All Roads Lead To The Cross!!!
This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
As I turn 40 years old, I would think wisdom comes with age, right? Or at least that’s what we hope; to get not only older but wiser, too. Over time, we start to integrate the experiences we've had so far into more informed decisions and healthier practices.
My childhood was anything but normal with my mother being a single hearing-impaired individual who had limited support. As I grew up in the church I didn’t follow the normal path. My pastor at the time at FCC was Jeff Bartlett who would become a mentor to me during my young years. Jeff would always let me stop in the office whenever I wanted to chat. As time went on he would take me to meetings that were happening in our region. During this time I was able to meet Howard Ratcliff and discover Camp Christian. Over twenty years ago when I first realized my call to ministry and now having the blessing of serving in the church and at camp. Though The road may have been winding and mountainous, every blind curve and hill has been a lesson to prepare me for the future.
Throughout life is very difficult, it is easy to find a complaint about what is wrong then see the blessing. We are all guilty of this. I always try to stop and remember someone is worse off than whatever issue I am inconvenienced by. Let us rejoice! It brings joy to know God’s given you and I breathe. God’s given us grace. He’s given us life. He’s given us people to love. And He’s given us things to enjoy as well as work to do. All of this just infuses joy and meaning into the day. Gladness. Let us be glad that we have another day, another day to live for others' good. Let’s be glad that we have another day to live for His glory and we have another day to live for our good and our joy in it. It changes your perspective when Psalm 118:24 greets you when you get out of bed. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. God has made it and He has good plans for you in it. Today may not be a good day for you. You may feel overwhelmed with anxiety or fear, or you may have an extremely difficult task to do, but we must remember God is always present even if we don’t see the blessing. David had learned to sing to God songs of praise when he was hiding in caves from his enemies.
Yesterday made today. Today prepares for tomorrow. All roads lead to the foot of the cross, the place God expects to find us once we’ve outgrown our distractions and illusions of self-sufficiency. It’s the place God expects to find us when we need to know if there is hope for us and for the world around us. It’s the place where God answers YES!.
Prayer
Gracious God, show me how to rejoice in every situation, not just the good ones. ‘I Choose Joy’ even in heartache or painful situations. Thank you for sending your Son to be a beacon of light to the world.
Amen.
By Rev. Bruce Bowerman-Jett
Food Service Director Camp Christian
Pastor FCC Kenton