Fantastical Gifts

Proverbs 20

12 Ears to hear and eyes to see—

both are gifts from the Lord.

It is so easy to take gifts from the LORD for granted. Today, I want to celebrate the fact that I can see and I can hear. Oh, I may need glasses for slight corrections for both reading and distance, and my hearing isn’t what it was 30 years ago, but overall, I am extremely well off in both of these areas. All I ask for now is that I have eyes to see like Jesus sees, and ears to hear what Jesus wants me to hear. May I be more like Jesus today than I was yesterday, hearing and seeing what He wants me to hear and see. May I live in such a manner as to please Him always. May I never neglect to thank Him for the fanstacial gifts He bestows upon me daily!

Godly Submission to Authorities

Romans 13

1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

As Paul writes these words, the government is hostile towards Christianity. Yet, Paul says that followers of Christ are to submit to those authorities, and to pay their taxes. Christ followers are to realize and acknowledge that political leaders derive their power from God. Or at the very least, God allows them to rule for His purposes. In the United States of America, we seem to go through this pattern of every so-often electing into power, those who are hostile towards the principles of Christianity. Nevertheless, it is our Christian duty to submit to those leaders, to pray for them, and to do our duties as citizens of this country. All the while, we must remember that our FIRST citizenship is in the Kingdom of God. That real love discussed in yesterday’s devotional thoughts must shine through. May God be glorified by the way I conduct myself when the governing authorities are hostile towards my beliefs in Christ. May I love them like Jesus loves them. May I submit in godly humility, and may I pray for them daily. Help me to do better in these areas, Lord.

No Pretenders

Romans 12

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

I was blown away, in a good sort of way, when Turtle wanted to read all of Romans chapter 12 in our Bible study last night. This chapter is chocked full of such good stuff. It is difficult to journal on only a couple of verses, but here’s where I feel lead to go tonight. Christians are called to genuine love. There is no room for pretenders in the Kingdom of Christ. We are to love with genuine affection and to take delight in honoring others. Now, THAT is some counter-culture thinking for you, isn’t it? There is no room for the put-down game in Christ’s Kingdom. There is no tolerance for two-faced attitudes, nor should there be. NO, for those of us who want to follow Christ, we must be genuine in our love, and delight in honoring each other. I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who live out these principles every day. My Bride is my inspiration. My love for her is greatly enhanced because she is the most godly woman I have ever known. I desire to honor her not just with my words, but with my life.

Modeling Godly Living

Proverbs 20

7 The godly walk with integrity;

blessed are their children who follow them.

If I could give my children any gift (knowing that God has already given them the best Gift...their salvation), I would want it to be a Dad who walks with integrity; a godly Dad. It is my goal as a father to model Christ to my children, so that they will in turn, walk with integrity, and be godly. Lord, thank You for the children with which You have entrusted Peggy and me. May we model godly living and may our children follow that example always.

Draw People to Christ

Romans 10

14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

It is my duty as a follower of Christ to live my life in such a way as to draw others to my Savior. Then, they can have the chance to enter into a saving relationship with Jesus, too. How can the pagans around me come to Jesus, if I don’t draw them that way? How can I draw them to Jesus if I am not living in such a way as to point them to His love and grace? Lord, help me to be a a beacon drawing others to Christ always.

Trust in the Lord

Romans 9

30 What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place. 31 But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded.32 Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path.

As Paul is contrasting God’s relationship with the Gentiles and the Jews, he makes a very interesting observation here. Those who try to please God by attempting to follow a set of rules will always fall short. Those who trust God and live their lives accordingly will please Him. “ ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word.” It is my heart’s desire to trust the Lord and take Him at His Word. When Jesus is asked to sum up the Law and the Prophets, He replies, “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength,” and “love your neighbor as yourself.” Give me the heart of Jesus for the people around me each day, O Lord. May I trust in You enough to love like You love.

Proclaiming the Glory of God

Psalm 19

1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

The skies display his craftsmanship.

