This last Sunday the Lord began to speak to our congregation about favor. More particularly the divine favor that we all should walk in because our relationship with the God of the universe. Favor is simply Biblically defined as God is with you. Think about that! The Almighty God who formed the sun, moon, and stars is backing me, beside me, and going before me. All HIs resources are at my disposal. Glory to God!
I know that in this trying season of sorting out all that has happened and the implications of dear Amy’s passing it is of paramount importance to rest in the love of God and to walk in the favor of the Lord. God isn’t mad at anyone or punishing anyone. He loves each of His children with an unconditional love and I have felt His sovereign hand of favor and goodness since Amy’s passing like never before. It’s unexplainable but nonetheless as real as the sun rising this morning.
Jesus was the first to walk in God”s favor completely as a sinless, obedient Son. Now through the work of the Cross we also can walk in God’s complete favor. His precious Holy Spirit marks us for favor and releases us to announce the time of God’s favor (Lk. 4:19). We are living in the days of the favor of the Lord. No one can stop the favor but you!
Luke 1:28- Gabriel appeared to her and said, Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!

For all my dear Bethany North members and faithful internet streamers, it is with great joy that I will step back into the pulpit this Sunday for the first time since darling Amy died. I believe it will be part of the healing process for me to move forward with what gives me, and gave Amy, the greatest joy of all and that is to touch people’s lives and fulfill the call of God. I will be launching a new series entitled “Why Can’t I have the Favor?” and it is going to be good! Thank God for His unmerited favor! (Bring a friend and come enter into His glorious favor with us)
Luke 4:19- and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come!

In the wake of the last few weeks my family and I have taken a week to rest and reflect. There is no way to measure the physical and emotional exhaustion after a situation like this has ended. It has been a good week for me as I have slept a lot and reflected upon the life of my beautiful wife Amy. This is all apart of the healing process. Now that the long battle has ended for Amy’s life we begin the process of grieving for her loss. There is really nothing you can do but just allow the God-given instincts of our spirit and soul to kick in and receive God’s grace day by day.
It has, and continues to, overwhelmed me with the outpouring of love and support that I have received in the last days and week. Unbelievable! It has not been easy to deal with Amy’s passing but the love felt by all is like a sedative numbing the pain. Where would we be with out each other? In Christ we have an army of brothers and sisters that are ready to answer the call of ministry and support when one of us is in need. How beautiful is that?
As I sit looking at the ocean and its vastness I can’t help but think of eternity and how one day we will all be together with Amy and it will last forever. Life is short but eternity is forever. It is not yet real to me that she is gone but yet the reality of being with her forever in heaven is close.
Gen. 50:10- When they arrived at the threshing floor of Atad, near the Jordan River, they held a very great and solemn funeral, with a seven-day period of mourning for Joseph’s father.

Truly, words are not enough to begin to express the gratitude and thanks in my heart to all of you who prayed, supported us, and stood with us in this time of battle and mourning. From late night prayer meetings to encouraging comments on my blog, the body of Christ just showed up and showed out in this whole situation.
The funeral service for my beloved Amy was the most wonderful thing I have ever witnessed of its kind. What a joy, peace, and overall sense of honor that prevailed as thousands came and even more watched by internet. If for some reason you missed this awesome occasion you can watch the whole thing by clicking on the above link. I wanted to make sure that everyone who wanted could share in our celebration of her life and ministry.
Before me stands the daunting task of rebuilding my life without my precious bride. It won’t be easy, but, of course, nothing in my life has been! By the grace of God and the support of many incredible family members and friends, I will move forward into the destiny that lies ahead. As dad says, One day at a time! Let this be a lesson to many of you that you can make it through anything with the help of the Lord and healthy relationships around you.
I pray a blessing on all of you who prayed countless hours and shed many tears. I pray the comfort of Almighty God, His Son Jesus, and the precious Holy Spirit would envelop your heart and mind as it has mine. May every moment spent thinking of me and Amy be multiplied back to you in full measure and be filled with joy unspeakable.
2 Cor. 13:13- May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.