Parenting is such a hard job. I just ordered a new book yesterday - Parenting Teens in a Confusing Culture by Mark Gregston. I am really excited to dig into this. Our last book that went around our Rock Group really went over big time. Have a New Kid by Friday. So many of our kids thought they were being traded in on Friday for an upgrade! Too funny.......
One of the things I want to share this morning is the fact that over the last week as you know I have not been sleeping that well. Carol has been suffering with her tooth since November and honestly - it has taken a toll. Today was the first morning in a long time, she got up and I met her at the breakfast table and she was smiling - without pain. I have regained some of my sleep back after working things out and handing things over to the Lord. So things are looking up! This reminds me back when Kyle was little. We would have a great day playing or doing something fun and that particular day he would miss his nap. He loved his naps even though it was tough to wind him down to the point where he could nap. If he missed it though, talk about a cranky kid. Talk about a suffering parent! Talk about someone on the verge of meltdown even at the smallest of things. Parents, we are the same way. If we are not taking care of ourselves with eating right, exercise and SLEEP - we are that cranky child. We snap at the kids, we yell when we shouldn't be and we take things out on the ones around us - those we love. We often get out of focus in life and do the wrong things and focus on the negative things that are all around us. I got to see this first hand at school yesterday with a teacher in the face of a child - He has some stress these days and it is getting the best of him. The child took the result of it. Our lives may reflect working at the office 90 hours a week, stress that comes from someone sick, trying to pay the bills or just not enough hours in the day to get everything done.
When this happens our parenting becomes weak when our kids need us to be STRONG.
Why do weak parents produce weak children? Often it's because they operate out of their feelings instead of their responsibilities. They want to do what they want to do more than they want to do what is right. Our responsibilities are to our children. Those teen years go fast and you only have a small window to raise them and not let culture raise them. Yes its hard ... I can't tell you how much it means to have a small group of families around us (Carol and I) that really care for us. They are in the trenches with Carol and I. We are in it with them.
Letting feelings lead your live is a course that will for sure crash along the way....... God has a better plan if you let Him lead you. If you are struggling hard today - look at it as Gods way of correcting you with loving discipline.
I want to share Hebrews 12:11 this morning:
Hebrews 12:11 (The Message)
4-11In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, but don't be crushed by it either. It's the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects.God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.
Loved ones, embrace what God is doing in your life. If its hard right now - follow Him so that you can move on to better things. Let God lead your feet and pour yourself into His words. Your children will benefit more from that than anything else in the world. The world has little to offer us and VERY little to offer them. As we discipline our children and teach them right from wrong - so is our heavenly Father giving us loving discipline so that we too may know the right way.
Happy Friday everyone - love you all,
Lonnie
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
One moment to another........
I have been really heavy the last few days. There are nights of little sleep, tossing and turning, a loving wife suffering with tooth problems, "MyKids" having struggles, dear friends who are hungry and those who are losing their incomes... there is a LOT of suffering taking place right now. Thats only in my little spot on Gods Radar amongst everything in the universe that is taking place right now in His hands.
My faith and trust is in Him and at times it is hard to do give things to our Heavenly Father - we are so busy with things, worried and heavy with others things - it takes a clear vision with eyes directly on Him to keep things in perspective. There is a story in the bible that my Aunt Sharon always tells me when things are just out of control in her life.... As Jesus approached the boat, the disciples saw that he was walking on the water and they thought he was a ghost. I think Peter jumped into the water and was going towards Jesus. Only then did he realize that he was walking on the water, he then began to sink and Jesus reached for him and pulled him up. He didn't keep his eyes on Jesus. I know I did not tell it as good as you Aunt Sharon - you have such power and trust in your voice and heart when you share that! It reminds me to keep my eyes on Him while going through the storms in this life. As people attack, judge you for what you are doing and watching every move you make. I must keep pressing forward, not giving in and not giving up because Jesus has called me to do what I am doing. Being afraid is not an option......
Psalm 56 has my back today~ One moment looking at myself and the next - eyes back on Jesus. Many of you are struggling today, health, job, money, kids, relationships - whatever.... let me share Psalm 56 today~
Love you all,
Lonnie
1 O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. 2 I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me. 3 But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. 4 I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
5 They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting to harm me. 6 They come together to spy on me— watching my every step, eager to kill me. 7 Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down.
