“Do justice to your own soul.  Give it time and means to grow.  Do not starve yourself any longer.”  – John Wesley

Question for the day:  “How intentional are we about our own spiritual growth?

Friends,

We are 30 days from the beginning of a very important event inside the United Methodist Church – Annual Conference.  Each year, both clergy and lay leaders gather from over 800 UMC’s in North Alabama to discuss current events, make future plans, and take care of the decision-making process for all United Methodist Churches in our conference.

This form of “holy conferencing” originated with the early Methodist church, and remains as a cornerstone of how we operate today.

In honor of this “conference month,”  we will be looking at teachings from the founder of Methodism, John Wesley.  One of the most influential theologians in history, Mr. Wesley’s teachings and sermons have formed the doctrinal and theological beliefs held by the Methodist church.

I invite you to join me as we learn to pray, study, and worship like true Wesleyans.

Heavenly Father,

Glory be to God in the highest.  For You are the God of second, third, and fourth chances.  Forgive me, Lord, for not taking advantage of opportunities presented to me.  Forgive me for not pursuing, with all my heart, a relationship with You.  For so long I have been existing on the by products of a faithful life, without the basic nourishment of worship and prayer.  Thank you for showing me that I am spiritually starving, and for giving me another chance to come to the source, the Bread of Life.

Help me to maintain my focus on You.  And help me to create a way in my life to remain faithful to it.

In the name of my Savior I pray,

Amen