Choices!

Choices!

My father is dying of cancer and I am mad! I am not mad at God. I am mad at my father. Wow, I said it. Some of you will judge me for that statement, but I don’t care. My feelings are valid. My dad chose alcohol, drugs and cigarettes over his family. Sounds harsh, I know because it is. When we make choices to engage in things that are harmful to us despite the pleading of those who love and care for us, we tell them they are not nearly as important as________________ (you fill in the blank).

We can all be guilty. While I am sitting on my high horse of indignation there are things in my life, my family has asked me to give up on behalf of them and I struggle. Maybe the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Maybe I need to inspect what I expect. I expected my dad to love my mom and his children enough to give up the alcohol. My wife and kids expect me to love them enough to take care of my blood sugar! I need to inspect what is in my heart.

The same insecurity and selfishness that caused my dad to sink into a pit of self - destruction for all those years, I see in myself. Man that stinks!  The very character flaws I see in him are in me! What hope do I have? What hope do my kids have? The answer to both of those questions is Jesus! He is my hope, my strength, and my shield! The Bible says in Joel 2:25-26, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten… And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Wow! My God promises to restore the years that were lost and remove our shame. My dad’s sin doesn’t have to be mine! My kids do not have to be held captive to my sins! I choose to change! I choose to love my kids and my wife more than my insecurity and selfishness. I choose to beg God to change me into the man He has called me to be. How about you? What choice will you make?

Humble or Proud!

Matthew 12:34b, “… for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

 Have you ever said something that you shouldn’t have? As soon as the words glided past your lips you gasp in regret! What did you do? I had this experience recently. Now remember, when I started this blog I said I would be honest, so here it is. My son was being difficult, as many preteens can be. He pushed a button and I yelled at him for what seemed like an eternity. In my verbal assault, I called him a “smart you know what.”  I couldn’t stop! I know me, a pastor, leader, Bible teacher, how could I say that?  I was filled with rage at him for his behavior. I was upset with myself for my behavior and then to make it worse when my wife tried to speak to me about it, and I ripped her head off! I was out of control. I was outraged by his smart mouth and lack of respect. Certainly he had it coming! Unfortunately, he did not deserve what he got.

Chances are the person you gave it to did not deserve what they got either! Maybe the problem does not lie in them, but in you. What is it that makes you respond the way you do? What was the trigger that set you off? What do you do once you have fired that verbal bullet? You cannot take it back no matter how sorry you are. Those words will always ring in the atmosphere. But, you can make it right

I had to humble myself and apologize not only to my son, but to his siblings and his mom. I told myself be humble or proud Corey, humble or proud. Well, my flesh wanted pride, but my spirit wanted humility. This time the spirit won the battle.

 I wanted to be humble and teach my children that when you mess up and sometimes you will; you can humble yourself and seek forgiveness. So I will ask you the same question I asked myself, “Humble or proud (fill in your name), humble or proud?”

Corey

I Love You More Than Coffee

John 3:16, “For God so loved…”

I love you more than coffee!

My wife and I play a little game when one of us say’s “I love you,” the other will say, “How much!” A couple of mornings ago I was leaving early and there was one cup of coffee left. Those of you who knew us understand we both need COFFEE!!! I could have taken it and felt just fine. After all this could be the only chance I have for hours to get my fix! But, I left her a note that said, “I love you more than coffee,” and next to the note was her coffee mug filled with the last cup of coffee!

How much do you love Jesus? Do you love Him more than yourself? Do you love Him more than your money? Do you love Him more than your personal interests? Do you love Him more than your comfort zone? He loves you more than His own life! Hebrews 2:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,…” So I will ask again! How much do you love Him? Are you willing to leave Him a note on your heart saying, “I love you more than…” and then leave your… at His feet!

Corey

Why a blog!

October 13, 2011

I have been feeling in the past few months like God has been tugging on my heart about writing. I really do not consider myself a writer, however, God has put a few things on my heart and this blog is my way of sharing. I will be talking very candidly and very honestly about what I have learned in the past few years.

 This blog will touch on spiritual issues, parental issues, and marital issues. I will endeavor to be very real in what I say and how I feel. It is my intention to not just give my opinion, but to give God’s Word. I believe that God has called me to serve Him with my life: every aspect of my life!

If you know me, you know I desire to live my life by faith! I Corinthians 2:5, “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” This is my life verse. I have learned that no matter what, I need to keep my faith in His hands. I am hoping that as I take this journey that whoever reads this blog will see that my desire to honor my God, and will decide to take the journey with me! The Bible says “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This blog is not about me. I recognize I am nothing and He is everything! It is all to honor my Savior!

So, I invite you to join me on this spiritual journey, as I open my heart and share what God has given me!I hope it will be an encouragement and a blessing to you.

God bless,

Corey