What Would You Like to Do?
"Hello Gordon, what would you like to do?" A computer-generated voice asks me that question every time I turn on my "smart" phone. If I don't answer immediately, the persistent mechanical voice continues, "Are you still there, Gordon? What would you like to do? I didn't hear your response."
Recently the North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC) Executive Committee asked me to focus on stewardship, leadership and innovation. In the last eight weeks, I have been asked frequently, "Sooooooo Gordon, what would you like to do?" I have lots of personal ideas, but the most important thing I can do is ask the question, "Lord, what do YOU want us to do?"
Word of the Lord Was Rare
A re-study of the familiar story of Samuel and Eli has reminded me that God has BIG plans for us, if we are willing to LISTEN. The text 1 Samuel 3:1 tells us that "the Word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation." But that changed when a seasoned church leader gave the young boy Samuel instruction on how to listen directly to the voice of God.
God's plans were revealed when a faithful child said, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10).
Has God Spoken to YOU lately?
When word from God is rare, it usually indicates that we are not listening. God wants to speak to all of us. He had tried to communicate to Eli ... He had tried more than once to speak to the young Samuel, but Samuel didn't realize that God would want to speak to just a boy!
The Samuel story is a great example of how young and old NEED each other. If you are an older leader in the church, God might be asking you to remind the children, youth and young adults that sometimes God will have a message for the church that only they can fully understand.
So Gordon, What Has God Asked You to Write?
Stewardship — God has a message and a task for everyone. He entrusts YOU with the care of His church and message. Just listen for HIS Word!
Leadership — Church leadership is not confined to people with a leadership title. When a child listened, God used him to lead the leaders! When youth and age team together, our direction will be made clearer. Just listen for HIS Word!
Innovation — I am inspired by the words of Joel as quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost ... "God will give visions to young men and women, and older leaders will have dreams." Just listen for HIS Word.
Lord, What Do You Want to Do?
As director of stewardship/leadership/innovation I am listening to see what God will have me do in 2012. But for TODAY, He has given me an important assignment to remind you to LISTEN for HIS VOICE. God has a word for you. Join with me in beginning 2012 by saying, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."
Pull quote: "The Samuel story is a great example of how young and old NEED each other."
