Grace

On the Glory of God and AI…

/ pastorlynnmalone / 1 Comment

So, this is Transfiguration Sunday, which in the Christian calendar, is the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday. It was serendipitous (providential?) that our Bible in a Year readings for the week included Mark’s account of Jesus’s transfiguration.

I thought it would make good sermon fodder (it being Transfiguration Sunday and all), though Luke’s Gospel is the Revised Common Lectionary‘s chosen text for 2025. I’m committed to preaching from one of the texts we read in a given week, so Mark’s account it is.

As part of my preparation, I always go back and leaf through my sermon files to see what I’ve preached before. I found a sermon from Luke’s Gospel that I preached in 2007 (see it here). I had three points in that message from 2007:

  • Jesus was unique in His person.
  • Jesus was unique in His mission, and
  • Jesus was unique in His message.

Why am I telling you this? Because of what I did later in my preparation. I went to ChatGPT and put this in the chat box: “Sermon on Mark 9: 2 – 10.” Do you know what ChatGPT returned? A three-point sermon. What were the three points? In order, they were:

  • A Revelation of Christ’s Identity,
  • A Confirmation of Christ’s Mission, and
  • A Call to Christ’s message.

It was, basically, my sermon from 2007 sans the illustrations. Needless to say, I was as speechless as Peter was on Mount Tabor that day. It made me think ChatGPT has been reading my mail! Then I thought, “Well, yeah, that’s exactly what Artificial Intelligence does!”

As I understand it, Artificial Intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence by computers. Admittedly, I don’t really understand it, but this much I know: AI is a machine, and a machine can only spit out what is put into it (I’m sure some computer geek out there will correct me), and someone, somewhere has somehow input all the information that’s ever been published online, so that when I put in “Sermon on Mark 9: 2 – 10,” it spit out a sermon very close to the sermon I wrote in 2007, and that countless other preachers have probably written, too over the centuries. Because that’s what AI does.

I’ll admit, AI is special. It is (and will be going forward) life-changing, maybe even earth-shattering. We might even call it a glorious discovery. AI is not, however, nearly as glorious as the discovery Peter, James and John made on the mountain with Jesus that day–that day they discovered God’s glory in human form.

Of this much I’m certain: Even if AI takes over the world (some say it will), it will never overcome the glory of God. One day, even AI will bend the knee (hypothetically speaking) to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Let AI take over the world, for His Kingdom is not of this world. This world and all its wisdom will one day pass away and its glory will be gone, but the glory revealed on Mount Tabor will shine for all eternity.

So, yes, I have a sermon for today, and yes, it is from Mark 9: 2 – 10, but no, it was not written by AI. If you want to hear it, you’ll have to come to Haughton Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m.

Until next time, keep looking up…

Failure Doesn’t Have to be Final…

/ pastorlynnmalone / 1 Comment

The church where I pastor (Haughton Methodist Church) is reading the Bible through in a year. I made the commitment to the congregation that if they would read the Bible through in a year, then I would preach from one of the passages they read over the previous week. So far, except for one week, I’ve kept that commitment. The weekly readings have become my lectionary for the year.

This week, we read Matthew’s account (Matthew 26: 69-75) of Peter’s denials of Jesus. I love the Apostle Peter. One reason I do is because Peter’s journey through life (and faith) so greatly reflects my own. Peter’s is a life that experienced many transformations, and I believe there is something for all of us to learn, even in Peter’s (seeming) failure. I think Peter’s life reminds us that transformation is an on-going thing. It’s never a one-time event. That’s kind of what the whole “sanctifying” grace idea is about.

Sanctifying Grace

Let me focus on sanctifying grace here just a moment because I believe I see it at work in Peter’s life in these moments. In John Wesley’s understanding, God’s grace is real (primarily) in three distinct ways—prevenient grace, justifying grace and sanctifying grace.

Let me try to illustrate: I went to the heart doctor this week. Whoopee! The price of getting old, I suppose. The doctor informed me that I did, in fact, have a heart problem. Prevenient grace is like going to the heart doctor and finding out there is something wrong with your heart. There is a dawning awareness that something has to change…that transformation is needed.

