Nurture your relationships - not just your materialistic possessions.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
The Good Shepherd
Throughout the years, there have been many times when I have thought of my father and wondered if I was carrying out the goals he had set for me, as a man. After all, most fathers long for their sons to grow in their likeness and carry out their legacy.
Last week, I reaffirmed my faith that I was on the right track.
As the Commissioning Officer, I had the privilege of welcoming a fellow Enlisted Sailor to our United States Navy's coveted Commissioned Officer ranks.
The special thing about this ceremony was that this was no ordinary Sailor.
James Conkey is a former Chief Petty Officer.
He is a lifelong friend.
He is a father to some remarkable children and
the husband to an amazing woman who adores him and supports him.
Most importantly, though...
James is a child of Christ.
Although it was my privilege to promote him to the rank of Ensign
through a commission from the President of the United States,
it was my honor to do so for a fellow brother in Christ
who has accepted the anointing of the Holy Spirit
through the Great Commission from God.
In the end, I realized that not only was I on track with carrying out my father's wishes…
I was on track with carrying out my spiritual Father's desires as his good shepherd.
May God continue to create men of courage who are willing to take the helm
with Christ at the center of their heart.
Blessings to you and yours, James.
Monday, April 29, 2013
The Great Commission
"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission. Feeling sick of the evil running rampant in this world? Frustrated that you cannot do anything? Do not despair for there is hope. Followers of Christ have the divine authority to bring people to Christ Jesus. Several of history's most prolific speakers of the gospel started as men of doubt; however, once they placed their faith in God, He blessed them with the words to say and, in turn, nations have turned their souls over to Him for eternal salvation. What are you waiting for? Are you willing to make a change? Whether you are looking for salvation or ready to lead others, today, He will be with you.
The Great Commission. Feeling sick of the evil running rampant in this world? Frustrated that you cannot do anything? Do not despair for there is hope. Followers of Christ have the divine authority to bring people to Christ Jesus. Several of history's most prolific speakers of the gospel started as men of doubt; however, once they placed their faith in God, He blessed them with the words to say and, in turn, nations have turned their souls over to Him for eternal salvation. What are you waiting for? Are you willing to make a change? Whether you are looking for salvation or ready to lead others, today, He will be with you.
Lead Your Children
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6
This evening, I gathered my family for some quiet time and we spoke of the importance of meaningful prayer. The sound of their voices praying directly to the Lord will forever be embedded in my memory. This gives me hope in teaching them something new tomorrow, incumbent in my duties as a father.
This evening, I gathered my family for some quiet time and we spoke of the importance of meaningful prayer. The sound of their voices praying directly to the Lord will forever be embedded in my memory. This gives me hope in teaching them something new tomorrow, incumbent in my duties as a father.
Perseverance
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
Ever go through a difficult time only to pull through it and then thank God for blessing you? The blessings did not stop there. He continues to work His will through your faith. As people in your circles watched you fall, it spoke fathoms; however, it did not speak nearly as much as your continued trust in God. Through your faith in Him, He may be using you to reach others. Trust Him so that others may come to know Him.
Ever go through a difficult time only to pull through it and then thank God for blessing you? The blessings did not stop there. He continues to work His will through your faith. As people in your circles watched you fall, it spoke fathoms; however, it did not speak nearly as much as your continued trust in God. Through your faith in Him, He may be using you to reach others. Trust Him so that others may come to know Him.
1 Step Forward, 2 Steps Back
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
Why is it that with every step you take forward, life takes you two steps back? When Christians turn their life over to Christ, they must:
1. Receive God’s love and through an intimate relationship with Him, acknowledge the sacrifice of sending His son to die on the cross for OUR sins.
2. Believe in the Holy Trinity (God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) and that only through Him alone, can we find eternal salvation.
3. Repent of our sins; this is where many people fail. The hard truth is that in order to truly be a follower of Jesus Christ, one must pick up their own cross – daily. This is an every day challenge. Leaving the sinful desires and selfish ways behind to walk a new life in His light is difficult but through Him, all things are possible.
Today, He invites you to follow Him. Eternal salvation trumps all other priorities in life.
Why is it that with every step you take forward, life takes you two steps back? When Christians turn their life over to Christ, they must:
1. Receive God’s love and through an intimate relationship with Him, acknowledge the sacrifice of sending His son to die on the cross for OUR sins.
2. Believe in the Holy Trinity (God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) and that only through Him alone, can we find eternal salvation.
3. Repent of our sins; this is where many people fail. The hard truth is that in order to truly be a follower of Jesus Christ, one must pick up their own cross – daily. This is an every day challenge. Leaving the sinful desires and selfish ways behind to walk a new life in His light is difficult but through Him, all things are possible.
Today, He invites you to follow Him. Eternal salvation trumps all other priorities in life.
I Will Give You Rest
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Ever ask yourself, "Why am I here?" For many, this becomes a question that stays on the backburner until you can no longer run from it. When faced with the reality that one of our main purposes is to glorify God, we lay it all before Him and He gives us peace. This peace that you once found as a baby resting your head on your father's chest, awaits you.
Ever ask yourself, "Why am I here?" For many, this becomes a question that stays on the backburner until you can no longer run from it. When faced with the reality that one of our main purposes is to glorify God, we lay it all before Him and He gives us peace. This peace that you once found as a baby resting your head on your father's chest, awaits you.
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