What Is the Church?

A year ago, I wrote about the perfect church—spoiler alert—there is no such thing.

Matthew 16:13–20
"...Upon this rock I will build my church..."

But what exactly is the church? Is it just a building or a place where like-minded people gather to fellowship? If that is all it is, then your local library, school, pool hall, or fraternal organization would all qualify.

So, what is the church? How is it different?

The Church Is More Than a Building

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines the church as the collective body of Christians—those who profess to believe in Christ and acknowledge Him to be the Savior of mankind.¹ The church is not a particular denomination, sect, or branch of Christianity; it is the whole Body of Christ.

In Scripture, the first use of the word church is in Matthew's Gospel, where Jesus is speaking with His disciples. He asks:

"Who do you say that I am?"

Simon, arguably Jesus' closest friend, answered for the group:

"You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
(Matthew 16:15–16)

This confession could only be reached through the revelation of God Himself. Jesus changed His friend's name from Simon to Peter (Greek) or Cephas (Aramaic):

"I also say you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church."
(Matthew 16:18)

Upon This Rock

We must take a brief linguistic break at this juncture.

The Greek language has gender; Petros (Peter/rock) is masculine and denotes a large, firm stone, whereas petra ("upon this rock") is feminine and denotes bedrock. Because of the changes in the Greek words, there has long been controversy about what Jesus meant.

Some believe Jesus was referring to Himself as the Rock. Others believe the church is built upon Peter and the apostles as foundational witnesses. Still others understand the church to be built upon Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ.

Even though Christians differ on Peter's role in Matthew 16, they agree that Jesus Christ is the ultimate foundation and head of the Church (Ephesians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Colossians 1:18).

Jesus declared:

"I will build my church."

Notice the emphasis on my. Christ is the builder of His Church.

He spoke of building the church as a future work, which Christians generally understand to have begun after His death, burial, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2).

What About All the Denominations?

Two thousand years later, there are tens of thousands of Christian denominations and church organizations worldwide, representing more than 2.4 billion believers. The church certainly looks different across cultures and traditions.

Today, the three largest branches of Christianity are:

• Roman Catholic

• Eastern Orthodox

• Protestant

Meanwhile, non-denominational, independent, and indigenous churches continue to grow around the world.

But are they part of the Church Christ established? Are they built upon the Rock—the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Some are, and some are not.

I am not here to argue denominational theology. Rather, I want to distinguish between the essentials of the Christian faith and the traditions that vary from church to church.

If your church denies the virgin birth, it is not a Christian church.

If your church denies that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God—fully God and fully man—it is not a Christian church.

If your church rejects the Scriptures as the inspired and authoritative Word of God, it is not a Christian church.

On the other hand:

• If your church uses drums and guitars in worship—it could be a Christian church.

• If your church has an age requirement for baptism—it could be a Christian church.

• If your church allows dancing or card playing—it could be a Christian church.

Essentials and Traditions

The church is not a building or a philosophy. It is the gathering of people who have accepted the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Some truths are foundational. Others are open for discussion. (Have you talked about the End Times lately?)

Tradition does not make a practice holy or God-honoring.

Tradition does not make something true or righteous.

I remember one church I attended that always sang the same song at the close of every service. One Sunday, the song was changed, and people were shocked.

"We always sing that song! We have to sing that song!"

I've also seen looks of surprise when a guest unwittingly sat in a member's usual seat.

Those traditions may seem harmless—even amusing—but what about traditions such as genuflecting or prohibiting unmarried couples from holding hands? What about more recent practices, such as allowing women to preach or participate in various aspects of worship? Does that include leading music? Public prayer? In some churches, women are not permitted to serve in any leadership role, whether teaching or even overseeing building maintenance.

Even the particular translation of the Bible has become a matter of tradition for some congregations.

The Final Authority

The final authority in every church should be God, revealed through His inspired Word.

A denomination cannot offer salvation.

Only faith in Jesus Christ can save.

So find a Bible-teaching church where Christ is faithfully proclaimed and believers are encouraged to grow in faith by studying God's Word for themselves.

And above all—

Be a Berean! (Acts 17:11)

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Reference

1. Noah Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language (1828), "Church."

Stepping into my 41

 On grief, courage, and the hard work of believing you deserve happiness.

This last weekend was a kind of retreat for me. I traveled solo to commemorate my 40th anniversary. Why solo? Simple, Jim has been with Jesus for nearly 10 years. I can hear some folks now. Why am I celebrating something that has been over for ten years? Why am I not over his death yet? What is going on?

I thought I was, but a well-loved nephew passed in March, and old wounds began to seep. I tried to open up to friends, but one doesn’t share my faith, and another had ready-made answers that did more harm than good. They both meant well, but it wasn’t what I needed at the time. God alone had my answers.

One recurring theme has been “be strong and courageous.” God didn’t tell Joshua to try, he said BE. In Joshua 1, God tells Joshua to BE strong and courageous three times in the first nine verses. The same day I read that chapter, I also read about Jesus healing the woman with the issue of blood. Jesus called her a woman of courage (Matt. 9:22).

I never thought of myself as a courageous woman. I seldom strike up conversations with people. I hover in the background, not wanting to bother people or be a bother to people.

My counselor asked me if I thought I deserved happiness.

I literally sat back. I had no idea if I deserved anything, especially happiness. Maybe that is a disservice Christians make to themselves and each other. We know we are to have joy, after all, that is one of the fruits of the Spirit, but happiness? Deserve?

Those are hard words. They had me scrambling for something steadier than my own feelings—that is when the number 41 started tugging at me.

Forty, and What Comes After

There is so much symbology behind that number. For those who are unaware, Biblically, 40 is a number for trial. Noah and his family suffered 40 days and nights of torrential rains that covered the earth in a flood. Moses and the Israelites endured 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Jesus was tempted by Satan for 40 days and nights. All were times of testing, learning, overcoming, and complete trust in God. The strength and courage they shared are inspiring.

Then came 41.

Noah and the ark settled on top of the mountain, the doors were opened, and God gave us the rainbow.

Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan, and they conquered the Promised Land.

Jesus put Satan in his place and began his ministry, leading to our salvation.