Justifying grace is that moment when we come to embrace the reality that something is wrong with our heart, and that we’ll embrace the prescription offered by the doctor. A better analogy would be discovering you need a heart transplant (prevenient grace), and actually submitting to the surgery necessary to get a new heart (justifying grace), but hey, I don’t need a heart transplant so…

Sanctifying grace is learning how to live with your new heart condition. The diet has to change. The exercise routine has to change. There may even be a few medications involved (there is!). If we’re going to honor the gift we’ve been given, we have to stop doing the things we did before and start doing new, healthier things.

What does any of that have to do with Peter? I’m glad you asked.

Peter’s Tale

Peter’s life was filled with transformative moments. He walked on water (Matthew 14). That is a transformative moment. Yet, Peter had such small faith that he couldn’t sustain it.

Another transformative moment came when Jesus changed Peter’s name and called him “the Rock” (sorry, Dwayne Johnson), yet almost immediately after, Jesus rebukes him and calls him satan (Matthew 16: 21 – 23). Talk about whiplash!

Still another transformative moment for Peter came on Mount Herman when he witnessed Jesus transfigured, and Peter wanted to build three shrines for Moses, Elijah and Jesus (Matthew 17: 1 – 13).

Perhaps the most transformative experience of Peter’s life was his denial of Jesus. It’s interesting that the most transformative event is also considered Peter’s greatest failure.

Peter, who was ready to die for Christ, had a change of heart (a transformation?) when confronted by a young lady around a campfire.

His world had been turned upside-down when Christ was arrested…and yes, this same Peter who would deny Jesus three times was the same Peter, who at the time of Jesus’ arrest, cut off the ear of one of the Roman guards. Brash, daring, adventuresome…yet, humbled under a colossal failure.

God would, however, use Peter’s colossal failure to transform him into a disciple who would change the world. There is hope for me yet! Failure doesn’t have to define us. Failure doesn’t have to be final!

Let me share three brief lessons I learn as I survey Peter’s failure.

Temptation

First, temptation gets us all sooner or later. Peter, who walked on water, saw Jesus transfigured and even had his mother-in-law healed from her sick bed (wonder what he thought about that?) gave in to the temptation he faced.

Call it fear, call it peer pressure, call it whatever you’d like to call it–he was tempted and he succumbed. What’s worse, Jesus had warned him that it was going to happen. Peter, in his brashness, said, “Never, Lord!”

Never say never. Temptation will get even the best of us. Temptation will get us when we least expect it in the most subtle ways.

What a stark contrast between this Peter, cowering before a servant girl in a courtyard, and the Peter who would grab the sword and cut off a soldier’s ear.

It’s a good reminder that battlefields (spiritual ones) are everywhere, even in the most mundane places. There are battlefields even in the quiet, routine moments of life.

Lying

A second lesson I learn is lying gets easier with time. Peter denies Jesus not once, or twice, but three times, and with each denial he takes one step further away from the Truth.

Lie #1–“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Lie #2–“I don’t know the man!”

Lie #3–“Dad-gum it, people (I didn’t want to use the language Peter probably used), I told you I don’t know that man!”

This is a moral failure in the worst sort of way. Seriously, lying to protect your own skin? How low can you go? Wait! Don’t ask. You might get the chance to find out. Friends, the truth matters. It always matters.

From Failure to Faith

One final lesson I learn (perhaps the most important one) is that faith comes after failure. Look it up in Merriam-Webster. Faith comes after failure (cute, huh?).

Peter heard the rooster crow and he was immediately reminded of Jesus’ previous warning. Matthew tells us that Peter wept bitterly. Peter could have chosen to wallow in this shame and his failure would continue to define him for subsequent generations, but we know that is not what happened.

Peter’s journey defines for us our response to our own failures. This moment of bitter weeping is significant. It marks the beginning of Peter’s repentance. Regret is a painful emotion, but it can also be a catalyst for transformation. When we are confronted with our own failures, we have two choices: we can either sink into despair or allow our brokenness to drive us back to God.

