1 Corinthians 13
Love
1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Over time every relationship will endure a season of time that needs forgiveness. Some are small and some are big but they will come regardless. If love is the root of that relationship - forgiveness is easy and will come without a blink. If not - the relationship breaks and parts to separate ways. I have always heard to forgive often and love more. Love endures all the hard things in life. Our churches today need to extend that love to its people. Growing up I was not in church but I wonder if I was, would I have felt the love that I have for the church and my church family like I do today? Do the families I am leading in my Rock Group feel the love I have for them? Do the kids in Sunday school feel the love I have for them? My extended church families? My dad, brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins? ~ do they really know how much I love them? Love is at the very core of what church and following Jesus is all about. Jesus loved the church and died for the church. He referred to it as His Bride. Church is not a building, a place or a thing.... its about "people".
Jesus gave us a very important instruction before He left for Heaven:
John 13
34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
I love it when its a basic and a very clear instruction. Its awesome for us not so smart folks! It is direct and to the point. LOVE ONE ANOTHER. That means even if its hard. Even if you don't receive it back. Even if its not convenient. That means not giving in. That means even when it hurts. That means going to those messy places. That means getting involved and putting action behind it.
Love leaves a lasting mark in the lives of people. When we are dead and gone all they will have is memories ... what will be your memory for those in your life?
Read verses 7-8 again - 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails.
Thank You God for your example of Love and for loving us so much to send Your son Jesus. May love be at the core of our hearts and soul to those around us. Help us build our compassion for them and extend that love to those around us who are hurting. May Your loving hands work through all that we are doing today. I pray in Your son's name in Jesus.
Amen
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
~The "V" word~
Monday already~ How did the weekend go by so fast? Had so much to do and so little time to get everything done. I fell into bed last night ... but thankful for the service that the Lord provided me yesterday and the people that I got to pour into. Investing is at times a very draining and tiring thing but it is SO important to the people being invested in. No - Investing - is not the "V" word. But...
Vacancy - is. Definition - the state of being vacant; emptiness - a vacant, empty, or unoccupied place.
I am thankful that my mom and dad stayed together while my brother and I were growing up. They, like all married couples, had their issues and struggles but divorce was not one of the options or decisions they chose. So many of the kids that I am doing life with, which I often refer to as "MyKids" - have a parent missing. I can think of one that has both missing. I think about that Vacancy - the hole that is in their life. A dad especially ~ How does a young boy turn into a good and honest man without his dad? How does a young 15 year old almost woman know what she likes in a boy and how does she know when its too far with crossing the line? The dad's role in these kids is so vital and important. With the divorce rate as high as it is today - our children are used to the fact that they live in 2 homes or have mom here and dad there. It is the NEW norm. I won't even get started on the "Father" role that is on TV today~
As I think through the role of being a dad ... 3 things come to mind. A dad has to first be a Father to his kids. So much of how we lives our lives shows through in how our children will live theirs. What we model for them - when the chips are down, they will model what we have taught them with living our own lives.
The other thing that comes to mind is that a dad needs to be a Friend. There are times as our children grow up that they really need a friend to hang out with. They need to know that dad is fun and that he is a normal dude. A dad that makes and TAKES time to invest in them like going bowling, watching the game on tv, going to the movies and out to eat just to name a few things. We need to make time to build the relationships up. If you have daughters - it is just as important to have a "Date night" with them as it is your wife. They need to know where the lines are - Dads need to step up to the plate and have those hard conversations with those awkward topics. If you don't have them - they will get the answers some place else and you only get one shot at it dads! Sons need to have time throwing the baseball or football around. They need one on one time with us! Our children need to know that they are the "Apples" in their dads eyes. The other thing that comes to mind is that dads need to be their children's "Hero". Not so much when they are older but when they are younger. A hero to look up to, to have fun with, to wrestle and have piggy back rides, to be silly with and to be the dad that is there on birthday parties and their first friends sleepovers and there when they get hurt. Our children need to see us leading the family. Praying over the family. Reading and living Gods example. They need to see us with compassion for others. They need to see the family unit in action - sitting at the table eating together and watching tv together - taking part in life together. They need loving discipline.