2 Day after day they continue to speak;

night after night they make him known.

3 They speak without a sound or word;

their voice is never heard.

4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,

and their words to all the world.

I absolutely LOVE living in Florida. One of the major times of praise for me is driving across state road 60 and looking at the “big sky” all around us. The heavens declare the glory and the bigness of God! As we made our way across to Clearwater today, I once again was struck by the vastness of the the skies. How could anyone, upon viewing such a sight, keep from giving praise to God? Anyone with half a brain, that is.

Definition of Evil

2 Chronicles 12

14 But he was an evil king, for he did not seek the Lord with all his heart.

This statement about Rehoboam strikes me this morning. It is not about the king, it is about his heart that has me thinking. God defines evil as someone who does not seek the Lord with all his heart. There is no such thing as serving the Lord half-heartedly. You either follow God or you don’t. If you don’t, you are evil. By definition! Father, I confess that there have been numerous occasions when I didn’t follow You with all my heart. Forgive me of that sin, and may You always receive my best and my all from this day forward. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

How Can I Help But Praise God?

Psalm 18

30 God’s way is perfect.

All the Lord’s promises prove true.

He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

31 For who is God except the Lord?

Who but our God is a solid rock?

Praise God for His perfect ways, His perfect provision, and His perfect protection! When I think about how God blesses my life, I am overwhelmed with a sense of awe. For 10, 575 days now I have been married to Peggy who treats me like a king. For 9,096 days now I have walked with Christ in a newness of life. As I grow closer to Jesus, I am constantly amazed at how His love for me is manifested in the “little things.” I don’t want to ever take any of them for granted, and I want to live a life of praise to God my Heavenly Father every day. He is my Solid Rock, and He is worthy of my praise. Thank You, Lord!!!

Woah Worship Moments

2 Chronicles 7

1 When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple. 2 The priests could not enter the Temple of the Lord because the glorious presence of the Lord filled it. 3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying,

“He is good!


His faithful love endures forever!”

Woah! I would love to be in a Celebration Service like that. I mean one in which the Awesome Power of the Creator of Heaven and Earth is on display to the point that the people fall on their faces praising God, saying, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” Father, as a lead worshipper for Vero Christian Church, help me to do a better job of praising Your Awesome and All-Powerful Name so that the people in the assembly are moved to bring You the praise You and You alone deserve!

Attractive to Jesus

Proverbs 19

22a Loyalty makes a person attractive.

I want to be attractive to Jesus. I mean, I know that He loves me, that He died for my sins, conquered death and the grave for my salvation, sits at God’s right hand where He speaks on my behalf, and that He is coming back again some day for me (and the rest of His Bride, the Church). But, I want to be ATTRACTIVE to Jesus. May my loyalty to Christ cause Him to look upon me with even greater love because I am attractive to Him. This world has nothing for me, and I know that I am not attractive to the world. Good. My loyalties are to Jesus, and to Him alone!

Joined With Christ

Romans 6

3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

In speaking to the Christians in Rome, Paul says, “or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism...” (emphasis mine). I love the way the NLT renders this verse! It is in Baptism that we are JOINED WITH Christ. Baptism is the point at which our sinful selves are shelved, and the new creation begins. Baptism is the point at which we come into contact with the Blood of Christ which washes away our sins. Baptism is the point at which we join Christ in His death, and are raised into a new life with Him. Paul couldn’t make it any more plain, and those who choose to ignore this teaching are doing a great disservice.

Helpless to Friendship

Romans 5

6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

This passage is so rich, I couldn’t just pick a verse or two. We go from being utterly helpless to being friends of God because of Jesus! AWESOME! We aren’t just God’s servants (but we ARE His servants). We aren’t just God’s children (but we ARE His children). We are His friends! We can now have a relationship with the Creator of Heaven and earth that was heretofore never possible. And it’s all because of Jesus. AWESOME!

