I have spent the last two days at a pastor’s retreat.  It was a good time to see some friends, network with some people that are doing some creative things in ministry and gather a number of ideas as to how we might do a better job of spreading the Kingdom.

It was at the same conference last year where I believe the Lord laid on my heart the concept of “Tell the Story.”   Whenever I am in this environment, there are several things that happen.

I am challenged.  I see what God is doing in the lives of other people and their ministry.  I see new ways that we can share the gospel and make a difference in the world.

I am energized.  There is so much to be done.  The Lord has given us the privilege of being involved in the work of the kingdom.  We are not just marking time.  It is not enough to say that someone ought to do something.  We must take the initiative and get beyond our own comfort zone.

I am encouraged.  You can always find someone who wants to talk complain about the world in which we live.  Certainly the times are dark, but we serve a risen Savior and “greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. “  We must not be afraid but become more aggressive in reaching the lost.

I came home with a sense of excitement and an expectation of what God wants to do with us.