Again, I wish to thank you and God for the “formational and spiritual growth leave” during July of this year. On the physical side I got in the habits of a healthy diet and walking. On the social side I balanced paying attention to my family together with time alone. On the mental side I journaled, dreamed, and read five works in the areas of pastoring, preaching, evangelism, and connecting with God. On the spiritual side I continued my Life Journaling (Scripture reading and reflection); and added to that reading Genesis, Matthew and Philippians.
I also did some personal property care such as washing the windows, sealing the driveway, clean and organize our garage, replace kitchen cabinet door knobs, and hang a new light in our dining area.
My leave followed this structure. For the first week I worked at getting my mind off of our work here for such is recommended in order to increase creativity. During that time I read a 100+ page work on the battle of Franklin while visiting the historic markers mentioned such as the Carter House and the McGavock Confederate Cemetery in Franklin. The next two weeks I just read and reflected on where we are and where God may be calling us at AUMC. The last two weeks I began to allow this reflection to be a means of God continuing to reshape me into the husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and leader God is seeking me to become. Such is a continuing work.
All of this is a significant part of what James S. Stewart, a classical Scottish teacher of preachers suggests in his book Heralds of God in his chapter entitled “The Preacher’s Inner Life”. Honestly, I believe this can apply to all who follow Jesus.
· Be utterly dedicated to the work God has set you aside to accomplish. This means that we are to be absorbed by our great God-given task (201).
· Be dedicated to prayer … “for every family, every soul by name” (203).
· Be one marked by humility of heart. Humility comes from the magnitude of the task … anything we achieve is God’s doing (208).
· Be a person of authority. Authority comes from the fact that it is God’s Word, not our own, that we proclaim (213).
· Be one on fire for Christ. When all is said and done the supreme need of the Church is people on fire for Christ Jesus!
Pray that I am on fire for Christ Jesus and I will give the same prayer for you as well.
