, despite our feelings or fears about the matter, this is actually good news! Sin separates us from God. Sin clouds and distorts the good creation God made us to be. And we are helpless to clean ourselves. Enter the refiner of gold and the washer of clothes, to do the cleaning for us.

It is not an easy process, of course. There is pain involved in refining and cleansing. There is pain involved in dying and rising. But it is a process that is designed for our good, for our well-being, to prepare us for the coming of the Lord. God comes into our midst as Emmanuel, comes to destroy the evil in us and in the world, comes to draw us out of death into life.

In the working of the Holy Spirit to create faith in our hearts, Jesus has taken each and every one of us and scrubbed us and burned off the mess that was on and inside of us. And his job isn’t like my job cleaning off my dresser which far too quickly descends into chaos again; Jesus’ work is permanent. When Jesus removes sins, they are gone. When he cleans us, we are clean forever. When we are refined by him, we are pure through eternity.

Jesus had work to do, elbow grease to put into that work. To make us pure, he had to become corrupted; to clean us he had to descend into the muck and mire of sin.

The apostle Paul clearly lays out for us what God did: “God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus gave everything to purify us. In his death we are set free from sin; in his resurrection we are assured of our eternal life with him. We will live because he died and rose. We are pure because he purified us of sin.

Malachi notes that this cleansing will mean a change in people. Before Jesus, we were scared to even think about God. The imperfect cannot stand in the presence of perfection; the sinner cannot stand before the holy God. But now we are not imperfect, but perfect; now we are not impure, but pure. And so now we can approach God in confidence and thankful joy. 

Become the “Mess”-enger, Too

We are able to bring thanksgiving to God for what he’s done for us. The way we do that may vary depending on the day and our particular station in life. Maybe it’s helping an elderly parent in failing health; maybe it’s supporting a coworker who is stressed beyond belief at work; maybe it’s helping a friend who is going to through a difficult time in her life; maybe it’s simply commending the concerns and worries of this life in prayer to the God who can really, actually, bring about a change—the one who can purify the sinful and restore the brokenhearted.

Ultimately, we express our thanks in doing exactly what John the Baptist did: preparing the way for God’s purification. When we thankfully share our faith with others, when we share what Jesus has done, when we lead people into God’s Word to see his pure, perfect, and all-sufficient revelation for mankind, we are preparing the way for the Lord to create faith in their heart as well, that maybe, just maybe, their lives won’t continue to be such a mess because they’ve encountered the Lord’s “Mess”-enger themselves.

Happy Advent!

Until next time, keep looking up…

My Advent Prayer for You…

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Welcome to another Advent season. As this season begins, I’m reflecting on the rich passage from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians—Philippians 1:3-11. It is a prayer of thanksgiving and intercession that reveals the deep affection and partnership Paul shares with the Philippian church.

It is a beautiful expression of gratitude for the work God is doing in the lives of believers and a prayer for their continued growth in faith. I make it my prayer for you and me in this Advent season.

A Prayer for Joy

Paul opens his prayer by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to God for the Philippians:  

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” v. 3-5

Notice the first thing that Paul mentions is joy. Even though Paul is writing this letter from prison, surrounded by hardship and uncertainty, he speaks with joy. His joy does not come from his circumstances but from the deep sense of connection he feels with the Philippians in their shared mission—the gospel partnership.

The word “partnership” in verse 5 comes from the Greek word *koinonia*, which means fellowship or sharing. This word suggests a deep and mutual participation in something greater than themselves, something that binds the hearts of the Philippians and Paul together. It is not merely a partnership in temporal matters but in the eternal work of the gospel. Their shared commitment to the gospel—through supporting Paul’s ministry, sharing the message, and living out their faith—has brought them into a deep fellowship with one another and with God.

As we reflect on this, we should ask ourselves: What brings us joy in our Christian lives? Is it our circumstances, our achievements, or our comfort? Or is it the joy of partnering together in the gospel, sharing in the mission of Christ to proclaim salvation to the world? True joy in the Christian life is found in knowing we are participating in something eternal, something that transcends our struggles and challenges.

