This Is What You Must Do To Have An Effective Ministry

Romans 12:2 Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God’s will, what is good, pleasing and perfect.

About a year ago I was praying one day and got a sentence pretty clear. 

This is what you must do to have an effective ministry.

 Being a fairly normal man, I blew it off. The next day I was praying again and same thing.

This is what you must do to have an effective ministry.

Now, it is curious. But still I kind of blow it off. Third day I decide to pray again.

This is what you must do to have an effective ministry.

Now, I think this is really cool. God's thinks I have a ministry. But what is that ministry? it doesn't really matter what it is just that fact that I have one is comforting. I guess we all have one but it is nice to hear.

But what is, this, that I must do? I spent a few day meditating and praying on this one. It dawned on me that I had been having a feeling that I needed to be forming myself more, I needed to be more knowledgeable of my faith. 

A few days later I found out that the time for applying to the diaconate was now. Well, that would certainly help me become more knowledgeable. And, I had considered becoming a deacon off and on for many years. So, the time seemed right, I applied, was accepted and have now started the formation process.

Please pray for me that I may know what is God's will for my life. I will also pray for you to know God's will in your lives.

We're Not In Kansas Anymore!

So, let's get the New Year reflection post out of the way.  Last year was a heck of a year, full of many twists and turns. It was definitely quite a tornado of events.

I submitted my application for the diaconate. It is a long and tedious process(probably needs to be that way). But I got through it all and have been accepted into the formation process. I know God's is walking with me on this one and I will be OK no matter what happens. I will have formation classes every other Saturday for the next 5 years or so. Pray for me.

I submitted myself to getting in shape. I started a plan to live healthier and lose weight in April. I started running in June. I have run a few races and plan to run a half marathon eventually. I have lost about 30 pounds and feel great expect for a few aches and pains resulting from old injuries. I am now lighter than I was in high school. Crazy!

I started a new job right before the end of the year and I love it. Truly believe that God brought me to this company at this time.

I became a grandfather(relatively young grandfather). Being a grandparent is probably one of the best things ever. I only wish I got to see him more. My grandson was born on Memorial Day. We all drove to Dallas that day to see him.

Fish Anyone?

In the previous post, I talked about the interview for the diaconate and it did go well. At least from my standpoint, it was a pleasant meeting. What I didn't talk about in that short update were events that led up to that interview. 

In the days that led up to the interview many thoughts had gone through my head. One of the interesting thoughts was a feeling of doubt and unworthiness. I remember thinking multiple times that all I would have to do is tank the interview and I can go on with my life the way it is. Easy enough right?

Well, my wife and I read the daily readings of the church everyday. The first 3 days of that week were readings from Jonah. The first day I thought it was funny. The second day it got my attention. The third day I said, "OK, God. I get it. I tank interview, I spend 3 days in belly of a whale". I always get just what I need, just when I need it. This happens so often that it shouldn't even really surprise me. 

I know that when I start moving in a direction that is contrary to God's will, he will put some signs out there to get us back on track and our lives will have a lot more peace. I have another great example of this that I will share at a later time.

Quick Update

Well, today was my interview for the diaconate. It was not scary at all. Pretty strange day though. I had to leave town right after the interview for work. I was asked to make an emergency trip to fill in for someone. 

Anyway, I met with 3 deacons for about an hour and a half. We had a great discussion. I was very peaceful throughout the whole thing. I know that whatever the outcome, Gods will be done.

More to come later.