Through their ability to trust God, they—and I—have learned that putting trust in my own understanding, or in others, is often an exercise in futility. With the help of a fantastic Christian counselor, I realize that I have reached my 41. I am ready to step out and stop looking back with longing, guilt, and self-condemnation and begin looking forward with excitement, hope, and confidence.

What 41 Looks Like

In my weekend trek, I discovered that I can be strong and courageous. I am worthy of happiness, too. Some of the same things that bring me joy also bring me happiness, but my joy is not dependent on my happiness. Experiencing God’s creation brings me great happiness. Walking along the rim of the Grand Canyon or overlooking a huge crater left by God, who hurled a meteor at Earth, brought happiness.

My joy is not dependent on my happiness.

Doing those things alone, not thinking I had to be responsible for someone else’s happiness, also brought happiness. (Self-imposed guilt is awful!)

Lest you think all that aloneness is the only thing that brings happiness, I also discovered that serving others brings both joy and happiness. I am grateful that God gave me a servant’s heart, that I have the strength and courage to step forward for family, friends, and strangers.

I am stepping into my 41 and will be strong and courageous. Will you join me?

Good enough?

 

 “No One Is Good but God”

Mark 10:18 (NASB1995): “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.”

Mark tells us about a young man who eagerly approached Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. He knelt before Him with respect and sincerity. But we can infer that he hadn’t heard Jesus say, just a few verses earlier, that anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a child—joyfully, innocently, and with simple faith—will never enter it (v.15). This young man believed the kingdom was something to be earned or purchased.

How many of us still think that way today? That being a “good person,” getting baptized, or being confirmed into a religious tradition will earn us a place in heaven?

In our human understanding, good can mean many things. We say someone is good at sports, good at music, or simply that they behave well. But Jesus challenges this understanding: “No one is good except God alone.”

God is not partial—He holds the same standard for everyone:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind... You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37, 39)

If you can do that perfectly, you can earn eternal life.

But wait a minute—you, like the young man, might be thinking: How can I possibly do that? You don’t know my neighbors. They let their dogs mess in my yard. They blast their music. They sin differently than I do. They’re unlovable!

And yet… God’s love covers even that.

The truth is you and I are unloveable too. We’ve all fallen short of God’s perfect standard. Thankfully, He doesn’t keep a running tally of our sins or favor those who attend church more often or donate more generously. No—even one sin is enough to separate us from God for eternity.

You might ask, “How can a loving God do that?”
But we must remember: sin was never God’s idea. It was humanity’s attempt to be like God, on our own terms. Since Adam and Eve, people have tried and failed to reach God’s standard.

The good news is that although we deserve judgment, God offers mercy through Jesus Christ. He shows mercy by not punishing us for our sin, and He shows grace by giving us salvation—something we could never earn.

So is it “be good and be saved”? No.
It’s even simpler than that.

It’s accepting a free, no-strings-attached gift: salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. You don’t need to be baptized, attend church regularly, or give money to receive it. You simply believe and trust in what Jesus has already done—that He died, conquered death, and rose again to bring salvation to a broken world.

You cannot earn grace. You cannot “do good works” to be saved.

“By grace you have been saved through faith; and that [faith] not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

You may be thinking, “You don’t know what I’ve done—the things I still do. I’m not ready to give up the things God says are wrong.” But God already knows. He created you. He sees you. He loves you anyway.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Even knowing everything you would do, He still went to the cross. He still offers the gift.

“Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,
I praise You for Your mercy and grace toward me.
Thank You for the gift of salvation.
Please work in the hearts of those who don’t yet know You.
Ease their fears, answer their questions, and reveal Your love and goodness—for You alone are good.

Lord, Your return is near. Our time is short.
Remind us that today is indeed the acceptable day.

In Christ alone,
Amen.

Pride

A Christian Reflection on Pride

“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” — 1 John 2:16 KJV

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Worldwide, June is Pride Month. We see colorful banners and clothing all around us. It began as a commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

While society celebrates Pride in various ways, Christians are called to consider how we respond—not with hostility or anger, but through the lens of Scripture. Let's reflect on the values of dignity, visibility, and self-affirmation from a Biblical perspective.

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Dignity: Image-Bearers

All people are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). All have the dignity afforded God's crowning creation.

"For thou (God) has made him (humanity) a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour."
— Psalm 8:5, KJV

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Visibility: God Sees Us

God sees those who are overlooked—the invisible, the marginalized, and the outcast (Gen 16:13). Jesus died for all people.

"For God so loved the world…"
— John 3:16

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Self-Affirmation: A New Identity in Christ

In Scripture, our sense of self-worth is not rooted in self-affirmation, but in our identity in Christ.

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
— Psalm 139:14, ESV

Paul echoes this:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
— 2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV

True affirmation comes not from within, but from who we are in Christ Jesus.

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Pride: A Biblical Warning

The concept of pride is easier to recognize than to define. Often, we detect it in others long before we see it in ourselves. One writer defines pride as:

"Undue confidence in and attention to our skills, abilities, state, possessions, position, or accomplishments."

Synonyms include arrogance, presumption, conceit, boasting, and high-mindedness. Pride becomes rebellion when it attributes to self the glory and honor that is due God alone.

Scripture consistently warns against the kind of pride associated with arrogance and a lack of humility:

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
— Proverbs 16:18 ESV

"A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will bring honor."
— Proverbs 29:23 NASB

Jesus also lists pride among the evils that come from the human heart:

"...evil thoughts, fornications, thefts...slander, pride, and foolishness..."
— Mark 7:21–22 NASB

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False Humility and True Strength

False humility is equally dangerous. Boasting in Christ—not ourselves—is the proper Christian mindset.

Paul writes that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. But in context, he refers to enduring suffering, hunger, and imprisonment (Phil. 4:10–14).

Whatever we do, we do by God's grace, not our own strength.

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Two Kinds of Pride

The pride this month celebrates is very different from the pride God warns us against.

"For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” — 1 John 2:16 KJV

God warns us of the "pride of life," a self-exalting attitude that is not from Him but from the world.

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Heavenly Father

We praise you for the good you have done through us.
We ask forgiveness for all that falls short.
Guide us, Lord, as we navigate a world marked by beauty and brokenness.
Help us to remember to love others as you love them.

