When I got the opportunity and privilege of being a part of the team at Northway three years ago, I was shocked and awed by a lot of things. I was shocked and awed that a place like this existed…a place that used culture and creativity to communicate the greatest message ever…that God had placed such a limitless vision in such a passionate guy as Pastor Buddy…And most of all I was shocked and awed that such a phenomenal group of people rally around one vision and are unapologetic about reaching people who are far from God.

Week in and week out, over the past three years I have had the privilege of serving with a group of over 400 VIP’s who love and honor God with their time, talent and treasure. They serve selflessly with hearts after God. These are people whose attitudes are ground-breaking…whose passion to make a difference is extraordinary and whose obedience in chasing after the things of Jesus Christ is revolutionary.

Three years later I am still truly shocked and awed that God has sent such a group of people to the Northeast…To Upstate NY…To Northway Church.

“We will serve and obey the LORD our God.”
Joshua 24:24

It seems like my whole life God’s been trying to teach me patience.

Yesterday as I was staring down a bowl of steaming hot Won-Ton soup, I was faced with a decision…to hurry up and eat or wait for it to cool.
With my stomach growling and my mouth salivating, I grabbed the spoon and hungrily attacked the first Won-Ton full-steam ahead.
My anticipated enjoyment instantly turned to scalding horror as the fiery Won-Ton slid down. Aghhhh!!!!

Q: “Can a man take fire in his being and not be burned?”
Proverbs 6:27

A: Noooooo!!!!

Countless times I have rushed through my life full-steam ahead, not waiting for God’s best but instead saying yes to the rest.
Something God has been teaching me for 21 years now is that He always has what’s best for me in mind, if I just patiently wait for it. He’s teaching me to wait for life’s Won-Tons to cool before I rush in and get burnt.

What will you do the next time someone puts you on hold for 5 minutes, or you get stuck behind a slow driver or a long line at the store? If you get through it with a good attitude, Patience Produces Wisdom!

I’m learning that so many times we’re looking for the next thing in life to satisfy, but the things in life that truly satisfy are always from God.

“Every good gift comes from the Father above.”
- James 1:17