Living Water

John 7

What is the picture you are painting for tomorrow, or next year?  If you are like me, that picture is far more uncertain today, than it ever has been.  The world has changed so much.  For example, I have no idea how COVID will shape the coming months, although I have some suspicions.  It affects every aspect of our lives.  Think of all the good things we are missing out on!  Things like Church, athletics, weddings, and even funerals.  It’s not just COVID, there is also a new government coming in January.  With it, comes a whole new set of worries.  What about taxes and healthcare?  Will Biden really stack the Supreme Court?  What will happen with abortion and college tuition and how in the world will we pay for a $3 Trillion-dollar stimulus plan?  How will we survive?

As I stir up those feelings inside of me, I can feel the torture on my heart.  I’ve done it before.  Sometimes I find myself dwelling there.  Maybe you have too.  The question is, how do we stop it?  What would it look like to be on the other side?  To live in a world of hope, abundance, and joy, no matter the circumstance?  There is only one way, according to Jesus’ words in John 7:37.  First, he says, you must thirst.

The analogy of being thirsty is a good one because there are many things that might quench our thirst, but only one thing really satisfies it.  In his book “Streams of Living Water,” Richard Foster talks about eating an apple in the desert.  Sure, the apple would be a delight if you had nothing to drink.  I would eat it gladly and heartily savoring all of the precious juices I possibly could.  Sure, I would want water, but the apple will do.  If tomorrow there are still apples nearby, I will continue eating the apple.  Even, instead of looking for water.  Apples would not and will never be, however, be anything close to drinking a glass of water.  Only water will fully satisfy.

Second, our thirst must be augmented by belief.  Not just any belief, however.  Jesus asserts in verse 38 that satisfaction comes only from believing in him.  That’s right, there is nothing else we pursue that can satisfy us like Jesus Christ.  He is the water.  In fact, Jesus fills us so perfectly that out of us will flow His living water.  What does that mean?  It means that COVID and elections have absolutely no bearing on my life.  They cannot change my trajectory and will not alter my course.  They are irrelevant because my life, my energy, my entire being is wrapped around Him.

He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers. Psalms 1:3 (ESV)

Peace With Understanding…even in Tragedy

Our community has been recently struck by many tragedies. There have been sad stories of “good people” who have been diagnosed with life-threatening ailments, terminal cancer, and unfortunately, a few instances of death.

We naturally question and wonder the purpose of these tragedies.  We struggle and strain to understand how this could happen to “such good people.”  Then, one of the crazy Christians typically chimes in with “Well, it is all a part of God’s plan that (fill in the name) is sick and God is in control.”

Is that true? Am supposed to be ok with the fact that God allowed my friend to be sick or knew one of my family members was going to die?  Why would God want me to suffer, mourn, or be sad?

Honestly, I struggle mightily with this.  What I have come to realize is that faith in Jesus means we are focused on living for eternity and not for this world.  The intense pain and sadness we feel is real and can be unbearable.  Unfortunately, tragedy can drive a person to a very unhappy life of regret, anger, and sadness.  Tragic circumstances can drive us toward God, or unfortunately, farther away.

Jesus says in John 6, “I am the bread that gives life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”  This means if we live a life without Jesus, we will always “hunger” for what life in this world wants us to do.  We want more control, more material excess, more money, more whatever drives us away from our faith in Jesus.  We will never be happy nor satisfied. When we get what we want, we do not need anyone else, including Jesus. When we follow Jesus, he provides “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Life is hard. Living life without faith can push us to the brink.  Tragedy infuriates us.  Sadness hardens us.  Bad relationships exasperate us.  Frustration and a lack of control create a never-ending cycle of bad decisions and regrets.

The Bible is filled with story after story of disciples, prophets, and characters who suffered heartache, torture, and death living and witnessing for Christ.  The road to heaven is not promised to be easy, without heartache, disappointment, trials and sometimes unbearable circumstances.   I am not here to say I deal well with challenges easily nor can I relate to the tragedies and horrible circumstances some of our friends and family deal with.  Many of you reading this right now have dealt with more than I can ever imagine.