In Peter’s tears, we see a heart that is broken but not hardened. Unlike Judas, who also experienced regret but fell into hopelessness (Matthew 27: 1 – 10), Peter’s sorrow leads him toward restoration.

Restoration

Remorse, repentance, restoration. That’s God’s plan for our failures (moral or otherwise). All of it is a gift of God’s sanctifying grace. I’m reminded of the words to the old hymn of the Church “Grace Greater Than Our Sin:”

“Grace, grace, God’s grace; grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, grace, God’s grace; grace that is greater than all our sin.“

Peter, this Peter, who failed so greatly would go on to become the great leader of the early church, and would eventually give his life for the cause of Christ. His failure did not define him. Neither should ours.

Step Into Your Calling

One final point I would make…and it gets sticky here…our failures do not disqualify us from God’s service. Many would argue that point, depending on the particular failure, but I would say, either we believe in grace, or we don’t. We either believe in forgiveness, or we don’t. We either believe in restoration, or we don’t (ask the Prodigal Son).

Yes, one can be restored to ministry, but remorse and repentance are requisite. Peter wasn’t restored immediately. In Mark’s gospel, Jesus was intentional in alerting Peter of His resurrection. Jesus told the women at the tomb, “Go tell the disciples AND PETER…(Mark 16).

And, in John’s gospel, we find Jesus coming to Peter and the other disciples after His resurrection to fully restore Peter (John 21: 15 – 19) to leadership among the disciples.

This is a hard one to swallow, for sure, and it needs its own blog to unpack, but the reality is that Christian discipleship is hard work. It’s ugly work. It is, however, necessary work. And, there is no greater work that needs to be done.

This is a hurting world full of hurting people, both inside and outside the Church. This hurting world needs the message of grace in Jesus Christ. This hurting world and these hurting people need the message that failure doesn’t have to be final…now…or ever!

Until next time, keep looking up…

Preaching in the Storefront, Part 2: Five Drawbacks to Storefront Church…

/ pastorlynnmalone / 1 Comment

I wrote last week concerning the advantages of preaching in a storefront church (read it here). I figured I should also share some of the limitations that come with having a storefront church. These limitations affect both our congregation and the community.

Space Limitations

Our storefront church faces significant constraints due to limited physical space. Unlike traditional church buildings, which are purpose-built to accommodate a large congregation, classrooms, offices, and multipurpose spaces, our space (though originally a church) was fitted for commercial use.

Our space lacks the architectural features needed for worship, such as high ceilings, sanctuaries, and designated areas for fellowship. We’re going to struggle to figure out how to hold events in our space, or to expand to Sunday school or small group ministry. And, potluck…well, we’ll just have to see about that.

Additionally, our storefront has a relatively small seating capacity. Yes, there is a wall we can take out, but even then, limited space can lead to overcrowding, discomfort, and an inability to host special events, such as weddings, funerals, or community outreach programs.

One other thing to note, the lack of auxiliary spaces like nurseries, kitchens, and meeting rooms may hinder the church’s ability to offer vital services, such as childcare, Bible studies, and community meals.

Perception and Identity

The perception of a church operating in a storefront can also pose challenges. Traditional church buildings convey a sense of permanence, sanctity, and history, which can attract members and foster community respect.

In contrast, a storefront church can struggle to establish the same sense of legitimacy and stability. Passersby may view it as a temporary or informal operation rather than a dedicated place of worship.

This perception issue can extend to potential members, who might associate the storefront location with financial instability or a lack of resources. For some, the absence of traditional symbols such as steeples, stained glass windows, and pews may detract from the spiritual atmosphere they expect in a church setting. Over time, these perceptions can impact the church’s ability to grow and sustain itself.

Acoustics and Ambiance

Storefronts are not designed with worship services in mind, and this often leads to challenges with acoustics and ambiance. Traditional church buildings are constructed to enhance sound quality, ensuring that sermons, music, and prayers resonate effectively within the space. Storefronts, on the other hand, often have flat ceilings, hard floors, and minimal soundproofing, which can result in poor acoustics and echoing.

Luckily, the acoustics are not very bad in our storefront. I preach without a microphone every Sunday (not a hard thing to do when our average attendance is 30, but if we grow, I’ll probably have to rethink it). More people absorb more sound. Without a microphone, I might become muffled. Heck, they might think I’m muffled now, but they haven’t said so if that’s the case.

The lack of ambiance in a storefront can also hinder the spiritual experience. Traditional church buildings often feature architectural elements like vaulted ceilings, intricate woodwork, and natural lighting, all of which contribute to a sense of reverence and awe. I’ll confess that our team has done a fantastic job of creating a worshipful ambiance in our space, but many storefronts can feel sterile or utilitarian, which can make it difficult for congregants to feel spiritually connected or inspired.

Zoning Issues

Operating a church in a storefront can also lead to zoning and legal challenges. Many municipalities have specific zoning regulations that restrict or limit the use of commercial spaces for religious purposes. I haven’t found that to be the case with Bossier Parish, but if you’re thinking about a storefront church in another community, it’s best to check zoning early in the planning process.

Churches may be required to apply for special permits or variances, which can be time-consuming and costly. Additionally, these regulations often limit the types of activities that can take place within the space, further constraining the church’s ability to serve its congregation and community.

Parking is another common issue associated with storefront churches, and it certainly it with ours. We’ve got four spaces in front of the church and have to utilize a parking lot for a strip center next door. Spots fill up fast when we have a large (40 people) crowd for church. Any growth we experience will ultimately be impacted by limited parking.

Financial Limitations

Storefront churches are a cost-effective alternative to traditional buildings, as I mentioned in my previous blog. That notwithstanding, they can also present significant financial challenges in the long term.

Leasing or purchasing a storefront space is initially more affordable, but the costs associated with retrofitting the space for worship can be substantial. Churches may need to invest in sound systems, seating, lighting, and signage to make the space functional and welcoming.

Additionally, rent will go up at some point, which can strain the church’s budget. Unless your landlord is a member of the congregation and has mercy on it, rent will increase. If rents become unaffordable or the property owner decides not to renew the lease, the congregation may be forced to relocate, disrupting their operations and sense of community.

Deep Roots

Traditional church buildings often serve as landmarks and gathering places, hosting events, providing shelter, and offering a range of social services. Storefronts, by contrast, may not have the space or facilities needed to support such activities. This can restrict the church’s ability to act as a hub for community life and outreach.

Moreover, the transient nature of storefront operations can make it difficult for a church to establish deep roots in the community. If the congregation frequently moves or struggles to maintain a visible presence, it may struggle to build trust and foster long-term relationships with local residents and organizations.

Conclusion

This much I know: For every advantage a storefront may offer a congregation, there is an equal disadvantage. The task of the pastor and the congregation is to weigh the advantages and disadvantages appropriately, pray and then follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I’m uncertain how the storefront will impact our congregation yet. We haven’t been in the space long enough to know. I know God has put us here for now, so we’ll seek to be faithful to the call we hear going forward.

But still, if you’re in the Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish or Webster Parish area, please come join us. Perhaps you’ll help us figure it out.

Until next time, keep looking up…

Preaching in the Storefront…

/ pastorlynnmalone / 2 Comments

Yup! I preach in a storefront every week. Who would have thought after over 30 years in ministry that I’d end up in a storefront church? Well, apparently the Lord thought it because here I am.

Haughton Methodist Church (the church I began pastoring late last year) meets in a rented storefront. Well, actually the building was originally a church that outgrew the facility. It was converted to an office building and was used as such for the last couple of decades.

I must say the rented storefront is much better than the rented hotel room the congregation used for the better part of nine months. I gotta give props to the faithful in the congregation who were committed enough to set up and tear down that hotel room week in and week out. That’s a lot of work and a lot of commitment.

