Wondering

 I did Gearing Up two weeks ago!  And now, baccalaureate,  graduation, little Henry's surgery all done! All went great! Henry is doing terrific!

VBS IS HERE!

But as I am sitting at church trying to get last minute prep done... excitement for our week of VBS warring with a heavy heart as our family has lost another loved one...our dear Uncle David...wondering how do we be excited and grieve at the same time?  

The theme slogan for vacation bible school is "Called together to serve God"

Our verse:

 📖 So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. Romans 15:19 (CEB)

This, to me, speaks volumes about what has been happening all around me.

People stepping in and stepping up to prepare for this ministry we do every year...to show children (and their families) about the love of God and what it means to serve Christ.

My Aunt Mary being called to serve in one of the most heart wrenching,  but beautiful ways God asks of us....to care for a loved one in their last days. And those serving along side her, physically and emotionally. 

I don't have to wonder how we have excitement and joy mingled with the sadness and sorrow.

Each person serving demonstrates Jesus...and what He called us to do.

📖 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romams 12:10

📖  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

📖 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

We can be excited that we are going to show and teach little hearts what Jeaus's love is all about....service...to those around us, to our neighbors and our family...what ever that may look like.

In doing so, someone may come to follow Jesus and serve others in His name too!

We can have joy knowing, that like Uncle David who is with His Savior right now, they have the assurance of eternal life!

📖 God’s kingdom isn’t about eating food and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever serves Christ this way pleases God and gets human approval. So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. Romans 14:17-19

(CEB)

🙏Dear Lord, may each of us strive to serve You and in doing so bring peace and build each other up as You have asked us to do. Please bring comfort to all who are serving You through sorrow and tragedy. ❤️

Again and Again and....

At church yesterday, Father's Day. we sang a Matt Maher song, Run To the Father. 

As we were singing the chorus struck me

I run to the Father
I fall into grace
I'm done with the hiding
No reason to wait
My heart needs a surgeon
My soul needs a friend
So I'll run to the Father
Again and again

And again and again.    

Songwriters: Cody Jay Carnes / Matt Maher / Ran Matthew Jackson

"Again and again and again and again"

Did you see that?!

The music video shows images of the story of the prodigal son; (If you don't know the story click the link)

Luke 15:11-32

📖 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 

He went home to the Father....he had hit rock bottom, was broken and humbled and made the move toward his father....but when the father saw him coming to him...he ran to him!

A beautiful visual of how when we get off track or turn from God, He is there, wait waiting for us to turn back to Him. in our broken and humble condition. 

The son comes home, dad throws him a grand party...some issues with a less than humble, jealous brother....but son home safe, wiser, story ends.

But see, ours may not end there....we have run to the Father, fallen into grace, basked in His love;

But then life happens. We have disappointment, we have tragedy, we have hurt and pain...and we find ourselves way down the road again, sometimes around the corner or even in the next town!  When we finally stop and fall on our knees we realize we have gotten farther away from our Father than intended...we realize we need to run back to the Father again!

And in my life, again and again!

📖 Surrender your heart to God,
    turn to him in prayer, Job 11:13

"Again and again and again and again" 

Also says to me...He is there always. No matter how many times I wander or stubbornly go MY way....He is waiting for me to turn back, again and again and again and again!

I pray that brings you hope, not discouragement. 

🙏My prayer for you includes Luke 22:32

📖 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 

I pray no matter where you find yourself right now, you

 run to the Father

fall into grace
[be] done with the hiding
No reason to wait
And [your] heart [finds] a surgeon

[your] soul [finds] a friend
 run to the Father
Again and again
And again and again❤️

Listen to this amazing song!

🎵 Run To the Father Matt Maher

Gearing Up

 "Gearing up"

Have you ever said that? "We are gearing up!"...preparing for, getting ready..

Usually for a big event...a big game, a wedding or large party.  There are many details to make sure are taken care of. Planning, work involved to put those plans into action. Making sure details are not overlooked.

