Faithful To The Lord

 

The Lord used a good number of events in my life to orchestrate who I’ve become even today. I remember in 3^rd Grade (Mrs. Blades class) wanting to be a preacher. I may have waffled once to being a policeman or fireman.

I remember preaching my first sermon at the age of 14.

I remember a deeply personal encounter with the Lord where my faith became my own.

I remember feeling called to be a student pastor instead of the lead pastor. (I had always thought I was supposed to be a preacher at a church like I grew up in.)

I remember when the Lord called me to build a youth ministry at a church that didn’t have one.

I remember when He moved me to a church who had a youth ministry that was in dire straights and the Lord used me and my gifts to bring that ministry back to life.

I remember the painful demise of my marriage of 11 years and three beautiful children.

I remember God making something beautiful come out of something so painful.

I remember a son being born when the odds were stacked against that.

I remember asking the Lord what is after student ministry.

I remember studying for my real estate exam.

I remember feeling released by the Lord from the responsibilities of a ministry.

I remember holding on to the Lord as He healed me from deep spiritual pain.

I remember holding on to the Lord when I was trying to start a new career in real estate.

I remember connecting with Him at the church we now call home – Southern Hills Christian Church.

I remember exploring the idea of four families adopting 5 kids from Nicaragua.

I remember the Lord moving mountains time after time for that miracle adoption to happen within 9 months.

I remember meeting a man who had been in real estate 4 times longer than me and the conversations led to a merger and the building of an incredible real estate company.

I’m not sure when I started my daily journey with the Lord in the early morning and writing my thoughts about what I read. I just know that He speaks to me each day that I listen. I started the prophet Nahum’s book this morning and the prophet comes out speaking truth about the Lord. Check this out…

7 The Lord is good,

    a refuge in times of trouble.

He cares for those who trust in him,

8     but with an overwhelming flood

he will make an end of Nineveh;

    he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.

15 Look, there on the mountains,

    the feet of one who brings good news,

    who proclaims peace!

Celebrate your festivals, Judah,

    and fulfill your vows.

No more will the wicked invade you;

    they will be completely destroyed. (Nahum 1:7-8,15 NIV)

I’ve learned in my journey to trust the Lord.

I’ve learned in my journey to deeply respect and revere the Lord.

I’ve learned in my journey that the Lord is gentle.

I’ve learned in my journey that the Lord is just.

I’ve learned in my journey that the Lord forgives my sin and my stupidity.

I’ve learned in my journey that the Lord is full of grace – I’ve needed it often.

I’ve learned in my journey that the Lord created all that I see and know and He is ultimately in charge of it all.

I’ve learned in my journey that I’m simply the manager of what the Lord has entrusted to me.

I want to be faithful to Him until the last breath I breathe. He has and always will be faithful to me – after all – I’m His kid.

Pressing On!

Dwayne