The stain in the fabric..

Now that I have been here O'Fallon for over four months, the newness has officially worn off; I don't get lost driving around quite as much anymore and I can get to places other than just taco bell, church, and my apartment without using sal (my GPS). I am settled in, no longer the "new" guy @ church, although still pretty fresh, its' nice to not have that monicar anymore. I am very thankful for my church family, there have been families on staff and in the congregation that have taken a vested interest in me. Ministry is for the Lord and all about the people, it sure is nice to be blessed with some new friends in this journey. A couple weeks ago I went to the Catalyst Leadership conference in Atlanta, and got to go with my dad, that was such a cool experience. It is so cool to be in ministry and the same specific area of ministry that pops is. There, I heard some great speakers and theologians and was able to take some good stuff away that I would like to use in my own ministry and apply to my personal life. We seems to always want more and more and we want it "now"! Andy Stanley talked about controlling our appetites in ministry.. wait for God's timing. God is teaching me humility, patience, and trust. He knows what's best and when it needs to happen, who am I to challenge or doubt that?!? Which is indeed what I am doing when I question His timing or long for better days. We must learn to be content in any and every situation; CONTENT. Every moment we go through, and situation we work through is meant to make us stronger, to draw us closer, and make our ears more in tune to the still, small leading of God's voice. John 15:5 tells us that apart from God, we can do "nothing"... seems pretty simple; we must first follow God, trust God, then through Him, with Him, and because of Him, we can accomplish things. Rob just told me a quote recently, that I have not forgotten and try to apply as a guideline to my part in ministry. The late Count Zinzindorf said, "Preach the gospel, die and be forgotten" WOW... that is what ministry is all about, its not about me, my desires, my dreams, and desires, my career aspirations or even my day to day happiness... its about God and his word and empowering others with the gospel. Let's remember that in our lives, we are all in a from of ministry, what does yours look like? Let's help people forget us and remember the cross.
Until next time...