Keith Burnett Ministries

Equipping for Evangelism

All I Want…Soul Food

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soul foodSoul food… Could this post be about chicken fried steak, gravy, mashed potatoes, fried okra, greens and/or green beans, and pecan pie? Sounds yummy, doesn’t it? But, could soul food get any better than the things I mentioned? It can! And that’s the subject of this Giving Matters post.

Soul Food That LastsBeds For Boys

The ‘food group’ for my imaginary meal comes from a cultural term about some of our favorite, southern foods. These foods have at least three common characteristics:

  • Filling
  • Comforting
  • BUT…hunger will return

And that brings me to soul food that lasts! What is that? It’s a little play on words. I’m talking about food for the soul.

Soul Food For Disciples

ChristmasThe following resources are great gifts for any believer. And my personal view is every believer ought to read each of these and several other titles as well. Why? Think of your table, menu, and general eating habits. You know certain physical foods are not good for you for various reasons. The same is true for things people tell you are good for your soul. These are classic works of time-honored value. In essence, really good food to grow your soul.

So what follows is a short list of resources that can be purchased through Amazon via the links provided here. Yes, Amazon will send us a dollar or so if you make the purchase. However, I’d recommend these to you if I had to send Amazon a dollar! Each of these soul food resources will challenge you and/or a loved one on your giving list. Need a stocking stuffer? These will do nicely!

Eat This Booksoul food

I first encountered this book as part of doctoral studies. But don’t let that scare you. It’s anything but dry and boring. I like practical. And the subtitle of Eat This Book tells you its practical intent as well as why this book is on my list:

A conversation in the art of devotional reading

Devotional reading is a skill to be learned and honed. Eugene Peterson is the author. You may recognize his name. He was the lead figure in the development and publication of the Message Bible. This book is not a history of that work. However, Peterson does share a couple of applicable stories from that publishing process. And I can assure you they are fascinating. I highly recommend this book whenever anyone asks me for good devotional study materials.

Mere Christianity

soul foodThis soul food list will betray another thing about me. I am a big fan of C. S. Lewis. Mere Christianity stands as one of his greatest works. And you should know a couple of things about it.

First, it’s a defense of the Christian faith. One who defends his faith is called an apologist. So it doesn’t mean what we think when we see the word apology. The name given to this genre of writing is apologetics.

Second, Lewis provides a very logical rationale for the Christian faith. And that is why this book is included among the ones I said every believer ought to read. There are other quality volumes in the area of apologetics. But Mere Christianity is in the top tier of this kind of writing. And since I’m on this subject, you and yours might also enjoy the work of the Christian Apologetics And Research Ministry (CARM @ www.carm.org).

The Great Divorce

soul foodThis is another great resource by C. S. Lewis. One may find many things to like in this classic work. I have quoted from The Great Divorce in sermons and on this blog. It is here that Lewis wrote:

There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’

That is a stunning summary of humanity. But I also like the creative nature of this book. The main character boards an odd kind of bus. His purpose is to take a tour through Heaven and Hell. He meets many different people on his journey. And he comes to some revealing conclusions about the nature of good and evil. I guess the creative setting appeals to the writer in me. But again, this is worth the time to read and it will be food for your growing soul!

The Great House Of God

soul foodI don’t think Max Lucado’s writings have had time to reach classic status. But when, or if, they do, I believe The Great House Of God will be on the classic list.

Lucado points to the believer’s heart as God’s habitation. And he correctly makes the point that God is not shopping for a vacation home or a weekend getaway spot. That should be obvious, but the point has to be made. And then there are logical implications for God’s permanent dwelling place. What does it look like? What’s the layout?

Those questions are answered with another creative piece of writing. The ‘floor plan’ for God’s house is to be seen in the Lord’s Prayer. That is Lucado’s path for teaching. It’s good, creative, engaging, and the clear simplicity is refreshing. And don’t be surprised if readers find themselves wanting to do a little house cleaning before they are done reading!

My Utmost For His Highest

soul foodMany of you may already have My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers. I have found this book to be very helpful and very challenging. Unlike the other resources on this list, this book is a daily devotional guide for an entire year. So, there are 365 entries. And in case you are not familiar with this classic resource, some quotes may give you an idea why it has been loved for so long:

Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is.

