Challenged To The Core - Del Brixey

Cakes are common fair when we celebrate important events, but they are also good after almost any meal. According the famous comedian, Bill Cosby, they are even good for a nutritious breakfast because they contain eggs, milk and flour. Who can argue with that kind of logic? Over the last few weeks I have tried to share with you a word picture of the table that I believe God sets before us in life. It’s a three course meal. Our “salad screams” with preparation; it’s where we begin to learn who we are and where we discover our talents and abilities. It’s also a time where God begins to mold us so we are ready for the next stage of our life. In the next course our “steak sizzles” with substance; it’s where we invest all of our training into our life’s mission. For some it’s a no-brainer, but for others it can be an excruciating decision. They become overwhelmed by all of the choices. Eventually, it’s time for dessert. Since I am not old enough to speak from hindsight, I want to share with you the desire God has placed in my heart for my future; the time when “my cake cries” for joy!

Candles burn brightly (more influence)…

“Put another candle on my birthday cake…” were the words that Sheriff John used to sing to kid’s every week on his television show when I was growing up. Even though you may opt for more elaborate candles which are shaped in the form of your age, the sentiment is still the same. Every year another candle goes on the cake symbolizing that we are getting older. As I get older, my desire is for God to increase my influence with others like the increasing glow of the candles on my cake. I want my “steak” to continue to “sizzle” until I draw my last breath. I’ve been blessed to have spiritual warriors like that in my life and I want someone to say that about me one day. I truly want to be a warrior until I bow on bended knees before the feet of Jesus.

Additional layers enhance (more faith)...

Claim Jumper restaurants sell a chocolate cake called the Mother Lode; it’s made of layer after layer of moist cake separated by some of the best icing I have ever tasted. Each layer just seems to enhance the decadent experience. My desire is to be just like that cake; not in size or shape, but in faith. I want to have more faith tomorrow than today. I want to have more faith next year than I have this year. I want more…well I think you get the picture. As our faith grows, our relationship with God becomes deeper and richer than any Mother Lode cake can ever be. Are you hungry yet? Hopefully, it’s a spiritual hunger to have more faith as much as it is to have a piece of chocolate cake.

Kind words abound (more appreciation)...

When someone has a birthday, anniversary or some other milestone event in their life, people always try to say nice things about them or sometimes the person of honor is “roasted” by their friends telling jokes that are more endearing than hurtful. In my life I have witnessed two completely different paths taken by people of God in their latter years; one group becomes bitter and resentful of change or anything else that’s not familiar to their world, while the other group embraces what God is doing in the next generation. They are filled with words of encouragement, wise counsel and show continued appreciation for the life that God has given them, regardless of their circumstances. Which group do you want to be a part of? Are you headed in the right direction to make that a reality? It’s just a matter of which path you decide to put your feet on every day. I want to surround myself with warriors who are willing to pass the baton of service to the next generation with a thankful heart and who will rescue me if I slip and fall into a rut of despair with the whiners!

Expectations run high (more excitement)…

Cakes of celebration are usually followed by presents! Expectations run high as we tear off the ribbons, bows and paper. The only thing better than receiving a present, is to watch a child open a gift that we have given them. We get a vicarious thrill from seeing the excitement in their eyes. As I get older my excitement grows as I think about the final present we will receive from God. When we pass from this world into His presence we will receive a new body, a new home and a new life without all of the troubles or encumbrances of this world. Death is not something to be feared when it comes, but to be embraced. Some of my sweetest experiences in life have been with believers who are dying in the hospital; they are full of joy. Don’t get me wrong, some of them have been racked with pain. Their final days have not always been peaceful in the human realm of experience, but their expectations of seeing God face to face has far outweighed the momentary struggle they found themselves in.

If you have just lost a loved one, my heart goes out to you. When we lose someone close to us it can be very painful. If you are struggling with the burden of caring for a sick or elderly parent, trust that my prayers are with you as you walk with them to the threshold of heaven. My sister is a hospice nurse who deals with families going through these scenarios on a daily basis. However, God has equipped her with the grace to help families through the “transition” from life to death. What I want you to take away is more personal than losing a parent, a spouse or even a close friend. My desire is for you to know that when “your cake cries” it can be with tears of joy. I want you to enjoy life by increasing your influence, your faith, your appreciation and your excitement. No matter how old you are or how unhealthy your lifestyle may have been, God’s kitchen is always open. Come on in and order a good “salad” , then have a great “steak” so you are ready for dessert when the time comes.

Del Brixey
“More Candles Please”

CHALLENGED TO THE CORE
P.O. BOX 414
LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA 92352-0414

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