Turning 50

Genesis 1:26 (New International Version)

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

                             One hour old 

Today is the big day. By God’s grand and glorious mercy, I turned 50 years old today. I am truly thankful that He has blessed me with so many years. It’s another testimony of His mercy and grace toward me in not giving me what I deserve, but showing me grace and kindness instead.  As I look at the last 50 years I thought I would list some of the highlights.

1. My parents – without them I wouldn’t be here. They have loved me and guided me my whole life. They gave me the proverbial “roots and wings” needed to become a happy, functional adult and parent to my own children. They grounded in the Word of God and instilled in me a sense of wonder in the world, both physical and spiritual.

2. My Wife. God raised up a wonderful woman for me. She is not perfect, but we are a great fit, perfect compliments to each other. We make a great team. Where I am weak,s he is strong and vice versa. I love her with all my heart.

3. My children. Every day they amaze and delight me. Sometimes they frustrate me. They are an awesome responsibility and gift from God. I am their biggest fan, in everything they do. I support them in following whatever dreams God gives them.

4. My brothers. What a great gift that they are not only part of my family, but also some of my very best friends.

5. First Presbyterian Church, the church I grew up in. The foundation of my faith was formed there, and I am thankful for all those there that helped lead and guide me.

6. Music. Keith Green, Michael W Smith, Carman, Leon Patillo some of the many that have helped  fire me up, or calm me down.

7. Flowers. I love their colors, their scents, their variety.

8. Diet Mountain Dew

9. The student ministry at Killarney. What a joy to be able to make a difference in the lives of young people.

10. Woodworking. The joy of creating things out of wood has always been a relaxing thing for me.

11. Moody Bible Institute. Three of the best years of my life.  Living in the dorm, going to classes serving in different areas in Chicago.

12. The Word Heard Round the World. The Bible blog God has allowed me to be the author of. I am thankful for the chance to reach out to 146 different countries with God’s word.

13. Computers. What a wonderful tool for communication. What a helpful instrument for organization. A modern marvel – probably the most revolutionary invention of my 50 years.

14. Cameras. Film then digital. How else could you so perfectly capture a memory?

15. Trees. They provide oxygen for us to breath. They provide shade on a hot summer day. They provide shelter for lots of nature’s little creatures. They provide wood for my many woodworking projects.

16. Chocolate. Dark, white, milk – I love it in all of it’s many varieties.

17. Hugs. They speak when words cannot. They bring joy to family and friends.

18. Christmas. A time to celebrate the giving and receiving of God’s greatest gift to us by giving and receiving gifts from those we love most. So many of my favorite things are wrapped up in the traditions of Christmas that I cannot help but love it!

19. Sunsets and sunrises. Notice Sunsets are first. I would much rather stay up for the sunset  then get up early for the sunrise. There is just something magical about them, I can never see one and not be moved.

20. The night sky. I love to see the moon and the stars. I love to watch for shooting stars.

21. Campfires/fireplace. The perfect way to enjoy the company of family and/or good friends. Often involves marshmallows and my favorite s’mores.

22. Camping. Many great camping trips with my church growing up was a great way to reconnect with nature and enjoy being in God’s creation.

23. My pets. The list is endless, From Cinder my first dog through Diamond our currnet dog and the many dogs in-between, not to mention the rabbits, cats, turtles and fish. They add another dimension of caring to my life.

24. Family Vacations. The Rocky Mountains, the Smokey Mountains, Daytona Beach or a Cruise and great times of family fun.

25. Full time youth pastor.  What a blessing to serve our Lord as a youth pastor to the young people that God brought into the church.

26. Mission trips. Mexico to help build a school, West Virginia to build a church each include music, drama and puppets.

27. Freedom and the U.S.A. Sometimes I complain about our government and taxes and the way our country is run, but I have to be thankful that I can complain without fear of retribution. I can worship where and how I want to, and send my children to school where they get a good education. To have been born in and to live in a land of freedom and abundance is something I should never take for granted.

28. Doctors.  I’m thankful for the ability and wisdom God has given men to be able to help bring healing to our bodies.

29. Emails and letters from friends. It means someone has taken time out their own busy life for me.

30. Water. I can swim in it, bathe in it, clean my clothes and my dishes in it. I can drink it and be refreshed by it. I can freeze it and use it to cool myself down or sooth my aches and pains.

