I don’t pretend to know a whole lot about evangelism. Having gone to public school, you would think that I would be more engaging. Wouldn’t you? There are however some things that I do know, and one such truth was brought to mind this evening in my reading.
“…if someone asks you about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.” 1Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
I have never been one to say that all believers have to be on the streets witnessing for Jesus. Some do. I am adamant however that each of us needs to be honest about our relationship with Him. If we have received in full measure the very promises of God, unless we live life as a hermit, there will be times in life where people will ask about what we think and what we believe.
If you aren’t a believer and you are reading this, I want you to know that I would like very much to be able to call you my brother or sister in Christ. If there was a formula to follow, I wish I knew what it was. In all honesty, if there was a way to manipulate or trick you into believing in Jesus, I’d probably try it, although it doesn’t quite work that way. I hope you can forgive me this sin.
It isn’t that I want to ruin your fun. Moreover, I really believe that I have received eternal life through what Jesus has done for me on the cross. That is my hope. Label me a quack if it makes you feel better, but I believe it through and through and I would like the same for you. If that’s offensive, then think of the alternative. You wouldn’t much like it if I wanted you to suffer and die now would you?
Personally, I believe that the best witness for Christ is a faith that is lived openly and honestly before the lives that it touches. Maintaining a decent witness has to do with actually living the life to which we have been called . Few things, if any, ruin our witness as much as when we fall into blatant sin.
I have a friend who posts a lot of verses on his Facebook page. Does that count? I know someone else who likes to post links to John MacArthur. Does that count? How about writing a blog? Does that count? What about my friend who will sometimes give a person on the street some food along with a gospel tract? Does that count? What about offering to pray for a coworker, whether they believe or not? What about inviting someone to church?
I hope that there is at least one non-Christian reading this so that you can either correct or validate what I’m saying. Non-believers aren’t necessarily looking for us to have a chili cook-off, community barbeque, a movie night, or a pizza party. They would however like it if you would care enough to ask about their life, rejoice at their successes and walk with them through life’s valleys. Perhaps, if we can accomplish at least these simple tasks, we’ll be given the opportunity to share the hope that we have found in Jesus.
PS - Forwarding a link to Blue Collar Christianity is always an effective outreach tool. Works every time. ;-)
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Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Time For Change
Some people advocate change, for change’s sake.
Other’s resist change because it is different.
There are a few who realize that change in and of itself is neither good nor bad, but depending on the type of change will prove itself to be one or the other.
If however, you can convince others that you are the change that they need, you have won them, if only for a moment.
Other’s resist change because it is different.
There are a few who realize that change in and of itself is neither good nor bad, but depending on the type of change will prove itself to be one or the other.
If however, you can convince others that you are the change that they need, you have won them, if only for a moment.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Stuck Where I Belong
I always enjoy finding the exceptions to the norm. In November, I wrote a post on work life where I spoke on how most of the time, when people hate their jobs, their employers aren’t all that pleased with them either. I had the amazing privilege of speaking with a man who clearly does NOT fit into that generalization.
His name is Ricky Bobby. Bobby’s parents grew up in Northern Ireland and moved to Canada. Ricky went to university and became a shoe salesman at one of North America’s largest shoe retailers. Just so you know. Ricky doesn’t like his job. He especially dislikes his job around Christmas time as the traffic in the store and the demands of his customers can take their toll, so much so in fact, that this past Christmas, one of his coworkers broke down in tears while on the job. No joke.
Ricky Bobby has often tried to find a way out. He has pondered the possibility of pursuing a teaching career, paid Christian ministry, or opening his own shoe store, but every door that he explores seems to be shut. What do you do when you find yourself in such a place? You’re ‘stuck’ in a job that doesn’t seem to have an outlet for ‘your’ abilities or talents. Do you lament your life? Do you chalk it up to the poor choices that you made earlier in life? Do you assume that a post secondary education would have afforded you a different life?
This past year, Ricky received a call from head office.
“Hello Ricky. This is Mr. Bigwig from headquarters.”
“Gee Mr. Big Wig. What would prompt you to call me on this fine morning?”
“Ricky, I’m calling you to tell you that you are among the ten most valued shoe salespeople in our company, nationwide. We’d like to ask you some questions about how you see yourself in the profession so that we can produce some training materials for the other slacker shoe salespeople in the company.”
