A View From Within

Do you have...?

I read a proverb which said "We must always have old memories and young hopes." Everyone one of us have old memories. They often suddenly awaken in our minds and bring back different feelings: rejections, hurts,  betrayals, etc. Some of these come when you least expect it. An attitude of moving on with life will often relieve these old memories.

The second part of the proverb suggest we must have young hopes. As a Christian I have complete hope in Christ, and continue to dream about tomorrow. I often meet people who want to return to yesterday. Recently a speaker said that if this was the 1950's we would be ready to move forward. The reality is that yesterday will not return, so we must have hope in life and the future. I am excited with the opportunities before us and will continue to move with speed to impact our world for Christ.

What about you? Do you have old memories, which you celebrate, and young hopes to look forward to? I hope you will not allow anyone to rain on your rainbow, but remember that "the future is as bright as the promises of God."

Passion

I am often asked about my passion. Every one of us have a passion. At times we do not want to admit it, yet the reality is that everyone have a passion. Over the years I have had a passion to see people have a personal relationship with Christ.

California is one of the greatest missions field in the world, which is why I love my assignment from the Lord. As I seek to share Christ, there are many sidebar issues I have to deal with. Issues come in many different envelopes. I began to think about this recently and found myself praying for directions. It seems like every issue facing our culture fly by my desk. I have disciplined myself to stay focused on my calling to be an ambassador for Christ to those who do not have a relationship with God. I often hear from believers that they believe in sharing the Gospel, but time and issues keep them from sharing.

Passion is one of the elements moving us to the place of sharing Christ with a lost world. How passionate are you about reaching the lost? At the recent On Target Evangelism Conference sponsored by CSBC's Healthy Church Group, Randy McWhorter Group Leader, every speaker was on target. The testimonies were great. I was amazed at the impact of the Journey, a new congregation in New York city pastored by Nelson Searcy. Thousands have been impacted with the Gospel through the ministry of this and other congregations. Listening to Nelson and the other pastors, a passion for the lost came across clearly. I pray we will continue to have a passion to see "every man and woman, boy and girl to hear the gospel and respond."