Privately to a SolitaryPlace

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QW logo without white background 

 

COMPASS ONLINE

A Digital Help Toward Renewal from QuietWaters Ministries

 

 

Volume 10, Number 3 March 2010
MountainCanoe crop 2

Greetings!  

 

 

Thank you for your prayer support and interest in QuietWaters Ministries.  This year started out very busy with the opening of our new QuietWaters Retreat.  We are so encouraged to see couples and individuals coming to enjoy the new Retreat.
 
In our next issue of the Compass magazine we will have articles describing in detail our programs and the Retreat.  If you do not currently receive the Compass magazine, please go to our website www.qwaters.org and subscribe today.
 
Also, would you please pass this Compass Online along to a friend?
 .  

 

Blessings,
 
Jim
 

 

riverPrivately to a

SolitaryPlace

 

by Jim Schlottman

 

 

 

“. . . He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.”  Matthew 14:13a (NIV)
 
As we have been developing our new Retreat Center we have focused on it being a private place – a place for quiet rest and renewal.  We have created a chapel for prayer and meditation and many quiet locations throughout the Retreat.  It is important for pastors, missionaries and other Christian leaders to get away to a private quiet place.
 
I’ve used the above verse in Matthew to encourage pastors and missionaries to withdraw from their ministry duties, just like Jesus did.  However, I’m hesitant to remind them of the circumstances that led up to this withdrawal and what happened right after he withdrew.
 
As we draw back to look at a larger portion of this passage we find that it says, “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.”  Matthew 14:13a (NIV)
 
Do you remember what Jesus had just heard?  He had just heard that John the Baptist had been beheaded.  Right after burying John, his disciples went directly to Jesus with this horrific news.  Although we believe that Jesus had foreknowledge of John’s death, He still had His human side that had just lost a friend and a fellow proclaimer of the Gospel.  I don’t know about you, but I would be in shock, very upset, and grief stricken.

 

 

Jesus very wisely withdrew to a solitary place.

 

Too often in the middle of an upsetting experience, Christian leaders can’t or won’t take the time to get away.  This is because they know that they are being called to the next responsibility, the next parishioner with a need for pastoral care.

 
Jesus had the same demands.  Look at what happened next in His life.  “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”  Matthew 14:13-14 (NIV)
 
He continued His ministry after a time of rest, yet He very wisely had withdrawn.
 
Let me encourage you to know when to withdraw to a solitary place.  Even in the midst of your very busy pastoral or missionary life – withdraw.  It may be only for a few hours or days, but withdraw.  If you have the opportunity to participate in one of our counseling programs you can withdraw to that solitary place we have prepared for you – the new QuietWaters Retreat.

 

  

If 

 

you are interested in attending a Leadership Counseling Intensive at the New QuietWaters Retreat, please call toll-free 866-5-Waters (866-592-8377) or email [email protected].

 

GOD’S LEADING AND PROMPTING OF YOUR HEART

The Open Door Campaign

 

 

When we say that God has provided the new QuietWaters Retreat, we must remind everyone that although is has led us to this new place we must still secure the funding.  God will provide this funding by prompting the hearts of friends like you to give generously to the Open Door Campaign.  To help us Open the Door please consider a gift or pledge today.
 
To make an online donation to the Open Door Campaign CLICK HERE
 
Or mail you donation to QuietWaters Ministries, 9185 E Kenyon Avenue, Suite 150, Denver, CO 80237.

 

 
 
The QuietWaters Compass Online is published monthly as a free service of QuietWaters Ministries, whose mission is to renew, restore, and strengthen Christian leaders and their families. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of QuietWaters Ministries, its personnel or trustees. Material contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute for the professional assistance you can receive from a counselor, or health care provider. Requests for permission to reprint articles should be directed to the editor at the address below.
 
James L. Schlottman
QuietWaters Ministries
(303) 639-9066
 

© Copyright 2009 by
QuietWaters Ministries
Bethesda Foundation, Inc.
All rights reserved.

 

OPT-OUT

We hope you enjoy receiving this FREE newsletter from us, but if for any reason you’d rather not receive this email newsletter from us in the future, just e-mail us at [email protected] with your request to be removed from the newsletter mailing list.

 

PRIVACY

 

 

Protecting your privacy is very important to us at QuietWaters Ministries of the Bethesda Foundation, Inc. We will not rent, sell, or exchange your e-mail address with a third party for any purpose.
 
 
In This Issue
Privately to a Solitary Place
GOD’S LEADING AND PROMPTING OF YOUR HEART
Quick Links
 

QuietWaters Ministries

 

 

 10th Anniversary Year
 

Lake

 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.

 

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

 

 

Psalm 23:1-3

td>
 




 

Tiger Woods

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QuietWaters Compass Online

QW logo without white background 

COMPASS ONLINE
A Digital Help Toward Renewal from QuietWaters Ministries
Volume 10, Number 2 February 2010
MountainCanoe crop 2
Greetings!  

Did you happen to notice that I did not send you a January Compass Online?  I hope you did.  I chose not to create a January issue because of all that has been going on with the preparations to open our new Retreat and Ministry Center.  Read below about the Retreat opening.
 .  
Blessings,
 
Jim
Tiger Woods
by Jim Schlottman
Tiger Woods
 
Some of you may have listened, as I did, to Tiger Woods give a public apology for his moral failure.  One comment that I found particularly interesting was, “Parents used to point to me as a role model for their kids. I owe all those families a special apology.”
 