31. Piano. Thankful for the gift God gave me to be able to play the piano.

32. Singing praises at church.  What a joy to join voices together at church raising praises to my Lord.

 33. The local grocery store. With an endless supply of food to feed my family.

34. Home-grown tomatoes. How we loved growing our own tomatoes while in Michigan.  

35. Watching my 2 boys play sports. It doesn’t matter what they are doing. I simply love watching them learn and master a skill. Baseball, Basketball, tennis, weightlifting, etc.

36. Clear Safety Bags. The ability to reach one of my wife’s dreams to be able to supply clear backpack, clear purse or Clear totes to those that need them.

37. Giordano's Pizza. My favorite treat from my college years, and it followed me to Florida.

38. My iPod. I love having music and audio books with me at any time.

39. Caller ID. I don’t have to talk to those pesky tele-marketers.

40. Cell phones. It gives me much peace of mind to know I can always reach my wife or children.

41. Snow days. Snow days growing up in Michigan meant a day at the sled hill. They were few and far between but much loved.

42. Eating out. Spending time eating with family or friends.

43. Worship. Food for my soul.

44. Homemade Ice-cream. Perfect for any occasion. Great for holidays and birthdays.

45. Bible. I am thankful for the Word of God that I have that I can read every day to help guide my life.

46. House. I’m thankful for the house that we have and the many things we have done to make it our own.

47. Prayer. Quiet, contemplative, comforting, reassuring. Sometimes I talk to God, sometimes I listen for His response.

48. Church. Killarney Baptist church. My support group helping me get through many situations through prayer.

49. Service. Being able to serve my Lord. The ways in which I give back for all that He has given to me.

50. God. Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, Comforter, Guide, Friend. All I have comes from Him, all I do should be for Him. Without Him, the rest of my list is pretty pointless. I live by His amazing grace.

Dear Lord I thank You today for the 50 years You have given me. Thanks for the many blessing You have given me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Walking a Straight Path

Hebrews 12:2 (New International Version)

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Once a father took his three sons on a winter hike. They came to a field glistening white from a snow the night before. There was not a single track of any kind that had been made in the field. The father, wanting to challenge his youngsters and perhaps teach them a lesson suggested they have a contest: Which one could walk the straightest path across the field?

The first trudged across the field keeping his eyes down to watch each step, trying to put each foot directly in front of the other. When he reached the other side, he looked back, and to his surprise the tracks were curved like the letter "S" in their course.

The second lad started, taking a few steps and then looking back to see if his path appeared straight. About every ten to fifteen steps the process was repeated. When he finished he eagerly surveyed the entirety of his course, but discovered it wasn't really straight at all - it was in segments, veering to right, and then to the left.

The third, seeing the other two had failed, employed a different strategy! He looked directly at his father who stood on the opposite end of the field. He walked toward his father, never taking his eyes off of him. Having completed the trek, his path was the straightest of the three by far.

The wise father then taught the boys, saying, "Sons, there is just ONE path in life that is straight and true, and that is the way of Jesus Christ (John 14:6). As you go through life, keep your eyes on Him, 'looking unto Him,' (Hebrews 12:2) and your course will always be right! Remember, He is the Way. Trust Him, and DO what His Word teaches and you won't go wrong." *

Keep your eyes on Jesus.... believing in Him and trusting Him (Acts 16:31), repenting of your sins (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confessing your faith in Him (Romans 10:9-10), being baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), and following Him diligently (Hebrews 12:2). THEN, you will be sure to reach the proper destination.

Dear Lord we ask You today for the strength to keep our eyes on You. As we go through this life that You have given us we want to do the things that please You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lesson learned from Concrete

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (New International Version)

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[a] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Once, in a class of management students there was a very involving discussion on the subject of "Social bonding and the strength of a society".

The opinion was clearly divided. A group of students was all for a society of achievers , while the other was favoring a society with care and space for all.

The professor asked the students to elaborate on their stands.

One group said that it is the concept of survival of the fittest. Only achievers can compete and excel in all fields , giving rise to a strong society. Non-achievers in fact weaken the society , hence have no place in a strong society.

