An Eternal Viewpoint

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As I reflect on my own life, I know it hasn’t always been attractive. I know I’ve failed at times, not always prioritizing growth in my faith. I’ve ignored the wisdom and insight of those older and wiser than me because I was full of myself. I have lacked integrity, making decisions and living my life in a way that felt good in the moment. I think we have all been there, and to some degree may still find ourselves there still. Following Jesus isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about growing in our relationship with Jesus, and allowing His transformative power to reflect through us.

The encounter between Jesus and the Woman at the well beautifully exemplifies the perfect balance of love and holiness. Jesus showed compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness while also calling her to a transformed life.

At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered. And Hezekiah welcomed them gladly. And he showed them his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his whole armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did… Read More

I’ve been stuck reflecting on the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 17, bringing the widow’s son back to life. Elijah is one of the most prominent Prophets we encounter in Scripture, finding him referenced even in the New Testament. At one point, we learn in the New Testament that some thought Jesus was Elijah. His ministry and influence in the nation of Israel were noteworthy, to say the least. 1 Kings… Read More

As I finished the book of Job in the Old Testament, there was a passage in Job’s confession and repentance to God that stuck out to me. “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6 Job had just finished hearing an answer from the Lord, an answer that came in a… Read More

In one of Job’s late responses to his friends, he addresses the topic of wisdom. He echoes a familiar truth that meets find repeated over and over again in the book of Proverbs. “And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:28 When tragedy struck Job’s life, he wasn’t free from experiencing the deep hurt and pain,… Read More

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: Job 4:1 I hate it when those close to me are facing hardship. Not just because I see them suffering, but because I often find myself struggling for the right thing to say. I often feel I have to say something, that the moment requires my encouragement. When I look at the interaction of Job and his friends, I see at first what I struggle… Read More

I see in Job’s expression the same comfort and trust I see in David’s throughout the Psalms. Job in the processing of his grief, knew God was big enough to handle it. Job knew God was able to take the rawness of his feelings and thoughts. But what I find interesting in Job’s lament is not once does he blame God.

I’ve done many different things over the last 15 years. Church and para-church ministry, mental health, substance abuse, para-education, medical, otr truck driving and training, and transportation safety and operations. There were many times I didn’t enjoy what I did. I felt incomplete, a lack of joy because I wasn’t doing what I thought I should be. What I believed God was calling me to wasn’t happening quick enough. It took years… Read More

The last two weeks have been long with some really high highs and low lows for our family. We’ve had some great highs with our oldest making the Freshman Volleyball team at school. We’ve had some lows saying goodbye to our dog Harley after 13 1/2 years of life. Seasonal allergies have begun to hit hard making for long nights with the youngest. And on top of it all, I’ve been trying… Read More