Who is in charge? You? hmmmm? You really think so?

In Sedona, this is the church of the Rock.

Last night I googled top growing churches in Phoenix and found that First Assembly of Phoenix is one of the top 10 churches listed in the nation.  We thought about going to church there but Steve was not feeling well.  I have to admit that I was a little disappointed.  I resigned myself to going to church at the resort which was good last week and the pastor did speak to my heart but wanted to experience something different.

This morning we got a text from some friends that had moved from Bismark years ago and Mike and Karen wanted to meet for coffee after they went to church.  They said that they were going to Grace Community Church in Tempe.  I map quested it and it was only 30 minute drive so I said, we'll meet you in church....MY IDEA RIGHT????

Back up a couple of days ago....Steve and I were walking in the park and I said...I almost hate to admit this...I don't want to get to know people in the park.  Steve laughed and said...he had the same feeling.  Well that was easy...RIGHT?????

Fast forward to this morning.  We met Karen and Mike and went in to the sanctuary.  It was so good to see them.  The music was good and so worshipful.  It was great.  Then the pastor got up to preach.  He was preaching on 3 John.  Well that was a short book...he even said, that people didn't usually spend a lot of time with these short little letters.  Then the Holy Spirit swooped down and started to prod me.

John wanted to encourage one of the men who was sharing his life and the Truth with those he came in contact with.  He was being a presence in the place that God had placed him.  You got it...My statement of not wanting to get to know people...slapped me right in the face. 

You see, no matter where you are, no matter who you are with, it is our responsibility...it is MY responsibility to be a Truth teller.  To allow others to see the Truth in me and draw them to the Savior.  I am not required to save them...I am required to show them the love and hospitality of Jesus.  To assure them that they are important and that just by being who they are...they are worth so much because Jesus walked down a road, beaten and forced to carry His own death instrument, to give His life to show  each and every one of us just how much He loved us....

So, what began as an escape from church services here at the park and connect with old friends wasn't what Jesus had in mind.  He was the one to orchestra our life today as He does each day.  It is up to us to see why he brought the people in our path or placed us in a specific place...

What am I going to do about it?  That is the easy part.  Show people the Truth who lives in my life.  Welcome them and invite them to our 'home', and to allow them to know that Jesus, the director of my life can do amazing things in their life.  To create a thirst that is unquenchable except by the Creator and Sustainer of our souls.

Thank you Jesus for opening my eyes and bringing me to my knees because I wanted a "break" from ministry...you have given us the gift of hospitality for a reason!  And you have allowed us to come here not just for the sun and the pool but to be your light for maybe only one person...help us to be open to your leading and courage to show the Truth and not to discourage anyone but to encourage them to follow you.