MIKE MISLAN in the Philippines!

"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." (Mat.9:36-38)

According to statistics obtained from the internet, millions are out planting, watering, sowing and harvesting in fields all around the world and this number is growing each day. Yet, at least 5.9 billion or 67% of the world’s population is unsaved, and according to the US Census Bureau, 150,835 people will die each day. Clearly, we are failing to reach our generation with the Gospel message.

That's because many Christians are harvesting "imaginary" crops on FarmVille -the largest growing social game on the internet.  Instead of church visitation, witnessing to their unsaved friends, or even going to church, many will stay at home to water their "imaginary" crops or feed their "imaginary" animals.  One Christian was so addicted that before she left to under-go surgery in a hospital, instead of asking for prayer, she left messages for her friends to look after her "imaginary" farm!  Another Christian confessed to having cramps in her wrist from playing too long, and at least one pastor got defensive when I commented about spending LESS time on Farmville and MORE time in the REAL harvest!  

Brothers and sisters, let's be careful. A neglected harvest on FarmVille results in losing "imaginary" crops.  But if we neglect the spiritual harvest, the lost is far greater!     

“To morrow about this time, I (GOD) will send thee (THE PROPHET SAMUEL) a man out of the land of Benjamin (SAUL), and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel” (1st Sam.9:16)

Sometimes we think that the little things we do, surely can’t be noticed by God.  After all they are small  and often ruitine.  But that’s not true. 

Saul was told by his dad to look for their lost cattle.  So being an obedient son, he went out and looked for them. In fact, he searched for them diligently and traveled far.  He first looked for the lost cattle in the land of Shalisha, then he went to Shalim, then into the land of the Benjamites, and finally he went in Zuph. And when he thought his dad might be worried about his long absence, he wanted to go back home. But his companion advised him to visit a nearby prophet for help, and so he did.  And when he visited the prophet, something strange happened. . .

The prophet Samuel told Saul that he was waiting for him. Samuel was waiting for him because the day before, God told this prophet that Saul would come!  Not only did this prophet find Saul’s lost cattle, treat him to a nice meal, but he also anointed Saul as Captain! God used Saul's faithfulness in the small things (like looking for his father’s cattle) to lead him to the place when he would be blessed.  If Saul was not faithful in looking for his father’s lost cattle, he would have never arrived in Zuph, where he met this prophet, enjoyed a nice meal, found his lost cattle, and became promoted as Captain. 

In the same way, God DOES NOTICE the small things you do each day.  He sees your faithfulness, obedience and industriousness.  And each day that you do what is right, God moves you closer to the blessing He ALREADY has waiting for you!  One day, like Saul, God will promote you!  YES, the little things you do each day, are very important.  They are the stepping stones that lead you to God’s blessings!  

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (1st Cor.2:4-5)

Sometimes we preachers spend much time planning on how we will deliver our sermons. Will the Intro capture their attention?  Will all the main points begin with the same letter?  How about transition? Effect? Contrasts? Closure? Invitation?  

But last Sunday night, I was moved by one of the best messages I ever heard.  In fact our church was and many went forward!  Was the preacher well known? Ordained?  A Seminary Graduate?  Polished? A dynamic speaker?  Was he advertized as a big wheel evangelist in some Christian publication or denominational magazine? No, he was just a humble Christian worker who visited us from one of my suporting churches in NY.

You see, sometimes we ruin the clear, pure, and simple truth with all the "fluff" we try to add as "professionals."  That's why Paul wrote that his preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power.  And when we do it that way, the faith of our memnbbers won't stand on more and more entertainment, but in the power of God!  That's waht I want, don't you?

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful (Psa 1:1)."

Here we are promised to be blessed when we live a holy life.  But in what ways are we blessed? If you think about it, there are many little blessings we enjoy each day, that we often just accept as being ruitine.  For example, for me, just being able to teach interested pastoral theology students is a blessing. Gaining their trust and friendship, having them ask questions, confiding in me with problems, having a real part in shaping their character, encouraging them, and fellowshiping.  Or having two church members give me expensive chocolate, just because they were thinking of me.  Or checking my Friendster or Facebook and receiving a new comment in how I am appreciated as their pastor.  Or, getting a text of encouragement on my cell phone.  Seeing the church members fellowshiping late into the night after a service.  Hearing their laughter.  Seeing their growth. Or seeing many come forward during an invitation, hearing testimonies of how God has worked among our membership.  Having a member or pastor come by just to visit. Or having two sons active in the ministry.  Seeing them develop godly character.  These are the kind of things that can pass me by if I am not careful.  They may not seem like big things, but they are blessings to me!  Little things that remind me, that truly, my life is blessed!   

