Top 5

My good friend Ricky Sowell has a blog that I read from time to time. On his blog he does something very cool; he gives his readers a top 5 list of random things. I find them enjoyable so I have decided to do the same. Today I have been thinking about the influences in my life as I now seek to be an influence to others. So in no particular order here are the top 5 influences on my life.

#1. My mom. She will admit she is not a perfect lady but man does she have passion. When she sets her mind to do something she does it and does it well. She taught me the value of speaking up for what I believe in. When I was a lost sinner she was the one praying in my room and pleading the blood of Jesus over me. Thanks mom!!!

#2 Chase Ostrander. Chase is a friend of mine that I have known for almost 5 years. He is my opposite in most ways; a Yankee and soft-spoken. What I love the most about Chase is that he takes everything to God in prayer. When I need prayer he is the first person on my list to call. He has challenged me on many things and as a result I have had to do a lot of repenting. My views of evanglism and family come from the fact that Chase loved me enough to give me some books and pray for me daily. There is no better friend than this guy!!!

#3 T.J. Mauldin. Ive never told TJ how much he has taught me. This guys is in his early 20's and has a better handle on scripture that most guys twice his age. TJ has taught me the value of digging deeper in the Word of God and seeing the things that are underneath the surface. He has an amazing heart for people and seeing lost people come to know Christ. This is the guy that will break out in worship and bible study at the Waffle House at 2 in the morning. I would know; I've seen it. And people just respond to him like they have known him for years even though they just met.

#4. Tim Rigeway. Tim was my first Pastor. He took me under his wing and taught me the value of wearing your emotions on your sleeve. I often wonder where I would be if God had not brought this man and his family into my life. Tim is like a father to me. We have shared each other's good times and bad. I hardly ever get to see him but when I do it just fits like an old pair of shoes.

#5. Charles Spurgeon. People at my church will laugh when they read this because I quote him every other Sunday. But it is amazing to me how a man that has been dead for so long has had such a rich impact on my life and ministry. I want to preach like Spurgeon; with bold, simple language that is surprisingly profound. I want of have half this man's zeal for the lost and for spurring on other preachers. If God give us a son and my wife would let me I would name his Spurgeon, I promise I would. My wife is praying for all girls now.