As a pastor you are a role model not only to kids, but to everyone with whom you come in contact.  If you let them know you’re a pastor, they set a higher behavioral expectation.  God did too when He said in Titus 1, “Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless–not overbearing . . . Rather he must be . . . one . . . who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”
 
Over the past couple of years there have been many incidents of unfaithfulness on the part of pastors, the most publicized of which was Ted Haggard.  QuietWaters is only too familiar with the moral failure of pastors.
 
None of us should be surprised–after all, we have the Biblical knowledge that sin is a companion to all of us.  It just takes on different forms in our lives.  In a more than 20-year-old study, thirty-seven percent of the pastors surveyed had experienced inappropriate sexual contact outside of their marriage.  How would you answer that question today?
 
Recently one of our local radio talk show hosts told about standing on the street with his wife as President Clinton’s motorcade drove by.  He said he watched Clinton’s head turn as the President stared at the radio personality’s wife.  Although I’ve never seen his wife, I presume that she is attractive.
 
What about you?  Have you stared at a beautiful woman who was not your wife?  We don’t like to admit that we even have thoughts that would take us into this area of our lives because we know that Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  Matthew 5:27-28 (NIV)
 
Tiger Woods also said, “I thought I could get away with anything I wanted to . . . I thought I was entitled. . . .”  I remember reading that a pastor told his therapist that he felt it was all right to reward himself for his hard work in ministry by viewing pornography.
 
I’m sure that you know some pastors in your seminary graduating class or in your town that have fallen.  Guard yourself against moral failure.  Put in place the necessary protections that you need as a pastor.  You know them. But if you need a refresher on what those protections are, please give me a call.

QuietWaters Retreat Opens
Baby sleeping
Mt. Evans Room
On January 31 the first couple arrived at the new Retreat for their Leadership Counseling Intensive.  Their host couple, Sid and Debbie Cook, greeted them at the door, helped them settle into their room, and had dinner all prepared for them.
 
Sid and Debbie are one of five couples who have volunteered to serve as hosts at the new Retreat.  After a time of rest, we are hoping that Hal and Sally our host couple for years will join this group of five wonderful couples.
 
One of the great things that the first couple experienced is the many places in the Retreat where they could get away by themselves to process all that was taking place in the counseling.
 
They could relax in one of the many recliners in the lower level recreation room.  A quiet time of mediation and prayer in the chapel was special.  Or they could get comfortable in one of the leather chairs in the Mt. Evans room to read the book that was assigned by their counselor as homework.
 
The desk in the Pikes Peak Library that looks directly at Pikes Peak is the perfect place to work on the writing homework assignment.
 
There was ample time to enjoy a warm conversation with Sid and Debbie over a sumptuous meal.
 
This just gives you the highlights of the experiences pastors and missionaries have at the new Retreat.
 
If you are interested in attending a Leadership Counseling Intensive, Please call toll-free 866-5-Waters (866-592-8377) or email [email protected].
HELP OPEN THE DOOR 
 
God has provided QuietWaters Ministries with an Open Door to ministry with the new QuietWaters Retreat and Ministry Center for pastors, missionaries and their families.  To go through the Open Door we are asking you to help with your financial support of the purchase of the home.  Is He prompting you to help us go through the Open Door?
 
To make an online donation to the Open Door Campaign CLICK HERE
 
The QuietWaters Compass Online is published monthly as a free service of QuietWaters Ministries, whose mission is to renew, restore, and strengthen Christian leaders and their families. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of QuietWaters Ministries, its personnel or trustees. Material contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute for the professional assistance you can receive from a counselor, or health care provider. Requests for permission to reprint articles should be directed to the editor at the address below.
 
James L. Schlottman
QuietWaters Ministries
(303) 639-9066
 
© Copyright 2009 by
QuietWaters Ministries
Bethesda Foundation, Inc.
All rights reserved.

OPT-OUT
We hope you enjoy receiving this FREE newsletter from us, but if for any reason you’d rather not receive this email newsletter from us in the future, just e-mail us at [email protected] with your request to be removed from the newsletter mailing list.
 
PRIVACY
 
Protecting your privacy is very important to us at QuietWaters Ministries of the Bethesda Foundation, Inc. We will not rent, sell, or exchange your e-mail address with a third party for any purpose.
In This Issue
Tiger Woods
QuietWaters Retreat Opens
HELP OPEN THE DOOR
Quick Links
 
QuietWaters
 
Lake
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
 
Psalm 23:1-3

A Place

| ,

 

 

QW logo without white background 

 

COMPASS ONLINE

A Digital Help Toward Renewal from QuietWaters Ministries

 

 

Volume 9, Number 12 December 2009
MountainCanoe crop 2

Greetings!  

 

 

In this issue of the Compass Online, I’m pleased to share with you the full announcement with details of our new QuietWaters Retreat and Ministry Center.  There is a lot of activity going on at the new Center as we make it ready for use beginning in February 2010.

 .  

