Day 2 at Catalyst was as jam packed as the first. The quality of the speakers remained the same, and with day one continuing late into the night, day 2 was difficult to engage in at first. However, the speakers lined up were excellent, and had some great thoughts. Jud Whilhite is a pastor in Las Vegas and taught on the 'rollercoster of leadership' from 2 Corinthians 5:11-12. Here is his outline:
11 Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we seek to persuade people. We are completely open before God, and I hope we are completely open to your consciences as well.12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may have a reply for those who take pride in the outward appearance rather than in the heart.
1) Do a gut check.
Why do I do the things I do?
NOBODY cares about your ministry scorecard on your deathbed, only if you've been obedient to God.
2) Stay a little crazy for God.
Ministry is messy because sin is messy.
This is a great thought, we have to keep the energy and zeal for serving God that we had the first day we started. Because ministry is so messy, we must be prepared to get dirty.
2 Corinthians 5:13-14
13 For if we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we have a sound mind, it is for you.14 For Christ’s love compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all, then all died.
3) Be Compelled by Christ's Love
Your responsibility before God is not to a spectacular ministry, but to faithful obedience and a sincere heart.
Kirk Franklin, the grammy award winning singer and songwriter spoke for a brief time on perils in leadership. He covered 1 Samuel 11:1-27, which is the story of David and Bathsheba. He gave some good thoughts such as "David forgot his position and lost his focus" and "David took a long time to understand that what I do is NOT who I AM".
However, the most powerful portion of Kirks story came from a personal illustration. He recalled the story of his attendance at the AMA's one year, a secular award ceremony. He recalled that when he went to award ceremonies, like the Dove awards (the Christian version of an award show), he was always the main event. People wanted to talk to him and get his autograph and be a part of his world. However, in contrast, at the AMA's Christian artists are not on that large of a stage. He was announced by his publicist and no-one moved to him to shower him with the attention that he was accustomed to. Kirk told the story, that at this point, God spoke to him and told him, that He wanted Kirk to feel like the Holy Spirit does everyday!
A great illustration if you don't think to far into it, like any illustration, but the thought is good: We tend to ignore the Holy Spirit in our life. Have you acknowledged his presence today?
No comments:
Post a Comment