My dear son,
I realize you will be serving Christ in a world far different than the one where I was trained and first released into ministry. Your methods, your dress, your vocabulary, the technologies you use and even the problems you face may have little in common with the world I knew, or even the world in which we both ministers today. You will be a faithful servant of Christ not because you mimic my words or imitate my ministry style, but because you live out the timeless values we share – values that come to us from the Word of God and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
So while I still have the opportunity, I want to take a few minutes to summarize in writing the values and life lessons I have attempted to live out before you and most want to pass on to you…
Keep short accounts with God…
Of first importance integrity is everything. Once you lose it, it is of vital importance to regain it as soon as possible. The only thing that we are going to leave this world is a legacy. Don’t win the world and lose your family God never calls for that. The light that shines the brightest shines the brightest at home. Never settle for the status quo with your life. Live a life of expectancy and excitement. Jesus didn’t save you to bore you. Jesus bore your sins to redeem you and set you free so be free indeed. Please know, that you do not need to be someone who you are not, you do not need to imitate anyone but Jesus Christ. Live your life for the audience of one. Be you, and know that God values you just the way that you are.
Live a life of love and walk in purity. Always allow the light of the Word of God to guard and guide your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. The only wisdom that you need is the wisdom of God and submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit will lead you to such wisdom. Stand on the truth of the Word of God and dare not look back there is nothing in this world worth turning around to see. Protect the flock of God to which God has given you an oversight of. Hold to sound doctrine where the Bible speaks speaks. Where it is silent, you keep silent. Remember no one died and left you the role of the Holy Spirit not even Holy Spirit Jr. God is God and you are not so keep Him on the throne of your life and you will be fine.
Lastly the greatest advice I can give you is to get out of bed and spend 30 minutes a day praying and seeking the face of God. Every day pray the full armour of God on you will need every piece so put it all on. Always remember that you cannot spend time with other people and minister until you have first spent time with God and had Him minister to you. You cannot expect God to speak to the heart of people unless God has first spoken to your heart. You are only going to be as useful as you are filled by the Holy Spirit. That is the only fuel that you need to live the Christian life. His Filling! By he way his filling never runs on empty either. Sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of him. Keep your eyes of the highest prize the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. I pray all the will of God for you my dear friend. PS PLEASE LOVE HOCKEY!
Pastor Ayer