Another Day

You never know what a day will bring when serving in ministry. This morning and afternoon I had the privilege of joining seven other local church youth pastors and their groups in reaching out to families within Greenville Village. It was so cool to see our students serving and trying new things (Like cooking hamburgers on the grill.)  As always God shows me that He provides the right amount of adult workers and students for what we need at each event. When we returned back to the church the kids simply wanted to relax for awhile and just enjoy each other's company in the youth center. Those moments are really what I treasure. When I see kids from the youth group truly want to spend time with each other it is a confirmation of what God is doing here. It seems I can't meet and serve enough with these kids because they are growing so fast. Sometimes I wonder if our students and their families know how much Donna and I truly love them. They are not people we go to church with, they are our lives. I've often said that God did not see to bless us with children, but He has given us many parents to partner with as we come along side and walk with them in this journey called the "teenage years".


After coming home and crashing for a few hours, it was time to get going again by preparing for some great friends to come over for the annual watching of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation". We have seen both children in this family go through our student ministry and become strong in their faith. Their parents and I have logged many miles together during mission trips and retreats. This is a benefit of staying in one place for an extended period of time. (We are finishing up our 10th year at PVBC).  Before going to bed I asked the Lord to ease my mind before drifting off to sleep. He directed me to this passage. Romans 8:31-37New Living Translation (NLT) 

  • 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us."
Since God gave His ALL to save me, He will continue to do His All to protect me. Over the years there have been many who have judged me on the way I do ministry (good and bad).  I am grateful at the end of the day that He is the ultimate authority. His approval is what I seek, not that of men. The only thing that can separate me from God love is me.  When I shift attention on what I do not have or what I perceive God is NOT doing, I lose that sweet fellowship with Him due to my self-absorption. Tonight as I drift off to sleep, my prayer is for Him to continue to hold me close. I have bigger dreams, but I must trust His pace and timing. To run ahead of God would only make me tired.  Tonight I am resting in Him.  Let's see what tomorrow holds.

Comments

  1. Well said my friend, very inspiring! I admire what He has done, is doing and will continue to do through you, it is encouraging, thank you my brother in Christ.

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