Ricky’s performance isn’t based strictly on sales. His value has been appraised on many facets of his work; from customer satisfaction to his participation as part of the team. You might know a thousand Ricky Bobby’s – people who can’t stand their job, yet who manage to live out an exemplary work ethic. As for me, I only know one such individual. That would be Ricky.
Ricky is a very humble individual and he likely won’t tell you his story. He may not have told me, had he not have read my post. If you talk to Ricky, and if he tells you his story, he might share something like this, “Even though I don’t like my job, I know that it’s where God wants me for the moment. I have determined to press through and find contentment in that.”
1. Ephesians 6:5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Ephesians 6:4-6 (in Context) Ephesians 6 (Whole Chapter)
2. Colossians 3:22
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
The word slavery leaves a very bad aftertaste when it comes from our mouth, as it should. In spite of this, Paul shares similar words for both the believers in Colosse and in Ephesus. Slaves are told to obey their masters. Do you suppose that slaves enjoy obeying their masters? Did they enjoy it in Paul’s time? How many of you like doing what you are told to do?
While few, if any, who read this have been literally purchased as a slave, our work lives aren’t always so different. Employees are slaves to their employers. Business owners are slaves to the realities of the market place. Sales professionals are slaves to their customers. Many of us at one time or another find ourselves thinking, ‘There should be more to life. I don’t find my work fulfilling. I don’t think that I can get out of this path that I’m on. If I found a career that fit my talents, THEN I would be content.’
Well, maybe you don’t. I do. I spend a great deal of my time looking for the open door to some different line of work. It’s not that I hate my work. Please Mr. Mufflerman – don’t get rid of me. If you want my opinion on the matter, (and if you are reading this, I suppose you value it, at least a little bit.) as believers, the questions we are meant to ask are not, ‘Do I like my job? Does this work make the best use of my gifts?’, but more like this –
“Is this where God wants me to be?”
As I said, that’s where I stand. Do what you want with the question. Discontent is not always an indication that God has something else in store for us, although at times, it is. Likewise, our contentment doesn’t always indicate that we are where He wants us, be it at work or in any other area of our lives.
This past week, God has blessed me and shown me that, at least for this moment, I am where He wants me. I had the pleasure of meeting up with an old schoolmate from East Elgin Secondary School, who also went to university with me. He mentioned how he had watched me on television, which helped me to discover that he had become a believer since high school. I was so encouraged to meet up with him and I hope that he was encouraged by his time with me. I know that not all such encounters indicate our standing before The Father, but from that brief meeting, I just have such a peace about my place for the time being.
At the end of the day, we need to do something in order to buy groceries, put a roof over our head, heat the place and pay for our cell phone contract. You caught me. The cell phone isn’t always a necessity. Neither is my NES. Whatever profession we have found which accomplishes those ends, I pray that we are able to live out our faith in a way which brings glory to God.
I’ll leave you with these comforting words….
God used to kill His people when they complained about the way He chose to provide for them. So suck it up princess.
His name is Ricky Bobby. Bobby’s parents grew up in Northern Ireland and moved to Canada. Ricky went to university and became a shoe salesman at one of North America’s largest shoe retailers. Just so you know. Ricky doesn’t like his job. He especially dislikes his job around Christmas time as the traffic in the store and the demands of his customers can take their toll, so much so in fact, that this past Christmas, one of his coworkers broke down in tears while on the job. No joke.
Ricky Bobby has often tried to find a way out. He has pondered the possibility of pursuing a teaching career, paid Christian ministry, or opening his own shoe store, but every door that he explores seems to be shut. What do you do when you find yourself in such a place? You’re ‘stuck’ in a job that doesn’t seem to have an outlet for ‘your’ abilities or talents. Do you lament your life? Do you chalk it up to the poor choices that you made earlier in life? Do you assume that a post secondary education would have afforded you a different life?
This past year, Ricky received a call from head office.
“Hello Ricky. This is Mr. Bigwig from headquarters.”
“Gee Mr. Big Wig. What would prompt you to call me on this fine morning?”
