Perspective

I think I've beat on the accountability drum so much that I've made you guys deaf. If you guys know me, you know how much I desire for all of you to surround yourself with Godly individuals. These are people who will not only correct you when you sin but will help you keep things in the correct perspective.

First, I want to talk about my day.

Shepherds' Conference was refreshing. The bookstore, like last year, was boomin. Books everywhere! And at a pretty good price too. But aside from the books, the highlight of the night was the fellowship and the preaching. I was able to meet Zach and Thomas' bible study group today at Grace Community Church. They came over to fellowship with us, and it was great to finally meet and minister to them even if it was for a short time.

Macarthur preached tonight. He went to Mark 11 where Christ curses the fig tree and goes to the temple. I wasn't sure how he was going to tie this in with ministry, but J-Mac sure brought the application out clearly, and we all went "Ahhh I see it now." I feel the weight of ministry, and I understand how much God cares about genuine worship.

As I rolled into Bong's driveway, we ended up talking for quite some time. When instances like this happen, I cry out to Lord with full appreciation of the men he has surrounded me with. We were able to discuss the things of the Lord in such a manner that really helped me to appreciate what God has given me. I won't reveal specifics, but I can tell you that the topics and the content of our conversation was sobering and refreshing. Sometimes you need older brothers/sisters to help you keep it all into the right perspective. It is SO easy to have a point of a view that is just mistaken and then rationalize your position. When you have people that love and care about you enough to share their wisdom, you cherish it more than the greatest riches of the planet.

Decisions aren't clear sometimes. Ministry is difficult. People are difficult.

But having someone that pours their life into you helps you in these confusing times. Yes, decisions are still hard to make, and these people may have just made it harder for you. But these people help remind you that sometimes the difficult road is the road to pleasing the Savior. And they care and love you enough to tell you the truth.

I have been infinitely blessed to be surrounded by brothers that will tell it to me straight. If you are a believer today and you have no one like that in your life, I urge you to find someone who will be like that to you.

You cannot run the race lone-ranger-style. You need to be with people that will steer you in the right direction. Too many friends influence us in making decisions full of error. We need to be with the right people who put us on the right track.

I'm done. Sorry I didn't revise this one. Forgive the errors, but I just wanted to talk about my day and what I've been meditating upon. Thanks Bong, for teaching and modeling it. We need more men and women who are bold enough to live out their convictions.

There are too many wimps out there care so much about reputation that they don't want to do what is difficult. Specifically, living a life of integrity and holiness.

Let's be that generation that models this life for the next generation. That would be the best discipleship: the example of a life that pleases God and not man.