The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the surrounding influence and qualities produced by that relationship. That is all God asks us to give our attention to, and it is the one thing that is continually under attack.

Summary

I hope this is helpful. And I hope your giving list will include some soul food so others will grow. The world needs more well-fed disciples!

Soli Deo Gloria! 

 

 

 

All I Want…Beds & Dreams

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Beds For Boys

All I Want…Beds & Dreams

Beds For BoysBeds are something we can do. But the dreams… Don’t worry; dreams tend to take care of themselves! So who needs beds? And can anyone really add that to a Christmas list? We can do it. Now, here’s why I’m suggesting this for our giving lists! And there’s a related item or two just for good measure…

Beds For Boys

Beds For BoysWhen I was in the Manos Amigas Orphanage last month, Jodie alerted me to a current need. You guessed it. There are some beds that need to be replaced.

The pictures show us beds that have seen better days. These beds were put in the orphanage when we completed its construction. And the need for replacement is an easy observation to make. But it’s not as big a challenge as it might appear!

Beds For BoysWe can get new beds for about $200.00 (U.S.). Most folks would find it challenging to add that much money to the giving list. So how do we address the issue? Let’s get…

Outside The Box

Things like this are much easier if groups handle them. Why is that true and which groups could do this? Groups allow many people to share a burden or obligation. That makes things easier for each individual. And groups that could handle this are ones like:

  • Bible Study groups
  • Sunday School class
  • Civic group
  • A workplace prayer group
  • You can think of others

Those groups, and ones like them, are great places for people to work together. So please share this need with groups like the ones above. But I think there is a better group. And you might be surprised to know why this group could be the best one to help supply beds for boys.

Beds For BoysIt’s good to be a hilarious giver. It’s even better to teach others to do the same. So how can all of us do both of those things?  Think in terms of the family group. And I am thinking of the big family gathering, not just the family that lives behind your front door. My family is a good example.

There are six households that can combine for our family gatherings. That gathering would include all 8 grandchildren. Now, what if I shared Beds For Boys with my family? I’d suggest that each household contribute one sixth of the $200.00. Now, imagine the scene as the family gathers around the Christmas tree…

Another Object Lesson

Beds For BoysLessons are always easier if they are seen rather than simply heard! Our family distributes gifts and we open them in turn so we can all see what everyone else has received. So who would open those 6 Beds For Boys envelopes? I’d probably give one to each of the six youngest grandchildren. When the envelopes were opened we’d talk about the orphanage, the boys, Jodie, Pastor Pedro, and why it’s important for us to include this need in our giving. And I’m fairly certain that moment would be remembered. There it is! My group choice is so we can meet a need and be faithful to teach the next generation!

That’s my challenge. And I am certain you can probably improve on my spur-of-the-moment illustration. It’s not too late to send out a family email or text. Give everyone a link to this post. Divide it how you will and include Beds For Boys as you imitate your Father this Christmas! (Ephesians 5:1)

Soli Deo Gloria! 

P.S. – If you take up the challenge, make the check(s) payable to Mission: Hope and send to:

  • Keith Burnett Ministries
  • PO 803
  • Scottsboro, AL 35768

All I Want For Christmas…Bible

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A Bible could already be on your Christmas giving list. If so, this Giving Matters post might help you add another Bible to your list. And if God’s Word is not on your giving list, then this post should give you a good reason to add to your list. You can see the details about this need in the paragraphs below.

Bible – For PastorsBible

I wish everyone could look into the eyes of the pastors in the Mathes Pastor Training School. What you’d find is a longing to learn. You would meet someone whose dedication would likely challenge you. And you might learn that these dedicated, hungry-to-be-taught disciples are making do in some cases with tattered children’s Bibles.

This need was detailed in an earlier post. That post also acquainted readers with the Giving Matters series. So what follows was taken from that earlier post. If you’d like to see all of the earlier post, just click HERE or on the previous link. Here we go…

A Helpful Example

I’ll do this section in a separate post. But this idea is one that illustrates the purpose. Pastors in our pastors’ training school have a need for Spanish study Bibles. This need arises due to the fact that we have changed the teaching locations in the Barahona area.

ChristmasWe now have a record number of students. And most are new to the school. So the reference materials we have supplied over the last several years are not in the hands of the current students. We need to equip these pastors and study Bibles are how that process will begin. A minimum of 50 Bibles are needed. We could use 100!

