On June 20^th I began an eight week long journey known as a sabbatical. During my time away from every day ministry responsibilities, I was able to relax, reflect and most importantly renew. God met me and ministered to me many times during those weeks. He reminded me of who He is and who I am because of Him. I can’t say that my entire eight weeks away was a day in and day out experience of basking in the glory of God. There was work that God needed to do deep within me. Intense periods of my sanctification (becoming Christ like) that were hard, but necessary. He reminded me of His great unconditional love for me. I was able to reflect upon His goodness and grace toward me. Due to the nature and pressures of ministry it was good to be reminded of God’s calling in my life. It is my greatest desire to serve Him well. I want to be faithful and available to Him and for Him. I am learning more and more just how insignificant I am and how significant God is. I NEED HIM! He is my all in all. I often will say “it is my desire for God to be glorified in and through my life.” That requires brokenness, humility, desperation for God, a hunger and thirst for Him alone. If I really want His will over mine, then I must deny myself, take up my cross and be willing to follow Him (Luke 9:23). He revealed to me some deficient areas of my life. Some areas that I had accepted as routine and therefore was blinded to the negative impact they were having and would have on my life. I am striving to live my life for an audience of one and long to be satisfied in Him alone. I want to wake every morning with a renewed sense of purpose and passion, as though I am on a mission with God. He is infusing within me a greater purpose, more courage and necessary strength to accomplish all that He has called me to.

Some of the things that He taught me and reminded me of through His Word, books, prayer, travel and quietness before His throne:

Be for Him and not do for Him; Live in and under the promises of God; Do not fear; Be strong and courageous; Be bold; Lead with confidence; Follow Him no matter what; Be myself not who others want me to be; Seek approval from Him alone; Listen… no really listen; Deal with dysfunction in my own life and in the church; Be quiet; Be patient; Be spirit filled; Be holy; Be set apart; offer myself as a living sacrifice for His glory; Live as though I am on a mission for God; make decisions with His glory in mind not my own; Be honest with God and myself; address my motives….

In many ways I am changed...different than I was before. I find myself more reflective, more guided by the spirit of God within me, giving more time and attention to what matters most. I am growing daily in my relationship with God, my wife and those who are closest to me. Success to me is having God approve of me and having those who are closest to me love and appreciate me. The rest of life is details, of which I no longer want to get lost in!

Simply said… I want my life to be a reflection of His glory while I live a life that is Fully Alive in Him!