Thursday, June 23, 2016

God Loves You (but I'm His favorite)!

As  some of you have come to know, I often challenge congregations to share God's love by telling the simple statements -- God loves you and Jesus died for you.

Recently, I was at a church and shared that message (again).
One of the members was really challenged by that message and came up with a T-shirt to share it.
Both statements are centered in the shape of a cross and the scripture references to the Roman Road encircle the cross. He is one of the adult leaders at the boys' camp where I am telling Bible stories this week. Yesterday, he brought one of the shirts to give to me. (click it to big it)



I've got to say, this is one of the coolest things that anyone has ever done for me. Knowing that they have heard the message and are putting it into practice is quite encouraging.

While it is often difficult for preachers to know if our message is being heard, it is even more so for traveling preachers, such as myself. Many of the members of that little country church now have shirts like this one and have their church name across the back. It gives them another tool and opportunity to share the message of God's love and then challenges people to make a decision about what they are going to do with the knowledge that God loves them and Jesus died for them.

I hope that you will also be encouraged to share God's love.

**********

Today is my last day of camp for a few weeks. I am ready for a little break.
In addition to the crazy schedule of the past few weeks, I've apparently managed to let my allergies develop into a sinus infection that is bugging me today. Congestion, snot, fever -- you know, the usual symptoms. Ugh!

I did my story time this morning and now I am waiting for this evening's worship time where I will share the message through using magic. Rather than hang around camp (and kids), I took a little drive to a nearby town and am enjoying an iced coffee at Starbucks while blogging and surfing the 'net in air conditioned comfort.

I think I'll grab a late lunch/early dinner away from camp (boys' camp food isn't really fine dining or the picture of healthy eating!) and then get back in plenty of time to set up for the show and hang out with the boys for a bit.

All-in-all, I have to say that I have a pretty good life.
I have been blessed by the God that loves me and whom I gladly serve.

John <><

2 comments:

Mike said...

There are some good things about summer camps, and some not so good things (heat and bugs).

Big Sky Heidi said...

You have been a blessing to others, John. I hope your allergies repair soon. It's a great distillation of Jesus's message.