My mentor and spiritual father is only days from passing from this earth. He has fought leukemia for over two years now. As I have began to process this, I am reminded of how much he has meant to me and so many others. I have admired his strength, integrity, and composure under difficult circumstances. Most of all, I have admired his faith.
It is not easy to tell someone you love good-bye. In fact, it has been one of the most heart-wrenching things I have ever been faced with. My consolation is that one day I will get to see him in heaven. That does not ease the pain. But it gives me something to look forward to.
I pray that I can have the same impact on people's lives that Pastor Dean has. If I can be half the man and pastor he is then I will have accomplished something worthwhile in this life.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Well, I am back at it.
I took a hiatus from blogging, but now I believe the time is right to start again. This blog will allow me to share some things that I pray will benefit and encourage people.
An incident happened today that brought 1 Peter 3:15 to life for me. The whole idea of that verse is "to be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."
I had the opportunity to encourage someone who was going through a very difficult time. It was at a moment that was totally unexpected. God used this event to impress upon me the huge responsibilities we have as believers in Jesus Christ.
Christ did not die for us so we could sit comfortably back and watch others struggling in this dark world we live in. We must actively engage others, even if it means we get uncomfortable in the process. Jesus did not pay the penalty for our sins so we can watch others drift in a sea of hopelessness and despair.
We have the answer. And His name is Jesus. My prayer is God will use me every day to reach out to others, even if I am not aware of it. Even if it makes me uncomfortable. Even if it is inconvenient. Christ deserves no less. We must give our all.
In His Grace,
Bryan
I took a hiatus from blogging, but now I believe the time is right to start again. This blog will allow me to share some things that I pray will benefit and encourage people.
An incident happened today that brought 1 Peter 3:15 to life for me. The whole idea of that verse is "to be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."
I had the opportunity to encourage someone who was going through a very difficult time. It was at a moment that was totally unexpected. God used this event to impress upon me the huge responsibilities we have as believers in Jesus Christ.
Christ did not die for us so we could sit comfortably back and watch others struggling in this dark world we live in. We must actively engage others, even if it means we get uncomfortable in the process. Jesus did not pay the penalty for our sins so we can watch others drift in a sea of hopelessness and despair.
We have the answer. And His name is Jesus. My prayer is God will use me every day to reach out to others, even if I am not aware of it. Even if it makes me uncomfortable. Even if it is inconvenient. Christ deserves no less. We must give our all.
In His Grace,
Bryan
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