God, our Father, is the Creator

Romans 1, Proverbs 8, Psalm 100

The world assaults, undermines, and obscures this fundamental truth.

So much of our faith begins with the humble acknowledgement that God is the Creator, and we are part of His creation.

We are the most prized aspect of His creation.  We are forever worthy of His love because we are created in His image.

The enemy does not want us to remember this truth because it is our fundamental identity, the basis of our relationship with our Father who continually demonstrates his immeasurable compassion and affection for us.

Father, thank you for your love.  Thank you for Jesus (the Messiah, a perfect human) making a way for our brokenness to be healed and the glory of our sonship and righteousness to be restored through faith and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.  I love you, and I want to walk in the fullness of the abundance that you have for me.

Don't believe everything you think

Randy Limbird had a bumper sticker on his Toyota Tacoma that said, "Don't believe everything you think".

I got to know Randy through Paseo church, and I appreciated his curiosity and sincere desire to understand. Brandi and I had the privilege of serving on the elder team with Randy and Cindy.  Later, Randy and I had the privilege of serving on the teaching team together, and I learned so much from his teaching, as well as discussing with him what I was preparing to teach.

Randy was a good friend.  He actually cared about my well being.  We didn't get to hang out that often, but it was a genuine friendship.

When Randy fell ill in early February, they soon discovered a brain tumor, which was quite a shock because he had just a few weeks before cycled over 100 miles in a single ride.  I visited him in the hospital, and Randy did not slip into worry or complaining. He manifested the peace that passes understanding.  

I visited Randy at his home a week and a half ago (Wed eve), and at his request, we prayed through Philippians 2-3.  Again, no whining or complaining.

After my Grandma, Aunt Jean, and Uncle George passed from cancer, I regretted that I had not prayed more for them to be healed.  When Jill Hunt was diagnosed, I resolved to not miss opportunities to pray for people for miraculous healing.  And in the last handful of years, I've tried to follow Jesus's example of commanding healing.

They took Randy to the ER on Thursday because he was unresponsive after his first dose of chemo.  I went to visit that afternoon and had a chance to pray for him and Cindy.  Even though his body died the next day, and I don't understand why my prayer appeared was ineffective, I am still thankful that I took the opportunity to try. 

Father, thank you for Randy and his friendship.  Please comfort Cindy and all of us who miss him here on this side.  I love you.