“Ricky, I’m calling you to tell you that you are among the ten most valued shoe salespeople in our company, nationwide. We’d like to ask you some questions about how you see yourself in the profession so that we can produce some training materials for the other slacker shoe salespeople in the company.”
Ricky’s performance isn’t based strictly on sales. His value has been appraised on many facets of his work; from customer satisfaction to his participation as part of the team. You might know a thousand Ricky Bobby’s – people who can’t stand their job, yet who manage to live out an exemplary work ethic. As for me, I only know one such individual. That would be Ricky.
Ricky is a very humble individual and he likely won’t tell you his story. He may not have told me, had he not have read my post. If you talk to Ricky, and if he tells you his story, he might share something like this, “Even though I don’t like my job, I know that it’s where God wants me for the moment. I have determined to press through and find contentment in that.”
1. Ephesians 6:5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Ephesians 6:4-6 (in Context) Ephesians 6 (Whole Chapter)
2. Colossians 3:22
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
The word slavery leaves a very bad aftertaste when it comes from our mouth, as it should. In spite of this, Paul shares similar words for both the believers in Colosse and in Ephesus. Slaves are told to obey their masters. Do you suppose that slaves enjoy obeying their masters? Did they enjoy it in Paul’s time? How many of you like doing what you are told to do?
While few, if any, who read this have been literally purchased as a slave, our work lives aren’t always so different. Employees are slaves to their employers. Business owners are slaves to the realities of the market place. Sales professionals are slaves to their customers. Many of us at one time or another find ourselves thinking, ‘There should be more to life. I don’t find my work fulfilling. I don’t think that I can get out of this path that I’m on. If I found a career that fit my talents, THEN I would be content.’
Well, maybe you don’t. I do. I spend a great deal of my time looking for the open door to some different line of work. It’s not that I hate my work. Please Mr. Mufflerman – don’t get rid of me. If you want my opinion on the matter, (and if you are reading this, I suppose you value it, at least a little bit.) as believers, the questions we are meant to ask are not, ‘Do I like my job? Does this work make the best use of my gifts?’, but more like this –
“Is this where God wants me to be?”
As I said, that’s where I stand. Do what you want with the question. Discontent is not always an indication that God has something else in store for us, although at times, it is. Likewise, our contentment doesn’t always indicate that we are where He wants us, be it at work or in any other area of our lives.
This past week, God has blessed me and shown me that, at least for this moment, I am where He wants me. I had the pleasure of meeting up with an old schoolmate from East Elgin Secondary School, who also went to university with me. He mentioned how he had watched me on television, which helped me to discover that he had become a believer since high school. I was so encouraged to meet up with him and I hope that he was encouraged by his time with me. I know that not all such encounters indicate our standing before The Father, but from that brief meeting, I just have such a peace about my place for the time being.
At the end of the day, we need to do something in order to buy groceries, put a roof over our head, heat the place and pay for our cell phone contract. You caught me. The cell phone isn’t always a necessity. Neither is my NES. Whatever profession we have found which accomplishes those ends, I pray that we are able to live out our faith in a way which brings glory to God.
I’ll leave you with these comforting words….
God used to kill His people when they complained about the way He chose to provide for them. So suck it up princess.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Opinion Poll
How many Christians do you know who you would describe as being, “peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others?” James 3:17
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Pagan Thinking Christian
I don’t know how much you are interested in our decision to purchase another vehicle or to produce solar electricity. My latest OPA application didn’t go through again. I’m positive that I submitted it properly. At the moment, I don’t feel that it’s worth the effort. So much for earning my green arm patch. And the truck – if we get one, it likely won’t be brand new. It’s a longish story, and I don’t think it’s important enough to tell.
Today however, I was asked a question which has bigger implications,
“Kevin, do you think that you will be publishing your second manuscript?”
My first response was, “Yes. I intend to publish it, but haven’t settled on a publisher just yet.” After giving that response, I’ve seriously been questioning the whole venture. I won’t bore you with the areas of the work which are deficient in my opinion. I just don’t have peace about the matter, and neither can I tell you what exactly would give me that assurance.
Sometimes I question what separates me from being a literal pagan. When making my decisions, I spend much of my time looking for ‘signs’. When the venture is difficult I’ll wonder, ‘Maybe this is God saying no.’ As one reader commented on my last post, sometimes difficulties are merely obstacles which test our resolve. I rarely know the difference.
