Good Morning,
I am giving this blog thing another try. This time by God's grace, I will post on a more regular basis. :)
As I look at the stats across America and look around me at those who were once in the ministry I realize that we have a very large fall out rate of Pastors & Ministers. I love Pauls word in II Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
These are some of Paul's closing words of his life. They stir me deep in my Spirit as I realize that I am to do the same. I began the fight and the race with faith. I must stay on track and keep the faith. I must finish the race the Lord has given me STRONG!
So, what has made the difference between those who have and are "Finishing the Race while keeping the Faith?"
Why do some lose the passion, the dedication, the vision, THE FAITH they once had and others Finish strong?
Acts 20:28 says, "Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers...."
the words "Take heed" can actually be "Be aware"
Self awareness is a very good thing. Yet, growing up we were taught not to think of ourselves but of others. This somehow was considered Spiritual. It was thought of as "Deny yourself"
yet, in heeding this type of thought many shipwrecked. the fruit was not what it should have been.
I believe that, as leaders in the body of Christ; we should be "SELF AWARE not SELF ABSORBED"
What I mean is that if I am not aware of me; how I am doing, how I am feeling, how my health is relationally, devotionally, spiritually, physically, with my bride; then I am not as aware as I could be to those I am to minister.
I must minister to others out of my own health. We reproduce after our own kind. Cows have calves. This is a principle God set in order. Care for myself is caring for the flock. As I am healthy then I can reproduce that health in those I minister too.
They then can refresh my Spirit by the health I see in them.
Let me know your thoughts on this
Hows your health?
How do you become more self aware?
--
Dwayne
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Finishing strong is a goal of mine too. I strive to live so I can say at the end of my life "I ran the race, I fulfilled my destiny, I did it all!" The strength and knowledge I had a few decades ago aren't enough to get me to the finish line successfully. I have to get new knowledge and new strength for the new battles and the new decades I face. Tomorrow I will be leading the memorial service for Eldon Bomley. He finished strong. He kept the faith. He fulfilled his destiny. I am blessed to have spiritual fathers like Bro. McCarty and Bro. Bomley who finished well. I want to be a spiritual father who shows the next gen how to finish well and fulfill their destiny decade after decade. Staying healthy in all the areas discussed in this blog is not easy but it is so worth it. Thanks Dwayne and Janna! You inspire me. You inspire us!
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