Sometimes we take special relationships for granted. We want to tell them what we think but we find it awkward putting it into words or we think we should wait for a more appropriate occasion. “They might think it strange if out of the blue I told them how I really felt towards them. Maybe I should wait for another time.”

“Everybody else has one. It’s cool. They get to see their king in parades, riding the palace chariot. I bet the local yokels feel good when they see their king walking on the royal red carpet, with the scepter in his hand and big crown on his head surrounded by his loyal servants, bodyguards and palace officials. Best of all, it must be reassuring when war breaks out to see their king calling the shots and taking control. They must feel more confident and better about themselves. We need a king.”

If you eventually find yourself in a position of leadership, what kind of a leader do you hope to be? If you get promoted to foreman or manager how will your employees perceive you? If you become a Sunday School superintendent or an elder in the local church or the chairperson of a group responsible for establishing a local cemetery – what will your style be like?

“Okay. Let’s get it straight. I’m in charge. You guys can have your input but ultimately I call the shots. The buck stops with me. When I say ‘jump’ I expect you to respond in unison: ‘how high?’ I mean business and I won’t be taking any guff from any of you. I don’t expect any whining either – after all, I’m in charge. When it’s your turn to run the ship then you can call the shots but I’m in the captain’s chair just now. Is that clear? Everybody understand?!!”

“I love Jesus so much. I worship Him. I have never been this free. God has given me a totally new perspective on life. I can’t stop smiling. The pent-up feeling is gone. I’m so happy. I’m having a great time. I just praise Him and love Him and sing His praises. Like I said, I’m so happy!”

“But Tomlinson, why are you taking it out on David? He’s in the same boat as we are. They raided his home too. He lost everything too. Yes, they kidnapped his wife and children too. We’re not the only ones. We’re all in this together.”

“Manoah dear, this is an awesome day! I just found out that we’re going to have a baby. In fact, I can be more specific: without even having an ultrasound test done, I know it’s going to be a boy! A man of God met me today and gave me the news. What an angel he was but guess what? I never even asked the man his name or where he lived so we could keep in touch. He just told me a boy-for-God was on the way!”

Chilling. Frightening. Terrifying.

Christian families huddled together and prayed as the latest rumors spread. He was about to strike again. His attacks were gaining momentum and spreading quickly. He was widening his circle of terror as he convinced certain leaders to jump on board and sanction his intended path of destruction

Can you believe you ever held those extremist views that your life was all about HIM? Is it possible I ever really thought my life wasn’t all about ME? I can’t believe I once thought that there might have been something more to life than ME and MY and MINE. How foolish I was. I must have been off on a tangent because now I see clearly that life is all about ME.

There they were - fishermen (or fishers if you like) returning to their vehicles after dark, packing their rods and tackle into their trunks. Even if they did catch a few big ones, was the pain and mess worth it?

Black flies, mosquitoes, and moths swarming that fish hole. And then consider the scratches from the low branches, scrapes from slipping off a slimy rock, bleeding index finger from a hook jab and then sticky and stinky from the hot humid summer evening. But yet, some people just love every minute of it. Some are up before sunrise and others are there still fishing at dusk.

The beaming face has been replaced with a dutiful smile. “Yes, it is another great day to be alive. We can thank the Lord for that.” The spontaneous expressions of gratitude have been replaced with platitudes. A certain awkwardness overtakes you as you try to mingle with other believers. You wonder if they can sense something is wrong but you work hard to mask your feelings. You can still say all the right things, go through all the motions but something is missing.