Our guest blogger this week is Tim Steele.  He and his wife, Cindy, serve on the host team as greeters.  Tim is a vital part of the Connections team at Oak Leaf and we couldn’t do what we do without him!

God’s Word says, “These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: ‘Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 10:5-7

To become a disciple of Jesus you must follow Him. Following means taking risks through obedience.

When I became a “Christian” some 18 years ago I ran into some very difficult times. I was caught between the old and new man. I began to learn God’s Word by hearing and studying it. My knowledge started the process of “Refiner’s Fire,” by applying His dos and don’ts to my life. It was always a challenge because I really didn’t have any one person or group around me to encourage and support me with this lifetime process.

In recent years, I quit making excuses and made a new commitment…a commitment to sacrifice my time, energy and resources to lead, serve and invest in other people. I committed to partner with my home church at Oak Leaf. Partnership required a commitment to simply follow Jesus at a deeper level and this was foreign territory and uncomfortable for me.

But since that time, I’ve seen many awesome changes occur at a very rapid pace in my life. God has shown me the importance and positive impact we can have on others when we obey Him and walk in His power. Jesus is our savior and leader…He wants us to lead others to follow Him by just doing what He asks of us.

He wants me to continue to trust Him by getting out of my comfort zone and to truly follow Him. The “by product” of our obedience produces supernatural courage, fulfillment beyond measure and transforms us into a “Christian Christian.”

I challenge you to obey Him by moving to an unknown place He has called you to and be truly blessed once you arrive. Trust Him by serving others and grow all of your relationships on this side of Heaven!

-Tim