We’ve come to the close of another school year and another writing season. This is a special week for our family as Karlyn graduates from high school. Family members and friends will gather as we honor all who have reached this wonderful milestone.
“Give honor to whom honor is due,” the Scripture says, but Jesus talked about those his Father would honor. So how do we receive the honor that comes from God? By serving Jesus. And we can only serve Jesus by following him. “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am , my servant will also be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
(John 12:26)
If I care more about what people think than what God thinks, I can’t receive God’s honor. “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise from men more than praise from God.” (John 12:42-43) What a sad exchange!
Jesus, who is honored above all, invites us to follow him. He does not say the path is easy, but he knows it is worth it. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.” (Matthew 16:24-27)
Susan and I are so thankful for a year of health and blessing. We are looking forward to a different summer as we are not in charge of camp this year. I may send a few updates in June and July. May God give us all joy in the journey.
Love,
Dana
“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:9-12)