8 You keep track of all my sorrows.[a] You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.
9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! 10 I praise God for what he has promised; Yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. 11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
12 I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. 13 For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.
My faith and trust is in Him and at times it is hard to do give things to our Heavenly Father - we are so busy with things, worried and heavy with others things - it takes a clear vision with eyes directly on Him to keep things in perspective. There is a story in the bible that my Aunt Sharon always tells me when things are just out of control in her life.... As Jesus approached the boat, the disciples saw that he was walking on the water and they thought he was a ghost. I think Peter jumped into the water and was going towards Jesus. Only then did he realize that he was walking on the water, he then began to sink and Jesus reached for him and pulled him up. He didn't keep his eyes on Jesus. I know I did not tell it as good as you Aunt Sharon - you have such power and trust in your voice and heart when you share that! It reminds me to keep my eyes on Him while going through the storms in this life. As people attack, judge you for what you are doing and watching every move you make. I must keep pressing forward, not giving in and not giving up because Jesus has called me to do what I am doing. Being afraid is not an option......
Psalm 56 has my back today~ One moment looking at myself and the next - eyes back on Jesus. Many of you are struggling today, health, job, money, kids, relationships - whatever.... let me share Psalm 56 today~
Love you all,
Lonnie
1 O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. 2 I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me. 3 But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. 4 I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
5 They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting to harm me. 6 They come together to spy on me— watching my every step, eager to kill me. 7 Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down.
8 You keep track of all my sorrows.[a] You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.
9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! 10 I praise God for what he has promised; Yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. 11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
12 I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. 13 For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The train ride....
I will be honest ~ I have not been sleeping good at all. The last 4-5 days have been really tough. Tossing and turning, going over things in my mind - struggling hard with a few issues that really concern me and are making my heart heavy. I know that keeping these things in the Lord hands is where they need to be. Do I continue on? How do I jump off the train? Is that what God wants me to do? How do I abandon ship and leave the people there and "Leaving" is the key word. Do I stick this out and do what God has called me to do? What IF I missed the sign and I am in nowhereland walking this long journey that leads no place?
I have been involved in childrens ministry now for 3 years. I don't feel called to teach at Sunday school but to build relationships. I feel called to be in the childrens lives, to get to know them, to listen to them, to comfort and assure the parents that their child is safe at church, being taught Gods word in church and is having fun. They can then go and be in the service and listen to Gods word at their own level. Some churches don't even let children into their services - but for now - the worship (music) is such a big thing today for kids and having them in the service during worship is huge. Nothing like a 1st grader on the front row with her eyes shut and hands raised praising God. Sunday school is working for that child - her parents are giving her an example of following Jesus. It's the lost kids, the struggling kids, the kids who come in who you can tell have 1 parent or no parents that need my attention. I have learned alot over the last few years and I understand and have learned I and our team of teachers are there for the "Train" - for the entire group. I say TRAIN because when you lose them - they roll right over you like a train :) - Kids want to be heard - they need someone to listen to them. They have prayer requests and things that are important to them. Sometimes in our ministry - in our walk with Jesus as we provide examples (our lives) for these children - we need to stop the train and get down on their level and listen. We need to come out of our comfort zone and really go to the messy places. We are called to make a difference. Sometimes that means it costs us something. It may be money, it may be time and it may be a broken heart in the long run. They all matter to God and it is our calling to love them as Jesus loves them. We will always have an excuse to NOT get involved. Its hard at times to be involved - to see the decisions being made in families and the directions they are going in. I make bad decisions at times as well. Its hard seeing the struggles of kids today - it is so much harder raising a kid today than say - when I was growing up. (a long time ago) I know I am making a difference and it doesn't matter how hard it is. Apostle Paul suffered doing what he was called to do. Jesus came and died for it.
Messy is where the tough people go. Messy is also where the loving and grace filled hearts go.
Messy is where we get down to the dirt of the matter. Messy is also where we experience how to shape the mud into wonderful things.
Messy is sometimes where we find the "Realness" of the person or the child.
Messy is where you are making a difference.
Ministry is messy at times and sometimes we need to pull the train over - and minister to those on board. We have to sometimes drop what we are doing, all for Gods glory, roll the sleeves up and get right down into the moment.
There is something special in being pulled by the arm so that a child can share something important with you. If it matters to them.... It matters to God ...and that means - it should matter to me and matter to you.
I know I have my train ticket around here somewhere.....
