In Awe of God’s Love
As I sit and think about what has gone through my heart over the past four days I cannot help but acknowledge the active hand of All Mighty God. I just spent four amazing days with my former singles, co-workers and friends at South Tampa Fellowship and 97 WEST. I am overwhelmed with emotion to know that the God who saved me, the God who blessed me with a beautiful wife and four amazing kids, the same God who called me personally to join Him in reaching into the darkest places of despair and emptiness in the lives of those He loves is still just as busy at work in their lives now as He’s ever been. It is abundantly clear that He cares for those whom we’ve left behind in Tampa so much more than I can pretend to communicate here. There are seemingly no words with which to describe how I am feeling inside as I have had the opportunity to take a step back and watch Him continue what He began seven years ago in this aching heart of mine. In my forty one years of life I don’t know that I have ever felt a greater expression of His love for me than I do at this very moment as I sit and leaf through a notebook of assembled expressions of gratitude from those with whom we’ve ministered over the past seven years.
This week I had the fortune of being welcomed back to the stage where I previously cut my teeth in preaching and teaching the Word of the Savior to a generation of Singles who were hungry for truth, meaning and purpose. For years these same singles were also very forgiving of a new pastor learning the ropes as he went. I was also reminded this week just how very much I love my wife as I was continuously told how much she means to them as well. Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to experience the love, respect, and genuine thankfulness that I have over the past few days needs nothing else in this lifetime. Although I was the one who was asked to return to Tampa to speak to the singles, it was actually God who spoke to me through this gift of reunion with my spiritual family in this journey of faith.
Believe it or not, just the week prior to my trip to Tampa I was questioning whether or not the past seven years had any real, eternal impact on anyone. I know this sounds a bit ridiculous but I actually sat remembering our time in Tampa and wondered how long I would continue in ministry, while questioning the depth of my impact on those currently in my sphere of influence. Only God could have provided me with such a clear confirmation of my calling this week.
From the very deepest parts of my heart I want to thank all of you in Tampa for your graciousness and your love for me, Tracy and our family. I also want to thank those with whom we are now journeying through life together in Chandler, Arizona at Cornerstone; I hope to experience the same depth of God’s love with you. Lastly, I cannot wait until we all stand together, side by side in the presence of Jesus and finally know we are home.
In awe of God’s love,
- James
My second week at Cornerstone you spoke to the all ages and stages class. I knew God was clearly calling me to move me and my family to that church. I was in a time of transition and had been through so much healing and knew I was being transformed by God. That Sunday you spoke on the Beautiful Gate. There may have been only about 15 of us in that room but I know I left thanking God for that lesson. I am truly thankful you are at Cornerstone and I am thankful for the ministry in Tampa and how it transformed you and prepared you for this season of your life.