Saying Good-bye

Yesterday a number of us did a painful thing; we said good-bye to a dear friend.
His presence throughout life had brought strength; his prayers brought the manifest presence of God. It is hard to find the right words to express what I feel, but I already miss him. I will be honored to preach his funeral later this week.

As he passed from this life to the next it left me with mixed emotions – joy for him, and sadness for the loss so many of us feel. Yet in spite of the loss, there springs from my heart a profound gratitude for the hope found in Jesus. At this most crucial point in life, Jesus delivers. We are people of unquenchable hope because of Jesus' victory over death. It gives an assurance that goes beyond the sadness of the moment, even when saying good-bye.

Grateful For Girls Ministry

It was a night of celebration as our church family gathered to honor the achievement of all the girls involved in our Girl’s Ministries. What made it even more eventful was the fact that three of our girls had achieved the highest honor possible.

I am grateful for two honor stars and one honor friend. I am grateful for the amount of effort that represents by the girls, their ministry leaders, and parents. I am grateful for all the girls active in this ministry. It is exciting to see them growing in both Bible knowledge and life skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Honoring Father and Mother

This past week I logged over 1,000 miles on the road - just not on the bike. It has been a week filled with ministry and a lot of travel helping my parents.

The Bible says “Honor your father and mother”, and it is the first command with promise. The question is: how to do that as we mature. At this stage of life it is no longer abiding by their rules, although when mom sets her foot down and says she and dad want to pay for lunch, I yield to their authority.

Keeping this command at this stage of life includes a number of things, staying connected, communicating – sharing what is going on in my life and hearing what is happening in theirs, praying for one another, and giving practical help when needed.

Have you honored your father and mother this week? How do you do it?

Moments, Music and Memories

Judy and I made a “not-so quick”, quick trip and brought my parents up to be with us for a few days. Music filled our day, helping the hours of the Labor Day ride back to Indiana pass more quickly. Driving along, different ones would start a hymn or worship song; many of them prompting memories - stories from the past. Some were sentimental while others were hilarious; all were meaningful.

Today made me realize I want to take advantage of moments to make good memories. It was a joy to recall and relive so many fond memories made with family. God helping me, I want to make more.

Little Things

Seems I came in contact with a new group of friends on a Tuesday evening bike ride. I cannot figure out how, but Wednesday morning I awoke with a number of little red spots on my calves, hands and arms that itch like crazy. Chiggers! Amazing how something so small can cause such a big fuss. The home remedy suggested was to cover them with some clear nail polish. No success in getting rid of the itch just yet; we’ll see if it works.

Little things can make a big difference; for good or for bad. Little habits can impact our walk with God and our relationships with others. Little details on a project can make a big difference. Little is much when God is in it! What little things do you need to think about or do today?

Hungering

In years gone by, one of the highlight of visiting family would be the final breakfast together. It was a time to enjoy the feast and the family. My aunt and grandmother would be up early fixing eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, biscuits, honey, homemade jelly, fried apples, and on the list could go. It was delicious and very filling.

I remember anticipating that breakfast long before its aroma filled the house. The hunger I experienced was not because of starvation but satisfaction. The memory of delicious foods prepared by loving family was enough to get me moving to the breakfast table.

There is a hunger for God that is like that. It is driven not by a starving soul, but simply the memory of deep satisfaction. It is the deep satisfaction we find in his presence. The forgiveness, cleansing, life, love and joy keep bringing us back.

Jesus tells us, in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Satisfaction awaits us!

I am hungry, how about you? God has a feast prepared for us in his presence. Let’s head for the table.