What I have come to learn is that the only way to fulfillment and satisfaction in this life is through the humility of knowing that we are not always in control.  No matter how much we resist and fight that reality, we must ultimately put our faith and trust in the Lord.  In times of tragedy, faith in Christ is the ONLY thing that pulls some people through it.  Knowing that their loved one believes Jesus died on the cross, means they will see them again someday, if they too believe.  I am saddened to think of friends and family that leave this world, with their husbands, wives, or young children not knowing or believing they will ever see their loved one again.  To me, that is truly death.

As a Christian, I believe life in temporary.  The pain, trials, and suffering prepare and lead us to a relationship with Jesus.  My worst fear is that people who are suffering do not have a loved one, friend, or neighbor who reach out to witness or invite them to learn more about Jesus.  So many people struggle, and they have not been introduced to Jesus.   What I have come to understand is that learning about Jesus is a journey.  There are layers upon layers of learning that are strengthened when I devote regular time to listen, learn and pray.  I was never able to build a strong relationship with my Savior through a “drive by” relationship by attending church on an irregular basis or not reading scripture when I wasn’t in church.  The Bible is complex, can be confusing, and requires commitment to understand.  The more you study, the more you learn, the more you understand.

So, the answer is yes, God knows about our sadness, heartache and tragedies.  His ultimate purpose is for us to humble ourselves and seek Him.  He wants a relationship with us and uses all types of circumstances to get our attention.

If you are dealing with anger and doubt regarding your relationship with Jesus because of a terrible life event, please seek help “unpacking” the complexity of your situation and apply a Biblical understanding.  Seek a church community with brothers and sisters in Christ that will embrace your tragedy and help you make sense of it, when you are ready.  A challenging and evolving relationship with Christ is so much better than a wandering, purposeless life without Him.

Father God, please wash over us with your presence and peace when we are suffering.  When the sadness is nearly impossible to bare, we know that you are the ONLY thing that can heal our broken heart.  You are the only thing that provides a peace with understanding that brings our hearts and minds closer to you.  Lead us to you, oh Lord. We want to follow you.  Amen

 

I Believe In Miracles

The many miracles of Jesus each teach us something different. They have unique elements and people, but with the commonality of the power of Jesus being the source. In John 5, we learn of the man at the pool of Bethesda.  He lived thirty eight years as an invalid and was seeking healing.

In the past few years of my Bible Journal writing, you may have noted that I have a lot of questions and love the details. This passage…WOW…so many questions.  How did he get there. Who told him about the healing pools? Did he ever ask someone to help him get in? Or did he just assume no one would? What was he doing while he was waiting? Why did he stand out to Jesus? How long had he been waiting? What was going through his mind when Jesus said:

Rise, take up your bed, and walk.

It seems as if he had complete faith that the water could heal him if he could just get in. And when Jesus spoke these words to him, there is no indication of hesitation. He got up, took his mat, and walked. He didn’t even stay and chit chat or get Jesus’ name. He walked.

How does this miracle land on you?

Does it give you confidence, that the Lord works in his timing? After thirty-eight years this man is healed. Does it motivate you to keep seeking and striving for healing? Even if you have to wait. Even if you don’t see a way through to the miracle…can you identify with this man who couldn’t see a way to get to the water. Do the pools of Bethesda give you hope – that God’s ways are so much higher than ours? He had a different plan for this man, that didn’t involve getting in the pool. Jesus gave him an action plan with steps and he did it.

Does this miracle challenge you? I’m challenged, and humbled to admit that like this man, I stand before the Lord with a problem, and focus on a singular solution. If he has the power to heal through water contact, couldn’t he also just speak it? I’m also challenged to keep the faith…what am I still praying for – AND BELIEVING – after thirty-eight years? While I still believe God can answer my prayers, do I believe he will?