Lonnie
My morning quiet time this morning~
1 Thessalonians 5
Final Instructions 12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
I have been involved in childrens ministry now for 3 years. I don't feel called to teach at Sunday school but to build relationships. I feel called to be in the childrens lives, to get to know them, to listen to them, to comfort and assure the parents that their child is safe at church, being taught Gods word in church and is having fun. They can then go and be in the service and listen to Gods word at their own level. Some churches don't even let children into their services - but for now - the worship (music) is such a big thing today for kids and having them in the service during worship is huge. Nothing like a 1st grader on the front row with her eyes shut and hands raised praising God. Sunday school is working for that child - her parents are giving her an example of following Jesus. It's the lost kids, the struggling kids, the kids who come in who you can tell have 1 parent or no parents that need my attention. I have learned alot over the last few years and I understand and have learned I and our team of teachers are there for the "Train" - for the entire group. I say TRAIN because when you lose them - they roll right over you like a train :) - Kids want to be heard - they need someone to listen to them. They have prayer requests and things that are important to them. Sometimes in our ministry - in our walk with Jesus as we provide examples (our lives) for these children - we need to stop the train and get down on their level and listen. We need to come out of our comfort zone and really go to the messy places. We are called to make a difference. Sometimes that means it costs us something. It may be money, it may be time and it may be a broken heart in the long run. They all matter to God and it is our calling to love them as Jesus loves them. We will always have an excuse to NOT get involved. Its hard at times to be involved - to see the decisions being made in families and the directions they are going in. I make bad decisions at times as well. Its hard seeing the struggles of kids today - it is so much harder raising a kid today than say - when I was growing up. (a long time ago) I know I am making a difference and it doesn't matter how hard it is. Apostle Paul suffered doing what he was called to do. Jesus came and died for it.
Messy is where the tough people go. Messy is also where the loving and grace filled hearts go.
Messy is where we get down to the dirt of the matter. Messy is also where we experience how to shape the mud into wonderful things.
Messy is sometimes where we find the "Realness" of the person or the child.
Messy is where you are making a difference.
Ministry is messy at times and sometimes we need to pull the train over - and minister to those on board. We have to sometimes drop what we are doing, all for Gods glory, roll the sleeves up and get right down into the moment.
There is something special in being pulled by the arm so that a child can share something important with you. If it matters to them.... It matters to God ...and that means - it should matter to me and matter to you.
I know I have my train ticket around here somewhere.....
Lonnie
My morning quiet time this morning~
1 Thessalonians 5
Final Instructions 12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Monday, January 26, 2009
A Birthday wish~
Today is my mother n laws birthday. Mary Lou was like a mom to me since Carol and I started dating in High School and through out college. We shared many times together - up at their home in Tupper Lake NY skiiing - boating all up and down the east coast. We spent a LOT of time together. My worked at night and I was always invited to come and eat supper with them. She is my only mother n law and I know there are so many jokes about them - how we all don't get along and all. I have to say that Mary Lou and I always got along. She was a tough lady and she loved to dance, her 4:00 cocktails, Walt and her family. She always put people first and she loved animals ... she even raised a bird in the basement by feeding it dog/cat food by hand until it was time to release it back into the yard. Walt hated the crap all over the basement but Walt did what made Mary Lou happy. I see that far too often these days in marriages - couple just pushing ahead with what the individual wants instead of putting their spouse first or working things out together. Carol and I have a "Great" marriage because Walt and Mary Lou talked about everything. They put communication at the top of their relationship and hardly ever did you see them out of sync. Now Mary Lou did get mad at Walt at times..... and she let him know it! :)
Happy Birthday today Mary Lou - I am thankful that Walt is again with you. Enjoy your day today .... for years I never knew what it was like to lose a mom - I have lost 2 of them..... It has added so much to my character - Something God is most interested in each of us.... our character. Thanks for an awesome daughter in Carol ...... you did well.
Love you~
Lon
Happy Birthday today Mary Lou - I am thankful that Walt is again with you. Enjoy your day today .... for years I never knew what it was like to lose a mom - I have lost 2 of them..... It has added so much to my character - Something God is most interested in each of us.... our character. Thanks for an awesome daughter in Carol ...... you did well.
Love you~
Lon
Wow - it has been NUTS the last few days. The Bateman clan had a good trip and stay at the "cabin" this past weekend. Other than the fact I had a problem with a health issue that I have been facing for some time now - it was a great weekend.
