Sorry for slacking off on my blogging the last few days. Mandy, Trae and I made a whirlwind trip through Texas and just returned home in time for Bible study this evening.
On Monday, we watched the Rangers/Yankees 11-10 marathon. It was the longest nine inning game I have ever sat through (I actually caught Mandy dozing off a time or two). The Ranger bullpen was up-to-par, blowing a one run lead in the 8th.
On Tuesday, we drove down to Marble Falls to secure some temporary quarters during the construction of our new home. We enjoyed dinner on Tuesday evening with the Stanglins and Burdetts -- two great Christian families with a slew of girls in tow. Something tells me my two girls are going to have plenty of girlfriends to pal around with in our new church family.
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This trip was originally planned as a two-day working sabbatical -- the upcoming move changed the original purpose of the trip -- to prepare for the Tahoe Family Encampment.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to deliver the Sunday morning keynote message to kickoff the encampment. Evidently, Paul Methvin was hurting for speakers this year!
The theme this year is "In Times Like These...Jesus Says, 'Come Unto Me.'" I am excited about sharing a message that will encapsulate the theme and provide a framework for the balance of the encampment.
It is always a blast and a blessing to be with so many dear Christian friends on the West Coast. Over the last three years, Tahoe has become one of my favorite appointments during the year because of the warmth and encouragement of so many dear, godly people who love Jesus. Trae will be joining me on the trip this year and we can't wait to get on that big bird Saturday morning and fly west.
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Sometimes, it's so easy to get tunnel vision because of the events and activities of our local congregations. I just want to encourage you to keep in mind that the kingdom is bigger than the individual outposts of the kingdom, i.e. local congregations. God's agenda in this world is so much larger than my dreams and my ambitions on a local level. Sure, I do all I can to be the hands and feet of Jesus where I live, but the right now Jesus is doing so many great things in so many places that are worthy of my honor and attention.
For example, tonight an Army soldier on leave from his duties in Iraq was baptized into Jesus. It was such a moving moment to witness the joy of his parents. It was touching to see his eyes moisten as he shared of the forthcoming challenges to keep the faith in the face of war and temptation. Surely God has been moving in his heart for a long time, in a far-away place.
My prayer is that God will give us eyes sensitive enough to see His kingdom work around us. That He will give us feet ready to run and join Him in His kingdom work in this world -- whether it is in my comfortable locale or not.
