October 27, 2024 – Lessons Learned from The Lewis and Clark Trail

    This journey was a humbling experience. More so than ever, I realize the blessings of our great nation of the United States of America. We are blessed beyond comprehension, and we truly stand on the shoulders of giants. The infrastructure of America is mind-blowing. From the engineering marvels, to the roads, the architecture, the buildings, and the cities, to the utilities, the farmland, and the equipment and countless automobiles and semi-trucks...my mind can not comprehend the amount of work and teamwork it took to get to this point in history. I'm truly speechless and in awe! Our ancestors were truly amazing, hard-working, God-fearing people that have devoted their lives to the betterment of the human race and to the Gospel of Christ. I have come to realize that, by myself I can do nothing much to help others. Only together, only the body of Christ, the full body of believers can make an impact for good, for love, and for others, domestic and foreign. I must ask God to forgive me for my selfishness and sin. I must ask God to show me how to be all that I can be for his honor and glory. I must ask God to give me humility and to help me get over myself. I really don't know what my problem is, but I know selfishness is the root cause keeping me from becoming the man that God wants me to become. I realize that I am nothing. By myself I cannot right the wrongs of society; much less the injustice of the world. By myself, I am useless, like the sound of a gong that is one million miles away. I stand in the shadows of giants, but I have realized these giants simply put their faith, hope, and trust in the Lord. So, we truly stand in the shadow of our one true God, Jesus Christ. Only by the blood of Christ and what He did on Calvary's cross for the sins of all man can true, honorable change take place. Only Jesus can right the wrongs. Only God can bring justice to the injustices of our world. We must turn our hearts and lives over to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

    Therefore, I ask my Lord to keep me humble. Please, Lord, let me have joy by putting Jesus first, then others, and finally myself. Help me God! Deliver me from this body of death, unholy mind, and decrepit heart. May my heart once again beat for the nations. May I be proud of my people and my country. May I be proud of my God the Father, the Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. May God give this generation boldness, courage, and strength with humility to make a positive change in this world and lead others to salvation in Jesus Christ. May we always, daily ask God for help, for we can't do anything without Him. We are nothing without our God, and we are alone and useless without each other. God, please save us from our wretched sin. Help me to stay in the Word daily, let me not neglect prayer daily, let me not forsake the fellowship of believers at the appointed times. Let me stand for what is right and put God first in my life. Please dear God, give me the strength to overcome temptation and give me the strength to love those who are hard to love. When trials come dear Lord, let me turn to you. When good times come, let me still turn to you and praise your holy name. Thank you Father for the endless blessings you have bestowed upon me and upon our great nation. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to be a man of upstanding character. Help me bless others with the blessings that you have crowned upon me. Let me stay humble. Let me always bow before your throne. Cast the sin of my life into the deepest, darkest pit. Let your love shine through me. Let me be a team player and work with others in sharing Christ. May the Royal Ambassador pledge be the solemn pledge of my life:

“As a Royal Ambassador I will do my best to become a well-informed, responsible follower of Christ; to have a Christlike concern for all people; to learn how to carry the message of Christ around the world; to work with others in sharing Christ; and to keep myself clean and healthy in mind and body.”

    I am still learning what it means to be humble. I have a rebellious spirit; an evil spirit that wants fame and notoriety. In contrast, the Holy Spirit simply wants me to love others and to show compassion to those in need. The Holy Spirit does not want me to seek my own glory. It's a battle my soul is fighting and I can fight no more. Lord, I ask a humble request: please fight my battles. You are the victor. Help me to simply remain humble, and turn to your Word, and turn to you in prayers when the enemy comes to fight and tempt me. I fall short in so many ways. Dear Lord, please save me from this wretched body of death, disease, and sin. Please make me clean, and forgive me for the innumerable sins of my wicked life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    I need help. This life is not easy. I need brotherhood. I can't do it alone. I am lost. Without Jesus I am nothing. Therefore, I've decided to serve our country no matter the cost. I am going to join the Navy and serve either as an electrician or where they need me the most. I feel as though the Navy will enable me to become a true man of God. A man of good character. A man of service, and a man that puts God first, then our country second, others third, and then finally myself. I am going to the Philippines on November 1^st to meet Johanna and her family. I pray that I show them the utmost respect and kindness. I feel defeated.. I feel as though I am the center of a cosmic joke; like I've committed some unpardonable sin. If that be the case, please forgive me; I will hang my head low. I feel as though I'm not even worthy to look anyone in the eyes. When I return from the Philippines I will do whatever it takes to join the Navy. I know it will not be easy, but I want to serve our country. Perhaps, I can regain the respect of some people and make a positive impact for our country in whatever small way. All the while, I must remember to keep my eyes on Christ. Whatever my decisions and actions, let me ask...What would Jesus do? Whatever Jesus does, I pray that I have the strength to do.

    This journey has been an eye opener, and it has truly changed my life. I look forward to the next step and I pray that I do my best as a Royal Ambassador of Jesus Christ. Help me to seek you first, Jesus, in whatever I do. In Jesus' name, amen.