After meeting my friend Don Rooks, a fellow minister who lives in Texas, earlier this afternoon at Detroit’s Metropolitan Airport, we’re now flying at our assigned altitude heading to New York’s JFK, and connect with my best friend of 40 years or more, Dave Brown, who is a pastor from East Longmeadow, MA. After a quick dinner together, the three amigos will head to our destination in Ireland for a conference later this week.
With flight delays earlier out of Detroit, an overbooked flight, and not even enough overhead room to stow a reasonably sized computer bag (who designs some of these planes anyway?!?!), I found myself asking, “Why do I continue doing what I do?” It certainly isn’t the conveniences. The days of enjoying the flying, the hotels, the restaurants, etc. are behind me these days. It all falls, somehow, into another category these days … and perhaps someday I’ll sort out just what that might be.
The real answer is this—I still believe that my world needs the message that my life represents. You see, I do not merely prepare messages in my head to reach others intellectually, although I hope those who hear my message are challenged to think. Neither are my messages prepared solely in my heart to touch the hearers emotionally, though I trust that each audience will be inspired to both laugh and shed a tear perhaps.
In reality, at this stage of my life and ministry, my messages are truly prepared in my life, and my prayer is that my life will impact for God the lives of those who hear my message. The invitation that I extended to Dave Brown and Don Rooks to join me in facilitating our second Mind Yourself conference in Mallow, County Cork, Ireland, was because they have a track record of impacting others with their lives.
BTW, do you pray? If so, would you join Pastor Bob Hutton of the Mallow Bible Church, Dave, Don, and me in praying for that kind of impact in the lives of those who participate in the conference this week? Each presenter, as well as our host, is tired. However, we have a promise to claim, and ask that you join us in claiming that promise with us and for us … and perhaps even for yourself—“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength … “
Last Sunday morning I was exceptionally tired as the clock ticked toward the time of my speaking assignment at our home church—North Auburn Hills Baptist—where my friend John Marine has been the pastor for nearly 45 years. Later at lunch, I was exhausted, but smiled as I thought of the burst of energy began when I stood to speak and which lasted until I sat down for lunch! That burst was for one talk. This week, I need a burst that will carry me through at least seven messages in three days! J
I really hope you will pray! Cheers!
Dale on Coronado (CA)
Dale Peterson 