Category Archives: Reflections

“It’s like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11, NTL

I don’t know the answers Lord. I don’t even know the questions. Here’s what I do know. I know I need you in my life.

Have I been a child too long? Am I depending on you to feed me, to embrace me and to assure me at every step?

Where is my faith; help me to exercise my faith; to grow in my faith. Help me to put away childish thoughts and to begin to reason like an adult “full of wisdom.”

When I become that adult will mysteries unfold and visions realized? Will I then live out my life’s mission–to do something good everyday; to make a difference in people’s lives; to allow my touch to heal and my voice to motivate? When I become that adult, will I be more like you Lord; showing people the Way?

O’ Lord, I don’t know the answers to life questions. All I know is that I want to pray, to bring people to the fold; to be like the Son. I know that life struggles will continue, that the sun will continue to shine and rain drops will continue to fall.

I don’t know the answers Lord, but I faithfully live knowing that You are my shepherd and that You are the answer to my questions; to all of life’s questions. Amen.

When God called my name many years ago, He didn’t ask me to do anything. He just wanted me to be. He just wanted to let me know that He is there when I need Him.When God called my name many years ago, He did not put demands on me. He just wanted a relationship with me; to re-assure me that I was not alone; that I would never be alone, that He would be with me forever.

When God called my name many years ago, it was a gentle, re-assuring call; a call of comfort. A call that said I want to be with you; I offer you peace, comfort, help and above all my unconditional love.

Many years ago, when God called my name, he simply said, “Tony, I love you; I have always loved you and I will be with you beyond the end of your time.”

When did God call your name?

How have you responded to God call?

My response comes from Isaiah 6:8 and it reads:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me! (NIV Study Bible).

Dear Mom & Dad,

The week of February 27-March 6, 2009 is a special week in my life because it is the birthday week for both of you: Mom, your birthday is February 27 and Dad, your birthday is March 6. Every year at this time I recall fond family memories. How you lived your lives, how you took care of us and how others saw you in our small community.

Thank you for loving me, for doing all you could for the family and for our community. Thank you for sharing your understanding of God with us; for praying for us; and for denying yourselves for us.

I remember your tears–tears, when we did wrong; tears when we did not agree with the house rules and tears when it was “our time” to leave the family nest.

I remember your smiles and your laughter when we were able to recite those bible verses and lines for the Christmas play or to read that long scripture without a stutter. I remember the pleasure you displayed when we learned to swim like fish and fight that fight like “Cassius Clay.” Even though this may be disputed, I remember your support even in the midst of our failures.

I know you are in HEAVEN now. I know this because I saw you both through my angel’s eyes. I saw you dad flirting with mom on the day she left us. I noticed your strong shoulders in your uniform: so young, so happy, and so vibrant. And mom I hardly recognized you—so young, so sexy and gorgeous. You were in your prime, walking together hand in hand by a small pond in a beautiful park.

Dad, I heard you ask Mom, “What took you so long.” Yes, it did seem like a long time between your leaving in 1986 and Mom joining you 1998.

You are together now in HEAVEN, enjoying each other’s company in the presence of the Glory of God. Always the good parents, you continue to pray for your children. I feel your prayers, as we endure life’s trials. I want to thank you for your prayers and wish you Happy Birthday Mom and Dad. Love endures, keep smiling, keep praying and in God’s time, we will all be together again.

Your son,

Tony

This short prayer came to me as I was reading Dr. Myles Munroe’s book “Becoming a Leader” and at the same time watching the inspirational movie, “The Ben Carson Story.” A very touching story about prayers, determination, God’s love and miracles.

I serve a wonderful God. He is a God of miracles. He is a God of love. He is a God of mysteries. He shares his mysteries and miracles to those that truly seek him out and to those who are not afraid to share God’s miracles and mysteries with others.

God, thank you for your gifts of mysteries and miracles; help us to embrace your gifts and to use your gifts to benefit humankind. Amen.

1. What miracles have you experienced in life?
2. I love a great story; what mysteries have God revealed to you?
3. Are you using the gifts God has given you to benefit humankind?

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“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet…. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command….22 If a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD but the thing does not take place or prove true, it is a word that the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; do not be frightened by it.” Deuteronomy 18:15, 18, 22 (RSV)Dear Heavenly Creator, we give you praise today. We praise you for waking us up this morning. We praise you for revealing your presence to us today. We praise you and thank you for your unfailing and uncompromising love.

God, we are yearning to hear your words. To hear about the prophets of old; who were obedient to your call; who spoke with authority and who have paved a mighty way for us in the name of love, justice and freedom.

God we know from the prophets of old, we can reach new heights if we truly believe in your promises and are obedient to your call.

So Dear Heavenly Creator give us the passion to Reach, Teach and Empower and to serve those that need a roof over their heads, who need food on their tables and who need the acknowledgement that they are loved.

God when we do these things in your name and are forever faithful to your call, we will go down in history as prophets of old who carried your message boldly and unafraid and brought hope, love and joy to a doubtful world.