In the body of Christ, we are not lone wolves; we are partners in the gospel, united by the love of Christ and the call to advance His Kingdom. This partnership transcends time and space. We are not just united with those around us but with Christians throughout history and across the world.

My prayer is we will take joy in this shared mission.

A Prayer for Assurance

Paul goes on to express his confidence in the work God is doing in the lives of the Philippians:  

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” v. 6

Note Paul’s confidence, not in the Philippians’ ability to carry out the work, but in God’s faithfulness. He is convinced that the work God started in them, the work of salvation and sanctification, will continue until it is completed on the day of Christ Jesus. What a powerful statement of assurance that should comfort all of us who follow Jesus.

When we come to faith in Christ, we are not left to fend for ourselves. God is the one who begins the work, and He is the one who brings it to completion. This is the essence of what we Wesleyans call sanctification—that those who are saved will be kept by God’s power and will grow in holiness until we are fully conformed to the image of Christ at His return.

In our lives, this truth is especially comforting when we face doubts, setbacks, or periods of spiritual dryness. We may wonder if we will ever change or if we will ever see victory over sin. But Paul reminds us that God is at work in us, even when we cannot see it. The process of sanctification—the ongoing work of becoming more like Christ—is a long one, but it is God’s work, and He is faithful to complete it.

This should lead us to a place of both humility and hope. We cannot boast in our progress or accomplishments, for it is God who works in us. But neither should we despair, for God is faithful to finish what He started.

A Prayer for Maturity

Paul ends his prayer for the Philippians’ growth in spiritual maturity:  

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” v. 9-11

Paul prays not merely that they would endure, but that they would grow. His desire for them is not just for outward success or for temporary relief, but for a profound transformation of their hearts and lives. So, what is it that needs transforming?

A Transformation of Love

Paul prays for their love to “abound more and more.”

The foundation of Christian maturity is love—love for God and love for one another. This love is not naïve or sentimental. He prays that their love may abound “in knowledge and depth of insight.”

Our love is to be informed by truth, guided by wisdom, and rooted in an understanding of God’s Word and God’s will. It is not shallow, emotion-driven love but a love that seeks the highest good of others, motivated by the gospel.

A Transformation of Discernment

Paul prays that they may be able to “discern what is best.”

Discernment is crucial for living as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. It is not enough to simply know what is good or acceptable; Disciples are called to know what is best—to seek God’s will in all things and make choices that honor Him. This requires wisdom, prayer, and a deep knowledge of God’s Word.

A Transformation of Purity

Paul also prays that they would be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”

It is a prayer for holiness in our lives. We are called to live lives that are set apart for God’s glory, reflecting His character to the world. Purity and blamelessness do not mean perfection in this life, but a continual striving toward righteousness and a heart that is surrendered to Christ.

It’s just another way of saying we must continue to grow in grace–that whole idea of sanctification, again. It really was important to Paul. It should be equally important to us!

A Transformation of Fruitfulness

Finally, Paul prays that they would be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.”

The fruit of righteousness refers to the evidence of a transformed life–love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control (otherwise known as the fruit of the Spirit–see Galatian 5:22-23).

These acts of righteousness are not the result of our own efforts but come through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, who works in us to produce good works that glorify God.

All of these elements—love, discernment, purity, and fruitfulness—are intertwined. A growing love for God and others leads to greater discernment, which in turn leads to a life marked by purity and good works. And the end result of all this is the glory and praise of God.

Happy Advent

As I reflect on Philippians 1:3-11, I am reminded of the deep joy and privilege I have in being partners with each of you in the gospel. This is a divine calling that unites us with one another and with God’s eternal purposes. We are confident that the work God has begun in us will be completed, and we can be assured that He is faithful to bring us to spiritual maturity.

I pray that your love may abound more and more, that you may have discernment to know what is best, that you may live pure and blameless lives, and that you may bear the fruit of righteousness for the glory of God–and that even more as we see the day of His return approaching (which is really what the Advent season is all about).

Will you also pray these same things for me?

Until next time, keep looking up…

Happy Thanksgiving, Y’all…

/ pastorlynnmalone / Leave a comment

Gratitude is a powerful, transformative attitude that can change the way we experience life. It is more than a polite “thank you” or a seasonal expression of thanks around Thanksgiving dinner; it is a deep, heartfelt acknowledgment of the goodness, grace, and provision of God in all things.

