Why do the nations rant? Why do the peoples rave uselessly? 2 The earth’s rulers take their stand; the leaders scheme together against the Lord and against his anointed one. 3 “Come!” they say. “We will tear off their ropes and throw off their chains!” 4 The one who rules in heaven laughs; my Lord makes fun of them. 5 But then God speaks to them angrily; then he terrifies them with his fury: 6 “I hereby appoint my king on Zion, my holy mountain!”
7 I will announce the Lord’s decision: He said to me, “You are my son, today I have become your father. 8 Just ask me, and I will make the nations your possession; the far corners of the earth will be your property. 9 You will smash them with an iron rod; you will shatter them like a pottery jar.”
10 So kings, wise up! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! 11 Serve the Lord reverently— trembling, 12 kiss his feet or else he will become angry, and your way will be destroyed because his anger ignites in an instant.
But all who take refuge in the Lord are truly happy! (Psalm 2, Common English Bible)
We fall short, we miss God’s mark Our sin moves us to tremble The One who has the power Power to condemn or embrace
God calls us to serve, respond Serve God and serve your neighbor Serve not from duty, serve from love Approach God’s throne with reverence
Where do God’s children find joy? We don’t find joy in the world The worldly leaves us lacking We find joy in our creator
We seek refuge and shelter We place trust in humanity Refuge is not in our hands Shelter is in the Lord’s hand
Human shelter is lacking In it there is no joy found In the Divine One is joy Come near, bow down, trust the Lord
My life, it comes from God’s hand The One who created my life It is God, and I will trust In God’s shelter will I trust.
Copyright 2020, J. Keith Broyles, All Rights Reserved
I love Mike Ashcraft's book, "My One Word." For the past nine years I have participated and encouraged others to participate to in the "My One Word" Challenge. My first word was discipline was my word the first year. Since then my word has been focus, sight, jungle, peace, concentration, serve, genuine and this year is fit. I seek to be fit for my health, my family, my church, my ministries. I seek to be fit in any are of my life where God might point to me.
I also have a nickname, "Dr. B." When I was a public high school teacher, Dr. B. is what most of my students called me, at least in my presence. I am still called that by many people though I no longer teach in public schools.
I am the author of "Average Joe: With an Extraordinary Story" (available on Amazon). The book fits into the genre of "Biblical Fiction" or "Christian Fiction" and features some of the Bible's lesser known characters.
The name of my blog is, "Fork in the Road." Life is filled with forks in the road. It isn't a matter of if we encounter a fork in the road, but when will we and how many will we experience in a lifetime.
I love to strum my guitar. I am not a great guitar player but I enjoy it. I also enjoy writing music. I get excited with I feel a new song emerging.
I live with my wife Cindy and our little dog, "Bishop" in Lufkin, Texas.
I spent the past 30 years as a United Methodist pastor, serving churches all over east and southeast Texas, from just north of Tyler to south of Houston, from the Gulf Coast to east of Madisonville. I currently serve Perritte Memorial UMC in Nacogdoches.
I spent one year in the classroom, teaching High School government, economics, psychology, and sociology.
Cindy and I have been married for 43 years. We have two grown sons and six grandchildren, three boys and three girls.
I enjoy preaching and all it's aspects from research to writing to the actual preaching event. I also love writing, reading. I have dabble in drawing and "painting" with pastels as well as woodworking and woodcarving. My current projects are two ukuleles. I collect, repair and restore guitars too. I play the guitar (badly, but I still do) I also enjoy working with paracord on various projects, mostly prayer ropes I usually give away.
I hold an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Data Processing, from San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX, a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in History from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, a Master of Divinity from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX and a Doctor of Ministry from Carolina University of Theology.
This blog started out as devotional writings. In August of 2020, I made a major change to the blog, switching to a daily theme format.
Sunday Sermon-usually my manuscript sermon
Miscellaneous Monday-misc. writing, poetry, ministry
Tuesday Thoughts-Devotion
Wed. with Wesleys-hist. & theol. of early Methodists
TED Talk Thursday-Video & appl. in current theology
Five for Friday-5 things I've seen & my thoughts
Sing-Along Sat. - Usually a new song I have written
I write, "Strumming a G-Chord with Dr.B." to get my thoughts onto something permanent. After all, they say, once something is on the internet it never really goes away.
Still, I hope you enjoy reading it. Who knows, it might generate a bit of discussion between you and me and anyone else who might make their way here.
Seeking the Genuine,
Keith
Lufkin, Texas
August 2020
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