Dear friends,

I say friends, because it is only people like me that would like my thoughts.  My son, Chris, has earned a new title in the family, a pess-optimist.  He is pessimistic at first, “No,” “Never,” “We cannot do it,” or “It will not work,” and . . . after a few minutes, we get, “That could work,” “That’s not a bad idea,” or “We will make it work.”  So in the end, he is really an optimist and can figure out any problem.  Hey, that is better than the other way around.

Sometimes, I get focused on the four horsemen of the apocalypse, all of the terrible things of the Anti-Christ, and the coming judgement from God.  There will be famine, pestilence, war, and death . . . and that is the beginning of tribulation.  I think, “Did Jesus give us any good news?”  Then I remember that in Matthew 24:37 Jesus said that “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”  Now I know that this is out of context, but I think there were almost all-evil people in the world.  Yet Noah and his family survived.  Yes, they were a tribe of people that were righteous, working together, and building together for purpose.  That purpose was to first do as God had commanded – build my plan of escape for you.  Second, work together as a family, or tribe, to accomplish that task.  And third, preach or proclaim with your voice why you’re building, and that God will judge the world.  You can know with certainty that Jesus is coming.  First to save us, and second to judge the world.

There is an ark in Jesus – the place of sanctuary for disciples of Jesus.  It is in the family, or tribe, that works together, builds together, prays together, and worships together.  You may feel that you’re left out – no family and no tribe.  But listen to me carefully.  If you’re a disciple of Jesus, you do have a family and tribe.

 

“According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.  Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” 
– Ephesians 3: 11-15

You may not feel connected with like-minded disciples, but Jesus is our connection.  Pray and believe that Jesus will connect you to people who are building arks and seeking for the wisdom of God.  I promise you that if you seek that, God will reveal it and bring you together.  It doesn’t matter if you start with pess-optimism.  Just end in the love and revelation of God’s love.

Love from your brother,
Pa

P.S. Seriously, if you do not have a family or tribe and no personal contacts of like-minded disciples of Jesus, call us.  Let’s talk and pray together.  Share your struggles with us, and we will share our journey with you.

(The first picture is of Chris when an idea is first presented.  Then a picture of him working with his brothers to make it work.)