I preached this past Sunday at my church. Our pastor was going to be away, and he asked me if I would like to fill in. I agreed, and so I did. I enjoy preaching, occasionally. I don't think I would enjoy it as much if I had to do it every week. Once in a while is about my speed. Also, preaching every week would mean that I was probably a pastor; not a pair of shoes I care to fill. And not something that I feel I am called to be, either.
We worshipped; I sing and sometimes dance a bit. The worship time was wonderful, as always, and the songs that the leader had chosen spoke to my heart and confirmed the message I was about to give. As I entered into that place where I meet the Father and it's Him and me alone, I felt especially close to Him. It's so peaceful there. I suddenly became aware of someone standing close to me; there wasn't even anyone in my row before that. It was one of those times when you realize that it's either someone with a powerful anointing presence on them, or it's really Him. I didn't want to be distracted with guessing, so I looked.Visually, the space was empty. It was Him. And the depth of His presence increased as I stood there and reached out for the One Who was reaching out for me. He is so very beautiful. He told me things that made me laugh; how childlike I was when I first approached His word. I remembered the first time I read in Isaiah 6 that "His train filled the temple" (RSV) A train? Really? O, or course not, but what did that mean?
It made me laugh to remember how innocent I was regardiing the scriptures. (other versions are much clearer, i.e the NIV says "the train of his robe filled the temple."). It set me at ease for what ever I was going to say in just a few minutes.
You see, it isn't because I have become a scholar (I haven't) that I am able to give a message. It's because I know Him better than I did before, and I trust Him more. It's because I am secure in His love for me that I can say yes to some of the harder things He asks me to do. And I've learned that when I share my heart, people will listen. They won't always agree with everything I say, but they'll usually pay attention. At least for a little while. I have no need any longer to convince someone of what I believe; that's the job of the Holy Spirit. My job is to share the journey that I'm on; you may join me if you like. I'll always invite you, in one way or another. I like company.
So that's what I did last Sunday. I shared my heart and my vision for ministry outreach, and I invited people to come along. Some will, some won't. But I believe that even the ones who don't come with me will support me in this endeavor for the Lord. I am reaching out for a mostly unreached group of people, in a way that I haven't seen them being searched for. (That doesn't mean it isn't happening, it just means that I haven't seen it.)
We are all created in the image and likeness of God, and because we are, we are created with gifts and abilities that are particular to what God wants us to do and be. This is for everyone, not just the very noticably gifted and talented. I'm attempting to reach out to the Special Needs community in order to encourage them to become all they are supposed to become in the Kingdom of God. I'm not exactly sure what this will look like, but God knows. My job is to listen, follow and do what he shows me.
I've had a few people who are definitly interested in this project and want to help. That's so encouraging. It helps me to know that I'm in the right place and following the Lord's timing. I'm not rushing into it, either. I'll go one step at a time and it will come together. The fields are ripe for the harvest; the Lord is calling laborers into the work. They will be full of joy in the call and that's how I'll know they were sent to work with me. His joy will be our strength. His wisdom will be our instruction. His love will guide us all. Perhaps you'd like to join us. All are welcome.
Peace to my readers today. May your homes be a haven of blessing, love, and joy.
We worshipped; I sing and sometimes dance a bit. The worship time was wonderful, as always, and the songs that the leader had chosen spoke to my heart and confirmed the message I was about to give. As I entered into that place where I meet the Father and it's Him and me alone, I felt especially close to Him. It's so peaceful there. I suddenly became aware of someone standing close to me; there wasn't even anyone in my row before that. It was one of those times when you realize that it's either someone with a powerful anointing presence on them, or it's really Him. I didn't want to be distracted with guessing, so I looked.Visually, the space was empty. It was Him. And the depth of His presence increased as I stood there and reached out for the One Who was reaching out for me. He is so very beautiful. He told me things that made me laugh; how childlike I was when I first approached His word. I remembered the first time I read in Isaiah 6 that "His train filled the temple" (RSV) A train? Really? O, or course not, but what did that mean?
It made me laugh to remember how innocent I was regardiing the scriptures. (other versions are much clearer, i.e the NIV says "the train of his robe filled the temple."). It set me at ease for what ever I was going to say in just a few minutes.
You see, it isn't because I have become a scholar (I haven't) that I am able to give a message. It's because I know Him better than I did before, and I trust Him more. It's because I am secure in His love for me that I can say yes to some of the harder things He asks me to do. And I've learned that when I share my heart, people will listen. They won't always agree with everything I say, but they'll usually pay attention. At least for a little while. I have no need any longer to convince someone of what I believe; that's the job of the Holy Spirit. My job is to share the journey that I'm on; you may join me if you like. I'll always invite you, in one way or another. I like company.
So that's what I did last Sunday. I shared my heart and my vision for ministry outreach, and I invited people to come along. Some will, some won't. But I believe that even the ones who don't come with me will support me in this endeavor for the Lord. I am reaching out for a mostly unreached group of people, in a way that I haven't seen them being searched for. (That doesn't mean it isn't happening, it just means that I haven't seen it.)
We are all created in the image and likeness of God, and because we are, we are created with gifts and abilities that are particular to what God wants us to do and be. This is for everyone, not just the very noticably gifted and talented. I'm attempting to reach out to the Special Needs community in order to encourage them to become all they are supposed to become in the Kingdom of God. I'm not exactly sure what this will look like, but God knows. My job is to listen, follow and do what he shows me.
I've had a few people who are definitly interested in this project and want to help. That's so encouraging. It helps me to know that I'm in the right place and following the Lord's timing. I'm not rushing into it, either. I'll go one step at a time and it will come together. The fields are ripe for the harvest; the Lord is calling laborers into the work. They will be full of joy in the call and that's how I'll know they were sent to work with me. His joy will be our strength. His wisdom will be our instruction. His love will guide us all. Perhaps you'd like to join us. All are welcome.
Peace to my readers today. May your homes be a haven of blessing, love, and joy.
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