Ok my daughter encouraged me to get this sent out ASAP. Sorry I haven't had enough time to write my devotions lately. I've really wanted to but I've been so busy playing boss that it's been difficult. Plus two nights in a row I got to bed late and up early. Brain doesn't always focus like you want it too when you have a lack of sleep. So here we go on the fly…
When the challenge of writing a devotional comes up I try to do something that is near and dear to my heart at the time or something that has happened. This has proven to be so difficult as of late because there is so much that has happened in one week and a ton of things that are near and dear to my heart. For example we have the two soldiers that lost their lives. They didn't have warning, they didn't have time to say, "I'm sorry Lord forgive me for my short-Cummings". No it was like a candle that you blow out, as soon as you release the deep breathe you have the light is gone. Now I was going to write just about that, however I've come to something I feel is better. I was thinking the other day about how, here in Iraq, we can't wait until the end of the deployment. People have calendars on the walls, they have programs on the computer, some even out loud count the days every day. Now my question to you what are we doing?
It seems to me we are rushing life. As we fight this war in Iraq, in God's country, we are making a difference in peoples lives. We are allowing folks in this part of the world to reap the benefits of running water, electricity, safety, education, and the ability to allow kids to play and have a good time. This was something the Kurds were not use to during Sadaams rule. So it brought me to think about me in general. Am I rushing my life? Am I in such a hurry to get from point A to point B that I'm missing everything in between? What kind of relationships am I missing? You have but one chance at life. You only have one chance at eternity. When your number is up, it's up. No denying it. Do you think Jesus walked the earth with a calendar counting the days until his death? No he didn't, he did everything he could in a short period of time to help others come to the decision to follow Him.
I refuse to walk through my deployment or running for that matter to get out of here. I miss my family and all of the folks who get this email more than you know, however I have an opportunity to learn so much. Instead of rushing, I'm going to slow down and enjoy the moments on this earth. I want to help others understand Jesus and the powerful message contained in the bible. It's good news to tell others that they have a chance for eternal life. It's exciting to see the joy on a persons face when they decide to die to themselves and give their life to God. I challenge you to think this week about slowing down and enjoying life for what it has to offer. Challenge yourself to talk to others more about God in one way or another. I hope this email finds you in your life doing well and prospering as God would want you too. I know it was void of scripture but it was inspired by what I've read and the promise that God has given to me. So use it and apply it not only to your life but to others around you who may not have decided to clothe themselves in Christ…
John 14, 6 "Jesus answered, " I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. "
God bless to you all,
Jonathan