Greetings dear friends. I cannot believe we are into November. This year has gone by in such a flash—so many wonderful ministry events and special memories. Cindy and I are really looking forward to this holiday season. It is our favorite time of year. And also, Cindy’s health seems to be improving and we are both feeling a strong sense of His presence in our midst.
October was another great month for us here at On Target Ministries, for my work at The Road and for us personally. Our weekly AIM (All In Men) gatherings on Tuesday mornings have been going great. We are up to over 70 men now and I just concluded a series on letting go of the past.
On October 13th I had the privilege of bringing an important message to our church. The title was Finding Your Way. (Click here to watch the full message) I began by unpacking the profound word God gave me from November of 2009—My people are not prepared. I remember when I received this in an intense time of prayer and not comprehending its full meaning. In fact, every year that passes He is giving me fresh insight into these powerful five words.
As I said to our congregation I am convinced the average Christian is not prepared for what our future holds for us. 2020 is going to be an ugly year in the natural—political turmoil is at an all-time high and the atmosphere necessary for our faith to survive and thrive is being compromised every day. Yet, most of us are asleep. At one point I shouted WAKE UP! I really sensed my message had a watchmen on the wall feel to it. We truly need a wakeup call. However it is not a call to activism in the natural sense.
I am persuaded that the current trajectory of our culture suggests we are in for some persecution. How you perceive that last statement has everything to do with your spiritual preparedness. If it scares you—you are not ready. Should it concern us, yes. But it should never frighten. It should motivate us to get as close to God as we can and recognize the importance of exercising our call. Living the life God intended for each of us.
It also calls for a new level of determination and seriousness to discover just what that call is. It is truly His call (Way)and ultimately He is the Way Maker. We ended the service with the popular song Waymaker. I can still hear the chorus…Waymaker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness. At the end of the song I came up on the platform and asked how many here truly desire to discover God’s way but are struggling because you need the miracle worker to show up in your present circumstances?
The response was overwhelming, and the altar ended up filled with people who wanted prayer. It was yet another reminder of just how many precious people are struggling right now and the need for all of our churches to get serious about restoring their flocks and preparing them to be all God intended. Here is a question for you—how prepared are you?
Later in the month I conducted a three hour workshop for future small-group leaders. We had a great turnout and were able to prepare many with the skills necessary to facilitate vibrant discussions in their groups as well as helping them understand what true servant leadership looks like.
On November 7th Cindy and I fly to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to bring five plenary sessions to the NAME Canada National Marriage Conference. This is our third time serving this annual conference over the past 8-10 years. Our dear friends Jack and Simone Winnicky have headed up this wonderful ministry for many years. Please pray for this event as we are anticipating many marriages will be restored and people coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus for the first time.
Finally, please also pray for me as I am having foot surgery on November 18th and will likely be on crutches for 4-5 weeks. It is not a major procedure but just some corrective surgery. That said, it still takes a long time to recover from foot surgery and I will be getting used to wearing a boot and not being able to drive for a while. Especially pray for the people who will have to wait on me!
May our wonderful God bless you richly,