Endure

Romans 5

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

This passage so closely resembles James chapter 1, that it isn’t funny. It’s almost like the two authors were inspired by the Holy Spirit or something, huh? This is a GREAT reminder of the need to endure, NO MATTER WHAT, and is a message I need to share with my fellow Move Conference Peeps this week. Thank You, Lord for Your Word and for the encouragement to endure. I love You, God.

Obedience Expresses Faith

Romans 4

4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.

It doesn’t matter how hard we work at it, we cannot earn our salvation. Period. End of Discussion. It is only through the Precious Blood of Christ that we are placed in a righteous position before The Holy God. My faith in Christ, as expressed through my obedience to the Gospel is the parallel to Paul’s discussion of Abraham in Romans 4. Abraham is credited with faith, but his faith was expressed through his obedience to God. So is mine. May Jesus be glorified by my obedience.

Duh - Praise God!

Romans 3

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

To express praise for Jesus just seems like a “duh” after reading these verses, doesn’t it? I mean, I am a sinner who falls short of God’s glorious standard. I deserve eternal punishment. Yet, because of Jesus, I get undeserved kindness from God when I am declared righteous. Not because of anything I did, or can do. I am declared righteous because of Jesus. On day 9,089 of my walk with Jesus, I can only fall to my knees and praise Him! Thank You, Lord for paying the price for my sin, and allowing me to be declared righteous through Your atoning sacrifice!

Costly Sacrifice

1 Chronicles 20

22 David said to Araunah, “Let me buy this threshing floor from you at its full price. Then I will build an altar to the Lord there, so that he will stop the plague.”

23 “Take it, my lord the king, and use it as you wish,” Araunah said to David. “I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, and the threshing boards for wood to build a fire on the altar, and the wheat for the grain offering. I will give it all to you.”

24 But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it for the full price. I will not take what is yours and give it to the Lord. I will not present burnt offerings that have cost me nothing!”

David understood the value of making a sacrifice to God. Such a sacrifice comes with a cost, and when Araunah offers to give David the threshing floor where David wants to offer sacrifices to the Lord, David refuses. He asks to pay the fair price, knowing that it is not right to give something to the Lord that didn’t cost him anything. How often do we want to “give” something to God that didn’t cost us anything? Far too often. May my life be marked by willing, cheerful, costly sacrifices that proclaim His glory, honor and praise.

Just Like the Pagans

Romans 2

1 You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. 2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? 4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

Paul has just finished talking about the pagans and their despicable practices, their rejection of the One True God, etc. But, he then reminds the Christians in Rome that they are no better than the pagans around them when they blend in so well. Christians in America blend in so well with the culture that there is virtually NO DIFFERENCE in their attitudes towards marriage, divorce, cheating in school, abortion, etc. Who are WE do judge the pagans? No, pagans act like pagans because, well they ARE pagans. Those who claim to follow Christ act like pagans because, well they are PAGANS, not Christians. If Jesus doesn’t make a difference in how we live, then we have not submitted to His Lordship. If we have not submitted to His Lordship, then we are NOT His followers, and can have no part of His Kingdom.

Each Day

1 Chronicles 16

23 Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!

Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.

9,086. That’s the numbers of days since I was baptized into Christ on August 27, 1985. I celebrate every single day. God has blessed me with an incredible life. Not one that is ever without conflict or sorrow, but a life that is NEVER without Jesus. Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day, I will proclaim the good news that He saves!!!

Not Ashamed

Romans 1

16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.

Aside from the old Newsboys song, this verse brings back many, many memories. For the past 23 years now, I have been involved in the “professional” ministry. I have boldly proclaimed the Gospel of Christ. Sometimes, I haven’t been very tactful in those proclamations, but there has never been a doubt among those who were around me that I was proclaiming the Good News about Christ. As I have matured in my faith, I have tried to make sure that the Good News was the focus, NOT the messenger. It is the Good News that is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes. Lord, may Your Good News be spread everywhere I go, and may I stay out of the way so that I don’t detract from Your saving power. I’m not ashamed, but I certainly don’t want to distract from the Good News! May my life be lived in such a way as to proclaim the saving power of God at work in me and through me so that Jesus will be glorified always.