But the funny thing is - I don't think we can be all three of these things at once. I can't see myself as a Father, Friend and Hero all at once. They come in different stages and at different periods as our children get older. A Hero when they are younger but not while in middle school or high school - then coming back around if we have done everything right - a hero again when we are older. Not so much a Friend during the younger years when they need direction but for sure when they are in middle school, high school, college and beyond. A Father all the time. That loves unconditional and forgives when our heart breaks for our kids.
I think about "MyKids" today - who have a Vacancy in their life. They are missing out on some important parts that will eventually show up HUGE in their life down the road. Maybe when they are in college or in their adult years in their marriages. All the hugs that are missed, the prayers at bedtime, the birthday smiles and Christmas gifts - even those sports games and wrestling matches - that feeling of being special at the mommy son event at school or the daddy daughter dance.
I think about the time being invested now and how sweet and special that time really is. Its short - so much is packed into that time. The world stops turning for them during this time. As "MyKids" get a little older in the short coming years with middle and high school in full swing. That Hero status won't be there - that Friend status won't be there - that Fatherly status will be uncool as dads are replaced with friends. That time invested in them will show up. Your commitment to them might keep them from making a bad choice. Your character shows up then. What you stood for stands out for them then. Your leadership comes to life then. Your faith provides a path for them. Your prayers guide them.
Never underestimate the power of a praying father. Provide that foundation for them. Purposely plant a friendship with your kids. Chase after the things that last. You may not be as fast as a speeding bullet - but in the eyes of your kids...... you can be their "Hero" "Friend" & "Father".
Vacancy - is. Definition - the state of being vacant; emptiness - a vacant, empty, or unoccupied place.
I am thankful that my mom and dad stayed together while my brother and I were growing up. They, like all married couples, had their issues and struggles but divorce was not one of the options or decisions they chose. So many of the kids that I am doing life with, which I often refer to as "MyKids" - have a parent missing. I can think of one that has both missing. I think about that Vacancy - the hole that is in their life. A dad especially ~ How does a young boy turn into a good and honest man without his dad? How does a young 15 year old almost woman know what she likes in a boy and how does she know when its too far with crossing the line? The dad's role in these kids is so vital and important. With the divorce rate as high as it is today - our children are used to the fact that they live in 2 homes or have mom here and dad there. It is the NEW norm. I won't even get started on the "Father" role that is on TV today~
As I think through the role of being a dad ... 3 things come to mind. A dad has to first be a Father to his kids. So much of how we lives our lives shows through in how our children will live theirs. What we model for them - when the chips are down, they will model what we have taught them with living our own lives.
The other thing that comes to mind is that a dad needs to be a Friend. There are times as our children grow up that they really need a friend to hang out with. They need to know that dad is fun and that he is a normal dude. A dad that makes and TAKES time to invest in them like going bowling, watching the game on tv, going to the movies and out to eat just to name a few things. We need to make time to build the relationships up. If you have daughters - it is just as important to have a "Date night" with them as it is your wife. They need to know where the lines are - Dads need to step up to the plate and have those hard conversations with those awkward topics. If you don't have them - they will get the answers some place else and you only get one shot at it dads! Sons need to have time throwing the baseball or football around. They need one on one time with us! Our children need to know that they are the "Apples" in their dads eyes. The other thing that comes to mind is that dads need to be their children's "Hero". Not so much when they are older but when they are younger. A hero to look up to, to have fun with, to wrestle and have piggy back rides, to be silly with and to be the dad that is there on birthday parties and their first friends sleepovers and there when they get hurt. Our children need to see us leading the family. Praying over the family. Reading and living Gods example. They need to see us with compassion for others. They need to see the family unit in action - sitting at the table eating together and watching tv together - taking part in life together. They need loving discipline.
