Give Thanks Day 6

On this sixth day of November, I'd like to give thanks for the places that God has allowed me to serve in ministry.  I think back over the past 15 years about all the places that have given me the opportunity to lead in ministry positions.  It has definitely been a learning experience.  I think back to that first church position in 1998 when a little country church in Walnut, MS allowed me to serve for a year as their youth minister.  Talk about green... sure, I had two summers of internship under my belt, but nothing had prepared me for what would come my way during that time.  I am so grateful to that church for seeing the potential in that "wet behind the ears" guy.

I think about the honor that it was to go back to my home church and serve as youth pastor during a time of transition.  Those were some times of faith-building, but I would not trade them for the world.  I remember when that search committee looked at me and addressed me not as the guy who grew up here, but as a real potential to go forward.  I am so grateful for the team of adult volunteers that came alongside of me during that time and helped move forward the transition.

I think about the times in Fairhope and Birmingham where God began to turn my focus from just students to the entire church congregation as a whole.  I think about those from these precious churches who invested in helping me fund my education.

I am grateful to New Life Fellowship in Gilbertown, Alabama for giving me the honor of being the first full-time pastor of that precious church.  I am grateful to them that they worked along with me as I cut my teeth on this lead pastor thing.

And to Bethany Baptist Church... I am honored that you have placed the reigns in my hand to lead this precious congregation in the Lord's work.  The support and love that has been demonstrated to our family over these past 6 months is enough to get you all choked up.

Each of these places of service has been used by God to mold me a little bit more into what He desires me to be.  I would not be where I am or who I am without any one of these.

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Deal Hunting

Looking for deals seems to be a hot thing these days. I hear about those who will search for coupons and the best deals in order to save a few dollars. I can remember my grandmother and her "deal hunting." She would go to three different stores in her town depending on who had what on sale that week. It might be picking milk up at one and eggs at another while peanut butter is on sale at a completely different store.

The Bible is clear on its teaching about stewardship. There is truly nothing that we own in and of ourselves. We are stewards of the things that we have - money, talents, time, children, jobs, etc. We are to care for them and use them in the best way that will accomplish their God-given purposes.

As I was looking at my devotion this morning, I came across the deal hunter's verse. But I do not think it would fit all situations for those coupon-cutters.

"Act wisely towards outsiders, making the most of the time." Colossians 4:5 HCSB

The verb that is translated "making the most" (ἐξαγοραζόμενοι) literally means "to purchase or buy up." It's like that deal hunter finding the deal of the year. What do the deal hunters do when they find "the big deal"? They stock up. They jump on it. They "make the most of it."

God is giving us some big opportunities or deals to be jumped on with those who do not know Jesus. These bargains are all around us and meant to be taken. We are to see the opportunities to show Jesus to those around us as they present themselves. They are everywhere.

My prayer is that God might open my eyes today to see the deals that are to be capitalized on - those times to show Jesus to the world - all around me. But not just see them, but to make the most of them.

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