Loved...

Over the weekend I got sick. No, let me say that differently so you get a better picture of it. Over the weekend I was attacked by a gastrointestinal evil being that wreaked havoc on my stomach forcing me to sit in the bathroom in misery with a distinct feeling that someone was stabbing in the stomach with an ice pick all night Saturday night. Yeah, that’s a better description. It was so bad I knew there was no way I would make it to church Sunday morning. I hate missing church. Sunday is my favorite day of the week because of the connection with fellow believers worshiping God together. But never the less, I made the necessary calls and covered everything and set up to spend the day at home.

What happened that afternoon into the next day was incredible. I got text messages, phone calls, and even a video from people telling me they missed me and that they were praying for me. I was seriously moved. This isn’t the first time my church family has called out to me like this either. They have been there for me and my family numerous times. Every time people show love to me or my family, I think about this verse:

By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. – John 13:15

So, let me publicly say thank you to my amazing church family and friends. You are a witness to those who are watching and an inspiration to me to show more love to those around me. You are awesome!

In Christ,

jon walton

Loved...

Relationship...

There is a gas station and market not far from my house. I live about 20 minutes out if town, so I stop by this market quite often for gas. After a while, I tried some of their food from the grill they have inside. It turns out they have amazing burgers and subs! So, I began to frequent this little market. I even got to know the people who work there by name.

Now, because of the bad economy, lots of people steal gas. This lead to, as i’m sure you are aware, the pre-pay standard. At pretty much every gas station you have to pay before you can pump your gas. While I understand this policy, I have to admit that it’s a bit of an inconvenience. If the gas station doesn’t have a pay at the pump option, you have to go in. If you want to fill up, you have to guess how much it will cost. If you over estimate, its a headache for all parties involved. The same was true for this little station I visited. But then something changed.

See, after a while, I developed a relationship with the people who run the station. They trust me. Now when I pull up, I just wave at the people inside and they turn on the pump. After I fill up, I walk in and pay. They know I won’t drive off, or try to get away. I have cultivated a great relationship with them.

Now, this is not going where you think it is. I’m not going to ask you if God can trust you. God already knows you. He knows how much He can trust you with. My question is this: Do you trust God the way that market trusts me? Do you trust Him enough to give Him special permissions in your life? Do you trust Him not to take the things you love with out good reason? Do you trust Him to pay you after He takes something from you?

LORD and King, you are God! Your words can be trusted. You have promised many good things to me. – 2 Samuel 7:28 NIrV

In Christ,

jon walton

Relationship...