Bottom Line - July 2016

Dear Friends:

As I come out of the first phase of my sabbatical, I have a sense of God speaking into my heart. After spending ten days on the east coast in Charlotte and Folly Beach, then nine days on the west coast in Carmel and San Francisco, a particular Scripture came to me. “Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”
2 Timothy 2:7

As Laura and I rested by ourselves in a wonderful home just a few miles south of Carmel, an interesting challenge arose. One morning, Laura could not decide which room to sit in – it seemed that every room had the best view of the ocean! It was spectacular … the waves continuously pounding the rocks below, the wind always blowing … it was captivating. The ocean is in constant motion and seems to speak through its waves. Overwhelming in their power and amazing in their constant movement, it felt as if the waves were always speaking to me.

Then I thought of God. He is always speaking to those that will listen. He confirms my thoughts through His word and by the way the Holy Spirit constantly moves in all my circumstances. He sometimes chooses to speak through my wife and children, and also through the men who have discipled me and others whom I have discipled.

I have certainly asked Him plenty of questions regarding His direction for me now, after 19 years of ministry in St. Louis. He is confirming some of my thoughts and ideas, while extinguishing others. He directs, encourages and convicts. Like the waves, He has an obvious power which can be displayed in beautiful ocean sunsets and in mighty storms. He cannot be denied. I am a fool if I even try.

I leave you with Romans 1:20 – “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

I remain resting in Him,