Of course, Haughton Methodist Church was meeting in the hotel room (and now the rented storefront) due to its disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church. Well, not really disaffiliation. They missed that boat for reasons I won’t go into, but suffice it to say, they walked away from their property…just threw the Louisiana Annual Conference the keys…and began the journey as nomads. I applaud the congregation’s faith and faithfulness. It’s one reason I’m blessed to serve them as pastor.

Preaching in a storefront has really had me thinking and praying about a strategy for the congregation moving forward. That part of being a pastor hasn’t left me. In my contemplation, research and prayer, I’ve discovered there are a few advantages to meeting in a rented storefront. I thought I’d share a few of those with you today.

Financial Flexibility

The first (and perhaps major) benefit of renting a storefront for church meetings is the financial flexibility it provides. Establishing a permanent church building requires significant upfront capital for purchase or construction, not to mention ongoing maintenance, utilities, and other operational costs.

I did a little investigating and discovered the congregation’s old facility is listed for sale by the Annual Conference for $445,000.00 (you can check it out here). That’s a lot of money to a small congregation like ours! If someone wanted to purchase it and gift it back to the congregation, now that’s a conversation we’d be open to!

For a small or growing church, this financial burden can be overwhelming and will divert resources from ministry programs, outreach, or other crucial areas. Renting a storefront, on the other hand, often provides a more affordable alternative. The monthly rental cost is predictable and easier to manage, allowing us to allocate our resources to other vital areas such as outreach efforts or mission work.

Additionally, renting avoids the long-term financial commitment and debt associated with owning property, offering us the flexibility to adjust as our needs evolve. Hey? We’ve got a one-year lease. That gives us time to discern God’s next steps for the congregation.

Visibility and Accessibility

Another benefit that a storefront location can offer is significantly more visibility and accessibility than a traditional church building, particularly if the church is situated in a busy commercial area like ours. There’s not a lot of foot traffic where we’re located, but we get great exposure to passing drivers, and our proximity to local businesses makes our storefront church a visible part of the community.

We’re located right next door to an oil change shop, which I find incredibly ironic, but that’s for another blog.

I’m praying this increased visibility can attract new visitors who might not have otherwise considered attending church, whether due to curiosity or the convenience of being located near their place of work, shopping, or living.

Community Engagement

A third advantage (should we choose to capitalize on it) to renting a storefront can be an intentional decision to engage with the surrounding community. Unlike churches housed in large, traditional buildings that may be tucked away in suburban areas, a storefront church is situated in the heart of the local community.

This proximity offers numerous opportunities for interaction with people who may not otherwise step foot inside a traditional church building. Church members can become familiar faces in the neighborhood, and the church itself can become known for its commitment to the well-being of the community.

I’ve already made several visits to the neighboring oil change facility to carry left over treats from our fellowship time. I hope to build an on-going relationship with those guys.

Additionally, I can see our storefront offering opportunities to host events, activities, and programs that reach a wide array of people. Whether it’s offering after-school programs, hosting community events, or providing social services like food banks or job training, a storefront church can effectively serve as a community hub.

Because of its location in a commercial area, a storefront church is more likely to attract people who are not actively seeking a church but may be drawn to the church’s services or outreach activities. This creates a sense of accessibility and relevance, positioning the church as an integral part of the community rather than as a separate entity.

Adaptability

Renting a storefront gives our congregations the ability to remain adaptable and flexible in our growth and development. As we grow, our needs will change, and our storefront offers us the flexibility to move to a larger or different location when necessary.

Unlike a permanent building, a storefront will allow us to scale up or down based on attendance, financial health, and ministry priorities. This adaptability is especially beneficial for us in what I’m calling “our formative years.” It will allow us to respond quickly to changing circumstances without being tied to a long-term commitment.

Furthermore, our storefront landlord has given us some flexibility in changing our layout as growth and needs dictate. Our storefront can be customized to suit the needs of the congregation and community. Unlike traditional church buildings, which often have fixed architectural features such as pews, stained glass windows, or large sanctuaries, storefront spaces are usually more neutral and open.

