Journey through Time

WOW! where have I been? I looked at this blogspot and recognized that 24 days have passed. Even after I committed to keep this up-to-date with weekly entries it has not been the case. The strange thing is only I have myself to hold accountable and this task suffers. Reading, sermon preparation, friendships, family, ministry, meetings, church, school, etc. ...I could go on and on with interruptions of best intentions but I will not!

I've served on a Kairos Prison Ministry team @ Marion Correctional Institution this month and as always was blessed by my participation (three first time commitments to Christ & the team of Christian brothers & sisters that facilitate the weekend). Each time of service in the Emmaus or Kairos community I encounter God in new ways that deepen my relationship with Christ as I learn more about Him as well as gaining increased knowledge of self that allows greater surrender and availability to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to work through me to the glory of God. I also attended the WOC Cross-Cultural Retreat and heard the witness and testimony of those who easily could retreat from the front line but have stayed the course, many times in less than favorable circumstances...The road may be rough but with a faithful God the journey is worth the toil in the vineyard...Be encouraged was the message! These men and women who have weathered the racial and cultural difficulties that one can find in ministry join my cloud of witnesses.

We are entering the season of Advent and I with many echo the words...Come Lord Jesus, Come

New Start with God

My Lord, You have mercifully exchanged Jesus for me. I now walk in His identity, His power, His will, His resurrection and life. May I live worthy of that calling, praying His prayers, seeking His possessions, desiring His desires, dreaming His dreams, doing His work. I’m a fellow heir of Your Kingdom, and I don’t want to waste the privilege. Please give me Your wisdom. Please plant your desires deep within me. Let me see Jesus’ miracles, His power, His compassion. Yes, I know I will also feel His cross. But I gladly will, if I can only experience His life. Please let me live as Jesus in this world. Please. Amen (from Walk with God by Tiegreen, p305)