My Back 9

" God whispers to us in our joy and shouts to us in our pain" C.S Lewis I had the most wonderful revelation this morning about what it is supposed to be like to walk out my Christian faith.   I was listening to a sermon and throughout this wonderful explanation of how God uses our pain, I was struck with an amazing and intense clarity I’ve not experienced before.   It was from the Church of Eleven22 and Pastor Joby Martin in Jacksonville, FL.   Check it out online if you want to hear some inspiring and powerful sermons.   The message was not only awesome, but unbelievably pertinent in light of what is going on in my life right now.   The fact that God always has a plan; and that He will use today’s misery as an opportunity for tomorrow’s ministry is a breath of fresh air in my lungs today; I hope you feel the same as you unpack my writing today.   The clear and stark message I heard today is that it is through our struggles that we become strong ...

Last weekend I went up to Myrtle Beach to visit my mom for Mother’s Day.   Over the last several days I’ve had the opportunity to reflect upon my visit; and my contemplation and inspiration as a result of my visit has given birth to these words today.   It was great to see my mom, my sister, her husband and their children. They each offered their own perspective and support regarding my current plight; and weather it’s solicited or not; it comes from a place of love; and a family’s love cannot be mistaken. A mother’s love is so unconditional; even though the conversations don’t always go perfectly; the underlying love still gives me a warm sensation.   I’ve been going through some really dark days recently, and I thought that spending time with family would help; and that perhaps I find some “light” by spending time with those who love me. I also had an opportunity to visit with my ninety year-old father, who is in the hospital; recovering from some complications f...

I was struck with another jolt of inspiration this morning while reading through my devotionals.   I was reading and ingesting a message from Oswald Chambers attached to the following verse from Habakkuk 2:3: “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.   Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and not delay” As I often do, I went to my Bible to read the surrounding verses and what I uncovered was a beautiful message of hope through the very arduous and elusive process of patience.   Habakkuk is a short two page book that is basically a series of questions served up to The Lord followed by His amazing and insightful responses to each question; which are really complaints.   In this particular instance, Habakkuk is complaining about evil men and why they prosper when other, less fortunate people, struggle and fight through life.   In verse 13, he asks: “Why then do you tolerate the tr...