Tag: mentoring

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Mentoring 101

Be an encourger

1 Timothy 1 to 6 Paul had left Timothy to pastor the church at Ephesus. Somehow, he found out about the problems plaguing this baby church. Timothy needed, or wanted, face-to-face mentoring as a young Pastor, but Paul, as his spiritual godfather, was in Macedonia. In lew of that, Paul wrote this letter to him and challenged him to stand firm in the face of those causing dissension and other problems. 

First, Paul states the problem and then the steps to rectify it with very practical advice. How could Paul be so bold? Paul recalls that although the chief of sinners, he was saved by the grace and mercy of God. Therefore, he says, “I give Him praise!” Next, Paul writes: Timothy, be an example to the believers in love, spirit, truth, purity, and meditate on these things as these are your Fruit of the Spirit to those in that congregation. 

 As Paul closes this letter, he encourages his son in the faith to live, walk and work in a world where there are the temperamental ones that need consistent TLC’s. 

 As I read this and meditated on this letter, several challenges came to the forefront. Who am I mentoring? Am I, although miles apart, encouraging that one? 

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“Mentoring 101”

Who am I mentoring?

2 Sam 5/1Chron 11&12 David has endeared himself to many men, and these chapters reveal to us how the people saw David:  “We are your bone and your flesh.” [1Chron 11:1] In addition, the Lord God said to David, “you shall shepherd Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.” [1Chron 11:2]

David’s success came because of those who were part and parcel of his beginning kingdom. He was great because of the men who surrounded him and helped him win the battles as they removed the enemies in the land one city or province at a time. In doing so, these men also earned the title of David’s mighty men “who gave him strong support in his kingdom” and a place in history. [1Chron 11:10]

Translate that into your life.  Each of us is successful because of others who have helped us. And the same is true in our walk with Christ. We are only as successful as the prayers and help of others as they led us, guided, and mentored us. Just as David had his mighty men, Christ had his twelve disciples.  Just as you had someone who led you to the Savior and mentored or discipled you, it is now your turn to find others whom you can lead and guide.

Stop and give credit to those who have walked your path with you in prayer and sharing. Then ask: who am I mentoring or discipling?

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Left Behind

Mentoring God's way

Advent #11: Titus:

How often do we yearn for heaven? Christmas brings that focal point front and center as we yearn to be with our Lord on His birthday so we can sing in the heavenly choir. Just as Paul told Titus, the reason God has left you behind is to do the ministry work because there are churches without leaders and churches without mentors. Titus submitted to Paul’s direction in this regard. The churches were young and needed wisdom and a mentor of integrity. Titus was the man of the hour.

God has left each of us behind to be a mentor to someone in need. Imagine if Titus had not stepped into the role for which God prepared him? Imagine what happens if we refuse to step into the role God has prepared for us? Stop and think about this; what might have happened on Crete if Titus said I was too busy or not knowledgeable enough or too young or too old? Titus gave no excuses; he willingly submitted to the task Paul left to him even though he was alone. How often do we have excuses that we use not to do the work that God has clearly given to us, such as I cannot teach; I cannot witness. How often do we say that we are not prepared to do the work?

Paul encouraged Titus to step up and be the man of the hour. Will you take the challenge too?

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What About Retirement?

Was retirement one of the topics you discussed when dating? Doesn’t seem an apropos topic for a date, does it  But then did you know God did?

Ps 78 sahring wisdoma

Numbers 8:23-26 There is no retirement in the Bible, right? When you are dating did you talk about this subject? Probably not but then again there are some who are forward thinkers and were thinking about that subject. Even God thought about retirement. In Num 8 he provided retirement for the Levites after the age of 50. Simply they were to retire from performing the work of carrying the tent materials.

How does one prepare for that stage of life? The psalmist [Ps 71] looked back and noted “that he had leaned upon God since birth” so he knew that God would sustain him in his old age when his strength failed. He and God were close friends. They walked and talked together each day much like Enoch. Like the retired Levites we are to share our wisdom with the younger generation. [Psalm 78] Are you developing the habit of teaching the younger generation about God? As a retired person are you looking for ways to mentor the next generation—even if you don’t have grandchildren!

How’s your attitude? They say if you are a grumbler in your younger days you will be a grumbler in your old age. Start now to develop an attitude of gratitude now so you will be a joy in your old age.

May I ask: Do you know God like that? Check out David Austin’s blog post on this topic: https://blogs.bible.org/director/david_austin/retirement_whats_next

 

 

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