 

Blessings,
 
Jim

 

A Place
 

by Jim Schlottman

 
 
Retreat with border
 
In 1999, a small group of men and women caught a vision “to ensure that every Christian leader and their families have a place to seek and find restoration and renewal.”  That vision became QuietWaters Ministries.  God has used QuietWaters to renew, restore and strengthen hundreds of Christian leaders and their families in the past nine years. 
 
Up until now, the primary place for that renewal to happen has been the private residence of a retired physician and his wife.  The Retreat Home they provided in Denver has been a blessing to so many!  And we are extremely grateful for their incredible generosity. 
 
 
The ministry has grown to a point that the number of pastoral and missionary couples we serve exceeds the capacity of that house.  God has provided a new, permanent and larger retreat facility on property in Parker, Colorado-southeast of the Denver metro area.  Just a few miles from the present offices, this beautiful, wooded site is an ideal place for God’s healing to take place.  It can be the “grace place” for hundreds and even thousands more Christian leaders over the years ahead.
 
 
QuietWaters Ministries is known as the premier provider of Leadership Counseling Intensives in a home-like retreat setting.  But there is more to the ministry than counseling leaders who are in crisis.  From the very beginning, QuietWaters has always provided preventive services as well.  This new facility will be a full-service Retreat and Ministry Center offering many preventive services in addition to intensive counseling.   
 
 
The new Retreat and Ministry Center will be a hub for many more kinds of ministries.  There is a need for a place where pastors and staff members can go for self-guided retreats and short-term staff meetings with overnight accommodations.  The Ministry Center is a super place to hold educational seminars for church boards and staffs.  It is a refreshing setting for conferences that help Christian leaders to get far enough away from the hustle and bustle of ministry to hear God’s quiet voice speak to them.
 
 
The new QuietWaters Retreat and Ministry Center is a beautiful two-story brick house providing over 8000 square-feet of ministry space on 2.78 acres of gently sloping wooded land.  It seems built-to-order for the kind of ministry QuietWaters does best.  Remarkably, its four guest bedrooms all have private baths, affording the privacy and exclusivity that our clientele need.  The house has a private bedroom and bath for our on-site host couples.  There are two rooms for private counseling and a room for groups of up to 20 people.  The well-equipped kitchen is where the host couples will prepare delicious and nutritious meals for a houseful of hungry people.  And the oversized dining room is a great space for gathering everyone together for fellowship around a table loaded with tasty food.
 
 
The new Retreat and Ministry Center is evidence that we serve a God who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph. 3:20).   While it is not showy or ostentatious, the new Retreat and Ministry Center has quality amenities that will be an extra blessing to hurting leaders.  A swimming pool, squash court, and a hot tub (while not on the list of requirements) seem like extra gifts from God for individuals and couples who need to play, exercise, and relax.  The property backs up to 12 acres of open space, and hiking trails are abundant in the area.
This picturesque property has lovely mountain views.  A big deck and private patio areas offer choices for taking in the fresh air and abundant Colorado sunshine.  A full walk-out basement provides plenty of extra space for more recreation and relaxation.  It will be equipped with a billiards table, ping pong table, exercise equipment, and a special chapel for indoor meditation and prayer.  
 
We praise God for the provision of this new Retreat and Ministry Center and hope that you will take the opportunity to participate in one of QuietWaters’ ministry offerings in the near future.
 
 

Carpenter’s Volunteers

 

The Carpenter’s Volunteers is a group of handymen from Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church who have taken on the QuietWaters Retreat and Ministry Center as one of their projects.  They have been joined by men and women from other Denver Metro area churches including Eastern Hills Community Church, Mission Hills Church, Horizon Community Church, and Greenwood Community Church.
 
If I were to begin naming the long list of individuals who have volunteered thus far, I know I would leave someone out.  So to protect myself I won’t name anyone at this time.
 
We are so grateful for the many generous individuals who have given of their time and talents to get the new facility ready for use by pastors and missionaries and their families.  We can’t say thank you strong enough or often enough to express how vital these volunteers are to the QuietWaters Ministry.  If we keep going at the pace we have been going, we will be open the beginning of February 2010.
 
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

 

 

If you live in Colorado and would like to volunteer, call 303-639-9066 or email [email protected].

 

PLAY A VITAL PART 
 

 

You can play a vital part in preparing the new QuietWaters Retreat and Ministry Center for pastors, missionaries and their families.  Are you or someone you know able to donate a pool table, ping pong table, fitness equipment, kneeling bench, or a gazebo?  These are some of the items that you could provide that would add so much to the retreat experience for pastors and missionaries. 
 
All the furniture has been donated by the Furniture Row furniture stores and every room has been painted by volunteers with paint provided by Diamond Vogel Paints.
 
To donate an item call or email:  Phone: 303-639-9066; Email: [email protected].

 

 
 
The QuietWaters Compass Online is published monthly as a free service of QuietWaters Ministries, whose mission is to renew, restore, and strengthen Christian leaders and their families. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of QuietWaters Ministries, its personnel or trustees. Material contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute for the professional assistance you can receive from a counselor, or health care provider. Requests for permission to reprint articles should be directed to the editor at the address below.
 
James L. Schlottman
QuietWaters Ministries
(303) 639-9066
 

© Copyright 2009 by
QuietWaters Ministries
Bethesda Foundation, Inc.
All rights reserved.