But the funny thing is - I don't think we can be all three of these things at once. I can't see myself as a Father, Friend and Hero all at once. They come in different stages and at different periods as our children get older. A Hero when they are younger but not while in middle school or high school - then coming back around if we have done everything right - a hero again when we are older. Not so much a Friend during the younger years when they need direction but for sure when they are in middle school, high school, college and beyond. A Father all the time. That loves unconditional and forgives when our heart breaks for our kids.
I think about "MyKids" today - who have a Vacancy in their life. They are missing out on some important parts that will eventually show up HUGE in their life down the road. Maybe when they are in college or in their adult years in their marriages. All the hugs that are missed, the prayers at bedtime, the birthday smiles and Christmas gifts - even those sports games and wrestling matches - that feeling of being special at the mommy son event at school or the daddy daughter dance.
I think about the time being invested now and how sweet and special that time really is. Its short - so much is packed into that time. The world stops turning for them during this time. As "MyKids" get a little older in the short coming years with middle and high school in full swing. That Hero status won't be there - that Friend status won't be there - that Fatherly status will be uncool as dads are replaced with friends. That time invested in them will show up. Your commitment to them might keep them from making a bad choice. Your character shows up then. What you stood for stands out for them then. Your leadership comes to life then. Your faith provides a path for them. Your prayers guide them.
Never underestimate the power of a praying father. Provide that foundation for them. Purposely plant a friendship with your kids. Chase after the things that last. You may not be as fast as a speeding bullet - but in the eyes of your kids...... you can be their "Hero" "Friend" & "Father".
Friday, January 9, 2009
Happy Friday~
It has been a good start this week to the new year. I have to say that the week has surprisingly went fast. With Carol and many of her friends sticking together now and doing their thing to get healthy - I think about the hunger that takes place in the body. Once its used to eating a certain way - it is hard to change old habits. It is hard to stick with new habits but they can be changed. Change is an interesting thing because it is something that someone has to WANT to do. Our spiritual life is the same way. When we turn from our old self and become new when we accept Jesus - we have to be hungry for the ways of Him. We have to be starved for His word and to soak it up like a sponge. Often times in our long journey, and it is a journey because following God is not a sprint or a race, we find ourselves in peaks and valleys. Its during those tough lean times that we have to stick it out, continue to read your Bible, fast, meditate on Gods word and find other avenues to keep plugged in. I can share that I am not that smart of a person where I can sit down with my Bible and understand everything. I have more questions than I do answers at times. I pray after reading in the mornings when I am spending time with God and ask for the words to come alive in my life, to help me apply what I am learning. What exactly Lord am I to understand in these passages that You have given us? I sometimes need other avenues to understand it - like reading on the topic, listening to a sermon on my Ipod on the way to work, asking those around me who are also walking in the Lord... the real question then becomes - just how Hungry are you? Are you really wanting to change?
Ask yourself this, "Is Gods word a priority in my life?"
If you are trying to get victory over something that has you struggling or worried today, get back into God's Word. It's the food for your soul and the tool by which God will accomplish His work in you. Invite the change that God can change in you - God wants us to have a fit body and a spirit that is fit as well. They both take exercise, commitment, determination, persistence and people to hold you accountable. Use the tools around you loved ones to open yourself up to the new you. I bet your Ipod could use a good shuffle of new things :)
Happy Friday everyone~
Love you all and stay encouraged,
Lonnie~
Thursday, January 8, 2009
How awesome it was to get back in the schools this week. Working lunch today with Kyles class... I just love working lunches. It gives me a chance to go around and check in with all the kids (as well as some of the teachers!) Not only Kyle's class but also check in on some of the kids in the other classes. I have known lots of them now for years..... There is nothing like a kid coming up and giving a big hug and telling me they missed me - full knowing what life is like at home for that child. I may not even know the full story but its heart warming nonetheless. Some of these kids are hurting - hurting like adults - they are looking to be heard, accepted, need a smile or even just a little hope. Someone to tell them they can do it, to aim higher than they are aiming, to find the good in everything even when they don't see it, to make good choices, to pick their friends wisely, and be reminded that they are loved...regardless of what is happening around them.
