Category Archives: Serving

December 7, 2008

Thank you for my freedom!

By Roye Glass

This week I had a conversation with my friend who is a Chaplain in the U.S. Army.  I am so thankful for him and his family!  They are all beautiful and I am so thankful for their service to God and our Country!  I look forward to seeing them over Christmas before heading to their new Post.

Tonight I have been watching Ty Pennington’s Behind the Scenes of Extreme Home Makeover.  It’s a typical night of watching… I can’t help but cry.  Normally I can hold the tears back enough so no one can tell what’s going on… not tonight!

This Christmas look for opportunities you can serve others.  Maybe there is someone you know who serves in one of the branches of the military… how can you serve them this Christmas?  Sears has set up a way to do so if you don’t know someone personally… check it out here.

1 comment | posted in Army Chaplain Corp, Friends, Pray for the troops, Serving, United We Stand

September 7, 2008

Walk On

By Roye Glass

I just watched Saving Pvt. Ryan – again! 

I cried – again!

The sacrifice made by the WWII generation is something those of us who reap the benefit of freedom today will never be able to comprehend.  I’m thankful to those who served then… I’m thankful for those who serve now!

There have been so many lives given so that our Nation may be free… so that many in other nations may live in freedom. 

That last scene in the movie is so moving… it stirs the soul.  “Tell me I’ve lived a good life.”  Those men gave their lives to save this one Private. 

When it is all said and done the bottom line is… How did you live?  What have you done with what you have been given in this life.

We can work and work and work some more… we can gain all the stuff our houses can hold… but without love what’s it worth?  Jesus said, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”(Mark 8:36, NIV).

I was listening to U2 this weekend.  “Walk On” always moves me.  I was driving down the road while it was playing.  I leaned over to my oldest daughter and said, “Look, this song does this to me every time.” 

I love the first verse,

And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage that you can bring…
And love is not the easy thing…
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can’t leave behind (From, “Walk On”, U2)

At times, I find it so hard to love.  To put aside all the “stuff” that goes on in and around my life.  I find it hard to put down the troubles and let love rule in my heart.  Jesus is the source of true love.  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 13:15, NIV).

We all have something greater than ourselves to live for… to sacrifice our lives for.

Leave a comment | posted in Forgiveness, Friends, Future, Inspiration, Love, Missions, Pray for the troops, Serving, U2

August 17, 2008

Nourishment for others

By Roye Glass

Difficulties and trials… don’t you get tired of them? 

I do. 

I have learned through my many trials that there is much more I need to learn.  And that there is much more to share with other people.

The book of James begins with a talk on trials:

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-4, The Message).

I like the wording here, “…your faith-life is forced into the open…”  How often do we hide our “faith-life”? God will easily draw that life out of us through a time of trial.  What if we just lived naturally the faith-filled life all the time in obedience – would God have to send us through so many trials? 

Sometimes trials come just because there is something God really wants to teach us. 

Several years ago I began going through a tough time of testing… it was at the beginning of what seemed to be about three years of testing and trial.  At the very beginning, I recall one of my friends, a pastor non-the-less, ask me, “What sin are you committing to cause this trial?” 

Huh? 

Why would God choose trials as a classroom? 

You can always recognize who has been through the fires of sorrow and received himself, and you know that you can go to him in your moment of trouble and find that he has plenty of time for you. But if a person has not been through the fires of sorrow, he is apt to be contemptuous, having no respect or time for you, only turning you away. If you will receive yourself in the fires of sorrow, God will make you nourishment for other people.  My Utmost for His Highest, June 25.

There are hurting people all around us who experience trials of all sorts.  Many of these people do not have the hope of Jesus Christ… how are they going to make it through unless we go to them and become nourishment for their souls?

Leave a comment | posted in Faith, Lessons Learned, Oswald Chambers, Serving, Trials and Testing

July 2, 2008

What’s the focus of your vision?

By Roye Glass

This morning’s group was a bit different. We met at Starbuck’s instead of the usual Bridges Agency location. It was nice to sit outside and enjoy the nice 54 degree weather… in July! We talked through prayer requests. More than anything, we just talked and enjoyed the morning.

