So…I know this is supposed to be the “fluff” part—the part where I give all of the natural things that I’ve done that supposedly qualify me to do what I do.

I’m supposed to talk about being ordained.

I’m supposed to tell you about the hundreds of young people that I’ve worked with both in a job with “at risk” young people and on the mission field.

I’m supposed to tell you about the 20+ counties that I’ve traveled thru to do missions work.

I could try to wow some of y’all with the trips I’ve done and the discipleship outposts that I’ve helped create.

But, there’s actually nothing that anyone can do in this natural world that qualifies them to do a Spiritual work. And, you see…what we’re all called to do is Spiritual work…

And, even though the above is all factual…it’s also true that I grew up in a traditional church with wonderful people who loved the Lord, but as I was leaving the town I grew up in on my way to college, I told the Lord that if that’s what it looks like to serve You, I can’t have anything to do with You.

It’s true that I dropped out of college because I was bored out of my mind and started traveling.

It’s true that when I was younger, I was on a missions trip in Europe at the time, and I was so rebellious that I got kicked off the team for a while and hitchhiked thru Europe until I got things straightened out with the Father.

It’s true that even though I’ve known about the Lord for a long time, it was quite awhile before I actually felt like I knew Him.

It’s true that I’ve been successful in things and ministries and failed in others.

It’s even true that you may find me occasionally enjoying a fine cigar while sipping on a nice Guatemalan rum.

Truth is, I’ve struggled in life and ministry at times.

You see, the Word says…man falls seven times and rises again”…

Ultimately, if someone wants to judge me to find a basis for disqualifying me, it’d be easy enough depending on just how religious you are. All of that just don’t matter. I wasn’t sent to work with those people anyway.

But please don’t feel sorry for me. And you’re welcome to critique me if you want. But, the truth is, I’m chosen. I’m chosen by the Heavenly Father…

Out of His abundant mercy, He chose me to know Him. He chose me to share His heart with others. He chose me to do great exploits for the Kingdom on this earth. He chose me to walk in many miraculous things. He chose me to pour all that He’s revealed to me into others. He’s also chosen me to walk alongside others doing the same. This choice wasn’t because of anything special about me, but He did it, I reckon, just because He could. Because of that, I make no apologies for it.

Truth is, my qualifications are in Christ and Him alone. That’s really the only qualification that matters…