8.27.2019

Be Here Until...

The preliminary result of my Michigan Teacher Certification exam for Mathematics is PASS!!
I have to wait for 5 to 6 weeks for the final results.
I have also emailed the Department of Education to verify that everything is ready for the renewal of my certification.

The plan going forward is to BE HERE
in Grand Rapids
with the kids at Northpointe Christian School
involved at Trinity Baptist Church
UNTIL WE ARE NOT HERE.

I am also going to prayerfully continue with the pastoral ministry search while beginning the search for a math teaching position.  I have shared before that my passion is for pastoral ministry but over this past year God has not provided this.

Recently, I read an article entitled 6 Distinguishing Marks of a Call to Gospel Ministry by Steven Lawson.  Here are the six marks:
  • Inner Compulsion
  • Loving Concern for Other
  • Overwhelming Constraint
  • Sobering Humility
  • Corporate Confirmation
Thinking through and journaling about these six marks has confirmed my calling to pastoral ministry.

At the same time, I need to pay bills and be responsible.  God has used and continues to use In On Time as a means for me to do this.  I also believe God has given me the ability to teach along with a passion for teaching. 
This is the reason why I am going to begin searching for a teaching position.

Now I want to point out a specific phrase I used a couple of times in this post.
Pastoral Ministry.
I did NOT write that I was looking for a ministry because I believe that even if I am not in a full-time pastoral position, God provides opportunities for me and my family to minister to others.  We want to make the most of these opportunities to minister wherever we are.
He also provides each and every Christ-follower with opportunities to minister no matter their occupation.

Another part of this "Be Here Until We Are Not" mindset includes making the most of opportunities to preach and teach.
This Sunday (09.01), I am going to be preaching at Montrose Baptist Church, where my friend Shane Miller is the pastor.
The passage I will be preaching is Psalm 9, with an emphasis on verses 9 and 10, which were the Fighter Verses the week of August 3rd.
The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
The title of the message is "Life is hard AND God is good."

We would appreciate your prayers for the following...
  • wisdom and direction for my job search
  • more affordable housing after October
  • focused preparation time and clear
  • the kids and Krista as they begin the new school year at Northpointe Christian School