A Special Visitor Passed Our Way . . .

 

Two and a half years ago God sent a very special visitor to our family. A foster child by the name of C. joined our clan and in no time won the hearts of all of us. The excitement of a new baby to love, a new brother to adore, a new nephew to cuddle, a new cousin to play with, and a new grandson to spoil -- what an awesome gift! Little did we know at the time that our special visitor would not be staying long.
What seemed to us to be a perfect addition to our family was not to be, at least not in the physical sense. By court order C. was returned to his biological mother and was not placed for adoption. However, the special bonding that God gave us with that little guy over those few short months can never be broken. He may not be with us physically but like the rest of our family he is in our thoughts and prayers continually.
Today is C.'s birthday and while we wish we could hold him and shower him with love, that is not in God's plan at the moment. Instead we continue to pray for God's blessing and protection on C. believing that our Lord will use this special visitor in mighty ways as he grows into a powerful witness of God's love and grace.
Happy Birthday C., I love you, Papa

Whew . . . What a day!!!

This was one of those days we won't soon forget. First of all we had to ride the Spyder from Munising to Grand Marias on the beautiful, freshly paved highway 58. It was a miserable ride fighting the maddening crowds. I even had to yield to a partridge that was walking in the road. Boy did he give me a dirty look!




Then we had to put up with 80 degree weather and not even a hint of a cloud in the sky. All this while riding along the shoreline of Lake Superior. Total misery!!!







When we finally arrived in Grand Marias, after suffering through visiting some water falls, we had to endure another meal of fresh whitefish. I sure hope you all understand the sacrifice this was!



All-in-all it was one of those days we will not soon forget. While it was a real sacrifice for us, someone had to do it.




Alas . . . tomorrow we must return to the responsibilities of the real world until we can once again break free for more adventures. Hopefully that will be soon, unless, of course, the Lord Jesus returns to take us home first!

WHY?????

One of the most frequent questions I have been asked over the years of ministry is:  “Why did God allow this trial or that struggle into my life?”  More specifically: 

“Why did He give me a child with special needs?”

“Why does my spouse struggle with a drinking or drug problem?” 

“Why is divorce a part of my life?”

“Why did I just hear the doctor diagnose cancer?” 

“Why did I lose my job and how can I care for my family without it?” 

“Why did God allow my loved one to die?”

“Why?” is a question that is common to man.  In fact Jesus said in John 16:33:  “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

I don’t profess to have answers to all the question of “Why?” other than to say that Jesus told us plainly that we would face struggles and we live in a world that suffers death, disease, and destruction because of the original sin of man! 

While “Why?” may be a common question that comes from our lips, in light of Jesus’ warning that we will have trouble in this world, perhaps the more important question to ask while facing earthly struggles should to be “What?”  “Lord, what do you want me to do with this struggle?” 

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:3-5, gives us a hint as to the correct answer to the question “What?”:  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 

God never promises to remove all our pain, troubles, and struggles on this earth.  He does, however, promise to comfort us and be with us as we go through those trials and struggles.  As believers, we never go through them alone even if there are no human companions to walk with us – Jesus and the Holy Spirit comfort us and never leave us alone!  From the comfort that He gives us in our trials comes the answer to the question:  “What am I to do with this struggle?” 

We face struggles because we live in a fallen world.  God comforts us in those struggles so that we, in turn, can comfort others who may be going through similar struggles!  WOW!!!  What an amazing ministry!  Because I have experienced the loving comfort of Jesus during my struggle, I am equipped by Him to comfort others in like struggles.

So what does it mean to “comfort” someone else?  The word translated “comfort” comes from the Greek word meaning “one who draws along side of, one who encourages, consoles, comforts”.  It is the same word used to describe the Holy Spirit who Jesus sent as our Comforter.  It is important to note that the one who is comforting is not self-centered, he is others-centered; committed to helping others by drawing near to them. 

You may be wondering what that act of comforting looks like in action.  Let me give you an example.  I lost my parents when they were relatively young and I have, as a pastor, spent many hours in funeral homes with others who have lost loved ones.  By observation it is easy to pick out those who have never experienced the loss of a loved one.  They frequently approach the bereaved with endless chatter because they feel they need to be saying something to the individual.  On the other hand, one who has experienced a loss and is being used by the Lord as a comforter, will approach the bereaved and offer a hug and simply tell them that they are praying for them and offer any assistance that might be needed.  Later, when the funeral is over and the loss really hits home, the comforter draws alongside the bereaved and listens and walks with and encourages them through to healing.

