Leadership and Laziness

Leadership and Laziness

December 9, 2008

Well, unfortunately, my discipline for writing has followed the weather patterns of late.  Great predictions of wild weather which fades into small changes.  But, nonetheless, I'm back.

As we wait for advent and work in the meantime, I want to be captured by the mystery, wonder, and simplicity of God's intervention in our world.  I don't want to think I've discovered all the secrets and keys to holy living and miss the Savior in the process.

I recently took a new position.  It is a great fulfillment of what I sense God directing my life and ministry.  But, it will require new disciplines and duties of me.  Sometimes, this feeling of awe is coupled with sheer terror and uncertainty.

Before 'wise Solomon' was wise, he was a novice.  In 1 Kings 3, he has a dream.  His dream remembers the goodness and faithfulness of God's provision.  In his dream, he realizes the immensity and importance of the task before him.  And in his dream, he requests the help of the only One who can direct his steps.  He asks for wisdom.

Like the whipped cream topping for a holiday pie, he not only receives wisdom, but wealth, fame, and honor.  He chose the right door.

As I wait for the coming of the celebration of the King, I want to be humble enough to hear His voice.  I want to slow down long enough to think about what He wants me to do.  I want to have His courage and faithfulness to follow His commands.  

So what?

1)  Take time today to remember His goodness and faithfulness.

2)  Take time during this season of waiting to ask for the right gifts - wisdom, patience, peace, and love.

3)  Take time during the end of the year to offer to someone else the real meaning of the season.  Remind them of the great plan and their part in His story.

Blessings today as you wait.

Thank you for listening

Dreaming for Kingdom Purposes

"When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed."  

Psalm 126:1.

Divine Daydreaming

When was the last time you took away the limitations, restrictions, and barriers from your thoughts and simply thought about what the future might look like?  When was the last time you wondered about the full workings of God's great plan and the intersection of your existence?  

The psalmist had that time in his memory.  He said there was a time when he remembered the past and dreamed about the future.  He recalled a time when dreams were still a part of his experience in following God.

His thoughts took him toward the presence of God.  Divine plans will always bring others closer to God's kingdom and His plans for their lives.  Ideas and schemes may take them farther away.

His dream started in the midst of a very changing circumstance - freedom.  His surroundings accelerated his ability to imagine the future.  His recollection of what God had done in the past gave him bright hope for the future.

His past gave him insight into his future.  God's great work of faithfulness and provision could be trusted for the future.  God's kindness and compassion could be a basis for present obedience.

So what?

1)  Take time today to reflect upon God's history in your life.  Recall the moments when His presence was clear and his voice was concise.  Write a few of those moments down.

2)  Take time today to 'divinely daydream'.  Spend some moments thinking about God's plan for your life.  Write those thoughts down.  Share those thoughts with a close friend.  

Thank you for listening,

Boyd Hatchel

Mere Men

Psalm 82:7 - "But you will die like mere men; you will fall like every other ruler."

1 Corinthians 3:3-4 - "Are you not acting like mere men?  For when one says, 'I follow Paul', and another, 'I follow Apollos', are you not mere men?"

How much of what I do can be directly tied to supernatural intervention?  Of course, my existence, salvation, and desire to please God don't come from my own goodness.  But, how much of our spiritual busyness is mere activity, rather than producing long-term change in my life and the lives of those around me?

No one would claim that David or Paul were 'mere men'.  They were men who understood their role and responsibility in God's kingdom.  David knew leadership was temporary.  David knew the brevity of his own life.  And David also knew his own failures and faults.  He didn't want to live life discounting the presence and power of God.

Paul's missionary treks extended the scope of Christianity far beyond it's former boundaries. To many Christian historians, Paul would be considered the greatest missionary.  Paul understood missions is not about the messenger, but about the message.  Paul understood his role in proclamation and preaching about the Messiah.  Paul knew he was a servant to God in the process of conversion and change.

So what?

1)  How much of our current ministries and responsibilities would continue to exist if God's blessing was removed?  If there are any, it might be an indication of discounting the supernatural and acting like 'mere men'.  

