The Pen Project Volume 1 Issue 2 | Page 95

Upward and outward leads to joy and growth . Inward leads to stagnation , defeat and eventually destruction . The choice is truly ours to make each and every day .
LOVE I was released August 4 , 2014 . I spend as much time with my family as I possibly can . I study my Bible and pray nearly every day . I am trying to follow the Lord ’ s leading in what I can do to take the pain , grief , and suffering of my past and turn it into gain for the Kingdom . I desperately want my life to be a reflection of God .
In the spring of 2015 , I became the Prison Fellowship Area Manager for Central Missouri . A few months later , my wife and I began Halfway House of Christ , a non-profit organization dedicated to being the hands and feet of Christ to offenders , ex-offenders and their families . In the fall of 2015 , my wife and I were a part of 60 folks who planted Genesis Church of Mexico . Six months later , we are averaging over 220 people for Sunday morning worship . Shortly after Genesis was planted , the Elders asked me to be the leader of Momentum , our ministry to men . I now am blessed with the ongoing mantle of following God in the mentoring growing of husbands and fathers .
Love is being Jesus Christ to those around you . Being His hands and feet . Allowing God ’ s power , plans and purpose to flow down to you , through you , and out to those He would have you serve and bless . It ’ s that simple and that complicated all at the same time .
SUMMARY Imagine a beach . Large waves are swelling , rolling and crashing on the beach . You see three men . The first stands in the ocean water up to his waist . As each wave crashes over him , he punches and kicks at it , fighting with all his might . The second man is floating motionless , not dead , but a long way from alive . He has given up entirely . Then your eyes lift , you see near the top of the next enormous wave the third man . He is riding a surf board . He rides the wave all the way to the shore .
All three men face the same challenge . The first lacks faith and fights against his dark season . The second lacks hope and has given up . The third has chosen to rise above his present condition ; to allow the pain , grief and suffering to grow him in the way God intends ; to thrive as a result of his difficult circumstances . My challenge to you today is to be that third man . God bless you . Thank you .
95