Razor Ray’s World

Back in Middle/High School I played a little basketball. Actually, I played a-lot. My coach was a man by the name of Steve Holloran. He was seemingly just another guy in the church, father of a couple of my school mates, and a guy who knew a-lot about the sport of basketball. I still do not know where he learned all he knew, or why he took the time out of his life to be our coach. He did not have a son who played (he had two daughters) and as far as I know, he wasn’t getting paid much if anything to give of himself and his time. But, he did.

Truth is, Coach and I butted heads for our first few years together. We saw things differently, and being a hot headed fellow, I often let him know of how I thought things should be run. He was seemingly harsh sometimes. He yelled at us alot when we had mistakes in practices and games. He easily was frustrated by our inability to simply do as we were told. I mean, we were a rough bunch of kids who did not have a ton of talent. And for the first few years, we took some real beatings in games we played, sometimes losing by 60+ points. I know it was tough on him. He would tell us, “If you would just do what you were told, it would all work and we could score baskets and win games.

I started playing in 6th grade, and I suppose my most bull headed years was freshman and sophomore years. I remember literally screaming at coach about his backwards ways in coaching. How zone defense was from the old days and we needed man to man Defense and some better offensive schemes. I was a real jerk to him many times, trying to usurp his authority in front of the rest of the team. I had developed into a decent player, and I had decided to take charge. But Coach never backed down and he persevered with the same mantra, “If you will do what I have told you, we will score and we will win.”

Sophomore year passed and we placed second in the state tourney. As my Junior year rolled around, Coach had spoken to me some and had told me he needed me to be a leader on the court, but in order to do that, I would need to submit myself to his authority. For some reason, against my true nature, I decided to just do it his way and work with him instead of against him. Amazingly, things started clicking. We started to score, and we started to win. We gelled as a team, and my last two years in High School, we placed first in the state and placed in the top 8 nationally. And coach and I developed a real close bond.

As time passed, and I graduated, I was honored to assist him in coaching some. About five years ago, Coached passed away somewhat suddenly. Before he died, many of the old players got together and went down to visit him one night. It was an amazing night to remember as we talked about old times, and coach shared his passion for why he had given of himself. It was simply this, He wanted to show us Gods love by giving of himself to us. That night, coach spoke to each person, and I was the last out of the room. I will never forget that night, as coach recalled our first struggles with each other, but how over time, we had grown close and accomplished some really fun things together. Those days as his player are truly some of the fondest I have.

Here is what God has been showing me recently through Coach (RIP). You see, Coach was not a man “allowed” to be a church leader because of the legalistic system in which our church functioned. By wrongly using verses in Scripture and through sad misinterpretations, Coach was never to be allowed as a deacon or elder in the midst. But now I see, how this man was used to show me God himself, and Jesus Christ and his love, more than any other man in that congregation. And here is what I mean:

You see, coach had a goal for us as a team and individuals. He wanted us to “learn” a game, and he wanted us to “score” so that we could “win.” His whole passion was so that we could be more than just a simple player, he wanted me and the others to be all we possibly could be. And here is how he accomplished it:

1. Sometimes he had to be harsh! Yes, I mean coach could really let you have it. If you screwed up, he could reign down on you with fury. BUT, it was not because he was mad at me, it was because he knew by doing it wrong, I would never accomplish what he really wanted for me!

2. His ultimate goal was for me to be the best I could be. That meant sometimes being gentle and repetitive in his teaching. Sometimes that meant discipline by running sprints or even sitting out a game. BUT, none of his disciplines were to hurt or destroy me, but rather to guide me toward what he ultimately wanted for me, TO WIN!

And God is much like what Coach showed me. God has an ultimate goal for my life. He wants me to be perfect for his son. He wants me to be the very best I can be, all He created me to be. Along the way, sometimes I think I have a better plan, and I screw up. And guess what, He, out of love, disciplines me. Not because He is mad or angry, but because by heading down the wrong path, I am destroying the opportunity to be what He really has for me and experience the JOY he has set aside for me. Sometimes, His methods may seem harsh, like running sprints. But even the harsh methods actually help accomplish the ultimate goal!! Every sprint coach had us run built our endurance for the “fourth quarter.” So even the “punishments” accomplished the ultimate goals he wanted us to experience.

