THE POWER IS IN “GOING UP,” AND WHILE YOU ARE THERE, PLEASE PRAY FOR ME

Last night, I had the privilege to preach at the 2014 Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. I am so thankful to President Bruce Frank, along with his officers, Clint Pressley and Alex Himaya for asking me to speak.

The conference theme is “Show Me Your Glory!” After prayer and fasting, I became convinced to preach on Exodus 33:15-16. My message was entitled “GOD’S GLORY: Distinguished by it or Distanced from it?” Moses wanted to become known for having the glory of God upon his own life and upon the lives of his people. He did NOT want to be known just for having land and possessions.

The distinction is in going up!

Just as Moses went up the mountain to be with God continually, we need to go up to be with God continually. This is where we are set apart, distinct from others, and different for the glory of God. Moses knew the glory and presence of God was the only thing that would set him apart from everyone and everything else. Personal charisma is nice, but not enough. Intellectual brilliance is commendable, but not enough. Physical discipline is appreciated, but not enough. A smile is engaging, but not enough. While those are attributes we would all love to have, if that is all we have, it is just not enough.

We must go where the power is, and the power is in going up to be with God! There is nothing more important in our lives personally each day than going up to be with God! In this place, He fills us with His Word, gives us His message, empowers us spiritually, and sends us down overflowing with His glory.

Would you go up and talk to God today?

There is nothing more important than going up to be with God daily. When you go up to be with Him, talk to Him personally, calling upon Him to show you His glory!

While you are there, would you pray for me?

The greatest thing someone can do for me is to pray for me. Would you pray for me in these next hours? I desperately need your prayer support in every way. I only want one thing: The glory of God on my life and the will of God carried out in all things. God knows I have fasted and prayed, willing and available to Him, and am ready to serve if called upon to serve by our Lord and Southern Baptists.

On Tuesday morning at 10:35 a.m. (EST), the Southern Baptist Convention has a very important decision to make. The messengers present will determine who will be elected to serve as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Please pray for the messengers to determine the will of God about whom the Lord is raising up to lead as President in this critical hour of our convention, our nation, and our world. Also, pray for Dr. Al Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, as he nominates me to become the next President of the Southern Baptist Convention.

We leave it all with God

Yes, if God chooses to raise me up, I will state as Moses did in Exodus 33:15, “If Your presence does not go, don’t make us go up from here…I and Your people will be distinguished by this from all other people on the face of the earth.”

Please know, I cry out to God today just as Moses did in Exodus 33:18, “Please, let me see Your glory!” More than anything, I want to have God’s glory, His presence, and His power upon my life and leadership. What He chooses to do on Tuesday is in His hands.

Yours for the Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd