I stand amazed in the presence of so many who name the Name of Jesus and are saying, “I can’t.” 

I grew up under the instruction of my parents and adults all around me who had come through the Great Depression, World Wars I and II, and their grandfathers who had fought in the Civil War while their grandmothers stayed home with small children. My own grandmother grew up west of Fort Worth, Texas where some of the last ‘Indian Wars,’ as she called them, took place during the mid -1880’s. These forefathers always said, “You can do anything you put your mind to.” 

“Yes, I can.” And, in church, I learned this, too.  However, the truth of the matter is what the Apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. And I believe this more. Why not?

“But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 NASB.

Paul said these things:

“I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.” Galatians 2:20-21.

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:15-18.

“And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:9-12.

There are so many ‘important truths’ that have been incorporated into my daily life about which I write and cannot put them in one place like this. What I place here now is simply a beginning. 

However, after I was born-again, He called me just as He did Samuel, David, and so many others, but Isaiah responded to God’s call like this, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” He said, “Go, and tell this people:” Isaiah 6:8-9. And I have been doing so for more almost 60 years. He has not disappointed.

That which I understand is simple, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Some folks agree with what I write and others do not, but that is okay because, “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 1:12-14.

No, I do not suffer as Paul suffered, but let me tell you, my frustrations sometimes run high…

Jesus is Lord.