10 January 2006

There were two sessions this afternoon – here’s what stood out to me – please forgive me if this is disjointed, as I’m typing it at 11 p.m. after a day that started out at 7 a.m. with that disclaimer out of the way, here we go:

Kim Dirmann co-pastors the Rock Anaheim Foursquare Church with her husband Jerry. They have both been friends of ours for 10+ years. She spoke on 1Samuel 16 – where David was anointed as king – before he killed Goliath, he was chosen by God to eventually assume the role of leadership over God’s people, Israel. Some things that stood out to me:

∑ DON’T BE A JUDGER – Don’t judge people by their outward appearance – Samuel initially did this with David’s brother, Eliab – instead, listen to the Holy Spirit & how He marks & identifies people.

∑ BE FULL OF FAITH – 1Samuel 17:26 – addresses the fear that the armies of Israel had because of Goliath, whereas David was not afraid. His reasoning: he, David, & the rest of the Israelites had a covenant with God (circumcision was the mark of it.) Goliath may have been 9’+, but he had no such covenant. We are to be lead by faith & God’s voice, not merely outward appearance/fear.

∑ JEALOUSY WILL KILL ME: As someone who is heading towards becoming an “older” generation, it’s important for me to be a Samuel & not a Saul when it comes to dealing with blessed, gifted, God-anointed younger individuals. My jealousy at someone else’s blessing can & will be a source of death for what God wants to do in & through me.

∑ I’M ON A MISSION FROM GOD – My job is to walk in the covenant relationship that I have with God – & to intentionally look for people in the “next generation” that I can encourage, shape, bless, etc.

Wayne Cordeiro kicked rear & took names – I love that he cut right to the heart of what it means to live for Christ & to be in ministry – & listed three non-negotiables for people that are wanting to do both.

1. HARD-WORK is required – in order for me to live for my King, I need to live a set apart disciplined life. Devote myself to developing God-given gifts & talents – don’t make light of a seemingly insignificant assignment, gift, or role, as wherever God has placed me is significant for me & to Him. Ecclesiastes 5:13; 1Timothy 4:12

2. HOME-WORK is most important – no ministry success will make up for neglecting my home – spouse, kids, etc. do not sacrifice the family on the altar of supposed “ministry success.” Love my wife as a glory & testimony to God, above all other relationships.

3. HEART-WORK – storing up treasures in heaven is my highest calling – this means focusing on things that will be in heaven: Jesus & people. Throw my heart into who I am, who I am becoming, & that is much more than what I do for a job. I have to get beyond INFORMATION, INSPIRATION, into INCARNATION – living out what God has done, is doing in me. To leave a legacy that is marked by God’s hand on my life.

What I liked best about Wayne Cordeiro’s message is that he didn’t focus on age or use the word “generation” which by the way has been so overused that I just might get nauseous if I hear it again. His words were practical, tested, & focused on the reality that we have a great calling on our lives that requires good choices & a lifetime of participation on our parts.

Lots of good stuff. I’m continuing to have great interactions with Moses. I’m thankful for the discussions we’re able to have, & for our ever-growing friendship. You may not know this because Moses, Noel, & family are familiar to us, but he (& Noel) are rare gems. I know this & am sharing it with you because I am continually reminded of it when I come to stuff like this where there are 700 or so youth pastors that are here that I get to interact with.

Thank You Jesus for Your blessings – keep our eyes & ears open to hear Your voice & Your Spirit’s leading. Thank You for Your peace, Your promises, & Your great love.

I’ll post again when I get the chance.