Broader Horizons

I don't know how else to say it except to say that the last year and a half have been life changing for me. For a person who naturally likes order and routine, being forced to change in so many ways has been so good for me. I've grown spiritually so much in that time frame (maybe more in breadth than depth). I think that some times we get so used to our normal and we focus on growing in areas of strength or comfort more than growing by letting God push us into new and different things.

Before, I was in a place where I was getting opportunity to preach 3-4 times a year at my home church. Since then I've preached once. I didn't feel like that ministry was over, but I was in a time of personal stretching and growing in different areas. When we were without a pastor I spoke a few times to fill in. And really, God has been using me in different ways, so I haven't really had the desire to preach. Just been focusing on different things. I am not complaining at all, and really didn't feel like the opportunity was over, but just that I was in a different season.

So I have a couple of potential preaching opportunities coming up and I've started asking God to lead my study as I prepare. I asked God to show me what "they" (whoever that may be) need to hear and God has just started speaking like he never stopped. I'm not saying that God hasn't been speaking, but I've been kinda in a self learning/growing mode and God has been speaking to me personally but not really for others. When I was preaching more, I would constantly be putting sermons together (at least in pieces) waiting for the opportunity. I kind of wondered if God would still choose to speak to me for that purpose and I'm convinced the answer is a loud YES. It's truly an amazing honor that he would choose me.

So I'm excited to see what God's going to do. In areas where I thought he was done or had moved me on, I guess he's just expanding my horizons. Praise God! Lord, whatever you want, where ever you lead, I will follow.

Practical Faith

The past couple of weeks have been a little different for me. God has showed me some of his plans for me (not the details, cause that would be way too simple). So I've been praying for guidance and He has provided.

I've been asking God for next steps and he's basically given me a "to-do list." Just a few things at a time to do and as I obey him, he gives me a few more. I have 2 things on my list right now.

Although it almost seems too simple, I'm starting to think that's how it's supposed to be. Sometimes we overcomplicate things. Our faith is so theological and idealistic sometimes that it requires almost perfect circumstances to feel successful or good about. I don't know, just thinking out loud. Kinda like Jesus told us to become like little children. Here it and do it. And the more we hear and do the more he can ask us to do. It's baby steps to the big stuff.

Now, I'm not at all saying that any of the things God is asking me to even makes sense in line with what I know is the bigger plan, but if I just hear and obey, hear and obey, the pieces of the puzzle will fit together eventually. And in the process I'll become better at obeying and it'll become easier to trust God with the big stuff.

So I challenge you: Ask God for a to-do list and see what he'll do. But you have to listen for directions, and be willing to obey when he speaks.