 I've always felt each month had a feel of its own...each one except August, that is. No big events...no theme...I don't even think Hallmark has come up with anything (though I'm sure they're working on it). My mom and my brother-in-law share a birthday this month, but since neither of them will likely become President soon, the date probably won't become a national holiday.
In Church life, it's even worse. Sunday school and youth groups shut down, home groups take a break, nobody shows up at weekend services and giving goes waaay down. Yeah, I guess August is a non-month for us Christ followers.
I wonder...does God take a sabbatical in August? Might He still speak to us even in this "non-month?"
I sure hope so, because for me, this month has been a very intensive blur of behind-the-scenes prayer and preparation. Last month, I sent you a video inviting you to stand with me through this strategic time. I've heard from many of you and your letters are a source of great encouragement...especially in August. Thank you.
So in these waning days of "the month before September," I'd like to issue you two challenges...the first one confessional and the second, cooperative...
A Confessional Challenge
"An idle mind is the Devil's workshop." Ever heard that one? It's a wise old saying from years ago...hundreds of years, actually. Too bad we don't use it much anymore. It's been replaced, like most Biblically-themed proverbs of old, with self-centered phraseologies like... "Man, I'm burned out...I really need to veg." ... We might do well to go "old school" and heed this time-tested advice about "idle minds" in an idle month...
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
As a pastor, I've learned to be particularly watchful in the exhausted aftermath of great struggles, even more so after big victories. The enemy is defeated alright, but we must never underestimate his cunning...he will inevitably try to snare us when we're "vegging," when our defenses are down. As bondservants of the Most High, we're called to stay awake, alert in the power of God's Spirit. It's wise to be all-the-more mindful of this during downtimes.
Yesterday I received an e-article from Don Finto entitled, "Dangerous Curiosity." Don is a deeply respected father-in-the-faith and, by God's grace to me, a new friend in my life. I highly recommend this brief yet compelling exhortation. It really got me thinking...
Most of us learned early on in our Christian life that the POWER to be holy comes only through the Lord Jesus Christ, manifest by the overflow of His Holy Spirit in our lives. However, the PRACTICE of holiness typically has more to do with accountability than anointing.
That's why, even as the wife of this 50 year-old pastor-dude, Deanna gets a report of all my internet browsing activity. I've met pastors who think such safeguarding tactics are "overkill" for us "men of God." But in my 24 years of pastoral ministry, after seeing some of my peers fall into predictable and easily avoidable snares, I can assure you that in a million ways...for a million different categories of temptation...it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Wise people build good fences.
Okay...so it sounds like I'm already there, right? Well, I hope I'm at least on my way...but like I said, Don's article really got me thinking... What about gateways? What about sin at its "entry level?" What about Scripture that says, "I will set no worthless thing before my eyes..."(a)?
Here's what I emailed Don after I read his article: Your word on "Dangerous Curiosity" really hit the mark. No more browsing "People Magazine" in the doctor's waiting room! Thanks for the good word.
Ever notice how "summer reading" is often advertised as a "guilty pleasure?" What do you say we commemorate, even consecrate this "non-month" of August...a month when our typical defenses might be down just a bit...as "Zeal for Holiness Month," or "We Won't Be Sucker-Punched by the Devil Month."
Maybe those names aren't slick enough to catch on, but I think you're catching my drift.
A Cooperative Challenge
And since we're assigning this "non-month" of August such an enviably high purpose, why don't we put our money where our mouth is? God tells us that our treasure-chests reveal our hearts (b), so let's open them both...
- If we've fallen behind in our giving to our local storehouse from vacation-lag or some other summer symptom, let's stop right now and mail a check or send a gift online.
- If economic concerns have kept us from giving to missions or ministries God is still calling us to support, let's stop right now and mail a check or send a gift online.
INSTEAD OF SUGARCOATING any awkward overlap between the point I just made and your potential giving to Pentecost Walk, I'd rather address it head on:
1) If God is calling you to support us (even in this "non-month") then by all means do so, knowing that your obedience is always rewarded by His faithfulness;
2) You may be aware that certain health issues resulted in a significant shortfall over the last year. We appreciate your standing with us to see this turned around, but we would remind you as we remind ourselves: God was not surprised by this. God is never surprised. Indeed, He is always and forever faithful. What He has begun through this mission, He will finish.(c) Simply put, we are not retreating...not in any capacity;
3) Seasons like this...of behind-the-scenes prayer and preparation...are often the hardest to fund, but usually the most vital to the future of the mission. Such is the case right now;
4) While we are very thankful for your compassion, PLEASE do not give to us (or anyone, for that matter) merely out of an emotional response to our (their) needs. God hates manipulation.
5) Rather than allowing ourselves to be manipulated by men, God would have us respond to Him in simple obedience as He speaks to our hearts. This requires our hearts be predisposed, or "purposed" to give, yielded to His authority over His resources. Hearts like these are not easily offended; they are not easily manipulated. Hearts like these give cheerfully...never out of compulsion.(d)
Sound easy? Not to me it doesn't. But if we really want to be Jesus-followers, not just Jesus-fans, this kind of heart-surrender is ground zero. If we lose our life, we may just find it...(e)
A life that bears, believes, hopes and endures all things for each other.(f) That's the kind of life that could change this "non-month" of August...forever.
Your brother in grace,
Tom
tomdemaree@pentecostwalk.org
P.S. Thanks for your support. It means more than you know.
(b) Matthew 6:21
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