Advice

Today, I had the honor of speaking before a Christian Business Group. I had spoken there before. I always wondered why they didn't reach out to younger Christian business-people. This group had done good work for years around town. I even helped them at times. I rarely give advice in counseling or talks without giving options. I realize how weak I am and I yet I have been blessed by the Lord to skip lots of tough events or trying times. He actually lifted me out of them , not by cheating, or running, but being in different areas, eras , or even geographic places when weird, horrid things could have happened. I told the group of those times. God knew I was weak and allowed me to not just be there. At times, I have been in tough places, events, and God just said, Keep on keeping on. And I did. Sometimes I sinned horridly. But,God was with me. Through a divorce, a stroke, tough alliances, jobs, stress, local,national and foreign events. God was there. And still people gripe. I did but I repented. I still gripe but realize how blessed my life has been. Ministry is odd since one has to depend on the Spirit of God but many times I have not. I told them that too. Yet, the Bible tells us, Never tire of doing good. Write those letters, emails, blogs, standing up for goodness, truth, and Godly items. And yes, that might mean philosophically you will defend political, cultural, social, and even military things from your religious or ethical foundations. Do I mix these up? God is not a politician nor is He a science teacher. But, one can believe and state things with these last two statements underlying one's spiritual understanding. My faith, my politics, my cultural understandings; my social and economic beliefs do come from my own analysis of my faith as seen, experienced through my relationship to God, His Word, and historical-traditional mores that I have focused upon throughout my years. I would be lying if I did not state that. And that forges any advice I may give to anyone who listens or reads.