Articles
So, You Think You Are Unfit To Serve God?
So, You Think You Are Unfit To Serve God?
By Paul R. Blake
David's armor didn't fit. John Mark was rejected by Paul. Timothy had a tender stomach. Hosea's wife was a prostitute. Amos' only training was in agriculture. David had an affair. Solomon was rich. Jesus was poor. Abraham was too old. David was too young. Peter was afraid of dying. Lazarus was dead. John was self-righteous. Naomi was a widow. Paul was a murderer. So was Moses. Gideon was afraid. Jonah ran from God. Miriam was a gossip. Thomas doubted. Jeremiah was depressed. Elijah was burned out and became a hermit. John the Baptist didn't understand proper manners in court. Martha was a worrier. Samson had problems with his wife. Noah got drunk. Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse? So did Peter.
So, they all went home thinking themselves excused from service to God because of their weaknesses, right? Wrong! They all realized that their problems and past sins did not make them unfit for the Lord's use. They repented of their sins, worked to overcome their hindrances, and served the Lord to the limit of their abilities. And so can you and I.
Looking For a Preacher
A congregation was looking for a preacher to replace the one who left. They “tried out” a number of men of the word, but found no one suitable for the work there. One of the men made the following announcement:
“Brethren, we do not have a happy report to give. We have not been able to find a suitable candidate for this church, and we have not one promising prospect. We do appreciate all the suggestions from the members, and we've followed up each one with interviews and calling three references. The following is our confidential report on the present candidates:
Adam: Good man, but has problems with his wife. Also one reference told how that Adam and his wife used to walk naked in the woods.
Noah: Worked with former church for 120 years with not a single convert. Prone to unrealistic building projects.
Abraham: Though the references report wife-swapping, the facts seem to show that he never slept with another man's wife. However, did offer to share his wife with other men.
Joseph: A big thinker, but a braggart; believes in dream interpreting. Was seen running from his employer's bedroom. Has a prison record.
Moses: A modest and meek man, but a poor communicator, even stuttering at times. Occasionally loses his temper by acting rashly. Some say he left his former position over a murder charge.
David: The most promising leader of all, until it was discovered that he had an affair and was involved in a cover-up scandal.
Solomon: A great preacher, but the parsonage will not hold all of those women.
Elijah: Prone to depression; has fallen under pressure.
Hosea: A tender, loving preacher, but his wife has an intolerable occupation.
Jeremiah: Emotionally unstable, alarmist, negative, always grieving over something; reported to have taken a long trip to bury his clothes on the banks of a foreign river.
Isaiah: On the fringe. Claims to have seen angels. Has trouble with his language.
Jonah: Refused God's call into the ministry until forced to obey. Tells big fish stories.
Amos: Too backward and unpolished. With training at a Bible college, he might show some promise, but has a hang-up against wealthy people. Might fit in a poorer church.
Melchizedek: Great credentials. However, no information on his resume about former work records, no place or date of birth, and every line blank about parents and schooling.
John: Claims to be a preacher, but doesn't dress like one. Has slept outdoors form months on end, and has an exotic health food diet.
Peter: Too blue collar. Has a temper, even has been known to curse and swear. Had a big run-in with a big name preacher at Antioch. An aggressive, loose cannon.
Paul: Powerful CEO-type leader and fascinating author. However, has a speaking impediment, is short on tact, is unforgiving with young ministers, and has been known to preach all night.
James and John: Package deal preachers appeared good at first, but discovered an ego problem regarding other fellow ministers and seating arrangements. Threatened an entire town after being insulted. Also known to discourage other workers who didn't agree with them.
Timothy: Too young.
Methuselah: Too old; way too old.
It is a good thing that God chose His own prophets and preachers, rather than leaving the choices up to their audiences.
A Moments Wisdom on Success
--If you want a place in the sun, you have to expect some blisters.
--The secret of success is to do the common things uncommonly well.
--Success is not permanent. The same is also true of failure.
--The conditions of success are always easy—we have to toil awhile, endure awhile, believe awhile.
--Secret of success is to be like a duck—smooth and unruffled on top, but paddling furiously underneath.
--The world expects results. Don’t tell others about the labor pains. Show them the baby.
--The world is not interested in the storms you encountered, but did you bring in the ship?
--I would rather fail in the cause that someday will triumph than triumph in a cause that someday will fail.
--The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.
--It is easier to suffer in silence if you are sure someone is watching.
--Take care of the cents: the dollars will take care of themselves.
--Young man, base all your actions upon a principle of right; preserve your integrity of character; and, in doing this never reckon the cost.
--No abilities, however splendid, can command success without intense labor and persevering application.
The Power of Words
A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal word may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the way.
A timely word may lessen stress;
A loving word may heal and bless.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1).
Upcoming Sermons
5/7/23 AM - Noah’s Ark and the Lord’s Church; PM - Worship in Song: Congregational Choice of Songs
5/14/23 AM - How Far Will I Go to Break with the World?; PM - How Far Will I Go to Find Jesus?
5/21/23 AM & PM - Gospel Meeting with Kent Heaton - May 21-26
5/28/23 AM - How to Recognize a Faithful Christian; PM - Isolating the Saints
