Well, after thirty-six years, I finally did
it. Never wanting to rush into anything
or make hasty decisions, I waited until I felt the time was right. Prior to that, I had had one or two bad
experiences that made me reticent to do it. However, after some loving
encouragement from Peggy, I finally took the big step…. I had a security system
installed in our home.
Let me explain my hesitation. In the
thirty-six years we have lived in our home, there have only been two break-ins
in our neighborhood. One was a
legitimate burglary, but it was on the corner with a short driveway access to a
main street. The other break-in was so item specific that it appeared to be
someone with intimate knowledge of the home. Another source of hesitation has
been my experience in disarming the alarm at the place where my Friday Group
met. The first time I was responsible for opening the office, I, inadvertently,
set off the alarm and the police showed up. Fortunately, the Senior Assistant
District Attorney, who was a member of our group, arrived at the same time the
police did and he vouched for my character (some might quote Lincoln in saying,
"You can fool some of the people some of the time…")
Now, after several weeks, I have made peace
with the system. I can even arm and disarm the system remotely from my cell
phone. Isn't technology wonderful! It is
nice to know that if I am away, Peggy can arm the system and feel more secure at night. I find that my
security system gives me a measure of peace that before I may have lacked.
Another security system that gives us access
to real peace, true peace is a relationship with Jesus Christ. There is a
bumper sticker that says,
"No
Christ, No Peace, Know Christ, Know Peace."
While that may seem simplistic, I find it to
be true for me. Ken Boa, who leads a Bible study I attend, says this, "We
don't have peace with others because we don't have peace with ourselves. We
don't have peace with ourselves because we don't have peace with God."
What we are looking for in a security system
is peace of mind. What we are looking for in life is peace of soul. I contend
that true peace is only found in The Author and Perfecter of Peace, The Price of Peace, Jesus Christ.
Do you know Him? Do you know peace? If not, let's talk.
Net Work News and Needs
On the weekend of March
20-24, I attended the 25th annual Reunion Retreat for men with whom I had been
involved through Young Life. It was a weekend of laughter, sharing and
prayer. There are thirteen of us, eleven
of whom were able to attend. One of the men, who is now a Presbyterian pastor
drove in from Cincinnati, another flew in from upstate New York. One of the men
who were not able to come is waiting for a heart transplant!
The Friday Group is
continuing its study of "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis.
I continue to meet
regularly with individual men for counsel and encouragement.
Upcoming Events:
April 25-27 - Friday
Morning Men's Group Retreat
June 13th - Third
Annual Net Work Ministries Wounded Warriors Golf Outing
Bless you, my friends,
for your friendship, support, and encouragement.
NET WORK MINISTRIES, INC. EXISTS FOR THE
PURPOSE OF BRINGING TOGETHER GOD’S PEOPLE AND HIS RESOURCES TO PRESENT THE
HEALING MESSAGE OF CHRIST’S
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, THROUGH WORD AND DEED, TO A HURTING AND LOST WORLD.
NET WORK MINISTRIES, INC.
2671 OLD HICKORY DRIVE, N.W.
MARIETTA, GA., 30064-1833
678-986-4814
E-mail address – buckreese41@yahoo.com
Website: www.networkministries.blogspot.com