Well today is my 7th day of being on this road trip. Not that I am counting the days but I do write a daily blog and so I know precisely which day it is each day. It will have been one week tomorrow since I’ve left my family. This trip is still all surreal to me even though I am right in the midst of it.
Today I spent my entire day in Nashville meeting a cool church planter of this downtown church called Mosaic. He’s trying to connect me with some cool connections he has. Then I met with a rep at LifeWay Christian Resource. And finally I met with someone at the Southern Baptist Convention main office (ref pic). All 3 I believe were genuinely challenged by this crazy step of faith not only I have taken, but in extension the impact of this on my family and my church.
I have exhausted all my contacts here in the Nashville and Brentwood area. Some more meetings may result over the next week. But tomorrow I do need to drive 4 hours South down to Birmingham Alabama as I have sets of meetings both on Sunday and Monday. I then will either head back North to Nashville for more meetings or head further South to Montgomery Alabama. I’ll be there at least till next Sunday as I have so many wonderful relationships to connect with.
But back a bit to what I was saying yesterday about Jim Cymbala’s book on “Breakthrough Prayer”. Jim says that “passionate, desperate prayer is definitely out of vogue today”. (p. 21) Luke 18:6-7 talks about the parable of the persistent widow and verse 7 says … “for his chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night”. I find it also interesting the question asked in verse 8 … “when the Son of Man comes will He find faith on the earth”? I’ll let you chew on that one for a while and it’s implication. But we also know that Jesus offered prayers and petitions “with loud cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death.” (Hebrews 5:7) I guess I am just wondering how badly I want God to answer my prayers during this trip? How desperate as a people, as a church, are we to see God show up and intervene in a way like we have never seen before?
Perhaps the breaking of my heart started yesterday morning. I am desperate for God to show up on this trip! He has already personally to me in so many ways. But now I am asking in a way that people watching the unfolding events of this trip will know that without a shadow of a doubt.
Daily Sign #7 = some “Fleur de Lys” (French Symbol) frames hanging on a wall in a restaurant in downtown Nashville. Our French Canadian situation and greatest unreached people group is urgent. This trip has a HUGE part to do with that reality!
Rick - great blogging. I will be preaching today on Heb. 10:19-25 - looking at the foundation of prayer being our privilege to draw near to God because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross. I want to encourage you to continue to draw near to your "Daddy in Heaven". You are deeply loved and He is so very proud to call you His child! Hear the words of your Dad today "This is my beloved in whom I am well pleased!"
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Blessings, Ryan
Rick, I am very proud of you for your obedience. Just found your blog and wanted you to know that I will be praying for you and yours.
ReplyDeleteIn His love,
Linda M.
Thanks both Ryan and Linda for your encouragement. Really appreciate what you've both said.
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