Right off the bat I have to admit that I’m not the best with rest. I’m a worker and an extrovert and my emotional position or identity within my family growing up was developed within a hard working, perfectionistic, survival mode of operation.
Author: joemarino (Page 47 of 55)
In his book “Pastor: A Memoir” Eugene Peterson says that “Not much transfers from other vocational roles to who we are, what we do.” The book as a whole really resonated with me but this line from the afterword especially caught my attention as he masterfully described the uniqueness of the role of pastor and I must admit that I often struggle with recognizing when I am slipping into an identity crisis. When I am slipping into being formed more by what’s on the outside rather than what’s on the inside.
Old westerns are some of my favorite movies (along with mob movies but that’s another post). From a very young age my mom helped me to develop a love for Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, Roy Rogers, The Lone Ranger, Big Valley, Wagon Train… and the list is endless because there is a million mile long collection of good old westerns to pick from.
My dad has always been Papa to me. Ever since I can remember, my sister and I always called him Papa. I’m not sure if that’s because we’re Italian or not but it’s just how I’ve always known my dad.
I have a deep affection for mafia movies. I’m sure someone will take issue with this. A pastor who has a deep appreciation for mob movies? This just can’t be right. Right? Nevertheless… part of the reason I enjoy mob movies is because I’m part Italian, I’m the only grandson to carry the Italian family name forward to the next generation and because my grandfather introduced me to mob movies at a young age telling me that this was a good way to understand part of my heritage.
“I in them.”—John 17:23.
If such be the union which subsists between our souls and the person of our Lord, how deep and broad is the channel of our communion! This is no narrow pipe through which a thread-like stream may wind its way, it is a channel of amazing depth and breadth, along whose glorious length a ponderous volume of living water may roll its floods.
“Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”—Exodus 14:13.
These words contain God’s command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut up on the right hand and on the left; what is he now to do? The Master’s word to him is, “Stand still.”
“Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.”—1 Thessalonians 1:4.
Many persons want to know their election before they look to Christ, but they cannot learn it thus, it is only to be discovered by “looking unto Jesus.” If you desire to ascertain your own election;—after the following manner, shall you assure your heart before God.
I’m nearing the end of the halfway mark of my first sabbatical. After seventeen years of following Jesus and fifteen of those years being devoted to lots of volunteer ministry that lead into full time vocational ministry for the last ten years, it was evident this last Spring that the time for a sabbatical of some sort was way over due.
Last week we talked about vivification. This week we are going to talk about sponsorship. The end goal of the program outlined in this study is to advance the Kingdom of God for the glory of God.