What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Many years ago an older Pastor gave me some advice about marriage. He said, “The world thinks marriage is about give and take, but marriage is really about give and give”.
He went on to say that giving and serving your partner is the best way to have a long and happy marriage. I was a new Christian and had not met my wife yet, but the advice always stayed with me.
I can honestly say as a Christian man, this is the best advice I have ever received.
What brings me peace? Knowing Jesus and doing my best to follow Him each and every day.
In John 14:27 Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus said this as He was preparing to go to the cross. He knew chaos and confusion was about to be thrust on His disciples, so He gave them His comfort and His peace.
I find these words comforting myself too. So many times I have been worried or stressed out from the trials and tribulations of life, these words have been my comfort.
Many years ago I heard this saying, “No God, no peace. Know God, know peace”. I have found this to be true. Knowing Jesus has given a sense of peace and purpose that the world could never give me.
As I type I am reminded of the great passage from Philippians chapter four. It says…
[6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
I love the way this passage encourages us not to be anxious about anything, but to bring it to God. Then God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus.
This is the secret to knowing true and lasting peace. When we know this peace, we know God is with us and God holds us in the palm of His hands.
What do I listen to at work? Being a School Chaplain I listen to people. Listening is a big part of my job. Listening, asking questions and encouraging.
I must add though, being a Chaplain I am always conscious of listening to the Holy Spirit as I work. Most days I am prompted to go to a particular classroom or part of the school. Quite often there is someone there who needs encouraging or a listening ear.
So what do I listen to while I work? People and the Holy Spirit.
This is an easy one to answer. The things I am passionate about are always not far from the surface and easy to see. I have many passions, but one stands above it all.
My faith in Jesus is my number one passion. Since I came to Jesus in July of 1989, my life has never been the same. He changed everything for the better. My heart is to walk with Him all the days of my life.
Walking closely with the Lord drives everything else I do in my life. He is the reason I get up early to pray and read my Bible. He is why I want to be the best husband and father I can be. He is why I am a Chaplain. He is why I have my PASSION websites to reach out with His love.
If it was not for Jesus I do not know where I would be. Jesus has given my life meaning, purpose, strength, hope and a future. He loved me and died on the cross for me. My response is to give my life back to Him each day and to take up my cross as it says in Matthew 16:24.
This is a tough one. Who do I spend most of my time with? It would be a close call.
I spend a lot of time with kids at school being a Chaplain. But when I am at home it is with my wonderful wife. We are pretty much inseparable when I am not working. We have been for 29 years.
So if I had to make a close call it would be my amazing wife. I am a blessed man.
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