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The Pinecone
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January 2017
• 9 •
f r om Don J oh n s on , K i r b y P i n e s Chap l a i n
Chaplain’s COrner
A New Year always comes
with
opportunities…and
potential problems. In
reaching new goals we may
make decisions that hinder
progress. Chuck Swindoll,
syndicated radio teacher,
practical theologian, Christian
writer, former President of
Dallas Theological Seminary
and now pastor in the Dallas
area, deals with this issue in
a very unique way. What he
describes are matters all of
us face. Swindoll describes
possible points of failure in the remarkable story of the leader
Moses.
First, no matter what may be before us we can be sidetracked
by “Intensity.” This comes by “running before we’re sent.”
Turning from his royal upbringing and potential inheritance
of leadership in the ancient Egyptian Empire, Moses faced the
needed task of bringing freedom to his birth-origin family, the
Israelites. He had not yet been told how to do this, but he moved
to action before it should have started. While we need to be
swift to respond to need, we must also be sure we have the right
marching orders. Moses did God’s work his way. We also may
“run before we’re sent.” The promise of Isiah 40:31 is “Those
who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: They shall
mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be
weary. They shall walk and not faint.”
Second, whatever happens we can be gripped by “Insecurity.”
This happens from “retreating after we’ve failed.” Moses
misdeed was seen by some but would be known by all. His life
seemed to hang in the balance. What better path than to get far
away. Moses at age 40 made his way to a place far across the
barren desert. This retreat would keep him away for the next 40
years. Only then, at the senior age of 80, was he ready for the
revelation of God’s plan. When we personally fail, we think we
WINNING IN THE NEW YEAR
must run. Retreat is the ultimate solution. It seems to be the only
way. Our fleeing takes us far away.
Third, we are overwhelmed by “Inferiority.” What else could
come when we’re “resisting after we’ve been called.” In the
event of a flaming bush whose fire would not go out Moses
learned what his mission would involve and how it would be
accomplished.
Instead
of embracing this task
quickly and joyfully he
began to make excuses.
After so long who
would know him? With
staggering speech who
would understand him?
With no intrinsic power
how could he complete the
mission? He could not…
he was unable…he had
never done this before. We
are so like Moses. Our
excuses are many. But one
thing we must remember:
God may call us to attempt
something we are unable to
do, but He will never call
us to anything He can’t do.
Whatever our weaknesses
and inabilities, God will
overcome and empower.
As we step into today and tomorrow let’s not be controlled by
“Intensity,” “Insecurity,” or “Inferiority.” Let’s act when and
how we should, not retreat when failure comes, and let’s refuse
to make excuses when we’re called to attempt the impossible.
“As your days, so shall your strength be.” Deuteronomy 33:25
It’s been said: “We cannot go back and make a new start, but we
can start now to make a new ending.”
Till next time, Don Johnson KP Chaplain
January Vesper Services
•
6:30pm
•
Per forming Ar ts Center
January 12th
Butch Odom
Director of
Behavioral Health
January 19th
Crusade
for Christ
(see page 8)
January 26th
Dr. Sam Brassell
Covenant
Baptist Church
January 5th
Ken Joines
Church
of Christ
Chuck Swindoll
Moses by Michelangelo