Looking for signs doesn’t resemble the life of simple faith to which we are called in Christ. We’re called to seek His will in all honesty and entrust the matter into His care. Rather than seeking and trusting, I find myself looking to see what kind of hand I am dealt. I might as well buy a set of Tarot cards, because that is in fact the very manner of thinking that I default to.
Rather than looking for ‘signs’, I am intentionally doing two other things at the moment. I’m going to pray and I’m going to wait. I don’t know how long I will do these two things. That’s why I’m doing them to begin with.
Today however, I was asked a question which has bigger implications,
“Kevin, do you think that you will be publishing your second manuscript?”
My first response was, “Yes. I intend to publish it, but haven’t settled on a publisher just yet.” After giving that response, I’ve seriously been questioning the whole venture. I won’t bore you with the areas of the work which are deficient in my opinion. I just don’t have peace about the matter, and neither can I tell you what exactly would give me that assurance.
Sometimes I question what separates me from being a literal pagan. When making my decisions, I spend much of my time looking for ‘signs’. When the venture is difficult I’ll wonder, ‘Maybe this is God saying no.’ As one reader commented on my last post, sometimes difficulties are merely obstacles which test our resolve. I rarely know the difference.
Looking for signs doesn’t resemble the life of simple faith to which we are called in Christ. We’re called to seek His will in all honesty and entrust the matter into His care. Rather than seeking and trusting, I find myself looking to see what kind of hand I am dealt. I might as well buy a set of Tarot cards, because that is in fact the very manner of thinking that I default to.
Rather than looking for ‘signs’, I am intentionally doing two other things at the moment. I’m going to pray and I’m going to wait. I don’t know how long I will do these two things. That’s why I’m doing them to begin with.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Marginal Material
There seem to be certain areas of our lives that just don’t fit into our faith. Oh. I’m not blaming anyone. In fact, part of the problem lies within my own thinking. To be a little more specific, there are certain areas of my life that don’t have the feel of something that I should include here in this Christian-blog-space.
There are two such life issues that currently remain at the forefront of my thought life which fall into such a category. The first of which is our family vehicle. The second issue has to do with our farm business.
The Truck
With regards to our family vehicle, our truck is getting on in years and in mileage. We’ve never been stranded in it yet, but when the alternator died last month, Barb barely made it back from Rebecca’s appointment at the orthodontist. We weren’t inconvenienced all that badly, but I’m beginning to lose confidence in the vehicle.
If you want to throw some doctrine at me. I’m ready. Go ahead. It should sound something like this...
We’re supposed to place our trust in God, not in our vehicle. Some trust in trucks (chariots) – we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
As we consider purchasing something else, buying a brand new vehicle doesn’t seem to have the ‘Jesus feel’ to it, even if it really is on sale. What do you think? Are Christians allowed to buy new vehicles? Isn’t there a law somewhere that says we should drive a beater and join an auto club?
I really do believe that God is concerned with every aspect of our lives, even the vehicles that we purchase and maintain. It would just be so much simpler if He would send an e-mail with a link to Autotrader’s website saying, “Hello Kevin. This is God. This is the vehicle I want you to buy.”
The Farm
Barb and I have been mulling over the possibility of putting up a set of solar panels on our farm. I’m thinking that if I do, I will have earned my environmentalist stripes. Want my serious personal opinion on that? Honestly. No attitude. I don’t think that environmentalism has much to do with being a responsible steward of the earth. I think that it has more to do with waving a banner.
We have looked into different equipment and financing options. We have even applied for a contract with the Ontario Power Authority. All along we’ve wondered whether or not God wants us to pursue the venture.
A funny thing happened today. I went online to check out the progress of my application, and my password was no longer working. When I finally managed to get a new password for the site, I was told that I had not completed the application. So I just finished the application AGAIN, about 20 minutes ago.
Since I’m running into these peculiar obstacles, does that mean that God doesn’t want it? That is the litmus test for life is it not? If it is difficult, then give up.
For some reason, when people used to come to me asking about how to find direction from God, I felt like I had all of the answers for them. Why is it then, that when it’s my turn to know which way to go that it seems so cloudy?
