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Category: Spiritual Growth

FACING IT!

FACING IT!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This life experience from my life began September 24, 1976. That evening I sat in a Dave Wilkerson crusade listening to Nicky Cruz. I was overcome with the presence of the Holy Spirit, which I didn’t understand, and went forward to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. This began a new chapter in my life and started me on a life journey I have embraced since. My journey has resulted in an ever growing and deepening relationship with God. Now soon to celebrate my 82nd birthday, I am so thankful I took a step of Faith in 1976. You may be wondering where does “Facing It” fit in and what is it all about?

Approximately two months ago I began experiencing chest pressure and some pain when exerting myself. As it became clear the symptoms were not going away I contacted my primary care physician. This began a process of testing including a referral for a nuclear stress test. The test revealed blockage and the hope was I would be a candidate for stents to resolve the issue, a much less invasive solution than open heart surgery. Unfortunately my condition could not be corrected by stents, leaving me with options of open heart surgery or doing nothing. Doing nothing was not really an option as my symptoms were becoming more serious, seemingly with each passing day. On Sunday June 23rd I was in discomfort and had my wife take me to the ER, where they admitted me to the hospital. Now I’m sure you begin to understand what “Facing It” is about. We go about our lives giving little thought to our mortality. Most of us don’t want to talk or even think about it. What happens when we die? I can assure you when you are facing open heart surgery you do think about it! The reality is every one of us is going to die. We don’t know when or how but we will die. A life surrendered to Jesus Christ assures us of Eternal Life with a Heavenly Father who loves us. The Bible clearly declares there is a Heaven and a Hell as well as God and Satan are both real.  The words of Jesus in John 10:10 “The thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Satan will lie to you and deceive you into believing God doesn’t love you or that you have done too many bad things for God to accept you. Every thought against God Satan brings to your mind is a lie! Satan does not want us to accept the free gift of Salvation God offers each of us through Jesus Christ and he works tirelessly to that end.

As I faced the surgery and while going through the surgery and recovery, I have experienced the Peace the Bible calls Peace beyond human understanding.

There is more to tell that perhaps will be the subject of future posts. For now I encourage you to think about and face your mortality. God loves you and wants a relationship with you. He will never turn away one who comes to him with a sincere heart and desire to be His child.

 

IT IS WELL!

IT IS WELL!

When I last posted I anticipated I would soon be writing the next post with an exciting update of our adventure. I expected to write about how God had led us to an awesome home we were hoping to purchase in the development we were sensing was our perfect location. In reality we were unable to find a suitable home, in our price range, in the development where we hoped to locate. Proverbs 16:9, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” NLT, best describes how our adventure unfolded. Time was getting short, however we were confident we would find the right home at the right price. A home became available in the area we preferred, but it was priced above what we were expecting to pay. We loved the home and decided to make an offer. If this was the home God was leading us to we trusted our offer would gain acceptance. Disappointment became our reality when we learned the owners had accepted a better offer. Time was critical now. We had been looking at homes in other neighborhoods and a home which met most of our criteria was available. We were paying cash which would enable us to close quickly. There was a very real urgency to make a decision because the sixty day rent back period for the home we sold would soon expire. We did not want to rent and move twice. The home was vacant and we decided to make an offer. We knew we had a window of opportunity to walk away if a more suitable choice became available within three days. We were holding onto a shred of hope for a home in the other neighborhood. Personally I was not completely sold on the home we were purchasing. I wanted a three car garage which would give me space for a workshop. The home did not have a three car garage or space to build a shop. We were still hoping, but to no avail, as the eleventh hour came and we purchased the home. In the passing months since, I have come to terms with my disappointment. We are happy with our home and neighborhood. We are just ten minutes from our daughter and her family. The fenced back yard is perfect for our now two year seven month old granddaughter. On Christmas day 2022 we were Blessed with a new grandson. The grandchildren living nearby and away have a wonderful backyard in which to run and play when they come to our home.

God directed us where He knew we needed to be. There is purpose in everything we encounter in our lives, even when we do not see it in the moment. We are content knowing this truth. The disappointment I experienced is tempered by knowing God directed our steps. Looking back we can see His hand leading us to the home we purchased. Until now I have been unable to find words to write to explain how our adventure unfolded. Thankfully, in His Grace, I have found them. I can truthfully say it is well!

THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER WRITTEN

THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER WRITTEN

The greatest love story ever written is not Romeo and Juliet or Gone With The Wind. Nor is it any of the thousands of other love stories which have been written. Some definitely are great love stories which touch our hearts and grip our emotions. Many of our lives, if written down on paper, would read like a love story. We are born with a desire to love and be loved. A desire which can overshadow common sense and good judgement if left unchecked. The pathway of my life bears evidence to this fact. My wife of thirty nine years and I are acutely aware and grateful of the blessing of our love story. We both experienced previous marriages which did not, well………..read like a love story. Many of the stories you might pick up to read describe a love which sacrifices for the good or benefit of the other person or persons in the story. Sometimes the sacrifice which unfolds as we read, is so real or so painful, we think we may be the person being described or written about. When the story is so real and impactful, we have discovered a literary gem.

I believe The Bible to be the greatest love story ever written. It describes pursuit, action, sacrifice and a love so great and deep, it is beyond our ability to completely understand. The Bible tells of God’s love for the universe, nature, animals and mankind, each a part of His creation. It details His desire to have relationship with every person and His plan for us to love and care for each other. The Bible declares God is love! (1 John 4:8 and 4:16). His love, which is described throughout Scripture, is like a thread in a fine woven tapestry. You see it over and over, intricately part of a beautiful picture. God’s love described to us in The Bible is unconditional and undeserved. If you question God’s love or that He loves you, I suggest you read John, Romans, 1 Corinthians and 1 John in The New Testament.

The Bible, God’s love story, is an open invitation to every person for a relationship with Him through His son Jesus Christ. In my humble opinion the greatest love story ever written!

 

A SHAKING NOT SEEN IN OUR LIFETIME

A SHAKING NOT SEEN IN OUR LIFETIME

When we experience a shaking in our lives, a disruption to how we have grown accustomed to living, it is uncomfortable to say the least! It is unsettling and scary! Suddenly we are facing the uncertainty of what will happen next. Our life can seem to be spiraling completely out of control. This is the all too real description of what millions around the globe have been and continue to experience daily during recent weeks. Job loss or that possibility, loss of retirement funds, inability to meet obligations, or worse no way to feed themselves or family. This has become daily life for many! Fortunately for most, unemployment benefits, stimulus funds, food banks and other resources are available to lessen the uncertainty and meet basic needs. For some that is not the reality, and even when it is, our lives have literally been turned upside down! It is very easy to allow panic to take over. If we do we cannot think clearly or make rational and wise decisions. It is vitally important to determine to live today, facing whatever challenges this day holds, and to face tomorrow’s challenges tomorrow.

For myself, the Bible gives me comfort and direction. Even more so this is true during unforseen or uncertain seasons in life. Scripture is God’s truth and roadmap for living my life. An example is found in Matthew 6:25-34. Jesus is teaching in this portion of scripture and reminds us our Heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide for us. He tells us in verse 34, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring it’s own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

I believe God is allowing the shaking we are experiencing for a purpose. If you know anything about God and His Word, the Bible, you know in America we have turned from God and the way He instructs us to live the life He gives us. Because God loves us He warns us of impending danger and provides opportunity to turn to Him. The opportunity is for us individually and as a nation to turn back to Him. As the fire and brimstone preacher would say “REPENT”! Turn from the way we have been living and seek Him and His righteousness. If we do, He will heal our lives and our land. He is with those who believe in Him through whatever we face in life! Jesus has overcome and will help us overcome if we turn to Him and allow Him to lead us through the difficulties we face. He has been faithful to me in my life more than forty three years.

During this season of social distancing, let’s imagine we are walking with friends across a railroad trestle. We have come about halfway. We can see the light of the locomotive! We can hear the whistle blow! We hear the rumble of the engine as the trestle shakes beneath our feet! If we stay stubbornly where we are on the trestle, what might we imagine will be the outcome! I pray we allow the shaking to wake us up individually and as a nation to the MESSAGE GOD IS SENDING! Is there an idol in my life that needs to go? Is there sin or anything else keeping me from the fulness of what God has planned for my life? God will not accept half-hearted commitment or the leftovers we may choose to give Him. He requires first place, and asks us to give him our best. Why, because it confirms our trust in Him! After all, He has already given his best for us!

