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If this was the last one...

If I knew I had one last message to share with the world this would be the one... There will be no cowards in Heaven! Okay, so let's be sure we are the same page Are we called to be disciples? Are we called to proclaim the gospel? Are called to be set apart? We have to be careful of the gospel we proclaim! We can't sugar coat the truth Being a cross follower is difficult! In fact, the gospel tells us over and over again only a few find the path.  When you press into Jesus the goal is to make you a new creature. 2nd Corinthians 5: 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God ma

Napkin reflections...

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So, here I sit with a mind racing to understand the complexity of life and the gravity of my decisions.  I am a sinner in desperate need of a loving savior.  I like many who will read this have grown up in church. The words aren't new, but somehow they feel different these days.  Have we missed truth while seeking truth? In our passion for the lost, have we missed the most important component of salvation which is repentance?   If there is no sign of fruit...there is no repentance...if there is no repentance....there is no salvation.  We simply can't have the relationship we long for with Christ without a heart of repentance.   Luke 13:3  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Luke 15:7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for

Day breaks across the African sky

Jessica, Shannon, and Emmanuel,  I came across this tonight while cleaning out some old files.  The emotions are raw and deep.  Please know how much I love you! Thanks for allowing me to live out the journey of my salvation in front of you! Day break comes across the African sky A mother awakens to the gazes of her children’s eyes across the room. She tries to smile, yet the reality of the moment seizes her and fear falls over her. She bows her head and begins to wonder as tears fall from her eyes It is the gaze of her children which breaks her heart she searches for what she knows is not there A nibble of bread, a few pieces of rice will do none for her she professes Just enough to feed her children will do she searches for what she knows is not there What is she to do? A mother’s heart once filled with joy Is now filled with sadness the new born baby who brought joy Is now starving in desperation What is she to do? She searches fo

It's not another day...

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Today is not just another ordinary day!  Today is a day God made and ordained to be unique and different, our responsibility is to live and pray like it matters .  Read the following verses and stop and think about they say to us as Christ followers. Colossians 1:16 16  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things were created through him and for him. Ephesians 2:4-10 4  But   God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5  even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6  and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7  so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gi

Life lessons...

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  Some of the greatest lessons learned are from your children.  I remember hearing "it goes by so fast" as a young man, now I am convinced it goes by way too fast .  I wish I could stop it and bury every memory deep inside my heart.  However, I am also grateful for the opportunity to create memories along the way.  Recently, I had the opportunity to have dinner with my youngest daughter at college.  She always makes me laugh through her expressions and words.  I truly value my unique relationship with each of my children.   Throughout our conversation, I was reminded she is looking to her Daddy for guidance and direction.  She has many important decisions to make in the next few years. I pray my council is right in the eyes of God.  One thing I love about Shannon is how she challenges me biblically.  She loves to ask deep questions which make me think, and pushes to know Gods word.           As I was driving back to home to Birmingham, I began to ref

Looking out the window...

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It's been a long time since I have written or posted anything.   The craziness of life gets in the way of good intentions .  My heart is full of pride for my incredible family.  This has been a year of transition for the Compton clan and more is yet to come.  Jessica is preparing to graduate and move away.    Shannon is freshman at Auburn and busy with social and academic life.  Emmanuel wakes smiling and ready go every single day.  Kathy and I very proud of our children and their passion to follow Christ while impacting the lives of others.   This morning, my heart was filled with joy and sadness as I watched Jessica paint outside the window.  This is the first time I have written like this in a along time, but writing has always been the best way to express my feelings.       Looking out the window   Looking out the window seeing my little girl painting something new.  Immediately my eyes fill with tears.  She looks back and smiles as if she can see right thr

Emmanuel's two year Gotcha day!

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Our lives changed July 13, 2012. Emmanuel James Adjei Compton became a forever part of our family. A part that made this family complete. He has blessed us in more numerous ways than I can count. I am forever thankful for you Ema. You bring so much light in to our family. Below is video our daughter Jessica put together in honor of her little brother.  Thank Lord for everything!    I sure wish this wasn't the picture YouTube selected!  MJ and I were celebrating international day.  He is wearing an African outfit and mine is from India.  I am not wearing PJ's.   Thanks for praying!