Joy in the Journey

As I watch news stories about people attacking others over a political preferences and then blaming the violence on the other side, one of the many questions that comes to mind is how will you restore your honor when the election is over. The one talent most needed these days is the ability to unite.  Unfortunately, it appears the only thing politicians and political parties are good at is division.  After the name calling, egg throwing, suckered punching, and political games, how will you regain the honor lost?  How will you unite those you have alienated?  How will you govern all the people? We have heard the promises before.  Promises to unite, to do what is best for all the people only to be disappointed by governing to one side at the expense of the other.  This is not what makes a great leader or a great government.  We have too long settled for mediocre in our leadership.  Where are the leaders who will look beyond the political parties ...

"Jesus loves me, this I know" is not just a children's song, it is an anthem for all of us, regardless of our age, Somewhere along our growing up, most of us stopped singing the simple song of our childhood.  But the truth of this wonderful song does stop when we reach adolescence.  "Jesus loves me" is a truth that we need to remember through out our lives. It is a needle of truth that we tend to loose in the haystack of the world.  It is the most precious and powerful thought to touch our humanness.  In spite of my failings Jesus loves me. Considering my struggles, Jesus loves me.  Because of my humanness, Jesus loves me. And Jesus loves you too.  To quote the apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome, "Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus."  Nothing.  What is that for which you are most ashamed?  It doesn't change this truth, Jesus loves you.  What is the worst thing you have done in your life?  Jesus lo...

Most Christians are familiar with the end of Nehemiah 8:10.  "...for the joy of the Lord is your strength." The challenge would be to see if how many would know the full verse. "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength." KJV Here is what happened. Jerusalem's walls were in ruins, having been destroyed by one invader after another.  Nehemiah was named governor of the region and began the task of rebuilding the falls of the city.  It took 52 days for the people to rebuild the walls and the gates of Jerusalem. A day was set aside to celebrate the completion.  As part of that celebrate, Ezra, the religious leader at the time was asked to read the laws of Moses as given by God.  On that morning, Ezra read till noon, and as the people began to understand how they had sin...