July 21, Accepting who we are
For years I wanted to speak at big venues. I would imagine every public speaker has dreamed of the day he will speak in front of thousands of people and be used to change lives and grow God's Kingdom. As a youth Pastor I thought of speaking at one of Doug Fields Purpose Drive youth ministry conferences. By the way, Doug never called. Then as a Pastor I wondered if Catalyst or
Andy Stanley would ever call. And they didn't. Please understand I wasn't obsessed about this but thought it would be cool to do some day.
While in Africa our pastor Renatus said something that really stuck with me. He told me I was the first white pastor that was willing to go to the villages to teach the Bible and just how much he appreciated my willingness to drive deep in the bush to teach God's Word. Little did I know he was going to ask me to go back to this same village again the next day. But heres the cool thing, The second day God reached down and saved a bunch of men and women. It was incredible to see grown African men standing, crying and accepting Christ.
This week I'm in Wise, Virginia speaking to 200 teens and counselors and it has been amazing. Last night God really showed up. Not sure how many teens gave their life to Christ but a lot of lives were changed. Have no idea how many teens and adults made decisions to finally quit living for a man made Jesus and begin living for the Jesus who died for our sins and desires that we give him everything. After the message we experienced worship in a way a lot of people will never see until the other side. The band finished and walked off the stage but everyone continued to sing. The worship leader came back, picked up his guitar and began leading us in simple worship songs. I'm telling you it was amazing.
As I was driving back to Bonnie's (Debbie's Mom and where we're staying) thanking God for what he was doing I realized something. If I was speaking at some huge conference I'd never get to see some of things I've seen the past month. I would never be able to build the relationships and get to know the people. I'm just honored that God allows me to teach His Word anywhere to anyone.
Guess what I'm saying is that I'm completely secure in knowing that I'm doing exactly what God wants me to do. And that is teaching His Word in places others might not be willing to go. Do I still have a burning desire to speak to thousands of people at one time? Yes sir and it will happen but not at some conference but at 5 Point. My desire is to reach our city and there are thousands of lost people waiting to hear the gospel.
Can't wait to get back into the office next week and prepare for an incredible fall with out staff. Hang on 5 Point, greater things are right around the corner.
GREAT NEWS:
Richard is in Tabora. He arrived this morning. God is going to use this young man to grow His Kingdom in a great way.
Andy Stanley would ever call. And they didn't. Please understand I wasn't obsessed about this but thought it would be cool to do some day.
While in Africa our pastor Renatus said something that really stuck with me. He told me I was the first white pastor that was willing to go to the villages to teach the Bible and just how much he appreciated my willingness to drive deep in the bush to teach God's Word. Little did I know he was going to ask me to go back to this same village again the next day. But heres the cool thing, The second day God reached down and saved a bunch of men and women. It was incredible to see grown African men standing, crying and accepting Christ.
This week I'm in Wise, Virginia speaking to 200 teens and counselors and it has been amazing. Last night God really showed up. Not sure how many teens gave their life to Christ but a lot of lives were changed. Have no idea how many teens and adults made decisions to finally quit living for a man made Jesus and begin living for the Jesus who died for our sins and desires that we give him everything. After the message we experienced worship in a way a lot of people will never see until the other side. The band finished and walked off the stage but everyone continued to sing. The worship leader came back, picked up his guitar and began leading us in simple worship songs. I'm telling you it was amazing.
As I was driving back to Bonnie's (Debbie's Mom and where we're staying) thanking God for what he was doing I realized something. If I was speaking at some huge conference I'd never get to see some of things I've seen the past month. I would never be able to build the relationships and get to know the people. I'm just honored that God allows me to teach His Word anywhere to anyone.
Guess what I'm saying is that I'm completely secure in knowing that I'm doing exactly what God wants me to do. And that is teaching His Word in places others might not be willing to go. Do I still have a burning desire to speak to thousands of people at one time? Yes sir and it will happen but not at some conference but at 5 Point. My desire is to reach our city and there are thousands of lost people waiting to hear the gospel.
Can't wait to get back into the office next week and prepare for an incredible fall with out staff. Hang on 5 Point, greater things are right around the corner.
GREAT NEWS:
Richard is in Tabora. He arrived this morning. God is going to use this young man to grow His Kingdom in a great way.
Comments