Another thought

My Third Chapter Assignment:

Live simply.

Dream big.

Be grateful.

Give love.

Laugh lots.

On Turning 60 Three Years Ago

Another year has flown by at what seems like record speed. Believe me, I am oh so grateful for these years of my life. Like so many of us, I should not be here to tell the story nor to give the praise. It is still amazing to me that I was saved by the Lord’s favor and generous grace upon my life. He truly did not have to do it but he did and I can say that I am experiencing a love like no other at this hour.

These are some hard times for some. The economy is in the dumpster and as I grow older the world seems to be so full uncertainty. I would be lying if I said that there were not days that I have to turn it all off because, if I let it, ABC, NBC, CNN and CBS would truly be happy to rob me of my joy. It is just too much. I see the pictures of hunger, and lack and just about every mental illness imaginable and I have to shake my head and lift up a praise and say that I am grateful that I know a man and his name is Jesus. Funny, but as the years pass, I don't seem to feel that I am helpless to do anything about it any more. All of this bad news miraculously is positioning me on my knees to pray for those that don't know the risen Lord. I know that prayer is indeed the answer to all things so for complete strangers I pray that chains be broken, burdens lifted, eyes opened, minds regulated, ears cleared, grace granted and for anointing to fall.

Everyday more and more people, young and old, are running to the alter and begging for answers and wondering in the depths of their spirits what it is that they must do to be saved. The desire for salvation is great and the call to worship is loud. If I have one birthday desire this year it is that all Saints around the world will recognize that they are beacons of light shinning as examples to the lost in a very dark world. We are His emissaries, ambassadors and we speak boldly of His love, His grace and mercy. We must stand with fellow believers and proclaim the truth of the Word and vow to never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So on this birthday, I know that somebody is watching to see how I make it through these times when nothing of this world is giving up any answers to the whys and how comes of life. To tell you the truth, I have come of age to know exactly what is meant by " Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." I would be lying here as well if I said that I don't have concerns and that everything is tremendously wonderful in my life right now. But as I stand on the truth of the Word of God. I look around and I can't help but pray and by doing so my prayer life is strengthened and lengthened. And because my prayer life has been refreshed, my faith has been increased and my gratitude is sincere.