O.S. Reflection

I know that my ordination service (O.S.) has been over six months ago, but I still want to say how it impacted me in a huge way.

There were many things that I experienced that morning. One was a feeling of responsibility to lead others as Christ has led me.  Another was a deeper love for the church.  A protection from some of my fears and temptations as I was being tempted weeks leading up to the service. Since then I have not be tempted by it. I know that my sinful nature can rise up at anytime, but His spirit in me has not allowed that to happen.

I greatly appreciated Steve's message on the Ephesians 2. He talked to me about always remembering that we're objects of wrath, identifying Christ is in you, and that he works through you.  I pray that my ministry and life exudes this.

And last but not least it was a huge blessing to have so many great people who have come out to celebrate the day of my public ministry being confirmed. I am the sum of many great people in my life. Those from New Life Church of Christ, New Hope Community Church, Shelby First Church of God, my friends, my co-workers, my classmates and of course my family. You have equipped and shaped me to be the man that I am today.

I want to thank...

New Life for pouring into me - telling me the hard things when I need to hear them, for loving me when I failed them, being my spiritual family through the good and bad, and believing in me enough to send me out to lead others to Christ. [New Life, I feel like my friend Tom Jones feels for his home church.]

New Hope for teaching me how to reach out to people far from God. To step out in faith, and for allowing me to lead them.

Shelby First Church of God for allowing me time to develop as a leader, a teacher and a human being.

Those of you who support me as I ventured off to plant a church for God's Glory more than two years ago. Your faith to see God work through me astounds me more than you will ever know.

My family for loving me, and always wanting the best for me.  For keeping me close enough to the church to change my life and leaving me enough in the world to impact it.  For truly teaching me what love.

My bride for showing me what love really is, for teaching me to be a better man everyday, and for supporting me. For being my strength when I have none, and my companion through it all. I am nothing without you.

My daughter for giving me a glimpse of what it is to love like the Father.

My Lord for his grace, mercy, justice and peace.  His love, His righteousness, and His Glory!  For chasing after me when I have left him, and him pulling me close when I draw near.