Faith

Sitting Next to Dad

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Growing up in a home without my father was sometimes confusing and lonely. Two stepfathers came and went but neither knew my heart or were able to help me feel like I really belonged anywhere.

Then when I was 15 years old I met my real father. He didn’t know me either but he committed to do whatever it took to build a relationship.

Those first years were pretty rough between us but Dad stayed with it through my years of drug abuse, misunderstandings and lots of bad decisions on my part. How blessed I was that my Dad stuck it out!

As I grew older I learned that I could talk with my Dad about anything. I could ask for his advice or help at any hour. As Dad’s neared the end of his life, our every meeting became more meaningful; each word more valuable and each kiss more precious. Sure Dad had his own weaknesses and failures but what he did most importantly was to show me that I could trust God always and for anything. Happy Father’s day Dad. Thanks for helping me to find the eternal unfailing father who we can both sit next to one day in heaven. See you there!

Back to the Valley

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Recently we returned from our trip to Pennsylvania back to Florida. One of my favorite parts of that drive was the view as we descended into North Carolina. It may have looked a lot the same as the disciples came down from the mount of transfiguration. The truth however is that at the bottom of such a beautiful view lie our real life problems.

Instead of a home coming celebration, the first thing waiting for Peter, James and John in the valley was an embarrassing failure of faith. One father who had brought his son to the other disciples for help found out that Jesus’ followers were powerless his child. The harsh facts of suffering appeared to be greater than the prayers of God’s people.

But when Jesus came things changed. Jesus didn’t need a special meeting or even time to think up a solution. He simply said, “Bring him to Me.” When Jesus comes things change. Impossible problems find their answers.

Then Jesus answered … Bring him here to Me.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Matthew 17:17‭-‬18 NKJV

No matter what we are face to face with in life we can know that Jesus is also coming down into the valley for us. Unbearable circumstances will find release. Our hopeless hearts will receive help. And at the bottom of the valley of our struggles lie God’s answers to every one of our prayers!

Precious Promises

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There is no better known symbol of precious stones than the diamond. But of even greater value are God’s promises in the middle of the real struggles in our lives. Peter writes these words as he faces the end of his own life at the hands of executioners. He looks back for a moment remembering how at the Lord’s invitation he had walked on water. In his mind he still sees the fish and loaves multiplied for 5,000 and a blind man by the roadside receiving sight. He could still recall his own tears when Jesus had looked at him while words of denial echoed in his mouth. Then only a few days later Jesus met with him to renew His promise that Peter was still loved and had been specially chosen to care for people just like us. How amazing and precious are these promises that Peter now passes on to us!