I am a blessed man.  When I was a young man I could have never written a story like the one I live.  My wife and children are amazing.  I wish I could freeze time to enjoy these days a little more.  My prayer is that I would be the man they need me to be.

My life passage, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, sums up my thoughts concerning ministry.  I am so grateful that God calls me faithful even when I wasn’t faithful.  My prayer is that I would be the man that Jesus died for me to be.

1 Timothy 1: 12-17 “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. ¹³Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus ¹⁵Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

When I came to Christ I was added to the Every Nation family.  One of our values is spiritual family, meaning, that the church is a family and the call to follow Jesus is not a call to isolation, but a call to family.  One of the greatest joys of my life thus far has been my EN family.  I am constantly amazed as I travel internationally that I have family from every tribe, every tongue, and every nation!  In this family I have fathers and grandfathers (thank you), brothers and sisters (we can do it), and sons and daughters (we need you). I am so proud of my spiritual family!  My prayer is that I would be the leader in this family that God has called me and Every Nation has equipped me to be.

Finally, I realize that at this point in my life there is so much more to do.  I am convinced I need to be a more aggressive learner.  I am committed to surrender all I am to become a passionate follower of Jesus. I am compelled to fulfill the mission to honor God by planting Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, socially-responsible churches and campus ministries in every nation. My prayer is that not only will I be sinless, but selfless – here I am Lord, send me!

Happy Birthday to me and my August 4th friends!

Tweet This Post