Sometimes investing in people (kids) is inconvenient, it is hard, it hurts, it costs, it interrupts, but it can also be so rewarding and fulfilling. What opportunities will you be missing if you did not invest in those around you or with someone who is hurting? How can I go into a lunch room and see a child not have anything to eat for lunch or not have icecream money and have $2 in my pocket and not give it to them. Yes they can do without icecream by why should they? Why should the other kids see them do without so they can be singled out and different?
I can honestly say the compassion level for those around me (people) that I am experiencing the last few months has only grown because of my study and learning to be more like Jesus. Jesus healed when He saw a need or was asked. He touched the eyes of those who could not see- instantly healing them. He saw a crowd gather and they were lost, like sheep, so He taught them. He had such compassion for people. Children would come to Him and His disciples pushed them away - but He said to bring them to Him.
Compassion is the feeling one gets for what others are going through. It is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another. We often hear the words - "You have not walked a mile in their shoes". We really don't have an idea of what others are going through unless we have been through it as well. When I talk to my niece Katie - I can say to her - I know how you feel with losing your mom... because I too - have lost my mom. I too understand the pain and the loss. When I see a child without a parent, due to divorce, death, or one who just walked away from them - I feel their pain and loss. The longing for that space to be filled by something good and someone who really cares for them.
Compassion is walking with that someone- not just providing a meal at Christmas for them ... or telling them you will be praying for them and walking away. You have to be in for the long haul.
James 2:26 Just as the body is dead without breath,[a] so also faith is dead without good works.
Jesus gave each of us a great examples on being compassionate. Sometimes being compassionate changes lives.... When we reach out to those hurting, we change their lives... they know someone has their back, they know that they can lean on someone other than themselves but more importantly - it changes us. As you draw closer to them and you draw closer to Jesus - Jesus draws you closer to Him. I find myself these days just thinking through and looking for opportunities to serve others. Praying that God will use me somehow today.... even if its just a small conversation or a word of encouragement - God has called us to do so ..... each of us to be the church - His church. It is amazing when that kind of thing happens and when 2 families share in the experience. Especially, when one does not know Jesus.......
Who in your life right now has a need you can meet? You will always have an excuse to not get involved...... it is time to put down the excuse.
God has called you to care.......
1 Peter 2:21 “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
Its not about the icecream or the $2 in your pocket.... it way bigger loved ones. Aim high.....
Looking forward to tonight - getting to hang out with some good buddies of mine. Kyle calls them "Manlymen"...... :)
May God move your heart today to fill a need,
Lonnie~
Sometimes investing in people (kids) is inconvenient, it is hard, it hurts, it costs, it interrupts, but it can also be so rewarding and fulfilling. What opportunities will you be missing if you did not invest in those around you or with someone who is hurting? How can I go into a lunch room and see a child not have anything to eat for lunch or not have icecream money and have $2 in my pocket and not give it to them. Yes they can do without icecream by why should they? Why should the other kids see them do without so they can be singled out and different?
I can honestly say the compassion level for those around me (people) that I am experiencing the last few months has only grown because of my study and learning to be more like Jesus. Jesus healed when He saw a need or was asked. He touched the eyes of those who could not see- instantly healing them. He saw a crowd gather and they were lost, like sheep, so He taught them. He had such compassion for people. Children would come to Him and His disciples pushed them away - but He said to bring them to Him.
