Snapshots of Mercy.

Each of us experience snapshots of God’s grace! Although our life is perpetually busy with limited knowledge of the future, yet, we have extraordinary opportunities to see, though only snapshots, evidence of God’s grace He gives us. 

Today, I want to share with you a few of those snapshots as it relates to the recent death of my father-in-law, I call, Papa Don. 

I will post the obituary below, but I want to focus on what my experience has been. I am blessed to have become part of the Rumsey family. Some tease about me being an outlaw, but, I felt very much a part of this wonderful family. Yes, I love my own family who have contributed greatly to my life. I love my father and mother, who are still living. Though, I can write a whole chapter about their contribution in my life, I want to focus on one solitary life, my father-in-law.

These are but only a few snapshots. Even though it’s hard to put into words the love and the incredible experiences that he and I have shared with my father-in-law. Yet, I write this with tears. 

Picture this: We are sitting at a dinner table. I am new to this family and dating Cindi at the time. With all of the awkwardness and feelings of discomfort, while trying to get to know each other, I come to understand the humor of her dad. Someone is asking for the cantaloupe to be passed to them. I simply returned the request asking if they would pass the cantaloupe. To which, my father-in-law says, “No! You cannot elope! You have to get married the proper way.”  I took a big gulp and likely turned very red. I wasn’t sure what to say. He smiled. I blushed.

Picture this: I am taking Cindi out on a date. Nervous and uncertain, I am given instructions by her parents. Cindi’s dad simply says, “Have her home on time!“ He reminds me that Cindi‘s mother is Native American and a little bit of humor, mixed with a surprising expression. He simply said, “You know what ‘they’ do when you don’t follow instructions?” He rubs his bald head and said, “Don’t be a victim!” I got the message and I definitely got Cindi home on time.

Memories are wonderful. Flooding into my mind are the incredible memories being shaped by context and peppered with humor that was not quite understood at the time.  

Papa Don has always had a joy for living as large as his joy for Jesus. He didn’t know a stranger and he wanted to get to know me. After all, if I’m gonna get serious about my relationship with Cindi, I better get to know this family as well. He stepped into my life and made a profound, meaningful difference in me!

He anttended events in my life because he cared.

Picture this: Cindi and I are getting more serious about our relationship. Although my home is over 150 miles away from Marion, Papa Don demonstrated huge support for our feelings. He would remind me that I was dating his daughter!  

As a sign of interest, he wanted to know about my family. To do that, he decided to bring Cindi to my home to meet my parents one summer day. At his own expense, he decided to come and stay the weekend so that he could better know who I am. 

He was not shy and not intimidated in the least. It was a potential father-in-law meet the other in-laws so that he can share Jesus with them. 

These are just a few snapshots of the kind of man that Papa Don was and potentially could be in my life. He had humor and he was authentic. Both of these qualities met well with my family. There was no confusion about who he was nor who he loved. He wanted only the best for his daughter and he wanted the best for me.

Picture this: Fulfilling a promise that he had made to his daughter, he would give her away in a a most unusual way. Here I am trying to be proper at the rehearsal for the wedding with my father sitting in the front row. My dad called me over to me to tell me to straighten up, get serious, and to be proper because this is the respectable way to act. 

Then, the rehearsal music begins. My fiancé is now being escorted down the aisle by her father. He was dressed in a gorilla suit unashamed as he danced his way down the aisle. 

My father was taken back, and he turns to me to say, “Never mind, just be yourself!“ 

We all smiled that day because my father-in-law eased the tension in those moments by displaying humor, his own way.

I write these thoughts and as I reflected upon his important role in my life. With tears, I write this narrative that releases a flood of emotion in me. I am filled with joy and gratitude.

Fast forward to the recent setting when the funeral arrangements are having to be made. I said to my wife, “Cindi, don’t call on me for anything in his funeral. I don’t think that I could hold myself together long enough to say anything of substance.” She honored my request. 

Yet, here I go, writing what I wish I could have said at the funeral.

These are the snapshots of grace that evoke tears of gladness and joy that overwhelm my ability to communicate effectively.

I gathered my family around the casket of the one who has had a profound impact on me, my children, my grandchildren, and all those who gathered to say goodbye.