Here’s what you need to know in order to add this to your giving list. First, there is a link here to my Amazon page and the Bible we want to supply. You can purchase it from Amazon through the link at the bottom of this post. Then just send the Bible to us when you receive it.

Some may simply prefer to send a check. That’s  fine, too. Make the check (of any size) payable to Mission: Hope. In the memo line, write: Evangelism – Burnett – Bibles. Then send the check to:Christmas

  • Keith Burnett Ministries
  • PO 803
  • Scottsboro, AL – 35768

Check the website for more ideas.

Summary & Link

The specific Bible we want to provide is a Spanish version of the NIV Study Bible. That’s a good, basic resource for pastors. As we progress in their teaching, we will add other materials for their use. Use this link for Amazon or the image link below my sign-off!

Soli Deo Gloria! 

All I Want For Christmas…

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Christmas

All I Want For Christmas…

Christmas is a great celebration of God With Us (see previous post). The Christmas season is also a superb example of our ability to ask the wrong question! We are prone to do that in many areas of life. And asking the wrong question doesn’t lead to clear thinking. So what is the correct Christmas question?

Christmas Questions

The post title is a very familiar line. One of the most famous songs that posed this question gave the answer:

My two front teeth…

And then there was I’m Gettin’ Nuttin’ For Christmas. Most of us will hear those lines this holiday season. And we will hear many more! That will include this line:

What do you want for Christmas?

All of us have probably answered that question. But each of us has probably asked it at least once! And the focus of the question is the problem. It’s too easy to see the season in terms of getting and receiving. But the words of Jesus (Acts 20:35) run in the opposite direction! And there are misconceptions about what Jesus had to say.Christmas

None of us can give if there is not someone to receive. And some believers mistakenly take the position (usually with pride) that they cannot receive from anyone. They take Jesus’ words in Acts 20:35 to mean they may only give. Jesus didn’t say it wasn’t a blessing to receive. Receiving clearly is a blessing. Jesus just put it into proper perspective. The greater blessing is giving.

So the focus of our thinking and our questions should be:

What can I give?

It Counts, It Matters

Are you making a list and checking it twice? You do that because giving brings you joy. That’s being like your Father. And that’s what the previous post series was all about. This post is meant to give you some practical help being a joyous, hilarious giver! Here’s a quote from the previous post about hilarity:

The word hilarious comes to us in 2 Corinthians 2:9. Don’t see it? The Greek word hilaros is translated as cheerful. But it is from this word that we derive the English word hilarious. And why would God love people who give cheerfully? Because…their joyous hearts and hilarious attitudes are accurate imitations of Him.

ChristmasSo, through the Christmas season there will be a giving resource series in the center column of the website. I couldn’t decide on a title. Giving Matters was one possibility. A Gift That Counts was another. I even thought about this: Making A List, Checking It Twice. The title is less important than giving to significant needs. So I’ll probably use all those title lines somewhere! The real goal is help great people join helping hands and be the givers our Father can use.

A Helpful Example

I’ll do this section in a separate post. But this idea is one that illustrates the purpose. Pastors in our pastors’ training school have a need for Spanish study Bibles. This need arises due to the fact that we have changed the teaching locations in the Barahona area.

ChristmasWe now have a record number of students. And most are new to the school. So the reference materials we have supplied over the last several years are not in the hands of the current students. We need to equip these pastors and study Bibles are how that process will begin. A minimum of 50 Bibles are needed. We could use 100!

Here’s what you need to know in order to add this to your giving list. First, there is a link here to my Amazon page and the Bible we want to supply. You can purchase it from Amazon through the link at the bottom of this post. Then just send the Bible to us when you receive it.

Some may simple prefer to send a check. That’s  fine, too. Make the check (of any size) payable to Mission: Hope. In the memo line, write: Evangelism – Burnett – Bibles. Then send the check to:Christmas

  • Keith Burnett Ministries
  • PO 803
  • Scottsboro, AL – 35768

Check the website for more ideas. Posts for this series will have one or more of the titles I’ve suggested here. And if you have a better idea, leave it in the comments. Would love to hear from you!

Soli Deo Gloria!  