In a world that often encourages comparison, entitlement, and dissatisfaction, gratitude seems to be a rare virtue. And yet, the Bible teaches us that gratitude is not optional for the believer—it is essential. In fact, as we read in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Gratitude is not just a nice gesture, but a command from God, a key part of His will for our lives.

So, why is gratitude so important? How does it impact our relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves? And how can we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, even in challenging circumstances?

God’s Will for Us

The apostle Paul, writing to the church in Thessalonica, reminds us that gratitude is not optional but is the will of God. The will of God in our lives, according to this verse, is not simply that we perform religious duties or follow rules, but that we have a heart of thanksgiving, regardless of our circumstances.

Gratitude is a central part of our spiritual life because it aligns us with God’s heart and helps us acknowledge His goodness. To give thanks is to recognize and celebrate the ways God is at work in our lives, whether in times of abundance or scarcity, joy or sorrow. When we are grateful, we are turning our eyes away from what we lack and focusing on the many ways in which God is present with us, sustaining us, and blessing us.

Paul doesn’t say, “Give thanks for all circumstances,” but “in all circumstances.” There’s a difference. We may not always be thankful for difficult circumstances or suffering—none of us would claim to be grateful for pain, loss, or hardship. But we can still give thanks in those circumstances, trusting that God is with us, that He is faithful, and that He can work even in the darkest moments of our lives.

Gratitude is a response to God’s presence, no matter what life brings our way. It’s an act of faith that says, “I may not understand why things are happening the way they are, but I trust that God is good, and I will thank Him for His constant presence and provision.”

It’s About Perspective

Gratitude has the power to shift our perspective. The apostle Paul knew this well. He wrote to the Philippians from prison, a place of confinement and hardship, yet he spoke often of joy and thankfulness. In Philippians 4:6, he says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Even in a time of suffering, Paul models a posture of thankfulness.

When we focus on gratitude, we shift our attention from the negative, from what’s missing, to what is present. This shift doesn’t deny the reality of our struggles or minimize the pain we might feel, but it helps us to see beyond the immediate challenges and to focus on God’s faithfulness, His provision, and His love. Gratitude helps us to remember that, no matter what is happening around us, God is always good, and He is always at work in our lives.

Remember the Israelites in the wilderness? When they were faced with hunger, they complained and doubted God. But God, in His mercy, provided manna from heaven, daily bread for His people. Instead of responding with gratitude, the Israelites often grumbled and longed for the comforts of Egypt, forgetting the great things God had already done. Their lack of gratitude caused them to forget the goodness of God and to live in a state of discontentment.

How often do we fall into the same pattern? Being a “glass half-empty” guy, I tend to focus on what’s wrong, what’s lacking, and what’s unfair, and I can miss the countless blessings God has already given me.

Gratitude realigns our focus and helps us see the blessings we have, no matter how small or how hidden they may seem in the moment.

It’s About Relationships

One of the most profound impacts of gratitude is on our relationships—both with God and with others. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul writes about the importance of rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. These are not just individual acts; they are communal expressions of worship and devotion that strengthen the body of Christ.

When we are grateful to God, it deepens our relationship with Him. Gratitude is an expression of trust in God’s character and goodness. It acknowledges that we recognize His work in our lives and that we are dependent on His grace. This kind of gratitude fosters intimacy with God, drawing us closer to Him in love and worship.

Gratitude also strengthens our relationships with others. Think about the power of a simple “thank you.” A word of thanks can build bridges, restore relationships, and create a culture of kindness and appreciation. When we are grateful, we are less likely to take people for granted. We are more inclined to see and affirm the value in others, recognizing the ways in which God has worked through them to bless our lives.

The opposite of gratitude is entitlement. Entitlement says, “I deserve this. I have a right to it.” Gratitude, however, says, “I have received something good that I didn’t earn, and I am thankful.” When we live with a sense of gratitude, we become more humble, more patient, and more generous. We no longer take for granted the things we have, and we are more willing to share with others.