These aren’t big life problems, but they are decisions which need to be made nonetheless. They don’t have that Jesus flavour to them, but I’m certain that He does care about issues, even such as these. May His will be done in my life.
....But please dear Jesus, don’t make me drive a Dodge.
There are two such life issues that currently remain at the forefront of my thought life which fall into such a category. The first of which is our family vehicle. The second issue has to do with our farm business.
The Truck
With regards to our family vehicle, our truck is getting on in years and in mileage. We’ve never been stranded in it yet, but when the alternator died last month, Barb barely made it back from Rebecca’s appointment at the orthodontist. We weren’t inconvenienced all that badly, but I’m beginning to lose confidence in the vehicle.
If you want to throw some doctrine at me. I’m ready. Go ahead. It should sound something like this...
We’re supposed to place our trust in God, not in our vehicle. Some trust in trucks (chariots) – we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
As we consider purchasing something else, buying a brand new vehicle doesn’t seem to have the ‘Jesus feel’ to it, even if it really is on sale. What do you think? Are Christians allowed to buy new vehicles? Isn’t there a law somewhere that says we should drive a beater and join an auto club?
I really do believe that God is concerned with every aspect of our lives, even the vehicles that we purchase and maintain. It would just be so much simpler if He would send an e-mail with a link to Autotrader’s website saying, “Hello Kevin. This is God. This is the vehicle I want you to buy.”
The Farm
Barb and I have been mulling over the possibility of putting up a set of solar panels on our farm. I’m thinking that if I do, I will have earned my environmentalist stripes. Want my serious personal opinion on that? Honestly. No attitude. I don’t think that environmentalism has much to do with being a responsible steward of the earth. I think that it has more to do with waving a banner.
We have looked into different equipment and financing options. We have even applied for a contract with the Ontario Power Authority. All along we’ve wondered whether or not God wants us to pursue the venture.
A funny thing happened today. I went online to check out the progress of my application, and my password was no longer working. When I finally managed to get a new password for the site, I was told that I had not completed the application. So I just finished the application AGAIN, about 20 minutes ago.
Since I’m running into these peculiar obstacles, does that mean that God doesn’t want it? That is the litmus test for life is it not? If it is difficult, then give up.
For some reason, when people used to come to me asking about how to find direction from God, I felt like I had all of the answers for them. Why is it then, that when it’s my turn to know which way to go that it seems so cloudy?
These aren’t big life problems, but they are decisions which need to be made nonetheless. They don’t have that Jesus flavour to them, but I’m certain that He does care about issues, even such as these. May His will be done in my life.
....But please dear Jesus, don’t make me drive a Dodge.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
What do you know for sure?
I’ve been sitting here in front of my laptop for what seems like half an hour. It isn’t like you need to know that piece of information. I’m just stalling. I’m waiting for that perfect word to come to me; that word which will satisfy your hungry mind and prompt you to respond saying,
‘Thanks Kev! That’s exactly what I needed to hear.’
Or –
‘Well Said Kevin. Everyone needs to read this post’
Or-
“What insight. I’ve never thought of that.”
Or –
“What a creative way to express yourself!”
I suppose the reason why I have no idea of where to begin, is that there is just so much set before me.
I think of my past.
In particular, there is a big difference between the kind of Christian that I am today compared to the kind of person I was when I first believed. I prefer to think that the difference lies in a certain maturity that has come with time, but I can’t say for sure. Sometimes I dearly miss the infant stages of my walk with Christ. I miss the sheer innocence of those days. For some strange reason, I thought myself to be the answer man. I took pleasure in thinking that I could wade through any topic, find the answers and structure a lesson plan which clearly outlined the limits to what we could and could not do.
Now, in my current state, I am becoming more and more aware of how much I don’t know. In some ways, I miss being the answer man. In fact, in some ways I wonder if I know enough anymore to be able to speak or write intelligently on any matter at all.
I think of you.
I’ve been thinking of several of you. I think on some of your comments here in blog space and what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I think of Lesley’s words and how Christ spent more time talking about being a neighbour than he did on being an evangelist. I think of Margaret and how she has brought certain people to mind. I think on Chuck’s words and the ways in which I have attempted to live out my faith in anonymity.