When I pray for what feels like big requests, do I tack on “your will be done” at the end, out of respect for the wisdom of God? Or do I say that because deep down I’m not sure the prayer will be answered and I don’t want to be disappointed or disappoint others?

While I never doubt the power of God, and I have complete belief that he is still actively performing miracles today, I guess I have to admit that I don’t always believe he will. Not for lack of compassion, but maybe he has a different plan than what I’m praying for. Today’s bible journal has motivated me to dig into the word and explore more on this topic of having a heart of complete belief when praying with requests.

When my Gracie was born, with a surprise diagnosis in the spina bifida family, those first few days, weeks, months, were lots of praying, and lots of sleepless nights. I knew God could heal her. Would he? I knew he could get her through her spinal cord surgery. Would he? When I look back on that time ten years ago, I regret not being “all in” believing he would. I wish I were quicker to dismiss the “what ifs” with her health, and stand firm because I had complete belief that she was going to have a miracle. She was going to make it through. Instead I went through that season waiting for each turn, waiting for the next round of imaging, testing, etc, to get an update.  Do you know someone that has such a faith like that? My grandma Rita has a fully believing, all in, faith in God answering her prayers. It’s a beautiful witness and it’s a beautiful way to live!

You know one of the things I really love about God? He gives us more chances. He gives us more opportunities to exercise our faith. To pray and believe. To ask and be all in and ready to receive. In this life, there isn’t a shortage of opportunities to ask and believe in a miracle. I’m going to keep asking. And when my faith starts to waver, I will pray and ask God to grow my faith and help me approach his throne boldly and with a fully believing heart.

The same yesterday and today and forever.

A young man perhaps in his early 20s was standing outside a store in the city center. He was clearly not a native of this city nor country and wasn’t outside the store to do some shopping. While wearing a protective mask, he engaged the townspeople with his eyes. His gaze was warm and intriguing; it said so much: “Please help me, I won’t hurt you, I have nothing, I am willing to humble myself just for some small change, this is not the life I dreamed of, please, please, please…”

With his gaze, he held a baseball hat by the brim, upside down to make a nest for the money from passersby.

The young man is named Peter and he is from Nigeria (where the official language is English). He has lived in this country for three years, arriving here with the hope for a better life. Due to massive unemployment, he cannot find a job, so he takes to the streets each day, hoping for money and/or food.

Peter was wearing a necklace with a cross on it so I asked him, hoping to engage in some conversation about Jesus, “Why do you wear the cross?”. He said, “because I am a Christian, I believe that God is the same today as he has always been and always will be”. I was blown away by his faith.

He shared more about his belief and circumstances, and as he did, I truly felt that while I had it in mind to witness to him, he was witnessing to me. Our God is amazing! Can I get an amen?

As our conversation wound down, I was reminded of what a brother in Christ recently said about the supernatural power of reading scripture aloud as we witness. I quickly opened the Bible app where the “verse of the day” was front and center. It read (and I read aloud):

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” ‭‭(Hebrews‬ ‭13:8‬ ‭ESV)

With this, I can say to you readers: Jesus Christ truly is the Son of God. Only the living God, through his Holy Spirit could orchestrate such a divine appointment where one man proclaims, “God as being the same today as always”, and another man instantly sees and reads the matching words in the name of Jesus aloud in the streets.

Today’s chapter is John 4. As Jennifer pointed out yesterday in her post “Who is Jesus?“, “John uses the stories to make the case that Jesus is the Son of God and the only source of eternal life.” John 4 is no exception as it shares miracles and people coming faith in Jesus, as well as Jesus himself saying that he is the Messiah.

39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” (John 4:39)

41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” (John 4:41-42)

53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. (John 4:53)

They believed because of his word and his miracles. What reasons do you have to believe today? What is holding you back from sharing what you believe and why you believe? What can we learn from the faith of “Peter from Nigeria” and how should we respond?

