One More For JC

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Dee and I began 2015 both sensing that the year was going to be filled with a number of challenges.  Sure enough as the months went by, the challenges came.  Although we expected some of them, it was the health issues that caught us off guard – particularly a two-week spiritual/mental battle I had at the end of the summer. Within a matter of days, I went from the secure and unyielding man of faith that I’d known for decades, to a completely broken man lying in a hospital bed feeling lost and abandoned.  Although I was able to get back on my feet quickly, a few months later I still have questions as to what exactly happened, why did it happen, and will it ever happen again.  However, in the midst of that turmoil, I know that if I lift my head just high enough I’ll be able to give thanks - even in this situation.  In my heart, I know that the Lord put a massive hedge of pro

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31) On this 4 th of July holiday, I’m praying for our nation.  I’m also praying for myself - for wisdom not only to serve the Lord in love and truth, but also to serve others with a spirit of love and understanding.  The word of God implores me to ‘ stand firm in the faith, to be courageous, and to be strong’, but yet that same word also encourages me to ‘love my neighbor as myself’.  It’s a delicate balance that quite honestly I’m struggling with more and more of late, but I know with the Lord’s wisdom, it’s a fine line that can be navigated successfully in His truth and in His love.