Devotions of Gratitude
Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them,
‘Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth…
I now establish my covenant with you and your descendants’…
--From the story of Noah (Genesis 9, selected verses)
In a few weeks I will celebrate a wonderful moment. I have to share its significance with you. 80 years ago my grandfather (Ben Keckler, Sr.) was ordained as a minister. My father (“Junior” as his brothers and sisters knew him) is still an active ordained minister and, of course, Ben 3rd is writing this devotional after 35 years of active ordained ministry. Just as the story of family and covenant relationship with God is told in the Noah story, so centuries later I can tell a story of God’s blessing. I am grateful for family.
I think of people listening to more than 1,500 sermons delivered by three generations with the name Ben Keckler. I think about the hundreds of weddings and even more funerals. I think about the more than 30,000 plus home and hospital visits that grandpa, dad and I have had the privilege of experiencing. I think of the literally thousands of people who have invited us into their lives to share God’s covenant love with them.
I am filled with gratitude today for a loving God, a faithful family and a wonderful heritage. Believe me when I tell you that God is good. In the midst of all the STUFF we go through, I can honestly tell you that God is in love with this world and will not keep it a secret. Have a great day.
A prayer: Thank you, God, for the gift of family and the gift of your love. Amen.
Ben Keckler
09.25.08
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment