Introduction

It has been a very long time since I have attempted to write a post like this. It has been many years in fact. Over the last several months, God has been dealing with my heart personally on a few different topics. In conversation with a dear friend, it was mentioned about a blog post. I felt like this may have been some direction from the Lord, so here I am endeavoring to share some of my thoughts with you.

I suppose that every one of us has a soap box. That is that one topic that we love to wax eloquent on, and share all our opinions and expertise. We are currently in an election year here in the United States, which means that opinions and politics seem to run rampant all around us.  Please allow me a few minutes to share a topic that is particularly special to me. This is something that I have personally wrestled with for a very long time. We all know that it’s easy to look at and identify problems and issues. It is altogether another thing to bring solutions to these problems and issues to the table. That is what my intent is today, bring a solution for your consideration. This is where we begin

The Man

The keys rattled as they fell to the floor. He sighs as yet another thing has gone wrong, it seems like the entire world has been closing in on him recently. The pressure, stress, and issues seem to be accumulating quicker than it takes to even recognize them. The little things like the keys slipping from his hands just seems to add insult to injury as he is carrying all of the heavy bags into the church building.

There is something that seems to be nagging at him more as the time slowly ticks by, it is a feeling that he has struggled to identify. You see he has served God for many years. This church building is not a new place for him, for he is that pastor of this church. He has spent so many hours here. He has had great victories within these walls! He has seen people filled with the power of God, lives transformed, and those who have received great victories.

As of late, it almost seems that these walls have been caving in on him. The rooms just seem like they are getting smaller and smaller. The struggle has taken its toll on his mind, his emotions, its effects have had deep impact on his confidence, and faith. And yet, he will stand before the congregation again this morning and declare the goodness and faithfulness of God. If only he could truly identify this desire that has been pulling at him.

It isn’t that he has sinned or wandered away from God. He isn’t hiding a some hidden sin or shortcoming. He is a student of God’s word and is a man of prayer. He has strong convictions! A deep longing for a move of God and revival in his city has driven him for as long as he can remember. It is the overwhelming struggles and frustrations that have been such a burden to him.

If only he had someone that he could confide in. If someone would simply pick up the phone and give him a call or even send a text. He feels isolated and alone. The stress of all the responsibilities and struggles have taken their effect. Even at home, he is often distracted, seemingly far away from his family, while even in the same room. The thoughts and the weight of the work still on his shoulders. Not to mention the stress of working a secular job as well to support his family. It seems like a never ending struggle! The headaches, and constant weariness, is there an end to this constant cycle?

Then there is the thought that if he show’s vulnerability and weakness, that his peers would think less of him. He is a pastor, a man of God, he should be a stone! He is supposed to be a pillar of strength and resilience.

The Research

You may feel like you are alone in the struggle, but my friend, please be assured that you are not alone! There was a study that was performed by the Barna Group that since the pandemic, there is been an increase in the number of Pastors who have serious consideration of leaving the ministry. There were a number of contributing factors to this.

One of the key factors that was identified in the “State of the Pastors, Volume 2” study, identified that there is a lack of mentorship, and peer support among pastors and ministers. There is a key point here that I want to emphasize to you all today! I know that it seems so cliche to use the old phrase, “United we stand, divided we fall”. The truth of the matter is that there is much more truth in this, than we care to realize.

The effects of loneliness are much more pervasive than we often realize. By nature, as humans, we are social beings. When we are isolated and alone, it has profound effects on our health. We realize through the isolation of the pandemic, that it can have drastic effects on our mental and physical health. We saw through the statistics during the lockdowns that there was in increase in mental health crisis. The isolation took away the social connection that we crave and need.

We can take a lesson from the very beginning. Adam was in the garden, paradise, where God had placed him. It was here where God observed the workings of Adam and he made the observation that “It is not good that man should be alone.” (Gen. 2:18) So many times we associate that with the marriage relationship, but it goes beyond that. It’s not good for a man or woman, to try and carry the burden of ministry alone! We can even see this in the ministry of Jesus. When he sent the seventy out, how did he send them? He sent them out two by two. (Luke 10:1)

What can we do?

I know that this may seem to be over simplistic, but here it goes. So many times were are often waiting for someone to make the first step. We often think that it should be on others to make the first step. The scripture tells us that “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly.” (Proverbs 18:24) The first step that we need to take is to pick up the phone! Send an email!

The research tells us, that there is a significant likelihood that the person you are reaching out to is just as lonely as you are. We can change this trend! You are the solution to this epidemic of loneliness and isolation. It simply takes someone to make the first step. It is truly amazing how much strength can be gained over a single cup of coffee!

A personal note

Isolation is a very real thing! I remember a period of time in my own life several years ago when I felt very isolated and alone. I had been hurt, and felt as though I had been abandoned by my friends. I remember days and evenings when it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. It got to the point to where even the simplest inconveniences would even feel magnified! You see, I felt just like the man at the beginning of the post. I remember many evenings sitting at home, just wishing that I had someone to talk to, someone to encourage me. Even if there was someone out there that would just sit there and be present. At the same time, I didn’t know what to do. I remember just wishing someone would reach out to me, being overwhelmed with loneliness. I also didn’t want others to perceive that I was being “needy” or “weak”. I felt as though I was an endless circle of despair.

