Love the honesty here and also believe that your work to stay in contact with God has paid off in your life. So many become disillusioned at difficult times and that is natural. But many do not take the steps it takes to keep a good relationship with the Lord. It is easy to fall away. Reading and talking to God, that is what keeps us in touch. Thanks for doing what it takes to make God your priority.

The bible is clear, we should rejoice with those who rejoice. If we practiced biblical joy for others, the churches in the world might be more full.

In my dealings with you I have found you someone that does two things. One is you do attempt to find a peaceful solution. Secondly if you have an issue you are always good to share it on a personal level. I will remember many things about you but one thing I will remember is when you have spoken with me about an issue you disagree with me on. You do it in a non aggressive way that allows for both sides to share their thoughts in a non threating way. It is how Jesus would have us to build our personal relationships. (how someone could disagree with me I will never know! :) )

Indeed. a great chapter. As I thought about your reply and thought of my own shortcomings in the area of peace if perhaps one of our issues is our rush to get through the turmoil. I know in my own life that in my desire to get back to a peaceful world I am tempted to compromise. Compromise in not a bad thing unless it is compromising truth that needs to be addressed. Just a thought... This scripture always comes to mind, James 1:2-4, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." I wonder if I am not as mature as I should be because I manipulate circumstances in an attempt to find peace instead of working through them in a Jesus like manner. I am guilty and I am sure others are as well. Last thought, I sure don't consider it pure joy when I face trails of any kind much less many kinds. :)

You have a wonderful ministry in your car. Praying people see Jesus in the front seat.

It makes all the sense in the world. I can relate because it is how I feel when I jog or mow the yard. No phone, no computer, just me with a clear mind and God. Much of when God speaks to me are in times like this. My mind works best when I am active, God works best in my mind while I am moving. It is just how God wired me.

I think most of us walk a fine line between public ministry and private belief. While certainly the world needs to know who and what we believe in. There is a time when we take our struggles and faith experience to private moments. There we can strength to better serve Christ in the public square. Our faith experience leads us to walk out our faith in very personal ways. God knows our experience and uses each of us in a personal way, one that matches our experience. There is no one size fits all. Your post makes me think of the song, "What a Friend I have in Jesus" thanks for sharing.

I think we all struggle with a little 'unbelief' at times. If we don't, we are not totally in the game of life. Thankfully he does help us with our unbelief.

John, I am glad too that God shows a lot of himself in the simple things around us that at times we take for granted, like the sunrise. Yesterday's full moon about 6:30 was a sight to behold and only a wonderful God could give us such a sight. I agree the evidence for God is overwhelmingly in his favor.

Love your goal 'well done good and faithful servant', it should be all of ours...with this goal in mind it will keep pride from slipping into our lives. "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

Yes, it was a good day!

He is wonderful.....slow and steady wins the race.

Good perspective on the valley. I am thinking most of life is spent in the valley.

I think if we are all a little honest with ourselves, we all struggle with finding peace and holding good thoughts. We can pray for each to find that peace and hold onto scripture.

Love that you use your car/job for ministry.

I agree with you that often I criticize the Israelites when I am just as guilty as they are of forgetting God especially when things are going well.