Monthly Archives
No God, No Peace. Know God, Know Peace
As a child, and into my young-adult years, I had a fear that dictated my life. It started at a very young age and, in one way or another, grew to envelop most of my everyday life.
It was a fear of death. I didn't necessarily fear the act of dying, it was more of fear of not existing anymore. I remember thinking about being dead and then trying to grasp the idea of 'dead forever'. I tried to imagine how long eternity was. I would imagine one hundred, one thousand, one million years - all the tiniest speck of the never-ending eternity.
I suppose it seams silly now, trying to grasp eternity in relationship to time is impossible. But, the thought of being dead forever scared me in such a way that I couldn't deal with thinking about it. It was such a deep-down fear that, as I got older, I started using drugs to numb my mind. I wanted to surround myself with as many distractions as possible to keep my mind from thinking about the inevitable. It worked to some degree, but the thoughts of the eternal still surfaced from time to time.
By God's grace, He called to me in the midst of my self indulgent life style and I responded. At that point I knew the hope and peace that can only come from a relationship with our Creator. He has a plan for us and it is not to spend eternity any other place that with Him, in His Kingdom.
Often times I can become complacent and forget about the fearful life I used to lead and the byproducts that manifested through that lifestyle. But, when I reflect on the hope and peace I now have, I realize what an awesome place that is to be - in the arms of our Lord.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2
| Comments (0)Monika's Kenya Mission Trip
On May 17th my wife will be leaving on a two week mission trip to Kenya, Africa. I would like to petition all of your prayers for the team; please pray for protection, opportunities to share God's love and anything esle the Spirit leads you to.
Please read her following support letter for more information on the trip.
Children are precious in the eyes of Christ and they are the future of our world. God has opened a door for me to share the love of the Father with his special children! I'm writing to share with you that I'm blessed to have the opportunity to be part of a mission team that is going to Africa.
Calvary Chapel Saint Petersburg is sending a short-term mission team to Nairobi, Kenya to support missionary Lori Ogle with SIM (Serving in Missions) working with children's outreach programs. This includes caring for children affected by AIDS in their communities, orphanages and hospitals.
After seeking the Lord's will, I believe He has confirmed that He does want me to take part in this trip. I love serving the Lord and His people as it is truly a privilege and an honor. I am looking forward to this trip with eager anticipation as it is my first involvement with a mission trip.
The team will be leaving on May 17th and returning on May 30th. Our team very much needs and welcomes your prayers. Please pray for the Lord to give us wisdom, unity, strength, and that He will guard us with His shield of protection during our travels and while in Kenya. Please ask the Lord to prepare our hearts to minister to the people of Kenya. Lastly, I ask for prayer that the Lord will lead our entire trip and that we will be responsive to His call.