Saturday, February 2, 2008
ODE TO A DEAR FRIENDAs iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
This past week a dear friend, colleague, ministry partner, and spiritual advisor went home to be with the Lord. Today we celebrate his life of service to his Lord. Rev. Robert Clausen is his name. He was my pastor, under whom I served for 20 years in parish ministry, and who advised me these past six years at LCC. He took a young DCE under his wing some 26 years ago and “worked out the rough edges”. Some might say that he may not have completed his task. I guess we all are “works in progress” to some degree or another. I do know that he was the man that God placed in my life to teach me the things of public ministry. He was still teaching me up to his going home! What were some of the lessons he taught me?
- Work in the area of your passion. If you don’t feel the passion from God to do what you’re doing, find what it is and do that!
- Always surround yourself with people better than you that have a passion for the Lord. Have some of them younger than you to give you new and creative ideas, have more that are older than you to give you the wisdom and guidance to sort out those ideas and implement them.
- ALWAYS be in the study of God’s Word and in prayer. Be a life long student of Scripture and establish a discipline of daily, personal study and prayer time.
- Who are you discipling for Jesus Christ and who have you touched this week that doesn’t know Jesus Christ? He asked this question of me weekly.
- Whatever you do – find basis for it in God’s Word – otherwise don’t waste your time.
- Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:16
- Don’t be afraid to try new ideas and take calculated risks.
- Lead by being a servant leader.
- Work hard – always give it your all!
- Be spiritually accountable!
I could go on and on sharing what he taught me. Greater than what he taught me was what he personally modeled for me in his life. Pastor was one of the most compassionate men I know. Never a negative word came out of his mouth. In the worst of situations, he always found something positive to build on. He truly was a servant leader.
We had a friendship that allowed us to laugh together, grow together, cry together, and yes, at times struggle together through challenging times. He truly was iron that sharpened me. I will miss our short little visits and conversations that always started with “What do you think about?” I will miss his wisdom and spiritual council. However I know where he is – and I have a reservation at the banquet he is attending! He will live on because the Spirit of Bob Clausen was the Spirit of Jesus Christ that worked through him. That same Spirit that continues to work in the lives and hearts of those who are faithful children of God – IF WE LET HIM and get out of the way.
Bob Clausen – dear friend, thank you for sacrificially giving of yourself to so many others, and for the privilege of using your Iron on me!
To God Be All the Glory!
Thank you for sharing the life's lessons learned from Pastor Bob. Now it's your turn to be a Pastor Bob to someone else... ...but then again... ...I'm sure you are already doing that! All honor, glory and praise be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the work that was done through a true man of God: Pastor Robert Clausen. God bless you my dear friend. May God continue to show His divine favor on all you do, and bless and prosper all the work of your hands.
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Thank you Tim for your personal sharing of you relationship with your friend and spiritual advisor/companion. Your grief shows and I bless you for that in my prayer. Your loss is my loss.
With love, Doug
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Tim,
I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this beautiful ode to your mentor. I have shared this with our ministry partners and board of directors as a reminder of what those of us in ministry should be doing. Pastor Clausen's advise to you is full of wisdom and truth and it will benefit all of us who follow it. To God be the glory!
In Christ,
Barry Voss
FaithLife Ministries
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Hi Tim,
I read your devotions most every day. Thank you! Today's was most inspirational....what wonderful advice your pastor friend gave you! I imagine you are around my age. It is sad when our mentors age, lose their ability to get around or their brain just does not work well, and die. How sad we no longer can glean from their wisdom. I will pray for you when I read your inspiring devotions and remind you that the torch is now handed to you. Thank you for being that torch to others as you spread your wisdom. We so need people like you to encourage others in their faith walk. May God give you the strength and wisdom.
I would like to print today's devotion and use it for myself and save it for times others need to read it. I hope it ok if I share it.
My sympathies and prayers for you!
Love and God bless,
Jan
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Thank you for the lovely devotion of today honoring Dr. Clausen. He was indeed a special man. Always gentle, but very strong and so innovative in the early days of contemporary worship. I was a member of Bethlehem, River Grove when he was pastor at Zoar in Elmwood Park, so there were many times when our paths crossed. I too will miss that he has been called home so soon. He inspired many with his dramas and interpretations of our wonderful Gospel.
As you said to God be the Glory!
Regards,
Georgene Beazley
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