I’m reminded that his funeral was a home-going, but it was clear that I wanted to have a snapshot for my family to remember. I gathered them closely as we hugged one another once again realize that a man of God has now departed for heaven’s gain! Papa Don’s entry into heaven was because of his relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

How is it that one life could affect the lives of so many?

Though my father-in-law, Papa Don, didn’t remember our names in recent years, or know who we really were in his life yet, at the core of who he was is his relationship with Jesus. He had never forgotten who Jesus is!

Everywhere he would go, he talked about Jesus. Even when he didn’t know us, he knew Jesus personally.

This brief entry into my blog is very personal. It communicates what I cannot say in person. Why would I have tears for one who is going to his final home? Because, I have been blessed by his simple faith and his incredible love.

Thank you, Papa Don! You have enriched me. You have mentored me. You have stood as a giant in faith for me! I am better because of you! Thank you for letting me marry your number one (by age) daughter! 

Good Word: Humility – 3 of 4 Series

The following article references these passages: 2 Corinthians 5:7-9, 16-21; Ephesians 5:15-17; James 4:6-10  

Today, I am reminded of the importance of disciplining ourselves. A new year often prompts this reflection. A few years ago, I began to explore a new approach to my new year. Instead of adhering to resolutions or promises that are seldom kept, I found myself grappling with guilt and regret. 

Listen here. 

Eventually, I became so frustrated that I quit making resolutions altogether. Recently, however, I started a new discipline: selecting one word to study throughout the year. I would choose a scripture to guide me and then reflect on that word throughout the year, asking God to guide and develop me. The purpose of this series is to help us explore that very same opportunity. It’s a way for us to seek God’s direction.

Last week, we continued our new series on the 4-H's of the new year. Each year, we enter a time when we reflect on the past and look toward the future. Sometimes we make resolutions, but we seldom keep them. This often leads to regrets and guilt. However, God desires to have a relationship with us that transcends mere duty and blind loyalty. Grace is a gift, and if we embrace it, it will help us grow in our faith and our journey with God!

Over the last two weeks, we have carefully examined scripture to gain insight into what the Word of God can achieve in us. We have explored two of the four words that can help us gain spiritual depth in our walk with God in 2026. While we can’t predict the future, we can walk with the One who knows it!

1. Habit.
We form habits over time. Both good and bad habits arise from the heart. The Bible reminds us that “the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” (Jeremiah 17:9)

2. Hunger.
We all have cravings. While exercise and diet are fundamental tactics for the New Year, no amount of New Year’s resolutions can replace what only God can do in our lives. We can cultivate a spiritual hunger for the Word of God. We can allow the Word of God to whet our appetite for Truth!

Today, we will explore what the Good Word can accomplish in our lives.

3. Humility.
A necessary next step in our spiritual walk with God and His Word is humility. We must become dependent on the Word of God. Too often, we act as if God doesn’t exist. We can be distracted enough to ignore God in our daily lives, becoming preoccupied with lesser things.

It is important to measure our spiritual depth based on the principle of faith. What faith do you possess? The Word of God helps us discover the faith we need to endure uncertainty, the unknown, and moments of insecurity.

Hebrews 11:1 reminds us of the nature of faith: it is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Faith is knowing during times of uncertainty and acting upon the unseen. Why is faith important? It matters because of the source of what we believe. The very act of faith transcends religion and beliefs; it is a gift from God.

How we interact with faith requires humility! We must “lean fully upon” God's Word, often while standing on the promises of God.

We have confidence in Christ—not in ourselves! The Bible tells us that we walk by faith, not by sight. Humility matters because it demonstrates a confidence in that which lies outside ourselves—beyond our control, resources, and abilities. What we possess is never enough, but with God, it is always sufficient!

Let’s delve deeper. This is the third of our four words. We start with an understanding of who we are, beginning with self. The world is often obsessed with itself, spending time developing our personal brands or protecting the brands we represent. 

Yet, we are called to be ambassadors for God! As followers of Christ, we should lean into Truth and apply it to every opportunity we encounter. In sickness, worry, anxiety, grief, hurt, death, and every other negative experience, we should look to God and see how He may use each situation to strengthen our faith and showcase God’s provision.

2 Corinthians 5:7-9 states: “For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please Him.”

What defines who you are? 

