It seems that the older
you get, the more you think about the meaning of life and what is really
important. Of course you don't have to be very old to start thinking about
those things. I remember as a young man wondering about when I would figure
things out, when would I really know what I wanted to do or be. I still wonder
about that from time to time. I don't think we should ever stop stretching or
growing, reaching for new challenges in our lives.
I've led an amazing
life, sometimes people have trouble believing me when I tell them about all of
the things God has allowed me to do in my life. Raised in the country,
apprentice to my father a general contractor who taught me every aspect of the
building trades. Spending some time involved with Uncle Sam and his Navy.
Moving from there to an assembly line in a Chrysler factory. Then making a
complete change by moving to Texas and going to school to being a preacher.
Working in mission points in the U.S. and 6 years in missions in Kenya East
Africa. Seeing things and doing things
that many will only see on Television.
We have lived and
worked in 7 different states and have friends all over the world (literally). I
have work experience and degrees that would allow me to continue in my
ministry. But after 44 years in the full time ministry we moved back to Ohio
and now I work at Lowe's. My co-workers recently asked me why I would do that,
why I would choose to give that up to work in Lowe's.
I've thought about that
question and of course it is a matter of choice. We are back here because we
feel we can serve God better here right now. Are we right, did we make the
right choice to “make tents” as Paul did to support his avocation? I don't
know. My wife and I are trying to keep an open mind and watch for signs from
God. We try our best to let Him lead us and open or close doors in our path. It
all, ultimately boils down to the question, “What do you love most” or “How can
you be of the best service to God at any given time as you perceive needs”? We
think that right now we can be of service to the kingdom here in Ohio, doing
what we are doing, making tents.
I read that Theologian
Tim Keller said: “If you love anything more than God, even though you
believe in God, if there is anything in your life that is more important to
your own identity or significance than God, then that is a false god and it is
a power in your life”. (reference unknown)
I really don't know
what God plans for us in the future, but we will continue to look for open
doors. Maybe he has something in mind for us that we have no idea, but then
life is full of surprises isn't it.
It may be that God has some plans for you, but he
can't use you until you put certain things out of your life or determine what
is really and truly important to you. You see God doesn't compete for your
attention; it has to be your choice. But be warned, when the door does open for
you and God does speak to your heart, it usually costs you something. It takes
a change on the inside and the outside. Our old self has to die and we have to
be born as a new person putting God first. Paul wrote in Romans
6:3, “all we who were
baptized in to Christ Jesus were baptized in to his death.”
Verse 4 says we then begin “to walk in a new life”. Are you ready
to do that?
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