I was reading in Psalms the other morning, and found myself in Psalm 42. It begins with the following- "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?"
I got thinking about that, how David hungered and thirsted for fellowship with the living Lord. We often "thirst" for so many other things- recognition, material things, relationships, etc. Yet Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." I often chase after the wrong things, and thirst for things that won't really satisfy my soul. David had it right- those who thirst for God, who really devote their lives to knowing, loving, and living for Him, they will be deeply and eternally satisfied. That's where I want to find my thirst quenched, as well.
Rob

We just finished a week of Vacation Bible School, and it was a blast! We did a western theme called "Treasure Canyon", sharing with kids the real treasure of knowing Jesus Christ as one's Savior and Lord, and living for Heaven with Him, where the real treasure is. We had over 1700 attend every day, and saw 101 kids come to Jesus Christ. A lot of people made this incredible week happen, and I'm amazed at how our folks pour themselves heart and soul into this every year. It takes so much work to get ready for, and it is so much fun all week, its almost sad when it over! Oh well, Camp is up next, and that's always a big time, too!
Rob

This weekend I had a most amazing, memorable experience. I got to perform a wedding renewal ceremony of my good friends, Tommy & Tracy. They have been through much difficulty over the last few years, and I have been privileged to be there to help, encourage, and support them through it all. As Tracy wanted to surprise Tommy with this ceremony on their anniversary, I was overwhelmed with the tremendous honor to be asked to perform it. As they stood before each other, and their girls stood with them, I thought about everything that brought all of us to this point. I thought, "Of all the places I could be, and of all the things I could have done with my life- I wouldn't trade being here with them today for anything in the world." So often ministry is hard, thankless work, but when you really get involved with people and live life together, its very humbling and rewarding to be there in the important, memorable times in their lives. I love what I do- moments like that with Tommy & Tracy, and times like RockiTown, VBS, camps, etc., make the difficulties of ministry worth it all.
Rob

A couple of mornings ago I was reading Psalm 15. King David asks the question, "Lord, who may live in your tent, and who maydwell on your holy hill?" In other words, who can live in close fellowship with God, and who can live in Heaven with Him? He then lists qualities that are acceptable to God:
A walk of integrity & honor- v.2
acts of righteousness- v.2
truthful speech- v.2
doesn't bad mouth others- v.3
doesn't do harm to others- v.3
doesn't pick up and hold a grudge against a friend- v.3
despises perverts- v.4
respects & looks up to those who follow the Lord- v.4
keeps his word, even if it hurts- v.4
doesn't lend to others with interest- v.5
doesn't take bribes against others- v.5

This sounds like a good creed to live by. If more of us lived by these, we would make a greater difference in the world.
Rob