Why

I drove to Denver today for the Teen Challenge banquet. On my way I stopped and visited my Aunt Margaret Shuler (my dad’s sister) along with my Aunt Paula Baer. I also stopped and visited our friends, James and Carie Ruder and dad Larry. I will share more about those contacts over the next few days.

It was good to see many friends that I have not seen in over a year at this year’s Teen Challenge 180 banquet. The attendance was good and the activities seemed to be enjoyed by everyone. Daniel Petruska (pictured with me) has been at 180 Ministries for twelve years and is doing a great job with this program for men overcoming alcohol and drug addictions. September is National Drug and Alcohol Awareness Month. We are constantly made aware of the devastation of substance abuse on individuals, families, businesses and society as a whole. You can find out more about Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains at www.teenchallengerm.com

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!… For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”   Romans 11:33,36

An old hymn contains the words, “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene and wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned unclean.”

At tonight’s banquet Pastor Daniel was sharing about some of the “unsung heroes” that are part of the work of 180 Ministries. Many of these serve and just show love to the men  in our program. It may be as simple as a birthday cake or hanging out and visiting. Daniel shared that when these volunteers leave it is not unusual for one of the men to look and him and ask, “Why?”

Why do these people do this when our own parents have given up on us? These men now broken in life due to their substance abuse are blown away by expressions of unmerited love.

When we get a full glimpse of God’s love for  us. For the unmerited favor and love shown to us through Christ, we too can stand in amazement and ask, “Why?” That was the  Apostle Paul’s response to  the plan of God that would bring all people into relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ.

I find it interesting when people stumble at accepting God’s love, because they don’t understand it. If we could understand it, grasp it…we would be…God. Instead the appropriate response is to ponder and stand amazed.