When Jesus was on earth, He welcomed sinners and outcasts.
He broke bread with them and loved them, and pointed to a better way—
Not by celebrating their sin, but by offering salvation.

Help us, dear Lord, to walk in that same love and truth.

In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.

The Big Red Ball: When Grief Comes Bouncing Back

Grief, pain, and sorrow do not come with a timeline. Sometimes they crash into our lives long after the event is over. On anniversaries—or in the middle of an ordinary Tuesday—grief doesn’t care. It arrives uninvited, bringing a wave of memories and pain that feels just as fresh as the day it began.

So many people, so much pain.

A friend lost her husband and daughter in the same year. Another lost her father after a long illness. Mothers have lost children through tragic accidents. Sometimes, it’s simply too much to bear. And we ask ourselves: How can we comfort someone when that awful anniversary is looming?

Much has been written about what not to say. I won’t repeat all that advice here. But let me offer this: “I’m sorry” is always welcome. Tell a story about the loved one if you knew them. Give the grieving space to cry and to remember. You know your friend—do they need solitude, or do they prefer companionship? A quick call or text can help you know what they need before you show up.

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The Red Ball of Grief

A friend once shared a story with me, one that I now pass along to others who are hurting. I hope it helps you or someone you love.

Think of your life as a box, filled with all your experiences. Then, one day, something terrible happens—a grief event. That grief becomes a big red ball inside your box.

At first, the ball is enormous. It touches all sides of your box at once, pressing against everything, overwhelming your ability to think, breathe, or function. The pain is constant. It’s always there.

But over time, something changes. Not the ball—it stays the same size—but the box gets bigger. As time moves forward, you add new experiences, relationships, and moments to your life. Your box expands.

The ball still bounces around. It still hits the sides of the box sometimes, and when it does, the pain comes rushing back. But now, it doesn’t hit as often. The intervals get longer. And sometimes, you can see it coming—birthdays, holidays, the anniversary of the loss.

You plan for it. You brace. You visit those who understand.

I went to see my widowed aunt and cousins on the first anniversary of my own loss. They knew what I needed: space, understanding, and a shared silence that said, “We get it.”

As time goes on, other red balls may enter your box. New losses. New grief. And they don’t replace the old ball—they bounce off each other. Sometimes they clash so forcefully that it’s hard to tell one sorrow from the next.

But now, you know. You’ve felt this before. You’ve grown. You’ve survived.

A great loss is not something you “get over.” It’s something you get through—and not alone. Sometimes you’re the one with the ball. Sometimes it’s someone else.

When you see their ball, don’t ignore it. You won’t remind them of their pain—they already feel it. What they might need is:

• Someone to hold them when the ball crashes into them.

• Someone to soften the blow.

• Or someone to tell a funny story about the person they lost.

Stories give shape to the ball. They help us remember with love instead of only pain. And sometimes, they help the ball bounce a little more gently.

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A Prayer for the Grieving

Dear God in Heaven,

You suffered loss as we do.

Jesus lost His earthly father as a young man.
He lost His cousin John to a brutal murder.
He lost a dear friend in Lazarus.

And finally, Father, You lost Your Son to the cross.

You understand what it means to grieve.

We praise You for the promise of no more tears, no more sorrow, no more sickness or death.
Thank You that we feel loss so deeply because we have loved so intensely.

We long for the reunion we are promised.

In Christ alone,
Amen

Patience Grasshopper

Patience, Young Grasshopper

One of my favorite TV shows as a teenager was Kung Fu with David Carradine. In frequent flashbacks, his character—then a young monk-in-training—was taught by his Chinese master, who often reminded him, "Patience, young grasshopper," whenever he struggled to master a skill or understand a lesson.

Patience is one of the hardest virtues to teach children—and maybe even harder for adults to practice. I still vividly remember being told, "Patience is a virtue."

Today, we live in a world that runs on instant gratification. Social media rewards us with "likes" in seconds. News must be digested in under 30 seconds. We expect instant responses to emails and texts. We want what we want, and we want it now.

But God is not on our schedule.

He is infinitely patient—slow to anger and rich in mercy. He promises to return and redeem what is broken, but His timing is not our own. As 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise... He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

We're called to reflect this patience—even when life makes it hard. James 1:2–4 and Colossians 3:12–13 remind us that patience, especially in trials, shapes our character and reflects Christ.

So how do we live with patience in a hurry-up-and-wait world?

We imitate Him who created us. We slow down. We love those who make us count to ten. We remember that patience isn't a quick fix—it’s a steady trust in God’s timing. It's empathy: recognizing that everyone is facing something we can't see. It’s humility: realizing we're not the center of the universe.

Next time someone cuts you off in traffic or runs late or seems afraid of something you find simple—pray for them. Not that they’d "get it together," but that they’d find peace in Christ. And pray that you might show grace in moments you don’t understand.

Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22–23 that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” These aren’t separate fruits from different trees—they’re all expressions of the same Spirit. If we’re growing in patience, we’ll show love. If we have self-control, we’ll be more gentle. Don’t let the enemy steal your peace with impatience.

Patience isn’t passive. It’s not just waiting—it’s how we wait. It’s choosing love over irritation. I wouldn’t be here if Jesus hadn’t been patient with me.

And remember: if you pray for patience, God just might give you the opportunity to practice it. (The first time I did, He dropped two little children at my house in the Bush—but that’s a story for another time.)

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Patience is not the ability to wait, but to have a good attitude while waiting.

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Heavenly Father,
You are so patient with me—thank You.
Please help me be kind, generous, and patient with those around me.
Some lessons are hard, but nothing is too hard for You.
Correct my attitude when impatience creeps in,
and teach me to respond with love.

I love You, Lord Jesus.
Amen

Not All Who Wander are Lost

 Wandering with a Purpose: Trusting the True GPS

After moving to a large metropolitan city, I’ve found the need to “get out of town” rising more often. There’s something about wide-open skies, mountains, and the stillness of nature that restores the soul—especially after days surrounded by pavement, buildings, and nonstop noise.

Earlier this year, I visited Oatman, Arizona—a small town with an Old West vibe, semi-wild burros wandering the streets, and rich history. Named after Olive Oatman, a girl who survived an Indian massacre in 1851, the town was settled by miners in 1915 and feels like a step back in time. I loved it and wanted to share it with friends, so we planned a day trip.

