I’m closing-in on the 15TH anniversary of the start of my salvation. I’m 5 weeks away from observing that unexpected moment when my life changed forever.
This fantastic journey is well-documented in public. I’ve been writing about it online for over 14 years – first on Myspace, then here on WordPress, then on Twitter, then on Facebook, and then back here on WordPress. I’ve been testifying about it offline (in-person) for those same 14 years. I’ve been preaching full sermons about it for almost 5 years now. The Bible says “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth – I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32)
During my first 20 months as a member of my first church family I kept a running journal of my weekly events via Excel spreadsheet. It’s fun to look back on, and remember those early couple of years of my journey with Christ. I wish I had kept it going. I don’t remember why I stopped doing it 20 months in.
According to that spreadsheet – 14 years ago on this 3RD Sunday of July of 2007 – Bible Class (before service) was canceled because the leader was on vacation that Sunday. The message on that Sunday was the first of a 5-part message series titled “Hot Sauce” – “Clash On Cash: God On Money”. It was obviously a money-related message. I’ve never been a fan of Pastors teaching or preaching about money – whether it be making it, giving it, saving it, or spending it. I may be a bit biased since I’m in the “money business” in my professional career. I know that I’ll probably never preach about money or finances. It may be something to discuss in a more informal Bible Class, but not in a sermon. I’m actually trying to build the foundation of a Bible Class with my current church family right now. I think we need one to supplement the weekly sermons and enhance the overall Sunday morning experience. I’ve been praying about it a lot lately.
After the service at the movie theatre 14 years ago today we had a picnic at a nearby neighborhood park to welcome the arrival of our brand new Executive Pastor at the time. We had hot dogs ! (That’s all my notes on the spreadsheet say.)
Those were some fun times back then in July of 2007. I was part of that first church family for exactly 6 months at that time. Those first 2 years – 2007 and 2008 – in their entirety – were great and glorious years with my new brothers and sisters. It was a season of ecstasy and euphoria. My growth and momentum began to plateau shortly after (starting in 2009) with less hills and more valleys. Despite increased roles and responsibilities within the church the hills would never quite reach the peaks of those of 2007 and 2008. The valleys grew deeper. I remained with my first church family for 8 years until 2015.
I guess I don’t really need to keep an Excel spreadsheet of my weekly events along this journey since this blog acts as my public journal nowadays. It’s brutally honest. I don’t hold much back. I use this blog on Sundays and Mondays to proclaim and teach – to preach – to the world what God has done for me.
“Go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” (Luke 8:39a)
Thank you for reading my blog for this day, and may:
The LORD bless you, and keep you.
The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
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