I don’t think I’m alone in saying, I never thought I’d live to see a moment like we’re currently living in. In 2019, a new strand of the coronavirus named COVID-19 originated in China (according to researchers) and began making its way around the world. Since that time, the issue has become a wide-spread one that has made its way throughout Europe and into the United States. Many are suffering from the sickness. Some have even died from it. As a result, churches are being forced to shut down and go to live-streaming methods. Restaurants are shutting down their dining areas and resorting to carry-out/pick-up only. Certain medical items and specific grocery items are selling out quickly in grocery stores. Many shelves are going empty with no certainty of being restocked any time soon. The stock market is spiraling downward at an alarming rate. Confusion, fear, and pandemonium is gripping our country and others.

If I’m being honest, while this situation has brought me mild apprehension, I’ve never once felt fearful. Actually, this morning, I woke up with renewed faith. From the moment my feet hit the ground I sensed this time period is one of supernatural realignment and refocus. I don’t call myself (or proclaim to be) a prophet. But I want to share what I believe the Holy Spirit has shared with me. For far too long our society, specifically the Christian community, has lost sight of God. We have become so enamored with our personal lives and fleshly desires that we have shifted our focus to other things. We have become more self-focused and selfish in all we do.

There has been an underlying remnant of believers praying for quite some time that God would bring revival and renewal to the church. I firmly believe that time has arrived. Let me explain. There are many things God does that doesn’t make sense to me. Personally, it leaves me wondering why He would do this or that; why He would use this or that to further His kingdom. Folks, I’m here to remind you, God will do whatever it takes to get our attention. Do I believe He sent this sickness as punishment? No. I don’t believe our God is malicious in that way. He doesn’t desire to harm us. But did He allow it? I firmly believe He did. Because He knew He could bring something beautiful from it. In this moment, the alarm has been triggered.  Much like the sound that comes from our own alarm clocks in the morning and drives us awake from our slumber and laziness. We have been lulled asleep by the enemy long enough and now we are being awakened to the necessity of springing into action as we never have before. We are waking up to a new world around us. While some older methods of ministry may work, the church is going to need to become more creative in how we minister to the lost. The methods must change. But the message never will.

We get frustrated when things don’t go as we think they should. We get mad at God when we’re made to endure something we never asked to endure. Sometimes our blessings are going to come through things we never prayed or asked for. There are moments we’re going to have to endure the storm before we receive the harvest. There will be times we may be forced to endure tears to find healing that only He can give. Sometimes things need to fall apart before they can be put back together like they should have been all along. God can use the most terrible of situations and create something beautiful from it. And I believe He is doing that right now. Don’t be afraid of it. Walk forth boldly, my friends!

Lastly, the church has never been about a building or the meetings that take place inside it. You, my friend, are the church. I am the church.  God is not limited by location or time constraints as we are. Ministry is not (and CANNOT) be limited by someone’s ability to get to a church building. The church goes where we go. WE ARE THE CHURCH! This is a time Christian’s can stand up and bring the peace only God gives amid confusion in any and every situation. As I’ve stated before, we can choose to be a thermostat or a thermometer. A thermometer takes on the temperature of whatever/wherever it is. A thermostat sets the temperature. Allow the God in you to set the temperature of whatever environment you enter. Don’t allow fear to creep in and control you. And surely don’t allow it to spread from you. God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear. Fear comes from the enemy.

We would also do well to stay prepared. That can be taken in any number of ways. Sure, it’s wise to keep extra medical supplies and non-perishable groceries and necessities set aside for moments such as these. Our currently reality is a reminder of such.   But we can also remain prepared spiritually. Even when we can’t get to a Bible in our time of need, if we “hid His words in our heart” as scripture instructs us, we can call on it at any time. Stay ready. Stay prepared. Stay alert. Be His hands and feet. CHOOSE to live in peace only He can give.

That’s all I’ve got for you today—and I’m sure that’s enough to chew on for a while. I’m praying for you, my friends. And remember, you are not alone!!!! Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can serve you.

