A Divine Appointment and how Samuel D. James @samueld_james inspired me to start a bookclub.

At this point I was frustrated. I just finished running from one building to another trying to get a badge for a theological society that I simply couldn't afford as a senior Theology student ($100+). I asked the lady behind the desk "Can you please give me the badge for free since it's the last day." She looked at me like I was crazy and replied "No." I know it's crazy to ask but I believe in "ask and ye shall receive." :)

So I walked away and started walking in circles thinking how I was going to get my paper done for Dr. Campbell's Christian Theology class. ( one of my requirements for graduation in 27 days.) So then I started walking back to the building seeing how God would figure it out as He always does.

As I was walking from the registration building back to Forth Worth Convention Center questions started attacking my mind. "Why am I here? You don't belong here. I just want to preach the Gospel." So I started to walk upstairs and find ways to "get in". After a few seconds of looking at the sponsors' banners, I was thinking again. "This place is too big for me." I started to pray to God and ask Him to make a way where I saw there was no way.

I walked over by the side to get a chair and as I sat down by the side. I sat aside Samuel and I asked him if he had a schedule for the event. Little did I know this would be a divine appointment that would bring joy and thankfulness to my day.

We sparked up a conversation that now I can say that Samuel listened and ministered to me. The Lord used Samuel. From a simple "Where are you from" to be sharing my personal testimony of how Jesus brought me through 5 years of studying theology to 27 days until graduation. Samuel listened and he cared. As I was telling my story God was reminding me of all that He has done for me over the last five years. It reminds me of the power of sharing our personal testimonies of how Jesus transforms our lives.

Then Samuel says " I work for Crossway we are one of the sponsors for the event." Then I pulled out my pocket-size ESV Bible (Here) that I have been preaching from for the last two that I love so much! Samuel says "You should visit our table I want to give you some resources for your ministry."

We prayed together. I prayed for Samuel and his wife and kids. Samuel prayed for my life and me preaching the Gospel.

Long story short we met at the Crossway booth and I picked out a few of these amazing titles that I am adding to my reading list. Samuel recommended a few also. :) This was an inspiring divine appointment. Samuel ministered to my heart in the form of listening and giving. We spoke about the Gospel. He prayed for me and after we prayed I felt peace in my heart that a stranger I met moments ago was praying for my life and my ministry. Jesus. This is what Jesus did, does, and can do. Jesus brings people together. Jesus creates friendships. Jesus built a family and continues to build them every day.

I left that convention center with my head high and inspired to keep going for Jesus.

Learning Lesson 1: I am learning more to stay positive through the challenges because Jesus is always moving for you. Praise Jesus and thank you for this divine appointment that turned a challenging day to a big smile and new adventure of learning through these books.

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV - Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Learning Lesson 2: You Belong : The Gospel says that you belong because you are loved by God. You are worthy even if you cannot afford a badge. :) You belong to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Learning Lesson 3: Continue to Pray : Always have faith in the power of the Holy Spirit transforming our lives for the kingdom of Heaven.

Thank you Samuel, you inspired me to keep going! May God continue to bless your life, ministry, family, and kids.

Thanks, Samuel & Crossway this divine appointment has inspired me to use this love and passion for reading to launch our book club for 2022 our mission is to inspire preachers to read great books!

Preachers book club launching 2022

The first book we will be starting with is Do You Believe?: 12 Historic Doctrines to Change Your Everyday Life By Paul David Tripp Best-Selling Author Paul David Tripp Unpacks 12 Doctrines for Everyday Christian Living

The Goal is to read the book by January 15th and to have a discussion about the book. We may do an Instagram Live or Zoom discussion over the key points of the book. :)

Get Your Copy : Here