A comforter who is being used by God is one who is willing to walk along side of another, encourage them, and listen as they work through their struggles no matter how long it takes.  It may include Bible study but it seldom, if ever, includes “preaching” to the individual.  Your best guideline is to think back and remember how God used Himself or another comforter to minister to you in your time of struggle and use that as an example.

What are the struggles this life has thrown at you?  What are you going to do about them? Are you willing to allow God to use you to comfort others with the comfort with which you have been comforted?  If you will allow God to use you in this way it will bless you beyond words and bring true meaning and understanding to your own struggle.

A Special Visitor Passed Our Way . . .

Two and a half years ago God sent a very special visitor to our family. A foster child by the name of C. joined our clan and in no time won the hearts of all of us. The excitement of a new baby to love, a new brother to adore, a new nephew to cuddle, a new cousin to play with, and a new grandson to spoil -- what an awesome gift! Little did we know at the time that our special visitor would not be staying long.
What seemed to us to be a perfect addition to our family was not to be, at least not in the physical sense. By court order C. was returned to his biological mother and was not placed for adoption. However, the special bonding that God gave us with that little guy over those few short months can never be broken. He may not be with us physically but like the rest of our family he is in our thoughts and prayers continually.
Today is C.'s birthday and while we wish we could hold him and shower him with love, that is not in God's plan at the moment. Instead we continue to pray for God's blessing and protection on C. believing that our Lord will use this special visitor in mighty ways as he grows into a powerful witness of God's love and grace.
Happy Birthday C., I love you, Papa

The Best Father's Day Ever!!!!!

Over the years I have stood in awe of how God has molded and shaped the children and grandchildren He has loaned to Sally and me. This weekend was another such opportunity. . . . a special time . . . .a time to observe God's grace and love being poured out into and through individuals who just happen to be the richest blessing He could ever give an earthly father!

All 19 (soon to be 20) of us gathered to celebrate the birthdays of our grandchildren (we do that once each year rather than nineteen times), Sally and my upcoming 45th anniversary, and Father's Day. We had three fun filled days together of swimming, horseback riding, golf, eating, playing with cousins, eating, talking with siblings, swimming, eating again, loving on each other, and being loved on! WOW!! I was able to be with all of my most favorite people in the whole worl -- at one time -- for a long weekend!! I doesn't get any better than that!!!!!!!

What many people don't know is that several years ago I almost walked away from being a part of this very special weekend because I almost walked away from my wife and family! I came close to giving up the most amazing blessings that God could ever give me. . . . a loving, devoted wife; loving, god-fearing children and children-in-law; and beautiful loving god-fearing grandchildren. I almost gave them up because of my self-centeredness and stupidity! Accept for the grace of God, I would have missed this special time with the most special people in the entire world!

Thank you LORD for Your grace and Your love that kept me from throwing away the

BEST FATHER'S DAY EVER!!!!!!!!

The Miracle of Birth

This morning in the early morning quiet I cuddled with my new born granddaughter while the rest of the household slept and I wondered again at the incredible miracle of birth. Almighty God in His infinite wisdom decreed that the union of one man and one woman would produce the offspring needed to populate the world. From that beginning in Genesis 4, thousands of years ago, down to this present new birth in my arms that decree has held true with one notable exception . . . Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate at this time of the year.

The little bundle of joy with which I was snuggling is the most recent of our twelve grandchildren. Each of the others brought the same sense of amazement, awe, and wonder as little Audrey. However, because this is the Christmas season, my thoughts were taken to the reality that my Savior was once a little babe like this. Jesus Christ, God with us, once snuggled for warmth and comfort with Joseph as Mary got the rest she needed. Jesus Christ, God with us, once nursed at His mother’s breast. Jesus Christ, God with us, once relied on Mary and Joseph to supply His every need. Jesus Christ, God with us, was a helpless baby the size of the babe in my arms! My mind cannot comprehend the significance of that truth!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is 9:6–7)

I imagined that Mary and Joseph contemplated what the future would hold for their new Son. I, too, wonder what the future holds for little Audrey as well as all my grandchildren. My prayer for them is that they will accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and that they will walk in obedience to Him where ever He may lead them.