 

 

 

TRUSTING

TRUSTING

Trust generally does not just happen. Typically it develops gradually through trial and error as a result of life experiences. Picture yourself standing at the edge of an ice covered pond. You would most likely test the ice to determine whether it is safe before you venture out from your place of safety on shore. Learning to trust is much the same. My journey of developing trust began September 23, 1976 when I became a Christian and surrendered my life to Jesus. That initial step of faith or trust happened when I realized something needed to change in my life. My second marriage was not healthy and I was desperate to find a way to make the marriage work. As a new believer I embarked on a two year study course of the Bible. I learned that God loves me, that he is faithful and trustworthy. During this time I came to a faith crossroads. I made the decision I would serve God no matter what happened with the marriage. I grew up attending church. Until that evening in September 1976 I knew about God but I did not know Him. Knowing God personally began when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. “The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows”, is a line which comes from a hymn written by Bill Gaither. I have experienced this to be true in my life. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT reads “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take”. Another way to look at the process of learning to trust is to imagine a bathtub of hot steaming water. Now imagine putting your big toe into the water and next your foot, as you adjust to it’s temperature. Next you are standing in the tub and slowly sinking down until you are covered, experiencing the warmth and comfort at the end of a long and stress filled day. As we develop trust in our personal relationship with God , his presence envelops us in a way similar to to being submerged in a hot bath. We  become more comfortable and trust develops more deeply. We find ourselves trusting Him more, and our relationship with him more solid and secure. There is a term you may have heard expressed, “The warmth and presence of the Holy Spirit”. It describes the reality of experiencing God’s presence. Doing so is much like having a warm blanket wrapped over our shoulders and around our body, producing a sense of security and safety. Nothing any of us has done or could do will stop God from loving us and accepting us if we turn to Him. Likewise there is nothing which would cause Him to love us less or more than He already does. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety, he is my God, and I trust him. Psalms 91:2 NLT

 

NAVIGATING DARK SEASONS

NAVIGATING DARK SEASONS

The days and weeks from mid November to mid January are stress filled with many family, friends or we ourselves experiencing varying levels of depression. The weather is thought to be a contributing factor. Shorter days with less sunshine, coupled with cloudy, rainy or snowy weather, are the norm during this time of year. Many of us have unpleasant memories from past experiences which occurred during the period we call “The Holiday Season”. For some there are dark seasons during other times of the year. Most of us have encountered life events which left us reeling with pain and heartache. I am no different. It may be more difficult to cope if they occur during the holidays, but they challenge us no matter when we face them. How we handle the dark seasons of our lives is critical to our mental and physical health and well being. It is pivotal in our relationships with family and friends. For those who are believers, critical in our relationship with God. I have found pressing in with God helps me focus on the important truths of God and who He says I am. It is easy to get caught up by negative memories and emotions if we allow our minds to take us there. If we do, we will soon be overcome by an onslaught of negativity. When I became a Believer, and asked to be forgiven, the sins of my past were wiped clean! Psalms 103 is one of my favorite portions of Scripture. It reminds me of God’s love, mercy and benefits. Psalms 103:12 declares my sin has been removed as far as the East is from the West! I will not allow Satan to torment or oppress me with my past sin. It is forgiven! I recently ordered a book which gives scripture references for God’s promises in many different life situations. When I search out Truth from God’s Word, I receive strength and encouragement, supernaturally, for what I am facing. My wife and I spend time with a daily devotional and prayer most days. We have been using Jesus Calling by Sarah Young for devotions. The reading for December 3rd tells us to not be surprised by the fiery attacks on our minds. It goes on to say we are not to allow discouragement to set in. We are to call upon His Name, “Jesus help me”! As Believers we have the tools needed to navigate and overcome dark seasons when they occur. If we seek Truth from God’s Word and turn to Him, He fights our Spiritual battles in His strength and power! The result is His peace in our lives, which The Bible tells us is beyond what we can humanly understand.

My Prayer is we each experience His peace and overcoming victory this holiday season!

 

WHEN MY DREAM DIES, WHAT THEN?

WHEN MY DREAM DIES, WHAT THEN?

I have my share of dreams, once vivid and alive, which now reside in the dream graveyard. Perhaps you have some as well. Usually, when I realize my dream is ill, I administer CPR!  Sometimes I have placed the dream on life support, grasping at every possible way to save it. Typically when I am finally exhausted, and no pulse can be detected from my dream, I reluctantly accept reality.  It is dead!

I am not one who had a lot of childhood aspirations or dreams. Growing up on a farm five miles from the nearest small town, my younger years were full of farm chores. Not a lot of spare time for dreams. It was later in life when some of the hopes or dreams I had did not pan out. I have written in previous posts, describing some of those experiences. Were it not for my personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I can’t imagine how I would have come through some of them and kept my sanity.