This gives us the freedom to design our space according to our unique vision and style. Whether it’s creating an inviting, contemporary worship space or setting up an area for fellowship and community gatherings, a storefront can be easily adapted to accommodate various church activities.

A Final Thought

As I’ve had time to pray and reflect on our situation at Haughton Methodist Church, I’ve discerned that being in a storefront is both practical and strategic. It’s a choice that can support our long-term growth and success (even more than getting our old property back).

Ultimately, the success of our congregation will not be defined by the building we meet in, but by the relationships we foster, the ministries we engage in, and the impact we have on our community.

So, if you’re in Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish or Webster Parish, and you’ve never considered the possibility of worshipping in a storefront, why don’t you join us at Haughton Methodist Church. We’d love to have you on this incredible journey!

Until next time, keep looking up…

Yeah, I’m lazy…

/ pastorlynnmalone / Leave a comment

Due to the laziness of the author, there will be no blog from nottheperfectpastor.com this week. Please tune in next week, when there may (or may not) be another blog post to follow.

I pray you have a good week. I leave you with this simple quote from A. W. Tozer:

“I wouldn’t write one line in defense of God. A God I have to defend isn’t able to take me across the dark river; He can’t save my soul from the magnetic tug of hell. If the God I have to defend cannot deliver me from the Devil’s machinations, there is no hope for me, and I am lost forever. Ah, but my God doesn’t need my defense. He’s the Lord of glory, mighty and great, and yet He meeked himself down to find me.” Authentic Worship: The Path to Greater Unity with God, page 77

Until next time, keep looking up…

Advice to Young Preachers (and maybe some old ones, too)…

/ pastorlynnmalone / 1 Comment

I’ve been preaching for 34 years. It was 34 years ago this month that I preached my first sermon in my home church of Chatham, LA. I’ve been reflective this week as I look back on that event. I remember being scarred stiff, nervous as a long-tailed cat in room full of rocking chairs and utterly exhilarated, all at the same time.

What I remember most, though, is that the sermon was short and I read through it at supersonic speed. It probably lasted all of ten minutes, but for the kid who was delivering the sermon, it felt like an eternity.

I think I’ve come a long way in 34 years. As I reflect on 34 years of preaching, I thought I’d share a few things I’ve learned along the way with any young preachers (and old ones, too) who might read this blog. So, here goes…

1) Stay Teachable

I don’t care that we live in the Information Age and that you grew up with a phone in your hand that holds more information than all the books in the Smithsonian Library. You don’t know it all. How do I think you think you know it all? Because as a 27 year-old young man, I thought I knew it all, too. I didn’t!

No matter how many years you’ve been preaching, there’s always more to learn. Stay humble, be open to correction, and continually seek growth. Whether it’s from books (yes, books!), mentors, or life experience, always be a student of the Word and the world around you.

2) Guard Your Heart

Listen to me, you young whipper-snapper: The Devil is coming after you. No matter what you think, he is working to defeat you and God’s Word, and he will use every tool at his disposal. You are not invincible. How do I know you’re not invincible? Because I wasn’t.

I have fallen. Many times. The Devils attacks never cease. That’s why it is necessary to ALWAYS guard our hearts. The demands of ministry will lead to burnout (been there, done that), frustration, and even moral failure (ask this preacher, and this one and this one, too).

This veteran preacher would warn you to protect your heart—stay faithful to your spouse, keep your integrity intact, and be wary of the temptations that come with being in a position of power or influence.

3) It’s Preparation over Performance

It’s easy for preachers (both young and old) to get caught up in the performance aspect of preaching—delivering a good sermon, impressing the congregation, or even gaining popularity.

Preaching isn’t about performing. Yes, there are aspects of “performance” that every preacher brings to the pulpit. But, preaching isn’t about the performer. It is about communicating the Truth of God’s Word. That can only happen after the preacher has spent time in the Word, given his heart to preparation and been obedient to the Holy Spirit.

This old preacher would remind you to keep Christ at the center of everything you do. The goal is to be a humble vessel for the Lord’s message, not the messenger that gets all the attention. Our job is to point people to Jesus, not to make them admire us.