You’ve Got A Friend

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friend

You’ve Got A Friend

friendYou’ve got a friend…and the music fades away. The thought lingers in our minds. We all want a friend who will be there for us winter, spring, summer or fall; all you have to do is call. Carole King’s lyric expresses a deep need in the human soul. Everyone longs for that kind of connection with another person. But experience proves it difficult to find. So what does this classic song text have to do with the opening image of my friend, Pastor Alberto and the previous post?

Friend: Closer Than A Brother

You know that line. But you may not remember that it comes from Proverbs 18:

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

friendUltimately, that truth is realized in the Person of Jesus Christ. He calls all who believe in Him His friends. But what about our earthly relationships? Answering the question, Who is my neighbor?, Jesus gave us the parable of the Good Samaritan. And I don’t think it does any disservice to the text if we equate neighbor and friend. The verse in Proverbs makes a distinction between acquaintances (unreliable ‘friends’) and those who will walk through tough times with you (friend who sticks closer than a brother).

Those tough times are responsible for this post. They provide an opportunity for us to prove ourselves as neighbors and/or friends. And I share those difficult circumstances with a heavy heart.

Friend: Yea Though I Walk…

friend

Pastor Alberto and family at graduation

I’ve known Pastor Alberto since 2008. He serves the church in Batey 7 near Barahona, Dominican Republic. He was part of the first graduating class of the Mathes Pastor Training School. Word of his situation reached me a couple of days ago. Pastor Alberto has cancer and the prognosis is not good.

We had some technical issues with the website and those are resolved. So until today I could only have one-on-one conversation about Alberto. I have made contact with other friends in his area in order to get the latest information. Calls were made to friends here in the U. S. who know Alberto. Some of those friends are doctors and nurses who have ministered in the medical clinic adjacent to Alberto’s church. I have asked everyone to pray for Alberto and his family. That is the first thing I am asking you to do.

With family & church members

Efforts are underway to connect Alberto’s doctors with doctors here at home. We want to confirm diagnoses. We also want to know any and all possible treatment options. So pray for those connections to be made. Conversations/consultations like that are not easy, but they can be done.

David’s famous Psalm noted the journey through the valley of the shadow of death. Our opportunity is to walk with Alberto through a difficult time. It may end with him going ahead of us. And if it does, there is another need.

Friend: For This Cause…

friend

Recent picture from hospital

I also know Pastor Alberto’s family. His wife and children are delightful. They took the Biblical paradigm of marriage to heart. I’ve been in their home and watched them interact with each other and with many mission volunteers. It’s not hard to see they left all others to join their lives together in ministry. Like many pastors, Alberto has to be in view of others even though he is a quiet, humble person. His wife is equally at home sweeping the church, the medical clinic, or serving the needs of people in the Batey. And honestly, my thoughts are full of questions about how to minister to her and their family. We will know more over the next hours and days. And if they have to face that part that says, ‘Til death do us part, then I know you will want to pray about that as well.

Many Friends: One Face

friend

In their home. ‘Holding’ our friend Carol.

Our next mission team will be on the ground in Barahona in about 10 days. It will be my privilege to be the ‘face’ of ministry to Alberto. I will personally look in on Pastor Alberto, the family, and their church. And I want to be able to tell this family that I get to represent many others who are willing to walk through difficulties with them and pray for them. And as First John 1 reminds us, it’s not enough to minister with words. We are to minister in word and deed.

Right now I have at least as many questions as I do answers. But I know some things that we can do. As details come to light I will share them. Due to the short space of time before our departure I am going to make a donation page available. We put it together in a hurry, but it works.

Actions Of Friends

Possible items to fund are medical treatments. We don’t know yet. But if there are treatment options available where Alberto is (or here in the U. S.!), then resources will be required. How great would it be for us to learn that a treatment option is available and recovery is possible? Pastor Alberto would quickly agree with the Apostle Paul:

For me to live is Christ. To die is gain.

friendAnd whether or not treatment options exist, a family must go on. Alberto does masonry work in addition to being a pastor. Our teams often hire Pastor Alberto for construction projects. The latest picture will tell you the likelihood of him doing that kind of work.

So if you want to help, please use the donation links in this post. I’ve explained all I can right now. And I will be posting updates. If you can’t help in the next few days, this will be an ongoing effort. My goal right now is to learn as much as possible and help as much as possible when we arrive in Pastor Alberto’s home.

Soli Deo Gloria!  