Now, GO BE THE CHURCH!! I love you all dearly!!!

Side note: I’d encourage you to go read Psalm 91 and meditate on it today and in the coming days. It will minister to you as only His word can.

Photo by Liam Briese on Unsplash

I was recently reminded of an old children’s story. It’s the story of Chicken Little. Chicken Little seemed to be the stereotypical worrywart. One day while eating, an acorn fell and hit him in the head. Fearing the worst, he began panicking and repeating, “The sky is falling, the sky is falling…” He ran to find Turkey Lurkey and the rest of his friends. To every person he came in contact with, he exclaimed, “The sky is falling!!” Eventually, they come in contact with the sly fox who invites them into his home under the ruse of protection. They very quickly realize his true intentions are to eat them so they run away to the king. Upon contact with the king, Chicken Little begins to tell his story of how the sky is falling. The wise king states, “No, Chicken Little. The sky isn’t falling. An acorn fell on your head,” as he reaches to retrieve the acorn from atop his head. This little story reminded me of how we all tend to automatically go to the worst-case scenario when something starts going wrong in our lives. This type of response is exactly what is happening in our world right now. So many people are paralyzed in fear because of COVID-19, a strand of the Coronavirus. The media is whipping the world into a mad frenzy over what might happen. Many are so focused on their fears, they can’t seem to concentrate on much else.

My intention is not to minimize anything in regards to this sickness. I believe it is a real thing. But do I think it’s necessary to live in fear? Absolutely not. Fear is a waste of time. It gets us nowhere and accomplishes nothing except to steal the peace God gives us. 2 Timothy 1:7 states, “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” What this world needs right now is a sound mind. Fear is not from God. It’s from the enemy. While the sly old fox (Satan) is attempting to lure us in and destroy us, we should be running to the King of Kings. He holds the answers to whatever ails us. This is the time believers should be standing up to remind everyone of the miracle working power of our God. This is the time we should be proclaiming from the mountaintop where true peace comes from. This moment is an opportune time to lift our voices and proclaim the greatness of our God. While the world would have us live in fear while capitalizing on our frantic purchases of anything we think will keep us safe, we can posture ourselves in such a way that the world around us will desire the peace we live and walk in. Realizing, in ourselves, we have no power to heal or overcome anything. But we know Someone who can!

Closing remarks and encouragement: Sicknesses will come and go. History has shown us that (i.e.-Ebola, the swine flu, the bird flu, H1N1, and more). But God never changes. He is the Great Physician. He is a Healing God. Let’s link arms with other believers and be the Church to a world that is lost and dying; and not necessarily dying because of this particular sickness. The sickness that plagues us is much more dangerous. As believers, we are living in the spotlight whether we want to or not. Unbelievers are watching us. As they watch, let them see you walk in a peace that passes all understanding. We have exactly what they need. Let’s give it freely!

Have a blessed week, my friends!

Photo by Kristopher Roller on Unsplash

Many years ago, an autobiography titled, “A Life In Our Times,” was written about Canadian-born economist, John Kenneth Galbraith. Mr. Galbraith worked under four sitting US Presidents. A short but meaningful story is told in his autobiography about his housekeeper, Emily Gloria Wilson. It is said, Mr. Galbraith returned home one day having dealt with a myriad of issues. As you would expect, he was fatigued and needed rest. Upon arriving home, he instructed Ms. Wilson to hold all telephone calls while he rested for a while. A short time later, the phone rang. Upon answering, Ms. Wilson heard then-President, Lyndon B Johnson, state, “Get me Ken Galbraith! This is Lyndon Johnson.” Ms. Wilson responded, “Respectfully, he is sleeping, Mr. President, and has instructed he not be disturbed.” The President stated, “Well wake him up! I want to talk to him!” She responded, “No, Mr. President. I work for him, not you.” After emerging from his nap, Mr. Galbraith called the White House. President Johnson responded in amusement upon answering the phone, “Tell that woman I want her working at the White House!” There’s something to be said of someone who understands the importance of serving others.

During His time on this earth, Jesus gave us a living example of how we should live our lives. Matthew 20:28 states, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as ransom for many.”  To think that the King of Kings would come to this earth from His throne to serve me, a flawed human being who would turn my back on Him at times, blows my mind. The very person who spoke this world into existence lowered Himself and sacrificed His life so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. When was the last time you genuinely served someone? I’m not referring to some simple action. I’m referring to something that required a sacrifice on your part– whether physically, mentally, spiritually, financially, or in some other way.  I question if we can even consider anything we do “service” to someone else if it doesn’t cost us something. Christianity isn’t something we can pay someone else to do for us. The life of a believer is less about being a spectator or consumer and more about getting into the mess and muck with those in need and pointing them to the one who can help them. It’s about giving those around us a hand-up rather than a hand-out. This world isn’t looking for a catchy one-liner or phrase. This world is looking searching for the cure for what is killing them. And sin is quite literally killing us all.

Closing remarks and encouragement: Many in our society place emphasis and base their involvement on who’s in charge, who will get the credit for the work that has been done, and more. None of those things matter. Truthfully, if God isn’t receiving the ultimate glory for our actions, we’re doing something wrong. Believers, we have a job to do. If we’re not doing it to the best of our abilities, we will be held accountable. Let’s endeavor to spend our time making this world better rather than adding to the problems that surround us. Are you available and willing to serve?

Have a blessed week, my friends!

Photo by Jeremy Yap on Unsplash

Recently, I was having a spiritually driven conversation with an acquaintance. I noticed he used the terms “trials” and “temptations” together on more than one occasion – almost as if he were coupling the two together like they were the same. When given the chance, I took our dialogue in the different direction as we began discussing those two terms and (Biblically) what they meant for Christians. Not only are the words different in meaning, but they accomplish very different things as well. You will also respond to both in very different manners.

Let me explain. Biblically, we know temptations come directly from the enemy. James 1:13-14 states, “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” According to scripture, our temptations originate from our own evil desires. Side note: we can’t be tempted by something we don’t have a taste for. While God does allow temptation into our lives, He doesn’t allow us to flop in the wind helplessly. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And 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 endure it.” So, not only can you handle what the enemy throws at you, but God will always provide an exit strategy – a way to flee from the temptation. Temptations are sent to destroy you and separate you from God.

Trials are something altogether different. According to the book of James (1:2-3), we are to, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Truthfully, I don’t know of anyone who willingly rejoices when they find themselves in the middle of a trial. That type of response goes against our fleshly instincts. We would much rather complain, whine, or simply run away from the issue. But you see, trials come directly from God and serve a greater purpose. According to our scripture, trials test us. Trails don’t produce faith. Trials test what is already there. That test reveals our quality, value, and usefulness in the kingdom. Trials are a direct result of meticulous planning on God’s part as He shapes and molds us into a vessel that can by used for service. James wasn’t the only author in the Bible to address this subject. The Apostle Peter states (4:13), “Be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”

Closing remarks and encouragement: Jesus understands what you’re going through today. While on this earth, he suffered in many ways and had many experiences that allow Him the distinct ability to sympathize with our sufferings. Are you being tempted today? Be reminded, if He didn’t intend for you to run away from those temptations, He wouldn’t have provided that way of escape. Are you experiencing the trials of life that are threatening to take you out? Just remember, He promised not to place more on you than you can bear. If the Teacher is allowing this test to come, He knows He’s equipped you to get through and pass with flying colors. A trial is something you should run towards. Every test of your faith is only making you stronger.  Be encouraged today.  You can make it through anything the enemy throws at you through the power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Have a blessed week, my friends!

Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash

My daughter is a hard worker and consummate overachiever in most aspects. If something really interests her, she will immerse herself into that activity with all her strength. Many times, I think she enjoys pushing herself to see how much she can really handle. Recently, we were unloading groceries and I noticed she was overloading herself with an extreme number of bags. I spoke up and stated, “Baby, that’s too much. Give some of those to me.” She said, “I was trying to help you.” I replied, “Baby, I’m bigger, stronger, and can carry more. I can handle it!” She handed me a few bags and looked relieved to have part of her burden lifted. She galloped off to carry things inside with a grateful smile on her face. In that moment, I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me saying, “I could do the same for you if you’ll let me.” You see, I also have a tendency to carry more than I should. I see my family struggle in some way (physically/mentally/spiritually) and I pick up their burdens making them my own. I see my church members going through trials in their lives and it rips my heart out. Sometimes, I watch the news and feel overwhelmed at the things going on while feeling helpless to do anything about it. Lately, I’ve been carrying burdens I was never meant to carry. Funny how the Holy Spirit will use something as simple as unloading groceries to minister to you.

Do you ever feel so burdened down you just want to give up on everyone and everything? If so, I speak from experience when I say, you’ve been carrying something you were never intended to carry. One of my favorite scriptures is Matt 11:28-29. It states, “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” I find it interesting that the word “yoke” was used in this scripture. Just by the nature of its definition, a yoke implies the carrier has hard work ahead of them. But here, we receive a beautiful promise. A promise from our bigger and stronger Heavenly Father. When we exchange our yoke with His, we’re assured a lighter, less demanding burden. We’re not promised a perfect life full of roses and white picket fences. But we are promised a burden we can carry more easily. We must remember, He told us He would never place more on us than we can bear. If it comes to us, He will help us through it. If you come across something too heavy to carry, it’s possible you were never meant to carry it in the first place.

Closing remarks and encouragement: His intention for you is peace and rest. It’s an invaluable gift free for the taking. But He will never push it on you. Take it or leave it. The choice is yours. And if you exchange your yoke with His, make sure it’s a one-time switch. No sense in getting rid of it only to come back and pick it back up.

Have a blessed week, my friends!

Photo by Adli Wahid on Unsplash

As I’m sure most of you know, I’m a pastor. On most Sunday mornings I get up early and make my way to the church to finish preparations for that day’s message. Every now and then, a rare Sunday comes along where I will have someone else in my pulpit to preach providing me a little break. Those Sundays lead to break in routine allowing me to sleep a little longer and go in a little later. On those Sundays, I normally take my son with me because he’s awake and bouncing off the walls by then. We’ve developed our own little routine on these Sundays. Swing by Hardees and grab him some bacon (he loves it as much as his Daddy) and head straight to church. Once there, I park in the space furthest from the sanctuary. When we get out of the car my son picks a crack to follow me to make his way to the church building. Let me explain. Our church is older and so is the pavement outside. Our parking lot needs a significant amount of work done to it and there are cracks everywhere. My son could literally follow any number of cracks in the pavement, in any given direction, and eventually make his way to the church building. He calls this little game, “Get to Daddy.” It’s funny to watch him walk through the maze of cracks. This past Sunday was one of those days. He started his trek adding a little comment for drama. “I hope I can get to you today!” as I continued walking with a playful smile on his face making his way toward the building. Cracking a joke about the pavement (pardon the pun), I said, “Buddy, there are MANY ways to get to me!!” I felt God whisper. “Not me!”

Years ago, in an earlier session of Oprah Winfrey’s long running talk show, she made a statement that has always stuck with me (and not in a good way). She stated, “There are millions of ways to be a human being, and many paths to what you call God.” She has alluded to this same mindset over and over again since then and has continued to add facets as the years have gone by. Ms. Winfrey has focused on enlightenment through meditation and other such methods. Going so far as to allude these moments of enlightenment are moments when she has reached God. Let me be clear. I don’t judge this woman. What she is doing isn’t any different than what has been happening for thousands of years. Sadly, she has been convinced of this lie. Many take portions of Jesus’ teachings and create their own pseudo religions to serve their on desires and purposes. For anyone who claims to be Christian, I assure you there is only ONE way to the Father. And His name is Jesus. Scripture states, John 14:6, “Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one [my emphasis] comes to the Father except through me.” Getting to God is less about enlightenment, as some would have you think. The very foundation of Christianity is belief in and a personal relationship with God’s son versus doing what makes us feel good or tickles our ears with pseudo-revelation.