The miracle of birth, God with us!

POPULAR WISDOM . . . NOT SO MUCH!

On November 26, 1966 two very young immature kids were united in marriage in a small service at a small country church. At the time neither one of them knew or understood who Jesus Christ was, nor did they have any idea of the future He had planned for them. According to popular wisdom, their marriage would not last because their backgrounds were so diverse and their hearts were so self-centered. They were each the youngest of three siblings -- he the only son; she the only daughter. Yet God’s plan prevailed (again) over popular wisdom!

Over the years the young husband made many, many mistake, took his bride for granted, and focused on his own desires rather than the needs of his family. God’s patience, love, and grace turned the tide. As God prodded, eventually the husband began to understand the wisdom of the Proverbs and to cherish and thank his loving Heavenly Father for bringing his wife into his life.

“May your fountain be blessed,

and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.”

Prov. 5:18

“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown. . . “

Prov. 12:4

“He who finds a wife finds what is good

and receives favor from the Lord.”

Prov. 18:22

“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,

but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”

Prov. 19:14

“A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.”

Prov. 31:10

Forty-four years have passed since that day when those vows were exchanged. The two immature, self-centered individuals have been molded into a unique and beautiful “one” by their gracious God. That “one” has been blessed with four amazing children; four awesome children-in-law; and eleven (almost) perfect grandchildren, with the 12^th due within the month! What popular wisdom proclaimed would not last, God has blessed and nourished beyond human measure.

Thank you Lord for your love and grace!

Happy Anniversary Honey,

I love you more than I ever imagined was possible

and

Thank God for using you to make me whole!

Family Blessings

God has blessed me beyond measure! What a wonderful treasure He has given me in family -- a loving wife, fantastic children, and amazing grand children! Thank you Lord!!!!

Perpetual parenthood . . .

Well, tomorrow our baby (sorry Steve, even though you are the tallest you are still the baby) is going to be 35 years old! That fact along with recent health issues with a couple of our grandchildren, the impending arrival of another grandchild, and difficult school adjustments with other grandchildren have reminded me again that once a parent, always a parent.

It is an incredible privilege to watch our grown children deal with life's emergencies and the daily issues that arise in their lives and the lives of their children. Frequently I can see how history repeats itself and the very issues they are facing we faced many years ago with them. Fortunately, they seem to handle those issues much better than we did. One of the truly special blessing that God gives parents is being able to watch your children take the spiritual foundation you attempted to establish and then to grow exponentially beyond that foundation into amazing God centered and God fearing individuals with insights and abilities that far exceed your own!

As a father, it has been difficult at times to stand back and allow God to use life's trials to minister to my kids, yet we are so blessed and so appreciative of God for all His tender mercies in our family. I still have the "fix it" mentality, but in His wisdom God has prevented me from messing everything up by jumping in where He is working. Instead of reacting and running to aid my children, He continues to teach me to fall on my knees and ask Him to aid my children. I am a slow learner, but I do know that no matter how much I love and adore my children and grandchildren, God loves and adores them even more!

What a great God we have!

“The Folly of Fools is Deception.” (Prov. 14:8)

I have been spending time in the Proverbs recently and found it interesting the number of times that the NIV text uses the word "fool". It is amazing what the Lord says about a fool. It is also amazing that we, as individuals and as a nation, have forgotten what the Lord says about a fool. Here is just a sampling of the many verses that refer to a fool.

Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

Proverbs 1:22: "How long will you simple ones
love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?"

Proverbs 10:18: "He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool."

Proverbs 10:23: "A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom."

Proverbs 12:15: "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice."

Proverbs 14:8: "The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception."

Proverbs 14:16: "A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless."

Proverbs 15:2: "The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly."

Proverbs 17:16: "Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?"

Proverbs 18:2: "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."

Proverbs 20:3: "It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel."

Proverbs 26:11: "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly."

Oh Lord, Your Word is so clear that true wisdom comes only from You and that man's wisdom is folly, yet we have all acted as fools so many times by ignoring Your teachings and refusing Your wisdom.

Father, forgive me for being a fool!

