And “The Light” broke through…….
Yesterday afternoon and last evening I had the pleasure of sharing with some photographers and the evening service at Morrison Hill Christian Church in Kingston, Tennessee. The church has a photography group and we were joined by people from several other clubs for an afternoon mini-workshop. We had a great time and then I stayed and shared in the Sunday evening service. Things went fantastic, as they always do. Now, let me take a moment to explain, because that sounded extremely, self congratulatory!!! Trust me it wasn’t. This is the back story. Just before I taught the workshop I went out into the lobby to pray. Anytime I give an address, teach a class, or share with any group, anywhere, I get alone and ask God to take over and to lead through His Holy Spirit. He always does. Yesterday when I went into the lobby area I looked up and saw the image above. I knew it was God’s promise that He – would “break through” to those assembled. When I go out to share, I never expect that “I” will be “successful” in sharing, I expect that “His Holy Spirit will be successful.”
Let me explain. Many, many years ago when I was a very young, very on fire, (still am!) Christian, just filled with the spirit, I went out to share at Sunday night service in a little church up in Harlan County, where I was born and reared. I couldn’t wait to get up and share my faith, and because I’ve always been relaxed and at ease in front of crowds, I just knew that God was going to use my talent in a powerful way, heck I might be the next Billy Graham! God in His wisdom taught me the most powerful lesson I might have ever learned. Just before I was to speak, He patted me on the back and said, “good luck, I’ll let you handle this one on your own….” and left the room….. It was a spiritual train wreck. I could not think of anything to say, I couldn’t string any thoughts together into any kind of coherent message! It was awful. The people were kind, but I know they must have wondered what insane asylum this poor young man had escaped from! I remember going out to my car and putting my head on the steering wheel and weeping profusely. I had so wanted to do something good for God and I had blown it! In my spirit this is what I heard my Heavenly Father say to me in a loving voice, “I’m sorry I had to do that to you, but you’ve got this service thing all wrong, I don’t want your talent, I want you to serve me through my strength, not your own. You are nothing apart from me, if you trust me, and let me lead, good will come from everything you do in service to me. I love you, and this was for your good….. Trust in Me!”
God had made a very important point, very clear, it’s not me, it’s Him. It’s not about me, It’s about Him. Why is that important? Because if He allowed us to have great success in our own strength it wouldn’t be long before we attributed it all to ourselves, and that would eventually destroy us. If we know it is Him, and Him alone, we will rely on Him and trust in Him. That is the first, and most important step, in following, after we have accepted Him.
So when I’m asked to go out and share my faith, I make a very loose plan, kind of a outline to hang my image shows on, I know I will share my testimony, but other than that I leave the vast majority of the time open for His leading. The wonderful thing is that He has never failed to give me just the right words, at the perfect moment, to make the point, He wants to be made. I don’t know who is there or what their needs are, or what they are going through, but He does, and he ministers to His children. All I have to do is show up and trust Him. 99.9% of the time it goes fantastic! I can say that because I’m not bragging on myself, I’m praising His Holy Spirit, His majesty, His love and wonderfulness!!!!
My biggest responsibility after ever talk is to get in the car, bow my head praise and thank Him and then forget all the nice things people say. When they stood up at the end of the service last night with a prolonged standing ovation, I just looked to the heavens and diverted all to where it was deserved. I truly am just a servant. I don’t want to ever believe again that it is me, it carries to much pressure, because if it were me I would have to do it again the next time out, and I know that’s not possible. You see, I’ve never forgotten that little church in Harlan County!
May all the parise and honor, always go to Him,
the pilgrim
P.S. Thank you Dennis for allowing me to come and be with your great folks, they were as warm and inviting as I hoped they would be……..
This entry was posted on Monday, December 12th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
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Bill, wonderful message and timely in my life in several regards. I love the images of the cross in the photo and how the light extends the one in the middle window. Wow!
You were the first person to catch that!!!!!
Amen! It’s HIM, not us. Everyday before going to work, I go to our room to say a little prayer. That HE gives me the patience and the wisdom to carry on with my job for the day…knowing how stressful things could get at the office. If I rely on myself, I would definitely ran out of patience. But thanks be to GOD for he never fails to sustain us with the things that HE knows we need. We are blessed for we have a WONDERFUL GOD, no matter what…
We do indeed!
Thanks Bill for reminding us why we should do anything – to give Him the glory – to glorify Him. I forget that sometimes. Rodney
We all do, we all do!
Hey Bill,
Like you I was allowed to share one more time last night. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, playing and singing. What a blessing. About two hundred people came out for a carol sing. It really was super.
The day before though, with a different church of about the same size, Trish and I went out caroling those who were home bound. The Pastor, his daughters, Trish, myself and my friend John made up the caroling team. Honestly I was disappointed that there weren’t more people going out, but we had a wonderful time with these beautiful little people in their homes. I talked with the Pastor and offered to help him recruit more carolers next year.
I really do like to write once in a while and to be able to hear back from you Bill. I pray that this will be one of your most wonderful Christmases.
I have a few days (till Wednesday) to rest now so, as my wife is going to be out of town today, I’m going to decorate the House and surprise her.
Blessings Bill,
Rob
Rob. I hope you guys have a wonderful Christmas!
Thanks for the great teaching and testimony in Kingston, Bill. We are inspired and grateful!
I was inspired by your folks as well Dennis, really enjoyed getting to meet you and your great team!
Thank you again, Bill, for coming to Morrison Hill. I had done a lot of photography when I was growing up, now I think I might do some more…
I really appreciate your picture of our Atrium windows. I sit at my desk and look at those windows during the week and am able to see the changing sky outside and watch the light create patterns on the walls. There are times when it is so unusual and beautify that you can only sit and thank God for His creativity. You have captured one of those times very effectively. Thank you.
You have a beautiful building and even more beautiful people!
In a book I read by Corrie ten Boom, it said that she took each compliment she received as a flower, then gathered them as a bouquet and gave it to Jesus at the end of the day. I was reminded of that in the things you wrote above. It was such a joy having you speak at MHCC Sunday night. I sat behind you as you shared your picture stories with us. Your surrender to Christ shone brilliantly in all you said and did in that hour, and called us, as Aslan would say “further up and further in”.
Thank you.
What a great quote from Corrie, i love her story and that is a wonderful quote, thank you!
We were so blessed that you shared with us! As you said Sunday during the workshop, “you have to be at the right place at the right time…” I am so happy that you were able to capture a special image while you were here to take back with you… Merry Christmas!
God’s blessings on you & your family,
Anita Bilbrey
Anita it was my pleasure to be with you guys!