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:41-47)."

Sometimes in the Philippines where the fincial economy is hard, there is a real tendency among pastors to use various unethical methods to build up attendance and offerings.  But it is not man but the LORD WHO ADDS TO HIS CHURCH.

Yesterday, we had a great service.  Many vistors came and our attendance was high.  The singing was inspiring, and about 15 members and even visitors gave testimonies of how God and our church had blessed them.  After my preaching over half the congregation came forward, weaping, dedicating themslves to be used of God this 2010.  Man I wish I could have taken a photo to show you. No one wanted to go home and there was no manipulation, sound effects, lightings or setups - just the Spirit of God having His way among the tender hearts of our people.  That's the real goal of any pastor and church.  To enjoy God's favor and to see Him work among the people. To see changed lives.  I'd rather have the touch of God with genuine results than the man-made props of superficial and deceptive success from shortcuts, manipulations, sheep stealing or through unethical means.  Even you have it or you don't, and that Sunday, we had it! Thank you LORD!

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (Lk.6:27-28)

There were six other churches who entered into the Sports Fest.  Most had bigger teems, bigger resources, and bigger players who played rough, hard and sometimes broke the rules, even using bad language.  Our teens on the other hand were meek, polite, and were taught to place nice.  As a result, they lost many sporting events.

But there was one trophy the other teems didn't count on.  And it was the tallest trophy too!   It was encaptioned "BEST CHURCH" and it was awarded to the church who showed the most Christlike character throughout all the games and activities.  And YES, our church teem won it.    YES, God still rewards the meek, the kind, and those who play by the rules.  While it seems you are the loser to those who push their agenda forward, just relax.  Your golden crowns are coming! To view our Sports Fest Photo Album and our nice trophy, CLICK HERE to go to my Friendster Site.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.(1st Cor.15:58)

It's been a tough week and a problem that I thought was solved, came back, even worse than it was before.  I had been deceived, misplaced my trust, and will pay the consequences.  And sometimes it is easy to think that things are hopeless, that you are all alone, and that what ever you do doesn't matter.  But then something happened.

As I was burning the trash I saw a lady walk onto our church property.  I recognized her as an 18 year old who used to attend our church but suddenly stopped.  Her Dad had wanted her to work a job and as a result, she had missed church for a few months.  And the first words out of her mouth were "patawad mo ako" (please forgive me).  As we sat down she immediately shared how she missed the Word of God, had money but wasn't happy, and quit work so she should return to our church and take some courses in our seminary.  When I listened to her speak, I thought to myself.  Yes, it was worth it all.  I am glad I had invested in this woman.  I had taught her as a Values Ed teacher in her High School, invited her to our church youth group, she got saved and baptized, went astray, and now returned stronger than ever before!  Yes, it made my week. It showed that God did a real work in her heart and her conversion was genuine. And for me, that's what it's all about!

Charity...is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (1 Cor 13:4-5)

The facts were obvious. For the past three days he was not answering my cell phone texts.  Our relationship was stressed, and it was clear he was avoiding me because he knew he was wrong.  He was supposed to make a decision about a couple in sin, and about a rebellious man from our church who wanted to join.  He previously said he endorsed their sin.  And the more he kept ignoring my texts, the more I suspected he just didn't know how to tell me that he decided to go against God's Word.   In fact, once I visited him and found the gate was locked as if he knew I was coming. And others reported to me certain things they heard that also confirmed my suspicions.  

Thinking I may have to break fellowship with him and his church, I decided to pay him a visit, taking my Youth Pastor with me as a witness.  My plan was to learn the facts, take it to our church for a vote, and probably withdraw from his sports fest or even worse, break fellowship.  Our church had been praying for him, but his lack of response showed me he didn't really care.  And after years of friendship, this hurt!   

But when I arrived, he was friendly.  He explained he didn't have his cell phone, that his wife was in the hospital for two nights, that he DID advise the couple to split up, and that he would refuse to accept our problematic former member.  He also said I had opened his eyes, that he was wrong, asked for my advice, and said he still wanted us in the sports fest.  It couldn't have ended better!  But I felt bad inside that I had thought the worst of him. Will I confess my negative feelings to him?  Stay tuned!