Note: The featured image is about 4 years old. It was taken in front of their house. If you look in the bottom right corner you will see one of Pastor Alberto’s daughters. So yes, they still have children at home. friend

This post was hard enough! When I saw the pictures of ‘flat Carol’ it was just too much. We walked this same valley with Carol. And Alberto was one of many who prayed for Carol. All that came flooding back as I saw the pictures. So we see again that what really ministers to all of us, whether we are walking with a friend or going through the valley ourselves, is prayer. Please engage often!

BIG P.S. – 

These posts about Pastor Alberto and his family have been tagged as part of this year’s Giving Matters series in order for people to include this family in their Christmas giving. Make checks payable to Mission: Hope. Mail to:

Keith Burnett Ministries, P.O. 803, Scottsboro, AL – 35768

My Apologies: GREAT News!

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Apologies

My Apologies: GREAT News!

Apologies aren’t usually associated with celebrating. But this post is a celebration of great news and it does contain an apology. So let’s do that first!

Apologies: Method

Investment

Your Investment Return Skyrockets

My previous post was about some incredible Kingdom investment returns. My normal habit or pattern is to post 3-4 times each week. But since Pastor Juan had a significant need I just left the post up. So my apologies are for my method of reminding people of the need. For those who stopped by to find a new post I really am sorry there wasn’t one here. BUT, whether or not my method was good, it seems to have worked!

Need Met: Investment Contributions

Since the previous post went up I have had frequent contact with Pastor Juan. I just informed him that we have the funds for his motorcycle. He is excited and so am I.

ApologiesThis is a bright spot in a challenging time. The lion’s share of donations still seem to be going for disaster relief (Harvey, Irma, Maria, etc.). So funding our various projects has been an uphill undertaking. But our Father is rich in mercy and grace will meet our needs. And He has done that through some of you. So my heart-felt Thank You! goes right here!

Continuing Need: What To Pray For

There is still something I will ask you to pray about. Contributions have passed the minimum threshold to acquire a motorcycle. So now it’s a matter of getting the most for our investment – being good stewards.

ApologiesPlease pray for a good search and the elusive ‘good deal’ that everyone wants when buying a vehicle. And I’d appreciate your prayers over the next few days for those who would like to contribute but aren’t quite sure how to manage it. I understand that difficulty very well. A few dollars will move us from taking what we can get to being able to make the most of our Kingdom investments. In terms everyone can identify with:

Shopping for ‘gently used’ instead of an available clunker.

Thanks again for helping. And know my gratitude, and Juan’s, are genuine. And thanks for your continued support in prayer. It matters more than any of us will know this side of Heaven.

Soli Deo Gloria! 

PS – Apologies again (sort of). This is the I couldn’t help myself apology. My image search for an appropriate graphic turned up the bonehead picture. In light of this season of the year it appeared even funnier to me. It brought me a laugh and I trust you enjoyed it, too!

 

 

 

Your Investment Return Skyrockets!

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Investment

Your Investment Return Skyrockets!

InvestmentWe all like a good return on an investment. And learning about investment returns can begin at a young age. We’ve all seen this Monopoly card! But what does the previous post have to do with investments returns? The answer is: They are connected in a BIG way. And that’s great news for many of you!

Investment Self-Test

InvestmentHere is a priority test. You probably get emails like the one I got yesterday. It was the quarterly update on our retirement account (I may be working a long time!). That kind of saving is a necessity. But it should not be the focus of our economic lives. Why? Because it is a temporary provision for a temporary world. So here is the test question:

Which picture excites you the most? The lawn that grows money or the river in Belize?

The picture above (first of several!) is an update on our Kingdom investments. Those investments are unique in at least two ways. They:

  • Have eternal rewards
  • Can never be taken away

Just review what Jesus had to say on the subject.

Investment Returns

investment

Church gathering for baptism celebration

And my questions continue! What if your lawn looked like the opening picture? How long would it take you to buy another bag of seed? I am more excited than that about the rest of this post!

A return on an investment is like planting those seeds. It takes time for them to grow. Time allows us to see if our investments were foolish or wise. And that’s the connection to the previous post. That post was shared in the very early stages of our work in Santa Teresa, Belize.

