Tracy Osborne

When I was growing up one of the greatest blessings about being a "PK" was meeting and fellowshipping with Christian leaders and their families. It was interesting to see how some very exuberant preachers were really rather quiet and shy out of the pulpit or how some used their booming "platform voice" everywhere they went. It was these little observations and others that taught me that God uses very ordinary people to proclaim His Word. Once in a while someone exceptional would stand out, but it wasn't usually because he was a super gifted preacher or musician. Recently one of these extraordinary people passed into the presence of the Lord and I'm hoping you won't mind indulging me in a moment to reflect on a few things he taught me.

Just thinking about this hero in the faith makes me smile. Almost everyone who knew him has a "Dr. George story". You know, those vignettes that precisely describe someone's personality while, at the same time, have a nugget of deep truth hidden in them. My family has LOTS of stories like this because he was my dad's best friend. Although they lived 1,500 miles away from each other, in different countries, they spent a lot of time traveling and ministering together. When trying to estimate all the countries they visited together, we counted 17 trips to just Japan alone! Every time they parted he said, "Mel, you're my friend for life!"

Dr. George is credited with numerous short sayings with rich spiritual truths buried in their simplicity. These were pieces of great wisdom he had proven in his own life. One of these, "Enjoy the journey!" typifies his attitude toward each day he met. It wasn't that his life was free from personal tragedy, but he truly believed God was guiding his steps and that He is good. He had such a delightful sense of humor that he would have us laughing even on trips through the dark valleys.

This Godly man was a faithful friend, kind husband and father, and a Biblical scholar. He loved the Word of God. In airports he could be found in a quiet corner with his Bible open on his lap. The last count I heard about, he had systematically read the Bible completely through 387 times! He didn't just know about God, but knew Him in a way that only comes from years of investing time walking and talking with someone you value.

Those who only knew him by his public ministry may remember him in the light of an inspiring sermon he preached, but to me he was a great man whose life has eternally impacted mine. Here's an insider secret from someone who grew up meeting many well-known preachers and musicians: the most important sermons are not spoken, but lived. When the spotlights dim, the music fades, and we're just living our ordinary lives, who are we?

In asking this question my mind drifts to the passage in Scripture where Jesus asks His twelve disciples, "Who do the crowds say I am?" (Luke 9:18) They offer up different impressions that people had of Him based on His public ministry. But then Jesus asks them, "Who do you say I am?" (vs. 20). These were Jesus' inner circle of friends who ate with Him, worked and rested with Him, and saw Him doing the mundane activities necessary in life. Peter confesses the great revelation that Jesus is The Christ. Those who travelled with Jesus caught a glimpse of who He really was (and is).

In a similar way, our families, close friends, and co-workers get to really know us as we walk out the everyday purposes of God in our lives. It's in these relationships our true selves are revealed. It's these people who know when we are operating in the flesh or being directed by the Holy Spirit. They know if we fake it. They know when we make mistakes. They know if we're real. This can be really scary or it can be a gift that leads us back to our utter dependence on our Savior. It's His life being lived out in ours that will have the greatest impact on our loved ones, especially our children. When we're fully surrendered to His leading, we can truly smell the sweet fragrance of His presence and rest in His goodness as we, "enjoy the journey"!Go to our facbook page and post how you "Enjoy the Journey"

Anita Onarecker Wood

I shared coffee with a friend this week, and we agreed we both loved the books of Jeremiah and Isaiah. Then I said, "I love Deuteronomy too." She looked surprised, and said, "I've never heard anyone say that before!" So, I took time to leaf through my Bible and remind myself why I love God's word in that book.

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