Closing remarks and encouragement: I am a man who stands on the word of God and attempts to follow it to the best of my ability. Not out of legalism, tradition, or being forced to do so. Rather, as a result of a meaningful relationship with my Savior and my desire to live a life of holiness that would be pleasing to Him. Do I make mistakes? Sure! We all do! Many mean well when they say such things as, “God wants you to live your best life!” While it may sound good, it has no Biblical basis. Truth be told, once you give your heart to Him, your life is not your own any longer. You become dead to self and alive in Him. To live your best life would be to do things on your own selfish terms. And that was never God’s desire. As the old adage states, “There are many ways to skin a cat.” In other words, there are many ways to do certain things. But make no mistake, there’s only ONE way to God. The enemy is shrewd and cunning. Just because it sounds good doesn’t make it acceptable. Believers-I challenge you to be careful what you say and how you say it. The world is listening. Your life might be the only Bible many will ever read.

Photo by Becca Lavin on Unsplash

I always have a slight bit of dread when having certain types conversations with my daughter. We’re both so much alike and butt heads more often than not. It’s because we both have our own way of doing things—and we both think our way is the best. For that reason, we end up going a few rounds (verbally) as we are working on her homework or correcting a problem. Recently she took a math test and was three points away from a failing grade. I started trying to help her correct it for a higher grade and she instantly began rolling her eyes and was completely frustrated with the entire process. She did not want to do homework, rather just sit in front of the television or play in her room. At one point, though I was frustrated as well, I stated calmly, “It’s apparent by what I see on this test, you need my help.  My questions is, do you want my help?”  She literally sat for three minutes in contemplation and finally said, “Yeah, I guess,” (with a roll of the eyes). After a few minutes, I realized her frustrations were mostly directed at the things she didn’t understand and her inability to rectify the problem. She had worked hard but couldn’t get it right. That led to her desire to give up, accept the bad grade, and quit school (if she had her way about things). After a few minutes of showing her a different way of doing things, I saw the lightbulb begin to go off in her head and we finished with smiles on our faces.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that you couldn’t get out of? You knew the problem and tried to fix things the best way you knew how, but it was all to no avail. Those moments are hard and frustrating. Our instinct is to remove ourselves from the situation and move on. Unfortunately, turning our back on the issue doesn’t actually solve the problem. Many times, it makes things worse and the consequences continue to mount and get out of hand. Psalms 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When we look at our situation, it’s apparent we need His help. He’s always standing there, like a good father, asking, “Do you want my help?  It’s apparent you need my help.” Here’s the kicker, if He helps, He’s going to do things His way, on His timetable, and according to His abilities. Problems arises when we would rather run from the issue or instruct Daddy God how to do things—even though we know He’s smarter and more capable. Sometimes the best thing we can do is step aside and simply get out of His way. Had we been able to fix things on our own, we wouldn’t have approached Him in the first place.

Closing remarks and encouragement: Have you considered how absurd it would be for a student to tell a teacher how to teach? It’s apparent the student doesn’t have a clue. Not only would the student not have the proper training but would lack proper head knowledge as well. Just because God doesn’t do things our way doesn’t mean He’s wrong. Just stay out of His way and let Him move in ways only a Father can. I assure you, if you’re His child, He always has your best interest at heart.

Have a blessed week, my friends!