 

OPT-OUT

We hope you enjoy receiving this FREE newsletter from us, but if for any reason you’d rather not receive this email newsletter from us in the future, just e-mail us at [email protected] with your request to be removed from the newsletter mailing list.

 

PRIVACY

 

 

Protecting your privacy is very important to us at QuietWaters Ministries of the Bethesda Foundation, Inc. We will not rent, sell, or exchange your e-mail address with a third party for any purpose.
 
 
In This Issue
A Place
Sabbaticals
PRAYER TEAM
Quick Links
 

QuietWaters
 

Lake

 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.

 

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

 

 

Psalm 23:1-3

 




 

What does it mean to rest?

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QuietWaters Compass Online

QW logo without white background 

COMPASS ONLINE
A Digital Help Toward Renewal from QuietWaters Ministries
Volume 9, Number 11 November 2009
MountainCanoe crop 2
Greetings! 

I’ve shared with you in this publication that we had made an offer on a “place” for a new retreat.  The offer was accepted and we will close on November 24.  Please pray that everything will go well.  I’ll be sending you a full announcement with details in a forthcoming issue.
 .  
Blessings,
 
Jim
Baby sleeping
What does it mean to rest?
by Jim Schlottman

An article in the New York Times read, “In an age of job hopping, a perk to reward loyalty-sabbaticals for those with five years or more on the job-is taking on increased importance.”

“Though the academic world initiated sabbatical programs, they have been embraced by the government and the private sector, including companies as varied as McDonald’s, Nike, Boston Consulting, Goldman Sachs and Silicon Graphics as well as law and accounting firms. Some companies restrict time off to educational forays and charitable projects, while others encourage everything from beachcombing, family time and travel.”

As a pastor you know that the concept of the sabbatical goes back to the Hebrew verb shabbath, meaning “to rest from labour,” the day of rest.  Out of the sabbatical came the sabbatical year.

“But in the 7th year thou shalt let it rest” (literally, “thou shalt release it”) implying that the land was entitled to a rest because it needed it; it must be released for a time in order to gain fresh strength and ensure its future fertility.  Leviticus 25:4 (KJV)

It is interesting to note that in the description of the Sabbatical Year, Easton’s Bible Dictionary makes the statement, “There is little notice of the observance of this year in Biblical history. It appears to have been much neglected.”  

That is a little like all of us who make little notice of the observation of Sabbath when it comes to what we do on Sunday.  But that is for another issue.

I’m writing to you about Sabbath because you are beginning one of the busiest times of the year for pastors.  In the last issue I suggested that you take a little time to refresh yourself both physically and spiritually.  Now if you’re honest with me, you’ll admit that you didn’t take my advice.  So knowing that would be the case I’m suggesting that after all the dust settles and the New Year has begun that you take a little rest.

I’m sure you’ve forgotten the verse in Hebrews that says, “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:9-11 (NIV)

That charge couldn’t be any clearer-anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his (her) own work.  And you didn’t think you had the Biblical right to rest.  While there it is in black and white.  Make every effort to enter that rest.

When pastors come to us burned out it is obvious that they have not adhered to that direction from the Bible.  They have not “entered that rest,” and as the verse goes on to say the reason for this charge is “so that no one will fall.”  Not resting is disobedience.

If you disobey and don’t rest, QuietWaters will be here to help you be renewed, restored, and strengthened.  However, I would prefer to have you rest.
Sabbaticals
We are seeing more and more pastors coming for a QuietWaters Leadership Counseling Intensive as part of their sabbatical.  They have reported that time with one of our counselors gave them better direction for their sabbatical.  The spouses have suggested that a couple of weeks of rest should be taken before heading out on a sabbatical.
 
I’m interested to know how many of you took a sabbatical this year.  How many of you are planning a sabbatical in the next couple of years?
 
I’m often asked what a pastor should do as part of their sabbatical.  So I would appreciate hearing about some experiences you’ve had.
 
If you want you can give me a call to talk about your experiences.  Just call Jim at 866-5-waters (866-592-8377) or you can send me an email at [email protected].  Either way I really would like to hear from you.
PRAYER TEAM 
 
We continue to seek new members for our Prayer Team.
If you are interested in joining the Team, please contact Jim Schlottman at [email protected] or call him at 866-5-Waters (866-592-8377).
The QuietWaters Compass Online is published monthly as a free service of QuietWaters Ministries, whose mission is to renew, restore, and strengthen Christian leaders and their families. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of QuietWaters Ministries, its personnel or trustees. Material contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute for the professional assistance you can receive from a counselor, or health care provider. Requests for permission to reprint articles should be directed to the editor at the address below.
 
James L. Schlottman
QuietWaters Ministries
(303) 639-9066
 
© Copyright 2009 by
QuietWaters Ministries
Bethesda Foundation, Inc.
All rights reserved.

OPT-OUT
We hope you enjoy receiving this FREE newsletter from us, but if for any reason you’d rather not receive this email newsletter from us in the future, just e-mail us at [email protected] with your request to be removed from the newsletter mailing list.
 