Blame Game is SIN

Proverbs 19

3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness

and then are angry at the Lord.

Wow! This is a jump out at me verse this morning! So many people want to blame God for anything bad that happens in their life, while NEVER giving Him credit for the good stuff. Too many people want to ask, “why me, God?” when they should be asking, “why am I such a goober?” It is the height of arrogance for us mere mortals to blame a Holy, Righteous, and Perfect Creator for our stupidity. How dare we try to shift the blame on Him! How dare we try to take His credit, and shift to Him our blame! That, my friends, is sin of the worst kind! May God be glorified in my life today and every day. May He be credited for the good, and when I act foolishly, may I be man enough to accept that responsibility. To do otherwise is to dishonor the name of Christ, and I pray that I NEVER do that again in my life!

Majesty of God and His love for me

Psalm 8

3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—

the moon and the stars you set in place—

4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,

human beings that you should care for them?

When I look at the night sky, my insignificance stands out. When I look at the day sky, the glory and wonder of God overwhelms me. I do realize that I am a mere spec of dust in the universe. Yet, the Creator of everything, the Author of Life, knows me and loves me. Now, THAT is overwhelming. Thank You, God for Your unfailing love. Thank You for choosing me to be a vessel of the Good News. Thank You for providing me with Peggy to be my life mate. Thank You for my children, for the ministry with which you have entrusted me. Thank You, Lord, for the forgiveness of sins provided through Your One and Only Son, Jesus. May my life reflect Your great love and forgiveness always!

10,561

Proverbs 18

22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,

and he receives favor from the Lord.

10,561 days ago, Peggy Ruth Dixon declared that she would be my Bride, to have and to hold from that day forward. Yes, I celebrate every day God grants me with my Bride. It is a celebration declaring the blessing of God, because I have found a treasure in Peggy, and I receive favor from the Lord through her every single day of my life. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am the most blessed man on this planet, and I have 10, 561 good reasons to back up that claim!

Wise Words Satisfy

Proverbs 18

20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;

the right words bring satisfaction.

Day two of the NACC, and I can say that I am completely satisfied. I have been filled with words of wisdom from several sources today. The challenge facing me is to get these words out to the leadership of VCC back home. As I type these words, my mind is swirling with ideas on how to do this. Lord, help me to be a vessel for You to pass along what You are teaching here at the North American Christian Convention this week. Father, it is my strong desire for the wise words spoken during this convention to penetrate the hearts of the Elders and Deacons of VCC. Help me in this regard, because I am willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish this task.

God's Protection

Psalm 5

11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;

let them sing joyful praises forever.

Spread your protection over them,

that all who love your name may be filled with joy.

12 For you bless the godly, O Lord;

you surround them with your shield of love.

My refuge and my strength is in the Lord God Almighty and in Him alone. Once again, God has proven His unending love for me, and His perfect watch care over me. We made it to Indy without incident yesterday. No further signs of the brake troubles that threatened to derail our trip to the North American Christian Convention only a day earlier. Peggy and I were reunited with Brent and Lisa Baker and their girls, and the opening session of the convention was phenomenal. Thank You, God for the protection You always provide, and specifically for Your protection during this trip. Your love is amazing! May I love people the way that You love me!

Convenient

Acts 24

24 A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.”

Christianity is NOT convenient. As Paul is making his defense before the governor Felix and his wife, good ole Felix uses a line that so many have used to stop listening to the Good News of the Gospel over the centuries. “When it is more convenient...” Jesus does not call us to a life of convenience, but rather to a life of obedience. It is not always convenient to follow Jesus, but it is worth it. It is never convenient to deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow the Christ. It is essential, however. Thank You, Lord for helping me to get over my selfish need for convenience. Thank You for showering me with blessings beyond my wildest dreams. I know that it was not convenient for You to go to the cross to pay for my sins, but I am eternally grateful! May my life show that gratitude every day...convenient or not.

