In today's installment of these Messages About Purpose and Strategy, I'll give you a snap shot of what it's all supposed to look like.

Once I offered the invitation for people to come forward at the conclusion of our 10:45 service, I bowed my head and closed my eyes. The music began right behind me and I felt very alone with God and not at all in the spotlight before a crowd. "God, as you saw, no one came forward in the last two services. Actually, one of my buddies came forward, but only to pray for me and encourage me. Thanks for that, but I'll candidly admit I had hoped for more. Lord, it would be typical for me to feel responsible, and then to seek to learn what I could do better. I feel like placing the blame on my presentation, but I think I sense you saying that this response, or lack of it, has nothing to do with my delivery. So, I guess in this prayer all I have to say is that I ask you to do your part. I feel like I've done all I can do and now it's your turn."

With that, or something similar, I opened my eyes to discover feet all around mine! A bunch of people had gathered as I prayed and I had not heard them come. As I saw the response, I prayed again, "Okay, God. I got it: one more reminder that it is not about me, it is all about you. You did it. I praise you!"