Letters of Recommendation!

 

I went through an amazing process over the past couple of months that culminated this weekend being approved as the Pastor at South Memorial Drive Church of God in New Castle, Indiana. I would say, for the most part, the process was fun for me. But, the part I did NOT like was the focus on ME. It is always uncomfortable putting a resume together. The entire process of interviewing, resumes, and meeting people who will determine your future seems so narcissistic. If there is anything I have learned in life it is one thing. LIFE IS NOT ABOUT ME! Sadly, the last two and a half months seem like they have been about me. I’m NOT that great. But, MY GOD IS AMAZING and watching him work through me is amazing. 

When I put a resume together or when I talk about my life and the years of ministry, I have to constantly remind people and even myself sometimes that it is not what I have done or am going to do, it is about what Christ has done, is doing, and will do THROUGH me. I am constantly amazed he is able to use this broken vessel for his glory. 

As I was reading 2 Corinthians 3 this morning, I got the sense Paul was saying the exact same thing. 

“Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! The only letters of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:1-3)

At the same time I was preaching this weekend at SMD, a “letter of recommendation” was being written at another church in Huntington Indiana. MANY of the ladies we have been ministering to were baptized. Yes, Stephanie and I are excited that God has chosen us for this new adventure, BUT WOW! Those ladies from Grace & Mercy and Hannah’s house, THEY are the real reason we do what we do. AND then to realize it is God using THIS weak and flawed person, THAT IS A MIRACLE!

What about YOU? What is YOUR RESUME? If you were to ask people for a “letter of recommendation” how you have led them on their journey with the Lord, how many would you have? I know Stephanie and I only had a small part in the journey of these lovely ladies, but we can take some pride that we were allowed to be a part of their lives sharing the word of God!

Thank you Ladies! You are a blessing and we ask you pass that precious gift of salvation to others as you continue your journey with the Lord!