We were excited, but Las Vegas traffic had other plans. It took nearly an hour on the I-11 before we began to see desert sand, mountains, and the spindly silhouettes of Joshua trees. Our route took us past signs for Pearce Ferry, Dolan Springs, Chloride, and even a place called Santa Claus—before reaching Kingman, the largest town between Vegas and Oatman. There, we picked up historic Route 66, once the great American highway stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica.

Though I had GPS, I wasn’t entirely confident—we were in the mountains, and signal drops are real. We started noticing signs of recent storms: standing water and dirt debris. Then, the pavement ended. The road ahead was rough, the homes sparse and weathered, and the horizon obscured. Uncertain, and encouraged by my passengers, I turned around. We reprogrammed the GPS and were rerouted through tiny towns where livestock outnumbered people. Eventually, we found ourselves on Route 68… headed somewhere.

The detour made me think of Moses. His journey from Egypt to the Promised Land had divine GPS—God’s Positioning System—guiding them with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21). All they had to do was trust and follow. But when the path ahead looked uncertain or too hard, they turned around. Fear replaced faith, and a trip that should have taken weeks stretched into forty years.

As for us? Turns out, had we stayed the course down that dirt road, we would have made it to Oatman. The road was passable—just muddy from recent floods.

The lesson? When the road ahead seems unclear or uncomfortable, keep trusting your GPS—Jesus Christ. He never loses signal. When we take detours (and we all do), He gently invites us back. You may not reach your original destination, but you will arrive exactly where God can use you. Like the Israelites who finally entered the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership, you'll come to realize—you are home.

That day, we may not have made it to Oatman, but we made meaningful memories. We had deep conversations, laughed, sat in silence, and reflected. As J.R.R. Tolkien said, “Not all those who wander are lost.” We weren’t truly lost. We just didn’t know exactly where we were… until we did. Civilization reappeared, the Colorado River sparkled in the sun, and familiar comforts welcomed us. It wasn’t the place we set out to find—but it was exactly where we were supposed to be.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You alone direct our feet and know our path.
Thank You for the guidance You provide.
Forgive us when we do not trust You—
when we lean on our own understanding
and turn aside in our own wisdom.
We praise You for bringing us through doubts
and fears, keeping us safe in Your hand.

In Jesus’ holy and precious name, Amen.

God Winks

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God Winks and Open Doors

I call those little moments when something unexpected happens God Winks. It's like God saying, “Here—I did this for you.” Lately, I’ve experienced a series of God Winks that have deeply blessed my heart.

I’m nearly finished earning my Master of Arts in Christian Leadership. Honestly, I’m walking the tightrope between burnout and wondering if I can afford more school. On a whim, I decided to double up on a few classes so I could graduate sooner. My counselor made it happen, and now I’ll finish in early May instead of late June.

God Wink #1: If I hadn’t changed my schedule, I would still be in school—and unable to consider what came next.

A few weeks later, my church announced a short-term mission trip to South Africa. I’ve thought about going on missions before (one trip to Indonesia was canceled due to the pandemic). While I love to travel, South Africa wasn’t on my top-ten bucket list. Still, I was curious and wanted to attend an informational meeting—but both were scheduled during my time out of town visiting family and friends.

God Wink #2: My best friend/sister and her husband returned a day early from their trip, so I got home in time to attend the final meeting.

My late husband Jim and I never had children of our own, but we helped raise my nephews, fostered kids, and have lots of “adopted” children and grandchildren. I’ve always been involved in children’s ministry at church.

God Wink #3: At the meeting, we learned one of the mission sites would be an orphanage. I knew right then—I had to go.

I moved to Las Vegas to be closer to my elderly mother. She lives independently, but her health isn’t great. I wanted to be sure one of my siblings could be nearby while I was away. One brother would be working on the North Slope in Alaska. Another travels a lot. I wasn’t sure it would work out.

God Wink #4: My middle brother said, “Just go—we’ll figure it out.” Because of their love for me and our mom, my brothers are generously using their leave time and flying thousands of miles so I can go on this trip.

There were only two weeks between the informational meeting and the sign-up deadline. With just two days to spare—and after much prayer—I signed up.

Retirement and part-time work mean my budget is tight. The cost of the trip was more than I could manage comfortably. So, stepping out in faith and way outside my comfort zone, I asked for help.

God Wink #5: My friends and family responded with such generosity. I am now fully funded—airfare, room, board, everything. God is so good.

Some would call all this coincidence. I call it divine orchestration. I believe God has something special waiting in South Africa—for those we’ll serve, and for me too.

Please join me in prayer for this mission. For those already serving, for the children we’ll meet, and for our team as we prepare to go.

Acts 1:8 tells us we will be Jesus’ witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” Like Isaiah, when God asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” I’m saying, “Here am I. Send me.”

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the opportunity to serve You beyond my comfort zone.
I praise You for calling me to the remotest parts of the earth
and for allowing me to see Your hand at work in my life.
Please bless each person on our team—keep us healthy and ready to serve.
Prepare the hearts of those in Gqeberha, and prepare our hearts with love, joy, and the Holy Spirit.

In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Tell the Story

I Love to Tell the Story

As many of you know, I’m currently working toward my Master’s degree in Christian Leadership. Recently in class, we were asked to reflect on how the Gospel speaks to believers—especially those of us who are more mature in our faith. Does the Gospel still move us? Do we take it for granted? Or is it still sweet every time we hear the old, old story?

I’m an avid reader, and I often reread books more than I pick up new ones. (By the way, if you have any great fiction recommendations, let me know!) But among all the books I return to, none draw me back more than the Gospels. I especially love the Gospel of John. In truth, I fell in love with Jesus through John’s words. Every time I revisit these books, they teach me something new.

I’ve learned how to love because of how deeply I am loved. I’ve learned how to forgive because of how fully I’ve been forgiven. I’m still learning to pray better—not out of obligation, but because talking with my best friend is essential to our relationship. Sometimes, I get lost in the awe of God's limitlessness, holiness, and majesty—and I forget that this same God is always right here with me, caring for me like the smallest atom in a vast universe. While I’m often too busy, Jesus never is.