Photo by Luke Porter on Unsplash

It has been tattletale central at our house for about 3 or 4 years now. As my children are getting older, they seem to find a mild amount of joy when tattling on one another. The most recent issue deals with the fact, they enjoy scaring one another. It doesn’t matter the time of day. The goal is to scare the other and cause a fearful reaction. They enjoy doing it to Dad and Mom as well. Recently, our entire family was home enjoying a relaxing day. Early on, my daughter thought it would be funny to scare her brother. While downstairs, I heard the entire scenario unfold. My son lashed out at his sister for what she’d done and stomped to his room. Later that day, the same thing happened. Only this time, the tables were flipped as my son exacted his revenge. Immediately, my daughter came downstairs with a wild and dramatic look in her eyes demanding I do something to punish him. I said, “Okay, go get him and both of you come down for your spankings.” She quickly responded, “Why am I getting a spanking? I didn’t do anything!” I stated, “Not this time. But you do the same thing to him this morning, right?” She began stumbling over her words and couldn’t figure out how to respond. I continued, “I can discipline him. But I’ll need to discipline you as well to make it fair. How would you like for me to proceed?” She immediately rolled her eyes at the realization of her guilt and stomped upstairs to give her brother a tongue lashing.

Isn’t that how we all are? We’re quick to point a finger at someone else for doing something wrong, but we fail to realize we too have been guilty of the same types of things at different times in our lives. This same ideal is exemplified in John 8. Jesus has been teaching great crowds of people. The Pharisees and religious leaders bring a woman caught in the act of adultery and demand Jesus tell them how to punish her. This could have been done in private but they were attempting to make Jesus look bad in front of everyone while embarrassing this woman (side note: where was the guilty man?   Seems like this might have been a setup all the way around). They were literally putting him in a losing situation regardless of what He said or did. Should he command her be stoned, He would be breaking Roman law that stated no Jew had the power to pronounce this type of sentence. If He didn’t agree that she be stoned, he would be breaking the law of Moses. His initial response was to stoop down and begin writing in the sand. Scripture states, “They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” John 8:7 NLT   They were so caught up with the own spiritual policing, they failed to focus on the mistakes they had made in their own lives. After making this statement, he humbled himself yet again stooping down, as if to lower himself to her level. One by one, the accusers left. Verse 10-11 states, “Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”  “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

 Closing remarks and encouragement: Many times, we get so caught up focusing on the mistakes of others, we fail to remember the grace and mercy that has been extended to us. What if we did as the Bible instructed and treated others as we would like to be treated? What if we worried more about our own sins rather than focusing on the shortcomings of others? Let’s face it, ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God. As believers, it’s not our job to hang our Christianity over someone’s head to convince them we’re better in some way or that our way of doing things is better. Just the opposite. We’re to love them and point them to God. You don’t have to tell an unbeliever they’ve sinned. I assure you, they know! What if we treated everyone the same way Jesus did in this situation? Jesus, the one who was sinless, was the only person who had the right to cast a stone at this woman. Yet he chose to humble Himself before her, extend mercy/love/grace, then remind her there was a better way. We could learn a lot by following His example. We would all do well to remember how important it is to throw down (y)our stones and simply love on people. Jesus instructed us to be fishers of men. He never instructed us to clean them up. That’s His job.

Photo by Jarren Simmons on Unsplash

No matter how hard you try–or how much advanced notice you receive–you can never fully be ready for the death of a loved one. At around 7pm last night (Oct 7), our beloved Nannie (my wife’s paternal grandmother) took her last breath on this earth. To say she will be missed is an understatement. I’ve always felt a strong connection to her, no doubt, because she reminded me of my own grandmothers. For the past 5-8 years, always around the holidays, it became a common occurrence for her to send us home with tangible things she owned that she wanted to pass down to us. Each item was something of great sentimental value to her. While we always appreciated receiving those items, I must admit, one of the most valuable gifts given to me and my children was already in our possession. It’s the Godly heritage that her granddaughter, my wife, carries with her. I’ve heard many stories over the years from my wife how Nannie had such a strong hand in her spiritual maturity and growth over her lifetime. My wife has recounted many memories of Nannie taking her to school each day after her parents had already left for work. Before leaving for the day, Nannie would fix and serve Jennifer breakfast and spend a little time with her. Without fail, before stepping into the car, they always kneeled beside the couch together and prayed over the day. Even beyond her childhood, I can’t tell you the countless times I’ve heard my wife have spiritually based conversations with her Nannie over the years.

