CATALYST

Two days.  About ten major speakers.  Amazing interviews.  Fun activities.  Free gifts.  Heart-stirring worship!  Deepening relationships on our team.  Being strongly challenged! 

The title of the conference fits.  I am swimming with thoughts, ideas, and possibilities!  My vision of God's work has been magnified!  We are world-changers!

Too often, we see with limited perspective.  We think our impact is small.  We think we're hardly making a dent.

I recently discovered that this blog is being read by someone in Alaska and someone in Russia.  I had no idea!  I would have never dreamed...

God is orchestrating a world-wide force for change and renewal!  He will use those who make themselves available.  Are you available?

I desperately want what God wants.  I would give it all away and move wherever to be part of His dynamic purposes.  The center of His will - Yes!  An obedient servant - Yes!  A willing heart - Yes! 

In the most positive way, Lord, I say it for all to see:  WHATEVER!

First Fruits

Yesterday, Debbie and I picked, cleaned, and froze beans and broccoli from our garden.  The beans were straight, long, and beautiful.  The broccoli heads were huge, green, and fresh.  These were the first fruits from the garden in 2011. 

According to Exodus 23, God instructed the people (when they came to the Feast of the Harvest) to "...bring the choice first fruits of your soil into the house of the LORD your God."  Teachings similar to this are recorded in Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Nehemiah.

First fruits are the best! 

God demanded that the people bring their best and give it to Him!

Don't keep it for yourself;  surrender it to God!  The best of your crops!

You eat and enjoy the second fruits.  You wouldn't have any of it if it wasn't for the goodness of God!

Are you giving God the best?  ...the first fruits?  Think about it.  What would that mean in your life?