Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* The Encourager
* Scripture: “There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the Apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”).”
Acts 4:36, NIV

The first verse of Fanny J. Crosby’s hymn, “All The Way My Savior Leads Me” ends with these words: “For I know what-e’re befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.”
Not many of us, I suspect, can claim that all-encompassing ability. I fall into the category of “Jack of All Trades - and Master of None!
Most of us probably fall into the middle ground, being neither totally unskilled at anything, nor among the extremely talented, but cognizant of both our strong and weak points. Still, we may have latent abilities that we are not aware of - until we are put to the test.
Think about a successful team, any team, any discipline. Football, for example, fields eleven players, all with different skills and assignments. Most teams use a different set of players for offense and defense, not to mention specialty players, such as kickers. No team is complete with only field players, however. Just about any sport you can mention also includes a coach.
Think about the role of the coach for a moment. Is the coach able to play all of the field positions as well as, or better than, the players? Is the conductor of an orchestra a virtuoso on every instrument? Of course not! How, then, can they coach or conduct if they are not as talented as those they lead? In truth, the coach, conductor, teacher, or even a mentor, does not have to excel in all the disciplines. Their special gift is in recognition of talent and knowledge in others, and in the ability to develop it to the highest.
The good coach, teacher, or leader is the catalyst that brings it all together. They empower, they enable, they encourage, that their ‘stars’ may shine. Their joy is in seeing others succeed. Think in terms of the diamond cutter, who not only envisions the beauty in what appears to be a rather drab rock, but is able to bring forth the sparkle and glitter that the gem is capable of.
Too often, we overlook that vital role in our churches or organizations. Much like Moses, when God picked him out to be the leader to bring the Hebrew People out of Egypt, we start with the excuses. We are not talented enough, we claim, we are lacking in Biblical knowledge, we are not one of the ‘stars’ in the churches’ heaven, etc.
Keep in mind that the coach, the teacher, the encourager doesn’t have to “do all things well.” Become knowledgeable in the art of critique. No, I do not mean gripe and complain; think on this dictionary definition of a critic: “one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially involving a judgment of its value, truth, righteousness, beauty, or technique; one who engages often professionally in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of works of art or artistic performances.”
Note the positive aspect of critique. That’s what a good coach, teacher, or encourager does. Put on your best smile, and give it a try.
February 27, 2005

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* The Great Guru
* Scripture: Paul wrote, "You see, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:6, NIV

To whom do you go for information? Where do you turn?
Judging from one popular concept, presented in the 'comic' strips, one goes to the Great Guru. The Seeker struggles up a mountain, and there, perched on a rather small peak, sits The Great Guru. The advice usually has more of a comic tone, rather than useful information, but what should one expect from a comic strip?
We need more practical, useful advice in real life. There are two things that I see lacking about the mountain top guru idea: Am I assured that his guruness has walked the valley below, and, what have I gained from struggling up the mountain to some guy who seems to have distanced himself from real life?
To whom do we go? To someone who is acknowledged to have a solid reputation gained from experience. A leader who has risen through the ranks. A teacher, perhaps, who has thoroughly researched the topic in question. Hopefully, one who has lived it, breathed it, met the obstacles and overcame them. One does not go to a doctor because they have those magic initials on their door - "Dr." You go to a doctor because they have the knowledge and ability to treat your illness.
We need to know that the Great Guru has "walked that lonesome valley." We want advice from someone who has encountered the bumps in the road, navigated the curves, has correctly chosen the right fork in the interchange of life, and achieved the result that we are seeking.
Some of the notable people in history did indeed struggle up the mountain to receive information and inspiration - Moses and Elijah, for example. And Peter, James and John. They had an excellent guide and teacher, by the way. Jesus, the Christ, the Very Son Of God! Jesus was preparing teachers. People who could be first hand witnesses of the fulfillment of scripture. There, they met Moses the lawgiver, and Elijah, representing God's faithful forth-tellers, the prophets.
They came from the valley of the real world, and to the real world they returned, filled with the knowledge that God had validated His Son in what became known as the Transfiguration. Fulfillment of the Laws, in the tradition of the Prophets, and the Blessing of The God over all. (See Mark 9:2-9)
Jesus has walked the valley, he has ascended the mountain, indeed to the very heavens; to Him we can go! No need to struggle up our own mountain.
Believe that He died for ALL!
February 26, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* The Encourager
* Scripture: “There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the Apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”).”
Acts 4:36, NIV