2)  Begin to pray today for more evidence of God's power and presence in your life.  May His kingdom come in your life, in your family, in your relationships, and among your influence.

Thank you for listening,

Boyd Hatchel

Busyness and Being

Busyness and Being

Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 39:4-6 - "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.  You have made my days a mere hand breadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.  Each man's life is but a breath.  Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro; He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it."

In our efforts to produce more, we sometimes neglect the source of our strength.  The schedules and pressures of today squeeze out our thoughts of tomorrow.  The demands of yesterday's deadlines push us to omit the things which last forever.  We ignore our limitations and disregard our own fears.  

David said there were two dangers - busyness and short-sightedness.  When we lose sight of the eternal timeline of our lives, we begin to measure our lives in visible markers.  David chose wealth as one illustration many people use for measuring their success.  Bigger salary, bigger bank accounts, bigger church budgets, bigger contributions, just plain bigger.  But, David said, the mere accumulation of more was not enough.  Without wisdom, discretion, and planning, more money may not resolve the issues.  

David also said busyness can replace effectiveness in ministry.  'Look busy, stay busy, just do something'.  All sound laudable, but David said they produce nothing of lasting value - 'in vain'.  How many of us have done so much to accomplish so little?  When our eyes drift off of eternal matters and divine directives, we move to busyness to salve our souls.

But, David knew the answer.  And, I think you do too.  "Be still."  Take time to move from this day to your life.  Take time to move from your world to His kingdom.  Take time to move from activity to effectiveness.  

Living in Eastern Europe, I enjoy visiting elaborate church structures.  The stained glass, the iron work, the intricate patterns are breathtaking.  Some friends of mine miss their beauty and aesthetic value  because of faults of their leaders.  Each time I enter those massive buildings, my gaze is always directed upward.  The images, the organs, and the lofty ceilings draw my attention to the top.  In a hurry, I could easily miss that view.

Life is sometimes like those church tours.  'See the painting, see the altar, see the ----, just keep moving.'  We become so wrapped in our agenda, we forget the reason for our service.

So what?

1)  Take time this week to revel in the greatness of God and His kindness and mercy for choosing you to inherit His kingdom.

2)  Take time to evaluate your activity in light of eternity.  Keep doing the things which are making a difference toward eternity.  Stop doing those things which are merely activity.  Make the most of each day.

Thanks for listening,

Boyd Hatchel  

The Path is the Person

The Path is the Person

Psalm 25:4-5  "Show me your ways Oh, Lord, and teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

John 14:5-6 "Thomas said to him, 'Lord we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?'  Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

Many times in missions people get so hung up on the local they are supposed to serve.  Their focus becomes consumed upon picking between Afghanistan and Algeria.  Their crossroads seems between two teams, languages, and cultures.  

Thomas had the same concern.  "Where is this going?  And better yet, where am I going?"  He thought if he knew the destination, he might be in a better position.

But, the Savior surprised him.  "I am the destination."  Not New York or Newfoundland, but ME.  The ultimate destination is the journey we are making to know Christ.  The person is of primary importance, the place is incidental.  

David knew the journey was not about a place, but a person.  Knowing Christ is the great reward.  Knowing Him is the reason for making the journey.  

So what?

1)  How are you deepening your love for the Master this week?

2)   Take a moment to rest from your decisions at the crossroads - focus on the cross and the King, not Nigeria or next door. 

3)  Enjoy the freedom Christ offers to allow you to love Him with all your being and then to do whatever He prompts.

Thanks for listening,

Boyd Hatchel

On a sad note: my Alma mater, UNT 'Mean Green Eagles' were de-clawed by LSU Tigers in Louisiana on Saturday.  It wasn't a shut-out, but too close.

The Great Commission

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:19-20

It's familiar to you.  It's familiar to me.  Many of us memorized it many years ago.  But what do we do with it today?

The crowd which surrounded Jesus did not have the same level of confidence I see in the eyes of new missionaries at commissioning services, at deputation events, or just getting off the plane.  Words like 'doubt, fear, trembling, bewildered, startled, and frightened' don't conjure up the idea of a fearless few ready to take on any adventure.

