Just an Update

I know its been a while since I've added a blog, but honestly I've never been one who did journals or shared my thoughts publicly. Anyways, I wanted to share a couple of things.

First is a sermon God has been laying on my heart. I heard this quote from Mike Murdoch and it has stuck with me, its all I can focus on right now. I heard him say that the proof of our desire is in the pursuit. I remembered when I wanted to date Christa, even though she had a boyfriend at the time I still pursued her with everything. I wanted her to be my girlfriend and I didn't care the cost. Now we're married.
I hear so many saying how they desire Jesus, but when I look I don't see the proof. So then my thought is "how much do you desire Him?" If the proof is in the pursuit and actions speak louder than words, then we need to stop talking and start chasing with everything that is within us. Do what is necessary, no matter the cost!!

Secondly, we know the bible tells us that if we find favor with God we find favor with man. I'd like to think that I've just experienced this. This past week was a funeral for one of our shut-in members, the father of the pastor I followed, who is retired and attends my church. A wonderful man this father was, with a huge family. As I sat in the funeral home listening to the children and grand children share stories of Woodrow's life, I could hear the favor, respect and love that this family had for their patriarch. It was during this time that I got to meet the pastor of Westmore Church of God, Kelvin Page. It just so happened that he is the son-inlaw to Bro. Shrable the man I followed here at my church. In sitting and talking with him he shared with me how his father inlaw talks very highly of me. I was very appreciative of this, but I guess what really blessed me was that Bro. Page as a result also thought highly of me and we were able to begin a friendship right there.
To gain favor and respect from my predecessor and the pastor of one of the most prominent COG churches in Cleveland is a big accomplishment, but I realize that its only because of the favor I have found with God, which is greatest recognition that I could ever ask for.