PRIVACY
 
Protecting your privacy is very important to us at QuietWaters Ministries of the Bethesda Foundation, Inc. We will not rent, sell, or exchange your e-mail address with a third party for any purpose.
In This Issue
What does it mean to rest?
Sabbaticals
PRAYER TEAM
Quick Links
 
QuietWaters
 
Lake
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
 
Psalm 23:1-3

Ounce of Prevention Worth Pound of Cure

| ,
[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #9b9b9b;”]T[/dropcap]he temperature was dropping and my fingers were numb. My back hurt. My knees were telling me they were over 50 years old. Still I persisted. “One more shingle and I’ll be done.” I was on the roof of my daughter and son-in-law’s house. A windstorm had peeled the shingles from their roof and flung them around the neighborhood. Our children were out of town, and a snowstorm was predicted. Being a dutiful father, I decided to repair the roof of our children’s home before the next storm could do more damage. What was I afraid of—Water damage. Since the roof had been stripped to the tar paper in seven places, melting snow could seep in and cause extensive damage to ceilings, loors and furnishings. So I determined to fix the problem before it got worse…

Download the full version hereBe sure to download the full version.

Courage

| ,
QuietWaters Compass Online

QW logo without white background 

COMPASS ONLINE
A Digital Help Toward Renewal from QuietWaters Ministries
Volume 9, Number 10 October 2009
MountainCanoe crop 2
Greetings! 

As a pastor you know we are approaching one of your busiest times of the year, the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas.  My suggestion is that before it all hits, take a little time to refresh yourself both physically and spiritually.  With renewed spiritual strength you will have the strength and courage to go through this busy time with joy and thanksgiving.
 
  .  
Blessings,
 
Jim
Courage       
by Jim Schlottman
 
This past Sunday, my pastor, Don Sweeting spoke on “Courage.”  As I listened to his sermon I couldn’t help but think about the courage it takes to be a pastor.  I’ve often said that the church is the most dangerous place for a pastor, but that is where God called pastors to serve.

Today you may be feeling fearful of that dangerous place.  You may be suffering an attack from someone in your church, or you may be feeling the pain of criticism of a member of your family.  Your preaching the truth in love may be responded to with hate.

Do you have the courage to face the perils in this dangerous place we call the church?

Dictionary.com defines courage as “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear.”  I don’t agree with that “without fear” part.  Everyone I’ve read about or met who has exhibited courage did it in spite of their fears.  According to Pastor Don, “Courage is not the absence of fear but a proper handling of fear.”

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come . . . . to enable us to serve him without fear.”  Luke 1: 68-78 (NIV)

I like Webster’s dictionary better than dictionary.com where it says that “courage is the quality that allows one to face danger or adversity with confidence.”  It is the source of that confidence that makes the difference.  God is that source of confidence.

In Acts 22-24 we read about Paul in various types of danger.  At least four times he was put in danger.  He was dragged to the temple by an angry mob that tried to kill him.  Then the Roman soldiers attempted to flog him.  After that he was caught in the middle of a violent dispute between the Sadducees and the Pharisees. Next thing you know forty men were plotting to kill him. 

So did God help?  God put a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to take him away safely.  Only our God could protect us with all that fire power.  And you have that fire power available to you.  It may not be in the form of four hundred and seventy soldiers, but He is just as powerful today.

In 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14 (TNIV) we are told, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”

The church will always be a dangerous place for pastors.  It is full of sinners — saved by grace.  With God-given courage you will be able to face the dangers with confidence.

When you are wounded by the attacks or are in pain and need healing, remember that QuietWaters Ministries is here for you.
Appreciation! Or. Appreciation?
 
Several suggestions were given to your leaders as to what they could do for you, their pastor in October for Clergy Appreciation Month.  Did you pass this Compass Online along to your leaders?  Did your church recognize Clergy Appreciation Month? 
 
I’m not conducting some type of statical survey, I just want to get a feel of how churches are responding to the designation of the month of October.
  
If you want you can give me a call to talk about your experiences.  Just call Jim at 866-5-waters (866-592-8377) or you can send me an email at [email protected].  Either way I really would like to hear from you.
PRAYER TEAM 
 
We continue to seek new members for our Prayer Team.
If you are interested in joining the Team, please contact Jim Schlottman at [email protected] or call him at 866-5-Waters (866-592-8377).
The QuietWaters Compass Online is published monthly as a free service of QuietWaters Ministries, whose mission is to renew, restore, and strengthen Christian leaders and their families. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of QuietWaters Ministries, its personnel or trustees. Material contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute for the professional assistance you can receive from a counselor, or health care provider. Requests for permission to reprint articles should be directed to the editor at the address below.
 
James L. Schlottman
QuietWaters Ministries
(303) 639-9066
 
© Copyright 2009 by
QuietWaters Ministries
Bethesda Foundation, Inc.
All rights reserved.

OPT-OUT
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PRIVACY
 
Protecting your privacy is very important to us at QuietWaters Ministries of the Bethesda Foundation, Inc. We will not rent, sell, or exchange your e-mail address with a third party for any purpose.
In This Issue
Courage
Appreciation! Or Appreciation?
PRAYER TEAM
Quick Links
 
QuietWaters
 
Lake
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
 
Psalm 23:1-3

The Spirit’s Tracks Through Human Hearts

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Download the full version.Be sure to download the full version.

