My parents and siblings were devout Missouri Synod Lutherans.  Our farm house was a home of hospitality, often filled with the laughter of happy people. God was the source and center of our relationships. We prayed at every meal, shared the Word in daily devotions, regularly fellowshipped with other believers, and worked together. We lived worthy of our parents, helped one another, and enjoyed our family and our friends.  Through this family and neighborly lifestyle, Messiah Jesus led us to know God our Father and helped us be faithful and loyal to God and one another.  Even though we didn’t recognize this as participating in the kingdom; it was.  I highly value this rich heritage.  My wife, Judy, and I have done our utmost to instill it in our children, Troy and Tara.

As I read the Bible, I had a lot of questions and began reading books on the kingdom.  There weren’t many and I soon found out the Mormons and the Jehovah Witnesses have very twisted views on the kingdom.  Back in 1977, I discovered a gem of a book that helped me begin to see things with kingdom perspective:  The Community of the King by Howard Snyder.  I still have a well read copy.  

I don’t have all the answers, but I treasure the kingdom in my heart and what I write comes from my heart.