In His presence

It has been an awesome last couple of days!  Tim is walking through an amazing book of the Bible, and for me - nothing gets better than when a pastor gets up and just brings the Word!  It has been great.  On top of that, our small group family on Sunday nights has begun to really dive into the heart of Jesus - we have incorporated some worship on Sunday nights, as well as segregated prayer, which I am praying will take us deeper as we are smaller and now gender separate so hopefully we will be able to be more open.  Yesterday, my son and I had a great time learning and playing and just kinda being daddy and son... which makes me think - how often do I just have good Daddy time?  I mean I read and pray a lot, and I am always thinking about God, and talking to him, but when was the last time, I was simply just hanging out with God, my Daddy?

As I thought about this, it occurred to me that He really is making me content in His presence.  I can honestly say that for the first time in my life, I am not waiting for whatever is next!  I seem to find myself always in a hurry to move on to the next thing.  This may be one of the reasons I don't like Disney World - I feel like you pay a bajillion dollars to stand in line and wait!  But, God is refining my character and showing me that to simply enjoy time in Him, is what matters most.  It is not about what I can DO next, it's about being in Him.  As I am learning this, I find myself - wait for it - HAPPY!  I find that my surly, negative, bitter disposition is gone.  While this may not be super apparent from the outside, I can tell you on the inside, I jump for joy all day long.  I tend to be less than animated in my emotions, which is cool that's how God made me, but inside - man, I am so madly in love with Jesus, so consumed with Him and His presence that nothing else matters.

And what is even funnier, is I am finding that as I release my need to DO stuff, God is bringing so much in my path for me to do!!!!!  He is taking me to China, He has raised me up to lead the small groups at South Bay (way unqualified for this, but that means God is gonna have to do it),  my wife and I took a room at the property and turned it into a quiet room, that will hopefully cultivate prayer and intimacy with the Savior.  We are taking people food, we are praying for people, helping build rooms, and really truly whatever God is putting in my path that I can help out with, I try.  God has removed my desire for position, pay, or praise and with that has come so many opportunities to serve the flock!  It is amazing.

One thing I will say, is that I have begun to notice in my life and in many conversations I find myself in, is the prevalence of gossip.  So I am asking for prayer for myself and offering a warning to those who read - watch the words that come out of your mouth.  Are they words that build up and encourage?  Our words have power, our words have meaning, our words reflect the inner nature of our heart.  What do your words and speech say about you?  I am beginning to notice gossip taking place a lot, and I would just encourage you, be slow to speak, weigh your words carefully - and if it is tearing someone down - refrain from saying it!  And I am the chief of sinners in this area, and working diligently to stop.

Praise Jesus for His beautiful bride, may we serve her, love her, and work to better her everyday!  Thank You Jesus, for your church, as imperfect as she is, you love her, cherish her, adore her, and gave your life up for her! 

May we never forget that