Compelled To Send

Romans 10:14-15 (NKJV)

Israel Rejects the Gospel

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? 

For the first time in a long time, my wife and I were able to attend the Conference in Prescott AZ. The last time I was there was in 2003 by myself; the last time we were both there was in 1995!! So it has been long overdue...I must say, that it was incredibly refreshing to be alone with my wife and enjoy God's presence. This particular Conference was a bit different for me in the sense that, usually, a venue like this is a cause for a need to jolt my spiritual wherewith-all or get my fired up for going back home...however, I was already fired up before coming...God had something better in mind for me!!

Usually, Conferences are an 'Amen - Session', understand? I mean, for the most part, what is preached, I've conquered usually - however, our Chandler AZ Conference in 2015, and this conference was synonymous in the truth that - I was genuinely convicted and challenged to change! I thank God, that He can still reach down to my stubborn soul and shake something loose!!

Psalms 51: 17 - 'The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart - these O God, you will not despise.'

As many of you well know, each message builds on the other, and this makes for a powerful encounter with God...all of which is true; in my case, things really came to a head by Thursday morning. Pastor Mark Aulson, a well - respected Leader in our Fellowship preached a powerful sermon on giving your all for Jesus Christ...that wasn't the kicker - the kicker was the prophecy spoken after the service (altar call). The prophecy was so specific, it was almost scary!!

I'm telling you, the young man speaking the prophecy should've simply walked across the tent, and yelled in my ear! God was that specific and on point! It literally shook me to the core, and is still lingering in my spirit as I write this! Then, to follow that up > Pastor Tom Payne preached the Thursday Evening sermon for International Night. He made a powerful statement that will stay with me for a long time, he said:

"We are not required to understand, but we are challenged to participate in faith." 

I heard this, and I thought to myself - you've gotta be kidding me God! Haven't You said enough?? Lord, what do You want me to do with all this?!!  I know what God was saying in that statement...rather than waste my energy trying to figure out why things are happening to me, I should focus on responding to Christ in faith and gaining His strength through these difficult and / or trying times.

Puddleglum from 'The Silver Chair' (6th book in the Chronicles of Narnia), said this: 'Aslan never told us what would happen, he only told us what to do!'  This is so true concerning the Kingdom of God! I walked away from that Conference with this resolve - I intend on keeping my eyes and my ears open; I am in the process of preparing myself, (My wife also); for whatever God has for us in the near future!

Pray for us as we endeavor to do God's will!