get into the flow

I am having the best week. I'm always aware that mountain-top experiences are often followed by a desert low. I'm not expecting them, I'm just aware of my patterns and I know that it is a possibility. So, I have been aware that the challenges could come at any time. Any time now...

In the meantime, I'm having such a blast. We had a great staff meeting today and talked about plans for how we can help our brothers and sisters in El Salvador. We also spent time dreaming about other mission plans we have for next year, and the years to come. Our new website is almost live, our live worship double album is set to be released in the next month or so, and our new book for young Christians is going to the publisher this week for final edits. Plus, 45 people have made the decision to follow Jesus in the Turning Point this year so far, with more to come before the end of the year.

It's a little humbling. I'm reminded of David's prayer in 2 Samuel 7:18-21 (NLT)...

"Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?...Do you deal with everyone this way, O Sovereigh LORD? What more can I say? You know what I am really like, Sovereign LORD. For the sake of your promise and according to your will, you have done all these great things and have shown them to me."

It makes me think about how much God wants to do with my life if I will just make myself available to him. Nichole Nordeman sings a great song called River God, about letting the flow of God's love smooth down our rough edges so we can become more useful for him. I want to be in that flow, letting God constantly refine me and grow me.

Getting in the flow, though, is a choice I have to make. You've heard the phrase "go with the flow." I'm not sure that's how it works with God. His flow is always flowing, always moving, but our choice is not about "going" with it. Our choice is more about "getting into" it. Many times, I find myself resisting what God wants to do in my life by not actively seeking him, or by allowing small, seemingly harmless sins to remain in my life. Then, I'm standing on the bank, watching the river go by, and wondering why life doesn't feel fulfilling. I have to make the choice to get into the flow so that I can be a part of what God is doing in the world and in my life.

So, now, I'm just trying to stay in the flow...

I'm also so excited about our fall marriage retreat. We have two retreats every year, one in April and one in November. The one in November is always in Riverside at the Mission Inn, which is one of my favorite places in the whole world. Unfortunately, John Mannel, who along with his wife Nancy, was supposed to be our guest speaker, lost his mother this week. So, the Mannels will not be able to be with us this time. So, Traci and I are preparing a last minute lesson for tomorrow. I'm actually really excited about it.

Please say a prayer for John & Nancy this weekend.

Also, please pray for the El Salvador church as they collect their special contribution on Sunday.