Jesus didn’t have to come in the flesh. God could’ve started over after humanity’s first rebellion. But instead, His boundless love was poured out through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Jesus wept in sorrow (John 11:35). He rejoiced with friends (Luke 10:21–24). He sought quiet time with the Father (Mark 6:45–46). He showed righteous anger at injustice (John 2:14–16). He was patient with disciples who struggled to understand (Matt. 17:20).

He’s patient with me, too.

Jesus reminds me that no matter how many times I mess up, He is faithful to forgive. All four Gospels recount Peter’s denial—and yet, after the resurrection, Peter is forgiven in the most beautiful way (John 21:15–17). If Jesus could forgive His closest earthly friends, surely He forgives us as well.

So dear friends, I encourage you: read the Gospels often. Let them tell you the old, old story again. Find a Christian friend and remind each other of His never-ending love. Share with a pre-believing friend about the hope they can find in Jesus.

The Gospels contain it all—adventure, romance, family dynamics, friendship, betrayal, mystery, and redemption. Some of us need to return to our First Love. We get so focused on studying theology, memorizing verses, or searching for new truths that we forget to simply savor the sweetness of the Story.

The Gospel should never grow old. As the old hymn says:

I Love to Tell the Story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love.

👉 Alan Jackson – I Love To Tell the Story (Live) on YouTube

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,
I praise You for the love You show.
Thank You for teaching me how to love.
That You forgive even me still blows me away.
Thank You for teaching me how to forgive.
Lord, I love to tell the story.
Please give me the courage and wisdom to share it with others.
Thank You for the writers You inspired to tell Your story.
We love You, Lord.

Amen.

The Perfect Church

Is Your Church Perfect?

Do you attend the perfect church?

The music is biblical. The preaching is on fire every week. Teaching is solid at every level, no matter where you are in your walk. The pastor is always available, ready to meet with you and answer your questions with wisdom. The pews are comfortable, the temperature just right. The children are perfectly behaved, and the youth group has never even heard of rebellion. And best of all—there are more than enough volunteers for every single project.

If that sounds like your church… I invite you to look closer.

No, go closer. Take a long, honest look. Is your church really perfect?

In Revelation, John writes about seven churches, each unique—and none of them perfect. So, where does your church fit?

• Maybe it’s like Ephesus, standing firm against false teachers, but losing sight of its first love.

• Or Smyrna, faithful through trial and persecution.

• Perhaps it’s like Pergamum, letting just a little compromise sneak in—a little bit won’t hurt, right?

• Or Thyatira, where compromise has grown into full acceptance.

• Could it be like Sardis, having the reputation of life but spiritually asleep?

• Maybe it resembles Laodicea, lukewarm, comfortably indifferent to truth and holiness.

• Or, prayerfully, your church is like Philadelphia—steadfast, true, enduring in the face of opposition.

Most churches are a mix of these. Many go through seasons, shifting from one to another over time. So what’s the most important thing we can do for our church?

Okay, that was a slow pitch, right over the plate:

Pray!

• Pray for your pastor—he is on the front lines.

• Pray for the leadership team, navigating with discernment.

• Pray for the person beside you in the pew, for their faith, their burdens, their walk with Christ.

One of my former churches had an amazing prayer chain. When someone had a need—or a praise—it took minutes, maybe hours, before people were already lifting them up before God. They didn’t have to wait days for a formal team. That’s what the Body of Christ is supposed to look like.

If you haven’t read Revelation 2–3 recently, go back and do it—it’s only 51 verses. This time, read it personally. We are the church. Where do you fit? Have you allowed false teachings or worldly compromise into your life?

Go ahead… I’ll wait.

And now I’ll ask again:

What’s the most important thing?

Prayer.

We need to pray for one another. We need to pray for ourselves. We need to repent, rejoice, praise, forgive, petition, thank, love, and adore our Holy and merciful God.

Don’t chase the “perfect church.” It doesn’t exist. But you can find a church with faithful, expository teaching and a desire to follow Jesus. Like the Bereans in Acts 17, search the Scriptures daily to test what you hear. Tradition, dogma, even doctrine—these aren’t always the same as truth. If you have questions, go to your church leadership and ask! A healthy church welcomes truth-seekers.

---

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of prayer, for the invitation to come boldly before Your throne of grace.
Help us remember that there is only one Church, and You alone are its head.
Guide each person reading this to the place where You want them to serve.
Give us peace as we worship together, and eyes to see where we can help correct errors in our churches.
Grant us extra grace and discernment as we speak with the leaders You’ve appointed.
Jesus, we love You.

Amen.

Where to Turn

Where Do You Turn?

Where do you turn when your strength is failing?

• When the kids have gotten on your last nerve.

• When nothing seems to be going according to plan.

• When the doldrums hit you out of nowhere.

Where do you turn?

• Maybe your spouse.

• Maybe your best friend.

• Maybe your pastor or mentor.

• Maybe a parent, or your adult child.

Or… maybe you have no one to turn to.

Maybe it’s time to turn to The One—first.

The writer of Hebrews puts it this way:

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
—Hebrews 4:16

Don’t stop at just one verse. Go read the whole chapter. It’s short—I’ll wait.

Done? What did you think?

Hebrews 4 talks a lot about rest. But what kind of rest? Chapter 3 sets the stage by reminding us of the Israelites’ unbelief. They didn’t trust that God could lead them into the Promised Land. Because of their mistrust, they wandered for 40 years, never entering His rest. Unbelief kept them from peace.

But Chapter 4 reminds us: we still have the opportunity to enter that rest. And not someday—today.

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (v. 7b)

This rest is both spiritual and physical. In the original Greek, the phrase “enter into” implies physically stepping into a state. And “rest” means to cease from activity—to experience refreshment and freedom from anxiety. Doesn’t that sound like something we all need?

Maybe it’s not just about taking a nap (although more sleep never hurts). It’s about intentionally stepping away from the source of stress and stepping into God's peace.

You may be thinking, Sure. Easy for you to say. I’ll just snap my fingers and poof—instant calm.

But how do we actually enter that rest?

Hebrews 4:12–13 tells us:

“For the word of God is living and active… piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit… able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart… and all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”

Stay in God’s Word. Let it speak to you. Let Him search your heart.

