I was thinking about this last night as my husband watched the Vegas Nations Finals Rodeo ~ how incredible it is the way God can use people and situations to speak to His people. I truly believe the person who speaks for God, speaks with God.
Marty is an incredible speaker. He will tell a story about birthing a calf, tying a rope, meeting a famous rodeo announcer, backing up a truck, stomping through mud, roping a steer or hearing a song and even if I have no real idea about what he is talking about (although I love our country lifestyle, I'm far from where I need be to understand most of what happens on our property!)
I am in awe of Marty almost weekly how he can share a story about something unfamiliar and make it something Jesus uses to speak directly to me. Marty has an amazing gift. He doesn't share about himself, or what he's got going on. He speaks about his life and relates it to what many in the room are familiar with ~ God, country and family. And there is where he brings it all together to speak God's words to my heart. See, Marty knows country and family mean nothing if we don't have God. I might not know how to birth a calf and well, I think we all know I'm pretty useless if you want me roping anything ~ But God knows I love the country, I love my family and I love my God. Marty has a gift for sharing his life, his family and his God with God's people.
Here is where I am going with this ~ I may not be able to rope, but I can "tie it all together". I truly believe God is seeded so deeply in Marty that when he speaks, he doesn't just see people, he sees needs in people. He doesn't just hear people, he listens to people. He doesn't just like people, he loves people. He doesn't just want to talk about God, he wants God to speak through him. Marty has such a gift.
I have been to many churches, gatherings and retreats where people have spoke a good message- no doubt about that! But there was an element missing. They were missing one element, God. They were speaking of God, but not with God. It is a gift, an amazing incredible gift when people are willing to LET GOD take the reins ~ to put yourself second.
I admire Marty greatly. I very much appreciate and respect his ability to share. God is doing an incredible thing through this man who is teaching His word. It must also be shared, Marty does not go this alone. His wife, children and parents are a huge support in his ministry. God uses Monday to share the values, support and encouragement of the gift of family as well. (He's roped me in!) This family is doing something incredible, which comes naturally to them. They are living life, loving Jesus and sharing with friends ~ God is working amazing works through them.
This morning, I am grateful for being encouraged by the gifts of a family (Campbell's) who are willing to share their family and their faith with others. They give of their time, energy and selves and it does not go without blessings upon their own family, or the blessings on others.
Today I am thankful for a Jesus who brings people into our lives who touch us deeply and remind us, we all have a gift and when we give Jesus the reins, it is incredible where He will lead us.
Please lift your pastor in prayer today, thank Jesus for the people in your life who speak Him to you. Pray over your heart and your desires to share Him with others and let's seek together for Jesus to speak through us and to us today. A'men