As I listened to Dr. Ron Nydam speak to the crowd that assembled for the twenty-fifth celebration of Pastoral Counseling for Denver, I was struck by how his comments related to my experiences. He said, “Guilt and shame for sin are no longer a problem, even if they should be.” It is what I’ve been sensing in my conversations with pastors and spouses who are considering coming to Quiet Waters Ministries for our Leadership Counseling Intensives. Because of its relevance to our ministry, I knew that we needed Dr. Nydam’s presentation to become an article in our Compass magazine. In his presentation, and now in his article in this issue, Dr. Nydam states, “Today’s spiritual problem is about separation, disconnection, isolation, or what I call ‘compromised attachment’.” Many with whom I speak don’t feel like they matter to God. An oftenrepeated phrase is: “I’m not sure I’m called to ministry anymore.” Even if they have failed in some way, it is not the guilt that causes the most pain, but the disconnection from God that they are feeling most. If you’re feeling disconnected from God today, don’t try on your own to get reconnected. Get help from a…

How Do You Measure Up?

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QuietWaters Compass Online

QW logo without white background 

COMPASS ONLINE
A Digital Help Toward Renewal from QuietWaters Ministries
Volume 9, Number 9 September 2009
MountainCanoe crop 2
Greetings! 

October has been declared Clergy Appreciation Month.  And as you will see if you receive our Compass magazine, I’m declaring 2010 as The Year of The Clergy. 
 
When perform a wedding ceremony, you may end by saying. . . by the authority vested in me by the State of (name of State).  While no authority has vested in me the right to declare any year the year of anything that’s not stopping me. 
 
Pass this issue along to your church leadership for both the article about measuring up and the information about Clergy Appreciation Month.
 
 .  
Blessings,
 
Jim
How Do You Measure Up?       
by Jim Schlottman
 
Measuring Tape for SuccessRecently, I spoke to a pastor who shared that his church was going through a time of evaluation of programs and church ministry.  He said as they have been going through this process many of his church lay leaders have been looking at statistics to measure the success or failure of the church.

However, he told me that when Jesus gave His evaluation of the seven churches in the provinces of Asia He didn’t mention any statistics.

The Men’s Bible Study that I attend has just begun a study of Revelation.  So as we read the early passages that talk about the seven churches, I thought about this pastor’s comments.  I’m sure you’ve read these passages many times and you may have even used them in a sermon or in evaluating your church.  The evaluations are very direct.

The first church mentioned is the church in Ephesus.  Jesus states fourteen measures of this church.  Eight are their good traits, followed by one of the worst accusations they could have heard – “you forgot your first love.”

Then He tells them how they can get back in God’s favor, followed by a warning and the reason why they deserve a second chance.

First the good traits:
1. Your deeds.
2. Your hard work.
3. Your perseverance.
4. You cannot tolerate wicked men.
5. You have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
6. You have persevered (that is the second time this is mentioned).
7. (You). . . have endured hardships for my name.
8. (You) . . . have not grown weary.

Now the bad thing:

9. You have forsaken your first love.

Then He gives them advice how to get back in His favor:

10. Remember the height from which you have fallen!
11. Repent and do the things you did at first.

And finally He gives them a warning:

12. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

But there is still a chance for the church in Ephesus because:

13. But you have this in your favor:
14. You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

That is just the first church.  How does your church measure up so far?  Have you lost your first love?  Have you forgotten the “things you did at first?”  How often we are like the proverbial frog in the pot.  We very slowly slip away from the first things, the first love.  If you find yourself there right now, stop and go back.

Then we come to the church in Smyrna.  I have mixed feeling about being compared with the church in Smyrna.  What He lists is how bad off they were.  However, although things were tough at Smyrna, Jesus gave them one of the greatest promises He could have given – “I will give you the crown of life.”

The Smyrna list:

1. I know your afflictions and your poverty-yet you are rich!
2. I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Then He gives them an encouragement or what could even be called a charge:

3. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.

He goes on to tell them what they are going to face.  You know sometimes I would just as well not know what is going to happen.  It only causes me to worry.
 
4. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you
5. You will suffer persecution for ten days. 
 
At least there was a given time limit on their persecution.

And again with the charge:

6. Be faithful, even to the point of death

But then the big finish.  They are told what the reward will be:

7. I will give you the crown of life.

We could make lists about each of the next five churches.  Each church was very different in the good things they did and in the bad things.  Which one does your church come the closest to resembling?

Even if your church is not currently going through an evaluation, it won’t hurt for you and your leadership to take one of your meetings to stand your church up against one of the seven and see just what Jesus would say about you.  Remember it would be worth making sure you measure up well.  Remember the reward is to be given the crown of life.
 Clergy Appriciation Month text logo
 
October has been declared Clergy Appreciation Month.  It is a special time that many congregations set aside each year to honor their pastors and pastoral families for the hard work, sacrificial dedication and multiple blessings provided by their pastor. 
 
I’ve asked your pastor to pass this Compass Online along to a person in leadership at your church.  You are that leader and you are instructed in the Bible to provide your pastor double honor.
 
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17). 
 
