Unity of God's Message

Our Lead Pastor's son spoke during both services yesterday. Both were powerful messages that God intended to touch many lives. It was interesting to see how, even with a different speaker, God's message was directed towards the same end as our past few services.

What is God speaking to His church? Typically when you have a series of messages on the same topic, especially from different speakers, God is clearly sending a particular message. A message within a message that is always intended to draw us closer to Him.

A Locked Door

As part of the means in which we make a living, Robin and I clean a pet grooming shop every week. Last Saturday evening found us again at the task. This time it was a bit different. While we were working inside, the Steel Valley Super Nationals - car show and cruise was going on in the streets outside. Hundreds of muscle cars, monster trucks and bikes were cruising up and down the streets with spectators lining the sidewalks for two miles.

All was well and good until a thunderstorm moved in, dumping out a torrential downpour. People were running for cover: cars, awnings, or stores, anything to get out of the rain. Since we were cleaning the pet grooming shop, the lights were on. This led to many requests to come in, which I had to refuse. The weatherman called for thunderstorms and heavy rain, but I don't recall seeing a single umbrella or poncho.

It made me think of the many people that are cruising through, or simply watching others, cruise through life without a thought or plan for Christ's coming. Even with many warnings, many will be left outside the locked doors of Heaven in misery, missing the blessings of eternal life with Christ.

I wish I could have let them all in because I felt sorry for the people on the wet side of the door, locked by the boss's orders, I must admit that I was glad to be warm and dry.

In life, at death or at Christ's return, what side of the door will you be on?

In All Things Great and Small - God is Good!

Today, my Lead Pastor and I had the privlege to attend a luncheon comprised of 28 pastors from the Greater Canton area. It was a great time as we listened to some Brothers share their vision for Canton and Stark County. You could feel the excitement in the room as we began to share how a unified Church could impact our community.

It was also great to see a fellow A/G minister. We were both used of God to minister to each other in a conversation after the meeting. When envisioning the future of Canton - God is good. When he chooses to use us to minister to the heart and life of one of his servants - God is good.

I Love These Vows

PASSION

My wife, Robin and I just spent 2 1/2 days at a secluded cabin in the Hocking Hills of Southern Ohio. A hot-tub, fireplace, scented candles and great music all added those extra touches to the experience. It was a great time, a time that went by all to fast and a time that we hated to see come to an end. We have determined to be intentional in strengthening and nurturing our marriage. But our journey together cannot be totally comprised of times like this past week. We have work to do, people to reach and marriages to invest in. This week was an all-too important reminder of that last item. We were reminded of the passion that God has given us for each other and the passion for marriage ministry that He has placed in our hearts.

Are you intentional in your relationship with your spouse and the passion God has given you?

It's Going To Be One Crazy Summer

I returned home from my office last night to find our son, Justin, waiting for me. He was grinning that, "I know something you don't know," kind of grin. I admit, I was curious and began to question him. Funny thing is, even when he wants to tell us something, we, still, have to pull it out of him.

Finally, he informs me that he and his brother are going to be in a summer production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast . Robin and I are excited and happy for him. Because, well, this is Justin that we're talking about! We're seeing what we have been praying for come to be in his young life. He's excited!

When we walk through dark valleys, God is always there. It is amazing how much clearer and more beautiful the peaks on the other side of those valleys are. God is indeed fulfilling his promises!

Oh, and yes!, Brandon was inducted into Young and Alive with his rehearsals beginning in September!

God is good and nothing beats his favor!