He already knows your worries, your hurts, your fears, your failures. Nothing is hidden from Him. And He—Jesus—is our Great High Priest. We don’t need to go through anyone else. No priest, pastor, or mentor stands in that place. Just Jesus.

So draw near. Walk boldly to the throne of grace. Lay your burdens down—every worry, complaint, fear, and hidden ache. His mercy and grace are there, waiting for you.

He is your help in times of trouble.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,
I come before You humbly—yet confidently—
because of Jesus.
I lay my sorrows, burdens, guilt, and secret struggles
at the foot of the Cross and at Your throne of grace.

As I spend time in Your Word,
Help me understand what You want me to know.
Guide my steps. Speak to my soul.
Give me grace, mercy, and peace as only You can.

I love You, Lord Jesus.
In Your precious name I pray, Amen.

God's Vending Machine

Vending machines are a wonderful invention. In 1822, English publisher Richard Carlile built a machine that would dispense banned books and other works. In the early 1880s, coin-operated machines were invented by Percival Everitt, his machine gave patrons stationery supplies like envelopes and postcards. However, these were not the first vending machines. According to our friend Google, the first recorded example of a simple vending machine was invented by a Greek mathematician, Hero of Alexandria. His machine dispensed holy water in Egyptian temples.

Enough history. 

I have seen vending machines that dispense everything from candy and cookies to shoes and electronics. I have even seen cars in vending machines. The concept is simple. Put in some money, make a selection, and poof! out comes the requested item. 

How many of us treat prayer like God's vending machine? I only have to ask for something (my selection), use the phrase "in Jesus' name" (the money), and my selection will soon arrive. After all, Jesus did say that whatever we ask in His name, He would do it (John 14:14). Sometimes we do not even have to ask in His name. When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, He said nothing about praying in Jesus' name: "give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:9-13, Luke 11: 2-4). Later in the same chapter in Luke, Jesus went on to say that if you ask for something, it will be given to you (Luke 11:9-10). 

So, no, there are no magic words or special formulas when we are petitioning God for something. 

God, the Lord Jesus Christ, loves us more than we can possibly comprehend. He only wants the best for us; however, if what we are asking for is not in God's will, the answer will be no! Jesus prayed that He would not have to die for our sins - let this cup pass from Me - but He also prayed for His Father's will to be done, not His (fleshly) will (Matthew 26:39-42). 

Thank God, Praise His Holy Name, that prayer was answered "no."

If we let Him, God will give us more than we ever imagined possible. Sometimes, the blessing is the way we imagined, but often, it is nothing like we thought it would be. Trust Him!

Praying is talking to the God of the universe. It is personal communication with the Living God. When you pray, you never have to wonder if God hears you (Proverbs 15:29, James 5:16) or understands you (Romans 8:26). You do not need flowery words, you do not need to assume a specific position, and you do not even have to close your eyes. You just need to talk to Him, He wants to hear from you!

Heavenly Father

Thank You for letting us come before you to talk with you,

to pour out our hurts, triumphs, petitions, and worries.

As we come before you in humble praise, thanksgiving, and adoration, help us to remember

You are our Abba, Father; we are Your adopted children.

Help us also remember that You are the Holy God, 

the Creator and Sustainer of life.

Help us never to forget your Holiness and Awesomeness 

Forgive us when we reduce You to a vending machine.

We love you Jesus, Amen

When is Fear Sinful?

 Isn't fear a wonderful thing? Fear is what keeps us back from a ledge, from racing down a mountain at high speeds, or walking down a trail after smelling a bear. Fear can keep us safe from danger. 

Of course, we are commanded to fear God, twenty times in Proverbs alone it talks about fearing God or extolling the fear of the Lord. That fear is showing the proper reverence for God. Respect, awe, majesty. It is not the afraid fear. After all, the only thing we should be afraid of regarding God is not having our names written in the Book of Life. 

What about the fear that grips your stomach and will not let go. The fear that makes you break out in a cold sweat just thinking about what might happen. The fear that holds you back from God's best plan for your life. The built-in safety mechanism calls us to take flight, fight, or freeze. 

God knows everything about us, including our natural fear of the unknown. That is why He gave us the flight or fight instinct. But, I have come to realize that for me, that fear of the unknown is a form of pride. It is a sin that must be dealt with. Let me explain.

When I walk into a crowded room I am always a little fearful. If it is a crowded room of strangers, I am ready to flee or freeze, depending on the situation. I think Joshua was a bit like that at first. He was Moses' right-hand man. He had all authority under Moses, he was one of two people in his generation to step into the Promised Land. He was an adult when he was sent as a spy and then wandered for forty years in the wilderness. Joshua was at least 60 by my guess when Moses died and he was put in charge. He was expected to conquer the Promised Land, lead hundreds of thousands (or more) of people, and talk to God like Moses.  Whew! I would have been terrified! Too much responsibility! Joshua did not have to say a word though. God knew his heart and encouraged Joshua most sweetly. I imagine God putting His arm around Joshua's shoulders and pointing across the river. To paraphrase God told Joshua not to worry, to get ready because we are crossing the Jordan River together. I am giving you this land, He said, just as I promised Moses. God went on to describe the territory Joshua would conquer, with God's help. Then He gave this promise "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous." (Josh 1:5-6a). He goes on to tell Joshua, one of the mightiest men in the Bible to be strong and courageous four times in that single chapter. God does not repeat Himself without reason. Joshua needed to be reminded to be strong and courageous. 

I have come to realize that my fear is not in disobeying the Lord, it is in people. It is my pride - what if they don't like me, what if I am not smart enough, what if I  am not good enough, or articulate enough, what if I am not enough for this group or that person? My focus you see, was all on me! I was not even giving God a chance to work through me even though I said that was what I wanted. I was allowing my fear to dictate my actions. I was using being an introvert as an excuse not to be around people created by God, in His image. (Introverts usually like people, we just need time to recharge after being around them.) I need to be reminded to be strong and courageous. I promise I do not have those attributes in myself but, if I step aside, I can be strong and courageous with God's help. 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 NASB, 1995)

Lord, Heavenly Father

Forgive me for taking my eyes off of You, and putting them on myself.

You command me to be strong and courageous, 

I cannot do that without Your help. 

Please give me your strength and courage. 

