Wow this has been cool! Recently because of this blog and our website I have received emails from a couple of old friends from college and also from my two summers in Ocean City N.J. in 1994 & 1995. Man that brings back a lot of memories. I spent 3 months living in the same house with 90 other college students! Our focus was on personal discipleship, evangelism, and leadership development. God moved in my life in ways that I cannot describe in just a few moments or even on paper. We built friendships and relationships and connected in a deep way that will last beyond any length of time. We saw God conquer giants in our life and felt His pursuit in our hearts. I will NEVER forget those two summers. So much of who I am today, what I believe, and my passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ was kindled afresh in those two summers. I learned how to share my faith in Jesus Christ with courage. I learned how to lead a Bible study with conviction. I also learned that I have a lot of growing up to do. My prayer today is that I have honored those summers, my friends, the leaders, and God; with who I have become today.
It is so good to be able to look back in life and remember the work that God has done in our life. God uses our past to remind us of who He wants to mold us to become in the future. Sometimes I forget that work He has done. Sometimes it is easy to forget His faithfulness. Often times it is easy to become dulled or numbed to His ever working presence over time. It fills my spirit to just think about those days and it gives me a renewed sense of strength to know that all 180 friends I made those summers still today would have my back and pray for me. In Hebrews it tells us we have a cloud of witnesses that cheer us on to the finish line of life. So often the journey wears us down, we become disillusioned, or just forget the capabilities of God's incredible touch. Today I am reminded of His ever loving presence and His passionate commitment to my life. Lord may my commitment to you someday be as strong and pure as your commitment to me!
How about you? Where have you seen God work in your past? How can looking back on that moment, good or bad, spur us on today into our future. What reminders does He have for you that can renew your spiritual endurance and cause you to once again be filled with his passionate love. My prayer for you today is that in some way God brings out voices from the past that will encourage you to keep up the fight, to keep running the race, to finish the course of life God has laid before you. There are so many people we have forgotten about that would still have our back today and are cheering for us. I pray somehow, in someway you feel that touch as I have felt in these last few days. To my O. C. friends...I love you guys and my prayers are with you. You will always hold a dear place in my heart and will continue to do work on my soul. Blessings, Your Dreaming Pastor
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2 comments:
Nice to hear from you, John. I have enjoyed catching up with OC people on facebook. Tom P
You're right, John. I do have your back. It's strange how people come in and out of our lives. Since I've read your blog, I've been praying for you and your family. May you continue to conquer your giants through God's strength!
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