Only For Jesus

 It was a very busy week. So busy in fact, I only saw Brenda a few hours on Thursday evening and Turner as he walked out the door headed for school Friday morning. Somewhat reluctantly I packed a suitcase, as I have done a hundred times preparing for another preaching trip. 

Dutifully I packed already feeling a little homesick. It had been since Sunday night the last time I saw Brenda and Turner and would be three more days before I really got to spend time with them. I had already preached four times that week and still had five more messages to deliver before returning home. I felt exhausted before leaving. I asked Jesus for strength and power to complete the assignment. Only for Jesus. 

Only for Jesus would I leave the love of my life, Brenda, and our sons. Over the years I saw those sons cry when they were little each time I left for the next preaching trip. They could not understand why dad was leaving again. They were too young to understand I did it only for Jesus. 

Only for Jesus would I leave a flock I have grown to love and cherish  the time to minister to as their under shepherd. Only for Jesus would I hit the road again instead of enjoying time behind my desk or with the people who have showered me and my family with affection to minister the word to strangers. Only for Jesus would I sleep in strange beds. 

Only for Jesus would I preach my guts out, pray fervently and hope God truly impacted the lives of students and adults. It is something Jesus has called me to do for two and a half decades. From the sandy beaches of Florida to the mountains of California and many points in between. I have traveled for Jesus thundering Bible saturated messages calling people to salvation, repentance and revival. It is something I only do for Jesus. 

I've lugged worn out luggage all over this nation for the privilege of speaking God's word. I would only do that for Jesus. At times, I have not made a penny. At other times, I have been generously compensated. It is not about the money. It is about Jesus.  

None of it is a sacrifice. Not in comparison for what Jesus did for me on a cross. Heb 12:2 So, gladly I go where He leads. If He chooses to keep giving me invitations, I will keep going for Him. I'm scheduled to go out to west Texas in the Spring. We will see what He opens after that. I commit to keep going.  Even when I get homesick. Even when my family cannot go with me. Even if I'm exhausted. Even if I miss a little time with the flock I love. All for Jesus. He is worth all of it and more.