Miracles
I am scheduled to present a response paper in Indianapolis next week at the Wesleyan Doctrinal Symposium on the subject of "Miracles and the Mission of God."
All the other presenters hold doctorates and are among the "Who's Who" of Wesleyan theologians. My doctorate is from HKU -- Hard Knox University, and I'm listed among the "Who's He?"
It is certainly an honor to be included, but I'm just a small town preacher, and not a brilliant theologian. If church ministry was the NFL, I'd be a quarterback on the field rather than an analyst in the booth.
Hopefully, I can encourage them a bit, inspire their faith, and remind them that God is still in the miracle working business.
If somebody asked YOU if God still performs miracles, how would you respond? What evidence would YOU give?
All the other presenters hold doctorates and are among the "Who's Who" of Wesleyan theologians. My doctorate is from HKU -- Hard Knox University, and I'm listed among the "Who's He?"
It is certainly an honor to be included, but I'm just a small town preacher, and not a brilliant theologian. If church ministry was the NFL, I'd be a quarterback on the field rather than an analyst in the booth.
Hopefully, I can encourage them a bit, inspire their faith, and remind them that God is still in the miracle working business.
If somebody asked YOU if God still performs miracles, how would you respond? What evidence would YOU give?
First of all, don't ever discount the import of your input, Pastor Mark! God has given you wonderful gifts and wisdom. You are a blessing to many! As for evidence of God's miracles still taking place... did anyone happen to notice the color of the sky this morning, the warmth and brilliance of the sun, the drops of dew on the grass, the sounds of the birds coming from the wonderfully green trees? How about the feeling when a precious baby wraps his or her little fingers around your pinkie? What about the feeling of comfort that suddenly washes over you just when you think your heart can't take anymore sadness? Or when a friend or relative is suddenly "free of cancer" and the medical staff speaks of a miracle? What about that "baby church" that just grows and grows, and God provides things just when they're needed? The medicine that reaches the children with AIDS overseas? Those little Christmas shoeboxes that changes hearts? The fact that the faith candle on our piano has been lit almost every single week, quietly announcing another heart has accepted Christ? Yes, God's miracle store is still open for business. In addition, we don't need to worry about our gas mileage in reaching His store! God blesses us. Every one. Sue B.
ReplyDeleteMark,
ReplyDeleteWhat makes a caring pastor that helps other?
Obviously it takes more than degrees or some position in a church.
Which is more important? The position or the heart that truly wants to serve God by helping his people?
Positions in life are usually something that most seem to compromise his/her values to keep.
I'd rather be a QB in the field than a pundit in the booth any day!!!!
ReplyDeleteGo for the goal line!!!!
Hi Mark,
ReplyDeleteYou should check this story out if you get a chance - www.philbaker.net/blog/4368
The author, Allan Meyer, is senior pastor at Carforce church in Melbourne (Go here www.careforce.org), and he is very well respected in the Australian church.
All the very best for the presentation of your paper.
Wow Wayne. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteA Miracle? He saved me!
ReplyDelete