Pastor Mike’s Garage
August 6, 2023
So I came to the realization early this morning that I might not be as
young as I used to be.
We are at my in-laws for the weekend. It is one of two weekends every year
that the whole family tries to get together. Lately I seem to be constantly
running from one thing to another and it started to really worry me how
much quality time I was actually getting to spend with Ben. Many days I
leave the house before he’s up, run from one thing to another all day,
getting back after he’s already in bed. It has become clear that he is a
lot closer to his mother, which is alright and understandable, but I do
value our relationship and I want to be an involved father. Ben has had an
interest in sleeping out in a tent as of late, and last week BreAnn and he
slept out in our front yard for the night. It was with my concerns in mind,
and the thought that we were gonna be at nana and grandpa’s for the long
weekend with not a lot scheduled, that I offered to dig out my old tent for
us to sleep in it out in the yard, just the boy’s! Yesterday evening we
unpacked my old tent, surprisingly in good shape for not having been out of
its bag in at least twenty years! We laid out a foamy for Ben, and I blew
up my old air mattress, also not having been used in many years. The night
went fine. Early this morning as I lay there waiting for Ben to wake up the
thought literally went through my mind “You know, that wasn’t too bad, I’m
not that old, I could still camp out in a tent!” Those thoughts quickly
diminished when I tried to get up. Somewhere in the night my air mattress
had significantly deflated and I was sleeping on the ground. Man was I
sore! There is a reason fifty-somes generally don’t do a lot of sleeping on
the ground! Funny thing is though, he was so proud to be out there with me
that I don’t regret it even a little bit! Man, I love that boy. I’ve
already offered to sleep out there again tonight should he wish.
The other night I was talking with a group of Christian guys and one of
them was sharing that while his son was living a very risky lifestyle, he
felt that God is doing whatever it takes to get a hold of him. We talked
about that for a bit, how God is a good caring Father who will chase after
us, wanting a good relationship with each one of us. The thought dawned on
me though, that while God does do whatever it takes to get a hold of us, so
does the enemy! He is also fighting for us! This is the battle that we are
in! What sways the balance and makes the difference is who’s call will we
respond to? Several verses along this theme come to mind. “And I am sure of
this, that *he who began a good work in you* will bring it to completion at
the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 God is taking an active role in
your christian growth and walk! “Be alert and of sober mind. *Your enemy
the devil* prowls around *like a roaring lion* looking for someone to
devour.” I Peter 5:8 Unfortunately the enemy also wants to take an active
role in our lives! He is also pursuing us with very different motives. John
10:10 says “The thief comes but to steal kill and destroy, but I have come
that you might have life and life more abundantly!” Which fathers voice
will you heed, the father of lies, or the Father of lights?
I am in no way a model father, but I love my son and care deeply about our
relationship! It humbles me that my heavenly Father also yearns for a deep
relationship with me! He is calling to you, He is fighting for you!
Tomorrow, while I will be away, we are still having church. Would you
consider making it a priority to come to deepen your relationship with your
heavenly Father? It’s not the only way, but it is a good way! I believe
everyone needs Christian community in their lives. It’s good for you, but
it’s also good for us when you’re there! It’s just not the same with you
missing! Tomorrow we have a guest speaker named Bill Bridal, a retired
pastor who lives in Broadview. I had the opportunity to have a coffee with
him last week, I think you’re in for a treat! Rachel Kardash is leading
worship, service starts at 10:30.
Pastor Mike