Quote of the Day

Beginning today I will feature a quote to live by every Friday. These are quotes much like the proverbs in Scripture. In essence they are generally true and worth pondering. I have found them to be useful over the years for overcoming a crisis, addressing a challenge, or just helping a particular situation make sense. If you have a quote you would like me to consider, just email me at rivera93342@juno.com and I will gladly take a look at it.

Today's quote: I have done so much, with so little, for so long, that I can do the impossible with nothing."

I first learned this principle when I was in the Air Force (1972-1976). I was an aircraft mechanic. We were always short of parts for our airplanes, but needed to repair them and ready them for scheduled flights. When you are working with B-52's and you are under orders, it causes you to be creative. At times we had to borrow parts from other aircraft, fashion new parts from several other parts that had previously been replaced, scavenge from an already grounded aircraft, or rig up the existing part to make it work, at least for the one flight that was scheduled. You'd be surprised how creative you can be when you are working with limited time and resources.

There are parallels in ministry. Lack of resources is always a challenge. But the mission must be engaged. You can't afford to shut down in ministry because the enemy is very adept at securing resources to undermine the kingdom of God. Christian are called to be resourceful, creative, innovative and ultimately successful at finding a way to make sure the work of God gets done. While it is true that "God will provide," it is also true that "seek and ye shall find."

In the Air Force we weren't allowed to use excuses. Sometimes our Chief Master Sargent would bellow, "Don't tell me no, tell me how." But that's a quote for another day.

Faith is at Its Best When It Quits Working

The recent revelation of Mother Theresa's crisis of faith has left far too many confused as to what constitutes real faith. Mother Theresa had mountainous doubts. As she labored among the poor and castaways of society she saw more misery than miracles. Yet she labored on.

We live in a results oriented world, believing that our efforts are worth undertaking only when we see viable empirical evidence. We step back from our endeavors if they fail to give us instant results. We bail out of marriages when our efforts fail to change our partners in what we measure as a reasonable amount of time. We quit our jobs when we hit a stream of unfulfillment. We discontinue pursuing morally correct actions when we don't get the results we expected. I describe this as an absence of faith in our actions of faith. It sounds oxymoronic, but it is the malady of our time.

Christians are called to live obediently and do good words simply because it's the right thing to do. We are to love our children even when they disappoint us. We continue serving our spouses when their annoying habits drive us up the virtual wall. We show up for work because it is the avenue through which our bills are paid, our children are put through college and the two weeks at the beach once per year are made possible.

Every Christian will eventually walk through the darkness of the soul. Giving up on God is not an option during those times. Plodding through these seasons of doubt is true faith. Trusting that God is there when there seems to be no results is what the book of Job is all about. There should be no surprise when a believer is tempted to question his/her faith. As a matter of fact, the longer we question our faith continuing to live in obedience, the greater the case can be made that our faith is more real than when everything seems to be "working."

Personally, I wouldn't want to go though an extended walk in the "valley of the shadow of death." But even then the 23rd Psalm reminds us that God is there. I have had my times of doubting aspects of faith. Thank God I have survived. During those times I have learned that faith is at its best when it quits working.

Settling in Jacksonville

Well, we finally made it! We've been here a whole week now and most of our boxes are either unpacked or in storage. It's been an interesting transition going from a 7 room home to a bedroom and shared living/dining room and kitchen. We are living with our son and daughter-in law and it has been delightful. They are a great young couple to accommodate our living with them for the next few months. The weather is hot, but consistent. It is 90 degrees and sunny every day. Thank God for the invention of air conditioning.

Tova has started teaching at Biltmore School. It will be a challenge going from being a kindergarten teacher to a class full of rambunctious fifth graders. She is more than up to it. Tova is incredibly intelligent, works hard and loves teaching. We are proud of her.

Daniel will start working later this week. He will be working at a Barnes and Noble. His experience at Starbucks will come in handy when he works the cafe and his love for books will be put to use when he works the bookstore end of things. He has been a tremendous help in our move and welcoming us into his home.

I put in a few hours at Logos today. I met the entire staff and introduced myself and what I will be bringing to the College and Graduate School. My official title is Dean of Academic Administration. I will be responsible for coordinating, overseeing and developing much of the academic and administrative aspects of the school. I will also teach courses, create courses and develop the internet school. My plate is full, but I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves.

Logos is primarily a distance learning school. Although we have established a number of church based institutes worldwide, our training leaders over the internet is our principle endeavor. In the past a student would have to uproot his/herself and family to go to a standard campus based college. Now they can study at home with all kinds of interaction with their professors and work at a pace that suits their schedule. No commuting is necessary. I think it is much better stewardship of time. The next generation will find this a welcome innovation. The older ones will have a traditional mindset that probably won't understand that this can be an excellent way to train for ministry while putting into practice what they are learning directly into their local churches.

I'm believing that this will be my last ministry assignment. I would like to think that I have about 15-20 years of productive ministry left. To spend this time training up the next generation of leaders warms my heart. My thirty years of pastoral ministry and my professional training gives me a great sense of confidence in communicating with future pastors, missionaries and lay leaders.

I hope to settle in to being able to post every couple of days or so. Tune in. And especially let me know that you are by emailing me, or commenting on the posts.