Aug/100
Do You Have a Nathan?
Tonight in our lifeGROUP lesson we read about Nathan, a prophet, sent to speak to David regarding his fallen state and his sin. The Lord sent Nathan speak correction to David.
As we talked, I realized that every one of us is in need of those in our lives who will speak the truth to us in love. Many times we’ve been so surrounded by our ongoing issues and weaknesses (all of which manifest in sin if not resolved) that we are unable to see the error of our ways. The reason many of us don’t have people around us that can speak accordingly is because of our own pride. We have convinced ourselves that between God and us, “we’ve got it covered.” Pastor Lonny Dyer actually said today in our Living Stones Crown Point service, “The religious spirit says, ‘We’re ok. We’re good.’”
I know that I personally am grateful for Pastor Ron Sr. and my wife who both have complete access and permission to speak the truth to me. My question to you is, “Who are those around you that have the authority in your life to speak the truth.” Not just give you an opinion or some random advice; who are those that have complete access to speak the truth even when it hurts? If you don’t have them, find them.
Jun/102
To My Spiritual Father
This morning I woke up thinking about my spiritual father — Pastor Ron Johnson, Sr. He and Pastor Carol are headed off this morning to beautiful Maine on the east coast to celebrate their 50th Anniversary which is on Friday. 
This morning as I was standing in the kitchen thinking about how grateful I was for his influence in my life. While thinking on this, I quickly broke into tears. If you know me well, that really isn’t saying too much because I can hardly make it through a day without crying about something and definitely never a week! And for the record, I think I am emotionally stable. Some may disagree.
In any event, the point is that I honestly do not know where I would be if it weren’t for my spiritual father’s influence in my life. So much has happened in my life, particularly in the last year or so including among many things, losing my own father who passed away in September.
As I continue to age, grow, and mature, I am more aware than ever of the true significance and importance of having a spiritual father. Some have mentors; few have fathers. To some it may be a matter of semantics and actually may mean the same thing. However, for me, this isn’t the case. A mentor is someone who gives you advice and you choose to listen or not. They are the person you go to when you have major life decisions to make, and you’re not quite sure what to do. A true spiritual father is more than that. A spiritual father is one who loves their son more than their own self. A spiritual father is one who is willing to die to his own desires in order to see his son accomplish his. A father is there to listen, guide, and most of all protect the son at all costs; whatever it costs him, he is willing to give. If it’s time, energy, money — whatever the cost — he gives it.
What every generation and this culture needs is true fathers who will lay down their lives for their sons. Thank you, Pastor. My hope and prayer is that I will become a father to many as you have been to me.
