1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

This is a verse I have loved for a long time and have written on many times, but it still echoes in my heart. This is not about evangelistic programs or grand schemes, it’s about living as a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ and all that means. If we are living in love with Jesus, our lives will be different enough that people will notice, and they are likely to ask us about it. The world has much to destroy hope, which makes genuine hope all the more attractive. We aren’t to try to pretend that we have no problems. That is as false as a 3 dollar bill, and that hypocrisy quickly becomes evident to all who know us in the least. It’s also denying Jesus’ statement that in this world we do have problems, period. (John 16:33) However, regardless of our problems, we have hope, and that is what makes us different from those who don’t know Christ. Reading the New Testament I see no sign of “special meetings” and the like to “grow the Church.” The Church indeed grew, but it wasn’t by human design. God’s plan for church growth is for His children to live and act as His children. That will be irresistible to those whose hearts are hungry for life.

This verse struck me this morning because we are at a church conference. The main speaker is a man with a moving testimony who depends on God and not on himself, which is excellent. At the same time, he is the pastor of a large church in America, and that greatly impacts what he says and how he says it. Last night we were challenged to examine how we see God and how we see ourselves, and to dream and pray big. That’s very good, but specific examples he gave of “dreaming and praying big” rang hollow to me, because they tended toward external things, like finances and numbers. I do need to lift my eyes to my omnipotent Creator and understand how much He loves me and that He’s included me in His plans, but at the same time I want to ask Him for His dreams for me, and not cook them up on my own. We have been given a massive vision and I pray for the salvation of the whole nation, but I want it to happen God’s way, and not limit Him by my imagination.

Father, thank You for getting us here safely yesterday, and for all the things that have happened since our arrival. I pray that I would be open and available to You on every level, to hear what You are saying to me here, through sessions or through private conversations, and to be Your instrument in blessing others as well. Thank You. Praise God”