The Journey

Written by: Carlisle Bilbo There have been several deaths in our family in recent years. Each time I hear of s o meone's pa ssing I cannot help but think of the finality of life ended. What is done is done. There  are no do-overs. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes that "sorrow is better than laughter because s ober reflection  is good for the heart."  In these times of reflection, the Bible offers so much insight into the divine nature of God and into the very human nature of people. Reg retting wasted years, I have been thinking quite a bit about  God's plan for my life, but in looking back over those years, I can see God's guidance, protection, and His prov ision. The rain brought growth and the days of sunshine enabled me to stand tall. The years of drought and of plenty taught me stability and the importance of "being content in whatever state I am in." (Philippians 4:11) I see the missteps, too. For a long time, I have felt like much of the heartache I ...

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22-23     New year. New perspectives, right? Many of us spend time in self-reflection and muster determination to do things differently in the new year. A fresh start.   Full disclosure. I began this year in penitence because I have worn the heavy cloak of conviction for several weeks. During the mundane task of taking the pup out for his morning stroll, the Lord dropped a question in my spirit. "Do you believe I am God?" Obviously, I responded readily with prayers of affirmation and praise for Him as the God of my salvation! Then, this. "So why aren't you living as though you believe?"  Ouch! "I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless." Genesis 17:1 Have you ever thought about who God truly is? Do we know who it is we worship? Do we imagine an invisible, mystical ...