Yesterday I wrote about mentoring. Many people wrote me about it. I am glad. I think it is often a piece missing in the walk of the believer. Today I want to deal with character a little. I can tell you a lot of people want to mentor, but currently do not have a grid for it. For one there are often areas of life that need to be worked on. This is important in moving ahead for both parties. Continue reading Character & Integrity Are Important In the Mentoring Process
Category Archives: Lee Johndrow
To Mentor..Or Not To Mentor…Is There A Question?
Last night I had the opportunity to share on mentoring with the adult class at our VBS. (Which was epic this year!) One of the things the Lord shared with me some 15 years ago or so was. Every Timothy needs a Paul. Every Paul needs a Timothy. And every Barnabas needs a Paul.(And vice versa.)
Rather than make this a very long writing for a Saturday, I am going to break this up into a couple of parts. That thinking and subsequent decision is the result of listening to one of the best builders I know. A true Paul (Or Barnabas.) in my life. Continue reading To Mentor..Or Not To Mentor…Is There A Question?
Relationship or Religiosity – Two Dreams
Last night was one of my more “unusual” dream nights. As I awoke around three, one of my dreams had been simultaneous with a second dream. It was if I was watching two programs on different TV’s at opposite ends of the building. Not just two dreams, but I was not even in the same place as each was occurring.
The first dream had to with people who were under siege. They had watched their community slowly give in to a company and its unethical treatment of employees, its surroundings and the community. New signs and stoplights appeared to “regulate” the traffic. New restaurants and stores in keeping with the people of the workplace, but out of touch with the average citizen. Roads began to deteriorate with the traffic in and out. At first it was guards but not too long after it was security walking the streets. There was talk of a new “police” force. Continue reading Relationship or Religiosity – Two Dreams
A Revival Of Innocence
I woke at about 5 and as I lay there I thought but for a moment on what I had lost over the years. Not just me, but many. Perhaps it is just nostalgia. Maybe something that “can not be” but it triggered something in me.
Last night I attended a Vacation Bible School at our local fellowship. It is one of the best times of the year for me. Why? Because in so many areas it “reminds” me of what I grew up with. Now, I did not grow up in a church or ever attend a VBS (Nor do I think I was ever invited to one.) or anything related to the concept. But what it reminded me of was, a more “innocent”time if you will. Continue reading A Revival Of Innocence
You Can Get Off Anytime
Treadmill
The last few days I have watched this recurring vision. A vision of a treadmill. Now many people use treadmills. A treadmill is great for walking or running when it is cold outside. But the reality of it is, it is nothing like being outside walking. And where do you go? Where do you end up?
I should say in advance I am not a big treadmill fan. There is nothing wrong with them, they just aren’t me. I am an outside kind of guy. I like walking along rivers and through the woods. Continue reading You Can Get Off Anytime
Results More Than Reasons
As the young child stretched forth his hand the baby came to life. No longer blue in color, but quickly recovering and having color restored the child began to coo softly. Life had returned. What was it that brought such instantaneous change to the dead baby? Was it faith? Was it it Jesus? The mystery of the ages? Continue reading Results More Than Reasons
Border Challenges – Entry Into Christianity
This morning while preparing to celebrate my birthday with friends, I read an article on how many American cars are out there and the title “Are American Cars Going Extinct?”. The criteria is American manufacturer and 85 % of the parts from America. The answer was three. (For you who want to know, it was the Ford F-150, Dodge Viper and the Corvette Stingray.) Now I read that with a little nostalgia, a little frustration and lot of thought on the reasons why.
But as I finished the article I thought about the church, the people. And two thoughts came forth.
One, is many years ago, we published statements that said “if you were put on trial for your Christianity, would there be enough evidence to convict you”” Now I understand the heart and I understand the meaning, but what is the evidence? Is not the evidence to be born again, to have received the life of Christ? And is not the appearance of Christianity to be known by your love? Can there be a 99% Christian? (Or 75%, 50% or less?)
Just a thought…
Secondly, as I read the article I was touched with the fact that what we have in America is being sought out daily. Seven of the ten winners in the American vehicle category, are imports who utilize and meet the conditions of American products. There is also the threat of destruction to our way of life. On similar levels of thought the same is true for Christianity. People are arriving in our life of Christianity at an unprecedented rate. Similarly the devil and individuals are out to crush it.
As an American, I know that people want what I have. But, I know that is true for my belief in Christ and the outpouring of Him through me and others.
They will know you are Christians by your love. (They may not know your truck is American…)They will want what you have.
One final thought. I buy, from a particular company because it has “stayed” American to the best of it’s ability. I recognize the value and place of the others but I like things “American”. I like jobs in my country and it is one of the reasons I buy local when I can. But Christianity has no such boundaries when it comes to nations. It is boundary-less, going where the spirit and the people go.
I look at the list of manufacturers and I get a little sentimental about American metal. There are some in the church who question who ought to be here. When I first came through the doors I know I was watched like that. “Why are you here?” Hey, they did it to Saul who became Paul. Jesus went outside the bounds for Paul. I imagine it was a struggle for the 12. (My kids have said similar things in their youth.”Why are they here?”)
The gates of Christianity are wide open. Huge opportunities are here for us. You must look to see the value before you look to shut the door. There is a bigger picture here, in our lives and in America. Do not miss the opportunity because of fear.
Today, celebrate your freedom and your heritage as His. And give it away.
The Lord Answered Me And Set Me Free
Independence Day
As I wrote in the books I gave my grandchildren, some of the words (Besides “I love you!”) included “I am glad you are here.” “This is a day to celebrate freedom. Be all you can be. Experience freedom!”
Freedom is important. Without freedom how can you or I be all we were called to be. If we lived in a place like China or North Korea, what would be our “freedom experience”? I have been to foreign countries, had third world experiences. I have seen the devastation, the depression and the lack of freedoms. Freedom is better! Continue reading The Lord Answered Me And Set Me Free
The Value Of A Birthday
Many years ago, I had a young woman who worked for me. A single mom, she went out of her way to be nice to me. I made sure she got home each night after work even though it was a drive. I accommodated her when she needed days off and all the things good people do. Continue reading The Value Of A Birthday
Let The Children Come To Me…
Thinking about the children.
Today my grandson will undergo minor surgery. My daughter in love will soon give birth to a new baby girl. I love the children. This past weekend I saw all my grandchildren. I was truly grandfathered in! I can not imagine life without them!
Matthew 19:14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Continue reading Let The Children Come To Me…