Welcome Back...

So, I have been slacking for quite some time on the blog, and I really have no excuse! It could be that life got real busy, sure, but it could be that I really had nothing to say. If we have ever met, you know that the latter is very unlikely, so I must have got caught up in the daily whirlwind of life. So first, let me ask for your apologies as we move forward.

The last time we were together, I was discussing the savory victory of the New England Patriots over the Miami Dolphins. It was a good day for sure, but that seems like forever ago...Since then, the Patriots were eliminated by the Jets in the second round of the playoffs (just threw up in my mouth), Thanksgiving and Christmas came and went, spent an incredible week in Atlanta worshipping God with 25,000 college students, began the process of becoming ordained for ministry, and oh yeah, moved from Palm Bay to 500ft. from the church where I currently work. God brought me from a 45 minute commute to walking home for lunch...

It is spring time, at least here in Florida, 75 degrees and sunny. Lent is fast approaching, and then the fantastic celebration of Easter is soon upon us. The Washington Nationals are in town for Spring Training, there is a buzz about which teams will make the tourney in college hoops, and the NBA and NHL are pushing to the post season. Friends have gotten ill, and were healed. Lost loved ones, and increased the Bartlett Clan with new additions. Career paths modified, registered the boys at new schools, the list goes on...

I state all of this for one particular purpose...none of these things surprised God. You see, he is painting on a much grander piece of canvas than you or I could ever imagine. Think about it this way, we see our lives in 4x6 photo clips, while God sees the panoramic view of our lives. I once heard a teaching that has impacted my life on this idea. It is this...God is committed to three very important things: 1) To His Glory, 2) to the very best for His people, and 3) to the redemption of all. Now of course, this was expounded upon, and perhaps you can come out to Prince of Peace on March 27 to hear more (shameless plug), but for now you will just have to chew on this idea for a bit. Of course God is committed to much more, but these three things sum up just about anything else you can come up with. For more follow up on this topic I will refer you to the story of Joseph, not that one, but Joseph in the book of Genesis. It begins at chapter 37 and continues throughout the rest of the book. I would also have you look to the Passion of Jesus Christ. From his time on the Mount of Olives in Gethsemane, through dying on the cross at calvary, God's desire for these three things were never more evident.  

So that leaves me with this one last thought. What is happening in your life this very instant is not a mistake. Whether it is a blessing or a trial ask God to reveal what His will is for this situation. What is His desire, how can you bring Him Glory, what is He doing in the midst of your day? And be ready for an answer...