I will warn you in advance, I’m excited! I’m at a prayer conference in Marietta, Ohio, listening to some awesome men of God preach the Word of God, as well as spending the week with some of my favorite people, the Marietta Bible College students and President Myron Guiler. Marietta Bible College isn’t your typical higher education institution. The higher education factor is the Lord Jesus Christ and He doesn’t govern too many colleges and universities in this era of time. So for someone who longs to feel the presence of God in a powerful way this is the place I want to be.
I took so much away from the conference last night, but to encourage you today I’ll give you a three point message to chew on for a while as I have since last night.
Habakkuk 3:2 was Preacher Chuck Herrald’s text.
O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.
One of my favorite texts is from that same book, Chapter 2:2
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that readeth it.
A Vision Looks Forward
Habakkuk said that when the vision was read, he may run that reads it. That’s because a vision is exciting! Or it should be. It has limitless potential to see great and amazing things happen. I want that. Not for me, but for the Lord’s glory and for an opportunity to make a difference.
A Vision Leads Followers
It’s a simple message, and yet so profound, and seems to be so lost in the churches of America. We’re so busy leading programs, we’ve forgotten about the work. I’ve been on this road for 21 years and in the “Midst of these years” I grow weary of not making more of a difference in more lives.
The second message from Preacher Dan Lamb, was from the book of Matthew 14:22-29, when Jesus and Peter walked on the water. The preachers question was this, “What if Peter didn’t believe he could,” what would have happened? That thought sickened me. How many times have I failed to believe in myself, and more importantly in what the Lord could do? And who might I have influenced with that disbelief. As leaders we need to lead in the right direction!
A Vision Lights the Fire!
Oh my stars, does it ever!!! Praise God for great leaders such as those of Marietta Bible College who for decades have impacted countless countries for the cause of Christ because someone had a vision. Dan Lamb encouraged the students last night to “Take what they’ve learned back to their country and share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and then come back to America and share their heart with us.” He closed by saying, “America doesn’t need any more junk, we need more heart.”
What a great truth, and what a spark it has ignited in my soul!