Choose This Day

 I have not forgotten from all the Lord delivered me. My family was dysfunctional. On my father's side there was incest, sexual abuse, physical abuse, rape, alcoholism, adultery, and suicide. On my mother's side there was alcoholism, sexual abuse, abortion, and cover ups. I was surrounded by the sewage of sin. I had no hope of escape. No hope until the day Jesus reached down and lifted me from the filth and brought me into the faith. 

When I write that Jesus rescued me in October of 1983 when I heard the gospel, I don't think many of you can understand. I knew my life was heading for destruction. Sure, I was driven through football to go to college, and I had other career goals. I think all of that would have been derailed by my depravity. Sin would have wrecked my life just like I saw it wreck so many in my family. I have a brother still battling alcoholism. Others are still caught in sexual immorality. 

Jesus did more than just rescue me. He gave me a whole new life. Everything changed that October night in 1983 when I was introduced to Jesus. I owe Jesus my wonderful wife of 33 years, four sons who have brought more joy to me than I can put into words, a clear calling and purpose in pastoral and preaching ministries, and a wealth of friendships I would never had without Jesus. I owe Him everything. 

These are the thoughts that rattle around in my mind when I consider where I could have ended up in the ash heaps of broken dreams, bitterness, sin, and debauchery. When I read [Joshua 24:15] I am reminded of where I came from. Why would I not daily choose to serve Jesus unashamedly? Jesus is the head of this home. Bible verses are on nearly every wall in the house. Stacked next to me to my left on this desk in the house are multiple copies of the Bible. Stacked behind my computer are several books on topics like the church, prayer, living Christlike, when God doesn't make sense, navigating change in ministry, and many others. 

I choose Jesus today. I pray for the passionate pursuit to choose Jesus every day. Day in and day out. To choose Him and to guide my family to choose Him. While I live, I want to constantly point other people to Him like the dozens of lost people who attended a funeral I recently preached. While I live, I want my life to be about Jesus. That is my only purpose for existing. When I die that will be gain to me. [Phil 1:21]. 

I choose Jesus today and hopefully every day. I am well aware Satan prowls like a lion waiting to devour. [I Pet 5:8]. I am also aware that sin is crouching at the door. [Gen 4:7] My flesh is still my greatest battle. [Gal 5:17] I pray for God to crucify that flesh, so Jesus lives through me. [Gal 2:20] I choose Jesus because of what He has done for me. I only wish I could do more for Him. Not in repayment but as an act gratitude and worship.