There are two ways to honor your pastor and helm help your pastors and their families feel appreciated:
  1. Figure out what you can do personally to recognize and honor your leader. A simple card, an invitation to lunch, a promise to pray for them or an offer to babysit, wash a car or mow a lawn make wonderful statements.
  2. Share the concept of Clergy Appreciation Month with others in your congregation and challenge them to join you in some kind of formal planning. You might consider a special service of affirmation, a potluck event or planting a tree in their honor. The sky is the limit!

If you carry out these suggestions, why not do something each month throughout the year.  If you need suggestions, please give me a call – Jim at 866-5-waters (866-592-8377). 

If you would like to receive our Compass magazine, email me at [email protected].  In our latest issue of the Compass magazine you will see that I have declared 2010 as The Year of the Clergy/Pastor.
PRAYER TEAM 
 
We continue to seek new members for our Prayer Team.
If you are interested in joining the Team, please contact Jim Schlottman at [email protected] or call him at 866-5-Waters (866-592-8377).
The QuietWaters Compass Online is published monthly as a free service of QuietWaters Ministries, whose mission is to renew, restore, and strengthen Christian leaders and their families. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of QuietWaters Ministries, its personnel or trustees. Material contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute for the professional assistance you can receive from a counselor, or health care provider. Requests for permission to reprint articles should be directed to the editor at the address below.
 
James L. Schlottman
QuietWaters Ministries
(303) 639-9066
 
© Copyright 2009 by
QuietWaters Ministries
Bethesda Foundation, Inc.
All rights reserved.

OPT-OUT
We hope you enjoy receiving this FREE newsletter from us, but if for any reason you’d rather not receive this email newsletter from us in the future, just e-mail us at [email protected] with your request to be removed from the newsletter mailing list.
 
PRIVACY
 
Protecting your privacy is very important to us at QuietWaters Ministries of the Bethesda Foundation, Inc. We will not rent, sell, or exchange your e-mail address with a third party for any purpose.
In This Issue
How Do You Measure Up?
Clergy Appreciation Month
PRAYER TEAM
Quick Links
 
QuietWaters
 
Lake
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
 
Psalm 23:1-3

Don't Compare Fingers

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QuietWaters Compass Online

QW logo without white background 

COMPASS ONLINE
A Digital Help Toward Renewal from QuietWaters Ministries
Volume 9, Number 8 August 2009
MountainCanoe crop 2
Greetings! 

We are making good progress toward securing a new retreat home.  We have seen God’s finger prints on everything that has happened so far in this endeavor.
 
God’s finger prints are on this project because of your prayers.  Thank you for those prayers, and please continue to pray. 
 
Blessings,
 
Jim
Don’t Compare Fingers       
by Jim Schlottman

All scripture is pointing to Jesus.  Pastors’ roles are to point their fingers toward Jesus.  Yet we spend all our time comparing fingers.

Rev. Marty Martin, the leader of the men’s Bible study I attend, shared that comment at one of our recent studies. 

As I’ve observed pastors over the years, I’ve seen far too many who are so concerned about how their pointing finger compares to other pastors’ pointing fingers, that they forget why their pointing finger is pointing and where it is pointing.

Sometimes the pointing finger comparing is encouraged by our congregations.  They will often comment about a radio or television preacher in a way that implies comparison. And when they make those comments, don’t you find yourself looking figuratively at your pointing finger?

In a line from Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata” he says, “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.”

Paul understood what Ehrmann was saying long before Ehrmann said those words.  He addressed this issue of comparison in Second Corinthians when he said, “We’re not, understand, putting ourselves in a league with those who boast that they’re our superiors. We wouldn’t dare do that. But in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point.” 2 Corinthians 10:12 (TMSG)

Did you catch that there was comparing, grading, and competing going on in Paul’s time?  And you thought something like that would never happen in Bible time, and how could they even question the great Apostle Paul?  Don’t forget what they said about Paul.  “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.” 2 Corinthians 10:10 (NIV) How would you like that said about your preaching?

He goes on with this advice.  “If you want to claim credit, claim it for God.  What you say about yourself means nothing in God’s work.  It’s what God says about you that makes the difference.”  2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (TMSG)

If you find that you are spending your time comparing fingers, remember Paul’s words: It’s what God says about you that makes the difference.
PRAYER TEAM 
 
We continue to seek new members for our Prayer Team.
If you are interested in joining the Team, please contact Jim Schlottman at [email protected] or call him at 866-5-Waters (866-592-8377).
The QuietWaters Compass Online is published monthly as a free service of QuietWaters Ministries, whose mission is to renew, restore, and strengthen Christian leaders and their families. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of QuietWaters Ministries, its personnel or trustees. Material contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute for the professional assistance you can receive from a counselor, or health care provider. Requests for permission to reprint articles should be directed to the editor at the address below.
 
James L. Schlottman
QuietWaters Ministries
(303) 639-9066
 
© Copyright 2009 by
QuietWaters Ministries
Bethesda Foundation, Inc.
All rights reserved.

OPT-OUT
We hope you enjoy receiving this FREE newsletter from us, but if for any reason you’d rather not receive this email newsletter from us in the future, just e-mail us at [email protected] with your request to be removed from the newsletter mailing list.
 
