Men of God

Joe and I just got back from the Ligonier Conference. We've gone to this the past 3 years with Chuck and Julie (Joe's brother). Julie and I had the babies with us so we spent a lot of the time roaming the halls and sitting in the stairway, but we still were able to hear most of the preaching. Most of the conference dealt with the subject of post modernism. Honestly, most of this was over my head, but it was good for me. One night during the conference, I looked on the front row and I was overwhelmed as I looked at so many of the men God has used in my life over the years, all sitting next together. John Piper, R.C. Sproul, John MacArthur, Al Mohler, and Ravi Zacharias. As I looked at them, I realized there were so many other pastors in that room that probably would never recieve recognition for all they have also done for the Lord in this life. Everyone was shaking these well known pastor's hands and thanking them... certainly God has used them greatly in so many people's lives. but what about all the other pastors that have served just as faithfully? So many men study and preach week after week to small churches... so many men in that room will never preach to a crowd more than 100. I read a book by Kay Aurthur a few years ago. It was a study of the names of God. One name has always stuck with me. The name is El Roi and it means the God who sees. We may see what these men who have written books and preach to thousands have accomplished for the Lord,but today I am thankful that our Lord is El Roi. He knows the faithfulness of his servants... even if we are never able to thank them personally. I pray that the Lord would open my eyes to some of these servants so that I can thank them for their faithfulness.

wrong motives

I heard a great sermon this morning about marriage. The preacher was talking about his marriage and how it seems like his wife is the hardest person in the world to show Christ love towards. I've thought about that a lot today. God has blessed me with an AWESOME husband who desires to put Christ first in our home. The Lord gave me a great husband, but he did not give me a perfect husband... just like God did not give Joe a perfect wife. The problem is, sometimes I expect Joe to be as wonderful to me as Jesus is instead of trying to be as wonderful to him as Jesus is to him. I guess that is what I am realizing more and more. Even my love for my husband is affected by my sinfulness. I want my love for him to be motivated by my love for Christ.. Sadly, I am realizing my motivation is more of a love for myself than for the Lord. My motivation is wrong Lord and you are showing me that today. Only you can change this in me. I ask that you would.