The first verse of Fanny J. Crosby’s hymn, “All The Way My Savior Leads Me” ends with these words: “For I know what-e’re befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.”
Not many of us, I suspect, can claim that all-encompassing ability. I fall into the category of “Jack of All Trades - and Master of None!
Most of us probably fall into the middle ground, being neither totally unskilled at anything, nor among the extremely talented, but cognizant of both our strong and weak points. Still, we may have latent abilities that we are not aware of - until we are put to the test.
Think about a successful team, any team, any discipline. Football, for example, fields eleven players, all with different skills and assignments. Most teams use a different set of players for offense and defense, not to mention specialty players, such as kickers. No team is complete with only field players, however. Just about any sport you can mention also includes a coach.
Think about the role of the coach for a moment. Is the coach able to play all of the field positions as well as, or better than, the players? Is the conductor of an orchestra a virtuoso on every instrument? Of course not! How, then, can they coach or conduct if they are not as talented as those they lead? In truth, the coach, conductor, teacher, or even a mentor, does not have to excell in all the disciplines. Their special gift is in recognition of talent and knowledge in others, and in the ability to develop it to the highest.
The good coach, teacher, or leader is the catalyst that brings it all together. They empower, they enable, they encourage, that their ‘stars’ may shine. Their joy is in seeing others succeed. Think in terms of the diamond cutter, who not only envisions the beauty in what appears to be a rather drab rock, but is able to bring forth the sparkle and glitter that the gem is capable of.
Too often, we overlook that vital role in our churches or organizations. Much like Moses, when God picked him out to be the leader to bring the Hebrew People out of Egypt, we start with the excuses. We are not talented enough, we claim, we are lacking in Biblical knowledge, we are not one of the ‘stars’ in the churches’ heaven, etc.
Keep in mind that the coach, the teacher, the encourager doesn’t have to “do all things well.” Become knowledgeable in the art of critique. No, I do not mean gripe and complain; think on this dictionary definition of a critic: “one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially involving a judgment of its value, truth, righteousness, beauty, or technique; one who engages often professionally in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of works of art or artistic performances.”
Note the positive aspect of critique. That’s what a good coach, teacher, or encourager does. Put on your best smile, and give it a try.
February 27, 2005

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com

Scripture: Jesus said, “I you have faith as small as a mustard seed, . . . nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 , NIV

Baking a pie is easy! You just need to get the materials, a recipe, and follow instructions. Right? NO!?
And - Hey! Anybody can repair a gasoline engine. Just need some tools, and dig in. No, again?
But of course anybody can do those things - if you have one important item. Experience!! And knowledge, of course, but much knowledge comes through experience. Hands-on, do-it to-it, make mistakes and move on experience.
Some things are automatic, such as breathing and the heart beating. Walking? Gotta practice! Talking? Humans are ‘wired’ for talking early in development, but it takes time and exposure to talking people before a child puts something together other than babble.
One thing about children, though, they are eager to try most anything. Not so for adults, as adults usually are VERY reluctant to try something with which they are not familiar. Children, up to the age when they become self-conscious about looking silly, will sit down at the computer, or make a stab at getting some sound to come out of a musical instrument. I’ve known of adults who can easily bake a scrumptious pie, or strip down and reassemble engines, dissolve into a pile of jelly at the very thought of having to set the clock on a video tape recorder. I’ve heard of people who stick a piece of tape over that flashing “12:00” - Out of sight, out of mind.
There is one very, very important factor in all this talk about experience. First, we have to WANT to learn how to bake a pie or repair an engine, operate a computer or play a musical instrument. We have to acknowledge that we are starting with zero-zip-zilch experience, but are willing to learn. And we have to have a teacher! An experienced, knowledgeable teacher.
Think you can’t do any of those things on your “can’t do/won’t do” list? You are never too old to learn and never too young to teach. PRAY that you be found willing to do both, and that the Spirit helps you, as Jesus promised.
Talk to non-Christians about heaven. Ask them if they know Jesus. Invite them to church. Watch their faces; watch for the excuses, the denials to start.
This is where you find out how good a teacher you are. Can you assure them, interest them, lead them? Is your life such that they can see God’s message radiating from your life?
Endeavor now, before time slips away, to try something new. You may confound your doubting friends, amaze yourself, and make God say, “See, I have given you powers you didn’t even realize you had.”
November 17, 2002

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Mary said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” John 2:5, NKJV

When you insert your key into the ignition switch, twist it to the ‘start’ position, and nothing happens, you know you have a problem. Dead battery? Maybe, maybe not. I have experienced most of the possible options that automobiles can throw at a driver so I know that the battery is not always the guilty culprit.
The most tangible effect that period of total silence has on a person is a sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach, multiplied by the urgency of the situation. Let’s say, just for ‘Thinking,’ that this happens on a Sunday morning. The urgency felt by the Pastor, the choir director, or a teacher wouldn’t be quite the same as that felt by a member of the congregation, typically.
What to do, what to do? The way a person reacts to a problem tells a lot about their personality. Think about some possible scenarios.
Turning to my friendly dictionary, I read that a ‘problem’ is a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution.
If I said to myself, “Self, I wonder what I would do if the car wouldn’t start?” - that is an inquiry, but not very appropriate at this moment of silence. So let’s move on to consideration of solutions for this intricate unsettled question.
For some people, the situation could be a source of perplexity, distress or vexation. (Definition 2b.)
Bewildered at this violation of a long established and oft practiced routine, you turn the key again, and again, and ..... check the controls, shifter, and try again. Silence! (well, maybe some low-level mumbling.)
Now distress is raising its ugly head. (Refer back to level of urgency.) Does the mumbling get louder? Full bore vexation is an opening for pounding on things. Rant and rave! That’s one possible reaction, but it won’t get you to the church on time.
But then, maybe there is another way. A calmer way: Seek help.
Time permitting, a solution might be found by calling an auto service agency or by contacting a friend to try jumping the battery. Likely, they will try something to find the problem and say, “Turn the key now.” Do you quietly turn the key, or do you start screaming, “ I already did that, and it didn’t work!?”
I can picture the servants and the master of the feast at the wedding in Cana almost to that point of distress and vexation when the wine ran out at the feast.
Mary saw the problem, and turned it over to someone who could find a solution. No mumbling; no pounding on things.
We would do well to do as Mary advised, and as the servants did; “Whatever He tells you to do, do it.”
October 23, 2005

