Micah was a prophet with an objectionable message to his audience. The people of Judah thought that everything they were doing was exactly what God wanted them to do. Micah pointed a finger of "religion" at them. They were performing so well their duties as followers of God but... God could care less. Micah informed his peers that they were missing what God desired from them which was to act justly, love with mercy, faithfulness, kindness and walk humbly with your God.

In other words… Micah is saying it is not about you and your crusted rituals. It is about meeting the needs of others and your relationship with your God. (I actually have a friend named Micah and I imagine they are very similar… that is way cool!)

The one question that I have to deal with everyday during this adventure is, “So… what are you going to do after May 20th?” My favorite counselor even asked me that question today… that is pressure! For the very first time, I think I gave an answer besides, “I’m just not sure… whatever God has in store for me.”

I absolutely know that I am going to be in the “people” business. I know that is a “God-thing”. My personality is one that deals with tasks better than people (much like the people Micah was prophesying to.) But because of the Spirit that lives in me (Romans 8:11), I am interested about others. I want them to discover their identity in Christ. I want them to know exactly how the Spirit can change their life. I want them to know their faith makes them righteous. They are saints, not sinners. They are forgiven, redeemed and made new. Jesus has restored the believer and made them holy and blameless.

I am FREE… FREE INDEED!Understanding my relationship with God causes me to walk humbly. Understanding my relationship with God causes me to walk with confidence.

I can’t help but tell people about this FREEDOM with a humble confidence.

Thank you God for allowing me to be in the “people” business.

Rusty

In Ephesians 5:32, Paul states the way Christ treats the church is a mystery.
So why does everything have to be explained?
Can't God be God?
Can Truth spread without a formula?
Can we really peal away marketing and programs from "the church"?
Can the Word of God stand by itself?

Wouldn't it be incredible to be involved in something that just couldn't be explained? A true mystery! To say these questions are idealistic, utopian or impractical speaks to the size of your God. Paul tells us in Romans 4:17 that God calls into existence something that does not exist. That is incredible. That is something that people will clamor to be a part of when God is the only answer for results.

This chapter of my adventure began on Monday, December 4th at 2 AM. That was when God abruptly awoke me and clearly enlightened me that I was finished serving in a full-time ministry position at the church I have served in for the last 18 years. Are you kidding me? Are we really having this conversation at 2 AM? Surely this can wait! Then Michelle, my wife, was abruptly woken. This can't be happening! I informed her about the message. We discussed it briefly, prayed and went back to sleep.

The next morning, my pastor was the first person with which I shared this information. This news has absolutely consumed me. I am to leave my ministry position to go to what? Lord, I absolutely trust you in this adventure. I trust that You will paint the picture on this blank canvas.

Many will think this description has more to do about others. The truth is this is about a man whose personality and leadership has collided with his faith... and today... his faith has risen to the top.

I look forward to being a part of something I can't even explain. How long will that continue? I guess that is why it is an adventure!

Rusty