Joel did bring up a passage of Scripture from Mark that was excellent. He stated, “I have a Scripture to share but nothing else to go with it.” You know – God has promised us that His Word will not return void.

He read Mark 9:46-48,

Then there was an argument among them as to which of them would be the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.”

 I’ve been thinking so much lately about vision for my life. Wanting and desiring a vision from God as to what I need to be “doing” for Him. Jesus said it all in these verses… the vision is to serve. No matter what you’re “doing” it is about serving… being the least among men… serving Jesus by serving others. We aren’t to serve in order to wear a title… to be seen by others but rather to serve Christ so that we may know him in our service.

Jesus goes on to instruct his disciples in Mark 10:2,

“The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. Pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest, and ask him to send out more workers for his fields.”

 

I’ve worked in, around, and with church plants since 1999. It’s so easy to get one’s focus on the object of serving over the One being served. It will be a sad day to meet the Lord and say but Lord, “We put out signs in your name, set up chairs in your name, ran the sound in your name, sent out post cards in your name, transformed schools into churches in your name…” just to hear him say, “Depart from me I never knew you.”

By no means am I mocking and putting down church plants and church planters. I just know how easy it is to fall into the trap of “building” the machine to the neglect of the Master Builder. This is true of any Christian worker. If we aren’t careful we can lose our vision of getting to know Jesus and get lost in the work we are doing.

A true disciple doesn’t get his focus on the task of serving but rather the One being served… getting to know the Lord of the harvest.

Leave a comment | posted in Focus, Serving

June 30, 2008

Growing like Peter

By Roye Glass

Following God will always be one of the greatest acts any person could ever do. Too often when one tries to follow God in obedience others ridicule and tear down… judge whether this or that is a “wise” thing or not. The sad part is that more often than not it comes from “brothers and/ sisters” in Christ. Jesus experienced this himself from Peter. Jesus’ response to Peter was, “Get behind me Satan.”

One of the pressures a believer in Christ will face is the “approval” of those watching. The approval each Christian is to seek is that of God… and that approval can only be found in His Son – Jesus. Unfortunately, as humans we desire that nudge from others who affirm God’s working in our lives. Sometimes to the point of not moving unless all around agree or approve. Sometimes God just says, “Do this thing.” Our only response should be to obey.

Sometimes when we set out in following God’s dream for our lives we discover that the decision we’ve decided to make is not the right one (or the best one). In light of eternity, that’s alright. God’s grace is more than any of us could ever dream. It’s through making mistakes we get to know God… after-all that’s what He desires… for us to know Him. Think about the exchange between Jesus and Peter referenced above. Peter got to know God, His purposes, and His plans through his speaking out against His plan. We get to know Him when we do the right thing too… but for some reason it’s through those trials in life that the knowledge gained sticks with us all the more.

I’ve made some decisions in life (I’m sure have appeared to others as dumb… not well thought out moves.) But that’s ok… even though I’ve had to learn some tough lessons… I think I have come to know God in a much richer and deeper way. I’m still learning and growing in following Him. Even today as I pray through things on my heart… I’m getting to know Him

We should never think as though we have messed up God’s plan in anyway for having made a decision that may seem rather ridiculous to others. It just may be that those things that seem foolish to everyone else was indeed what God wanted all along.

Peter expresses what he came to know of God in 1 Peter 4:12-13, 19,

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad – because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world… So if you are suffering according to God’s will, keep on doing what is right, and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you.

 

 

1 comment | posted in Lessons Learned, Peter, Serving, Spiritual Growth, Surrender, Trust

May 5, 2008

Before you tell Him, “No.”

By Roye Glass

 James 4:17, “To know to do good and not do it is sin.” 

I don’t want to find myself in a place where I am out of touch with God and His working in my life.  I don’t want to get to a place where the needs I have are the first thoughts I have each day.  There are people all around in need of help… in need of God’s love and encouragement.  I don’t want to be like the words in the song Beautiful Day by U2:

You’re out of luck and the reason that you had to care,
The traffic is stuck and you’re not moving anywhere

I don’t want a traffic jam in my life to be the thing that slows me down so that I can actually have the time to be available to help someone else in need.  The best way to not get stuck in traffic is to choose a road less traveled.  Sometimes it is necessary to step back away from the crowd and do something against the grain to be used by God. 