4) Don’t Fear Failure

I always wanted my next sermon to be better than my last sermon. It is a lofty goal, and one worthy of pursuing. After all, we are supposed to offer our best to the Lord. Give him the best fruit, not the last fruit.

Let this old preacher remind you that you will not hit a home run every time you step up to the plate. Home run? Heck, you’re not even going to get a single every time. A fellow by the name of Josh Gibson holds the all-time record for batting average in professional baseball at .3716. That’s getting a hit less than 40% of the time.

Do your best to prepare (see #3 above). Seriously, I used to contemplate theatrics and drama, bells and whistles, etc., to make the sermon better. I’ve shared about the philosophy that drove that mentality before (see it here), so I won’t unpack that again. I no longer seek out those “dramatic” elements, but the desire for the next sermon to be better than the last one hasn’t gone away.

If you fail (and you will), fail in the delivery. Please, please, please, do not fail in the preparation. Failure is part of the journey. Learn from it (see #1 above), and keep moving forward.

5) Stay in Love with the Lord

This should probably be number 1. Oh, well! I’m not reorganizing the list now. Our ministry can only be as deep as our personal relationship with the Lord. We cannot lead our people where we have not been.

Ministry is a calling that requires spiritual depth. This old preacher would stress the importance of prayer, Bible study, and personal devotion. Without these, your ministry risks becoming shallow and empty, and you’ll struggle to minister effectively to others.

Put another way, your next sermon may be better than the last, but it will only be from the performance aspect.

Staying in love with the Lord will also help you guard your heart (see #2 above).

6) Preach the Gospel, Not the Culture

It’s tempting to give people what they want to hear, but this seasoned preacher would encourage you to always stick to the truth of God’s Word, even when it’s difficult. Our role is not to appease the crowd but to communicate the life-changing truth of the Gospel, which may not always be easy to hear.

You will hear from your congregation occassionally these words: “I come to church to feel good, to get a re-charge.” How do I know you’ll hear that? Because I’ve heard it, too…in every congregation I’ve served. Don’t fall for it. Sometimes the Gospel is meant to challenge us. Live into that reality.

Don’t preach only what’s easy to preach. Preach what is True!

7) Love Your Congregation

It’s easy to get caught up in programs, projects, or numbers, but might this old preacher remind you to genuinely care for your people? Ministering to them requires listening, understanding, and showing them love in practical ways, not just delivering a sermon on Sundays. People need to know you genuinely care about their lives, their struggles, and their joys. Besides, you can’t preach Truth to people you don’t really know.

8) Don’t Do it Alone

Never stop seeking the wisdom of those who’ve been in the trenches before you. The value of mentors is immeasurable. I encourage you young preachers to find and lean on those who have walked the path before, seeking counsel, encouragement, and accountability. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

9) Take Care of Your Family

Your ministry at home is as important as your ministry in the pulpit. Let this old preacher stress the importance of balancing family life with church responsibilities. A healthy marriage and family will not only keep you grounded but will also provide a good model for your congregation. Don’t neglect the people closest to you in the name of serving others.

10) Embrace the Responsibility

Do not take your calling lightly. It is the greatest calling in the world. It is also the most humbling calling in the world when one considers the spiritual destiny of others is in our hands. This old preacher would tell you to be mindful of the heavy burden that comes with leading people in their spiritual journey. Be cautious with your words, actions, and decisions because they can have a profound impact on others’ faith.

Conclusion

So, there are ten things I would say to a young preacher after 34 years in the pulpit. I probably didn’t say them very well. There is probably more I could add, but I figure ten is a solid list to begin with. Maybe we could share a cup of coffee and come up with more.

Maybe you could add more to the list. Please do so in the comments. I’d love to hear them because old preachers need advice, too.

Until next time, keep looking up…

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

/ pastorlynnmalone / Leave a comment

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)…

/ pastorlynnmalone / Leave a comment

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…

/ pastorlynnmalone / Leave a comment

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…

/ pastorlynnmalone / Leave a comment

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…