Look across the room. There are some incredible people all around. I am often, and I mean often, stunned by the amount of things God is doing in the lives of the people I meet as well as at the great people who I get to be around.
Hebrews 12:1 NLT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Well, some of those people have gone on to heaven. They aren’t lost. These have gained their new home, not their wings. I will my dad and mom. There are many who I miss and grateful for.
But there are still some incredible people in the room that have made my life so much richer and stronger. Let me tell you about a few of them (I am relating this to the convention I attended the last three days and some of the people I saw):
Years ago I met a pastor that caught my attention. It was at a retreat and then at a national event. Since then we have seen each other numerous times. He is an incredible teacher and disciple maker in his home area and across the world. But this older, retired pastor not only knows my name, but he encourages me and prays for me often.
A year or more ago I met a church planter from Washington, DC. We connected at an event in Georgia and since then have talked numerous times. This week I met his wife and little girl. He and his family are planting a church with people similar to the ones we serves and using back2school as a tool. I love seeing this pastor’s passion to share about Jesus.
Another pastor, who is about 10 years older than me, is one I love to connect with. His voice reminds me of what God might sound like, deep, strong and confident as well as encouraging. I met him when we both moved to Virginia about 20 years ago. I met his dad about about 31 years ago, and that pastor has encouraged me many times through the years. Plus there are 3 more pastors in their family impacting the world in major ways.
Then there was the pastor’s wife who is so sweet and a strong example in our community. She called me by name, grabbed my hand and told me she loved me. Her smile was evident and encouraging.
Another friend… then another pastor from another part of the state… some new friends… I saw so many people in that room.
Grabbing a cup of coffee I saw a young couple I noticed the evening before. I told the last how struck I was by how she cared for her 2 year old daughter as I noticed her caring for her at dinner. That conversation led to us praying over this couple who is planting a church in middle Virginia. I loved hearing their story and about their family. What a sweet meeting.
Finally as we sat at lunch my friend and disciple asked me to get up from the table go with him. He led me to a corner of the restaurant where a bunch of first responders were finishing their lunch. He wanted to pray for them. I was encouraged. I was proud of and grateful for this disciple of mine as he keeps on following Jesus.
What’s the deal with the people in the room? They help me look at and pursue Jesus. Look at the people around you. Make sure that the people you are around help you walk closer and closer to Jesus!
Hebrews 12:2-3 NLT
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
Finally, I ask you to pray for my upcoming trip back to Cuba, December 7-15, where I will be leading a retreat for leaders connected to sports ministry in the middle of Cuba. Would you support this trip with prayer and finances? If so, please reach out to me at pastormh@gmail.com
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