Pastor's Blog Bloghttp://www.smyrnafirstumc.orgWed, 08 Sep 2010 13:32:37 GMTWords of Advice from a Seasoned Pastorhttp://www.smyrnafirstumc.org/words-of-advice-from-a-seasoned-pastorMon, 19 Apr 2010 14:19:16 GMTJohn Michael JonesSometime ago there was a seasoned pastor who kept a labeled notebook on his desk. It was called “Complaints of Members Against Members.” When one of his members would call him to complain about the faults of another, he would say, “Well, here is my Complaint Book.” I will write down what you say, and then you can come by my office and sign it. Then, when I have to take the matter up officially with that church member, I shall know what you will testify to.”

Apparently the sign of the open book and the ready pen had its effect upon that church member. He said, “Oh, no, I could not sign anything like that.” And no entry was made.

This seasoned pastor says he kept the book for forty years, opening it a thousand times, but never writing a line in it. Never say “about” someone what you would not say before his or her face. We must always strive to love one another.

]]>http://www.smyrnafirstumc.org/words-of-advice-from-a-seasoned-pastorIs Your Fire Going Out?http://www.smyrnafirstumc.org/is-your-fire-gone-outMon, 19 Apr 2010 14:23:18 GMTJohn Michael JonesAfter Easter I found myself washed up. I was so tired. It seemed that by the time the Christmas season was over the season of Lent was upon us. When I become overly tired I usually discover that my fire for Christ has gone out. If you’re like me you may not have much left sometimes because the embers from those spiritual disciplines you do have fizzled out and all you have left is smoke.

Somewhere I read something I found extremely helpful to get your spiritual fire going again. It is really in the form of a series of questions. If we are faithful in answering them we will see the spiritual fire of Christ burning bright inside us again.

• Are you neglecting a meaningful time with God in the Word?
• Are you devoting quality time to prayer?
• Do you have any unconfessed sins in your life?
• Are you holding on to any specific sin in your life?
• Have you made every effort to repair all the broken relationships in your life?
• Are you giving focused attention to your spiritual life on a day-by-day basis?

Grafting these spiritual disciplines into your daily walk with Christ will renew you mind, change your heart, and transform your life. So, let’s start reigniting ourselves.


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