Saturday, October 28, 2017

Censored?

It's been awhile since I posted.  I've been busy writing my weekly column for a local community newspaper, and working on a book that I hope will be finished by Thanksgiving.  Yesterday, a reader asked was I still submitting articles to the newspaper because my articles were missing.  After checking the online publication of the newspaper I discovered that several issues did not include my articles.

I was disappointed, but not angry. The publisher has the right to accept or reject what I write.  That is his choice, its his paper. And since I'm not a paid columnist, it doesn't affect my livelihood. 

Writing, speaking, and acting on Truth is not always acceptable when money is a factor. We will always be forced to decide which is more important, our salaries, or our principles.

Three times in my life I choose Christian ethics over salary.  And each of those times I became unemployed and blackballed.  Yet God provided for me in each circumstance.  However, there was a time (before the above mentioned situations) when I chose acceptance and salary over Christian beliefs.  I incurred mockery, workplace abuse, and a cut in salary.  I promised if God delivered me I would never again compromise my faith for the sake of money and acceptance.

I've been told that I will never be rich or enjoy an upper middle class income if I continue to make decisions based on my faith.  And they've been right, but God has graced me with everything I need.  The most precious thing I've received from the Lord is peace, and joy.  Peace, the result of trusting Him for all my needs, and Joy in knowing that I am safe in the Savior's arms and no man can do anything to take that away from me.



Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Today, April 19, 2017

Today I am 62 years old.  It's been a long journey, yet short.  

As I look back over my life, I can truly say that I've lived a full and abundant life. What I lacked in riches, was made up in knowing and experiencing the True and Living God.  No one can tell me that the Lord does not exist for I know He is.

The earliest memory I have of the Lord is at age 6 when He visited me in a dream.  At age 20 He called me to preach the gospel, it came to pass 12 years later.  
God's Word has been "a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."  He has guided me through the storms of life-----, held me together when I was alone and frighten, enabled me to walk on water with Him in ministry, and so much more.

There's a song (written by Andre` Crouch) that comes to mind on this day.  It says ----

"How can I say thanks for all the things you've done for me.  Things so undeserved, yet you gave to prove your love for me.  The voices of a million angels cannot compare my gratitude.  For all that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to thee.  To God be the glory, to God be the glory.  To God be the glory for the things He has done."

Thank You, LORD, in the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Praise the Lord!

Happy "almost half-way-through the New Year" Post!

I was startled at the fact that I hadn't posted at all this year until today.  I am still water walking with Jesus!