VBS was great last night. Carol and our leaders got to touch the hearts of 45 or so kids last night for Jesus. With summer here and vacations and such started...we were missing some great kids but excited about the many new faces. There is nothing like investing in these kids and in their families for Jesus. Can't wait for tonight!
This brings me to a tough place that is in my heart and has been for some time now.
1 Peter 4:14-16
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
We are all suffering to some degree. Some of us more than others but also some are suffering because of their own decisions, their own sins that they have planted long ago and some are suffering because God is shaping our character. Our past is a tough place to look back on. We sometimes continue to relive it and keep an eye on it through that little rear view mirror instead of looking out the windshield to see what is coming. To see what is new and have yet to experience. You know what is insane? Continuing to do what you have always done and expecting to have different results. Over and over and over again ..... up and down the emotional roller coaster. Life has its ups and downs and has its twists and turns. The real question becomes are you going to let life or your past define who you are? Are you going to continue to carry this "thing" whatever it may be around with you? Sometimes our suffering is from our own choosing. The bars are full of people not there to have a good time with friends but are full of people trying to numb life but only finding their struggles still there in the morning.
Who is God in your life? Thats my question today. God speaks to us in different ways. He sometimes grabs us with a powerful wake up call, like a parent who suddenly passes away or a good friend who has no history of cancer is now struck with it. He also uses friends and people who can speak truth to us. We would not build a home without some kind of advise from others and people who can help us right? Who in your life has never failed to help out when called on? Is there a family that you totally trust? Often times we look right over the people in our lives that have the greatest of influence to help when we need it. - God can also use a soft little whisper. He is in the moments ahead of you before you even get there. He is already putting in motion that special someone you have yet to meet. He is already working on that deal that your business needs to stay up and running. But are you listening to His ways or your ways? How big is God in your life?
I am not much for living life in the same 'ol same 'ol. Time is short here and I want to make the biggest impact for Jesus in not only my life but also all those who I am doing life with. The big picture...... Let God draw on your canvas and imagine the bright colors and wonderful tapestry that He is making. He is not done yet.......
Love you all,
Lonnie~
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