The other group suggested that a society could not be strong & healthy unless all its constituents are provided with equal opportunities and resources are shared amongst them in equitable manner. As per this group disproportionate resources and status realities weaken the society.

After a while, when the class could not arrive at any consensus, the professor interrupted and said " My dear young friends , let me tell you a story which may help you understand as to what factors are most important for a strong and integrated society."

"Friends, this is the story of Concrete. You all know what is Concrete !"

"Concrete is a mixture of cement and sand. It is used in construction of all civil structures. Some of the tallest and strongest of all-time great buildings, monuments, sky scrapers, roads, Dams and bridges are in place only on the strength of the "Concrete".

"But what is the story of concrete?” asked a boy who was getting anxious to know the story.

"Friends, Concrete is by far the strongest man made material that is the force behind the infrastructure required for growth & development of the mankind."

"Let's have a look! What is this Concrete stuff made up of and how is it prepared."

"Well, one would immediately notice a grey mass of small "Pebbles" of all shapes and sizes, which are held together."

"Just take a close look and they appear to be packed to the limit, with no scope for further compression, isn't it!”

“Yes, they are held close to each other, but they leave sufficient space around them to accommodate the "Gravel".

"Watch the "Gravel" which is also closely held together as if nothing could pass through them. But when coming together to form a tightly held mass in Concrete, these "Gravel" also leave enough space between them to easily accommodate the "Sand Grains".

"Friends, "Sand Grains" come together to fill up the space left by other constituents, but are courteous enough to leave space around them to accommodate the "Cement Particles".

Well, "Cement Particles" too make a homogenous mass that actually binds all other constituents. They really cannot afford to be loose. However, these "Cement Particles" also in a display of their magnanimity, leave enough room between them to allow "Water Molecules" have a free flow within the structure.

"Water Molecules" made of ions, quickly cover whatever space is left by others, but still are obliged to leave enough space for the "Air particles" to move in"

"Friends, this is the story of "Concrete" where although there is nothing equal, common or same amongst the constituents, they are gracious enough to provide the required space to one another and accommodate each other."

"This probably is the secret behind the strength of the "Concrete". The constituents seem to derive strength from each other, just by providing space to each other."

There was a pin drop silence in the classroom as the professor concluded. Everyone was listening to the story with great attention.

Suddenly the whole classroom was filled with sound of applause. Everyone in the room was on his feet with expression of appreciation on their face as if giving a standing ovation to the "Concrete" structure around them.

The discussion was over. The concept was well understood. Consensus had blossomed like a newly born flower. They had discovered a lot of space for each other and certainly, there was no room for a dispute on the subject.

Dear Lord we thank You that there is room for each one of us. We thank You for the abilities that we each have and for the way they all work together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God Works Miracles

Matthew 19:26 (New International Version)

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Some stories stick with us forever. This is one of them for me.

The story takes place during a Special Olympics track meet. From the stands, a professor watched as a young man crossed the finish line first. Abandoning all inhibitions, the exuberant winner jumped with joy at his win. He grinned from ear to ear and repeatedly yelled, "Mom! Mom! Mom!" Sitting in front of the professor was a woman whose obvious delight and unrestrained tears made it clear that she was the winner's mother. Puzzled by the intensity of her emotions, he nonetheless leaned over to congratulate the woman. He, too, was moved to tears by what she said. Asking to be excused for her outburst, she explained that she was crying so hard because this was the first time her adult son had ever spoken her name: "Mom".

Although not necessarily a "Christian" story, I think most Christians would see God's hand at work in this miracle.

It reminds us that we worship an all-powerful God -- a God Who uses everything, even secular things (like the Special Olympics), to work miracles. God's answers to prayers are sometimes found where least expected. Consequently, our duty is to be to open to recognizing the unexpected ways in which He works.

The story also reminds us that we can do only so much. Like the mother, our job is to get to the game. Sometimes, after doing all we can, we are relegated to the position of spectator. It is then that we must trust God to accomplish what we cannot. This does not mean that the path is easy. But when we lean on God, great things are possible.

Dear Lord, we thank You for all that You do for us. We pray for the strength and hope for the future in knowing that You will accomplish great things through us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Can You See God?

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (New International Version)

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

A small boy once approached his slightly older sister with a question about God. "Susie, can anybody ever really see God?" he asked.

