CUP FILLERS WANTED!

 

Favorite Scriptures Day #7

I finished up my ORDINATION meetings this week. Three years, six courses, thirty cluster meetings, sixteen Theological Statements,  countless interviews, three credentials committee meetings, and a "boat load" of reading and research has led me to one FINAL CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE MEETING in August and I am anticipating ORDINATION in October. 

The experience has been wonderful for a guy that loves to read, learn, and talk JESUS! Throughout both the ORDINATION JOURNEY and my MASTERS PROGRAM at IWU, it was encouraged to have some MENTORS along the way. That might be one of the most valuable parts of the entire journey. As someone who has been heavily involved in ministry in the last half of my life, having people that POUR INTO YOU is so CRUCIAL. 

Pardon my boldness, but being in ministry can have a tendency to SUCK THE LIFE OUT OF YOU! When God calls you to shepherd a flock it can be draining. You are constantly giving, giving, giving, and then you give some more. Having people you trust to FILL YOUR CUP is like taking vitamin supplements, it helps with your energy and it helps with your mental and spiritual well-being. 

I can't begin to list the people who have done FILLED MY CUP over the years. Of course my wife is the PRIME CUP FILLER! But, Dave Long, has been a great mentor for me. Phil Brown, Steve Roscoe, and Mike Stark have been great friends who have poured into me. My pastor, Stuart Kruse, has been another key life-giver. Recently, Mickey Foley, Jeff Matas, Mason Snider, Trevor Maggart, have all been great people to talk to and pick their brains. Being new to NEW CASTLE area, I am already building a list of people I trust as advisors and I am sure those relationships will grow. 

My mentors, advisors, friends, companions in ministry, are so important keeping me focused on the goal. Sharing the Love of JESUS can be a battle. Yes, I KNOW JESUS is always there and relying on our SAVIOR and the HOLY SPIRIT is primary. But Jesus also speaks to us through people and if you are walking that journey alone it is NOT easy. Reading Psalm 101 today, reminded me of that need.

"I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs. I will be careful to live a blameless life -- when will you come to help me?

I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.

I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me. I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence. My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip." (Psalm 101, NLT, emphasis added)

I am so thankful for the people the Lord has placed in my path as advisors, friends, and guides. I praise the Lord for how he speaks to me through these people and will forever be grateful for their words of thrith and their encouragement. May I do the same thing for others!