We live in a world that defines identity through the lens of self. Our identity may stem from our home life, family of origin, career, or circumstances. Consider the amusing image of cows trying to determine their location—looking at a map of life, their conclusion is simply "Meat." (While not fully accurate, it’s still humorous!)

We must look to God to understand who we are meant to be. I am grateful that I am not who I once was, yet I am not yet who I ought to be! With God’s help, I can become mature as a follower of Christ.

Our status in God’s Kingdom is not based on merit or talent. It is anchored in God’s undeserved grace applied to well-deserved punishment for outrageous sins committed through unfiltered disobedience. God does not rank us by our deservingness; He sees us all as equal in our need for grace. At the foot of the Cross, the ground is level!

We all grapple with issues of identity, regardless of age or experience. The Devil seeks to destroy us, often starting with insecurity and fear. He quickly escalates to indifference and complacency, feelings that rob us of fully realizing our potential in Christ!

Our texts remind us how we ought to live—not with false humility, but with the certainty that leads to true humility.

Second Corinthians 5:16 states: “He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” 

As we resolve to live for Christ, earthly distractions will fade, and we will grow to depend solely on God. Humility is realizing that it is not up to us—we need God for the salvation and sanctification that sustain us spiritually.

We do all things in Christ! As we develop a hunger for God, we also learn to act according to God’s Will. As we humble ourselves, God lifts us up! We need not be anxious, worried, or frustrated with life—we recognize that God’s Will is the best, and He has a plan!

We also learn to trust God’s timing and plan, saying, “if it be Your Will.” We act in alignment with God’s plan, praying for blessings through our efforts while trusting in God’s best for our lives. We walk humbly with God!

As we progress further into the book of James, which I refer to as practical theology, we see how we ought to live according to God’s plan. We are to be humble while remaining confident in God. What do I mean by this?
We can know the truth, which builds an inner core of confidence within us. We do not lord that knowledge over others; instead, we empathize with those in need.

We are not superior to others, yet we are better off because we make wise decisions through humility. Have you ever met someone who seems to know it all? They are everywhere, flaunting their knowledge as though it were a badge of authority. Their attitude demonstrates a certain arrogance.

Even though we possess the truth, grace should guide how we present that truth so that others can grow in their faith.

CS Lewis says that "pride is the grossest of sins. All other sins are mere flea bites compared to the sin of pride."

 

Pride hurts us because it pushes us away from

God.

 

"By means of symbolism, Satan's position is defined in terms of attitude. Pride is rightly considered to be "the father of all sin," - John W. Ritenbaugh (What the Bible says about Pride as Father of all Sin)

Let’s examine our next passage from James 4:6-10:

“And He gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor.”

We must strive to live up to our potential, no matter what the world may say. 

This reminds me of a child who grew up with a bit of an inferiority complex. When he was told by his teachers that he would never amount to much because of his procrastination, he replied, “Just you wait!”

Ephesians 5:15-17 instructs: 

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”

The Bible encourages us to live wisely. The ability to discern begins with humility. We must look to God for answers and seek His desires. This often means laying down our own opinions in favor of the truth of God’s Word.

When applying truth, consider the following:
A. Knowing God, not being God.  
B. A desire for the things of God.  
C. Acting wisely and avoiding foolishness (it’s not enough to simply be right…).

In a conversation with a waitress, I attempted to explain the importance of being a follower of Christ. She quickly responded, “My grandfather was a pastor, my father was a pastor, and my uncle was a pastor.” With that, she believed her answer was sufficient. 

However, I reminded her that God has no grandchildren. We are not saved because we attended the right church or had the right parents or embraced the right values. We are saved because of the blood of Jesus Christ shed for us, allowing for our redemption. We humbly receive that grace in our lives!

- CS Lewis: "Humility, is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."

 

I like what the author of an article that I read recently from "never thirst" website:

 

"Satan's sin was pride! The angel was in love with itself and wanted to be like God.”

 

Ezekiel 28:17 says, "Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty" It (Satan) was impressed with itself. and wanted to be a god." - Never Thirst website: https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qg/ ga-archives/question/what-is-root-cause-of-all-sin/

 

As we conclude today, I want to remind you to consider our simple plan for 2026:

What is your one word that will define your New Year?