I have said this before and it is worth saying again, because it
declares the Glory of God. Here it is; "I have to be the
most blessed pastor on the face of this planet." Now, you might
be wondering what that statement has to do with the glory. Let
me explain. You see, I am well aware of the past and how this
church got started. I have watched this ministry progress step
by step, person by person, and it is only by way of God that
we’ve come such a long way; yet it is still just the beginning
of what will be. Not one person in leadership of this church,
or its pastor, takes credit for any thing that has been done.
The credit, honor, thanksgiving, and glory belong to God, and
each of us recognizes that.
When I stand back and take a look at all of what now is, it does
declare the Glory of God, and I am so thankful and so humbled
for all these things I see. Even last Wednesday toward the end
of bible study time, the Holy Spirit seemed to just hover over
the crowd of folks sitting at the tables and there were a few of
us who felt that presence. It wasn’t a sense it was a feeling.
He could be felt very strongly, and some of us had tears
streaming down our cheeks knowing He cares enough to be right
there with us, guiding our path, holding our hand, and blessing
us. And all I could say was, “Wow”.
Some of us have seen and felt this very thing at and after
service time on Sundays. Very often there have been times of
refreshing with God moving in the midst while folks would just
set for an hour or so after the service basking in the presence
and Glory of God.
These times are so tender and wonderful. And as I see it, it is
the favor of God, because there are very few places that
actually experience such things. There are few places where
folks can actually say they’ve experienced the Power of God.
There are few places that can actually say; "Surely the Lord has
been with us." In fact, there was a fellow from another church
who asked me, “Pastor, how do you get that to happen?” That man
asked in such an astonished heart-felt tone, and I knew at that moment
he’d been seeking and longing to experience the same thing.
But I believe the reason so many do not experience this
wonderful favor is because of agenda. Too many hearts are hard
and there is no humbleness, no meekness, and no submissiveness
toward the Holy Spirit. In fact, far too many places leave the
Holy Spirit out of the picture. There is no willingness to get
past “self.” There is no willingness to be tender toward
what God would do. There is no willingness to lose personal
agendas and allow God room. There is no real hunger or desire
for God to have first place, and there is no willingness to be
in “one accord.”
It all boils down to the position of the heart.
There are even places where there is no sound doctrine, no truth
being taught or preached. And far too many folks just want a
so-called “feel good” message. So you see, it all comes down to
what is really inside the heart. But listen, I’m here to tell
you that God is faithful to the faithful and there is nothing He
wants to withhold from His people.
Are you willing to take God at His Word, all of it, or do
you pick and choose to fit "your" line of thinking? Are you seeking God in
humility? Do you have a desire, a true desire to lay yourself
down so that He can be lifted up? Do you have a true repentive
heart? Are you willing to be willing?
These are all keys that will either lock or open doors of favor
and blessing and these are questions every person needs to ask
themselves.
So as I examine all these things; as I look back and then look
ahead, even in the congregation, I stand in humility and awe at
what God has allowed, provided, and done for His people, and I
can truly say, “Here at Living Waters, there is favor and
blessing.”
In His Service,
Pastor Gary A. Jones
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