I am so thankful to Coach, Steve Holloran, for being this man in my life who allowed himself to be used to teach me so much about God and His desires for my life. I am thankful that Coach did not let the judgment or condemnation that was placed on him by the legalistic system of our church to keep him from offering himself for the benefit of a bunch of knuckle headed teenage boys. I mean, he could have sulked in bitterness over not being allowed to be a deacon or elder. Many felt this decision was a farce (secretly for the most part because of fear of saying it aloud), but Coach sacrificed even that on the altar and gave himself, and how amazing was his impact on an ole, hard headed, egotistical, know it all, red headed boy, who gave him such a hard time, yet he never gave up, coach never quit on me, and in the end, we had a great bond that even now cannot be broken.

And I know, that God, much like Coach, deals with this knuckle headed, thinks he knows it all, bald headed fellow,  but by his Grace, and His unwillingness to quit or give up on me, in the end, will be able to use me and accomplish His purpose of making me like His Son! (Romans 8:28-29)

Coach, thanks! I look forward to seeing you again! R.I.P.!

Well, most of you from FB world probably have already heard about Hailey breaking her arm yesterday. As her dad, who watched it all from mere feet away, I can say that as her arm snapped, my heart snapped as well. But just as her face showed a determination to face the facts and move forward, I knew there was no room for panic or for fear in the moment. Hailey taught me so much in the hour that followed about faith, trust, courage, and bravery. She also made me laugh, even though inside I was wanting to cry for her. She was and is so amazing.

Today, I was thinking through many different things. I was able to share her story of courage to some folks. Then I received a text message from a friend asking how Hailey was. This was my response:

“She (Hailey) says she is doing okay, just a few short weeks, but to dad it feels like forever.”

At that moment the Spirit let me in on a little secret.

God loves us so much that while we toil through the pain of this world, and in reality it is only a few short weeks, because of His intense love and desire to be with us in a the fullness of His intimacy, these few short “weeks” seem like “forever” to Him. That is how desperately He loves his children/bride.

How amazing His love for me! Amazing love, how can it be?

Thanks Daddy!

Now I am sure the title may give some the instant thought of “more of the American Dream! More money! More stuff! MORE” But that is not what I have on my mind.

Over the past few months, I have had a longing in my heart on which I could not put a finger. There is a insatiable hunger that continues to grow! The more I search, the more I hunger. The more I drink, the more  want. I want MORE!

As many of you know, Father has had me on what I phrase as an “interesting journey” the past several years. It is a journey which has had its many ups and downs. Many have said I was crazy, or just simply rebellious, as this journey has not included attending Sunday church services. Times of clarity, and times of cloudiness have been a part of this journey. But through it all, I have had one desire; to See Jesus the Christ and to become more like Him!!!

All along I have said this will be a journey, not a jump. This process is a lifestyle that will be completed when my days are through. HOWEVER……

I read in Scripture where the apostles and disciples looked so much like Jesus, that people literally saw Jesus in them. There was such a resemblance that people could not deny it. They could tell they “had been with Jesus.” And this is where the hunger grew stronger.

Jesus had said before leaving this earth, that his disciples would be given the Holy Spirit, and through that Spirit, would perform greater works than those they had seen him do. A few friends and I gathered last night, and this has been a common wonderment among us that presented itself in our conversation. Why are we not seeing these “greater works” in America? Why are we not performing them in the name of Jesus Christ through the POWER of the Holy Spirit?

This has been what has been bothering me for months! And to hear of other local brothers wondering the same thing, it led me to dig deeper into the book of Acts. Immediately, we read of how the Spirit moved through Peter and John to heal a man. How Stephen did mighty and wonderful works. People saw and were amazed. They were in awe! They were afraid. Peter and the others wondered why people were so amazed, and also, was quick to tell them trough whose spirit these works were taking place. Jesus Christ!

So to today! Why do we not see these works in America? Why are we content with our religious Christianity in which most people have not a clue what it means to “hear the Holy Spirit and obey, allowing Him to work through them.”  We are content to sit in pews, get smarter in Scripture knowledge, pay our tithes, do our service, yet, where is this power that dwells in us, yet is never seen of or heard of in America?

There are stories from all over the world, in this very day and age, where people are being healed, raised from the dead, walking on water, and so much more, but not here! Why?

There is a multitude of reasons, but a friend I have recently met, has said what I think is the MAIN reason. In Scripture, it mentions that “as they waited on the Lord, they were endowed with His power.” And, “they that WAIT upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Our main downfall is that we do not Abide with the Father. We do not wait upon Him. We act and move based on education, not the leading of the Spirit. We are too busy chasing the life of prosperity as “Christians”, that we simply do not have time to ABIDE. To sit, to wait, to listen, and when He speaks, to obey.

After this time last night, we were led into a time of prayer, and it was AMAZING! Amazing because for the most part, it was silence! As we sat before God, only true prayers could be uttered. Prayers of promises! Prayers of yearning! Prayers of passion!

I do not know where all this is going, but I do know God is on the move. His Spirit testifies to this in His people. God wants to move in America in mighty ways. Like the days of Pentecost, I believe His Spirit will move through, like a mighty rushing wind, and when it does, we will be blown away. I do not have all the answers, but I do know, I am sick and tired of living this life and not living it to its fullest. I WANT MORE! I want to live in the fullness of who God is and allow His Spirit to flow through me and those around me. I want the world to be in awe of what God does in His people, even here in America, where we seemingly don’t need God anymore. But I confess, we need God more now than ever, and His people need to know him in His fullness.

I do not know when, and I do not know how, but for now, I am choosing to simply Abide in my Father.

Will you join me?

(ps. here is a link to another brother who was a part of this night. I think you will find his words very interesting as well!)

I received the following in an email from a friend of mine who has a phd in the subject of “this gift.” I HIGHLY encourage you to read through the whole thing. Used by permission:

Philippians 1 :29-30

“For to you it has been Granted for CHRIST’S SAKE, not only to BELIEVE in Him, BUT to SUFFER for HIS SAKE, EXPERIENCING the SAME CONFLICT which you saw in me and Now HEAR to be in me.”

Ther are two “gifts” from God in this passage,THE First Gift is – the Gift of SALVATION.

The word “GRANTED” is based on the word “Grace” and is a verb….WHICH MEANS “to give. To favor, to grant graciously….to render… Given freely, unmerited.” SALVATION – AND SUFFERING ARE BOTH GIFTS Unmerited , Unearned, Undeserved Gifts from God. Just as it is Gods Unmerited Favor to bestow salvation upon you, it is also His umerited Gift to GRANT You the PRIVILGE to SUFFER FOR “CHRIST’S SAKE”

ONE WRITER HAS PUT IT THIS WAY;

“Christ’s vicarious sufferings means , however, for His followers NOT DELIVERANCE  FROM Earthly Suffering, but Deliverance FOR earthly suffering.”… Having been tested by suffering and that without sin…He is our Pattern to follow in the way to Suffer that Honors God that enables us to WALK WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

The Essential Goal which the Christian suffers for is for  the Kingdom of God

. Like Bunyon, Like Paul and countless others before and since. Suffering is a GIFT FROM GOD ….FOR GODS GLORY AND IT HAS BEEN GRANTED – GIFTED….GOD HAS BESTOWED THIS FAVOR UPON THE CHURCH AT PHILLIPI not only to Believe in His Name- The Gift of Salvation but Secondly to “Suffer for His Name Sake.” Each Gifted by God. Salvation first then the suffering- But it has purpose. What are some of the POTENTIAL Blessings from the Gift of Suffering for  Gods People ….

One writer has said “The Christian waits not for the end of the suffering but the GOAL”- which is GODS GLORY…

Lets consider some of the “BENEFITS” of Suffering for CHRIST SAKE.

1. Suffering for Christ Sake is  - A Gift- Phil 1: 29- “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for Him.”

2. Suffering for Christ Sake is  - An Evidence of Salvation – Phil 1:28 – without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.”

3. Suffering for Christ sake is -An Opportunity to Spread the Gospel- Phil 1:12-13 –“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard  and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”

We also read in 2 Tim 1:8 Paul’s final words to Timothy in the midst of conflict “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.”

4. Suffering for Christ sake is – A source of encouragement to strengthen other brothers to speak Gods Word more boldly – Philippians 1:14 – “Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” AND IN VERSE 15 AND 16 we see their motivation –“ out of goodwill. The latter do so in love.”

5. Suffering for Christ’s sake- Brings about / a Deep Yearning to Know Christ as Master Passion IDENTIFICATION with Christ- Phil 3:7-10 – V 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings,”

PAUL  when he writes the book of Philippians  it isThirty years after his conversion  and he wants to enter into the power of Christ and intimacy with Christ. His AIM is CHRIST.

6. Suffering for Christ sake  - Equips us to minister COMPASSIONATELY into the lives of others- 2 Cor 1:3-6 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer.”

So you see “SUFFFERING can be a Blessing and not a cause for Bitterness – when it is embraced as a Gift and “FOR CHRIST’S SAKE”. Suffering is a Gift, Suffering is an evidence of salvation when it is for Christ’s sake, Suffering is an opportunity to spread the gospel for Christ sake; Suffering can be a means to encourage the brethren for Christ sake; Suffering can lead us to Evaluate life and see that all that counts is Knowing Christ and produce that Master Passion- for CHRIST SAKE- Life is to be lived; Suffering Equips us to Minister Compassionately

Oswald Chambers wrote – “If you are going to be used by God, He will take you through a number of experiences that are not meant for you personally at all. They are designed to make you useful in His hands, and to enable you to understand what takes place in the lives of others.”

God bless-

Aidan

Well, I see it has been quite some time since I have written here, and with such a long absence, I imagine readers will be few, but I am writing this more for me probably than anyone else.

All around me, there seems to be quite the storm. Everything from nation to work appears to be headed in the wrong direction. Needless to say, it has been quite disturbing. I have been looking around and my heart has been troubled. But every time I come to Daddy seeking His direction, I keep getting the same answer……over and over again.

Q. Daddy, our nation is going in the wrong direction, what do you want me to do?

A. Follow Me.

Q. Every door I knock on for work seems to close, what should I do?

A. Follow Me.

Q. Father, there is turmoil in my family, what do you want ME to do?

A. Follow Me.

Q. Father, your bride is falling apart and chasing after worldly things, what do you want me to do?

A. Follow Me!

Eventually, I think I started getting the point. God wants me to simply follow Him. Every time I look at the problem, it seems to reason I am no longer looking at Him. Every wave that crashes, and I divert my attention, I lose sight of Him. He simply ask me to do one thing, FOCUS and FOLLOW.

But Daddy, dont I need to do……..

Son, follow ME!

I shared with a brother last night, in our lives, when we start diverting our attention to fixing a nation, fixing a church, fixing a family, fixing a problem, it bears to reason that we become entangled in the web of the problem and are no longer available to have a relationship with our King because we are working on something for Him. However, if we focus on Him, He tends to lead us in directions that allow for us to be an influence in the areas that need to be drawn back to Him.

I am afraid for our nation. I will not lie. I sense a heavy cloud of darkness settling in over our nation, clouds of pain and persecution driven at His people. Clouds of ungodliness like we have never seen. YET, I also see a simultaneous season of unparalleled times of the Gospel being spread and true believers being born. The latter excites my heart, and I am personally willing to bear the former to see the latter take place.

However, I know that the key to enduring will be found in two words, Follow Me. No matter where the road will lead, I will follow Thee!

During these very times, I have seen my Daddy do things in lives around me, and also been given Scriptures at opportune moments like I cannot explain. I am begging my true brothers and sisters to lift up your weary heads, look unto the hills from whence will come your help, and divert your eyes from the issues all around, and simply Focus on your Lord and Follow Him!

Pursue Life, Follow Christ!

Awhile back, I started having some very serious questions about some things going on in my life. I was really enjoying my walk with Jesus, but was silently struggling with some issues regarding things in life. Finances, relationships, giving, being a new dad again, and the list goes on.

My greatest concern however was coming in the area of finances/giving. Having not been in an organized “church” culture for several years had brought us to a place of waiting and trusting Him to show us where to give. Our walk in this matter had somewhat evolved as the months wore on as we strove to simply see Him at work and give as He led. However, this old nag kept bugging me regarding 10%. I did not know if it was just the old hag of religion, or Him speaking. I thought about asking the opinions of several people, but something Craig and I had discussed before came to mind!

“Just ask Him!” Taking the question to the Scripture and simply seeking His words on the subject matter. So I did. I started in Matthew and was looking to see what Jesus had to say about money and giving.

But, I was not finding “the answer” I was looking for. Several weeks in and it just wasn’t coming to me. There were not a-lot of Scriptures screaming out at me, and I was still be nagged in my heart that maybe there was something aloof with my search.

About a week ago it HIT me, and Hit me hard. A quite voice rocked my world and said, “Why are you looking for ’something’ when I AM the answer?”

It all came back full circle. There are topics in Scripture from which we can learn, however, HE in his person is the answer to all our questions. It is in our walk WITH him and listening to His voice that we know where to go and what to do. It is NOT found in the letter of the law but in the ONE who fulfilled the law.

SO here I am again, staring once again at Jesus in all his beauty. And in staring at Him, my issues have found rest in knowing he will direct me in His paths. My only “job” is to Listen and OBEY! aka, Follow Him!

John 5:19-40

Yesterday I wrote about some funny things and articles I have encountered in our work. My mom emailed me and reminded me of one of our funny stories from work I thought I would share here.

Back before I married Katie, I worked out in Gallatin at the Civic Center. My mom was doing kick boxing at the local gym in town. She was really working hard at it. One Saturday as we were getting ready for an auction, doing tents, chairs, etc, we were discussing working out and self defense. Mom was of the mindset that her kick boxing class was getting her ready if she needed to defend herself. I disagreed. It was only a work out, not self defense training, Therefore she intended to prove me wrong,

She hunkered down and said she was going to show me! (very playful mood). I said it wouldn’t work! She gave a jib and a jab trying to work her way in and “fend me off.” Out of no where, she throws a kick, to which I reacted by grabbing her foot and yanking her leg!

BAM!

There goes my mother, flat on her back!

I had no intention of doing that, but we ALL (dad, me, brother, other workers, and yes, even mom) had a great laugh! Mom, I hope I made my point!

Whats your story?

This might sound like a sermon you are bound to hear eventually from any pulpit, so for that I apologize. But there is an amazing revelation coming to light in my own life that I thought I should share.

In the course of a relationship with Jesus, we are introduced to Him as our Savior! He is the one who “wants to save us from our sins.” We are told of our need to be cleansed from our sins so that we can “avoid” the eternal pits of hell and enjoy eternity in the bliss of heaven. That is who Jesus has become to our world, a Savior!

Now granted He is that very thing, and he did die to offer us redemption from our sins and life everlasting in heaven. BUT, is he only our Savior? I know we hear the word KING and LORD a-lot, so those make a little sense (would make more if we had a real grasp of a king and lord and the meaning of those words.) In our churches today we hear the word “friend” alot. But the reality is, He is SOOOOO much more.

Growing up, there were books on the names of God and the meaning of them. I remember reading one by A.W Pink on the “Attributes of God.” All good books and good for your studies. But one thing I have SLOWLY learned about God and His Son Jesus is, they desire to teach you about themselves through personal revelation. In other words, you can study names and attributes till your blue in the face, but God prefers to work in “personal revelation.” In His realm, He would rather you learn about Him by spending personal moments with Him. Like:

To learn He is Provider, He will put in in a place of need so you can watch him provide.

To learn He is Almighty, he will put you in a place of weakness to show yo His strength.

To learn He is Love, he will show you your unholiness and then hold you tightly in his arms of love.

To learn He is Patient, He will endure our slow path to learning.

But in every facet, He is doing it through PERSONAL TRAINING. Each individuals path different from the rest. There is no one size fits all training pattern in learning God and His ways. His desire is a Personal Relationship. You can study all you want, but knowledge can only take you to a certain point, it is not until you experience His attributes and Names that you can ever fully KNOW GOD!

He is your Savior, but friends, He is SO MUCH MORE! Please take the time to stop, stare (Focus), and Follow! Your life will be transformed! I promise!

Dear Family (and Myself),

Please stop and realize there is more to life than being important, having money,  holding grudges, and storing up bitterness. There is SO much more.

Life is too short to fight for a position that will never be available, the Top! It was taken over by a carpenter many years ago, and He is not giving it up! Sorry.

Although we think we have this all neatly tucked away in a family closet, it appears the world has watched and figured it out. They have seen and are not interested in being a part. Time to let our troubles be known  and be honest with each other, especially when it is someone you love. If we can’t tell them they have hurt us or are doing something we don;t agree with, who can we tell? The shrink?

The world is watching to see if we really believe what we say we do about Jesus and wanting to be like him. There lives and eternal souls may depend on it.

Jesus would love for our bitterness, pride, arrogance, anger, bickering, and fighting to be behind us. We are making a mess of His image to our world! He prayed for us to be one as He is One with his Father. Why do we insist on standing alone or standing out from the rest? What a mess!!!!!!!!!

We only have one life to live, I think it would be better if we live it for him and not some dream of being the best or in control, or having the most money, or being the most important, or having the recognition of some group or the public, or mad at the ones who have messed up! Time to lay aside our egos and be ONE as He is ONE!

With all my Love,

Ray

Yesterday, after writing about Jesus being enough, my dear wife had some medical issues arise. These issues have been on and off for two years now, ever since her miscarriage with Rylan in March of 2007. She typically has stomach pains and passes out and in 30 minutes, all is well. Yesterday however, they carried on for over 6 hours. Debilitating pains laying her on her side all curled up in pain. Very hard to watch.

As the day went on, our youngest, Raygan,  crawled up in bed next to Katie and asked her the following: “Momma, are you going to go see Jesus tonight?” Amazingly, there was no fear or trembling in her voice, just a simple question out of curousity. In her eyes, being with Jesus was okay! The heart of a child.

However, as we smiled talking about the occassion, one had to stop and wonder “what if?” What if God did call Katie home? What would my reaction be? I pondered!

We have experienced a very interesting road in our walk these past few years. Losing all we were accustom to, and being drawn into a walk we never could have imagined. Along the way, we have learned many lessons. One of which is Jesus is to be our all. Our EVERYTHING! We struggled through this when we lost our son. We wrestled through it as financial security came and went. We lost ourselves in wondering if we would make it another day!

Then Jesus came and asked a simple question, “Am I Enough? Are you satisfied with me and me alone?” We know from our teaching we are suppose to say yes. We know from our teaching that our salvation is through Christ and Christ alone. But, do we live it when the rubber meets the road? Do we have a firm grip on it when life is in the “toilet?”

So, I have seen him come and test! And although the test have not been as deep as say Jobs, in our lives, they have been of huge proportions. And each time, we are asked the same question, “Am I Enough?”

This morning as I was quiet before my King, He asked me again, “Am I Enough?” I cried out from the depth of my soul, “YES, You are! YOU are enough!” and then my heart broke into singing “All in All” and ‘I’d Rather have Jesus”.

I love my wife, but I’d rather have Jesus.

I love my girls, but I’d rather have Jesus.

I like financial security, but I’d rather have Jesus.

I enjoy the security blanket of fellowship, but I’d rather have Jesus.

He is Enough for me! And everyday I have with these listed gifts he has blessed with me, I will enjoy to His satisfaction!