Chances are, I’ll never be a multi-millionaire (though I still hold out hope Publishers Clearing House will show up on my doorstep any day now). When I pass, my children will be left with a few items that had sentimental value to me. But, in the long run, it won’t provide them with great riches. The older I become, the more I realize, what’s important to me is that they (as well as my future grandchildren and beyond) follow God all the days of their lives. You see, Nannie understood the importance of planting seeds into my wife’s life very early on. Nannie had a large hand in “train[ing] up a child in the way he (she) should go,” as we’re instructed in Proverbs 22:6 Nannie may have never stood on stages and preached God’s word to millions of people, but her reach went well beyond her little house in Hodges, SC. She could constantly be found fixing meals for those in need, loving on anyone she came in contact with, sacrificially giving to the work of the kingdom through supporting her local church and missionaries, and so much more. She lived a life of servanthood to everyone around her.

You may never read about her in any history books, but her ministry will live on through the lives of countless people. Every person my wife, my children, or I (or anyone she ever came in contact with, for that matter) will ever touch will be an extension of Gladys Godfrey. Everything Nannie ever became was a direct extension of the God she served. I have no doubt, last night, she heard those words we all long to hear…. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Today and the coming days will be sad for many of us. But this isn’t the end of her story. We’re only starting another chapter because her story continues. As believers, we have a hope of one day being reunited. And what a day that will be!! She is simply joining that great cloud of witnesses that is cheering the rest of us on. This isn’t goodbye. Rather, see you soon, Nannie!

What are you leaving behind?

I loathe repeating myself because someone isn’t paying attention to me. It happens all the time at home. For instance, I instruct my children to do a specific task. In the time it took me to give the instructions, my words have seemingly gone in one ear and out the other. Especially if it’s not something they want to do. On the other hand, if I decide to reward them for good behavior and I instruct them to go get a popsicle, a piece of candy, or something similar, I never have to repeat myself. They remember those instructions without any assistance. There are even times when I find myself repeating what I’ve said in regards to how I will handle specific issues that arise. For example, like most children, my two hyper kiddos like to torture one another while out of Dad and Mom’s purview. When someone goes too far, the offended party like to come and tattle with the expectations I’ll discipline the offender. Our rule has always been, if we didn’t see it happen or proof of what has happened can’t be provided, you are innocent until proven guilty. One would assume they’d get the point after a while. Yet I always find myself repeating the same instructions almost daily.

Have you ever considered this is how God might feel; frustrated that He is forced to constantly repeat Himself because we can’t seem to get it? All throughout the Bible we find the people of God making the same mistakes repeatedly. Though the word of God is quite expansive, He never contradicts any directive He’s ever given. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. In fact, any time He repeats Himself, Christian’s should take extra notice of what is being said. It always demonstrates His passion toward that subject. In Luke chapter 15 (and I encourage you to read it in its entirety) we find three consecutive parables that reference “lost” things. In each parable something has been lost or has wandered away (sheep, a woman’s coin, the prodigal son). Each story ends with a joyous celebration when each thing has been found or has returned. This portion of scripture exemplifies the true heartbeat of God as we find it repeated throughout scripture in many differing forms. Everything God has ever done or allowed to happen is because of His love for His creation and a desire to have a personal relationship. 2 Peter 3:9 states, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” He is willing to experience suffering. He is LONGsuffering.  Even if it means the chance of having one lost soul come to know Him personally. His desire is that none should perish!

Closing remarks and encouragement: As Christian’s, we tend to take pride in the so-called work we do for the kingdom. Leading, involving ourselves in a class or ministry, or helping others are all wonderful things. But are they the preferred things God would have us do? God’s HEART is in seeking out the lost and bringing His lost sheep into the fold. We can’t become so involved with the work of the kingdom that we miss the point entirely. It’s imperative we keep the main thing the main thing.

Have a blessed week, my friends!

Photo by Luke Hodde on Unsplash