I’m often asked why I write a blog. If I know the person well I say, “It’s cheaper than therapy.” But truthfully, I write this blog because I want people to know God and his word – and then apply a spiritual perspective to the moments of their lives. Several years ago my husband, Jim, left the pastorate and began this journey we call “Denison Forum.” Jim is a man that God inspires, and I am blessed to serve the King and the Kingdom by his side. This blog post is my 200th so I thought I would look back and evaluate the journey.
Jim had preached until he was blue in the face, and sometimes blue in his soul, messages about the need for spiritual awakening. The biblical truth is still true today. Prophets are mostly appreciated after their message has been proven true. If you don’t receive Jim’s daily commentary – you should join his group of 85,000+ subscribers and read it.
Jesus is doing amazing things around our world. There are millions and millions that have seen his miracles, heard his message and come to eternal salvation in recent years. Meanwhile, in our own country, we are rapidly imploding. Just watch one news program or surf through the darkness that is considered network “entertainment.” I have been thinking a lot lately about the world my grandchildren will grow up in. As soon as I write that I remember that my mom – and her mom – wondered the same thing.
I write because I hope God will use my words, about his Word, to bless someone or help them make a biblical decision about something in their life. I believe there has never been a more important time in our nation’s history to change the trends, and teach the values that matter most. Proverbs 21:21 reads, “He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” Righteousness is best defined as “rightness with God.” If we pursue righteousness and love we will have the blessed life that God wants to provide. If you were brutally honest with yourself, what would you say you pursue each day? Your honest answer may lead to a changed life. I can teach that, but you have to make your own choices.
Jim and I get up each day and go to work encouraged by this promise in Scripture:
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11).
We do our ministry because we believe God’s word never returns empty. If we share God’s word, God can accomplish his purpose in the lives of those who read or hear it.
Isaiah was called to be a prophet during a difficult time in Israel’s history. The nation was under serious threat from the Assyrian empire. The Northern Kingdom had fallen and Judah was all that remained. But Judah was in spiritual decline because of idolatry and low standards of morality. Isaiah preached about the need for repentance and holiness. He told Judah that God would judge them as he had judged their brothers in the Northern Kingdom. The remnant listened, but most of Judah didn’t. The nation was taken captive by Assyria, because God couldn’t bless their rebellious culture. But the remnant, God’s faithful followers, made certain his word continued to be known, taught and followed.
So…200 blog posts later, my job is the same. I will continue to share God’s word. I will continue to apply God’s word to what is happening in the world. On occasion, I will insert my own opinions – and sometimes I will insert my own foot into my own mouth. So go the hazards of blogging!
But I will do my best to teach the Bible and pray my way to the end of every blog post. Thank you for reading. You have seen me through weddings, my dad’s recent death, my son’s cancer diagnosis, and his road to health. There have been elections, news stories, heroes and those who have failed. We talk about family, marriage and the chaos, which is life, this side of heaven.
Going forward, I imagine there will be more of the same. Someone once said, “Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans.” I’d like to encourage a biblical perspective. I would say, “Life is what happens when you are living God’s plan.” Thank you for reading, for thinking biblically, and for being God’s disciples in our world. Welcome to the remnant of American spirituality. Remember, God’s word never returns “empty.” Teach it. Live it. Be blessed because of it.
Now…time to think about number 201.
{jcomments lock}
{jcomments lock}