Father, forgive the church for being foolish and not demonstrating to the world Your wisdom and truth.

Father, forgive our country for turning away from Your counsel and foolishly choosing to follow the wisdom on man instead.

Have mercy on us Lord and direct our hearts back to the Your wisdom found in the Bible.

Amen!

The Healer of My Soul . . . . . . . .

Oh how I appreciate the way the Word of God ministers to my soul!

Thank you Lord for speaking to me through David in such a loving and fatherly way.

"I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him."

(Psalm 34)

When Will We Ever Learn???

In this "modern" or "post modern" age in which we live where mankind likes to fashion themselves as having all the answers and believes that their man made society has now reached a superior level of enlightenment, I find this passage from Proverbs a sobering reminder that without God's Wisdom man and his man made society is in utter ruin and is headed for total destruction.

When will we ever learn? When will we heed the words of Wisdom?

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?

On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud: "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.

 

You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.    All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge.

 

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

 

 "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.

 

To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

 

Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.

By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth.

 

 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.

My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.

 

I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

 

"The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works,
before his deeds of old; I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began. When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water; before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, before he made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world.

I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.

Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.

 

 "Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.

     Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.

 

 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death."

                                        (Proverbs 8, NIV)

 

When will we ever learn? Wisdom comes from God not from the sinful corrupt mind of man!

Summer Fun at Grandma's and Grandpa's Lake House

Over the past 44 years
God has blessed us so much!


We have eight amazing children and
11 1/2 fantastic grand children!


On occasion (not nearly often enough)
all, or at least some, of the family
is able to gather for some quality time together.


This past week was one of those times. It blesses
a grandparent's heart to watch the interaction
between siblings and cousins.

What fun was had by all!!!!
(Especially Grandpa!!)

A real life mermaid!

Wanna be "beef cake" posers!

This is fun, I think!!!!



Faster, Grandpa!

My prayer for my family:

"I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen my children and grand children with power through His Spirit in their inner being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. And I pray that they, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that they may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Amen"
(Ephesians 3:14-19)

One of the great joys of ministry!

One of the great joys of being in the ministry is having the opportunity to baptise people after they have made a profession of faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. This past Sunday we were able to baptise nine people who wanted to make a public profession of their love for and faith in Jesus.

Lucky was the oldest individual being baptised and we baptised him first. He is on oxygen and unable to walk without assistance so we had to help him into and out of the pool. It was such a blessing to see the joy on his face as he shared his testimony in baptism. His public confession was a big step of obedience for him and spoke volumes to those who witnessed the baptism.

The youngest person baptised was Gabriya who, when I interviewed her about why she wanted to be baptised, gave an amazingly clear and biblically accurate testimony of what Jesus had done in her life and what salvation was all about. I wish that everyone had as good an understanding of what "believing in Jesus" means as she does! She brought tears to my eyes as I baptised her.



Lord, you have given me such a wonderful privilege to be an ambassador for Christ. Thank you for allowing me to by Your instrument in these wonderful people's lives. Amen!

A life or death decision . . .

This morning I had the opportunity to console and pray with a mom whose 51 year old son is in a medically induced coma. The medical staff and her son’s siblings have advised the mom to “pull the plug” on her son because the situation is so grave. An automobile accident some thirty plus years ago, which killed two of his friends, left him in a wheel chair with no spleen and the need for kidney dialysis. Over the years he has been close to death four times because of infections and pneumonia. Such is the case now.

The weightiness of having his power of attorney and, thus, the final responsibility is overwhelming for her. Too often, when we are viewing from the outside, we see situations like this from our perspective only. Such thoughts as: “I wouldn’t want to suffer like that, just let him go” or “he will be much better off with Jesus” miss the point. What about the agony of the one on whom the decision rests?

As I sat across from this woman this morning my heart ached for her. She was wrestling with the guilt of letting her son suffer and the fear of “playing God” if she agreed to remove life support. Fortunately, Jesus is her Lord and she is resting by faith on Him and is trying her best to allow Him to lead her and guide her. How much worse it would be to go through something like this without Jesus Christ holding you up!

Over the years I have learned that there are situations when I am asked for counsel where I have no answers. This is one of those. I could not make the decision for her but I could listen to her and we spent time in prayer asking God to intercede and make clear His will. After we prayed it was interesting to see how prayer had lifted her spirits. This again reminded me that it is not about me and what I can do to help someone; it is all about God, seeking His face, and allowing Him to minister His grace.