PRIVACY
 
Protecting your privacy is very important to us at QuietWaters Ministries of the Bethesda Foundation, Inc. We will not rent, sell, or exchange your e-mail address with a third party for any purpose.
In This Issue
Don’t Compare Fingers
PRAYER TEAM
Quick Links
 
QuietWaters
 
Lake
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
 
Psalm 23:1-3

The Test Question

 

 

QW logo without white background 

 

 

COMPASS ONLINE

A Digital Help Toward Renewal from QuietWaters Ministries

 

 

Volume 9, Number 7 July 2009
MountainCanoe crop 2

Greetings! 

 

Did you notice that this is the July Compass Online arriving in your inbox the first week in August?  I knew you would understand that working on a new Retreat Home “place” and working with the 77% increase in participants in our Leadership Counseling Intensive program has kept me a little busy.
 
Are you willing to be a little late with one of your projects?  I have a little saying that I repeat to myself when I’m faced with being late.  “Delays don’t mean defeat.”  It keeps me from focusing on the delay and moves me ahead to the next project.
 
Blessings,
 
Jim

The Test Question        
by Jim Schlottman

 

Thank you for your prayers for our search for a new Quiet Waters Ministries “place” for restoration and renewal.  I’m pleased to report that we have made an offer on a house that could become that “place.”

 

As the Board of Trustees met to make the decision about making an offer, we all wondered where the money would come from to make the purchase.  Prior to that meeting, I shared that concern in an email to Kathy Miller of Faith Mountain.  Her response was very encouraging.  She wrote, “God specializes in ‘we don’t have the money.’ He loves to show Himself to His children.  I’m praying with you.  God bless, Kathy.”

 

A week ago, we took a little vacation and visited a church where the speaker was Jeff Townsend who conducts training in the Middle East.  In his sermon he told us that God often gives us tests to teach us faith.  He used as his text John 6:1-13.  You know the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand.  Honestly I had never noticed that in the passage it says that He asked Philip a question, “. . . only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do.”  The test question was, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?”

 

What is the test question God is asking you today?  Does He already know the answer?

 

Why did Jesus ask Philip the question if He already knew what He was going to do? 

 

The question He is asking me and the members of the Board of Quiet Waters Ministries is, “Where are you going to find the money to pay for the new retreat facility?”  If we apply His words in John 6, “He asked this only to test me and the members of the Board, for He already had in mind what He was going to do.”

 

That last statement is very hard to grab onto.  We often act as if we don’t think the Lord has a clue as to how to supply our needs.  We find it very difficult to realize that the Lord “already has in mind what He is going to do.”

 

Now you’ve heard the old saying that you can’t turn a ship that is not moving, so we do need to be using all of our abilities to find the answer.  However, if you’re like me that is where we stop.  We act as if it all depends on us.  So when Jeff read John 6:6 it really made an impact on my thinking about where we would get the money for the new “place.”

 

So why was He testing Philip and why is He testing you and me today?

 

The answer is very simple.  He just wants to grow our faith.

 

So when you get the tough questions like, “Where is the money going to come from?”  Stop and realize that it isn’t where the money is going to come from.  The real question is, “Are we going to trust the Lord?”

 

P.S. Please pray that our offer on the house will be accepted and that God will provide the money.

 

 
 

PRAYER
 
You are invited to join our Prayer Team

One of the Core Values of Quiet Waters Ministries is to be Prayer Dependent.

Since its beginning, the ministry of Quiet Waters has been dependent on prayer as one of its most important ministry values. Apart from the presence of God in the power of prayer, we can accomplish nothing of eternal significance.

 
Counselors regularly pray for and with their clients. In the spirit of complete confidentiality, our clients are actively prayed over by our Prayer Team and other members of the organization. 
 

It is because of the importance of prayer to our ministry that we are inviting you to join our Prayer Team.  Locally the Prayer Team meets monthly with the Executive Director to hear all the prayer needs of the ministry.  Others throughout the United States and Canada, and literally throughout the world are sent email updates monthly and as couples arrive at Quiet Waters for a Leadership Counseling Intensive.

If you are interested in joining the Team, please contact Jim Schlottman at [email protected] or call him at 866-5-Waters (866-592-8377).

 
The QuietWaters Compass Online is published monthly as a free service of QuietWaters Ministries, whose mission is to renew, restore, and strengthen Christian leaders and their families. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of QuietWaters Ministries, its personnel or trustees. Material contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute for the professional assistance you can receive from a counselor, or health care provider. Requests for permission to reprint articles should be directed to the editor at the address below.
 
James L. Schlottman
QuietWaters Ministries
(303) 639-9066
 

© Copyright 2009 by
QuietWaters Ministries
Bethesda Foundation, Inc.
All rights reserved.

 

OPT-OUT

We hope you enjoy receiving this FREE newsletter from us, but if for any reason you’d rather not receive this email newsletter from us in the future, just e-mail us at [email protected] with your request to be removed from the newsletter mailing list.

 

PRIVACY

 

 

Protecting your privacy is very important to us at QuietWaters Ministries of the Bethesda Foundation, Inc. We will not rent, sell, or exchange your e-mail address with a third party for any purpose.
 
In This Issue
The Test Question
PRAYER
Quick Links
 

Father and son
 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.

 

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

 

 

Psalm 23:1-3

 




 

To renew, restore and strengthen Christian leaders and their families

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