Most Gladly!

by | Jul 18, 2022 | Articles, Mentors Corner

“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Life is a journey! It’s often a series of walks through valleys, climbing peaks, descending back into the valley and then repeating.  It’s been said that life is a marathon, not a race. There are several significant life events (this list not exhaustive) that illustrate the challenge of the marathon…here are four: Death of a loved one Major illness or injury Job loss Relocation Have you experienced one of these “life events” recently? Perhaps a series of them within a short period of time?   Are you at a point in your life where it seems to be one “hit” after another? Well, don’t feel like you own the exclusive rights.  None are exempt! Are you on the top of the mountain?  Remember that it takes less time (usually) to descend back down into the valley than it did to ascend up. God has a plan for each and every one of us. But know that He is Sovereign — and He is Good — ALWAYS! We can look at these “life events” from either a temporal or an eternal perspective. The temporal perspective:   Life is a bowl of lemons – even when I make lemonade, it is still at best, bittersweet. I fight and fight and fight and still don’t seem to be making much progress. My efforts aren’t enough. I manage sometimes to get to the top of the hill but unsure...
Safe at Home

Safe at Home

by | Apr 7, 2020 | Articles, Mentors Corner

For several years I’ve always operated under the MO (modus operandi) of having a Steps-to-Peace with God in my back pocket, blazer pocket, car, office, and… well you get it – on my person/within reach at all times. You never know when God will decide it is the right time and gives me a chance to use it. I drove (essential service) onto our school campus in Nashville, Tennessee this morning to find it completely empty. No one there. Not a single car – except our parked busses that just three weeks ago were providing transportation for hundreds of kids from 44 different zip codes. The school and campus have been shut down by our Governor, who has issued a Safe-at-Home Order through the end of April. After signing the utility and healthcare checks, I went to pull my office door shut behind me, and asked myself this question: “…what am I leaving behind that will be absolutely essential in the days ahead?” The Holy Spirit prompted me immediately – grab all your Steps-to-Peace with God. In the last several weeks I’ve had numerous conversations with men who are scared to death – literally. Men who in the past have put on a good façade and appeared to have life under control. They have managed to skirt the life and death conversation like the plague in the past. Well, now that the plague is here, I’m finding a different audience… and much more receptive. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, “And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming...
Curtis

Curtis

by | Mar 28, 2016 | Articles, Testimonies

In the midst of uncertainty all around us, we find great solace, peace, hope and joy in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One of my favorite all-time devotions is Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest. April 29 – “Certain Uncertainty” is a good one. Chamber’s articulates: “To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness, it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God.” We’ve all experienced uncertainty, but let me suggest, not to the extent that Oswald suggests. Do we wait in breathless expectation for uncertainty? I know, if I’m really honest with myself that I loathe that position when and if I find myself there. Allow me to introduce you to my new friend Curtis. I first became aware of Curtis as I drove by him here in Phoenix, AZ on warm fall day. Curtis was holding up a sign that read: Need Rent Money. I made numerous observations…he was different from many of those standing on corners holding signs. He obviously had a place to live, or he wouldn’t be asking for rent money. He face was without expression. The next day, same intersection I encountered Curtis again, but this time with a different sign: Best Watch Repair at Diamond Jim’s Jewelry. Curtis had gotten himself a job flipping a sign at a busy intersection. Good for him, I thought. His face still without expression. For the...