Summer thoughts

It is the end of July, and a few things are in my thoughts.

I am at peace in that I surrendered to the Lord my desire to be disobedient to my calling.

A few of years ago, He won our wrestling match as to whether or not I would be obedient, and serve as a presbyter, a priest in His Church. When I was 14, the Lord spoke to me and said that I was to be a minister in His Church, in His Name. He had spoken to me before through His written Word the Bible, through sermons, Bible teachings, Sunday School, through friends. and through the Holy Spirit. But never like this, and not in quite the same way since.

The voice was audible, yet it was not. I was eating alone in the cafeteria at school. My girlfriend had just broken up with me, and I was backslidden -- away from the Lord. He said -- "I want you to be a minister in My Name," and I knew what He meant. In my backslidden state, my reaction was not good -- I told Him to forget it using some choice words, turned my tray in, and walked out of the cafeteria.

At 16 I repented, and at 18 was in Bible college, but still full of fear and fighting it. After college I did a year of seminary, but dropped out after that due to finances and simply, disobedience.

I did ministry over the years and was licensed after college, but my attitude still was, "Lord, I'll do it but my way. But I'm still doing it, at least partly. Isn't that good enough?" His answer was, "For now."

He was patient. But compromise catches up with all of us, and the Lord's disciplining hand through consequences of sin can be severe. My friend, you don't want that. There is a joy in full obedience that can only be experienced, not explained.

It's wonderful to be obedient and walk in the calling He has for each of us. We are planning the wedding, and the move to Oklahoma City.

Knowing and serving Him, and coming Home to the ancient Church -- its beliefs and practices, has been awesome.

Is your life spiritually dry? Feel like you're missing something? Want more out of your Bible study/meditation? Want to learn about the beliefs and practices of the early Church? We would be happy to pray with you and help you in any way we can. Please feel free to email. May God richly bless you,

under the mercy,
Br. Francis