Many people invested in that work. People invested various resources in that work:

  • Money – mission projects
  • Prayer – for the work and for the teams
  • Time – mission volunteers
  • Equipping Mission:Hope teams

investmentAnd time now lets us have a glimpse of the return on the time, talent, and treasures we invested there. As good as today’s news is, remember it’s only a peek. The full return will be revealed…but not here! We have to wait on the full picture. Part of the reason is we can add to our investments! So…

Current Statement of Account 

In April we wrapped up our formal work in Belize. The graduation of the pastors was a great time of celebration. And celebrating is what we should do when we see the hand of God at work. Acts 11 shows us that Barnabas celebrated the Lord’s work in the Church in Antioch. It’s a great example of how we should respond to our Father’s work and blessing. I’m sharing so you can be encouraged and celebrate.

investmentDuring the summer I received word from pastor Juan that new churches had been planted as a result of our work with the pastors. Many of you made that possible! His news was accompanied by a request for prayer & help. I shared that news in this post.

And now pastor Juan has sent pictures of the continuing work in the new church he planted in San Pedro. The church is growing by making disciples. Juan’s pictures show us the same pattern of church planting used by the Apostle Paul. The Gospel is preached. People respond and then there is a new community of believers.

investment

Church celebration

And those believers need to be taught. That’s fairly different than one group of unhappy or disgruntled believers separating themselves from others and forming a new church. (Back to matters at hand…)

Baptisms and celebrations in Belize are great! God’s rewards are attached to those activities. The bad news is: Juan’s personal situation has not changed. His request was to able to have a motorcycle. His weekly back-and-forth for the new church is about 40 miles. He does it on his bicycle. Some have responded to his request for help. And that is why I asked how long it would take the average person to buy a bag of seeds if it grew ‘lawn money.’

Investment: Continuing Opportunity

Imagine this. Your broker calls you. He/she tells you that one of your investments is generating a 65% rate of return. The question for you is whether or not you’d like to assign more resources to that particular stock, bond, or public offering. You’d probably be wise to add a little money to that account.

investmentThat opportunity is a reality. How? We don’t quite have all the funds to get Juan a motorcycle. We are close – when/if funds that are verbally committed actually arrive. But if they arrive today we are still short. In Kingdom terms, I think investing in pastors like Juan is an even greater opportunity than the call from my imaginary broker. Why?

What Jesus had to say about our earthly labors are set in terms of foolish versus wise. It’s foolish to build (or save) on sandy, unstable ground. That’s a picture of the passing nature of this earth. If we gain the whole world in physical, financial terms what have we really gained? It will all pass away. Only what we invest in Jesus’ Kingdom will last forever and have an eternal reward. That’s why building/investing in His Kingdom is deemed wise.

investmentI’d really like to change this picture. It’s something we can easily do – together. It just takes a few helping hands to donate. I am sure we have a worthwhile opportunity. And we have great authority about the lasting value of investing in the Kingdom. Rather send a check?

  • Make it payable to Mission: Hope
  • Send it to: Keith Burnett Ministries, PO 803, Scottsboro, AL – 35768

Rest assured we will post a picture of Juan’s new ride as soon as it is available!

Soli Deo Gloria! 

 

Tale Of The Nail – And Other ‘Small’ Things

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nail

Tale Of The Nail – And Other ‘Small’ Things

For Want Of A Nail is a famous proverb. It’s point (pardon the pun) is overlooking small things can have very large consequences. And that’s true for many aspects of life. So why are we so prone to utter the same line as the nail in my picture? And what does this discussion of a nail have to do with ministry and missions? Actually, quite a bit!

The Nail: Acts 13

nailI recently completed a syllabus on the book of Acts. We taught through it in our Pastor Training School. Completing the syllabus was greatly helped by events in the church I serve. We spent 9 months taking our people through the book of Acts. And when I prepared the study guide for Acts 13 this proverb came into view. It’s applicable for each of us, our churches, and this ministry.

Chapter 13 opens with a directive from the Holy Spirit. God was about to change the world. But His very simple (small?) command was this:

Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.

Had they known all that this first missionary journey would set in motion they may have protested. That would have make them like the nail in my picture and like many of us. But they didn’t know what God would do with simple obedience. And that is the point of the proverb. The small things matter. Obedience seems a small thing. But in God’s hands it can change the world.

nail

For Want Of A Nail

And that is why I connected this passage with the famous proverb. The Benjamin Franklin version goes like this:

For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe, the horse was lost. For want of a horse, the rider was lost. For want of a rider, the battle was lost. For want of a battle, the war was lost. For want of a war, the kingdom was lost.

