Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. (Colossians 1:10)

Have you ever walked into a restaurant and sat down and looked at the menu but nothing really seemed to jump out at you. Of course there a few items or dishes that sort of sound good and appealing but still, you’re just now sure of what to order. Then all of a sudden, the waiter or waitress walks by with the most incredible looking plate that immediately your eyes continue to follow all the way to its destined table. And you say to yourself or possibly even your spouse or guest that might be with you, “Now that looks good! I wonder what item that is on the menu?…I do believe I’ll have whatever it is they’re having”. It wasn’t until we actually seen with our eyes in its fullest form that the words on the menu took on a totally different meaning or distinction that set it completely apart than just words in printed form.

This experience brings to mind the many people that I have encountered thus far in my walk with God that have truly set themselves apart and caused me to “take a second look” at how they live their lives. These mighty men and women of God who have selflessly committed themselves to the work of living for the Kingdom and letting the love of Jesus shine through each day.

I can still remember many years ago when I worked for a Steam Electric Station as an electrician. It wasn’t long after Karen and I were married and I had not too long ago rededicated my life to the Lord. I just knew God was calling me to a deeper and more committed walk with Him. A certain man had transferred from a different department named Jerry and immediately, I recognized something different about him that I wanted and knew I needed. We immediately became friends and he began to disciple me each time we were around each other about what it truly meant to live for God with passion and an obedient heart. God truly used him to reveal to me that there was so much more than what I had been experiencing and knew that I needed in my life.

I think about Bro. Billy Shoffner, Bro. Jack Wills, Bro. Leroy Carrico, Bro. J.C. Mangum and so many countless others. These mighty men of valor whom I have so much respect for and have been so very instrumental in my life and walk with the Lord. I thank God for their dedication and commitment of living their lives transparent and revealing the true love of Jesus in full view for all the world to see.

Sometimes I truly believe that instead of building more churches which in my opinion sometimes causes more division among the brethren, we just simply need to be sold out to living for the Lord as He so desperately wants to. As St. Frances of Assisi quoted, “Always preach the Gospel; use words when necessary”. When we as believers, God’s own children, His Church, His people begin to do that, I believe that is when the world will stop and say among themselves, “I’ll have what they’re having”.

Remain blessed,