Jesus, of course, is our ultimate example. In the Gospels, we see how Jesus expressed gratitude to His Father, even in moments of distress. When He healed the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19, only one of them returned to thank Him. Jesus was deeply moved by this man’s gratitude and said, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” The act of thanksgiving not only brought physical healing but also spiritual wholeness.

It’s NOT About Circumstances

Gratitude is never contingent on our circumstances. This is especially true when we face difficult or painful seasons in life. Paul’s command to “give thanks in all circumstances” is not just for the good times but for the hard times as well. In fact, gratitude can be most powerful in times of suffering.

Consider the example of Job. After losing everything—his wealth, his health, his children—Job said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21). Job’s words are a profound testament to the power of gratitude in the midst of tragedy. He did not understand why he was suffering, but he chose to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and goodness, even in his pain.

Gratitude in every season of life is a choice, a discipline, and an act of trust. It acknowledges that, while life may not always make sense, God is still good, and He is still worthy of our thanks. When we choose gratitude in hardship, we align ourselves with God’s heart and demonstrate our trust in His faithfulness, even when we cannot see the way forward.

Growing Gratitude

Gratitude, like any virtue, must be cultivated. It does not come naturally, especially when life is difficult or when we feel overwhelmed. But there are practical ways to develop a heart of gratitude:

  1. Practice daily thanksgiving: Start each day by thanking God for the blessings in your life. Even on tough days, there is always something to be thankful for.
  2. Count your blessings: Keep a gratitude journal where you write down the things you’re thankful for. This helps you focus on the positive aspects of life, even during difficult seasons.
  3. Express gratitude to others: Take the time to thank those around you—family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. Gratitude is contagious and can strengthen your relationships.
  4. Pray with thanksgiving: In your prayers, focus on what God has done for you. Thank Him for His provision, His love, and His faithfulness.

Gratitude is a powerful force that transforms our hearts, our relationships, and our lives. It aligns us with the will of God, shifts our perspective, deepens our relationships with God and others, and helps us to trust God in all circumstances.

As we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, we reflect God’s goodness to the world around us. Let us choose to give thanks in all circumstances, knowing that this is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus.

May our lives be marked by a spirit of thanksgiving, not just when things are going well, but in every season, trusting that God is good, His love endures forever, and His faithfulness never fails.

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all, and until next time (whenever that might be), keep looking up…

Life is About Choices…

/ pastorlynnmalone / 2 Comments

Sometimes a guy just has to choose. No, I’m not talking about this past week’s election, though I certainly could. It is time to move on from that. It’s over and it was somewhat decisive, which are the two things I prayed for. If Donald Trump won, I wanted it to be a clear victory. If Kamala Harris won, likewise I wanted it to be a clear victory. We didn’t need four years of “Russian interference,” or four years of “stolen” elections.

A lot of folks I know gave a big thumbs-up to the election results on Wednesday morning, and an almost equal number of folks I know gave it the thumbs-down. Such is the nature of our divided nation these days, but here is what we followers of Jesus need to remember–we’re not working for a temporal kingdom.

Yes, politics is important and we need to pay attention to it and participate in the process (thankful we live in a country where we can), but it is time for the disciples of Jesus Christ to get down to the real business to which we’re called–building an eternal Kingdom.

Just as a reminder, I recall these words from Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain” in Luke’s gospel:

27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. 31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

32 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.

35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

Luke 6: 27 – 38 (NLT)

Friends, it is time for us to choose to be different from the world because this old world is passing away. It is time for us to choose to live by different standards than power, utility and equal exchange. It is time for us to choose to follow Jesus in building an eternal Kingdom and to live the primary Kingdom principle of love. It is time for us to choose to tell the world about Jesus Christ.

This short video demonstrates why it matters:

@1littlerebel4.0

♬ Love of God – MercyMe

Let’s choose not to be Democrat or Republican. Let’s choose to be Christians. After all, life is about choices.

Speaking of choices, I’m making the choice to step away from blogging for a while. I may return to it someday, but right now, I simply have too many other responsibilities that are demanding my attention, not the least of which is spending my early Sunday mornings preparing to lead worship at Haughton Methodist Church.

