06-23-24

I want to thank all of you who have been praying for my wife, Marsha, as she battles cancer. As many of you know, this past week was particularly tough with many days spent in the hospital. Through your prayers, doors opened and we found strength.

Many have asked me how I have managed to deal with these challenges. Here is my response:

There are three things upon which I build my life. These principles are found in the Word of God and should be qualities found in every Christian.

The three qualities I am about to mention are what help me stand strong, just as they did for those in the Bible.

Integrity, generosity, and humility.

Yes, those are it!

Integrity is especially crucial, as Job understood:

“Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.’ But he said to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” – Job 2:9-10

Job’s steadfast integrity, despite losing everything and suffering physically, inspires me. He remained faithful to God, holding onto his beliefs and morals, loving God with all his heart, soul, and strength.

Secondly, generosity is equally important. Living generously allows God to pour into your life. Many shut this door during challenging times, not just financially.

People often withhold their time, talents, love, gifts, and finances in such moments.

Yet, God exemplified generosity from the start by giving us His only Son, offering forgiveness, mercy, new life, and love. Generosity is a biblical principle we should practice daily. Do not let your heart grow cold in giving love, forgiveness, gifts, etc., for God rewards such giving.

Lastly, humility.

Putting others’ needs before our own is something lost in this culture. However, repeatedly in the Bible, we see Jesus laying down His life for many.

For God says, “It is by humbling yourself that you will be exalted.”

Therefore, with these three principles, I navigate challenging times: living with integrity, generosity, and humility.

For in these, God promises blessings and rewards in due season!