I NEED! I NEED!

Sunday’s Monday

     As many of you know, 2024 has not been a good year for me. I lost my wife in January, was hospitalized for a week in February, again in June for a month, followed by two weeks of rehab, and sent home to do the best I can. Here it is November, and I am still battling a UTI, learning to live with Pulmonary Fibrosis, which has me going and coming on a very limited basis. The infections have drained my energy, so fighting them is becoming more complex than ever. I feel like I’ve been fighting for my life most of the year and still have a long way to go. I am constantly reminded of Romans 8:18 (NLT), Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

     I said the above to say I found myself apologizing to God for always coming to Him with my needs. It seems that ever since January 24, 2024, that is all I do when I talk with Him. I need! I need! I’m sure He gets tired of hearing me whine about my needs, especially as much as I do. The bottom line is that I want to be able to get up, get out, and finish the task He gave me before all of this happened. I miss gathering with the men, going to be with my church family, and most of all, working with the board on getting Western North Carolina Overcomers filled with men who seek to retrain their brains to think sober. Many will complete alcohol treatment as dry drunks (the body is alcohol-free, but the mind still functions as if under the influence.) God has given a few of us the mandate to teach these men to think with a Jesus-centered mind and bring their being full circle as one again. I miss everything I was involved in, although I am still a part of some things via phone. God gave me the thought that He is not upset because He gave me John 15:5 (NLT), “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

     Anyway, while I was talking to God, He consistently reminded me that my needs are very important to Him, and this is precisely what God wants, expects, and commands. Whenever I express a need to God, I admit that it’s bigger than I am and that I need Him to show me the way. I was reminded of Matthew 11:28 (NLT): Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  He is more than able and always ready to fulfill my needs within His will. This changed my attitude from apologetic to thankfulness. I started thinking of the 5 times in the last two years He has snatched me from the diagnosis of death or how I’m not an invalid and the fact I have so much faith in God to pull me through and bring me to a point of completion.

     Thank you, Father, for not forsaking me and allowing my faith to believe in Galatians 6:9 (NLT), So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. I pray for the right time to show up soon so my life might be profitable for the Kingdom and the world. Thank you for giving me the love of Jesus to share, no matter my condition. Thank you, Lord, for 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NLT), Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. Dad, I miss my wife, but that’s okay because I am so happy she is in your presence. Ergo, even though I seem very needy, I am also a loyal follower who knows you are more significant than any issue I can have. May we learn to be thankful every day this Thanksgiving, not only on this man-made holiday. I’m grateful that many families will gather, but if it takes a holiday to get them together, I pray they seek more of you. Dad, may we all learn how to live the writings in Hebrews 10:24 (NIV), And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. May this be a year of gain for our spirit, growth, and life! Amen    

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!

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