God is Our Shield

Psalm 3

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;

you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

We had an eventful road trip today. Anytime we travel, I always pray for an uneventful trip because I don’t mind being bored while driving. As we decided to take a scenic route and bypass Atlanta, thing were going along swimmingly until we got to Salem, Alabama, when the front passenger side brake wanted to lock up. Making a call to Kevin for a phone diagnosis was disheartening. Even more so was the fact that it was the last of a 3-day holiday weekend, and getting service would be impossible. After a two hour layover fruitless awaiting a AAA tow truck, I decided to give the van a test run. No brake issues, so we decided to resume our trip. God’s protection was evident throughout the trip, but we were more aware of His protection on the last part of today’s journey. Tomorrow, we resume our trip to the North American Christian Convention, and NOTHING can stop us. God is our shield around us.

Freedom

Psalm 2

1 Why are the nations so angry?

Why do they waste their time with futile plans?

2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle;

the rulers plot together

against the Lord

and against his anointed one.

3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry,

“and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

Why is it that people fool themselves by thinking that following the one true God equals slavery, when it is disobedience to His Holy Word that brings on slavery to sin? Why is it that those who are so insistent on following their own desires think that is freedom? Our obedience to the Creator of all living things, the Author of Life, and the Giver of every good and perfect gift brings a Freedom never before imagined. I have been following Christ for 9,077 days and on this July 4th, my Freedom has never been more evident. I am free in Christ...free from the penalty of my sin. I am free indeed.

Setting the Record Straight

Acts 22

6 “As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’

8 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.

“And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’ 9 The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me.

10 “I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’

“And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’

11 “I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions. 12 A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. 13 He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And that very moment I could see him!

14 “Then he told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. 15 For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. 16 What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.’”

To hear the religious wrong tell it, the man who would become the Apostle Paul was “saved” on the road to Damascus. Yet, when Paul tells his story of conversion to Christ, he makes it quite plain that he was NOT saved on the road. He had an encounter with Christ, and Jesus instructed in verse 10 to, “go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.” So, he obeyed Jesus, and Ananias came to him giving him the instructions found in verse 16: “Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.” Sure do wish the religious wrong could get this story right!

Getting Loud

Psalm 150

1 Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his sanctuary;


praise him in his mighty heaven!


2 Praise him for his mighty works;


praise his unequaled greatness!


3 Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn;


praise him with the lyre and harp!


4 Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;


praise him with strings and flutes!


5 Praise him with a clash of cymbals;


praise him with loud clanging cymbals.


6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

As a worship leader, I would LOVE to bring in a ram’s horn, lyre and harp, tambourine, strings, flutes and cymbals into the Sunday morning Celebration Service! I know this Psalm was written under the Old Covenant, and we are now worshipping in the New Covenant, but I think that the corporate gathering to give praise and glory and honor to God should be rowdy at times. Yeah, I like the quiet times of worship too, but I LOVE it when we get a little loud in our praise of the Creator of everything and the Author of life!

Delight

Psalm 149

4 For the Lord delights in his people;

he crowns the humble with victory.

5a Let the faithful rejoice that he honors them.

Last night we had 19 middle and high school students in a home Bible study. No, this wasn’t a trip to the beach, or an outdoor game extravaganza, it was a Bible study. While several of our “regular” students were out of town or otherwise unavailable, we had tons of new students and guests. Yes, some of our newest students are bringing guests with them. May the “old hands” in youth group catch on. At any rate, I just want to praise my Lord and Savior Jesus for what He is doing with and through these students. As delighted as I am about last night, I know that Jesus is that much more delighted. Thank You, Lord, for the privilege of serving You in this small way. May the impact we have on the next generation bring glory and honor to You forever!