Efforts in the Shadow of the Cross

The preparations this week for today's worship were particularly crazy (ah, summer time). While I always ask for the Lord's blessings on services I prepare and lead, this time I couldn't help but realize just how desperate I was for His blessing on our time together in worship. After all, I understand that without His blessing, my words, songs, and all of my efforts would fall lifeless to the ground.

This morning as I approached the Highland Auditorium to lead worship, all of the lights were still off. But somehow, I caught just the shadow of one of the crosses in our worship center. In the midst of begging the Lord to bless our meager efforts, I was overwhelmed with His efforts for us through the cross of Jesus Christ! Whoa! There's a new perspective of my own efforts! Good grief!

The Lord must be out-of-His-mind to use someone like me.

One Down, Two to Go

Maymester, Summer I, Summer II, Graduation! Maymester wrapped up nicely yesterday. Hallelujah! The angels were singing! I took Stress Management. Ironically enough, with everything else happening in my life over the last three weeks, I found the class to be quite stressful! We'll assume that was the point. Biggest lesson: I need to do better at understanding the difference between something that is "important" and something that is "urgent." No charge for that.

Yesterday, I watched an interview with the man who wrote the music for the movie "Gospel of John." As he described one of the most difficult scenes he wrote for, he indicated that he was trying to represent musically the love that Jesus has for His people. The composer said it took him several days to "understand that kind of love."

Buddy...we're all working on that one.

"For as high as the heavens are ablove the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him." (Psalm 103:11)

A Trip to San Antonio

I was richly blest to be in San Antonio this weekend. During my internship last summer, I made so many life-long friends. What a special reunion I experienced with many of them this weekend! It made me reflect on the many dear brothers and sisters I know who are scattered all around the country. From Lakewood, Colorado to Lexington, South Carolina. From San Jose, California, to San Antonio, Texas. And now all my ACU friends have scattered. And as I reflected on these things, the new MercyMe cd in my truck came to "Homesick" (a great song about heaven). One line in the song sings: "In Christ, there is no goodbye." For a moment, I tried to imagine the happiness I would feel if all of my friends were together in one place in worship. My spirit swelled.

Heaven is going to be the bomb-diggity.

The End of the Journey

I have finally reached the end of a seven month journey of faith. Wow. I am tired. But I am changed. I had a good weekend in Memphis, but as we all suspected could be possible--the Lord did not answer our prayers for clarity. He left me with two green lights. As I came to this realization in the Memphis airport on my way home, He led me to a verse in Psalm 138. "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me." What comfort! In the moment of realization, He assured me of His presence, and He assured me that by seeking Him above all--I couldn't go wrong.

I have done so much heart and soul searching the last several days. I only hope now that I didn't dig too deep! :o) I have decided to accept the offer from the Highland Street Church of Christ in Memphis, TN. I will move in August and begin my ministry in September. I feel this is best. At the same time, I mourn the potential friendships and possibilities from California. But I have every reason to trust Him. And I have every reason to praise Him!

This is the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. But the Lord is faithful. As He revealed to me throughout the journey--He was right there with me. His hand is upon me. Thank you for your prayers--they have given me stength to endure this race. And now it is finished. And I am glad.

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me."

Father, thank You for assuring me of Your presence when I felt lost. Thank You for several opportunities to serve You! Thank You for all You have invested in me. Thank You for more prayer warriors than I will ever know about, and thank You for calling me to participate in Your kingdom. In all I do, may Your name be lifted up; may Your name be blessed; and may Your name be praised. In Christ, Amen.

The Big Weekend

This journey to find a ministry position began for me in October. It's been a long road. I travel to Memphis, TN one more time this weekend, and I will make my decision Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest. I am praying for clarity and peace that only He can provide.

As a part of the interviewing process, one of the churches I am considering had me prepare a vision document for a worship ministry. As it turns out, this document has now been with me all over the country as conversation starters in these interview situations! So, even though I may never serve at a number of the churches I visited, the vision for going deeper in worship has been spread! I discovered that many churches are learning they need a worship minister, but they really do not understand what full-time worship ministry looks like. For that matter, I guess I don't either, but I can dream of ideas from the desires God has placed in my heart, right? :o) Sure!

I've had more fun visiting with elders and preachers about the vision God has placed within me for developing communities that live lives of worship. I can't wait to begin!

Father, once again I dedicate my gifts, my future, my everything into Your hands. I beg You to fill me with Your Spirit this weekend, and I ask that You would reveal a part of Your plan to me. But if the only plan for me You have in mind is to seek You in either place, then I will be true to Your call. I ask Your blessings on the body of Christ where I will lead worship this weekend--may our worship be pleasing and our hearts and lives changed as a result. Thank you for so many dear friends who care for me and pray for me. We know You hear us when we call. And our trust is in You. Thank you for Jesus Christ, Your Son, and our King. Amen.

Finals Week Blues

Finals week is never fun. This one is especially grueling since I'm distracted by so many things that are DEFINATELY more important than these tests. Ah, well. "Just do your best." --wise words from a great Dad!