I was very blessed to have a friend that did reach out to me, and was able to talk with me over a cup of coffee. It was nothing prolific, or earth shattering. It was a decent cup of coffee, with much needed conversation. I will confess to you, that some of the most powerful conversations I have had in the last several years have been over a cup of coffee! In a coffee shop, or restaurant.. whether it has been in Bangor, Ellsworth, or in Bar Harbor God has moved in to so many of these conversations and brought strength, direction, and encouragement to me, as well as to those that have joined in as well!

The Secret

The secret to defeating loneliness, isn’t a secret at all. One of the things that we tend to do is over analyze things. We often think in worse case scenarios. One of the questions is how can I do this? What do I say? Here is the simple answer, it’s not what you say or what you do at all. The secret to it all is this isn’t complicated at all. Here it is, just be there! We often get caught up in the minutia of what ifs. So many times, after numerous conversations, the thing that I have learned is this. Being present and listening is the key.

So as I conclude the marathon as a return to writing, please take these words of encouragement. Pick up that phone, go ahead and sent that text message. Grab that cup of coffee and take the time to actually sit in the shop and spend time together. We are all laborers and working together, for the Kingdom of God. We can encourage each other, and grow the kingdom together. We can make a difference in the lives of our friends, our fellow ministers, and the kingdom. We can do this by simply being there for them!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. I pray that your day is blessed.

There is a sense of greatness in the atmosphere. There is an unction that is permeating the hearts and minds of Apostolic believers throughout the world. There is a hunger that is growing greater and greater by the day…

There is a discontent that has taken root. A rejecting of the status quo, a turning from counterfeit and the dead, to the original and genuine. A clinging to truth, and a searching for the voice and direction of God.

A shift is taking place, that is taking us from the known… to the unknown.

There is great resistance, the enemy is fighting. He is wrestling for control, he is warring to distract and to hinder. The enemy will attempt to do everything in his power to maintain the status quo, to prevent a deeper revelation, with the ultimate goal to stymie a move of God.

But it is beyond his control…

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  ” 2 Chronicles 7:14

So break the chains! Loose the bands of darkness! Shake the foundations! Let go and let God move! Let Go and let God reveal himself to you! Let Go and let God move in your situations, family, and circle of influence.

I for one am watching and with great excitement looking to see what God will do!

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately, dangerous I know, however I have decided to risk it. I was listening to a conversation not to long ago, the subject of this conversation was how to gauge success in the life of a young person, or any person for that matter.

My thought on this matter is what do we call success? Who defines what success is for one person in comparison to another person. Who do I allow to define what success is for my life? There are so many different voices in our world today. It seems as though culture and society is doing it’s absolute best to set guidelines on what is successful and what is not.

There are so many things that effect our lives, some by our our making, and sometimes things effect and change our lives that we honestly have no control over, but is this what really defines who we are?

Every person who has ever attempted to do anything, has failed. There isn’t a person who succeeded in walking the first time they attempted to do so. So, does that fact that we failed define us as a failure, the answer is no. We get back up and attempt to put one foot in front of the other again. If you have faults, failures, and shortcomings in your past, congratulations, you are just like everyone else on this planet. So, if this logic stands, we really can’t define ourselves by our failures, but rather on getting up and continuing in the attempt to succeed.

Lastly, who makes these rules? When we go to bed at night and consider our day, who determines if it was a good day? How do you view your life? Do you pattern your life to the view that an actor in Hollywood is the definition of success? Maybe it’s a millionaire with all of their money and power that you view as a success. A politician wheeling and dealing an office or campaign? Do you define your life by a pat on the back from someone who knows your name today, but not tomorrow? Is this your definition of success?

Maybe it’s a look of joy in a child’s eye? The admiration of a son or daughter. Is it the joy of helping a neighbor or stranger. Is your life defined by the pride of a job well done. By the love and admiration of your family? Is your idea of success seeing someone you’ve been witnessing too come to the knowledge of who God is? Seeing them be saved?

Jesus stated that he had come to “seek and to save that which was lost”, Jesus was not defined by miracles, teaching, signs or wonders. His defining moment was one of agony, despair, and pain, on an old rugged Cross. This defining moment was eclipsed by yet a greater still, a resurrection moment when he rose in newness of life, and extended it to us all.

It is my prayer that our lives are defined by him!

God Bless,

I have been sitting here in my home for the last little while pondering life and lost in thought. I have been thinking about how it seems we are focused on the big things that happen in life. Whether it be your first steps, a first birthday, your first day at school, a graduation or wedding day, we tend to focus on these milestones.

While these events are memorable and are often associated with many wonderful memories that stay with us throughout our life, we miss out on so much solely focusing on them. Those beautiful sunrises, or sunsets. The beautiful flower garden or even just the peace of walking through the woods.