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: “There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the Apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”).”
Acts 4:36, NIV

The first verse of Fanny J. Crosby’s hymn, “All The Way My Savior Leads Me” ends with these words: “For I know what-e’re befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.”
Not many of us, I suspect, can claim that all-encompassing ability. I fall into the category of “Jack of All Trades - and Master of None!
Most of us probably fall into the middle ground, being neither totally unskilled at anything, nor among the extremely talented, but cognizant of both our strong and weak points. Still, we may have latent abilities that we are not aware of - until we are put to the test.
Think about a successful team, any team, any discipline. Football, for example, fields eleven players, all with different skills and assignments. Most teams use a different set of players for offense and defense, not to mention specialty players, such as kickers. No team is complete with only field players, however. Just about any sport you can mention also includes a coach.
Think about the role of the coach for a moment. Is the coach able to play all of the field positions as well as, or better than, the players? Is the conductor of an orchestra a virtuoso on every instrument? Of course not! How, then, can they coach or conduct if they are not as talented as those they lead? In truth, the coach, conductor, teacher, or even a mentor, does not have to excel in all the disciplines. Their special gift is in recognition of talent and knowledge in others, and in the ability to develop it to the highest.
The good coach, teacher, or leader is the catalyst that brings it all together. They empower, they enable, they encourage, that their ‘stars’ may shine. Their joy is in seeing others succeed. Think in terms of the diamond cutter, who not only envisions the beauty in what appears to be a rather drab rock, but is able to bring forth the sparkle and glitter that the gem is capable of.
Too often, we overlook that vital role in our churches or organizations. Much like Moses, when God picked him out to be the leader to bring the Hebrew People out of Egypt, we start with the excuses. We are not talented enough, we claim, we are lacking in Biblical knowledge, we are not one of the ‘stars’ in the churches’ heaven, etc.
Keep in mind that the coach, the teacher, the encourager doesn’t have to “do all things well.” Become knowledgeable in the art of critique. No, I do not mean gripe and complain; think on this dictionary definition of a critic: “one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially involving a judgment of its value, truth, righteousness, beauty, or technique; one who engages often professionally in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of works of art or artistic performances.”
Note the positive aspect of critique. That’s what a good coach, teacher, or encourager does. Put on your best smile, and give it a try.
February 27, 2005

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Paul wrote, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV

In my heart there rings a melody,
There rings a melody
With heaven’s harmony; (Elton M. Roth, 1924)

The children sat in rapt anticipation as the young teacher carefully opened the case and took out the autoharp, laying it tenderly across her lap. Taking up the felt pick, she swiftly strummed across the strings; the chords rang out strong and vibrant. Quickly, all were engaged in the joy of singing their favorite songs, led by the rhythm of the singing strings.
The teacher married, and soon took time out from the classroom to raise a family. The autoharp was set aside, as other duties crowded in. It was finally put away in the attic, away from the classroom, away from the children.
Times change; the teacher returned to the school, but in a different capacity. She no longer led the children in singing. The autoharp sat silent, neglected.
One day, as she sat listening to a man playing his autoharp in church, she remembered the instrument that had shared her early teaching moments. Retrieving it from its repose in the attic, she presented it to the musician, in hopes that it would once again stir voices in song.
But, Alas! Time and humidity had taken their toll, and the soundboard had warped so badly that many strings could no longer vibrate.
It sat mute for for several more years, but at least in the company of another autoharp. Not out of mind, but not capable of singing out, either. Finally, the day came when the musician had need of another instrument. Quietly studying the warped and twisted condition, he decided the only remedy was to strip the auto harp down to the basic frame, and rebuild it.
The frame was strengthened with dowel pins, and reglued. A new soundboard was installed. The time finally came when the strings were reinstalled over the newly stained and varnished instrument. Slowly, one by one, the strings were brought up to proper pitch. Slowly, lest the stress be too much too soon.
The musician recalled some words to fit the occasion;

All my life was wrecked by sin and strife,
Discord filled my heart with pain,
Jesus swept across the broken strings,
Stirred the slumbering chords again.
(He Keeps Me Singing, Luther Burgess Bridgers, 1910)

One might say that the autoharp has been reborn. It will in fact return to the classroom, ringing out its chords and leading children in the joy of song.
I think there might be a message here for all who seek it out.
April 3, 2005