Here is what I knew: it was "spiritual". As I am sure many of my brothers and sisters will agree, often in our culture anything labeled as a faith-based or spiritual event, even including the word "prayer", can end up being nothing more than diluted morality at best. Most usually, the words "Jesus Christ" are omitted and replaced with talk of "individual spiritual journey" or "trust in "god"". My mind automatically cues itself to John 14:6- no one comes to the Father, EXCEPT THROUGH ME. Reminding me that this type of "faith" is nothing more than the strivings of an imperfect human to fit the Creator of the universe into a mold they and those around them are comfortable with, and therefore calling out to a "god" that isn't true.
I did agree to attend, however, with hopes to enjoy some insight to leadership and to get a glimpse into the inner workings of our Commonwealth's political leadership.
I came home last night blown away, encouraged in the Lord, and truly believing that there is no reason for me to believe hope for America and specifically Kentucky is anywhere NEAR lost.
At the Prayer Breakfast I met a girl named Sarah, she too was anxious to hear what we would learn. In a short time I would see that her faith in the God of the Universe was strong and real....she knew Jesus personally, and it showed.
After that I shuffled into a room of about 45 students. A man named Dan Lewis facilitated, praying over each speaker personally and speaking proudly and loudly the name of the Lord and Savior. Dr. Lewis continued to bring our minds back to the fact that, as the next generation of leaders, we a are involved not just in state, or nation, but Kingdom work.
Harvey Thomas, former press secretary to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, spoke on the need of our generation to know what is going on in the world. His encouragement to trust God in His guidance of where we should be was insightful. He has been all over the world because he opened his palms to the Lord in leaving full time ministry after many years to work elsewhere.
Also, Dr. Jeremy Corbett spoke on our great need to:
1. Be available to God's plan- specifically to find CHRIST-FOLLOWING mentors
2. Stand out- you are called to be different than the world around you
3. Be a true problem-solver- don't just see the problem....solve it
Another highlight was Dr. Lincoln Bringham. He is a pastor whose grandparents were slaves in KY. His grandfather lived until he was 15, so he personally heard accounts of his grandfather's days as a slave.
He spoke to our faith in God, and His power. My major take away was the question "Where are you going unswervingly and unashamed of a God who will supply all of your needs?"
Other Highlights included:
Leadership= Followship
Priorities and Non-negotiables
In short, I was consistently encouraged throughout the day by these wise men. Also, by my fellow students in sharing their experiences.
Through them I trust that the lyrics of the old hymn Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus will be cried out in lives throughout our state.
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art:
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver,
born a child, and yet a king,
born to reign in us for ever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit
raise us to thy glorious throne.
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