Musings and Memories
By Doug Dezotell
I gratefully and joyfully celebrated my 70th birthday this past week.
I’m amazed that I’ve made it this far; and what a Grand Journey it’s been.
As I’ve traveled on this Road of Wonder, I was raised in the Tradition of Martin Luther, educated in the Christian Tradition, served in the Pentecostal Tradition, and now I find myself ministering in the Tradition of John and Charles Wesley.
Only God could direct my steps. Throughout my life I have asked that His Will be done, and that He would guide me, lead me, and show me the way to travel.
And, oh my, there have been many times I’ve pleaded with God for forgiveness as I’ve stepped off the path; And I believe He has done that: forgiven me, and He continues to guide me.
It’s easy to be distracted and to step off the road and wander. But, the gentle nudging (sometimes not so gentle nudging) of the Spirit of God gets me back on track.
One of my favorite Scriptures is found in Psalm 115:1&3. It says: “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your Name give Glory, because of Your Mercy, because of Your Truth… Our God is in Heaven; He Does Whatever He Pleases.”
The old song says, “Where He leads me I will follow. Where He leads me I will follow…Follow All The Way.”
Palm 31:14-15 says: “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God….’ My times are in Your Hand…”
I have chosen to follow Him. I attempt to stay on the path He has chosen for me. Sometimes the Spirit of God moves slower than I would like, and sometimes He moves faster, and I have to run to keep up (I actually have to walk fast). And I say, “My times are in Your Hand!”
I have to remember that “He does whatever He pleases.” And I just have to say, “Yessir! Thy Will Be Done.”
Thank You, LORD GOD, for allowing me to walk among the Chosen, to be a part of the Family of God. I long to be among the Throngs gathered around Your Throne in Heaven.
But until that day I will walk in the Path and follow His Footsteps.
“Where You Lead me I will Follow.”
I love Psalm 135 which says: “Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord; Praise Him, O you servants of the Lord! You who stand in the House of the Lord, in the Courts of the House of our God, Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant. For the Lord has chosen us for Himself, we are His Special Treasure. For I know that the Lord is great, and our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases He does,
In Heaven and in earth…”
And so the Grand Journey continues…step by step…
Columnist Doug Dezotell serves as the pastor/teacher/resident theologian of Cannon UMC. He is a husband, a father, a grandfather, and your friend. Doug may be reached at dougmdezotell@gmail.com or call him at (931) 607-5191.
