The Ramadan Intrigue

There's something about Ramadan that particulary intrigues me--to be more specific, it's the sheer discipline of Ramadan that baffles me.

This picture from Time Magazine shows a man breaking the fast at a soup kitchen set up in London. In the words of the former U.S. Olympic gymnast coach--"How you can do this?"

When I step back to the world's perspective and observe the two religions of Christianity and Islam--I am attracted to the dedication and commitment of the Muslim faith. Rarely do you find this level of commitment among Christians.

"Why?" is the question I want to ask. If Christians would truly embrace what they believe, the weight of eternity would radically change their lifestyle.

A Little Book Review

10 Things Every Minister Needs to Know

Ensnared by Performance

"The minister who forgets his calling will become ensnared by performance. The ministry of prayer is imperative on the agenda of a God-called pastor. Ministers fail morally when they cease to experience personal devotion before the Lord daily. Ministers forfeit their leadership, influence, and ministry when they do not spend time with God daily."

I cannot expect to change ‘the world’ until I let God have more than ample opportunity to ‘change my world by changing me first.’

Here’s a sample of the type of truths I’ve been digging through for the past few weeks via Floyd’s 10 Things Every Minister Needs to Know. I finished this morning and wanted to blog my experience.

The truths highlighted are not profound or cutting-edge; in fact, they’re not the least bit complicated. But they are essential. Floyd’s book has reminded me of the importance of prayer and daily devotion to our God. Stage lights, new worship sets, bible studies—these are not the foundation of ministry.

Our very desire in ministry is to spur the people on into their own devotion to Christ. How then, in the midst of such, can we forsake the same for ourselves?

“Ministers fail morally when they cease to experience personal devotion before the Lord daily.” Thanks Floyd for your simple truths. My hope is to always maintain Christ as the anchor of my ministry, and life.