Thank you for encouraging me when I am discouraged,

Thank you for being with me wherever I go. 

Your promise never to leave me or forsake me is humbling, 

yet it fills me with hope and joy.

I praise Your Holy Name and pray in Jesus' name

Amen

A New Adventure Part 2: Driving down, settling in

Lynn and I had a great adventure while driving the Alcan highway. Bears and Buffalo, Ravens and Eagles, good drivers, and some no-so-good drivers. We ended up taking Duke and two of my cats. Thankfully, neither cat tried to escape and were surprisingly good travelers. Neko is a talker so we had to give her some meds to keep her quiet for part of the ride. She relaxed and watched the world go by as we moved steadily south.

Gas prices were high, very high in Canada; as much as $2.19 Canadian/liter (1 gallon is 3.78 liters) which made that stop $8.27/gallon. Fortunately the conversion rate was in our favor, but still...yikes! One of the concerns we had before leaving was getting Canadian currency. If you want Canadian money, they recommend stopping at an ATM or bank after crossing the border. We did not get any because I could use my VISA (AK Airlines miles baby!) everywhere we stopped.

Speaking of border crossings, we crossed into both the US and Canada twice on our travels. The longest we were stopped was going into Canada from Alaska. It took about 10 minutes to get through as they checked our passports and pet health certificates. They did not want to see the critters and the guard chatted pleasantly while waiting for the computer to confirm we were not a threat. The longest line was crossing into the US at Sweetwater Montana, which was close to an hour. When it was our turn it took only a couple of minutes, the same as crossing in and out of Haines. The drive from Haines Junction YT to Haines AK was beautiful. If you get a chance to go, I recommend you do so.

Edmonton AB provided the most stress for me. I had ensured all the hotels I booked accepted animals so Duke and the girls could stay with us. When we got to the hotel, they told us they did not take pets and it was too late to cancel our reservations. Trigger panic mode! I suggested Lynn take the room and I would stay in the car with the critters. She did not like that idea (go figure!). We called a dog boarding place where Duke could stay but they did not take cats. However, they recommended another place that accepted Duke and both cats on about a half-hour notice. They were truly an answer to prayer!

Salt Lake City had the worst room (by far) and also the worst traffic but it was also the last day on the road so it was not too stressful. There was rain in the mountains between St. George UT and Mesquite NV and I worried a little about flash floods. I was a few hours too soon in my concern. When we hit Ely NV the sky opened up. I am an Alaska girl; the first time I ever got behind the wheel of a car there was ice and snow on the road. I can drive through a raging snowstorm in the dark and think nothing of it but I have never driven through rain like that. I needed my wipers on full-high, for the first time ever. I was very grateful the person in front of me was driving with their hazard lights on because I could barely see the road. We found out later that it was the worst rain the area had seen in years. 

I am settling into the next chapter of life in a huge city. I love the sunshine and the much warmer temperatures. Duke and I are finding new hiking places and I have taken a two-day jaunt into Phoenix and back through Lake Havasu.

 I have found a good church and am learning to enjoy a new preaching style. They have been doing a series titled Signs and Signals based on Abraham and Sarah. It has spoken to me and my situation so much that I know it is from God. I am looking for work to get a place of my own. I have an interview tomorrow; it wouldn't be my first (or second or third) choice but it is work. I start working toward my Master's degree in Health and Wellness, emphasizing Family Dynamics on Thursday.

To You, O Lord I lift up my soul, O my God, in You I trust! (Ps 25:1)

Thank you, Heavenly Father

for bringing people into my life 

who love You and Worship You.

These brothers and sisters are precious when 

I am weary and alone.

Lift up those who are reading. Give them the desires

of their hearts that align with Your will.

Help them to see You and Your hand in all they do. 

Help them not to tire or be discouraged. 

We love You, Lord.

In Christ alone, and in His name I pray

Amen

if you are interested in photos and other details, see my facebook posts!

A New Adventure Part 1: Getting Ready

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 

As many of you know I am on a new life adventure. The adventure began in earnest earlier this year when I retired from a state job. The job was getting too stressful and was no longer fulfilling.  The past couple of winters have taken their toll on my mental health, and it was time to find warmth and sunshine. My mother is at a stage in life where my brothers and I felt it was time for me to move closer. Enter Las Vegas! 

 I thought moving was going to be a fairly simple thing. I'd be able to work my (two) part-time jobs, play one more summer in Alaska, and pack to move with no trouble. Boy, oh boy did I think wrongly about that one!

Fortunately, it rained all summer - not wonderful for going out and exploring my favorite places but great for clearing out excess stuff and packing. My goal was to only take the essentials, those things that really meant something or would not be easily replaceable in Las Vegas. I posted a lot of things on Marketplace, donated a lot, and made several dump runs. I whittled a three-bedroom house into two UHaul pods. I am starting from scratch with a plan and a purpose!

My first task was finding a good church. Have you ever looked for a good church in a city of 3 million people? It is not easy. I looked for one that offers an AWANA program, knowing that such a church would have good Bible teaching. I have attended one service and have not found anything that stood out as a red flag. I will attend a four-evening seminar next week and see how the teaching goes. This church offers three Sunday morning services and a Spanish evening service every week and boasts around 3000 members. 

My second task is finding a home in the same community in which my mom lives. It is a nice condo complex, with around 110 units. Each is single story with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The complex has a pool, hot tub, gym, and clubhouse. The area has large, mature trees and great walking paths. Duke is not crazy about the heat but he likes taking walks. I have liked this complex ever since Mom moved in nearly 30 years ago and have dreamed of living here for nearly as long. I need to sell my Alaska home and start working a second part-time job again before they will consider a mortgage. (prayers are coveted!)

I plan on getting my Master's Degree and work in a crisis pregnancy center or a church as a counselor. I hope to do the two of them at the same time. Stay tuned for Part 2, in which driving the Alcan with a friend, a dog, and two cats is described!

Heavenly Father

You are so good to me. You have brought me through

so much as I have grown and learned to really trust You. The 

adventure you have laid out for me is exciting and frightening at the same time.

You have taught me to step out of my comfort zone and into

Your comforting arms.

You have brought the right people into my life at the right time. 

You have given me a great family and amazing friends. You have 

taught me to acknowledge You in all things, to trust You in all things, 

and to turn to you in all things.

