Word of the Week - Life is a Gift
“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
Life is a gift - “Life – A precious gift from God” Psalm 139:14. Every day that we have on this earth is a gift from God and having that perspective is truly a blessing. This is the principal of a “Heart of Gratitude” and it is a godly perspective that brings life. If we really think about it, the fact that we are alive and breathing is a gift from God and we should rejoice and be thankful. The older I get, the more I understand the fragility of Life and the reality that our life on this earth is brief. Therefore, I count each day as a blessing and a gift and desire to make the most of my Life and time here on earth. Life is a blessing, and it is made rich and enjoyable by the amazing and generous blessings of family, friends and the opportunities to live and enjoy life through relationship with Him and others in our ministry, work and recreation.
Count your blessings – As I quicky approach completing my 57th year on this earth and as I reflect on my life, I am almost overwhelmed by the amazing blessings from God. With a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord, I would like to acknowledge just a few of my blessing to include: My dear wife Amy who I cherish and find myself growing deeper in love with after 34 years of marriage, we are more excited than ever about what God has in store for our future together. Our 3 amazing daughters Mary Kathryn, Saige and Isabella who love God and are walking with Him. Our eight precious grandkids Selah, John Michael, Lily, Hazel, Neriah, Kyle, Elouise and David, who are the joy of my life like sunshine on a clear spring morning. My two amazing and godly sons-in-law JD and Blake who are great husbands, fathers and providers for our daughters and grandkids, and my favorite duck hunting padnahs. My loving and supportive dad who is 86 years old along with my wonderful sister Leslie and brother Mike and their families, who I love dearly and treasure spending time with. My in-laws Bill and Kay Dore’ who have been like parents to me over all these years. My band of brothers/close friends, too many to name, who have stood with me through the challenges of life and whom I have shared many great times, laughing, and enjoying life together, especially at Heritage Farms. My church family lead by my friend and pastor Chris Hodges who led me to Christ 24 years ago and is a spiritual father to me. My ministry team and partners for Heritage Forum and Fellowship of Companies for Christ. Our growing business Founders Advisors that will be celebrating its 22nd anniversary this spring, co-led with my two great and godly partners, Wesley Legg and Zane Tarence along with an amazing team I feel privileged to lead. And the list goes on and on. I surely don’t deserve any of this but I am tremendously grateful for every blessing and want to make the most if it for God’s kingdom and glory.
Making the most of life - “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 There is a saying I heard at JH Ranch from Bruce Johnston that says “We only live once but if we live well, once is enough”. More and more I am experiencing this truth in my own life. I believe the key to living this way is understanding that our lives and our blessings are a gift from God that we get to steward while we are on this earth. This godly perspective is a game changer that gives us a more eternal God perspective. The paradox of giving to receive “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses life for me will find it”. Matthew 16:25 The way we make the most of life and get our lives ordered towards God’s priorities is through abiding in Christ. His spirit leads us and directs us along the way. “I am the vine and you are the branches, if you abide in me I will abide in you and your will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing”. John 15:5
Living the abundant life in Christ – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10. Out of all the abundant blessings I have experienced in my nearly 57 years on this earth, I can truly say that the most treasured blessing I have experienced to date was coming to know Jesus in a personal way almost 24 years ago. It was truly a game changer that has allowed me to grow and flourish in every area of my life. I was born of the spirit, and my eyes were opened to whole new way, God’s way. It is hard to describe in in words what I experienced but I can relate with the blind man in John 9:25 “He replied, “whether He is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know, I was blind but now I see!”
Life is a gift so let’s live life to the full by being renewed in Christ day by day. This is the abundant life that Jesus desires for each of us!!!!!!