So, thanks to all of you who have read my blog over the past many years. It has brought joy to my heart and been a great encouragement when someone would respond to a blog I had written. I hope they have been an encouragement to those who read them.

All I can say now is “I’ll see ya’ on the flip-side!”

Until next time (whenever that might be), keep looking up…

Just Go Vote…

/ pastorlynnmalone / Leave a comment

Yes, this is a post about the election. Yes, it will probably offend a few people. No, I’m not going to tell you who to vote for, which will probably offend at least half of the people who read my blog. If you haven’t made up your mind, you have two days to do so. Just go vote, even if you don’t make up your mind until you enter the voting booth.

Actually, I’m writing this morning to a select number of people who may be reading–those who haven’t voted yet. My wife and I cast our ballots early, which it seems people are doing in record numbers this year. That’s great, but if you haven’t voted, let me remind you that your vote still counts. Go vote! Yes, it’s that important.

It is important that you go vote because we live in the United States of America and voting is a gift that the founders of our nation gave to us to help preserve our republic. Don’t take that gift for granted.

Voting has become so much easier (for better or worse) through the years that there really remains no excuse (save an emergency or illness) for registered voters not to vote.

Here are a few things I might suggest you do before heading to the polls. First, pray. Ask for the Lord’s guidance as you prepare to make this most important decision.

Second, turn off social media. You’ll only end up more confused.

Can I say that I hate the terms “misinformation” and “disinformation?” They seem like made-up words. I rather prefer to call all of that stuff “competing information.” Don’t the folks who want to censor all the “dis” and “mis” information believe the American people are smart enough to sort through the competing information to make an informed decision? I believe we are and I don’t need anyone censoring anything. I LOVE the First Amendment!

Third, remember that the Lord doesn’t love one candidate more than the other, nor does He love the people who vote for one candidate more than He loves people who vote for the other candidate. He loves all His children regardless of which candidate they vote for. Suffice it to say that each (every) candidate has his/her own foibles (just like the people casting their ballots). There is no perfect candidate. Never has been. Never will be.

Please also remember that no single candidate or political party ever won one soul to Christ. That’s our job. It’s called evangelism and we should be engaged in it regardless of who our leader is. People who need Jesus will never find Jesus in a political party. They will find Him in us.

Finally, maintain a biblical perspective. I remind us of Romans 13: 1–

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”

Or, Psalm 47: 7 – 9–

7 For God is the King over all the earth.
    Praise him with a psalm.
8 God reigns above the nations,
    sitting on his holy throne.
9 The rulers of the world have gathered together
    with the people of the God of Abraham.
For all the kings of the earth belong to God.
    He is highly honored everywhere.

The Bible repeatedly reminds us that God is sovereign in the affairs of men. God is God before this election, and God will be God after this election. Neither candidate will change that fact. If you trust the Lord now, you’ll trust Him then.

Don’t, however, use God’s sovereignty to blame Him for the outcome. That’s too easy! Can we, as disciples, acknowledge that the state of our nation is not God’s fault? It would also be too easy to blame one political party over the other, but the reality is that BOTH political parties have contributed to the steady progression away from the Judeo-Christian values upon which our nation was formed.

Let’s face it. It’s OUR fault for not holding our leaders to account to the Judeo-Christian values of our founding. One way we can hold them accountable is by just going to vote.

So, go vote. Vote your values. Vote for the candidate you believe the Lord is leading you to vote for. Regardless of who you vote for, please treat those who may vote differently than you with the respect and love due a fellow human being. That’s what we’re called to do as disciple of Jesus Christ.

So, just go vote. It’s that important.

Until next time, keep looking up…

No Longer a Fan…

/ pastorlynnmalone / Leave a comment

I know. I’m old! I’m not sure how I got so old so fast, but here I am and there’s nothing I can do about it. One of the things that’s happened to me as I’ve gotten older is that my likes and dislikes have changed.

Example: I used to love football…and the New Orleans Saints in particular. Yes, La. Tech and LSU were close seconds, but man, those Saints. Even back in the day I would wear the paper bag and yet it didn’t deter me from my love for the black and gold. I lived in constant expectation of “next year.”