As I left her home I was reminded of the passage in 1 Corinthians 10:13 where Paul writes: “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” I had just left the presence of a godly woman who God knew was able to handle a situation that was far beyond my capabilities to handle.

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and your love. May your grace and love surround this dear woman as she waits on you. Please work through this situation to bring glory to yourself. Amen!

Oh the memories . . . .

Oh the memories . . . .

When our daughter blogged about entering the teen years with our thirteen your old grandson a flood of memories returned. Memories that have been hidden and repressed for over 50 years. (See her blog at: http://inthedetails-gabeanddave.blogspot.com/2010/07/what-is-mom-to-do.html)

Too often everyone thinks that puberty is only difficult for the female gender – not at all true. Boys struggle with identity issues, body issues, inferiority issues, and acceptance issues as much as girls do. I remember going to a YMCA camp one summer and having an awful time because I didn't feel as though I fit in or was accepted. I was not as physically mature as many of the other boys, I was much more naive than the other boys, I was overweight (I preferred the term "husky"), and none of my friends were there. I felt isolated and alone. It was a long week and I was very happy to return to the safety and love of our home. I refused to ever attend that camp again.

Then there was the time, at about the age of thirteen, when I had an emotional breakdown at home and could not stop crying. My parents could not consol me nor could some very dear friends of theirs console me. I could not communicate why I was crying because I had no reason why I was crying but it was real and unsettling for me. As those of you who know me understand, even today crying is still an issue. Talk about an identity crisis – "real men don't cry"!

Peer pressure as a teen was huge for me. I struggled with my identity well into my adult years. Unfortunately, I fear that peer pressure for my grandchildren is much more difficult than it was for me. While alcohol was a problem in my teen years, drugs were rare, teen pregnancy was rare, physical abuse was rare, sexual abuse was not talked about, and respect for those in authority was required. In those days if you got into trouble at school your parents would back up the school official and you were in trouble at home as well.

I cannot protect my grandchildren from the sins and corruption of the world they have inherited from my generation, but I can and do pray for my grandchildren regularly asking God to give them the grace to be His people not only through their teen years but throughout their entire lives here on earth. I am very thankful that all of my grandchildren are being raised by God fearing, Jesus loving parents who also pray for them and desire God's best for each of them. What a blessing and what an advantage that my grandkids have over so many others.

The Death of One of His Saints is Precious to God

As a pastor one of the responsibilities and/or privileges that go with the position is the commission to marry and bury people. Even though I am no longer in the full time ministry, the profession to which I was called is one from which there is no retirement. It is, in fact, a life long employment.

Today I had the privilege of officiating at the internment of a cousin who had passed away in another state and whose ashes were returned here to be buried next to his parents. It was not so much because I was a pastor that I was asked, but more because I am part of the extended family involved. My father-in-law and the mother of the deceased were brother and sister.

In preparing for the graveside message my attention was drawn to an amazing passage: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." (Psalm 116:15) Think about that for a minute. When someone who is a believer in Jesus Christ dies, that physical death is precious; which means of extreme value and highly esteemed by the Creator of the universe! What an amazing picture -- not only did God so love us that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins, not only does God so love us that He sent His Holy Spirit to take up residence within the believers heart, but God also so loves His saints that He esteems them of ultimate value in their death! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

I again stand amazed and in awe at the all encompassing love the Father has chosen to give to me, a sinner condemned unclean! He chose me, He indwells me, He awaits to welcome me home as one of His precious ones. Why? Because He chose to do it! I don't understand that kind of love but I sure do appreciate it and thank Him for it!

The Battle Still Rages

(NOTE: I posted this blog last April but the battle with Satan continues to rage and I am still fighting mad!)

The battle is raging and I am fighting mad! I am mad because I have seen firsthand the destroyed lives, the messed up kids, and tangled webs of deceit that are the causalities of this battle.

Ø A respected pastor of 25 years leaves his family, church, and friends for another woman after a secret illicit affair . . . the battle rages!

Ø A church leader struggles to the point of entertaining thoughts of leaving the church because someone on the church's staff is overly demanding and self-centered . . . the battle rages!