Father God, you are the same yesterday, and today and forever! We repent once again for doubting you, for judging others, for our selfishness, for using resources for our pleasure rather than your glory. Thank you for your word, your truth, for being patient with us, for interceding, for the mercy and grace and forgiveness in the name of your son Jesus, the only source of life. Amen.

Who is Jesus?

Today’s reading:  John 3

When telling stories about past events, do you sometimes find yourself fighting with others (often times your spouse) over the details?  We both could have experienced the same thing, but how B.J. retells the story is almost always different than how I retell it.  Why?  Which details are important always depends on our individual perspective.  Often, what might have been important to me wasn’t important to him, or the detail is that is key to the point he’s trying to make is inconsequential to mine.

The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), are four different versions of same story – the life of Jesus Christ.  They are different because the writers had different perspectives.  John’s version is unique.  Rather than sharing stories that help us understand what happened in Jesus’ life, John uses the stories to make the case that Jesus is the Son of God and the only source of eternal life.

Chapter 1 begins with a clear statement of John’s position.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind (John 1:1-4).

Our text for today, Chapter 3, closes with John affirming his position using the words of John the Baptist.

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth.  The one who comes from heaven is above all.  He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.  Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.  For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.  The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.  Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them (John 3:31-36).

Let’s take a closer look at John’s main points:

Jesus is above all (verses 31-33) – his testimony is trustworthy because he came from above and could speak about the things he saw/experienced there.

Jesus was sent by God (verse 34) – he was sent to earth to carryout God’s mission of salvation for humanity; while he was here, he had the full power of God (through the Holy Spirit) at his disposal.

Jesus has authority over everything (verse 35-36) – those who choose to believe and put their faith in Jesus have eternal life; those that do not will experience the wrath of God.

In 21 chapters, the Apostle John lays out his argument that Jesus Christ is the indisputable Son of God, the light of the world who offers eternal life to all people.

Do you agree?  Who is Jesus Christ to you?

What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us (Tozer, 1978).

Miracles

Today’s reading is John 2. In this chapter Jesus performs his first public miracle. This is the miracle that set in motion the rest of his life and catapulted him into his ministry as Jesus our savior.

It was a wedding. In those times wedding celebrations were more than just a day. The betrothal or “engagement” was for a year or more. During that time the groom would prepare everything for his bride. His preparations were confirmation that he was able to adequately provide and care for her once they were officially married. The wedding itself would last about a week with celebration after celebration. Wine was a very important part of this celebration. It stood for joy and happiness. The groom would be humiliated, ashamed and embarrassed if the wine ran out because it would indicate he was unable to sufficiently provide for his wife. Mary, Jesus mother, noticed that the wine had gone dry at this wedding. She may have been nervous or worried for the groom. So she went to Jesus with the problem. Joseph had passed away by this time so it was natural for her to go to her oldest son for help.  Mary says in John 2:3 “They have no more wine”. Jesus response in John 2:4 was “how does that concern you and me? My time has not yet come”. This response does not seem like the respectful words we would expect from Jesus to his mother, but keep in mind that he was 30 years old and on the brink of his ministry. His thoughts were not on the wine, but on what will happen after he changes the water to wine. People will notice and start to talk. There will be no turning back. Jesus was becoming focused on who He is and and what was next. Mary simply tells the people who are working the party to “Do whatever he tells you”. She knows who Jesus is. Remember the virgin birth? She has known all her life that he was special. So Jesus tells them to fill the jars with water and then dip some out and take it to the master of ceremonies. They followed his instructions and the water was turned to wine and the party kept going and there was much joy and happiness! They couldn’t believe that the groom saved the best wine for last.

Jesus turned the grooms humiliation into a miracle. He brought joy where there was embarrassment and shame. The wine symbolizes joy and Jesus was the source. The things in this world that bring us joy will eventually go stale.  Only Jesus can provide real and lasting joy in our lives. He replaces the cheap wine we are used to for the best wine imaginable. Can you imagine what the wine Jesus made tasted like? He provides for everything.

