Will I Call Out?

The following is today's devotion in Soul Journey, a devotional for youth and young adults produced by Discovery House Publishers a sister ministry to RBC Ministries where I work.

I thought the writer did a very good job describing the Christian and sin. What do you think?
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How deep will I sink into the murkiness that is Sin? How dark
will it get? So dark it blinds me. It wraps itself around me, seeps
into me, into every pore--stifling, dragging me down. Yet I
welcome it. Why?

Because it's easier, easier than admitting, easier than asking for
help, easier than being dependent, easier than going against the
grain--being different.

How cold will it get as I sink into the miry abyss? The deeper I go,
the colder it gets.

The chill hits my bones and enters further into me still.

Until it touches the innermost part of me, where nothing should
venture but You.

Wraps its tentacles around me--constricts.

And the darkness comes again, blacker still.

How long will I wait before I let out my breath and reach up my
hands to the heavens?

Squeeze my eyes tight so tears fall?

Grit my teeth as my knees hit the ground and I repent?

And mean it.

Your arms break the surface. The sunlight dances on the ripples.

The Light opens my eyes and I am pulled toward You.

I leave the darkness behind, pulled from the fog into the clear
air--crisp and fresh.

And You embrace me to ward off the chill.

Later, as You watch me You aren't far away--You never are.

I venture to the edge as I've done so often before. I look into the
depths where I've been so often before, and my feet slip on the mud.

I cry out to You and You catch me.

And I weep because I got so close . . . and I know I'll do it again.

And again, You will be there.

But next time, next time, will I call out?

Or will I let myself fall?

Updates

Well I am being a blog slacker again so here's the update.

Becca and I are getting more and more used to our role in the youth ministry at our church. It is very exciting for me to watch Becca involved in something she really enjoys and is good at. We have a weekly Youth Advisory Board meeting where we are working through the organisation of the youth ministry. There are many details to work through at this time though as time goes along these board meetings will be less frequent, probably happening on a monthly basis.

I continue to be in shock on how many hurricanes are hitting Florida. I know God is in control but part of me asks "Haven't they had enough yet?" I think about Ked and Amelia often as they are in the path of these storms and I hope they are okay.

Becca and I are headed to Boston on 8 October for the weekend. The maid of honor in our wedding is getting married so we are headed over to celebrate with

That is all I can think of for now. I hope all is well with you. Drop me an email if you get a chance.

Chris

New developments

Well it has been an interesting week so far to say the very least. Becca has been trying for another job and we found out yesterday that she was not chosen. This was very hard but I think she has a good perspective on this. Please keep her in your prayers as she comes to your mind. We want to follow God's will wherever that would take her employment.

Becca was officially chosen on Tuesday night as the Director of Youth Ministries at our church. Becca has a big vision and excitement for the youth ministry at church. We have our first Youth Advisory Board meeting tonight to start talking about this coming year. I am looking forward to Becca finding a ministry where she can use her talents for the Lord. It is exciting for me as her husband to see opportunities where she can be involved.

And last, but certainly not least, the Elders also approved our plan to take the youth of our church on a missions trip to Thailand this coming summer. This is not your run of the mill missions trip but more of a vision trip educating and exposing the teens to what the life of a missionary is really like. Can you imagine the potential of 10 or so teens going on a trip like this, coming back and seeing what happens? I am excited to say the least.

That's all for now folks.

Lessons from life

I am really struggling to be more regular in my blogging. Thank you for your patience with me.

God is teaching Becca and I a lot right now. God is continuing to teach us about patience and relying on Him and not ourselves. Each day I am reminded that I can do nothing on my own. I must trust God for each moment.

I finished Wisdom Hunter on Tuesday night (click the link on the left side of my blog for more information on the book). This is an amazing book. It is the story of Pastor Jason Fairchild's life as he deals with the death of his wife and grand-daughter (who he never met) and his spiritual journey resulting from their deaths. This book is based on a true story and it is amazing for me to see how God can take what humanly looks like a tragedy and use it for His glory. I would never have imagined this story ending the way it did.

This book also talks about legalism in the church. Pastor Fairchild learned a lot of his beliefs originally by being brainwashed. As a result of tragic events in his life, He relearned a lot about God. I have friends who are on similar journeys right now as they find out for themselves who God is. I think these times, though difficult, can be very rewarding. I think God can draw us closer to Himself as we learn about Him and this makes the pain worthwhile.