I love you, Lord Jesus. It is in Your precious name I pray,

Amen  

Drowning in Snow

That winter, there were more days with snow than not. It seemed every day there was another inch, maybe another foot, but a lot of snow fell at Paradise Lake. We tried to track the accumulated depth, but our measuring table was soon covered.

Jim had to snowshoe in front of our dog team to break trail for them, sometimes both ways when the snow fell inches per hour. We had to pull some of the longer trap lines early because we could not keep up with the snow. Keeping the trails around the cabin open to collect firewood or water was a chore.

Our house looked like a cracker box turned on its side. It was long and straight, with no fancy roof lines or jutting extensions. We had solar panels on our roof, and while the roof was not flat, it did not have a steep pitch either. The roof had to be shoveled off - often. That was my job.

Early in the season, it was easy; the snow would slide off the metal roof under its own weight. Removing a foot or more was a little more challenging; I had to get on top with a shovel, but the snow would slide off. Our house was built on a slight slope, so the front eave was 15 feet or more off the ground. However, the back was only about 7 or 8 feet off the ground. The job became more challenging by Thanksgiving when the accumulation of snow was up to the back eave of the house. The windows were long buried, and the back of the house was perpetually dark. The snow no longer had an easy path to follow, and I was no longer breaking apart slabs of snow to slide. I was shoveling snow onto an ever-growing pile. Soon I was shoveling snow over my head.

It was too much; the burden was too great. I could no longer pull my own weight and needed help. Even though Jim was exhausted from his own battles with the snow we pulled together, we moved some of the snow away from the house. I still had a lot of snow to shovel, but there was no longer a danger of losing the roof to the snow load.

Jim cut a tree near the house that winter. He cut it even with the snow line at the time. Later, when all the snow had melted, and summer was again upon us, the stump was over 15 feet tall. We had a lot of snow that year.

That season seemed like a never-ending cycle of waking up, digging or snow-showing trails, doing chores, and collapsing into bed. There was no time or energy left for leisure or relaxation; rest was a dream.

Sometimes we seem caught in a rut of work, chores, sleep, repeat. How do we manage without getting burned out or snapping at those we love? Jesus told us in Matthew 11:28 to come to Him all who are weary and burdened; He will give you rest. Paul described several times when he did not want to be a burden to those to whom he was writing. Yet he told the Galatians to “bear one another’s burdens, thereby fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2).

What does bearing burdens look like in a practical world? It begins with prayer. Pray for one another. Yes, prayer is immensely practical! When we pray, we are bringing our burdens, or those of others, to the foot of the throne of God. We are laying them at the feet of the One who gives us strength, peace, and comfort. God will also tell us how to physically help.

Next, find out what is needed. You might have to ask a third party. Ask the burdened one if you can help meet their need by (name something). Do not ask how you can help; often, you will be met with, “Nothing – I am OK.”

Third, “It is more blessed to give than receive” also speaks to helping others. Helping or service is one of the gifts of the Spirit. It does not speak only to helping at the church building but helps those who make up the church. We are one family, and families do for one another.

Finally, if you have burdens, let people know! It is wise to admit it and accept help if you are burdened. Rugged individualism does not have a place in giving or receiving Christian service.

Heavenly Father,

You are our Help in time of need.

Remind us, Lord, that coming to You should not be the last resort

But the first cry of a life in need.

When the snow is overwhelming

And never seems to end

When life has stopped sliding easily and

We begin to dig,

Remind us, Lord, that we are a  family.

And it is right and good to help the family.

Remind us, Lord, that we are a family

And it is OK to ask family for help

When we are drowning in the busyness of life

And simply need help, remind us, Lord.

In Christ alone, and in Jesus’ name, we pray,

Amen

Obedience

 Why is it so difficult for some of us to be obedient? Whether to parents, supervisors, and (maybe especially) God, obeying has always been difficult for me. Do not get me wrong. I think rules and laws are essential; there must be order to live in a free society. Without rules and laws, there is only chaos. I suppose I look for logic and reason behind the rules and laws.

Matthew tells a parable of two sons who had difficulty obeying their father’s will. The father asked the first son to work the vineyard, and the son flat-out said no. So the father went to the second son with the same request, and this son said sure, I’ll go. However, the second son did not go. Perhaps he was caught up in another activity and forgot; maybe he was just trying to appease his father, we are not told. We are not told how long it took for the first son to obey, but he had a change of heart and went to work. Which obeyed the father? The first, of course. (Matt. 21:28-32).

When I became a Christian in February 1986, I lived in the Bush. I had no church, no pastor, and no understanding of obedience to God. For a while, I even thought I had to become Jewish and obey all the Laws of Moses. I was raised in a denomination that baptizes infants. It seemed fitting to me, so I did not think anything more about baptism for years.

We began attending a Baptist church when we moved onto the road system. The pastor asked if I had been baptized. I answered yes, but…He stopped me, saying he did not need the details. A few years later, a second pastor asked the same question with the same result. As I grew in my faith and learned more about God and what the Bible said, I began understanding the difference between my infant baptism and baptism after coming to faith. I know that salvation is in Christ alone, not in Christ and anything else, including baptism.

So what does all of this have to do with anything? I went to school in obedience, knowing a teacher is held to a higher standard (James 3:1). I also know to be obedient, a Christian should be baptized. Why have I put it off? I tell myself it is because I do not want others to think I have been guiding and teaching under false pretenses - that I was not a Christian. I have come to realize that what others think should not sway me from obeying God. I know I have loved, followed, and served Him for over 37 years – more importantly, He has known it. Luke tells us that the angels rejoice over one sinner who repents, not over one who is baptized.

So, I will be baptized sometime in July, fully submerged, symbolizing death, burial, and resurrection and celebrating having become a new creature in Christ Jesus all those years ago. Pray for courage and that I don’t have a panic attack; being fully underwater in a lake, pool, ocean, or baptismal tank is a real fear.

Lord heavenly Father

Thank you for your infinite patience with me

and please forgive my disobedience.

I praise You for Your lovingkindness, Your mercy, and grace.

Always guide my words and actions to bring You

all honor and glory

as I strive to be more obedient.

In Christ alone, and in Jesus’ name, I pray

Amen