But yesterday was one of those exceptional days. Not that it was overly fun or exciting - really it was a tough, exhausting and long day but it was flippin awesome in many ways. God was all up in it yesterday. It seemed like every where I needed Him to be - He was right there in the middle of it. Right where He should be - not that He isn't all the time - its just that we either don't let Him or we are not looking for Him. Regardless - He is there. Thats what makes those blessings that much more special - because we know He is with us.
Yesterday's church service was just one of those services that God really spoke to me. Things I knew, I was reminded of - things I needed to know, I was shown - places and people I needed to see, God provided those paths.
Our new worship pastor at church - Darren - wow ...how did we land this guy and his wife? Our Pastor's message was right on the money...lots of folks volunteering and serving with new volunteers in the works and ministry outreach in the works and our K-5 program yesterday just rocked. It was a first to have our worship song being played and one of our kids with her arms raised and singing with her eyes closed was the most precious moment yet!!!
God was even right there in the middle of it when I stopped at the hospital to visit a family from our church. It was awesome talking about what God is doing through us, how He has proven over the years to be faithful and how the church is extending a helping hand to this family. Nothing better than to see lives being changed by the way others extend a helping hand, being kind and gracious and extending love that can only come from knowing Jesus. I got home after the visit and got to speak from the heart with 2 of our dear family friends. I got to explain what exactly a Rock Group is and what we do and WHY we do - small groups - Sunday school bible study - or however you want to label it ..... and what it means to be doing life together. There were some tears, the hard things bubbling to the surface and God is in those details. Last night Rock Group went long .... I mean way long - we didn't even notice because the lesson was awesome and the discussion time before and afterwards was awesome. The kids bonding and making friendships and spending time together - how cool is that?
After the last few months - I have come to a place where it really is time to hit the next gear. It is time to step up the game and not back down. God is showing me some awesome things.... I hope I am encouraging someone through this blog and helping some folks. I pray that as I share my thoughts and my heart that it is stirring you in some way for the purposes of Jesus. The Bible has nothing good to say about indecision's. Some of us need to make decisions in life. Get off the fence and in the game. Let God lead your life for the first time - for the 2nd time .... whatever. Just plug in ~ You are either with God and wanting to do His work or you are not - there is no luke warm here. You will never get much out of being a follower of Jesus if you leave Him on Sunday mornings.......and check back with him the next Sunday.
God has woken me up the last 2 nights ~ I got to share that with a dear friend of our yesterday because she and her family were one of the reasons. I am praying hard for them - have been for 2 years but now its even more. The other has to do with one of "MyKids" and I can't believe I have not seen it after all this time. Its perfectly clear to me why "Leaving" is such a struggle....... It was right before my eyes ......... I would have never put it together unless God spoke it to me.
As a follower of Jesus loved ones, we are called to Care, Serve and make Disciples.
As I look around and see the world flaming all kinds of people - their mistakes being held over them to remind them and torture them for as long as they can - God offers us forgiveness and understanding Mercy can only come from God. Without Him, I don't think we have a clue to understand what Mercy really is.
Plug in and get on with your Spiritual walk.... NO need to wait for tomorrow to be different - TODAY can be different and it can happen in the next moment.
How does one know they are lost when they don't know they ARE LOST?
Love you all,
Lonnie
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
But yesterday was one of those exceptional days. Not that it was overly fun or exciting - really it was a tough, exhausting and long day but it was flippin awesome in many ways. God was all up in it yesterday. It seemed like every where I needed Him to be - He was right there in the middle of it. Right where He should be - not that He isn't all the time - its just that we either don't let Him or we are not looking for Him. Regardless - He is there. Thats what makes those blessings that much more special - because we know He is with us.
Yesterday's church service was just one of those services that God really spoke to me. Things I knew, I was reminded of - things I needed to know, I was shown - places and people I needed to see, God provided those paths.
Our new worship pastor at church - Darren - wow ...how did we land this guy and his wife? Our Pastor's message was right on the money...lots of folks volunteering and serving with new volunteers in the works and ministry outreach in the works and our K-5 program yesterday just rocked. It was a first to have our worship song being played and one of our kids with her arms raised and singing with her eyes closed was the most precious moment yet!!!
God was even right there in the middle of it when I stopped at the hospital to visit a family from our church. It was awesome talking about what God is doing through us, how He has proven over the years to be faithful and how the church is extending a helping hand to this family. Nothing better than to see lives being changed by the way others extend a helping hand, being kind and gracious and extending love that can only come from knowing Jesus. I got home after the visit and got to speak from the heart with 2 of our dear family friends. I got to explain what exactly a Rock Group is and what we do and WHY we do - small groups - Sunday school bible study - or however you want to label it ..... and what it means to be doing life together. There were some tears, the hard things bubbling to the surface and God is in those details. Last night Rock Group went long .... I mean way long - we didn't even notice because the lesson was awesome and the discussion time before and afterwards was awesome. The kids bonding and making friendships and spending time together - how cool is that?
After the last few months - I have come to a place where it really is time to hit the next gear. It is time to step up the game and not back down. God is showing me some awesome things.... I hope I am encouraging someone through this blog and helping some folks. I pray that as I share my thoughts and my heart that it is stirring you in some way for the purposes of Jesus. The Bible has nothing good to say about indecision's. Some of us need to make decisions in life. Get off the fence and in the game. Let God lead your life for the first time - for the 2nd time .... whatever. Just plug in ~ You are either with God and wanting to do His work or you are not - there is no luke warm here. You will never get much out of being a follower of Jesus if you leave Him on Sunday mornings.......and check back with him the next Sunday.
God has woken me up the last 2 nights ~ I got to share that with a dear friend of our yesterday because she and her family were one of the reasons. I am praying hard for them - have been for 2 years but now its even more. The other has to do with one of "MyKids" and I can't believe I have not seen it after all this time. Its perfectly clear to me why "Leaving" is such a struggle....... It was right before my eyes ......... I would have never put it together unless God spoke it to me.
As a follower of Jesus loved ones, we are called to Care, Serve and make Disciples.
As I look around and see the world flaming all kinds of people - their mistakes being held over them to remind them and torture them for as long as they can - God offers us forgiveness and understanding Mercy can only come from God. Without Him, I don't think we have a clue to understand what Mercy really is.
Plug in and get on with your Spiritual walk.... NO need to wait for tomorrow to be different - TODAY can be different and it can happen in the next moment.
How does one know they are lost when they don't know they ARE LOST?
Love you all,
Lonnie
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A walk alone....
My brothers and sisters I wanted to remind you that you are not alone. You may be in a tough place right now - today - or even in this place for some time ... You are not alone. If you are walking with Jesus - You have a place to lean. A person to let go with and to share the heavy weight you are carrying. God has also placed around you some loving people who really care for you and your family. They may be neighbors, they may be church family, your small group, coworkers - they may not even know Jesus - Yet.
Take heart loved ones, during our trials - so many are looking at us to see how we react, how we judge and how we carry ourselves - especially if they know we are followers of Christ. With these trials and struggles - God is pulling you closer to Him. He is teaching you through these trials. You are learning something about yourself and if your faith meter is pegged on Him.
There is a new dawn tomorrow - a new day and each day is full of fresh grace, blessings and forgiveness.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…” Psalm 23:4
Hold your heads up loved ones, God is not far from you. He created you, knows you and loves you and there will not be a moment that goes by that He is not watching over you. Its all in His time and in His hands.......
love you all,
Lonnie
Take heart loved ones, during our trials - so many are looking at us to see how we react, how we judge and how we carry ourselves - especially if they know we are followers of Christ. With these trials and struggles - God is pulling you closer to Him. He is teaching you through these trials. You are learning something about yourself and if your faith meter is pegged on Him.
There is a new dawn tomorrow - a new day and each day is full of fresh grace, blessings and forgiveness.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…” Psalm 23:4
Hold your heads up loved ones, God is not far from you. He created you, knows you and loves you and there will not be a moment that goes by that He is not watching over you. Its all in His time and in His hands.......
love you all,
Lonnie
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I am reminded today of the things I am so thankful for in this life. I find myself too often heavy hearted for the people around me. Wanting to make a difference, to help carry the load, to be there to have a shoulder to cry on, to be there for that child who needs someone - I am heavy at times. The weight is unreal but it is so worth it. I wouldn't trade it in for anything because God is in those details.
One of the things that reduces that heaviness is praising God for what He is doing in my life. His direction, the answering of prayers, the building of my trust in Him, and the people who He has put into my life.
