Are we preparing our Joshua and Caleb?

The last couple of days have been busy and stormy in Indianapolis. I planned to submit this post on Monday night, but ironically the "Prepare for Rain" pastor's conference drew such a physical storm from the Heavens that it knocked out the power in the hotel so I lost my network connection. It was honestly a hair-raising experience.

I just wanted to spend a few words and reiterate something that was said on Monday that is dear to my heart. Again, I heard the messages of three men of God who are so commited and engaged in the work of the Heavenly Father. The last pastor, Dr. Jay Strack, spoke about Moses, and I want to share his insights that he delivered to those at the conference. Dr. Strack asked how would Moses mentor the Millennial generation. We find evidence in Exodus 17:8-16 that Moses started early. Moses did not wait until he realized that he would not enter the promised land to train a successor. This evidence in the early part of Exodus shows that he spent many years mentoring Joshua and Caleb. Moses got it. It was not about Moses, it was about passing the torch to the next generation. To quote Dr. Strack, "Success without Successors is no success at all." The problem that we find later on in the text is that Joshua was a great leader of Israel, but he did not raise up a successor and we see the failures of the people of Israel under the Judges.

We have to realize that it is not about us. It is not about our comfort. It is not about maintaining. We need to continuously be searching out our Joshua's and Caleb's to carry on the torch of Truth. I am so thankful for those heroes of faith who trained me and encouraged me as I grew. I am also fortunate now to be in a position of leadership. I am thankful that someone saw the Joshua and Caleb traits in me. It is my prayer that as I continue to grow in my faith that I will constantly be on the lookout for those Joshua's and Caleb's in my journey. Dr. Strack made one more clear but interesting point on Monday night. He said, "In 100 years not a single one of us would still be here. In 1000 years none of the buildings around us would exist." Sounds pretty real when we think about it in those terms. Pray that God would show you the Joshua and Caleb in your journey and decide to invest your time and encouragement in those people.

2008 SBC Pastor's Conference first expierience

I have just returned to the hotel from the first session of the 2008 Southern Baptist Convention Pastor's Conference. I am fortunate enough to be in Indianapolis for my primary job during the convention. I made plans to spend today at the convention center and I was able to sit through a screening of the new movie "Fireproof" produced by the same church that produced the movie "Facing the Giants," Sherwood Baptist Church of Albany, Ga. I also attended the first session of the Pastor's Conference entitled "Prepare for Rain" also sponsored by Sherwood Baptist Church.

This was my first experience at the Southern Baptist convention and if I can be honest, my spirit has not felt this way in some time. It is a joy to see a people come together and worship the one true God in a place such as this. My soul worshipped as I witnessed wonderful music and Divine messages from three Godly men; Dr. Johnny Hunt, Dr. Daniel Simmons, and Dr. Tom Elliff. My prayer is that my heart may begin to experience revival and be prepared for that time when God himself chooses to send that revival our way. We are in such desperate need of revival Lord!

I will not have the opportunity to experience much more of the convention and conference, but I do hope to witness more of it this week. I will post again if I get the opportunity. I am looking forward to returning home to share the passion and spirit that this convention has placed within my heart so far.

Hotel for Saints, or a Hospital for Sinners?

I heard this comment at a conference I went to not very long ago and I haven't been able to forget it since. I have not submitted a post for a while because this statement has really been working on me. Eddie Hammet deserves the credit for this statement. I am not sure he made up the statement or was just passing it on, but I want to make sure he gets the credit in this case.

The first part of this question rings true in many churches today even though most committed church members would like to not think so. We naturally find ourselves creating the space and atmosphere that agrees most with our personality. We take great pains to surround ourselves with those who are like minded and those things that make us most comfortable. All the while thinking that the things we are doing may be acceptable to others in the same way they are in our minds. I understand and agree that churches should do everything they can to provide a safe, clean, and inviting atmosphere for all who choose to participate in the church. All that being said, I think the focus of the church is and always was meant to be a place focused on spiritual healing.

Even though I am in a leadership position in the church now, I come because I need spiritual healing. I need healing on a daily basis and I am thankful to the Good Lord who forgives me, all my sins. I still need a regular dose of encouragement and sharing with others who have an interest in me and share a desire for healing. Sometimes when I find myself in front of a group explaining a spiritual truth God speaks to me so clearly and steps on my toes as well as those who are hearing. We all need to keep in mind that we need help through this journey of life. What better place to get help than from a hospital. Spend some time after you read this thinking how you can actively participate in converting the Hotel to a Hospital. Now go and do what you feel is right. Even the most successful churches can always improve on this.