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A PERSONAL LOOK

by Kenneth Pappas  
11/24/2015 / Christian Living

Recently my soul was warmed by a sermon Dr. Charles Stanley. The sermon related to our gratitude toward God. How gracious are you about things God does for you?

Realizing I had neglected to appreciate all that He has given. I decided to make a list. The list was too long for this short article. So, a synopsis was in order. You can read the whole story at faithwriters.com. God has blessed my family and me abundantly.

One Scripture passage in particular rang a bell within me; 1 Peter 1&2. God chose you from the beginning of time (paraphrase). My first bit of gratitude was that I was chosen to be a part of God's family, John 3:16). What comes to your mind about that thought?

When looking back over the many years I can recognize how God moved me from place to place. Finding His plan for your life can surely be difficult. God chose us who believe so we must find His path for our lives.

My path began in Elementary School (Roman Catholic). A Nun took interest in me and gave me a verse of Scripture that has stayed with me for over 50 years; John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life." I am grateful God placed this Nun in my path. The way referred to my salvation, the truth led to my instruction and the life is my future glory living forever with Jesus.

God placed me in exactly the direction He wanted. Yes, at times, I didn't listen but eventually I did succumb. Moving to a new city during my Freshman year of High School I had no interest of the things of church or God. When leaving High School I joined the USAF. A Chaplain became friendly with me because I had been an altar boy. He instilled some truths that continued to arouse my attention but only to slide away.

I met a girl after my time in the USAF who God had definitely placed right in the middle of my path. Her pastor gave the Gospel message to me. I found Jesus one night and placed Him from my head into my heart, Romans 10:9,10. I was 25.

Next He placed a woman in my path that asked me to work with the youth in the church. I was a new Christian but something (the Holy Spirit) kept pushing me to agree. For the next twelve years my wife (the rock) and me worked as Youth Director/Pastor.

Next more education was necessary so we sold our home and entered Bible College. There I received a BS in Christian Education. Graduating we enlisted with a rural ministry group. My wife had gifts in story telling, administration and teaching. My gifts were evangelism, teaching and preaching. We were shepherds as pastor in four churches of different denominations for the next 20 years.

Gaining in age and not having no physical property and little savings as rural pastors are remunerated well my youngest son and I entered into a General Contracting business. Fifteen years led us toward financial security.

Retirement is good but laziness leads to a drained spirit. After six years of playing "snowbirds" the Holy Spirit prompted us to again go into ministry work. We joined a group (Mission Builders) of retired RVers who helped in building churches. We are about to begin our new work at the age of 75 and 74.
This in a nutshell has been the life that God has led my family and me. I go back now to John 14:6 and Peter. We all have things we are grateful for but do we tell God. Do we listen to the pleasure He receives when we praise Him for the grace He sheds upon us?

We have so much to be grateful for if you make a list it will become exhaustive. God blesses us every minute of our stay on this earth and then will bless us more in eternity. Think of the things He has done for you. Then tell Him how grateful you are.

If I were to think of just a few items they would go like this: First, I am grateful for the Holy Spirit who has guided my path all these years.
Second, I am grateful to Jesus for being my redeemer and reconciling me with the Heavenly Father.
Third, I am grateful for all the good He has placed in my life's journey. He gave me a wife who has been my rock for over 50 years. Then He gave me 2 boys and two grandchildren who God loves and protects. There are so many other issues, to lengthy for this article.

What my intentions are is to give you a starting point to begin your search for how God has shed His grace upon you. He chose you to believe, to grow and to be blessed abundantly throughout your journey with Him. Be grateful for He is the way, the truth and the life.

I am a retired ordained minister with a BS in Christian Education, a MA in Theology and many years filled with life experiences.
Having a strong desire to see people come to the Lord evangelism and teaching would be my gifts.
I can be reached at [email protected]

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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