Sunday, February 15, 2009

Catching Up

Yeah, yeah. I know it's been a week since I've posted anything. While I've still managed to read all of the blogs that I follow, I haven't felt like taking the time to post one of my own. Sometimes it's just a matter of not wanting to spend the time putting the thoughts in my head onto the computer and into cyberspace.

Last weekend was a great time at the Mineral Area Baptist Association Evangelism Conference. They are great hosts and we all had a wonderful time. On the Sunday that the evangelists were in the different churches many made life changing decisions. Twenty-two persons made first time professions of faith and trusted Jesus as their personal Savior. (Can I get a hallelujah?!) Fifty-seven made decisions of rededication. (Say "Praise the Lord!) And four answered the vocational call to ministry. (Shout out "Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!")

It really was something. The evangelists that participated are some of the best preachers that I have ever heard. It is such a treat to get to hang out with them. I really enjoyed getting to spend some time with one of our new members to the Fellowship of Missouri Baptists Evangelists (FMBE). Cole Calloway-Hodson is a youth evangelist. I was fortunate to be on the schedule with him at one of the churches on Sunday night. He is a fine preacher and loves to teach the Truth of the Bible. In fact, Know the Truth is the name of his website. He's still working on it so be sure to check back and see how things are changing.

It is such a busy time of year. This morning I was in Children's Church at my home church. I'll be at different conferences for the next three weeks which also means that I'll be in six different churches over the next three Sundays.

I'll try to do better about the blogging. There is much that I'd like to write about. I found another air traffic controller/preacher/blogger and want to share his site with you...different denomination, different calling, same Lord, same Savior. Go on over and check him out.

I'll warn you, I've been feeling more led to posting about spiritual things. You have always known that is a risk you take when you stop by. Just know that it will probably be more often in the near future. I don't want to scare you or push you away, I just want you to know that God really does care about you.

I was just thinking this morning--what if when you die you get a choice: Stand for yourself before the Judge and trust that you have been "good enough" to get into heaven, or let Jesus stand in your place? If you already know that letting Jesus stand in your place is like getting a free pass, why would you choose to stand by yourself? If you understand the rules of The Court...that to violate any part of the Law is the same as violating the whole Law...then you have to figure that standing on your own isn't going to get you into heaven. On the other hand, Jesus really does stand in our place. On the Cross, He bore our sin. He died our death. He took our punishment. But Death could not hold Him. He was raised from the dead to the life that He deeds to anyone that will choose to let Him stand in their place on the Day of Judgment.

Now here's the catch--you don't get that choice when you die; you have to decide when you are still living. When I die, will I want to stand before God by myself and hope that I was a "good enough" person to get into heaven? Or do I want Jesus to stand in my place? Personally, I've decided to ask Jesus to stand for me. You can too. Call me, write me or leave a comment. (number and e-address to the right->) I welcome your questions. As always, if you don't want your questions or comments posted, just let me know.

Will you face the Judgment on you own? Make today the Day of Decision. Choose Jesus...today!

John <><

10 comments:

fiona said...

Good to have you back John and to read your words. You are a great positive influence... on me anyway!

wv- stshali - Shali is a Saint? Who knew!

Mike said...

"I don't want to scare you or push you away,"

Fair enough. So long as you don't get mad at us when we give you some cr*p. Like assking you if you've seen Fiona's site recently.


Wv - ingta - Orange drink that dyslexics have in the morning.

John A Hill said...

Yes I've been to Fiona's blog and have resisted the temptation to comment. I think that she delights in tempting me.

Amanda said...

I like all your posts. It always gives me something to think about. I just may not always have a comment to leave behind......

fiona said...

HEY, what's with the Fiona conversation, I can read you know! lol

wv-dedness- RIP loch ness monster

Anonymous said...

John,
I appreciate your blogs and your honesty...have been reading your blog for quite awhile now but just never commented. (I'm friends with Rich but don't hold that against me) haha.

Mike said...

JOHN! I'm not going to mention any names but I thought you were going to block her out! Now she knows EVERYTHING! OMG!

Wv - dedgeta - What we're gonna' geta' when 'she' finds us.

Anonymous said...

I need a shot of your enthusiasm. I am quite burnt out currently; but I have to say my miracle of the day is getting 9 mental patients to share discussion very politely and civilly about God and their struggles with feeling angry at the Lord, let alone at fellow humans. I know the Lord has broad shoulders--He was and is constantly being argued about, argued at, and argued for and against, so He can take it. But it doesn't mean He shrugs it off without feeling hurt or disappointed by it. How I wish I could take all the anger contained in my patients with more strength. Some of them I feel so sorry for and can see why they feel as they do; but some of them have made me tired because they seem not to want to make any progress, but at least they seek me out and come to my Spirituality Groups. And then there are others who avoid getting out of bed or interacting with any of their peers or us. God certainly made us all unique. That's why the accomplishments you report in evangelism blow my mind! Keep up the good work! May all of the new Christians you encounter develop the love and skill you have with people.

Anonymous said...

I just had an inspiration. If Mike would put some of my pictures of the Isle of Iona on his blog (since my blog is defunct currently and I am at least 5 months from having the time to put a new one up), then maybe you and Fiona would find something sacred in common. I highly recommend your going to Iona sometime. That's the kind of place where I have found some personal space and peace. It's one of those spots on earth that God drew me to like a magnet and I'm so grateful I got to experience it. Think I need a vacation (well...duh!!!).

John A Hill said...

Thanks to all for your comments.
Joel, being friends with Rich is sure to score some sympathy points with anybody!
Fiona, I'm sorry to hear about the Loch Ness Monster.
Claudia, e-mail me your mailing address. I have a book that I know will help. It was written by one of the evangelists at the conference.
I'm at gospelmagic@gmail.com.