Send My Regrets.

Back in late July/early August, I received a phone call from a mentor of mine from about 10 years ago. Pastor Tim Payne asked me to consider serving with him as their youth pastor for the new church plant God had called him to start in Florida.

Flash back: I got married a few months before on February 29th, 2012. To a beautiful Cali girl on Leap Day!

Flash Forward to my response: "I am honored that you would even consider me. But it's different now. If I was single, I'd pack up and go. But I am married now, and I would have to consider my wife in this."

I did ask for a period of time to pray about this. I was scared. I had my normal feelings of being inadequate, and unqualified. And other excuses. Pastor Tim graciously said that no time limit was needed and to just pray and seek God's will. He expressed that God was directing things, and all things will work out as this is His plan and ministry.

My wife and I prayed. Talked about this over our meals, during our drives, and cried out of fear and the potential discomfort in our lives this would cause. We prayed some more, and talked some more.

So... I'd like to share what I read in Luke during this time.

Jesus said, "For there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, 'Come on in; the food's on the table.'
"Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses. The first said, 'I bought a piece of property and need to look it over. Send my regrets.'
"Another said, 'I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.'
"And yet another said, 'I just got married and need to get home to my wife.'
"The servant went back and told the master what had happened. He was outraged and told the servant, 'Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.'
"The servant reported back, 'Master, I did what you commanded - and there's still room.'
"The master said, 'Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! Let me tell you, not one of those originally invited is going to get so much as a bite at my dinner party.'" Luke 14: 15-24 (Msg)

When God calls, don't make excuses.



Pray for us as we obey God and move to Gulf Breeze, Florida, and serve at Momentum Church.

Check out the website: momentumonline.org