The theme of my time with God lately could be themed by this question, "Will, will you trust me and me alone?"  For a pastor of nearly a decade, one would think this question should have been answered a long time ago.  I am finding that one of my greatest weaknesses may have been disguised to others as a strength.  Yet this weakness, namely self-confidence, has been ruining me for quite some time.
Lately, God has been making it plain to me that I have place my confidence in myself rather than placing my confidence in him.  I have a quick answer for God every time he asks me this question, "Yes, God I trust you!"  It is not my words that reveal the truth in my heart it is my actions.  My trust, or lack-there-of, is revealed when I respond (or don't respond) to God's commands, challenges, or will for my life.
God has been so patient with me, and lately I have been submitting to his requests because I realize he has the best in mind for me.  I have trusted him with my finances, trust him with my kids, and trusted him with my ministry.  As I have done so, he has proved himself trustworthy every time.  I will give an illustration of the latter.
God has called me to trust him to build the Journey Church.  Not on my skill or ability but on his power and might.  I have trusted him and in the past few weeks we have seen several people give their lives to Jesus, we will launch our small group ministry with more than 70 adults participating, and we have seen over 100 people in worship over the last two weeks.
I have learned a simple lesson:  Trust God's power and humble yourself under his mighty hand.
Will  <><

Okay, I recognize that it has been a while and now no one is going to even read this because I haven't created any interest but her it goes.  I am away this week doing my yearly sermon preparation for 2009.  It has been a fruitful week so far.  I always feel like God meets me here.

I feel like God is beckoning me back to himself in a new way.  I have been searching for direction for life, the church, and my family.  I have sought council from my friends, read contemporary books, and listened to godly men's words of wisdom.  This week I feel like God has asked me the question, "Why do you seek everyone council but you seem to by pass me?"  Ouch.

As I look at my recent life, I have found that I seek out time with men yet I begrudgingly pursue God.  This is a humbling statement and maybe unwise to admit so publicly but maybe my honesty will help others to take a deeper look inside their hearts. 

My goal this year:  Pursue God with vigor.  Pray and expect him to respond.  Love him and expect to loved in return.  Sacrifice and expect him to bless.

Will  <><