Living Unfiltered for God

Several evenings ago I attended a memorial service for a friend's husband. I didn't realize it but he was 11 days younger than me. That gets your attention. As I was waiting to pay my respects to my friend, now a widow with twin 3-year-old daughters, I thought about how they handled the last couple of years through his illness. They navigated it with strength, courage, and an unwavering faith. There was always a subtle confidence that came through in every update of their journey. And now, that part of the journey over, as I spoke with my friend another confidence was exhibited. That of knowing where her husband was - celebrating with Jesus in Heaven - and knowing that whatever future may be in store for her and her girls, God has it all under control.  This is exactly what our pastor was referring to in his message last Sunday when he taught us that we must have, " confidence, even when we don't have clarity. " The same confidence that Jonathan had when attack...

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2014!  I've always loved this time of year - reflecting on the previous 12 months and looking ahead to what the next year may bring. It's like starting out with a clean slate - a blank canvas of opportunity. I think the Holy Spirit uses this time to remind us that we have a God of new beginnings - One who forgives us and lets us start fresh and new! And not just once a year, but every day and even multiple times a day, if necessary!  Paul tells us that, "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!" ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ) Sounds like how we approach each new year, does it not? We must remember that, as Christians, we are that new creation. At the dawning of a new year it is a good time to think and pray about what God wants to do with us, in us and through us. What is it that, through our obedience to Him, God wants to do this coming year?  While some reflecting on the past to help with this is g...