Sunday, April 20, 2008

The Secret

Our church service tonight really blessed me...Our youth minister spoke on the following verses...

"10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phillipians 4:10-13

He was speaking about our children...the youth primarily...(but it won't be long before Ian is a teenager...and I will take every bit of encouragement, and guidance in raising him that I can get)....The focus of these verses was the word, "secret"...The secret to a meaningful Christian life, is drawing on Christ's power for strength....through bible study and prayer....It was mentioned how hard it is for our kids in school today...the things that they have to face, the pressures, and the choices that they will have to make...It is hard out in the world..but the best way to prepare them is to keep them in the word....Have Faith in our GOD...He is an amazing God, that gave up his only son to die for you and me....The following verse really got me...I had never read it before until it was read tonight...

10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes [a] his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. Isaiah 53:10

God's will was for Jesus to suffer... for us...He loved us that much...beyond the scope of my mind.

Thank you Lord for saving me, and opening my eyes to the importance of Faith in you...You are there for me all the time, and I just need to take the time to remember that...and turn to you...always...Help me as I raise my children in this evil world of ours, help James and I to make sure they see the importance of having you in every aspect of our lives....

3 comments:

BethAnne said...

Not a day ( or minute of a day) goes by that I dont think of how much more difficult it is for our kids today than it was even for us when we were in school. They have pressures that we never knew. Without God our kids dont have a prayer (pardon the pun). Which is why we have to be so dilligent in our teaching (they sure arent going to get any solid Biblical teaching in public shcool!).

None of our finite minds can grasp what it means for God to have sent His son - we cant fathom His love for us ---we can only compare it to the love we have for our children. (and even then there is no comparison)

It is such a huge responsility to be a parent today- sounds like you and James are great ones!

Fran said...

WOW! That was one powerful and encouraging word. I'm with Bethanne...without God in our daily lives, its entirely too hard to raise these kids without Him.

Thanks for checking on me while I was sick....it flat out stunk.

Kristie said...

I love you so much, and wow - I miss you. You are going to do an amazing job with those babies of yours. I can only hope to be half the momma that you are. You have such a strong faith, and such a great will, you can't worry. I love you big sister!