What I want to convey as I write today is, everyone has or will face difficulty and perhaps tragedy in life. My faith has given me the strength and courage, to face my challenges and persevere through, knowing I was not alone on the journey.

Major traumatic events can test our character and faith to the limit. We doubt, we question and we wonder why we are in the situation we find ourselves in. Believers have The Word of God and The Holy Spirit to help us during the difficulties we encounter. Those who are without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ depend on self and every other source imaginable to cope. The truth and assurance of The Word of God is available to anyone, willing to place their trust in the only source, dependable and trust-worthy.  God’s love for each of us is certain, unshakable and undeniable! You can read David’s perspective that God is always there for us in Psalms 46:1-3, 37:39-40 and 20:1. Isaiah 33:2, Ephesians 6:10 and  II Corinthians 12:9-10 also point us to God and declare his faithfulness to help us navigate the pathway of life.

When we face the death of a dream, or any other of the disappointments life may throw at us, we have a choice to make. As aptly spoken by our Pastor recently, regarding trials in life. “They will destroy us, define us, or develop us.” The best outcome is to persevere through the difficulty, and that it helps develop us into a stronger person, who is more reliant on God, in a deeper relationship with Him. He promises His help in all of life’s trials and circumstances. I have found He is faithful, trust-worthy and His Word a guiding light for my life.

 

 

STOLEN BY FEAR

STOLEN BY FEAR

One of the tactics Satan uses regularly to oppress believers is fear! Many times in scripture Jesus admonishes us, “Fear Not”, and “Do Not Fear”. Satan’s intent for mankind is evil and destructive! Frequently he is referred to in scripture as the thief.  In John 10:10, Jesus is speaking, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV)  The Word of God is clear in telling us Satan’s intent. All that is needed to see this clearly is do a word study of the Bible on Satan. If we allow him to plant or instill fear in our lives, it can paralyze us and keep us from living out the destiny God intends for our lives. Our part is to take a step of faith. When we do, God honors our faith, and He meets us and guides our steps as we move forward in His leading. It will not happen if we allow fear to keep us from taking a step in faith. You may recognize some of the ways fear can be planted and begin to take root and grow. Did I really hear from God?  Was that God or just me?  What if I fail?  What will people think?  What if it does not turn out the way I expect, or want it to?

In 1997 I was facing a difficult decision. Along with an excellent staff, I had worked building an insurance business for thirty years. I was the junior partner and expected to one day own the business. Through a series of events, the senior partner sold his interest to an outside party. I found myself in a situation where I felt I could no longer remain employed with the firm. I was fifty-five years of age and had a non-compete agreement. I could not start my own agency in that county. I began looking for other employment in the area, but had no success. An opportunity became available to move to Bend, Oregon and open an insurance office with a major national company. I would be starting from scratch, with only a few clients being seeded to me. It would mean moving four hours away from a large part of our family. I experienced all the emotions and asked all the mentioned questions, plus some! My wife and I were praying for guidance and direction., trying to decide what to do. During my lunch hour one day as I was praying, The Holy Spirit brought to my mind the story in Numbers 13 and 14 of the spies being sent into Canaan. I was struck with the thought that if God was opening this door, I did not want to be like the spies who were fearful. I wanted to be like Joshua and Caleb who entered the Promised Land and benefited from God’s blessing. I shared my thoughts with Patty and she felt assured, as did I, that we had heard a Word from God. We made the move and it is now twenty one years of seeing God’s provision for us. Not always easy nor quite what we expected, but we have been assured many times over that we heard from God and that has given us strength and courage to keep moving forward.

We must be willing to do our part. If we are fearful and reluctant to trust God in faith, Satan will have kept us from living in God’s purpose and provision for our lives. Joshua 3:7-17 paints a vivid picture of the point I make. The Jordan river was at flood stage. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant as well as all the people were instructed to step into the water and stand in the Jordan. Then the waters would be parted! Verse seventeen tells us all Israel crossed over on dry ground!

