Preaching

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Back Again . . . Maybe

It has been a while since I have done any writing . . . and even longer since I have written on this particular blog.  My plan is to return to writing on a regular basis — whatever that might mean. 😉

As I thought about this return, I had to consider why it had been so long.  Has God not been teaching me important lessons?  Have I not been listening?  Did I miss the value in what I have learned?  Have I missed the importance of writing down the insights gained no matter what size they appear to me?  Is there no more treasure in this jar of clay worth sharing?

While each of these questions may have some element of truth to them in regard to my not writing, I think the cause is much simpler and more pervasive in its attempt to draw me away from that which is good and right.  A lifestyle of busyness and distraction has been the primary culprit in keeping me from recording and sharing the lessons I have been learning.

It has been nearly 3 years since I have written on this blog and 4 months since I have written elsewhere.  I know that in that time span there are lessons I have forgotten because I did not write them down.  Lessons that I need to be reminded of.  Lessons that others may have benefitted from if I had bothered to share.

Paul wrote to Timothy, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.  Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” (1 Timothy 4:13-14)  As I consider the gift of preaching and teaching, of writing and communicating, that God has given me, I want to be careful that I don’t neglect this gift.  I want to use it for the good and benefit of others that they would grow in their relationship with God through His son, Jesus Christ.

So, my encouragement for you is the same admonition God is placing on my heart — discover and use the gift(s) God has given you!  Do not neglect your gift but use it to invest in others to the glory of God!  Encourage others by using your gift.  Encourage others, including me, to use their gift — reminding them gently if they begin to let the busyness and distractions of life sidetrack them.  God has given us the “one anothers” in our life for both our benefit and theirs!  

Praying that we live our life in such a way that people would see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven!

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Preaching/Teaching Trip

Meramec Springs Cross

The above picture was taken from a scenic overlook at the Meramec Springs Park near St. James, Missouri.  I was able to spend a few days in Missouri with my family this past weekend as I was the mission speaker at the Waynesville First Christian Church in Waynesville, MO.  On Sunday morning, I was able to introduce the mission of Impact Prayer Ministry to the congregation and answer a few questions they had.  I also taught during their Sunday School hour on “A Foundation For Life” and preached a message, “Active Faith”, during the worship service.  They are a gracious congregation seeking to make Christ known in their area and around the world.

As I mentioned, my family was able to join me on this trip so we took a couple of days to enjoy some of the scenery of the Ozark mountains.  On Saturday, we visited Ha Ha Tonka State Park.  The name itself made me want to go check it out and when I read the description of the park, I knew it was a “must see”.  The park contains the shell of a “castle” built on an incredible bluff overlooking the rolling hills of the area.  While that was impressive, the real beauty was the natural features found in the trails and roads through the park.

On Sunday evening, after I had rested from the morning’s work, we went to Meramec Springs Park in nearby St. James.  We were able to enjoy a beautiful evening walk along the waterway flowing from the spring to the river.  A waterway filled with trout and trout fishermen.  There was also an interesting “historic drive” that took us to an incredible overlook of the park and surrounding area.  This park is owned and operated by a private foundation and was a great find.

On the way home, we stopped at the St. Louis Zoo.  Not only was this zoo impressive with its layout and variety of animals, it is free!  We had our membership pass from the Potawatomi Zoo and anticipated a reciprocal agreement that would get us in with the pass, but found out that wasn’t even necessary — it is free admission to everyone.  The main parking lot does cost $10, but there is some limited on street parking that is free if you don’t mind parking a little ways away.

All in all, it was a great trip.  I thoroughly enjoyed our family time together and the walks, hikes, and drives we were able to take.  I loved being able to teach, preach, and meet some of the folks from the Waynesville church.  I pray that my time with them was an encouragement and help to them as it was to me.