I had the blessing of meeting with a group of local pastors yesterday. We gather several times per year. There is always something humbling about getting together with folks who are in the trenches with me and listening to what God is doing in other churches and ministries. We often isolate ourselves and begin to think what we see is all there is. But when we remember we are part of something so much bigger than what we see day to day, our load seems to get a little lighter.
I also had the privilege of leading the discussion at our gathering yesterday. We talked about the importance of taking care of ourselves – particularly our own souls. I belie
ve that when I stand before God’s people each week, I will have nothing of value to say if I have not spent time with God the week before. So we started with that idea.
One of the questions I asked the pastors to reflect on (and ask themselves regularly) was “What is the last thing God said to you?” So I ask that question of you – and myself – today.
At first blush, we might shrug the question off with a pious, “God speaks to me everyday through his word.” While that is true, I challenge you to be specific and concrete. What specifically has God said to you lately?
Over the next couple of posts, I will be sharing some things God has been saying to me. And I challenge you to share with me, one thing God has been saying to you lately. You can leave a comment here or just email me with your thoughts. I always love to hear how God is moving in the lives of his people.
Spend some time today searching your heart for the answer to the question.
Be blessed!
as focused on sermon preparation, I heard a loud bump on my window followed by another. I knew what had happened – a bird had flown into the glass. So I got up to inspect the area outside my window expecting to find a bird laying dazed on the roof. Instead, what I found was a bird sitting nonchalantly on my window sill as if it was a normal day in its little life. It seemed fine but it caused me to wonder why the bird had flown into my window – not once but twice.
Today I am in transit back to west Texas for a meeting. I rarely spend the money for a shoeshine but I had a little time in the Houston airport and my shoes looked terrible.
Today, our church is stepping out to show some appreciation for this group. We are moving out of our comfort zone and into the world. We will be blessing the teachers and staff at a local elementary school with lunch. There is no agenda. We don’t want anything out of our efforts. We simply want those on the front lines to know they are loved and appreciated and to offer to come along side them in any way we can bring help and encouragement.
Clay in the Hands 