Fear will keep us from our destiny! Fear will allow Satan to steal God’s blessing and provision from us! Fear is defeated if we believe the truth of God’s word and stand in faith believing what God has declared.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

Additional Scriptures you may wish to read: Romans 8:15 & 16:  Psalms 56:3:  Psalms 34:4:  Isaiah 41:10

 

 

PATIENCE

PATIENCE

If you are a Christ follower, and have been for any length of time, PATIENCE can seem elusive and even unattainable. Webster defines being patient as; bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty or adversity. Admirable qualities, Believers and non-believers should strive to attain. It seems apparent, one of life’s greatest difficulties or struggle’s is a need for patience. We are advised as Christians to never pray for patience. Most certainly if we do, the need for patience will surely present itself. As a young Christian I encountered situations requiring patience on a regular basis. I quickly learned, the lesson of patience was not something that came into my life for a little while and left, never to be seen or heard from again. The need for patience was ongoing and frequently needed. Patience could become my friend, if I were willing to embrace God’s purpose for developing patience in my life.  It is interesting, before accepting Christ, I gave little thought to patience. Most certainly I was an impatient person, with a companion, temper problem. That is not a pretty combination. I am very thankful, during the forty two plus years I have been a Christian, God has been faithful to develop patience in my life and heal the temper problem. I still become impatient, at times, in some situations. I do find I am much better at accepting circumstances, and waiting for God to work out the details.

I want to soar above the problems and circumstances I encounter in my life! In other words, not allow difficulties to define me, or keep me from living a happy and productive life. Many times we allow situations over which we have no control, to disrupt our lives to the point, we become angry and unable to exercise patience. If left unchecked, we are soon anxious and short tempered at even the smallest occurrence. We can find ourselves losing sleep, at odds with family or friends, and just unhappy in general. God knows, in life, we will encounter difficulties. He tells us in 1 Peter, we should not think it strange or be surprised by life’s fiery trials. James 1:2 advises to count it all joy when we fall into various trials. Life is filled with trials! It’s not that we are going to have problems! It’s what we do in the face of our problems! God’s plan and purpose is that the problems we encounter in life, mature us and teach us to trust Him!

Isaiah 40:31 NKJV  “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint”.  God shows us, if we will trust Him, believe that He is who He says He is and we are who He says we are, good results await us!

Some scripture verse’s I encourage you to read are; James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 4:12-13, Romans 5:3-4, II Corinthians 12:10, Philippians 4:6 and Matthew 6:25.

I am convinced, PATIENCE is fuel God has provided to help us on our faith journey!

Prayer: Father, mold me and make me into the person you created me to be. I trust you and embrace the work you are doing in my life. Thank you for loving me, and caring about my life.

 

 

 

 

FROM THE ASHES

FROM THE ASHES

If you have read my earlier posts, you learned my second marriage ended in divorce. Certainly both parties play a part in any failed relationship. None the less, for anyone not wanting a relationship to end, it is devastating. I was now living out the consequences of two failed marriages. Through the separation, which lasted two years, God was preparing me for the marriage to end. I was growing spiritually in the midst of my circumstances. In the pain of the death of the marriage, God’s grace and mercy enabled me to keep going. God masterfully takes our failures, and turns them around. Good ultimately comes from the rubble and ashes of our broken lives. A real life picture of Romans 8:28. One thing I do not want to do in writing my posts, is litter the page with christianeze.  Relating how God saw me through this experience, denotes the practical living out of my christian faith. We all are broken in one way or another, in need of His grace, mercy and salvation.

I was participating in a singles group at the church I attended. I met my beautiful wife Patty there. We both had experienced divorce. She was a single mom with three children. Our relationship grew and developed. We married about a year and a half later. This past January, we celebrated our thirty seventh anniversary. God faithfully has worked in each of our lives. He healed the deep wounds we experienced, and has helped us grow and develop individually. As a result, we deeply love one another , and have a wonderful marriage and life together.

There have been struggles along the way. A couple of years into our marriage, through circumstances beyond our control, a financial crisis developed.  Suddenly and unexpectedly, our income was substantially reduced with no replacement or alternative.  God saw us through this season, and we were somehow able to meet all of our obligations. Eventually we regained financial stability. We experienced God’s faithfulness and provision.

There have also been blessings we could never have imagined. I had been told years earlier, I would be unable to have children, which to that time had been the case. We had been married six years, and were on a ski trip with a group from our church. Patty did not feel well, and was experiencing flulike symptoms. After returning home, she still was not feeling well. When she went to the doctor, we learned she was pregnant. I had accepted what I had been told years earlier, and I had no thought or hope I would ever have a biological child.  God blessed us with a beautiful daughter. Between us, we have six children. We love each individually and dearly! The son and daughter I adopted, Patty’s three children and our daughter together. His, hers and ours as we like to say.

From the ashes of Patty’s life and mine, God has done what only he can do. He has brought forth something beautiful and lasting. We praise Him for what he has done in and for us!