"Down Into the Mess"

In my early morning fireside musings ("...while I was musing the fire burned," Psalm 39:3b) thoughts on personal leadership continue to emerge. In the arena of life, as a Christ follower, what is my responsibility to those who are broken and bleeding? After all, those people are all around me. What is my attitude? More important, what is my action?

As Jesus was teaching throughout the country, He would go into towns and villages and there he would see people who "were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36 says that He said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."

The clear implication is that He was confronting broken and confused people who were crying for someone to help. Jesus looks around and pleads for helpers...workers who will pour in healing oil and bind up wounds.

The need for harvest hands has not lessened in our post modern world. Will I turn my back and fail to inhabit this space? In her book, "Concerning the Inner Life," Evelyn Underhill says, "(The saints) do not stand aside wrapped in delightful prayers and feeling pure and agreeable to God...They go right down into the mess; and there right down in the mess they are able to radiate God because they possess Him."

Today, go down into the mess and He'll go with you!

Rex Bullock: 2013! Can You Make the Trip? We made it. We just...

Rex Bullock: 2013!  Can You Make the Trip?
We made it.  We just...: 2013!  Can You Make the Trip? We made it.  We just crashed through the threshold of a brand new year.  Some partied hard with champaign...

When the Church Prays

When the Church Prays

2013!  Can You Make the Trip?

We made it.  We just crashed through the threshold of a brand new year.  Some partied hard with champaign and fireworks, and some "hung it up" and went to be early.  Some worried about going over the "fiscal cliff," while others didn't care, because to them Washington is always in a state of perceived crisis.  Whatever our state of mind, Happy New Year is now more than words on everyone's lips.  2013 is here.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring.  This new year is untried and untested.  Whether you're an optimist or pessimist, I am assured, based on God's Word, that He goes before us into the unknown future.  The Master of the wind and waves will give us all the grace and victory we need. 

It's our attitude that will make the difference in HOW we make it.  Recently, I read a poem which puts it into perspective.  Written by former University of Illinois football coach Ray Elliot, I think it is appropriate as we enter 2013.

The Proper State of Mind

If you think you're beaten, you are.

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you'd like to win, but think you can't,

It's almost a cinch you won't.

For out in this world you'll find 

Success begins with a person's will.

It's all in a state of mind.

For many a race is lost

Before a step is run,

And many a coward fails

Before his work's begun.

Think big and your deeds will grow.

Think small, and you'll fall behind.

Think you can, and you will.

It's all in a state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are.

You've got to be sure of yourself before you win the prize.

Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man.

But sooner of later the person who wins

Is the person who thinks he can.

It's all in a state of mind.

By keeping our faith in God, in 2013 we WILL win, because He is going to give us a winning mind.  We're going to minister to more people than ever before.  We are going to see more people come to Christ than ever before.  We're going to see God's Kingdom around the world grow as never before.  It's in our minds, but more than that, it is in our hearts.  It's in God's heart to help us accomplish His purpose and His path.

I welcome 2013, though I have no idea what He has in mind for me.  It will be a significant year.  Make  it a Jesus filled year.  Can we make the trip?  YES, with His help we can.  And we will.