Second Epistle

My brothers and sisters....

I'm so blessed to have you in my life! What an encouragement you are - what inspiration and motivation I receive from seeing you walk out the faith with me!!! With so many stumbling blocks and diversions and temptations it's not always easy to stay on the narrow path. Seeing so many people from our generation NOT walking this path can (and will) make you think that we're going the wrong direction - and many times it may seem that we're by ourselves with no one else in sight for miles while all of our peers are surrounded with people and they're laughing and carrying on in their drunken stupor while we're struggling to carry our cross and live for the cause of Christ and not the spur of the moment. But not now my friends... this is what Hebrews 10:24&25 is all about. As we continue to come together and encourage one another our pace quickens and our confidence is boosted. Our strength is renewed as we share one another's burdens and are reminded of God's power and faithfulness as we hear of how He reveals Himself to each of us in intimate, personal ways.

I believe we've all been there, where we feel isolated - standing in the dark alongside a steep cliff; waiting for someone else to come along so we don't have to walk it alone anymore. I was there not too long ago. We know that Christ will never leave us nor forsake us... but it can be almost unspeakable how comforting it is to have another believer share in life's journey with you. It's those times in the dark, along the treacherous slopes that our character and our dependence on God is truly revealed. Those times are necessary - yes, but they aren't permanent. We need to comfort one another... support and encourage one another. We all need it - plus, it's a command from God Himself! Don't be a "loner."

It's pretty easy to get disillusioned with walking in the footsteps of Christ if your eyes aren't on the person of Christ and God's heart for you. You'll swear that it's all vanity and futility and that life wasn't as complicated when you just indulged in yourself and threw caution to the wind. However, life will never be the same once you've been exposed to the Truth. And living for God is more satisfying than the highest high, the longest orgasm, the richest possessions, the biggest promotion, the best grades, etc., etc. Those things are only temporary... we know that. Lasting joy is only found in God. Living for Him (whether or not it makes other people happy) is worth any level of sacrifice because no other person, place, idea, thing, or event can transform our lives like the Living God -the Creator of the universe, the Lover of our souls, our Hope and our Salvation.... the Lord, our Redeemer. As we see our brothers and sisters willingly laying down their desires to take up God's desires - we too will have the courage to live a life that reflects the love, power, purity, and passion of Christ.

Thank you so much for your faithfulness... for your steadfastness... thank you for the encouragement and the support. I need you in my life and my walk with God just wouldn't be the same if you weren't around.

God bless you and keep you...