“You will not leave where you are until you decide where you would rather be.”  As I sat praying and studying from a devotional resource, these words jumped off the page at me.  I thought, “Where would I rather be?”  Then a flood of other related questions came to me.

As I pondered this flood of questions, I began to realize that it was not so much where I wanted to be, but “what” I would rather be.  Where seemed to fade in importance as I pondered the “what”.  “I want to be more effective in ministry, and I want to show other people the way to experiencing the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit.  I want to see people changed from sinners into saints by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Thinking further about these aspirations, I realized I needed help.  Yes, the help of the Holy Spirit, but the help of other people too.  I began more intensive study of the Scriptures, I read the Bible ravenously, and I began to take opportunities to share the truth of the Gospel. 

My pastor noticed my excitement and encouraged me to become a Certified Lay-Speaker.  The training dates and schedules were obtained and I signed up for the class.  A few weeks later, I received my certificate, and pastors began to call, making arrangements to be gone for vacation, skiing trips with youth, and other absences.

The second year, the District Superintendent asked me to help with a church which was without a pastor.  On alternating Sundays, I traveled to the little country church and brought a message from God’s Word.  Over the course of several months, I began to understand what it might be like to be a full-time pastor/minister.

I initiated a discussion with my pastor on the subject, and we began some discussion on entering professional ministry.  Within a year, I was firmly on the path to becoming a full-time pastor; candidacy, undergraduate degree, course of study, and eventually seminary.  Later came licensing and ordination.

My journey of faith has taken me through many churches, numerous capacities, and innumerable opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Before hearing God’s call into ministry, I served in six congregation as a lay person, and worked on three different mission trips with youth and adults.  Since entering the ministry, I have served as pastor to thirteen different congregations, and in four denominations. I have visited house-to-house, been on live television, been written about in the newspaper, and have been on the radio, all proclaiming the Name of Jesus.

As a story-teller, I have been published in one booklet, and a few newspaper articles.  Additionally, I have served on several boards for regional and community based agencies in several places, I have been involved with numerous and varied study groups, and I have coached youth softball, baseball, and basketball.

Where did the inspiration to continue in these many paths come from?  Proverbs 3:6 states, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”  For over forty years, I have tried to let God direct my path, and He has rewarded me with Lexie and the family, and with an extraordinary journey.  I am completely amazed when I think of where God has brought me from, and I can only imagine where He is guiding me toward.

Has your journey with Christ Jesus been one of discovery and amazement at what God has done?  I hope it has been, and I pray it will continue to be as exciting, fulfilling, and awe-inspiring as the one God has given to me.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:6-8).”  In other words, if we look for the good in our worship, in each other, in our fellowship family, and in the world around us; and if we continually seek to follow the calling God has placed upon each of us as individuals, as a congregation, and as part of the family of God; God will bless us with many blessings, and pour out upon us amazing gifts of love through Christ Jesus.

In His grace and peace,