Only a few short days ago, the 2009 International Leadership Conference came to a close following an unforgettable worship service at the Colorado Convention Center.  The prior days were filled with inspirational messages; much needed lessons; critical connections; and an extraordinary opportunity for all of us to meet and greet disciples from all over the world. 

 

In order to provide the needed hospitality, it required the Denver church to respond as one and by God's grace and power, the response of our brothers and sisters was so spectacular that compliments poured forth during the entire conference.  The standing ovation that was given to Wade and Debbie Cook, the members of the ILC host committee, and the church at large says it all, but it certainly did not stop there.  As a member and elder I could not have been prouder of the Denver church and I was clearly awestruck by the ways God blessed our gathering and showered his love and grace upon us. 

 

Today, I went back and reread the charge that was presented by John Lusk in early August prior to the start of the ILC.  John's message encouraged everyone "to be ready" in keeping with Joshua 1:2 "Now then, you and all these people, get ready..." and John went on to urge everyone to pray, open wide our hearts to one another, and to examine and test ourselves as we go from "strength to strength."  Similarly, a later message from the ILC administrative committee noted that the upcoming ILC could be a time of spiritual reset and renewal and for us to ask God to provide the inspiration and conviction necessary to make the changes.  

 

I believe that through God's Spirit, hosting the ILC has ushered in a new chapter in the Denver church.  Hearts were opened to one another and prayers were answered.  In the wake of the ILC, a spirit of reset and renewal does pervade our Denver family as we continue to examine and test ourselves in light of what was shared by many different spiritual voices.  We truly stand in awe at the workings of God in each of us and His church! 

 

Let us thank God for His abundant provision and joyfully express our gratitude for Him and for one another as we move forward!

Only a few short days ago, the 2009 International Leadership Conference came to a close following an unforgettable worship service at the Colorado Convention Center.  The prior days were filled with inspirational messages; much needed lessons; critical connections; and an extraordinary opportunity for all of us to meet and greet disciples from all over the world. 

 In order to provide the needed hospitality, it required the Denver church to respond as one and by God's grace and power, the response of our brothers and sisters was so spectacular that compliments poured forth during the entire conference.  The standing ovation that was given to Wade and Debbie Cook, the members of the ILC host committee, and the church at large says it all, but it certainly did not stop there.  As a member and elder I could not have been prouder of the Denver church and I was clearly awestruck by the ways God blessed our gathering and showered his love and grace upon us. 

 

Today, I went back and reread the charge that was presented by John Lusk in early August prior to the start of the ILC.  John's message encouraged everyone "to be ready" in keeping with Joshua 1:2 "Now then, you and all these people, get ready..." and John went on to urge everyone to pray, open wide our hearts to one another, and to examine and test ourselves as we go from "strength to strength."  Similarly, a later message from the ILC administrative committee noted that the upcoming ILC could be a time of spiritual reset and renewal and for us to ask God to provide the inspiration and conviction necessary to make the changes.  

 

I believe that through God's Spirit, hosting the ILC has ushered in a new chapter in the Denver church.  Hearts were opened to one another and prayers were answered.  In the wake of the ILC, a spirit of reset and renewal does pervade our Denver family as we continue to examine and test ourselves in light of what was shared by many different spiritual voices.  We truly stand in awe at the workings of God in each of us and His church! 

 

Let us thank God for His abundant provision and joyfully express our gratitude for Him and for one another as we move forward!