0

0

During tough times is when we draw closer to Jesus.

A few weeks ago Rachel and I were at the Ridgeley’s house watching the kids for the week. Bethany had a tough week. Being away from her crib and her toys and her home and her schedule stretched her out as a person at almost two years old. Well, with all the crying and the tough times she went through something extraordinary came out of that week, her and I grew closer together. Now, let me explain. One day, probably the hardest day of all for her while we were there, the third day into our stay, Bethany was just having a hard time with everything. She had a tough time at breakfast listening to her mother and I. She had a tough time playing in her toy area. She was having a tough time getting along with everyone. She was simply having a very tough day. So, a little after lunch she did something wrong that I had to give her a spanking for. Rachel and I knew as good parents that we had to let her know that even if she’s in a difficult environment where she feels uncomfortable she still needs to obey her mother and father. Well, after I disciplined her, as always I picked her up in my arms, held her close and prayed and asked Jesus to help her obey and do what is right. Well, after that the most extraordinary thing happened, as I began to put her down, she grabbed the sides of my head with both hands and pulled me close to her and she gave me the biggest kiss ever pressing my face up against hers. With a big smile I put her down and she laughed and I just knew that she was starting to understand that mommy and I don’t want to have to spank her but that we love her so much we want her to learn to do right no matter where she goes or who is surrounding her life.

You see, even when we are in a tough environment as Christians, God still expects us to obey Him and do what is right. And when we don’t He doesn’t give us a pass but He disciplines us. The coolest thing is if we don’t harden our hearts we’ll sense His incredible love through the discipline and it will only make us want to get closer to Him.

How incredible is it to be a child of Gods?

Read 1 Peter 1:6-9 & Hebrews 12:3-12

0

In the gospel of Mark 6:34 we see Jesus heart for those around Him who did not yet know God.

Take a minute and read these words of Jesus that reveal His heart. Ask God to make your heart like His toward those who are not yet Jesus’ children.

“And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.”

This is where it starts when it comes to God using you to reach your friends, family and everyone that surrounds you in God’s world.

“Give me your love for humanity. Give me your arms for the broken-hearted. The ones who are far beyond my reach. Give me your heart for the ones forgotten. Give me your eyes so I can see.” -Brandon Heath

Check out this video and let me know what you think.

BFF-bELjXLw&feature=related

1

What are some dreams, goals, and visions you have for God to do in this upcoming year in your school, family, youth ministry and neighborhood? Don’t just think big, think God.

1 Corinthians 2:9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard,nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

Alright people, lets think bigger than big.

What does God want to do this year? Comment on it with the great things your going to ask God to do?

0

Hey guys, check out this proverb:

“In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

Awesome, huh? When we dwell in the fear, respect, humility, and ways of Yahweh, the God of all the Universe, we have strong confidence. It’s not a puffed up shield of false confidence, or pride, but knowing that we’re in Him, loved by Him, protected by Him give us real confidence, real strength to stand, rather than the false confidence of “Oh, I have this such and such…” or “he/she is my such and such…” or “did you know what I such and such can do?…” It’s because He’s the such and such, we can go on being confident without having to worry, because He’s real confidence, because who can unseat Him?
The next part of the verse is rad too, because it says that His children, that’s those who believe In Jesus personally as their Savior, will have a place of refuge. So, when we’re in the middle of a struggle, a hard day, a tough situation, maybe you’ve lost that “such and such”, He’s offering a place of solitude, comfort and strength, by His Holy Spirit, in the presence of Him.

Brad and I were talking about his yesterday, and check out this cool verse that he was reminded of: Psalm 31:19-20

Peace and <3 in Him!