My cousin Scott is doing well this afternoon. After making it through surgery this morning - he is in his room and even though he is in pain and will have a couple tough days ... I am thankful for God watching over him. I pray this procedure makes a big change in his life and in his health. Scott has had a tough time in his life concerning his health. He has suffered through so many things and his health keeps him from doing so many other things. Like many of us, when we are down and out, struggling to make sense of things, falling on hard times, struggling what seems to be ALL the time - we often pull away from God. Over time, maybe we even drop off with God. "How can God love me if all I am doing is struggling? - things don't seem to get better. Nothing changes .... I have asked and prayed before and here I am still."
God is working in those details loved ones, He is working behind the scenes. One of the things that really -works for me - is listening to music to keep my eyes and heart on Him and not so much of myself. Praising God even while in the storms of this life. We also have to be fervent in our prayers. Pray them - expect God to move on your behalf. He wants to hear from you and what is on your heart. When you draw closer to Him - He will draw closer to you. I try and update the songs on my Ipod every few weeks so that I have something new and fresh thus keeping my praise new and fresh all the while learning the ways of God through sermons and in my quiet time. Don't be afraid to ask God for big things! He is a BIG God!
Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened”.
Lord above all else that I am thankful for in life, I am thankful for Your son Jesus. He on my behalf comes to You in prayer for me. Lord hear my prayers for those around me who I am carrying the weight in this life with. Their struggles are my struggles and I pray that they too are placing these heavy things in Your hands. We all need help in this life and feel the loving care of others. We are a community of believers Lord. Belief is the basis of following You. Your son came and healed the sick - He did not ask - How sick or how long the person had the disease - He simply asked if they have faith and Believed that He could heal them - if their belief in Him was true - they were healed. I am asking today Lord that our belief in You rises to new grounds. Our trust overflows to those around us to the point it puts action in our faith. Help us walk with those hurting around us Lord. May you receive all the glory and honor in following Your instructions. God this life comes with hard things and struggles - its during these times our faith and belief in You is tested. They are there for a reason - May we grow because of them and be thankful for them. You are waiting on us on the other side of them ... hopefully receiving all the glory and honor for Your kingdom. Grow us Lord through the things in this life. Thank You for Your love and for Your son Jesus. It is in His name I pray today~
Amen
One of the things that reduces that heaviness is praising God for what He is doing in my life. His direction, the answering of prayers, the building of my trust in Him, and the people who He has put into my life.
My cousin Scott is doing well this afternoon. After making it through surgery this morning - he is in his room and even though he is in pain and will have a couple tough days ... I am thankful for God watching over him. I pray this procedure makes a big change in his life and in his health. Scott has had a tough time in his life concerning his health. He has suffered through so many things and his health keeps him from doing so many other things. Like many of us, when we are down and out, struggling to make sense of things, falling on hard times, struggling what seems to be ALL the time - we often pull away from God. Over time, maybe we even drop off with God. "How can God love me if all I am doing is struggling? - things don't seem to get better. Nothing changes .... I have asked and prayed before and here I am still."
God is working in those details loved ones, He is working behind the scenes. One of the things that really -works for me - is listening to music to keep my eyes and heart on Him and not so much of myself. Praising God even while in the storms of this life. We also have to be fervent in our prayers. Pray them - expect God to move on your behalf. He wants to hear from you and what is on your heart. When you draw closer to Him - He will draw closer to you. I try and update the songs on my Ipod every few weeks so that I have something new and fresh thus keeping my praise new and fresh all the while learning the ways of God through sermons and in my quiet time. Don't be afraid to ask God for big things! He is a BIG God!
Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened”.
Lord above all else that I am thankful for in life, I am thankful for Your son Jesus. He on my behalf comes to You in prayer for me. Lord hear my prayers for those around me who I am carrying the weight in this life with. Their struggles are my struggles and I pray that they too are placing these heavy things in Your hands. We all need help in this life and feel the loving care of others. We are a community of believers Lord. Belief is the basis of following You. Your son came and healed the sick - He did not ask - How sick or how long the person had the disease - He simply asked if they have faith and Believed that He could heal them - if their belief in Him was true - they were healed. I am asking today Lord that our belief in You rises to new grounds. Our trust overflows to those around us to the point it puts action in our faith. Help us walk with those hurting around us Lord. May you receive all the glory and honor in following Your instructions. God this life comes with hard things and struggles - its during these times our faith and belief in You is tested. They are there for a reason - May we grow because of them and be thankful for them. You are waiting on us on the other side of them ... hopefully receiving all the glory and honor for Your kingdom. Grow us Lord through the things in this life. Thank You for Your love and for Your son Jesus. It is in His name I pray today~
Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)