Just like James says… to know to do something for good and not do it is an act of evil.  To make a decision to not do the right thing is to communicate to God and tell Him, “No.”

The next time you have the opportunity to do something for someone else remember the words of Jesus, “If you’ve done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me.”  Matthew 25:40. 

Leave a comment | posted in Discipleship, Faith, Serving, U2

May 1, 2008

An unguarded moment

By Roye Glass

Randall O’Brien has a book entitled, ”I Feel Better All Over Than I Do Anywhere Else”.  A friend of mine is full of all sorts of corny sayings.  One I remember him saying most is, “Wherever you are there you’ll be.”

I recall working for an electrical contractor in Albuquerque.  It was “just a job” to help pay the bills and support my work at Harvest Church now named Soul Rio. 

The company I was working for had a job site trailer at Intel.  One afternoon I was cleaning the office and had an experience that will last a lifetime.  I had worked my way to the Foreman’s office.  While in his office I was vacuuming and muttered the following words to God, “I am better than this!” Wrong words! In that instant the vacuum cleaner bag exploded and the Foreman’s office was filled with a cloud of dust.  There I stood wishing I had never muttered that to God and in walks the Foreman… There was so much dust in the air I think he thought the trailer was on fire.  He and the rest of the guys that walked in with him got a good laugh at my expense.  It would have made a great American Express commercial, “Want to get away?”

As I think of this I am reminded of my friends saying, “Wherever you are there you’ll be.”  I was there for a reason.  I didn’t understand why I was there most days.  But there were many days while working for that company God had someone in my path that needed to hear about Jesus.

Sometimes we experience things in life that make us wonder where is God in this… or wonder what did I do wrong to get me in this position… there are so many thoughts one can have.  Nothing we experience catches God off guard.  It’s up to us to stay on guard and in tune with God – our Father.

“Set you mind on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:2-4, NIV).

 

4 comments | posted in Discipleship, Faith, Memories, Serving, Spiritual Growth

April 7, 2008

“Got to get better at this”

By Roye Glass

I am still thinking through all of the processes that go on into “The City” (my churches children’s ministry).  I was asked to take on the task of overseeing “The City Crew”.  This will be a team of 4th and 5th graders who volunteer to help within the Children’s Ministry at our church.

Yesterday all of my children were helping out in some capacity.  Jacqueline was with the 2 and 3 year olds (I don’t recall the name of their area).  But the other four (Valerie, Alexa, Lucas, and Walker) were helping out in The City as greeters.  I am loving the enthusiasm of my own kids right now as they get involved in the ministry. 

I had one of those priceless moments yesterday and I don’t want to let it get away from me.  Walker is standing out there greeting.  (He is a kindergartener that looks more like a 2nd grader). His wording for greeting goes something like this: “Good morning, hey, how are you?”  It’s all one big statement that runs together.  I told him he didn’t have to say all of that… Just say, “Good morning and welcome to Oakleaf.”  He started working on it.  So, the next family to walk up came and went.  He said, “Hey!”  And there was no response back to him from those he just greeted.  They were still close enough to hear what he said next, “I’ve got to get better at this!”

The next family walks up and he states, “Good morning!”  Everyone smiled back and said, “Good morning!”  His first words out of his mouth were, “See, I can do it.  I’m already better.”

It thrills my heart to see him work at something like this.  It’s a thrill to see him want to get better.  It’s amazing that after the next try he already felt like a success!  I’ve wondererd about how as adults sometimes we get so timid and afraid to venture out and do new things.  We may try something once and think, “This is not for me.”  When maybe our response needs to be, “I’ve got to get better at this.”

I’m real proud of the leadership I see in The City.  My hat is off to Michelle who has pulled off a great team of people to serve each week.  I’m amazed at the talent of those I have watched these past couple of weeks.  I’m blessed just to watch God’s gifts at work as they each communicate to reach these children!

Leave a comment | posted in Family, Quotes, Serving

March 25, 2008

Would I have denied Christ?

By Roye Glass

I’ve debated whether I should write about this or not.  The debate is over and I have chosen to write about it.  It’s going to be difficult to keep it short.