Compassion is the feeling one gets for what others are going through. It is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another. We often hear the words - "You have not walked a mile in their shoes". We really don't have an idea of what others are going through unless we have been through it as well. When I talk to my niece Katie - I can say to her - I know how you feel with losing your mom... because I too - have lost my mom. I too understand the pain and the loss. When I see a child without a parent, due to divorce, death, or one who just walked away from them - I feel their pain and loss. The longing for that space to be filled by something good and someone who really cares for them.
Compassion is walking with that someone- not just providing a meal at Christmas for them ... or telling them you will be praying for them and walking away. You have to be in for the long haul.
James 2:26 Just as the body is dead without breath,[a] so also faith is dead without good works.
Jesus gave each of us a great examples on being compassionate. Sometimes being compassionate changes lives.... When we reach out to those hurting, we change their lives... they know someone has their back, they know that they can lean on someone other than themselves but more importantly - it changes us. As you draw closer to them and you draw closer to Jesus - Jesus draws you closer to Him. I find myself these days just thinking through and looking for opportunities to serve others. Praying that God will use me somehow today.... even if its just a small conversation or a word of encouragement - God has called us to do so ..... each of us to be the church - His church. It is amazing when that kind of thing happens and when 2 families share in the experience. Especially, when one does not know Jesus.......
Who in your life right now has a need you can meet? You will always have an excuse to not get involved...... it is time to put down the excuse.
God has called you to care.......
1 Peter 2:21 “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
Its not about the icecream or the $2 in your pocket.... it way bigger loved ones. Aim high.....
Looking forward to tonight - getting to hang out with some good buddies of mine. Kyle calls them "Manlymen"...... :)
May God move your heart today to fill a need,
Lonnie~
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Back in the swing.....
Wow am I hurting today after 3 games of r'ball yesterday. It is funny how fast one slips when we are not continuing to keep up. My brain yesterday knew what to do but as I get older - my body has different speeds even if I know what is coming and what to do. In the next few weeks I am sure I will be again back up to speed. That is what training is all about - to continue to press through sticking points, to hang in there and keep it up so that eventually, you will get to where you are wanting to go.
Yesterday, I was very proud of Carol. She has joined with a few girl friends of hers to become healthier this 2009 year. She has accountablility people around her now and I am sure this is going to be a great thing and I am sure there will be some rewards to come. Carol, you and your lady peeps have all my encouragment! Proud of each of you~
As 2009 is getting underway - I can't help but to think about folks who are really turning the page to change with the turning of the calendar. So many of us are walking around with heavy things on our shoulders, past hurts, some in the PIT of life right now and see no way out but I am here to tell you there is a way. All the answers in life lead to Jesus.
This past Sunday, Pastor Jimmy spoke such a great message. I heard a few folks talking afterwards and were really moved by what he shared Sunday from Gods word. Are these reminders for us? Or is this the first time you have heard a message like that? We are all in different places in our spiritual journey. We are at different levels of understanding. There is nothing more exciting than to be around a person who is just on "Fire" for God. They just ooze the excitement and trust me - it rubs off on the people around them. Babies need baby food and milk when they are young. It would make a baby very sick if you fed them steak and icecream. They cannot handle solid food. Many of us have been in church for years and have experienced Gods grace and love many times over those years - but are still on baby food. I pray this is the year that we step up in our faith and trust in God and seek solid food. We start living out our Sunday mornings through the rest of the week. We start surrounding ourselves with God loving people who can encourage us and lift us up in prayer. People that drag you down all the time and just need all the time will suck the life out of you!
I pray this year the messages that you hear, the things you learn by spending time with God and reading His word - move you to new places and with action! Don't let another year go by and just stay where you are. Summer school when I was a kid was a place where you went over and over what you did not learn during the school year. Image how painful that is when the rest of your friends are out having fun - its summer! Here we are go over and over the those same things that we should have already moved on from. I pray this year Gods word opens your eyes and opens your heart.
~When having lunch at school with your son or daughter - don't let the chance of giving a child lunch money when you have $2 in your pocket and they have nothing to eat.
