God Speaks!

Happy Father's Day to my Heavenly Father and to my earthly father too!

We had a nice father's day today, starting with the most hilarious children's presentation at church this morning. All I can say is, watch out Doug and Theresa. Nathan is on his way to stardom....or maybe clown college!! What a hoot and a blessing all in one.

It was a great day of Tiger watching and steak eating, relaxing, and dessert, and also a day to honor our dads. We love our dads to pieces and they are always there for us, no matter what. We are so grateful for them.

Tonight we watched a very special DVD of our friend and former pastor, Steve Shangraw. He is the pastor at Billings Bible Church over in Allbright Shores, at least he is for now. He spoke at Calvary Baptist recently on his decision to take a call at a church in southern California. What a story, one that would take me too long to tell, and it was amazing. God was all over it, in the big details and in the most tiny ones. Some of the things God used to speak directly to Steve's heart about this call were things most people would miss. Steve, having his eyes open, saw it all as clear as day.

.....a materialistic guy, wrapped up in the latest and greatest, depending on self and worldy things. The same guy who would later attend seminary and invite Steve to his church to speak. This after selling his possessions, including his stock portfolio and collection of cars.
...... a marathon Steve could not turn down because he spoke too soon about always "wanting to run one". The training led to discussions of the Lord while gasping for air, then a call that his running partner (the same guy above) accepted the Lord as his Savior.
......a bumper sticker and a license plate, both with the names of the churches each man would eventually serve. On cars that were thousands of miles from home
....... a key in a church in the Bahamas, where God encouraged him to trust for a home in LA
......a daughter who used her missions trip money to buy a plane ticket to California so she could see where her dad wanted to interview... The $500 that was placed in her hands that covered the ticket and replaced her missions trip money.
...the wife who didn't poo poo his idea this time
...the elderly who held on to his 5 minute sermon like he had just given the sermon of his life and kept telling him they wished he was their pastor.
...the pastor position that needed filled was the exact desire of his heart..to be a care pastor for the elderly, a funeral pastor, and a family care pastor. At the very church the above described man was now senior pastor. WOW
....... a McDonald's restaurant (long story) and the man he met in Massachusetts with not only a California plate, but with the name of the church Steve was interviewing at on the plate! Turns out they were both going to the same Mass town too! The man had attended that church and said it was wonderful.

God speaks! He sure spoke in Steve's story, using such "coincidental" things to keep Steve searching for God's leading. God kept pulling more and more out of Steve until he listened and obeyed. Being such a faithful man of God, it didn't take long for Steve to get the message and do as God instructed.

Wow. What a message. Listen for God and step out in faith. Trust Him with your life and watch what happens!! God does speak. We need to be ready to listen.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, and thank you for our very first pastor, who we love dearly.