Back in the day, Vanessa would leave me home alone on Sunday afternoon if the Saints were playing. She didn’t want to listen to me whoop, holler and shout. I’d whoop, holler and shout if things went well and I’d moan, whine and complain when things didn’t go well (if you’re a Saints fan, you know that was most of the time). It really could be a spectacle at times.

Then, Facebook came along. I soon discovered that Facebook was the new way to watch football with friends. I’d share my comments about the game in real-time and friends would respond and it added to the fun of football, both professional and college.

Now, I really couldn’t care less. It’s just not fun anymore. My love for professional football in general and the Saints in particular really begin its decline after 2020 with BLM and Covid. Sports (not just football) became too political (which is really strange since I’m kind of a political junkie).

I suppose sports was one of the few places a person could go to get away from all the politics, where Democrats, Republicans and Independents could share the joys (or travails) of their favorite team for three hours on a Sunday afternoon. For three hours on a Sunday afternoon, we were united. Yeah, well that changed, and I think it changed me a little, too.

But, it’s probably just because I’m old now. I used to laugh at the old men who sat around the gas stove at Malone’s Hardware complaining about the state of the world. I no longer laugh now because I’ve become one of those old men and I now know why they complained so much and spoke as they did.

I am them and I think it has affected my love for football. Of course, it could be that sports have changed so dramatically in recent years, too. I’d prefer to say it’s that, but I suspect it’s really just that I’m old.

How has it changed? Well, for starters, there’s the money thing. I mean, really, a fan can’t afford to go to a professional game anymore (yeah, people do, but can they really afford it?). I wanted to take my sons, son-in-law and grandsons to see the Saints and the Cowboys. It was going to cost me over $1,000, and that was for standing room only and DID NOT include parking or food! We didn’t go!

Full disclosure: I did purchase four tickets (and no, I didn’t spend $1,000), but as the day approached I just didn’t feel like driving to Dallas, standing through a three hour game and then driving back home. That’s because I’m old! My two oldest grandsons utilized the tickets, so it wasn’t a total loss.

It’s the same with college sports, too. I suppose it really changed for me when NIL became a thing. Now, for the players, it’s all about the Benjamins. I don’t blame them. Get it while you can, I guess, but there’s no loyalty anymore. You never know who is going to be on the team anymore. The teams with the richest alumni can stock their teams with the finest players and claim the championships. These days there are 25 year-olds who have “eligibility” playing college football. Go figure!

I guess I’m just old and I don’t really care anymore. Seriously, I didn’t even watch all of the LSU game last night. I’d rather go to sleep. Besides, I’ve discovered (because things have changed) that I can watch a three hour game in 20 minutes on YouTube the next day. No big deal last night, though. LSU got spanked. You know what that means? It means I didn’t stay up late for nothing and I didn’t go to sleep frustrated, so there’s that.

Yeah, I still watch football, but only when I don’t have anything else I’d rather be doing (like sleeping). Yes, I’ll occasionally comment something on Facebook but I do so only to see if I can wrinkle a few feathers of fan friends. The reality is, though, if I never watched another game, I’d probably be okay with it.

The games I want to see these days? The ones my grandchildren are playing in, and only because my grandchildren are playing in them. I LOVE to see my grandchildren do anything. Because I’m old, I now know why they call them GRANDchildren. Everything about them is grand. I’ve told my children that if I had known grandchildren were this much fun, I would have skipped them and went straight to the grandchildren. You know what? You have to be old to realize that.

So, I’m grateful for getting old even if I don’t like some of the changes that happen when we get old. When I was young, we were told in ministry that we needed to keep working on our “growing edges.” Well, now that I’m older, I have to keep working on those “growing edges.” Those growing edges are just different now.

Let’s face it. The Lord still has a lot of work to do on me and in me, it’s just in different places these days. Will He ever be finished? One day, perhaps He will. After all, I’m a Wesleyan and I believe in the process of sanctification. It is a life-long endeavor. But, you have to get old to realize that.

Thank God for getting old!

Until next time, keep looking up…

Made for Work…

/ pastorlynnmalone / 1 Comment

I admit. I have a lazy streak. In my defense, I’m only lazy after I’ve been working. I’m like the lady that used to work for my grandmother who said, “When I work, I work hard. When I play, I play hard. When I sit, I go to sleep!”

