The worship band led by Denise led us in some songs, including one of my all-time favorite worship songs "Take My Life" by Chris Tomlin (this is the hymn remake from the Passion "Hymns" album; we also had it played at our wedding).
I shared the journey God has led me on to bring me to this point. I came to the same conclusion as John the Baptist in John 3: "he must become greater. I must become less". That's really what this whole night was about; me becoming less and submitting myself so fully to Christ that everything I am and do glorify him. Even Jesus did not come to glorify himself, but to glorify the Father (Phillipians 2:1-8).
The elders, Andy, and Mike Edmisten laying their hands on me and praying. Why no one went for the prime real estate of my head I'll never know, but this was a special time none-the-less.
The elders, Andy, and Mike Edmisten laying their hands on me and praying. Why no one went for the prime real estate of my head I'll never know, but this was a special time none-the-less.
Me and my better half/partner in crime, oops, I mean ministry :) . She makes me look so good!
The fam came up to share in this special occasion (we celebrated my birthday, too!). My parents, Erica's parents w/Chloe, and the Woollard clan came up for the weekend.
To consider the cost of following Christ, let alone being a minister, leaves no room for us to want things our way--to have our cake and eat it too. We must submit completely, wholly, whole-heartedly to the will of God. As Job said "though he slay me, yet will I hope in him." So we must be willing to stake our very lives on following him. This is true for the "common" believer as well, not just the "minister".
This is taking up your cross to follow Christ (as Jesus instructed all followers must do), and just as Jesus struggled with his journey to the cross when he was in the garden, so I have struggled with this calling. As Jesus asked the Father, "if there's any other way, take this cup from me, yet not my will but yours be done"; so I have struggled with committing my life to ministry in the Church. But God has shown me this is his will, and I will gladly lay down my life, but, as Christ also said, "only to take it up again."
I praise the Living God for his grace to me, and I hope that I might walk daily in obedience to him as I lead his people and administer the gospel of grace. Amen.
The fam came up to share in this special occasion (we celebrated my birthday, too!). My parents, Erica's parents w/Chloe, and the Woollard clan came up for the weekend.
So that's the basic gist. It was so special, but as I shared with everyone that night, it is a little bittersweet as well. To know that I'm completely laying aside all of my ambitions, hopes, and plans has been hard. John Eldredge writes in his book "Walking With God" (which I highly recommend):
"I want two things that are mutually opposed-- I want to live a nice little life, and I want to play an important role in God's kingdom."
To consider the cost of following Christ, let alone being a minister, leaves no room for us to want things our way--to have our cake and eat it too. We must submit completely, wholly, whole-heartedly to the will of God. As Job said "though he slay me, yet will I hope in him." So we must be willing to stake our very lives on following him. This is true for the "common" believer as well, not just the "minister".
This is taking up your cross to follow Christ (as Jesus instructed all followers must do), and just as Jesus struggled with his journey to the cross when he was in the garden, so I have struggled with this calling. As Jesus asked the Father, "if there's any other way, take this cup from me, yet not my will but yours be done"; so I have struggled with committing my life to ministry in the Church. But God has shown me this is his will, and I will gladly lay down my life, but, as Christ also said, "only to take it up again."
I praise the Living God for his grace to me, and I hope that I might walk daily in obedience to him as I lead his people and administer the gospel of grace. Amen.
APK
2 comments:
THAT WAS SUCH A FUN WEEKEND!!!!!!!!
EQW
That was a BLESSED day! I was honored to be a part of it!
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