Jesus Said

But He said, "The things that are impossible with people are possible with God."

The Prodigal Son

The Prodigal Son

What about the father? Was he miserable, obsessed with the boy who was gone? Did he have any peace? What about the son that stayed home? Was he mad at his brother? Did he feel superior for staying and helping? Was it from obligation because of the hurt caused by the younger brother? Can a father have peace when his son is in the far country? Can a brother? Lots of questions.

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

What a picture of grace the story of the prodigal son is.

Luke 15:10 says, "...There is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents."

Finding my way back to God, my father...That's the main thing.

Proud of My Brother

The events of this week at the IMB for me have been strangly exciting to watch. I am proud when my family does well, but especially Rick. He is the one I fought with more than anyone in my life. He is also the one who has come to my rescue when I got into fights I couldn't finish. I remember when he was transformed by the presence of Jesus in his life. Even at the age of 6 it was transformational. He went from believer to disciple within hours if not minutes of his conversion. He witnessed to me and every kid in the neighborhood. I remember one prayed to receive Christ in our garage in Bethany. He was known as Pastor or Chaplain of his high school football team. The last fight we fought together, he couldn't get me out of because it was a cowardly ambush at a car wash in Waco, Texas. I wound up in the hospital getting glass cleaned out of my ear which turned out to be no big deal but it was the first time I remember seeing hatred up close and personal. I laid awake most of the night with the memory of this guys hate filled eyes. I have prayed for him often but at the same time, I'd like a fair shot at him someday.

I don't know what happened at the IMB this week besides what I have read on the blogs. Rick has enough wisdom to keep secrets from me. It's not that I can't keep them but all the people I tell have big mouths. I do know that Wade Burleson's comment about Rick subjecting himself to the asolute authority of the Bible has been true for as long as I can remember.