Crossroad Decisions

There have been probably only four crossroads I have stood at in my life that have been real cause for concern as to which way to go. First, my decision to join the military, second my decision to ask my wife to marry me, third my decision to return to church. The fourth one I stand at now. This is my decision to retire. After 36 years of faithful service to Ma Bell, I think now it can be time to venture down a new path. It hasn't been an easy crossroads to face.

Pastor Gary has been preaching/teaching on Moses for a few weeks now and that story has been an inspiration to me. When God called Moses to stand at his crossroads, I can only imagine what that must have felt like. After all, Moses was somewhat comfortable at the time and now, to leave and return to Egypt, and convince a hardened Pharoah to release a couple million people from slavery isn't any small task. We must all trust God when standing at a crossroads in our lives. If we allow Him to guide us in the direction to take, the road may not be easy but I can speak from experience, it will always be the correct one.

I can say with some confidence that I have allowed God to guide me. I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't rightly know where the new path will lead, but I do know the walk will be with Him by my side.

Into the Word

I began my first Disciple 1 Bible Class last night and part of the orientation I presented dealt with choosing a Bible that works for you. I provided examples of some of the various English Versions like KJV, NIV, NASB...you know, the common ones. I thought that giving my students a comparison of how translations can differ would help them if they were in the market of choosing a Bible version to use for the course. The thought occurs to me that translators of a language into English encounter a huge wall on some words. Take the word "for" for example. When I say I pray "for" someone, it could be taken two different ways. It could mean I pray on that person's behalf (as if perhaps they can't pray or dont know how to.) Or, it could mean that I am praying that God will help or bless that person. The Scholars and Theologians that translated the Bible had to be so very careful in how they worded passages. After due investigation and research and prayer, I decided on a version of the Bible that would "work for me". I trust however, that it was the Holy Spirit that made the decision FOR me. Whatever version of the Bible you use, just use it. Please.

Just Talking at Sunrise

Every time I have been to the beach on vacation, it never fails to awe me at sunrise. I always make it a point to get up in time to see the first rays of light appear out over the ocean and be at the water's edge when the red ball shows it's curve on the horizon. The thought always comes into my head that i'm looking at another profile of the face of God. Usually, my morning prayer at the beach at these times is just a simple conversation. I dont ask for anything or pray for anyone; I just greet our Heavenly Father and listen and wait for his presence to be felt. I often wonder if anyone can gaze upon an ocean sunrise and not feel His presence. Psalm 33 sings praises to God and His awesome Glory and it comes to mind as I watch the sun come up over the ocean. How can I pray anything but praise to Him when I see this sight? To imagine that God spoke this into existence is almost beyond comprehension but I am so thankful for being able to see it! In invite you to read Psalm 33 and enjoy.....praise be to Him.