The Nail: Ripples Through Time

nail

Small actions make ripples!

Every local body of believers is worshiping in 2017 because of the prayer meeting at Antioch recorded in Acts 13. God was not intent on growing the fellowship in Antioch to astronomical numbers. But He was intent on sending them out to make disciples in many other places. That in turn would enlarge the Church into hundreds of thousands of believers. Consequently, their actions would establish a line of faith and ministry that reaches all the way from them to us!!! A small thing can really make a HUGE difference.

To make that point, I ‘reworked’ the proverb. It went like this:

Because of obedience, leaders taught. When leaders taught, other disciples were equipped. Since disciples were equipped, they prayed and worshiped. Because of prayer and worship, the Spirit spoke. When the Spirit spoke, apostles were sent. Because apostles were sent, many believed and churches were planted. When more churches were planted, more missionaries were sent. Because more missionaries were sent, the world was reached. 

God really is into the details. The problem, from our perspective, is He doesn’t share all the details with us. He just asks us to do a little thing: obey. And we so often protest…just like my nail.

The Nail: Security & Get Over It

There are two points here. And there is a request. First, using the analogy of the nail is not something from way out in left field. Notice the words of Isaiah:

I will drive him like a peg in a firm place, And he will become a throne of glory to his father’s house.

Can God drive us securely into a firm place? Yes. Will we know all that will become of being yielded to Him? Probably not. And that’s why I said, Get Over It! My small step of obedience is the thing required. My faith acknowledges that He knows what He is doing and that He can bring mighty things from actions that seem small to me. We can easily see this concept and probably agree. But so many times we fall for the enemy’s lie:

You can’t do the big thing, so just take the easy way and do nothing!

nail

He’s still a liar!!!

The truth is, I can’t do the ‘big thing’ anyway. Neither can you. I can’t do anything that might be considered big or worthy. My strength and wisdom is not sufficient. And this gets me to the point of encouraging you and asking a question.

Be The Nail

Let God drive you where He knows you will secure. I can say it another way, Do the small things. That is what we need. Each of us is capable of the small things. And maybe that’s an encouraging word to you. I hope so.

nailMy question is this: Will you do some small things for this ministry? I can’t count the times I’ve heard someone say they can’t do much. And then because they apparently lack the faith or understanding that God is the One in charge of the results they just do nothing. It seems their vision stops at the end of their own abilities. That’s tragic for any of us. Why? We should focus on the limitless abilities of our Father. With Him, all things are possible!

Some small things are:

  • Pray daily
  • Share posts and info from this website (social media can be used for good!)
  • Encourage people to volunteer
  • Ask some questions
  • Donate

SmileSharing and asking questions are two very small things. But you don’t know who they may touch. We have a huge opportunity before us this November. But at this moment we don’t have enough volunteers to turn opportunity into reality. You can share our mission opportunities with a friend, a family member, or your pastor. You can also ask and encourage those same people to volunteer.

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What will become of your sharing and asking? Specifically, I don’t know. God’s glory is a good, general answer. I know that and I know this: But for the want of a nail…

Soli Deo Gloria!

 

Smile Worth 1,000 Words

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Smile

Smile Worth 1,000 Words

This smile blessed me greatly. I have to thank many of you for that blessing. But this smile is just one of many I get to see. And you need to know the man and ministry behind that smile! Why? Smiles like that are contagious. Here’s how you can catch that smile for yourself!

Smile Worth 1,000 Words  

I know the old saying begins with, A picture is worth… So this picture tells us a great deal. It was taken in Samana, Dominican Republic, this past June. This young man was attending his first week of class in the Mathes Pastor Training School. And in the initial class session he made quite a revelation. In a Q & A segment he said:

I am an evangelist. And what I have learned in this first class tells me I have had some error in my preaching. I will have to repent of that. But I can’t wait for the next time I get to preach the Word of God. Because it is the Truth that sets people free. Thank you for teaching us the Truth of God’s Word!

