In this world we are taught to be proud. We are taught that to achieve we must ascend. We are taught that we must rise to achievement and we are taught that we should strive for recognition. These are the things that the kingdom of this world teaches and how we embrace this ideology largely determines whether or not we are citizens of this world. As Christians we long to be citizens of heaven. This is a current reality not one we must wait for but one that is now. The kingdom of Heaven teaches us we must become servants, we must humble ourselves, we must see others as better than ourselves, and our greatest achievement is to become the servant of all. This largely determines whether you are a citizen of the heavenly kingdom. Where is your citizenship?

In Philippians 1:29-30 we read that Christians in this world will suffer. At the same time we hear many Christian preachers suggesting that God wants to make Christians wealthy, healthy, and give them a joyful experience on this earth. So what is right? What does the bible say? May you be blessed as you listen.

It is eleven o'clock on Friday night and I am sitting at my desk contemplating my last few months. I have moved to Maine and currently I feel homeless. Without belabouring the details or bringing undo attention to myself in this time of trial there are a couple of conclusions I have come to in this matter.

1) Satan is angry and despises the fact that I have come here to shed the light of Christ into a darkened corner of our world.

2) Satan would have me to be cynical.

I sometimes wonder why God has called me into pastoral ministry. Perhaps this is a demonstration by Him to me to help me recognize that God can use a stubborn Marine to hold ground and not give up. Perhaps God wants me to notice how well He takes care of me despite the trappings of a modern age. Maybe He wants to draw attention to shortcomings in my life. Or maybe, just maybe, God wants to be for me the Father that He has claimed He is and is waiting for me to trust that.

What I have settled in my heart through this is two things.

1) I choose to burn brightly into the darkest corners of the world. If Satan wants to stop that he will have to snuff me out.

2) I will, by the grace of God, refuse to ever be cynical. He has given me a heart of flesh why would I allow it to be hardened?

Through this a song has been resounding in my mind. It is a song that has special meaning to me. You may or may not understand the meaning it has for me but perhaps if you have stood in a pastor's shoes you will recognize it is a pastor's hymn. How beautiful are the feet of those who bear glad tidings of the Lord.

Peace be with you and have a blessed Sabbath. Here is the song for your enjoyment. i pray it blesses you and strengthens you in the Lord.

Romans 10:15-18

15: And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, !
How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace,and bring glad tidings of good things
16: But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18: But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.