Park Your Heart in Front of God

I grew up in a small, traditional Baptist Church. Even though it is obvious that the church must change the way we do things in order to reach our changing culture, I am very thankful for my "small" beginnings. (Interestingly, when you grow up in a small church it is the only reference you have so you really don't know it is small) I have many fond memories of my childhood in reference to the church.

One memory that constantly comes back to me are the many hymns we sang; especially the ones that our Music Minister would select for the "Invitation" time. One of those hymns applies to my "journey" over these past few months. In my first post on this new blog I shared the reason why I stopped blogging. I had stopped growing in my personal relationship with Christ! Yes, while I was praying every day, preparing sermons, trying to lead a local church ministry, etc. Anyway, the song that represents my journey back says these words: "Come home, come home, ye who are weary, come home!" These words highlight the invitation Jesus gives to the world: (Matt. 11:28)

On Monday, January 25th, 2010, I was sitting in a Spiritual Leadership conference in Rocky Mount, N.C. when the Lord spoke so clearly to my heart and mind. I cried out silently to the Lord in a room filled with conference attendees and asked Him to show me something! He simply said these words: "COME HOME!" These are the words I wrote in my journal, right there in that conference, as God began to lift the clouds from my spiritual darkness:
"What should have been the most obvious diagnosis of my heart condition strangely remained out of focus for me. I have been running on empty!...My spiritual tank is empty! My heart is in the desert. I have neglected my Time Alone with God -- uninterrupted time to listen to God, worship Him, enjoy being with Him, etc."

A great Pastor, Leader, conference speaker and friend, Rick Fisher, made a statement in his talk that morning that has become a part of my daily T.A.W.G. (i.e. Time Alone With God). Rick said: "Park your heart in front of God." His emphasis (along with just about every other speaker) was on the quality of our ALONE TIMES with God. I knew immediately that God was speaking that message to me. So, I left the church after the final session of the afternoon and went back to my hotel room to "Park my heart before God!" I intentionally skipped the evening worship opportunities because I needed to get started ASAP going to the Throne of God without any interruptions, schedule constraints, or a hurried spirit.

I just want to say that these past 31 days have been exhilarating as I have once again found my "PLACE" of Refuge, my source of strength, my wisdom for living as a Christ-Follower and as a "Called" Leader in God's church. My T.A.W.G.s have come alive again. I can't wait to get alone with God to see what He is going to say to me; and just to patiently wait before Him without making Him feel like I want ALL of Him, but just when I have time! (Ouch)

I will share more tomorrow on my Journey Back Home! Hopefully, this will help someone else find this place where dreams, visions, inspiration, HOPE, faith, etc. are waiting to be received. I hope you will take seriously the opportunities to "Park your heart in front of God" and don't move until He says for you to.

When? How? If you are asking these questions, stay tuned for more to come!