Ø A vibrant church is facing a devastating split because someone brought in an heretical teaching that undermined the orthodox teaching coming from the pulpit . . . the battle rages!

Ø A wife and mother who professes Jesus Christ as her Savior leaves her family and retreats into a self-centered life of affairs and alcohol . . . the battle rages!

Ø A prominent civic leader is disgraced through the lure of pornography . . . the battle rages!

Ø A successful business man wants to walk away because he can't get along with a partner . . . the battle rages!

The battle rages on every front. Why? Why are families dissolving before our eyes? Why are relationships being destroyed at an alarming rate? Why are our children being pulled into every form of evil imaginable? It is because we don't understand the battle in which we find ourselves. We believe that our problems, issues, and unhappiness are caused by those around us when, in fact, we face an enemy whose end goal is to kill and destroy everything that is good and wholesome and God honoring. We face an enemy who is "hell bent" on the destruction of all mankind, especially those who call Jesus their Savior! We face an enemy who despises the Creator of all things and seeks to make those who believe on Him impotent and unable to carry out His call in their lives.

Since Satan's attempt and failure to overthrow God in the beginning of time, he has had just one goal – to wreak havoc on earth destroying the lives of as many people as he could in an attempt to undermine God's plan. In Isaiah 14:12-15 we are given a glimpse of that monumental confrontation that took place between God and Satan:

How you have fallen from heaven,

O morning star, son of the dawn!

You have been cast down to the earth,

you who once laid low the nations!

You said in your heart,

"I will ascend to heaven;

I will raise my throne

above the stars of God;

I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,

on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.

I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;

I will make myself like the Most High."

But you are brought down to the grave,

to the depths of the pit.

Even though many "enlightened" scholars and thinkers of our day dismiss the idea of an actual, literal battle between good and evil, one would have to choose to ignore the overwhelming evidence to believe that such a battle is not raging. Unfortunately, the very idea that such a battle is imaginary disarms many who otherwise would be able to see the reality of the battle and chose to fight it by standing with the Victor.

The Apostle Paul understood this battle very well. In his letter to the Ephesians he admonished them that the battle was raging and they had to prepare and understand the enemy in order to overcome all of the weapons that the enemy would use against them.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.^. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. . ." (Ephesians 6:10-13)

The battle rages but the war is not lost! In fact, the war is already won and that great deceiver, destroyer, murderer, who we call Satan knows that he has been defeated. In his last gasp he is trying to bring down as many as he can. Jesus has won the victory and, in His perfect timing, will forever bind Satan and refrain him from causing any more havoc!

". . . the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever." (Revelation 20:10)

The battle rages, however, when you face the temptations, struggles, and disappointments of life that come at us daily, remember that you have a choice: you can be a victim or you can be a victor. You can choose to follow Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, or you can choose to get angry with your fellow man, the situation, or your circumstances and allow Satan to side track or derail you and make you impotent for God's work. Remember, our daily battle "is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

The battle rages but the victory is won! My prayer is: "Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus. But while I wait for You, give me discernment to know when Satan is using other people, situations, or circumstances to try and derail me from following You. Allow me to hear your Holy Spirit as He leads and directs me into decisions that will honor You and further Your Gospel here on earth. Lord, I want to be a victor not a victim. Amen."

Surprise blessings . . .

Because of some back and hamstring issues, my neurologist ordered physical therapy for me. While I am not opposed to physical exercise, I have not, in the past, had the best results with physical therapy.

After my first meeting with "Dale", my physical therapist, I had reservations again about how this was going to go and I was not real excited about the scheduled six sessions I had to face over the next three weeks.

I returned a couple of days later for my next appointment and an amazing thing happened. As "Dale" was "torturing" me we talked about life, and his schooling, and his ex-girl friend, and God. Then, as I rolled off of the exercise cot and hobbled toward the door he asked me if I would like to pray with him. Wow, I thought, when is the last time I had a professional medical person ask me if I wanted to pray with them? Hum, can't seem to remember the last time.

That was two days ago and again today, after my "torture" treatment we went into an empty exam room and prayed together. What an awesome privilege and special blessing. God has not only brought a new brother into my life but also a new prayer partner.

Kind of reminds me of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

What an awesome God! Thank you Father!