Reconciled

It is amazing to see the love and grace of Jesus extended.

I can't get enough of it. Two important people reconciled today. They forgave and extended forgiveness.

Incredible.

Now I go to work - energized for what I am called to do.

Thank you Jesus.

Difficulty of devotions

For me it is easy to fall out of rhythm.

I love spending time with Jesus - but I often fail to.  Why?  I don't know where to start.  I know...I am a pastor and these things should be easy or natural to me.  But I am just like you - I have to "refocus sometimes."

So, I am going to join an online bible reading program.  I am joining midstream mind you. 

Here - http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

3 months

Lately I have been floating.

A lot has transpired in my life over the last three months and I feel like I am just now starting to hit the "routine." Here I am up early in the morning - and I am going to spend some good time with Jesus - in the context of regular life - for the first time in a while.

Life flows in such interesting ways. Here I am - I have learned and experienced so much - but also feel so "not up to the task."

I have floated along the river of life - have hit some snags and identified some holes in my boat. And now I am at a lull in the stream.

The holidays haven't quite hit and the craziness of the beginning of the school year is quieting down. The death of my mother in law is still fresh, but we seem to be moving forward. (I guess that is the only way that one can move on the time continuum, but what I mean to say is that we are moving positively - our grief and mourning seems to be healthy)

To Jesus I now run.

UPDATE (4:49am)

The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.

I am hearing that the Lord would like me to focus my life and my direction so that I am able to live a fruitful life. I am 29 now and feel that I am at a crucial stage of my life. I know that what I choose to focus on during the next 5 years is really going to set the tone for the rest of my life. Specifically I refer to ministry.

I have gained a great deal of experience in my current place of vocational ministry. And I know that I still have things to learn. But where am I going? In the past I have felt that I am going to be a "senior pastor." I have thought that I was being called to lead a church on my own.

I have also felt the desire to begin my own multi-media business.

I also have experience ministering in Europe. I would like to know if that is something that continues to be in my future.

Jesus, I pray for your wisdom as I approach these next months and years. Please help me to focus on the "now" so that I am ready for the "then." I am so grateful for everything you have given me in my life. Thank you for provision and favor. I pray that we would always walk delicately and with wisdom on this earth. Jesus, please be with me today.

Amen.