I think of friends. I think of the ways in which God has demonstrated His goodness towards the people in my life. Some He has blessed with good health. For others, He has chosen to bless them by being their strength in the midst of adversity. I think of the man who was told that his father only had hours to live. He’s alive. I think of several people who have had their struggles with cancer and other health problems. I think of some of the hardships that you have faced.
I think of the future.
What lies ahead for the next year? I’m often led to believe that The Christian Dream has been mingled with the American Dream. If we’re faithful in our calling, then the future should carry with it a successful book or a growing church. What does a ‘successful ministry’ look like to you in your setting? Would your church pay off the building fund? Would you find a commercial publisher? Would your blog traffic increase?
In my setting, I often ponder the possibility of entering into career ministry and wonder whether or not this is the year. I’ve wondered that for the past 10 years or more. For the moment, I remain at The Mufflerman and have found it conducive for accomplishing the tasks prepared for me by my Lord Jesus Christ. Being a tent maker isn’t so bad.
What I know for sure.
Of all of the things that I am unsure about, there is one that I continue to stand on.
2 Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
I know Who I believe in. I know that for sure. I have also been persuaded that He is able to keep me in His care. That is what grounds me both in days of joy and in days of great trial.
What is your anchor? What do you know for sure? Where do you turn when the floor falls out from under you?
No matter what this year has in store for you, whether good or bad, I hope your anchor holds. Some people choose an anchor which brings them to ruin. As for me, I choose Christ. He has held me in His care thus far. I assume He will continue to do so.
‘Thanks Kev! That’s exactly what I needed to hear.’
Or –
‘Well Said Kevin. Everyone needs to read this post’
Or-
“What insight. I’ve never thought of that.”
Or –
“What a creative way to express yourself!”
I suppose the reason why I have no idea of where to begin, is that there is just so much set before me.
I think of my past.
In particular, there is a big difference between the kind of Christian that I am today compared to the kind of person I was when I first believed. I prefer to think that the difference lies in a certain maturity that has come with time, but I can’t say for sure. Sometimes I dearly miss the infant stages of my walk with Christ. I miss the sheer innocence of those days. For some strange reason, I thought myself to be the answer man. I took pleasure in thinking that I could wade through any topic, find the answers and structure a lesson plan which clearly outlined the limits to what we could and could not do.
Now, in my current state, I am becoming more and more aware of how much I don’t know. In some ways, I miss being the answer man. In fact, in some ways I wonder if I know enough anymore to be able to speak or write intelligently on any matter at all.
I think of you.
I’ve been thinking of several of you. I think on some of your comments here in blog space and what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I think of Lesley’s words and how Christ spent more time talking about being a neighbour than he did on being an evangelist. I think of Margaret and how she has brought certain people to mind. I think on Chuck’s words and the ways in which I have attempted to live out my faith in anonymity.
I think of friends. I think of the ways in which God has demonstrated His goodness towards the people in my life. Some He has blessed with good health. For others, He has chosen to bless them by being their strength in the midst of adversity. I think of the man who was told that his father only had hours to live. He’s alive. I think of several people who have had their struggles with cancer and other health problems. I think of some of the hardships that you have faced.
I think of the future.
What lies ahead for the next year? I’m often led to believe that The Christian Dream has been mingled with the American Dream. If we’re faithful in our calling, then the future should carry with it a successful book or a growing church. What does a ‘successful ministry’ look like to you in your setting? Would your church pay off the building fund? Would you find a commercial publisher? Would your blog traffic increase?
In my setting, I often ponder the possibility of entering into career ministry and wonder whether or not this is the year. I’ve wondered that for the past 10 years or more. For the moment, I remain at The Mufflerman and have found it conducive for accomplishing the tasks prepared for me by my Lord Jesus Christ. Being a tent maker isn’t so bad.
What I know for sure.
Of all of the things that I am unsure about, there is one that I continue to stand on.
2 Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
I know Who I believe in. I know that for sure. I have also been persuaded that He is able to keep me in His care. That is what grounds me both in days of joy and in days of great trial.
What is your anchor? What do you know for sure? Where do you turn when the floor falls out from under you?
No matter what this year has in store for you, whether good or bad, I hope your anchor holds. Some people choose an anchor which brings them to ruin. As for me, I choose Christ. He has held me in His care thus far. I assume He will continue to do so.
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