As I have said before, so much of what happens in seminary (so far anyway) is SO academic that the Gospel (as I know it gets lost). Let me clarify...The Gospel and the Great Commission are everywhere. People and groups are constantly doing the work of Jesus. The number of people actively involved in meeting needs and working for Social Justice is unbelievable. However, sometimes I just need to hear His name.
The music and worship time was anointed in a way that Jesus, was at the center. Tears projected out of my eyes as I remember the REAL REASON I am here. Pastor Lynice Pinkered is the pastor and what an anointed spirit she is. Her message was entitled...OUTSOURCING OUR DISCIPLESHIP. Pastor Pinkered is leaving for a three month sabbatical in October. Her thoughts....(I paraphrase)... "you people rely too much on me for your discipleship!" Her charge to the church was to notice how much they are not doing in their own spiritual life because they paying her to do it for them. WOW! How many people in all churches, especially Mainline Protestant churches, live their life in much the same way.
For me, the message was this... "You are not in seminary to just learn facts, theories, and theology...You are here to become a true discipleship. Get off your ass and read My word! Get off your ass and cultivate "our" relationship. I Love you, Greg and I want you to get the education, but never forget that it is always more important for you to know me. I will help you get through the facts. I will be there to help you sort out the theories. I will lead you in discovering "right" theology. BUT how will you hear ME when I talk? How will you recognize my leading? How will you be able to discern what I want you to teach others about me and my mission? How will you know that it is OUR mission? I need you to continue to know ME."
Okay..enough about me.
I challenge all of my readers today to, "Get off your ass." Cultivate Jesus in your life. You want to be ready when He calls. You want to be ready when He leads. You want to be able to hear His voice.
May you have a blessed day....For those of you I offended by saying, "Get off your ass" I am sorry...but sometimes the truth comes in a variety of ways...That phrase speaks to me of urgency and God's desire for my life.
Blessings and GOA!
You put tears in my eyes, too.Just reading this, the Spirit came to me and I feel so humble.
ReplyDeleteI never was on the Oakland side of the bay except for crossing the San Mateo bridge and going on that terrible freeway on my way to Berkeley.I had to go thru the Caldicott tunnel and then a quick right turn and it took me to the top of the mountain . I'll never forget the hard work up there or the beautiful view. Wish I was there to show you around to some of the sights. In the meantime....Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Love, Mary
Nicely put, my friend! Even when you get naughty with the language! Ha!
ReplyDeleteI am learning so much from your journey! Keep it going! Keep listening... and keep inspiring us all to get off our asses!
Love you!
Greg, your messages ring in my heart, as God intends them to. Thank you for taking us with you on your journey...clearly HIS love shines when you share.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings...and can't wait to see you!
I've prayed and thought about this for days....and since you have never met me, perhaps I don't have the right to say this, but...well...where in the Bible is God called she??? Please give me a Scripture. Above all else we must stay true to God's Word. Enjoying reading of your journey - hope I haven't offended you. Karen Beck
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