Busy with other things, Susie curtly replied: "No, of course not silly. God is so far up in heaven that nobody can see him."

Time passed, but his question still lingered so he approached his mom: "Mom, can anybody ever really see God?" "No, not really," she gently said. "God is a spirit and he dwells in our hearts, but we can never really see Him."

Somewhat satisfied but still wondering, the youngster went on his way. Not long afterwards, his saintly old grandfather took the little boy on a fishing trip. They were having a great time together - it had been an ideal day. The sun was beginning to set with unusual splendor as the day ended. The old man stopped fishing and turned his full attention to the exquisite beauty unfolding before him.

On seeing the face of his grandfather reflecting such deep peace and contentment as he gazed into the magnificent ever-changing sunset, the little boy thought for a moment and finally spoke hesitatingly:

"Granddad, I - I - wasn't going to ask anybody else, but I wonder if you can tell me the answer to something I've been wondering about a long time - can anybody - can anybody ever really see God?".

The old man did not even turn his head. A long moment slipped by before he finally answered. "Son," he quietly said. "It's getting so I can't see anything else."

Dear Lord we pray that our eyes would be focused on You.  We pray that in all things we would see You and others would see You through us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Do You Revere the Almighty?

Job 37:23-24 (New International Version)

23 The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power;

   in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress.

24 Therefore, people revere him,

   for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?

George Muller was a man who trusted the Lord. He was born in 1805 and he is remembered as both an English evangelist and philanthropist. A man of faith and prayer, he established orphanages in Bristol and founded the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad.

He was once asked the secret of his service. It was widely known that God had continually met the needs of the orphanage without his making them known. He estimated that Christ answered 50,000 of his prayers. How did he exist like this?

Muller replied: "There was a day when I died, utterly died." As he spoke, he bent lower and lower until he almost touched the floor, displaying his submission before God. "I died to George Muller, his opinions, his preferences, tastes, and will," he explained. "I died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends. And since then, I have studied only to show myself approved unto God."

Do you revere the Lord?

Dear Lord we ask today that you will take all of us and to use us for Your glory. Thank You for the all You do for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Is Jesus in the Driver's Seat?

Jeremiah 13:23 (New International Version)

Can an Ethiopian[a] change his skin

   or a leopard its spots?

Neither can you do good

   who are accustomed to doing evil.

There once was a snake. He was making a trek to the holy land when he came across an insurmountable problem: He couldn't cross the river that lie between him and his destination!

Being a "born-again" snake, this problem really upset him, and he curled up on the bank of the river beside to cry his eyes out.

A few hours later, he was approached by a caring turtle: "What's wrong?" he asked.

"I am on my way to the holy land, but I can't find a way across this river," cried the reformed snake. Then suddenly, his eyes brightened as a great idea came to mind: "Hey! You're a turtle! You could carry me across the river on your back! Would you mind doing that for me?"

Now the turtle was no dummy. "You are a snake!" he replied. "You might bite me during our trek!"

"But I am no ordinary snake," the snake assured him. "I am a "born-again" snake. I wouldn't DREAM of hurting you in any way!"

"Promise?" asked the slow-moving turtle.

"Promise!" answered the sneaky snake.

All went well at first. The ride was a bit wobbly, but the snake hung onto the back of the compassionate turtle. He was getting greener by the minute though, as river sickness overtook him. All of a sudden, out of the blue, he bit the turtle sharply in the neck, spreading his venom throughout the turtle's body.

"Why did you do that for?" asked the agonizing turtle. "Now we will both drown in these turbulent waters!"

"I couldn't help myself" answered the distressed "born-again" snake. "I guess once a snake, always a snake!"

Is it true that once you become "born-again", you are still pretty much human?

Absolutely!

Is it true that once you accept Jesus into your life, you will still sin?

Yes, but it does not have to be. Many accept Jesus as their Saviour but never acknowledge Him as the Master of their life. As long as we try to lead our own life, we will tend to sin more than we want to. Why? Because Jesus is not really real to us. We have never really given Him the driver's seat of our lives.

The decision as to how you wish to live is yours to make. Who will you let into your driver's seat? Who will be in control of your life?

Dear Lord we pray today that we would give you the driver’s seat. We want to flee from sin today, Help us to stand firm when the temptations come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.