The Journey

Reasons to be Thankfull - Part Two

I am a blessed person.  I know that I do not deserve God's grace and mercy.  I've blown it often enough.  But, He stayed right next to me--thick or thin, in the valleys and on the mountain tops.  He always gently reminded that He loved me and cared for me.  There were times that I doubted--there were times where I felt alone.  But, He was always there.  One of my prayers--my requests of God, from the time I was a young teenager, was for a godly wife.  For much of my adult life I wondered if God would answer that prayer.  Then, in 1998, over a dinner at a German restaurant, I discovered God's answer.  Several months later Angela and I were engaged--to be married! 

I remember as if it was today when we exchanged our vows.  It has been nine years since that day--and I still consider myself most blessed. 

Ministry can be difficult and cruel.  My wife gives me stability and safety.  She is God's gift to me.  My love for her just continues to grow day by day.  Thanks God!

Reasons to be Thankful - Part One

In less that two weeks we will set around the dinner table and feast on turkey, mashed-potatoes, yams, corn, and other good stuff.  But, before the first morsel enters my mouth, I will offer a prayer of thanksgiving and worship to God for all His faithfulness.  In light of this American tradition, I began working on my Sunday messages about gratitude and joy.  This has caused me to think about thanking--thanking God for all his blessings in my life.

One of the points of gratitude in my life is my children.  Eleven years ago I was confident I would never marry or have children.  Today I am blessed with four beautiful, smart, entertaining children.  Amariah, Ethan, McKenna, and Matthew bring me so much joy, laughter, and occasionally the sleepless night.   Angela and I require patience, flexibility, and creativity to lead and guide these four bundles of joy.  Is it hard work?  YEP!  But, it is the kind of work that brings rich dividends.  Right now my kids are getting ready to watch a Christmas movie on TV.  Tonight we will weather the sibling rivalries, a fight or two, and the frustration of announcing bedtime.  But through it all God is so good to us. 

Election - A Family Day

Early this morning Angela and I got the kids up, dressed them, and loaded them in the car.  We went to the local Catholic Church to participate in the right and responsibility of voting.  There was a "sacred" feeling to the whole event.  We waited only about ten minutes in line.  The kids were great--and were excited over the experience.  Angela and I cast our votes.

As I am writing this, Angela and I are watching the news.  It is becoming clear what has happened today with the election.  What is unclear is what will happen in the next six months.

Truth and Feelings

Jesus said that the Way is narrow to everlasting life, and only a few find it.  What did Jesus mean by this?  Did He mean that the Way is difficult?  Yes.  Did He mean that the Way is unattractive and unpopular?  Yes.  The Way is the way of the Cross.  And in that way is suffering and hardship and loneliness.  But, it is the Way Christ calls us to travel.

Then, how do we know we are traveling on the right way?  We are faced with competing senses.  First, there are our feelings--our emotions.  If it feels good then it must be right--right?  God did create us with emotions--and emotions are a good thing.  However, our emotions and feelings can also get us in a lot of trouble. 

The son of the late President Kennedy was piloting an aircraft with his wife and sister-in-law.  The plan never reached its destination.  John and his two passengers died.  The conclusion of the investigators was that John apparently did not read his instruments correctly--a common error.  He felt like his was flying straight and level, but his feelings were not correct.

There must be another way to determine the truth.  For the follower of Jesus Christ that way must be the word of God.  We must hold onto the propositional truth: Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.  The narrow road requires the illumination of the path by God's Word (a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path).  Know the Word!