I have been in Phoenix at a prayer conference since yesterday and will fly home tomorrow evening. I spoke twice this morning and listened to another four speakers. I was tremendously blessed by each of the messages that I heard. I didn’t hear anything new but hearing it again from such good speakers was very motivating and encouraging. I was reminded of the early days of pastoring Jefferson Baptist Church when I used to go to conferences and seminars three or four times a year, not only because of what I learned but because of the fire they would put in me for ministry. It was nice to know that I can still be stirred up and motivated; there isn’t much worse than an older man who thinks he knows it all and doesn’t need motivating by others.

It was a great reminder of what I say often, we are the church and we weren’t created by God capable of living the Christian life successfully on our own without input and help from others. Those who are humble and recognize how important others in the “Body of Christ” are to their own growth, put themselves in situations where they can be taught, encouraged, and held accountable by others. Help me Lord not to forget this principle.