Just in case they were nervous or scared, Jesus reminded them of who is in charge of kingdom expansion - "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me".  Any time I start to worry, fret, or become surprised or frustrated, I have moved away from the truth of His control, His design, and His purposes.  Our plans, dreams, and goals for our lives are only a small part of His grand design for all nations, all peoples, in all places.  Jesus is the one in charge and our lives come under His authority and direction.  

The common denominator of missions is movement.  From where I am today with God to where He wants to take me.  From where I am in my love for Him to where His love needs to go.  From my world to the world of others.  From His comfort and reassurance to a hurting world in need.  Because of His control, plan, and design, I can go.  Because of His care, I want to go.  Because of His authority, I must go.  Missions is not static - it always involves change, movement, and activity.  

The focus of missions must remain around the person of Christ.  "Making disciples" meant the complete life transformation of individuals from eternity without Christ to eternity with Christ.  Missionaries remain confident that every person can become a missionary by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, through the effective Word of God, in the context of caring and growing disciples.

The scope of missions isn't narrow nor limited to my preferences or personality.  "To all nations" broadens the burden from my comforts, wants, and choices to His kingdom.  To some it has meant leaving birth place and traveling to another location.  To some it has meant reaching out to different groups of people.  To all it means, the kingdom of heaven will be more diversified than I ever expected.  The great sacrifice for sins extends to all people.

The mark of conversion is internal change, evidenced by outward fruit.  One of the first evidences of true spiritual change is the desire to study God's word with others.  Another evidence of conversion is the desire to share the experience with friends and family.  One of the clearest pictures of wider witnessing in the scriptures is the ordinance of baptism.  Spiritual birth is the entrance into a new family - the church.

The mandate of missions does not end with conversion.  The mandate of missions extends throughout the tenure of life.  "Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" goes a little further than 'dunking, counting, and running'.  The process of life transformation requires time, truth, and togetherness.  Habits of sin and selfishness are not solved overnight.  Only the Word of God has the power to alter our thinking about life, eternity, and God.  The gift of other believers allows us the opportunity and privilege to adjust our lives to the image of Christ.  

So what?

1)  How are you involved in Kingdom expansion?  Does your life give evidence of His control and purposes?

2)   How close are you to lost and hurting people who don't look like you, act like you, dress like you, or smell like you?  It's time to go closer for His sake, their sake, and yours.

3)  Take time today to encourage someone involved in the process of conversion and life change.  Remind them of His presence and their participation in something which matters.

Thank you for listening,

Boyd H.

Presence, Proclamation, and Pain

Mark 15:39 "And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, 'Surely, this man was the Son of God.'"

Our presence among the lost, our words about divine realities, and our experience with pain and crises are evidence to a watching world about the reality of Jesus.

Our presence among the lost and hurting reveals our love for God.  Our presence among the lost reveals our understanding of the desperateness of their situation.  Our presence among the lost reminds us we too were once on the other side of eternity with Him.

Our proclamation about Jesus and God's plans direct our conversation from goodness to godliness.  Our words determine the content of our message - salvation is beyond good citizenship and acceptable behavior.  Our message is not about economics, politics, or even church attendance.  Our message is about the cross and Christ.

Pain and crises are the third and maybe clearest indicator of our relationship to God.  From simple pain to deeper misunderstandings, these sharp instruments  reveal our character.  Through faith, they draw us closer to God.  Without faith, they repel us from God.

The centurion watched Jesus for less than half a day.  The only scripture he heard was the beginning of Psalm 22.  But, he saw the other two criminals.  And he watched how all three handled their pain.  Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, he realized only God's Son could have handled such a time like Jesus did.

So what?

1)  All of us are like the foreign centurion.  At one time, we were looking at spiritual matters from a distance. But, then the Savior came to our world.  We came face to face with another reality.  The experience was too much and we spoke the truth about Jesus, 'He is the Son of God.'  Express your gratefulness for his proclamation, presence, and pain, which transformed your life.  

2) How close are you to hurting, lost, and foreigners to God's kingdom.  Can they see your life, hear your proclamation, and ponder your pain?  Go closer today.  Proximity to the lost tenders our hearts, softens our cynicism, and deepens our passion for His kingdom.  

