Give Thanks Day 19

One thing that I've learned about ministry is that you can't go at it alone. The task that The Lord calls each of His followers to (not just the pastors and missionaries) is one that calls for community. One can try to tackle this by himself, but he will find himself disappointed, discouraged, and throwing in the towel. In light of this observation, I would like to take a moment today and say thanks to the countless people who have supported me in the work God has called me to.

I realize more and more each day how the people that God has placed in my path at certain moments were planted their specifically by Him. He knew what I needed - whether it be monetary support, an encouraging word, or a kick in the pants - and put the right people in place to accomplish His will.

To those who have helped financially, lifted me up in prayer, put an arm around me and shared an encouraging word, or yes, even took me aside and lovingly gave me the kick in the pants I needed, I say a big "thank you!" I do not have enough room on this blog to mention each by name, but I hold the memory of your contribution to the work the Lord has called me to very close. I would definitely not be here if it weren't for the faithful saints of God being used in big and small ways.

Who can you invest in and encourage today?

Read More

Investing in the Future

Last night at FBC Birmingham, our pastor led a great bible study on investing in the future.  He shared from 1 Kings 13 about how an old prophet of God had slipped up and cut the legs out from underneath a younger prophet.  Sadly, this scene happens far too often.  In this passage, we see that a young man of God confronts the evil king Jeroboam as he had led the people of God into sin.  The sad part of this whole story is that the "man of God" who was at this place had just sat back and let things go without saying a word.  The sight of this young man of God stepping up and standing up for the LORD made the older man of God realize just how he had dropped the ball.

Why is it that so many times when we see someone else rise up to do the work that we have failed to do that we take it personally?  Who are we to get angry when someone else steps up and does the work that we have chosen not to do?  I can't say enough how grateful I am for our pastor and his wisdom in knowing that it is vital for the church to embrace the upcoming generations and enable them to carry on the work God has given us to do instead of cutting their legs out from under them.

In this new year, I encourage you to look for those who are coming along and invest in them to carry on the great work of the LORD.  The truth is one day, whether we like it or not, we are going to be gone and will have to entrust the work God is doing through us to the next generation.  How much better would it be if we go ahead now to train and encourage them?

Read More