Moving Forward into 2018 with Gladness!

2017 was eventful in ways we as a nation had never seen before. Instead of listing all of the negatives, I'd like to focus on the positive.

At the time of this writing, I am in good health, enjoy a fulfilling career, joyfully married to my best friend, and all of our children, and grandchildren are well and experiencing enriched lives - all by the power and grace of God.

As a believer, I know that God is in control - and He is not surprised by the happenings in this world.  During this year, the true characters have been revealed of some of the so-called powerful individuals some have admired.  This should be no surprise to believers. The Bible is clear that what is done in the dark will come to light. Our sins will eventually be found out.  Even non-believers understand the force of cause and effect, and karma. It's real.

So the golden rule is still the best compass - whether you are a believer or not. Simply do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This does not guarantee that others will treat you well - some may even lie on you because they lack scruples themselves and have no moral compass. The end result, however, is what your heart knows - your conscience is clear. And as another saying goes, "the truth will come out."

Today, I celebrate the end of a turbulent year with great news! My second daughter, my middle child, has become engaged to a wonderful, God-fearing young man and our family is ecstatic with joy and gratitude. Her late father would be extremely pleased. The young man asked me for her hand with the utmost  care, respect and meticulous preparation! 

Derek and Angela, engaged, 12/29/17!!

I am blessed to witness that the prayers of the righteous do avail much - even after they have passed away. 

God is great, and greatly to be praised! And I wish for us all the blessings of joy, peace and love to abide within us, that we may share with others who are in need, throughout the new year!

Having a Real Relationship with God is Everything...4

There's been many a sweet love song with lyrics that have helped to seal the deal for millions of people. One such song, an obscure number titled, "In Love We Grow" from the popular 70s R&B group, "Rufus", speaks very clearly to our message today. The lyrics are as follows:

"We go on and on/from dawn to dawn
the years have flown much faster than we know/
and still in love we grow

Time has placed us here/afraid of fear
we've seen through tears that never should have come/and still in love we grow

Like a baby dove, our love, in time, it's snowy wings unfold
to soar, above

I'll stay, another hour, another day/my whole life
as long as I feel this way

I'll stay with you, I know, I know, I know
As long as I feel this way

In love, we'll grow"

"I'll stay...as long as I feel this way." Friends, the message to us today is - a God-centered marriage is meant to go the distance. And couples who cultivate an intentional relationship with the Lord, individually and collectively, won't rely on something as flimsy as feelings when things go wrong in marriage. They will depend on Him. He is the Keeper.

Having a Real Relationship with God is Everything...3

It has been said, "People make time for things they're interested in." And this month, as we continue to focus on cultivating a real relationship with God, we add the following:

When we meet someone who catches our eye in that special way, we begin to do everything we can to find out more about them. We want to learn their likes, dislikes, who they spend time with, what their habits are - it's a process that we are happy to go through because this person brings something unique to our lives. We find ourselves thinking seriously about going the distance with this person, and even begin to make changes to become the best choice for them. The time we are willing to put in - the joyous work of getting to know a prospective life partner - should be no more than the time we, as believers, put into getting to know the Lord. An intimate relationship with the Lord will actually give us a more informed understanding of who we should choose to love, honor and cherish until death.

The good news is, as long as we're alive, it's not too late to develop a closer relationship with the Lord. His power to transform us into the best we can be for Him, takes care of everyone else in our lives.

Having a Real Relationship with God is Everything..2

Everybody loves a wedding. And all of the preparation, planning and energy that go into making that day fabulous and special is very exciting!

May we remember that the preparation for the marriage is far more important than the wedding day. For after the reception is over and the guests have all gone home, the two who are now one will experience days that only God can hold together. And He only comes by invitation.

Having a Real Relationship with God is Everything - Revisited

Boaz Ministries is back! We are resuming our series, "Having a Real Relationship with God is Everything". As we move into the final month of 2017, we see the dire need for the "spiritual glue" that holds us together as individuals and as partners in relationships. Here are two quotes you may have seen - but they are no less meaningful. 

The message is one; for both men and women. 
May these words bless our souls.


B & B Edwards

What I would have said to my father this morning, on his 83rd birthday

In honor of your birthday, Daddy

I sing this song for you

"Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace...

Where there is hatred, let me sow love

Where there is injury, pardon

Where there is doubt, faith

Where there is despair, hope

Where there is darkness, light

Where there is sadness, joy

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled, as to console

to be understood, as to understand

to be loved, as to love

For it is in giving that we receive

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned

It is in dying, that we are born

to eternal life"

The Prayer of St. Francis

Our last Father's Day, 2014
Don W. Greathouse, 11/12/34 - 1/7/15 RIP

#readytodie

Not to be sensational or anything, I'm just reporting on facts here. As we have watched in horror, our "great nation" has become the mass murder capitol of the world. Scarcely a month can go by without another deadly tragedy taking place. We are seeing more and more random, and not so random killings.

We all know that we begin to die from the moment we are born- we know that we will die one day.  We don't obsess over it - we live with it, and accept, for the most part, that we have an expiration date that's "out there", somewhere. But what has sadly become part of our reality is "death by mass murderer." And these mass shootings can happen anywhere. Nowhere is safe. Not our homes, schools,  places of employment, grocery stores, favorite fast food restaurants, public parks, concerts, nor our very houses of worship!

There are some who are completely baffled by the increase of these heinous acts against innocent victims in our communities. But I am not. I'm saddened and devastated every time I hear of another demonic attack - can barely decompress from one event before another one occurs. But I'm not surprised.  I am in awe of the way the Bible outlines, through the words of Jesus, exactly what we are witnessing today.

With this knowledge and understanding, I am armed with the confidence to know that my protection and safety are found in my faith and trust in my Lord and Savior. All of these headline news stories solidify my stance and belief that God's Word is true - and binds me closer in relationship with Him. I am certain that my mission in life is to share God's love with those within my sphere of influence - and pray that those who seek Him will find Him. If I can be part of introducing someone to the peace and love - and joy - that knowing Christ brings, then amen.

In this world, in this time when we're all about the hashtag messaging - #staywoke, #metoo, #blm - and the rest, I implore believers to be vigilant about protecting our souls. One of my Facebook friends commented, in response to the Texas tragedy today, "The only safe place is in the arms of Jesus." I concur.

My friends, be encouraged. Be vigilant.

I'm not afraid to die. I live, by God's Holy Spirit, #readytodie.