I’ve been thinking a lot about Peter today.  He did so much as a disciple and follower of Christ.  So much is written about all he has done.  He gets made fun of for a lot of the bone-headed things he did.  The one thing that I have been thinking about today is Jesus’ statement to Peter that he would deny Jesus 3 times that day.  I have wondered what really went through his mind and emotions that led him to deny Christ. 

I had an experience this weekend that my good friend Joel brought to my attention that was not much different than Peter’s denial. 

Our church held what I hope will be the First Annual Egg Drop.  I missed the entire event while I was out at the back entrance to the park directing traffic.  When the Sheriff’s deputy showed up to help with traffic - as people were beginning to leave - I began to walk back to the football field where the egg drop took place.

As I made my way to the field, I encountered several people who had just attended the festivities.  I heard comments like, “Needed more planning.” “Next year don’t let the adults on the field.” “Thank you!!  It’s amazing that you all would do this for the community.” “My child only got 2 eggs… this was ridiculous.” ”Fine job…”  That last comment was not a happy one… it was with much sarcasm and anger.  I didn’t realize it until I laughed and smiled and started to say thank you.  I listened and asked questions of this individual.  Apologized and told him I would relay his comments to the leadership.

As I made my way to the stage, all I wanted to do was take off my yellow t-shirt that labeled me as a volunteer.  I didn’t want to hear any more comments like that one.  I was a little un-nerved by that last individual. 

I think everyone was rather overwhelmed by the event.  There were some 5,000 people there.  Way more than what was anticipated.  After we loaded up the gear that was on the trailer Joel pulled with his vehicle we headed off to unload and drop off the trailer.  We were debriefing the day.  I was hearing really for the first time what all happened while I was still out at the street directing traffic. 

I told him how at one point I wanted to take off my volunteer shirt so I wouldn’t have had to hear anymore comments like the last one.  Joel reminded me of Peter and his denial of Christ prior to the crucifixion.  When he made the comparison internally I froze.  And the thought of that has stayed with me all day today.

I’m reading Erwin McManus’, The Barbarian Way and am being challenged.  I highly recommend this book!! McManus states, “God’s will for us is less about our comfort than it is about our contribution.  God would never choose for us safety at the cost of significance.  God created you so that your life would count, not so that you could count the days of your life.” (44-45).

After telling you the story of what I experienced at Saturday’s Egg Drop - I still wonder what would I have done if I had been wearing Peter’s shoes.  Would I have denied Jesus?  Would I have wanted to take off that which labeled me a follower of Christ?  Would I have wanted to walk a much easier road than the one chosen for me?  I want to live a radical life for God… but how far am I really willing to go?  Is it just to the point of being uncomfortable?  Has my faith become “civilized”?

I’m reminded of Galatians 2:20 where Paul states, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”(NJKV). 

The Message reads, “I identified myself completely with him.  Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.  My ego is no longer central.  It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God.  Christ lives in me.  The life you see me living is not ‘mine,’ but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  I am not going to go back on that.

Paul was marked by Christ.  100% identified with Jesus.  He was known without shame or compromise as a follower of Jesus!  He chose the dangerous road.

I’m thankful for the insight Joel brought my way on Saturday.  It’s been a tough lesson to learn.  God wants nothing less than my full unashamed attention… for me to be identified with Christ.

Leave a comment | posted in Lessons Learned, McManus, Serving

March 11, 2008

it’s all about being a servant

By Roye Glass

I served at a church in Albuquerque along with a guy named Mike.  I learned a lot from him in those few years. One of the things I admired most about him was his servant heart.  I could ask him do do anything and he was all over it!  What a heart and passion he had and still has for people.  He was a natural fit to be our Connections Pastor…. leading all of the volunteer teams.

Mike also used to tell me to read the Bible until God speaks.  It may be a verse or it could be a chapter or more.  Sometimes when I sit down to read the Bible I will have a specific book in mind to read.  At times I will read the same book for several weeks over and over.  Right now I am reading mainly Philippians.  Today while reading these verses stood out.  Kind of keeping in line with a theme that goes with some other verses I posted the other day on love.  These verses from The Message also go along with conversations I have had lately.

“If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care – them do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.  Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet talk your way to the top.  Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.  Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage.  Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” Philippians 2:1-4.

Leave a comment | posted in Bible Study, Serving

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