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by Michael Shepard (Author)
My journey began as a university student. Armed with a fresh encounter with God, I set out on my destiny. In fraternity with a few other like-minded men, I captured the vision of giving away what I had encountered. I had lived, primarily up to this occasion, for myself. I had unwittingly filled the insecurities, the holes in my heart, with pride and selfishness. Gaining approval and performance orientation were unspoken mantras in my life.
However, I was on a new trek It was all about othersloving, helping, serving, and reaching people. The Great Commission became my great obsession. My pursuit was vigorous, yet over time, it left me drained of vigor I found myself in a strange, uncharted place within. I grasped for new vitality in my God-life.
I found and apprehended a new handle in my life. It was a new corridor I found new energy in the quest of seeking after God and loving God. I became a God chaser. I saw the priority of being a God seeker rather than a people seeker. The flames of my God-life were fanned
After several years of traveling this route, to my amazement, my flame began to burn out. The battery of my emotions and will were drained in a way I had experienced before. I wilted in the race of running with the Great Commission. I became heavy, carrying the weight of being a God chaser. Why was my soul gas tank low? Weren't these honorable pursuits? I had loved myself, others, and then God. How, then, shall I go forward with my God-life? Let's relook at the road map and recalibrate the compass. Come...take a journey with me
Author Biography
Michael Shepard is currently serving as the Staff Pastor at Joyce Meyer Ministries. He has been in full time pastoral ministry for over 35 years. He earned his undergraduate degree from William Jewell College with majors in Math, History, and Religion. Michael earned his Masters of Ministry and Doctorate of Ministry degrees from Pillsbury College and Seminary with an emphasis in Expository Studies in the New Testament. The fire in his heart is a passion for Jesus and to raise up leaders after His heart. Michael has been happily married to his wife, Pennie, for over 35 years. He is the father of two daughters. Hannah Joy, along with her husband Mark and four sons, live in San Antonio, Texas. Leah Grace works for the Disney Co. and lives in Orlando, Florida.
