Our Great Cloud.

Friday, December 03, 2010
Our Great Cloud. The writer of the book of Hebrews wrote of a “great cloud of witnesses” that is cheering us on as we run the race of the faith. It’s found in Hebrews 12:1 – 2, and I understand that contextually he was speaking of those who have gone before us in the faith. People like Abraham, Moses, Isaac, Joseph, etc make up this “cloud of witnesses” that is spoken of there. But last night, yet again, I was reminded of another cloud that I’m surrounded by.
The greatest passion of my life is the ministry God has called me to. He has used all of the experiences of my life thus far to prepare and train me for where He has me right now, I honestly believe. But I think it’s so important that I always remember 2 things: what He is doing isn’t about me, and I couldn’t do it alone.
We had our quarterly training last night with our children’s ministry staff. As always, it was an awesome time of learning together how to better serve Him for the sake of the kids He’s entrusted to us. Our particular training session last night that I got the privilege of leading was “How to Most Effective Lead a Child to Christ.” My heart’s cry is for everyone that serves Christ in any ministry I oversee to be able and comfortable in sharing Christ with any of the kids/students we work with. We’re actually looking at scheduling a Saturday workshop in January to further train in this area.
I said all this to say, I’m surrounded by an amazing cloud! These folks really do have a deep, deep love, not only of God, but of these kids. Some of these folks have been serving, faithfully, in kids’ ministry for 5 or more years. And week after week they show up, maybe even after a long, tiring day at work, because they care. That’s a huge deal.
So today, very simply, just ask yourself this question: whose cloud am I? Who has God placed in your life that you’re to be a cloud of encouragement or witness to? How faithful are you to be that cloud? Are you a Dead Sea Christian – always taking in, but never allowing God to flow out from you? The end result of such a life is death and stagnation…is that why so many Christians are so grumpy and dry?
I’m not judging, I’m just asking questions…so what about you today? Where is your place to serve? I challenge you to ask God to reveal to you where He wants you to serve Him, faithfully, and then get with it. The greatest joy on earth is to be serving Him where He wants you! Trust me – I have experienced both this joy and the lack thereof! And I wouldn’t go back if you paid me. Are you ready to serve?


That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake

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