3)  Encourage someone today you know who is working among the lost, hurting, and foreigners to His kingdom.  Write the e-mail, make the phone call, or send the gift package.  Encourage the few and faithful workers to continue speaking His message, sharing their story, and  seeking the 'not-yet found'.  

Thank you for listening.

From Brno,

Boyd H.

Passing By

Mark 15:21 "A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross."

Cyrene, was located in present-day Tripoli, Libya.  People from Cyrene were present at key moments in early Christianity.  Simon just happened to be passing through the city, with his two boys, when the Messiah was crucified (Mark 15:21).  Acts 2:10 tells us that people from Cyrene was present at the coming of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem.  Acts 11:20 tells us that at the formation of the first Gentile church in Antioch some were also from Cyrene.  Lucius of Cyrene was noted among the prophets and teachers in Acts 13:1.  

Simon was passing through and met the Savior.  Could it be that his experience with the cross stayed with him?  Could it be that his children, Alexander and Rufus, were never the same?  Could it be that his children became the first missionaries to their own people?

At least with Rufus something took.  Paul mentioned him again in Romans 16:13.  His mother was noted as a woman with a great reputation.  

There are no chance spiritual encounters.  There are no divine mistakes.  There are no holy mishaps.

Remember when someone else introduced eternity into your heart.  You weren't looking for God, but he came looking for you.  Someone spoke about the reality of Hell, the hope of Heaven, and the desperate situation you found yourself in.  His journey met your journey.

There are others 'passing by on their way in from the country'.  What are they seeing when they see your life?  Are they seeing something which changes their life forever?  Are they seeing something which they pass along to their family?  Are they seeing something which propels them to tell their own people and nation?

So what?

1)  Stop today to remember where you were when His journey crossed your journey.  Take a moment to thank God for the cross which Christ carried, died on, and left behind in new life.  That same instrument which brought pain brings you life.

2)  Pray for sensitivity today to those around you.  Pray God will give you the opportunity to speak today about the cross of Christ.  It is the point where life changes forever.

3)  Take time to notice the 'Alexander and Rufus' in your life.  Leave a heritage of faith and service - and start TODAY.

The Reason I was Born

John 18:37  In fact, for this reason, I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.

He was deserted by his followers.  He was attacked by his enemies.  He was rejected by the religious leaders who were looking for him.  He was following a course of action that was not his first choice.  He was tired.  He was embarrassed.

But, He didn’t retaliate.  He didn’t curse or blaspheme the desire of His father.  He listened to the rebukes and kept silent.  He was calm, respectful, and gentle.The storm came into Jesus’ life and the chaos revealed his true identity.  He knew the moment for his life.  His purpose on the earth was coming in bright light.

I’ve wondered at times about my purpose, my contribution, and my ‘after it’s over worth’ bottom line.  Apart from the Master, there is only a fleeting feeling of worth and importance.  Apart from bringing attention to the Master, my best efforts are only selfish and short-sighted.  Apart from interacting with others about eternal matters, crisis will implode our goals and reveal our weaknesses.

‘To testify, to bear witness’ means to give credit to God for the good, to direct other’s attention to eternal matters, and to focus upon divine and spiritual truth.  Testifying doesn’t always mean in public, on the platform, or ‘church talk’.  ‘Testifying’ is relaying true information about experiences, not only crimes or misdemeanors, but spiritual realities.  What you haven’t experienced, you cannot share with another.  What we have experienced should not stop with us.  Pass it along.

So what?

1)    Have you / have I experienced a life-changing reality with God which is shaping each day of my life?

2)  Am I sharing that experience with others which will shape our eternity?

3)  Does this passion evolve or remain static throughout our lives?

Thank you for listening.

Blessings from Brno,

Boyd Hatchel

Purpose of Blog

Purpose of Blog and Intended Audience

The purpose of this blog is to encourage, challenge, and motivate Christian missionaries globally.  

The intended audience is all former, current, and potential candidates for missionary service.  

Missionary service is not limited to Western missionaries serving outside their birth country, but all Evangelical Christians who are sharing the message of hope in Christ globally.