Remember what Mary said to the workers, “Do whatever he asks you to do”. Obedience to Jesus will bring us into His joy. What is the cheap wine in your life? Are you doing what Jesus asks you to do?  I usually know what I need to do, but am slow to do it.  I am looking forward to the miracles that continue to happen in our world today. While 2020 has not been ideal, there is still great joy to be experienced while walking with Jesus.

Joy to you today!

 

 

John 1

In full transparency, I started working on my Bible journal last week planning on writing about some recent life happenings.  I opened up our group email about writing and saw I should be writing on John 1.  My prayer is for some grace on my reflections for today and to go ahead and read John 1 when you have an opportunity.

John 1:10 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.  (Thank you)

Life’s too short (first post)

I recently celebrated my 45th birthday. Yes, I said it. My amazing wife Jennifer who I take for granted way too often made me this awesome canvas with the help of Jackson, Marshall, and Gianna. The title of the picture was called Following in my Daddy’s Footsteps. The following verse was on the bottom as seen above.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Thinking back on the years and the moments of being a parent I’m reminded of the value of every moment we are given. This is also something I feel like I take for granted too often.  Jesus’s half brother James cherished his time with Jesus. Maybe that’s what he was telling us in James 4 in reminding us that we have limited time on this temporary earth. Selfishly I would like to have all the time on the earth to be a husband, parent, son, brother, a friend. Yet, I know that my plans are not always His and our short term plans we have on this earth will mean nothing compared to the eternal plan He has for us with Him in Heaven.

James 4:14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes

In these last couple of weeks, I have heard the exciting news of a pregnancy, the birth of a newborn, and celebrated other milestones of the lives of others. I have also heard of the deaths of loved ones who are newborns, grade-school age, and ages younger and older than where I’m at right now. It’s hard not to be upset and wonder why? The only thing we can do is trust in His plan. On any given day, we can go from feasting to mourning, from celebrating life to processing death, or some other life challenge.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Now, as we anticipate on the eve of an election while facing the many trials of COVID what is helping you clear your vision when you lose sight of God?  Circling back to my picture of my footsteps with my children I know that everything I say and do leaves an impact.  What will your impact be in the days to come?

John 1:5 says the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The Apostle John – The Beloved Disciple

Can you imagine, we are only a month away from beginning of Advent. The time to reflect about the coming of Christ into our life or the renewing of our relationship with Christ. We have just celebrated Halloween and we were entering the High Holy time of the year. This is a time of deep reflection, a period of time to allow our minds to become centered not only on the outside but on the inside. We can see this with our spiritual and physical sides. The days are getting shorter and the weather is turning cooler.   We are finding new ways of connecting with each other inside, but at a safe distance.

We begin our new journey into the reflections and writings of the Apostle John in the book of the Apostle John.  In this book, we see one of Jesus’ closest friend’s accounts from the beginning of the ministry to the crucifixion and the burial and the resurrection. With this unique opportunity to view through the eyes of John we can see the true transformation of Christ in many different aspects. John is one of a few disciples who experienced many of the intimate details of Christ’s life. John was there when Jesus was baptized. John was there when Jesus meet with Moses and Elijah on the top of mountain in the Transfiguration. John was there at the garden of Gethsemane.  John was there at the Crucifixion.  John was there at the tomb of the Resurrection.

John is the apostle that is referred to as beloved because he was there through the most intimate times of Christ’s ministry. He also is three main authors in the New Testament, besides Paul and Luke.  The Apostle John wrote: the book of the Apostle John, I John, II  John, III  John, and Revelation. 

The relationship that John had with Christ is one that we should emulate on a daily basis. We should make a point of taking time to be with Christ daily to know his voice, to know his touch, and know his purpose in our lives. Many times we have gotten distracted by the outside world. During these past eleven months we have been given a opportunity to start slow down and reflect on Christ in our life. A prayer of mine is that we were able to find time as we journey through this book of John and into the Advent season in December and slow down.   Come inside to the place where Jesus waits patiently. And begin to reconnect with Christ on a daily basis. Allow his words, his testimony, and his love for fulfill us and show us his purpose.

