The Heart of Christ

A prayer that I have been praying lately is "Father, let your holy heart beat within my chest. Give me the passion and love that you have for lost people. Father, let me see with the very eyes of Christ. Allow me to see people as you see them; lost and undone with you." I am living with a song that we sang last week at Catalyst. A friend of mine beat me to the post...so you can link to him by going HERE.

Imagine if we all lived our lives with this passion and understanding; shedding tears over the lost and unsaved. I'm sure this song will impact you as it has me. Leave me some comments and let me know what you think.

Catalyst Debriefing

The Catalyst Conference was everything I had hoped it would be. It was a great time of connecting with other Pastors from around the country, former co-staffers from past churches, and friends from seminary and college. It was also a wonderful refueling time for me, personally. I was challenged by the speakers, encouraged by friends, and led to the throne in worship. What a privilege!

One of the things that really spoke to me the most was something that John Maxwell said. It is something that all of us know. In fact, it is something that I've taught our people in various ministries for years. But, it was the way he put it that gave me a whole new perspective. He asked "what are you doing that is making an investment in the lives of others?" At first I thought "well, I minister to numerous people on a daily basis." But, then it hit me. How am I intentionally touching lives and making a difference?

My mind was flooded with the remembrance of missed opportunities over the past few days. I was convicted, yet challenged to do more. When my time on earth is done, I want to have made a huge impact in the lives of others...for the glory of God.

Can you imagine the change we would see in the lives of others if we were all INTENTIONAL about making an investment in people's lives? It only takes a word of encouragement here. It only takes a prayer there. Be intentional!

I'll share some other things that I picked up at the conference over the next few days.

Time to Refuel

I have the awesome opportunity to be fed this week. I am at the Catalyst Conference this week and I can't wait for the sessions to begin. I am actually using a friend's laptop tonight and won't have access to it later this week. If I can steal a second or two on someone's computer, I will give you an update later this week. But, no matter what, when I return I'll give you the full scoop. I love weeks like this one when I have the chance to sit under the teaching of anointed men of God who are serving in similar ministries in various parts of the country. Pray that the Lord will teach me by the power of His Holy Spirit this week. And that He'll fill me with passion and zeal to serve Him in creative ways like never before.

Catalyst Conference

I'll be at the Catalyst Conference next week. This is a creative church conference. A lot of fellow bloggers are going to be there and I'm looking forward to meet all of you in person. Though, through the amazing world of Al Gore's invention (the Internet) I feel as though I know you already. I'm really looking forward to the breakout session with Mark Batterson. I'm sure that will be amazing. Be ready Immanuel. I'm sure I'll be returning with some incredible ideas for reaching people for Christ and enhancing the ministry God has called us to. To God be the glory!