Series of Warnings

Warning!  The blog you are about to read may challenge you (at least I hope it does!)... 


Sunday I attended worship at Central Presbyterian Church (USA) in downtown Atlanta.  I had heard about this church from several seminary classmates and was really intrigued by their witness to the city and mission work for the homeless and displaced in Atlanta, so I was looking forward to seeing it for myself.  While driving to church, I had no idea what God had in store for me during the worship experience.  

The structure of the church dates back to pre-Civil War dates, but the heart of the church is alive and well, living into God's call to worship vibrantly and to shout the message of the Gospel from the mountain-tops.

The sermon, short and sweet, hit home and challenged me in ways I had not anticipated.  I would like to share the challenging message with you...

"Beware of saying yes to God" Pastor Gary Charles.  What a true statement!  I had to restrain myself from laughing out loud when I heard these words coming from the pulpit due to the irony of it and its relation to my call.  I was cautious for many years of saying 'yes' to God because I was afraid of where that 'yes' would take me....

Ultimately that 'yes' has taken me into a vocation of ministry and mission for the world and has lead me to Columbia Theological Seminary.  For that I am thankful because God saw something in me that I could not (or would not) see in myself.  

A year ago, when I was at a low point, I looked up from the tears on my pillowcase to the heavens above and said, "Ok, God....I'm ready...I'm finally saying 'YES!' to you, no matter where this 'YES!' takes me."  That moment when I uttered my response to God's calling through joyful tears and painful sobs changed the direction of my life.  That 'YES!' changed my life forever, and for that I am thankful.  

So I want to warn you to beware of saying 'yes' to God.  Be cautious in answering God with a 'yes.'  But when you are ready to respond and do say 'yes' to God, say "YES!" with conviction.  Say "YES!" with all of your heart, mind, and soul.  Say "YES!" like you mean it and then live like you mean it.  My challenge to you is to say "YES!" to God today and see where it takes you tomorrow.     


Your "YES!" may take you to a soup kitchen where you serve a hot meal to a person in need.  Your "YES!" may take you to the doorstep of a new neighbor with cookies in your hand.  Your "YES!" may take you to a foreign country on a mission trip.  Your "YES!" may take you to a Sunday School class where you fellowship with other believers and are stretched in your faith.  Your "YES!" may take you to a new city or a new sate.  Your "YES!" may take you to a new job.  And if you're like me, your "YES!" may take you to seminary.  Where ever your "YES!" takes you, go in faith and with open eyes to see, open ears to listen, and an open heart to love.  


Say "YES!" to God today and see where it takes you tomorrow.