May you be blessed. 

Encouragement

“How are you doing?  No, how are you really doing?”  This is a question I remember hearing when I attended church back in high school.  The person asking really wanted to know how I was doing.  He was not looking for the typical, “I’m fine” response.  His intent then was to offer encouragement for whatever I was going through at the time.  That is, if I had the courage to really let him know how I was doing.  

It is easy to be focused on ourselves right now.  To get stuck thinking about what we are going through and how difficult our situation might be.  But, the Bible calls for us to be encouragers.  

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up just as you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Encouragement is like a gentle push forward when we have run out of energy.  It is a pat on the back that appreciates work you have done.  It is acknowledgement that you made a difference in someones life.  When someone encourages us, we stand straighter.  We feel energized.  We move with purpose and meaning.  Encouragement strengthens us to move on and face what lies ahead.

There is a difference between worldly encouragement and Biblical encouragement.  Encouragement from the world may look like fans in the stands watching a sports game.  Yelling and cheering on the team that you want to win.  This cheering is invigorating in the moment, but it is different than Biblical encouragement.  Biblical encouragement goes deeper than boosting ones self-esteem.  

The Greek word for encourage that Paul uses in the scripture verse above is “parakaleite”.  It specifically means to comfort one another by getting up close and personal.  To console and strengthen.  This type of encouragement forges a strong bond.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by god.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Encouragement is the key to building relationship and connection. To come alongside.  Encouragement is not a one and done kind of thing.  It is not yelling your heart out for a couple hours at a competition and then walking away.  By using words that build up, we help someone navigate through tough times.  Your encouragement gives the person strength to stand strong and face their battles. 

What we say to each other matters.  We are all facing struggles and unknowns.  Keep encouraging one another.  Our God is bigger than our present circumstances.

Leading by Example

I’ve been thinking lately about the effect my friend Hank has had on my spiritual journey recently. Hank is an older man at the small country church I grew up in, who helped out with the youth group back when I was in high school. He has been a very caring and good friend in the years since, especially in college as I struggled heavily with depression and anxiety and needed the help of a friend such as him. He frequently made hour-long trips to see me on the weekends to make sure I was fed, gifted me many books on thought-provoking and encouraging scripture-based life advice, and helped me find a new church in a new area when the peak of my social anxiety would have made that a monumentally difficult task on my own. He’s always been a good friend and a wise mentor in walking with Christ. Even now, Hank still seems to know when to send encouragement and kind words my way when I need it most, and even occasionally sends candy or coffee for my wife & I to enjoy together.

Above all though, Hank has shown me the profound effect of following Christ by example can have on others. When I think of the Christ-like example Hank has shown me, I think of Paul’s words in Phillipians 3:14-17: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus… brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Or in 1 Peter 4:8-10: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” I think of how I’ve grown through the actions of Hank and others like him who’ve shown grace and love, acting as good stewards of the gracious gifts God’s given them, and using those gifts by outwardly building up others through example in their own walk with Christ, and through the words and wisdom they share. From experiencing Christ’s radical love shown through this form of mentorship, I have grown closer to Christ myself, learning and seeing the value of walking your whole life with Him. Hank’s love of Christ points me in Christ’s direction, and demonstrates the patient, kind love that only Christ offers. It also shows me through my first-hand experience, how important it is for me to teach and lead others through example by always living by Godly principles.

So today I offer a simple reminder of the importance of sharing what Christ has taught you with those around you. If through following Christ’s teaching at home with your children, mentorship of those younger than you at your church, or simply leading a life wholly devoted to Christ as an example for the younger generation, showing the change God has brought into your life never goes unnoticed, nor unrewarded. I really could never put it as well as Paul does in Phillipians 3:8 & 9: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” When your walk with Christ lead others to Christ and your help strengthen their relationship with Him, you are helping others find an immeasurable gift: peace with God. And what could be more rewarding and worthwhile that being a light to God’s shining glory?