So Much More

When I think back through the years I have been a Christian and all the years spent going to church, I'm always struck by how mundane church use to feel. How I would either just go because my parents did, or go because it was the "right" thing to do. I definitely spent a lot of my life going through the motions as it were. And the thing about it was, I only had myself to blame. I never really took seriously, or really thought about the implications of the Gospel and what the local church really meant and stood for.

I think throughout my time at University God was chiseling away at my heart and showing me that in Him there was so much more! Through some God ordained friends I really started to see that how I was living was selfish and prideful. I grew a lot while I was at University, but still really didn't have a real clue about what church was suppose to look like.

After Dani and I had been married a while and living in La Crosse, God started to stir in both our hearts. He was giving us the same message, which was really cool! He was telling us that there was more, so much more that He had in store for us. We didn't have a clue what that meant, but we knew something had to change!

Then God connected us with Steve Deedrick who was planting a church in my hometown, Rochester. At first we were hesitant about everything, but once we sat down and heard the vision for Harvest Bible Chapel, Rochester, we knew this was God's doing and God's door! We took a step of faith and walked through that door, and let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions we ever made as a married couple. God began a work in my heart, giving me a passion for the local church and the lost in the city of Rochester. God was revealing Himself in new, fresh ways and I was growing more than ever before in my walk with the Lord.

"This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." Psalm 118:23

God has continued to grow us up in the faith and we are now half way across the world serving at another Harvest Bible Chapel in Glasgow, Scotland. I never thought I would be in the place that I am in life right now.  It is absolutely crazy to see God at work in my life and in the lives of those around me.

This blog not only serves as a reflection, but also a challenge. First off, God loves you. He knows you better than you even know yourself.  In his grace and mercy He sent His son to pay the penalty for our sins! He has made a way for us to be part His family again, and anyone has the opportunity to accept this gift. Today could be your day!

Second challenge. Do you care as much about the local church as God does?  Are you devoting yourself to serving the Lord in the local church? Are you making disciples? I guarantee you that you will grow more than ever before if you devote yourself to making disciples in every area of your life, but specifically through the God ordained local church.

YOU ARE LOVED!

A video of encouragement