In the past few months, I’ve found difficulty writing with any regularity. I’ve done a lot of reading, listening and conversing, but have had trouble posting. I think I’ve lost my sense of purpose in writing this blog.
Often I have so many ideas in my head that I distract myself and I don’t write. Or, I write and then lose interest by the time I’m done with the blog I’ve written. You should see my note file on all the ideas, partially written and completely written blogs that never get posted.
I need to focus. So, in the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking about what God has called me to do. At the center of my call has been to encourage and strengthen others in their faith. To me, that has always been what it means to be a pastor. Paul said it best to Timothy in 1 Tim. 4:12-16. In summary, he told Pastor Tim to be an example with is life, stick to the Word and use the gifts God’s given Him.
So, I’ve decided at least for a new season, I want to write to encourage others. And there is nothing that has encouraged me more than God’s Word. I hope to use my gifts and opportunities to spur others onto a closer walk with Christ and leaving a grace-filled imprint on the life of others. For awhile, I will step away from issues, to THE ISSUE, namely, how we relate to Christ and how He relates to us.
Now, for the name… “Glass Pulpit” has served me well. It has allowed me to write about what goes on in me. It has challenged me to live on these pages with authenticity and vulnerability. Hopefully that won’t change. But self-revelation isn’t my purpose, rather it is my tool. The new name, “Onward and Upward” is a phrase I used often with my teams, when we ended meetings. It was a reminder that we aren’t where we could be. And Christ is calling us toward Him.
It’s a popular phrase that reflects Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
So that will be the new name for a word-centered, encouraging, grace-filled blog that invites everyone to a richer experience of Christ.
If you subscribe now, I would appreciate you sticking with me. If you don’t, I would be honored if you would subscribe. The blog will continue to be posted on Facebook and Twitter, but by subscribing, you can make sure you get the encouragement you may be looking for. My goal is to post a blog every Monday as an encouragement for your week. I’m sure I’ll post at other times as the Spirit leads. Let’s trust God together to speak to each of us, so we may journey with Him more closely.
As always, thanks for reading. And if ever you have ideas for a post, I would love to hear it. Just shoot me an email at rev.jimrenke@gmail.com.
I am thankful to the Lord for your encouragement to me over the years. Onward and Upward! Or as the Unicorn said it in the Last Battle:
“Come further up, come further in!”
I think I should let you name the next phase of blogging. Thanks for the encouragement Ben.
I’m sticking with you friend as we follow Jesus “Onward & Upward!”
Thanks for sticking with it.
I try to follow you but sometimes I get so busy that I don’t have time to read something if it’s very long. I know I myself tend to write what is very interesting to me and encourages me, therefore I try to pass it on. I feel that most people that don’t follow are usually so busy that they already don’t have enough hours in the day and therefore don’t take the time to even be on fb anymore. I totally understand that, as I also feel it. I am also a slow reader, which is why anything long just hits me like a rock. That said, I did enjoy what you wrote today and try to read your blogs any time I have more time. It seems lately, I spend hours praying for people. I’m not complaining, but it is time consuming. I use fb as my prayer list. So on days that I have other plans, the prayer list is all that I get to. I looked above and couldn’t figure out how to subscribe. It wasn’t until I got to the bottom that I noticed … Oh , it’s easy!
I understand busyness Ann. Thanks for reading when you can. If it’s in your inbox, it will be there for when you can read. Blessings!
🙂 sounds like a battle cry! And I do believe we are in a battle and we need to be encouraged and encourage others!! Good name!
^ that was me – Tiffany Dennison
Thanks Tiffany & thanks for reading.
I’m excited you’ll be blogging again. I’ve missed it so welcome back and I’m looking forward to hearing from God through you! Onward and Upward – the ONLY way to go!