Only For Jesus

When my alarm went off at 4:00 a.m. my first thought was, "Already?" I Had to get up. Had a busy day. I packed a suitcase the day before and sent it along with Taylor, Tucker and Turner as they left to board a bus bound for Panama City, FL. I had to get up to catch a plane to fly there the next morning.

Groggily I shaved and showered and gathered a few last minute things before heading out the door. I told Brenda I loved her and drove to Weatherford where I met with another guy heading to camp and we drove to Dallas Love Field.

We checked in and navigated the long lines at security. Only for Jesus. Eventually we boarded the plane and nestled in our seats. I took a window seat. After all the customary instructions and waiting in line for take off we flew into the overcast skies headed east. I spent my time reading a Charles Spurgeon biography until my eyelids grew so heavy I fell asleep for the last thirty minutes. We touched down got our rental car, a Volkswagen Bug, and grabbed a quick lunch before getting to camp.

We got our rooms just before the campers arrived. I hustled to the store for some last minute items and then got in a quick workout. After that I prayed and got ready for the evening service.

It has been a long time since God moved in me so deeply during the worship. The little room we met in reverberated with the praises of God. Tears fell as I sang. Emotionally I stepped up to preach but got choked up so we prayed silently for God to speak to us. Then I preached. A hard word and yet preached softly. According to the scriptures I called for repentance. A no nonsense start to Beach Camp. God settled His word on all of our hearts including mine. The students broke into small groups to debrief the message.

Wearied I went back to my room called Brenda and fell immediately asleep after we hung up. Only for Jesus. Only for Jesus would I pack a suitcase and leave the love of my life as I have done so many times over the years. Only for Jesus would I willingly sleep in strange beds and eat camp food. Only for Jesus would I leave the flock entrusted to me. Only for Jesus would I endure the whipping of airports. Only for Jesus. And HE IS WORTH ALL OF IT A THOUSAND TIMES AND MORE. ALL FOR JESUS.