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 ...

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.