I AM NOT GIVING UP!!!

     For the last several years, I have heard many stories of Christians who have walked away from the faith. Some are members of churches I have attended, others are popular preachers, authors and Christian musicians. It breaks my heart when I either read or hear about many who have decided that following Jesus is not for them and they choose a different path. As a Christian for well over 40 years, I can’t understand what would make someone decide to walk away. Maybe circumstances, trials, unresolved conflict or just simply the devil got a hold of them.

      When I first learned about this thing called Facebook, I was told that many celebrities had "profiles" and that you could "friend them." I started doing a search for members of some of my favorite Christian Rock Bands. I will not mention them by name of their band. I was very happy to write to one in particular to thank him for his ministry and how much his music blessed me during difficult times in my life. The response I received from him was not what I expected. This is a paraphrase "Hey Dave thanks for the note but I just wanted you to know my beliefs have changed from years ago. I am a freethinker now. I think out loud. I’m glad to have you as a friend. Peace!" A freethinker? I discovered that he was now an atheist and turned his back on God. Last summer I read on Facebook about a pastor and author who wrote about dating from a Christian perspective left his wife, children and church family to now join the LGBT community! No, that can’t be possible! Even here on Long Island close to home I am hearing of pastors being fired for bizarre reasons and some refuse to darken the doorstep of a church. So what in the world is happening? Why are so many walking away? Should we react like Flip Wilson did when he did his comedy sketch in the 1970"s as Geraldine and say "The devil made me do it?" One thing is for sure! We are living in the last days!

      I honestly don’t like talking about the past because that past is over. It is much more fun to talk about what God is doing now and in years to come. I know in 6 ½ years I have been through a lot! Resigning from my church, being separated twice for my family and now being a divorced man. I have worked 7 jobs and served at a church for 8 months in 2017. In my lifetime I have been cursed at and I’ve been called stupid. I experienced depression and came close to having a nervous breakdown. I also have members of my family who will not speak to me unfortunately. I am here on this blog to declare that I am not giving up on God! I am not walking away from the faith! If there has been one "constant’ in my life, it has been knowing how much God loves me and knowing He will always be there for me. I admit, there are times I don’t understand what He is doing in my life. I stand behind the counter at a chicken restaurant wondering if I will ever stand before a church congregation as a pastor. There are times I would much rather sleep in on a Sunday then drive all the way to church. I know I need to be there. Even after I wake up, the thought of reading my One Year Bible is the last thing I want to do. Hey, just hit the old snooze button or tell Google to set my alarm for 4:45 a.m. I know I need to read my bible and I need to pray. I look at my bank account and wonder if I will have enough money to pay bills. God has ALWAYS supplied my needs! In a world where many want to throw in the towel, that does not include me. So on this rainy October Day, I am encouraging you all to do the same. And if by chance you don’t know Jesus as your Lord, savior and forever friend. Make the right choice now!