That moment was priceless. It was made possible by people like you who pray for this ministry and support it financially. His comments were also humbling. We got a glimpse into how God is using that which He enables us to do. But there is more that needs to be done in Samana and elsewhere. And there is more than a smile or two in the work to be done. Here’s how…

Collecting Your Smile

There are several upcoming mission opportunities on our calendar. I’ve put a short list over on our Facebook page. Please check it out there or on the links in this paragraph.

SmileThe centerpiece of our ministry is teaching pastors. Those pastors are taught with the expectation that they will teach others and implement what we teach them. They eagerly do both things. Our model and expectation comes from Paul’s words to Timothy. And Paul’s words are often repeated as we teach. But that is not the extent of our mission efforts.

The Gospel must be demonstrated and declared. So around every session of the school we have other projects taking place. Those include, but are not limited to, things like:

Smile

More Smiles!

  • Construction
  • Medical
  • Evangelism projects
  • Water purification
  • Sports evangelism
  • Sewing schools

There is a way for everyone to plug into a mission opportunity. Every project needs many things. The obvious needs are:

  • Prayer
  • Funding
  • Teachers/Pastors
  • Churches to send pastors who will teach
  • Volunteers for mission projects
Smile

Ministry Model

And please don’t be too quick to rule out any of those possibilities. We can all pray. Most of us can give something. We just need to make up our minds (and hearts) to do so. And even if being part of a volunteer team is not possible for one reason or another, it is possible to help another person who can go. Maybe you’d like to help your pastor be part of teaching faithful men!

My Smile

Doing any of the things above will help put a smile on your face. How could anyone not smile when they know what God is accomplishing through our combined efforts? I took the cover photo. But if a camera had been pointed at me I am sure the smile on my face was as big as the one I photographed. God is good!

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And just so you know, comments similar to the ones I shared above have been shared many other times. Thanks for making this ministry possible. Please pray us forward…

Soli Deo Gloria! 

Answers To Prayer – Report In Real Time!

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answers to prayer

Answers To Prayer – Report In Real Time!

Answers to prayer are like connecting the dots on a blank page. When we pray we do not know how our Father will answer. But He always answers. And there are times when His answer isn’t plainly visible to us. At other times, like TODAY, we can see His answers with 20/20 clarity. I asked you to pray about several things. So you deserve the blessing of encouragement that comes when answers to prayer are revealed. More answers are needed, but we should celebrate them as they come!

Answers To Prayer: Planting Churches

Day 2 in our 10 Days of Purpose was about churches being planted in Belize. The need is for one of our Pastor’s Training School graduates to get a motorcycle. If you didn’t see that post, Pastor Juan is traveling about 40 miles round trip to establish the new church. However, he’s covering that distance by a combination of bicycle riding and walking.

As soon as last week we had received about half the cost of a new motorcycle. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the answer will come from. But just like a connect-the-dots page, this prayer and its answers are starting to take shape. Please continue to pray for Pastor Juan. And please ask your church or Bible study group to consider making a contribution. All the details are in the links in this section.

Answers To Prayer: Ways & Means – Mission Focus

Day 8 was a very transparent, nuts-and-bolts discussion about how this work gets done. The frank nature of the post, and its subject matter, put me a little outside my comfort zone. But an amazing answer to our prayers about Ways & Means showed up in my email TODAY!!!

Mission FocusIt’s not appropriate to share all the details. But I’ll share as much as I can. The prayer request in the Day 8 post was for our donor base to increase by 25. There was no dollar amount attached to that. You can see the post for that discussion.

When I opened my email this morning I had a note from an individual who serves their church by leading their missions committee. I was notified of action they recently took to support this ministry on a monthly basis. I know this church and many of their members know me. But we have had no discussion of them taking such action. The only thing I did about the need for Ways & Means was ask readers and supporters to make it a matter of prayer. Apparently, you did. Thank you!

So do prayers need to continue? Certainly. We are not up to 25 new donors yet! But there are two new ones in just days after we began to pray. And these events literally prove the points I was making in the post about keeping all these items in our prayers. I was surprised by today’s email. And I immediately replied and shared how the actions of this church were connecting-the-dots in our prayer efforts. I hope that encourages them and I hope this post encourages you to continue in prayer.

More updates will follow – I am confident of that. So please stay tuned as we celebrate our Father’s answers to prayer!

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Soli Deo Gloria! 

 

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Keith Burnett Ministries
P.O. Box 803
Scottsboro, AL 35768
(256) 244-5453
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