There is also events or occasions that don't require much prep on our part, but we "gear up" emotionally, such as a surgery or maybe an event we are to take part in.

This time of year is always a busy one;

Baccalaureate service for our school district's graduates hosted by the local churches, 

our church's week long Vacation Bible School.

This year is also a short trip with my parents that to me marks a celebration, that the event is back after their COVID break and more importantly that my parents are able to go and do this year!  (after Dad's ordeal last hear)

not to mention a little one's surgery, doctors appointments, planting, as well as a few more things!

It seems though, that in our lives we are always "gearing up" for something....

It makes lists long and life hectic.  I have to remember what is important though;

The baccalaureate and Vacation Bible School are to reach out with the Gospel, to show others the love of Jesus.

But everything should have that underlying purpose.

📖 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  Colossians 3:23-24

Everything we do should be for Him!

So as we are "gearing up", making the lists, gathering supplies, figuring out the details, working on checking off each item, we can't lose sight of what is important. 

Are we taking time to acknowledge Christ everyday?  His name should be at the top of every to-do list we make!

and commit every list to Him...

📖 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,

    and he will establish your plans.  Proverbs 16:3

 I want Him involved in what I am doing, whether it is a gospel event or not.

And if it is something that I am to be a part of, but not a lot of lists or prep, I still want to make sure I pray for and with those involved.

In all the chaos we don't want to leave Christ off the list.

He should be an integral part of all we do, of our day, our activities, our lives. 

📖 In all your ways acknowledge him,

    and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:6 (ESV)

Making sure it all honors Him 

📖"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. Matthew 22:36

Because ultimately it all is for one purpose;

Showing others His love

📖 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16

🙏I pray that in all you have going on right now you commit it all to Christ, ask Him to make sure all you do honors Him, that in whatever it is you can show others the love of Christ, no matter how many things get checked off or how things end up.❤️

Conversation vs "the genie in the lamp"

Praying isn't about getting things,

it is about open communication with our Lord.

We shouldn't just be praying in times of need with our lists, but conversationally about anything and everything. 

Conversation vs "the genie in the lamp"

If we are truly honest with ourselves we have prayed the "lamp prayer" at least one or twice.

Our prayer would basically be like rubbing the lamp, hoping a genie will appear and grant our wish.

As we grow and mature in our faith and in our relationship with Christ we should be maturing in our prayer life as well. 

As we communicate with God about many things other than our "to do" or "wish" lists...I think it changes our expectations of His "wish granting". 

Instead our mindset is that of a conversation with someone who cares deeply for us and our well-being. Someone who was willing to die for us. But also someone who is just, righteous, not just placating a whining child.

We need to come to Him with, "What can I give You?" "What can I do for You!?" Rather than "Why aren't You doing this?" or "fixing that?".

As we grow and mature our focus in our daily lives should reflect that maturity.

 📖  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

I believe we come to a certain stage in our prayer life when our daily life is our prayer. We commune with God on many different levels.

It also shows maturity in our trust relationship.

We have a deep trust that God has all things and keeps us in His care.

📖 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.  Psalm 121

This isn't to say we  do not take an opportunity to speak specific prayers because we are called to pray for specifics as well.

📖 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God Philippians 4:6

As we grow and mature our thoughts and actions reflect our trust in God, and walking and living and breathing in trust is a living prayer.

📖 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We can not be on our knees with our hands lifted and our eyes closed all the time, "pray continually", to me, means our entire being and life should be our prayer conversation with our Lord and Savior.

🙏My prayer for you always is that you have a contstant communication with our God. That you aren't giving Him a list and then living in disappointment because He hasn't checked off the items. That you feel His continual presence. That you fully trust in His grace for every moment of your life regardless of what circumstances you are in. He loves you and has the best for you!❤️

📖 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11(NLT)

📖 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT)