My Epitaph

I wondered today,what will I be remembered for. If I died today, what would be written on my epitaph. I wondered, am I walking in such a way, that everything that I do, is seen as one who loves the Lord and his family?

I think the words of Isiah 30:21 say it best "Whether you turn to the right, or to the left; your ears will hear a voice behind you saying "This is the way, walk in it".

-AZ

Awake, O Sleeper

"Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." Ephesians 5:14

Absolutely one of my favorite versus. I remember the first time I walked into Celebrate Recovery, feeling like an outcast, a sense of not belonging. Not only did CR give me the tools to help me with my anger, but more importantly it enabled to have a true relationship with Christ. It is like the verse above, I felt as if I were dead or in a deep sleep, only to be awaken by Jesus.

My life still has it challenges, it's ups and downs, but I can never deny the work my Lord and Savior has done in my life. This sleeper has been awaken..................................................

-AZ

Wonderous Works of God

"Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God" - Job 37:14 

I was just pondering how it is that sometimes in the midst of life, getting frustrated over something, wishing for something different or new, etc., I forget to just stop and consider the wonderful things God has already done in my life.


A wonderful wife who is a great mother and can cook :), being a dad, spending time with our children, a roof over our heads, food on the table, a Church Family, freedom to worship our Lord without tyranny, a job.......when I stand still and consider all the wonderous works of God in my life, I realize I already have everything I could ever want or need.

-AZ

Sailors With Jonah

I find it interesting how I can read a passage in the Bible several times, yet discover a new message that has been there all along. This happened as I was reading the book of Jonah this morning, within the following passage -"Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once! The sailors were awestruck by the Lord's great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him." (Jonah 1:15-16) We all know the whale swallows Jonah and then spits him up later, but I am captured by how God used this same circumstance to minister to those sailors on the boat. Back in verse 5 we read "Fearing for their lives, the desperate sailors shouted to their gods for help..." within 10 verses the sailors turn from their own beliefs to serving our Lord.

How many times have I gone through a difficult situation or trial, not knowing what God's purpose is, wondering what wisdom I may gain from it; not realizing that the Lord may be using my trial to benefit others as well. I find comfort in this story, as it is a great reminder to me, that the Lord never wastes a hurt or trial.

-AZ