Today's Devotion: 1 Corinthians 15:23 (New International Version): But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

The Bible promises us that when He comes back, He will come back for those who belong to him. We need to be prepared for his coming, and we need to prepare others, as well.

Today's Comments: There is no such thing as retirement in God's Kingdom. Just look at the various meanings of the word retirement:

• verb: go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position (Example: "He retired at age 68")
• verb: withdraw from active participation (Example: "He retired from chess")
• verb: lose interest (Example: "He retired from life when his wife died")
• verb: move back and away from
• verb: pull back or move away or backward

God does not want us to withdraw, loose interest, or move back. He urges us to press forward, become involved, start a ministry. That is what preparing for His coming is all about.

Today's Devotion: Matthew 11:30 (New International Version): "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

God doesn't give us more than we can handle. When we come to him, he will give us rest.

Today's Comments: While the above is true, sometimes he gives us as much as we are able to handle. This happened to me over the summer and is one of the reasons why I have not made an entry since July 4th. I just finished a grueling five weeks of The Life of Christ, taught by Professor Phil Taylor, who is an education professor at Biola. With meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM and six papers to do, I have been very busy.

However, I have to admit that Professor Taylor's Class was marvelous. Even though there were only four of us enrolled, the class continued. From the four gospels, we learned about Jesus, his teaching, his views on money, how he taught. We studied spiritual warfare, and we were given the opportunity to view Him through the eyes of others, including film clips of movies depicting the gospels. I will never forget the smiling-blow-dry Jesus who was depicted in the movie version of Matthew's Gospel.

Although I did not particularly look forward to the projects and work, I put my heart into them and did my best. As a result, I have some additional tools that I can use in my ministry.

I also have fond memories of Professor Phil, a real teacher who is dedicated to his students. For example, he was always bringing new things into class, like pictures of the Holy City, Roman and Temple Coins, and Macadamia nut candy, from his holiday trip to Hawaii. My best memory are the dinner hours that he and I spent together over sushi at a small restaurant near the Biola Campus. I looked forward to those dinners. And I miss the intellectual stimulation, now that the class is over.

Today's Devotion: Job 10:12 (New International Version)
You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.

This is probably the only verse in the group where Job is not complaining about his plight, wondering why he is being punished. Job is eventually restored, just like we are. Because the truth is, God takes care of us, He invites us to be his children and wants to give us his love.

Today's Comments: Since my last entry, I have borne some sorrows. Pickles, my son's tenth birthday present, had to be put down. She could no longer walk straight, because her hind legs were failing her. She also had developed pancreatitis and was loosing weight, fast. It would have been a matter of a few weeks, and if I had not made the decision to put her to sleep, that time for her would have been miserable. At the same time, I am blessed with a house guest. My ex-girlfriend came to pick up her car and the clothes that she stored here before she left for Florida, almost a year and a half ago. It is nice to have her here to get all her stuff packed, because I am looking forward to having Angie come back in September. While Esther and I both agree that there is nothing left between us, we are brother and sister in Christ, and Esther has helped out by cooking meals and doing some cleaning in preparation for Angie's return. She was also with me when Pickles was put to sleep, and that was helpful. I thank God for blessing me with Esther's visit and help, and I pray for Angie's safe return in September.