~Don't let that family down the street, who do not know Jesus go from your heart - keep inviting and asking them to come even if its been 2 years.
~Don't let the opportunity to serve someone at the grocery store who really looks like they need a hand or a word of encouragement - offer to get their tab or help them put their stuff in the car.
~Don't let that friend go through a life changing event in their life alone. Call them and TELL them what you are going to do to help - no more waiting on them to call and ask because most of the time - they won't.
~Sit with your children and listen to them. Take time to teach them - take control of their friends, music and internet connection. If you don't - someone else will. If you stick your head in the sand for those teenagers - there is only one word for you to learn - Grandparent.
~Step up and serve at church. Come off the sidelines and get your talents and passions tuned in to what God is doing in our communities. He is changing lives, families and restoring hearts all around us. You can't see it when you are in this for yourself. Focus on others and not your problems.
God will draw close to you if you draw close to God. That is also by serving others with great compassion. You were CALLED to care. Someone you know right now needs you.
Get back in the swing loved ones.......... and let God Rock your 2009!
Love leaves a significant mark....... leave it and make it YOUR mark.
My morning time this morning:
Collosians 1:
24 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. 25 God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. 26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect[g] in their relationship to Christ. 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
Lonnie~
Yesterday, I was very proud of Carol. She has joined with a few girl friends of hers to become healthier this 2009 year. She has accountablility people around her now and I am sure this is going to be a great thing and I am sure there will be some rewards to come. Carol, you and your lady peeps have all my encouragment! Proud of each of you~
As 2009 is getting underway - I can't help but to think about folks who are really turning the page to change with the turning of the calendar. So many of us are walking around with heavy things on our shoulders, past hurts, some in the PIT of life right now and see no way out but I am here to tell you there is a way. All the answers in life lead to Jesus.
This past Sunday, Pastor Jimmy spoke such a great message. I heard a few folks talking afterwards and were really moved by what he shared Sunday from Gods word. Are these reminders for us? Or is this the first time you have heard a message like that? We are all in different places in our spiritual journey. We are at different levels of understanding. There is nothing more exciting than to be around a person who is just on "Fire" for God. They just ooze the excitement and trust me - it rubs off on the people around them. Babies need baby food and milk when they are young. It would make a baby very sick if you fed them steak and icecream. They cannot handle solid food. Many of us have been in church for years and have experienced Gods grace and love many times over those years - but are still on baby food. I pray this is the year that we step up in our faith and trust in God and seek solid food. We start living out our Sunday mornings through the rest of the week. We start surrounding ourselves with God loving people who can encourage us and lift us up in prayer. People that drag you down all the time and just need all the time will suck the life out of you!
I pray this year the messages that you hear, the things you learn by spending time with God and reading His word - move you to new places and with action! Don't let another year go by and just stay where you are. Summer school when I was a kid was a place where you went over and over what you did not learn during the school year. Image how painful that is when the rest of your friends are out having fun - its summer! Here we are go over and over the those same things that we should have already moved on from. I pray this year Gods word opens your eyes and opens your heart.
~When having lunch at school with your son or daughter - don't let the chance of giving a child lunch money when you have $2 in your pocket and they have nothing to eat.
~Don't let that family down the street, who do not know Jesus go from your heart - keep inviting and asking them to come even if its been 2 years.
~Don't let the opportunity to serve someone at the grocery store who really looks like they need a hand or a word of encouragement - offer to get their tab or help them put their stuff in the car.
~Don't let that friend go through a life changing event in their life alone. Call them and TELL them what you are going to do to help - no more waiting on them to call and ask because most of the time - they won't.
~Sit with your children and listen to them. Take time to teach them - take control of their friends, music and internet connection. If you don't - someone else will. If you stick your head in the sand for those teenagers - there is only one word for you to learn - Grandparent.