The old saying rings true, we often have to be reminded to take time to stop and smell the roses. The lives that we have been given are so very short, it would be such a waste to not enjoy it. There are times when life get’s hard, and it is true that life isn’t always fair. However, I have found that my troubles, trials, and circumstances seem to not be so daunting when I stop and see the power and glory of the things that God has made. Life isn’t so hard when you wake up in the morning and take a deep breath and thank God for allowing you to experience another day!

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!!

God bless!

   Over the last several years one of the popular topics of discussion in our society is that of distracted driving. It is obvious that driving while distracted is incredibly dangerous. A quick Google search will reveal just how dangerous distracted is.

I was sitting here in my living room this evening. Everyone has storms and struggles in their lives, it is one of life’s inevitable characteristics. It seems that the storms and problems of life always draw our attention. It is easy to focus on the things that go wrong. The negative always stands out much more clearly to our vision in comparison to anything else.

Today, however, I have been thinking about the awesome things that I have been blessed with. I have been blessed with an awesome family, an amazing wife, and wonderful friends. I have been blessed with a wonderful home and good health. This is just scratching the surface of the many things that I have been blessed with.

The struggles and problems in life, really pales in comparison to the blessings that we have been given. The good definitely outweighs the bad.

My challenge to you, is to focus on the positive. Let the problems and negativity fade into the background and focus on what matters!

God Bless,
E

I have been sitting here this morning thinking about the goodness and grace of the Lord, and I can’t help but to meditate on the faithfulness of God. I was doing my scripture reading this morning and the scriptures came to mind from Lamentations 3. 

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lam 3:22-23

Sometimes it’s good to take a look back over our lives. I know that in my life, just like everyone else, I have had times where I have not lived up to what God has asked of us. I have had so many shortcomings and failures in my life, but there is one common denominator through it all. The one thing that is woven through our lives is that when everything is over, when the dust has settled. When the fight is over, even with all of the bruises, hurts, scars, or whatever may be, standing next to us is a faithful and glorious God.

The love of God never ceases, it stretches from eternity and eternity, it transcends time. His mercy regardless of what has occurred never ends. He is faithful and just, that if we will call on his name, he will hear our prayer! This is where the faithfulness of God is displayed, because he doesn’t just hear our prayers, he doesn’t just listen to our cries. He is faithful in that he is swift to deliver us from our despairs. His faithful that he forgives our sins and failures! He is faithful that he will heal our bodies or will meet our needs! 

I can tell you as an eye witness, and as an example, the God has been faithful to me. He has healed my body, he has forgiven countless failures, and he has met need after need. No matter how undeserving I may be he has been Faithful!

If you are struggling today, if you are finding yourself in a difficult place and you need something that seems impossible, I encourage you to cry out to Jesus! He is as close as the mention of his name, and he specializes in the impossible! 

Well so many things have changed in the last couple of years! I am attempting to start writing again! We have moved to Houlton, Maine and are transitioning to the role of pastor. It has come with some bumps in the road, but God is moving and I am so very thankful for it!

Please check back often as things will be updated quickly!

Hebrews 11:5 KJV
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

I was reading Hebrews 11 today as part of my devotions, and came across this scripture. It began to speak to me and minister to my spirit. Hebrews eleven is referred to as the faith chapter. It mentions many members of the heroes of faith. One of those mentioned is a man named Enoch.

There isn’t a whole lot mentioned about Enoch in the scripture, just a few short verses. The thing that stood out to me the most was that Enoch pleased God.

There are so many voices, and people in our world today. People live their lives to try to please a plethora of things or people. Some live to please their spouses, their boss, or maybe a group of people they are trying to fit in with. Some may be living to please a group of coworkers, or a board of some sort. But Enoch had the testimony that he pleased God.

This amazes me, and gives me faith at the same time. There is an old saying that says that you will never please everyone all of the time and it’s true. But there is a desire in my heart to please one person most of all, and that is God.

I never met Enoch, I don’t know a whole lot about him. I do know that he was a man, just like any other man. I’m sure that he faced many of the same struggles, fears, and things that any of the rest of us deal with. Yet it was said that he pleased God. I think that so many times we get our thoughts backwards, we allow a defeatist attitude encompass us.

We take the easy road and say that no one is perfect, that it’s impossible to do everything right, but I can’t help but wonder. I wonder if we have been sold a bill of goods. If we have bought into an idea that has lead to an easier road. A lighter path to travel so to speak. But at the same time it reverberates through my heart that somehow Enoch was able to do it! He pleased God! He pleased him so much that the scripture in Genesis says that he was not! For god took him!

What a thought! Pleasing God so much that he wanted to be with Enoch in such a way that he reached down and brought Enoch to himself! We need to get past making excuses, of tip toeing around conviction, and getting to the point. We need to pattern and live our lives in such a way that it is pleasing to God! We need to take the high road so to speak. Job was bragged on by God, and Enoch pleased God.

Is there really a reason to not please him today?