Birthday Boys

I'd like to dedicate today's post to my twin brother, Derry Patrick O'Byrne. After all, we turned 40 today! Wow, that's a BIG number! I'll post a few pictures to mark this day, but first of all I'd like to thank the LORD for all that we are and have. I praise God for the day in August 1985 that I accepted Christ as my personal Savior and Lord. Thank God for a beautiful and faithful wife, for two teenagers I'm so proud of and also for our new church home at Northside Bible Chapel here in Barrie. We have a lot to thank God for. Turning 40 makes one reflect on the brevity, uncertainty, and frailty of life. My son said, "Well dad, you're life is half over" (!?!!!). Just as my daughter went out the door for school she said, "Wow, you're old now, dad!". Then she gave me a peck on the cheek and said, "Here's your first old person kiss... smack". I'm looking forward to Vera and the kids taking me out for supper tonight.

40 = the number of testing. Life is a test isn't it? From Genesis to Revelation we trace the number and how the Lord worked in nations and persons and even His Son.
The nation of Isreal wandered and was proven in the wilderness for 40 years.
Moses was in Egypt for 40 years learning to be a somebody, 40 years in the desert learning that he was nothing, and another 40 years in the wilderness learning that God is everything.
Jesus was tempted of the devil for 40 days.
We are tested: our marriage, sexuality, money, family, freindships, gifts and calling.
I thought it was fitting that my daily devotion found me in Numbers, in which Israel was tested and proved. My prayer (For Derry, too!) was, "Lord, help me to finish well".
So Happy Birthday, Derry! Can you tell who is who? I doubt it!
Here we are on Opa's lap with mom and dad and siblings...But, I can see that you're trying to pick a fight with me!