~Step up and serve at church. Come off the sidelines and get your talents and passions tuned in to what God is doing in our communities. He is changing lives, families and restoring hearts all around us. You can't see it when you are in this for yourself. Focus on others and not your problems.
God will draw close to you if you draw close to God. That is also by serving others with great compassion. You were CALLED to care. Someone you know right now needs you.
Get back in the swing loved ones.......... and let God Rock your 2009!
Love leaves a significant mark....... leave it and make it YOUR mark.
My morning time this morning:
Collosians 1:
24 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. 25 God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. 26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect[g] in their relationship to Christ. 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
Lonnie~
Monday, January 5, 2009
Monday and back @ it.....
Wow -the alarm went off early this morning. I did get a small taste of the early bell with going into church on Sunday morning. That was tough - after staying up watching the Chargers-Colts game and it going into OT. I have also been wrestling with some things and with those things heavy on my mind and heart - sleep was not happening Saturday night. We even had a thunderstorm roll through - Hey did anyone tell Mother Nature its winter?
Glad to be back at work today. I think I was starting to get a little cabin fever even if we didn't take much time to just sit and relax. I is good to unplug for short time frames - I am wired tight and it takes me 4-5 days just to unwind and get into a groove but I can only take that for so long.
I am excited to get home today. I am coming out of the 19th century cell phone. Hey its been a good phone - I can remember being at Stone Mountain NC and Kyle, Patty and I were walking the waterfalls there and my phone holder broke - out the phone came - down the falls about 50 feet and landed in a pool of water a good foot deep. It took some time for me to get down there. Pulled it out of the pool - took the battery out and dried everything.... still working today! But I am excited to be able to text, email, video and pictures ..... and make phone calls!
Well I am easing back to things - I will post something encouraging tomorrow. I am just glad its not 6 outside :)
Lonnie~
Glad to be back at work today. I think I was starting to get a little cabin fever even if we didn't take much time to just sit and relax. I is good to unplug for short time frames - I am wired tight and it takes me 4-5 days just to unwind and get into a groove but I can only take that for so long.
I am excited to get home today. I am coming out of the 19th century cell phone. Hey its been a good phone - I can remember being at Stone Mountain NC and Kyle, Patty and I were walking the waterfalls there and my phone holder broke - out the phone came - down the falls about 50 feet and landed in a pool of water a good foot deep. It took some time for me to get down there. Pulled it out of the pool - took the battery out and dried everything.... still working today! But I am excited to be able to text, email, video and pictures ..... and make phone calls!
Well I am easing back to things - I will post something encouraging tomorrow. I am just glad its not 6 outside :)
Lonnie~
Saturday, January 3, 2009
I am studying a little tonight as I watch just a small window of football - as I have to run setup tomorrow which means I am up early! I am ok with that - as I can relate to the folks who will come through our doors tomorrow who really need Jesus - they need to experience Him and some for the very first time. When we really need to hear from God as our life is hard and having issues beyond our control - I am all willing to be a part of setting up a place for others to come and be as they are and experience Gods GRACE.
As I prepared for tomorrow's Rock Group lesson - I came across a passage that spoke deeeeeep into my heart.
Philippians 4:8-9
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
I am struggling with something today - something that I have been for some months now. I continue to lift that to God asking that He make things smooth - to make things work somehow - I am called to have compassion and extend love to others - just as we all are - some who really need it in a big way. It may be different for others but they too may need it as well but just in a different way or a different level.
Gods peace is what I am looking for and needing today........
As I prepared for tomorrow's Rock Group lesson - I came across a passage that spoke deeeeeep into my heart.
Philippians 4:8-9
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
I am struggling with something today - something that I have been for some months now. I continue to lift that to God asking that He make things smooth - to make things work somehow - I am called to have compassion and extend love to others - just as we all are - some who really need it in a big way. It may be different for others but they too may need it as well but just in a different way or a different level.
Gods peace is what I am looking for and needing today........
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