For many people who call themselves Christians, loving God is perceived as an option. For the life of me I can't see it that way. When I think of how I got where I am, I am reminded of the story about the turtle on the post. Someone said once, "If you are driving down the road and you see a turtle on a fence post, one thing you know for sure, he didn't get there by himself." That may not be an exact quote, but you get the gist of the thought. One thing of which I am certain is this, I did not get to this point in my life by myself. I lost my mother at age 10 yrs. in a car accident. I remember hearing her pray when she didn't know I was around, "Lord, let my son be a preacher." Seven years passed and at age 17, at a youth camp at Lake St. Marys, OH I sensed the call of God on my life to become a preacher. I went off to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO and prepared for ministry. I left in 1960 to serve as music and youth director at a church in Arlington, TX. After 5 years of ministry there my family and I moved to Lima, OH where I served for 10 years in many various capacities. I then returned to Springfield, MO to serve for 4 years on staff of one of the larger churches there.

in 1979 I moved my family to Rittman, OH to fulfill my mother's prayer. I became pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. You want to know something ... I didn't get here by myself. And in the midst of the times when I was struggling with decisions that were life changing, God, in His wisdom, revealed Himself in such ways that I could not mistake His leadership.

In 2005 my wife of 46 years slipped out into eternity and for the next two years I walked a path of lonliness without knowing what God had in store. During that time there was never once that I did not know or feel that God loved me. But there were times when my love for Him was tested. I am still learning how to love God. I am thankful that He brought a new person into my life to join me in ministry and provide companionship in my life.

So, ask yourself ... "Do I really love God or do I just love the things He does for me?" How tough can it be to turn the focus of your life on a God who has said, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love"? (Jeremiah 31.3).

These are just my thoughts ...

 


Comments

Mildred Starkebaum

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:08:56

When I read this information about you and your church, I really get a blessing from it.Keep up the good work you you are doing and I know your Mother would be rejoicing if she was here to see what a wonderful life you have here on earth. I did get to spend some of the last hours of her life with her and she too was such a blessing to me.

 



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