Working is on my mind this morning because of the past few weeks I’ve had. Now that I’m pastoring a church again and running a business, my time off has been scarce. Vanessa and I took a few days away before beginning our new adventure in pastoring, but yesterday was my first day off in 20 days (but was it really a day off since I spent part of the day working on a sermon?).

The purpose of my writing is not to elicit your sympathy. It really is my way of trying to process my inability to find workers for my business. It makes me ask: “What has happened to the work ethic in our culture?”

Lessons in Futility

So, here’s a snapshot of my past month. I’ve been trying to fill a position in my shop for a couple of months now. I advertised for the position. Received a couple dozen applications (that’s a good thing). Spent some time processing those applications. Made a few decisions and began the process of interviewing people.

Called a guy in for a face-to-face interview. Went well. Checked his references. Again, went well. Called to make him an offer. Crickets!!! That’s right! Never returned my call. Emailed him. Crickets! No response. Time to move on…

Called another guy. Came for the interview. Went well. Checked references. Again, went well. Called and made an offer. Accepts offer. Start work on Monday. Monday comes. He’s a no-show! Make a call. Crickets. Email sent asking about the situation. Late on Monday I receive an email back that he’s sick and cant’ make it (he’ll start when he’s better–yeah, when will that be?). Okay, he can’t help it because he’s sick, but dude, you have a phone. Call somebody!

Schedule him to start the following Monday (surely he’ll be better by then). Monday comes and he shows up early. Hey! This is a good sign. Works Monday. Asks to take off early to finish a project he started before he took the job. Okay, sure. Tuesday comes. He’s a no-show! Calls that his truck is broke down. Okay, so he can’t help that, right?

Wednesday comes and he shows up–early again. Points earned. Works the morning. Goes to lunch. Never returns! Haven’t heard a word from him. No call. No email. Crickets. Odd thing is I owe him money for the day and a half he worked. Go figure.

Call another guy in for an interview. 10:00 a.m., Friday? Great! See you then. Friday comes. No guy.

Call another guy. 10:00 a.m., Friday (yes, another Friday)? Great! See you then. Friday comes. No guy.

I’m starting to develop a complex. Is it me? Am I not doing something right? It must be me, right?

Then, I think, “It’s really not me, it’s the world in which we live these days.”

I say that because I’ve got another job posting, as well. I’ve received a couple of dozen applications for that position, too.

I provide a link to every applicant who submits an application on-line to a personality assessment. For every person who actually takes the time to complete the assessment, I set up a phone screen interview. I did that for three applicants who completed the assessment. I call. No response. Three different people, three no answers. I leave messages. Still…I’ve never heard back from a single person.

Bummer! And, I’m still two people short on staff.

Lessons for My Life

I don’t know. Perhaps they’ve found other employment and don’t have the courtesy to call and withdraw their name from consideration. Perhaps they’re just checking boxes on a form so they can continue drawing their unemployment. Perhaps they just reconsidered and decided a job in the quick lube industry isn’t for them.

Okay! No problem. How about a little consideration. Have we lost that with our work ethic, too? Do I blame it on Covid? Or, have I just been walking around all my life with blinders on and didn’t realize that’s how it goes with the job market because I’ve never been in business for myself before now?

Whatever it is, it’s very frustrating…and I guess I’m taking my frustration via this blog. I am, however, reminded of Genesis 2:15–

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.“

The good Lord created us for work. Our work is meant to be an offering of worship to the Lord. I’m wondering if our world might be so upside down because no one wants to work anymore. And, don’t get me started on the government and give-aways. Lord, have mercy…

I’m also reminded of this little passage in the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians:

9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. 10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. 12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. 13 As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.

So, I’m finding some solace in the fact that it’s not actually a new problem. I guess it’s as old as we humans are.

I could launch into an entire diatribe on the benefits of work, but the blog is long enough already and I’ve got to get ready for work. But, work today is worship (and to lead worship). Then again, work is meant to be worship everyday, but I’ve already been down that road this morning.

So, get up and go to work. It is what we’re made for.

Until next time, keep looking up…