July 31, 2009

Just a Little Seed

"The apostles said to the Lord, "Make our faith stronger!" Jesus replied: If you had faith no bigger than a tiny mustard seed, you could tell this mulberry tree to pull itself up, roots and all, and to plant itself in the ocean. And it would!" Luke 17:5-6 (CEV)

OK. Show of hands. How many of you like tomatoes? Hmmm...not very many hands. Maybe I shouldn't have asked about MY favorite vegetable. Even my own grown kids don't like tomatoes.

Let's see. How about corn? How many of you like corn? Good, more hands. I know a lot more about corn than I do tomatoes. We are the Cornhusker state, after all! Thanks to abundant rain, moderate temperatures and no hailstorms, the corn here in Nebraska is the tallest I have ever seen it. My daughter is married to a farmer and I am always surprised at the dramatic changes I see in the fields every time I go out to visit. It's almost like magic.

But we know it isn't magic, don't we? We know that corn was weeded and watered and sprayed and worried over by some patient farmer. But before he could do any weeding or watering or spraying or worrying, he had to do some planting.

Have you ever seen a corn seed? Technically, they call them kernels or seed corn, but not being of the farm mentality I call them corn seeds. You know, like radish seeds or watermelon seeds, or carrot seeds. Anyway, these seeds sure aren't very big. Looking at them, you would never guess that they would grow into those huge stalks bearing dozens of delicious yellow ears, but one seed is all a farmer needs to grow a stalk of corn. One seed is all God needs to grow a mountain-moving faith.

"Jesus said, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade." Mark 4:30-32 (NLT)

Jesus used the illustration of a mustard seed to tell His listeners that faith, however small, connects us to God. He takes this little piece of faith, this little seed, and plants it in our hearts. We do what we can to help it grow. We read in our Bible, we pray, we treat others well, we use kind words. But it is God who makes it grow. How? By feeding it with the greatest gift known to man - His love.

"They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul." Jeremiah 32:38-41 (NIV)

Just a little seed of faith, watered with prayer and nurtured by an outpouring of God's love, and before you know it there is full- grown, nothing is impossible with God, mountain-moving faith. Pretty neat, huh? That God can take this little seed that He has planted in our hearts and turn it into something so big and so unshakable that we can do anything in His power?

"You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:20-21 (NLT)

Sometimes it's hard to find that faith isn't it? Maybe it seems like that seed has been in the ground an awful long time. Maybe we think there have been a few too many storms and way too much damage for it to ever grow or maybe it WAS growing, but we forgot to water and care for it. Don't worry. That seed is still there. God promises that He will help us grow it into faith that moves mountains.

Just like God planted the seed to stand and pray for their family in the hearts of your dad or your mom, He planted a seed of faith in yours. Can you see it? Can you feel it growing? Can you hear His whisper, "Have faith?"

"Sow righteousness, reap love. It's time to till the ready earth, it's time to dig in with God, Until he arrives with righteousness ripe for harvest." Hosea 10:12 (The Message)

Waiting for my seed to grow,
Kim in Nebraska
http://rejoiceministries.org/Kim.html  
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 10548
Pompano Beach, FL 33061
http://rejoiceministries.org  

July 24, 2009

Just As You Are!

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

It was Sunday. Rachel, Rebecca and their mom loved to go to church and learn about God. Rachel was five years old and Rebecca was just a baby. Rachel was a big helper with her baby sister who absolutely loved her pacifiers.

On their way to church, mom realized she forgot something. "Oh no! I forgot Rebecca's pacifier!" Her voice was frantic. They never went anywhere without the pacifier. Immediately Rachel prayed that Rebecca would be just fine without her pacifier. After they parked the car and got out, mom said in a frustrated voice "Oh no! I forgot the diaper bag!" To that Rachel said, "mom, don't worry. I prayed. Remember?"

The three of them went to Sunday School and church service. Three and a half hours later, mom picked up and Rachel and they made their way to the nursery where Rebecca was. They entered the nursery and mom was prepared to hear how difficult the time Rebecca had. Instead, she heard praises and how that was the best day Rebecca ever had in the nursery. Praise the Lord!

Want to know something else? That is a true story. I really did leave the pacifier and diaper bag at home and my oldest daughter really did pray for her baby sister and she really did have the best day ever. I believe with my whole heart that God answered Rachel's prayers. She had the faith to believe that God was going to take care of it, even when I did not believe.

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3-4

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19:14

First, let me assure you that you did nothing to cause your family to split, but you can do something to bring them back together. The verse in Timothy (near top) says you are never too young to serve the Lord. In fact, Jesus tells the adults to be more like children. That does not necessarily mean that we are going to break out the finger paint and mud pies and forget about our other responsibilities. It does mean that our hearts should be more like a child's heart.

Children have the amazing gift to trust, love and have faith. Even when things are not going as they like, children still trust, still love and still have hope that things will turn around. You can set an example to your standing parent as well as your prodigal parent. You can be a light in their world shining with the love of Jesus. You can play another part by praying for your parent's salvation and the healing of your family. Remember, salvation is a very important part. It is the key that will unlock the door. Once that door is unlocked, healing can come in.

Honestly, when I have a special prayer request, I ask my girls and even the children at church to pray because I know they pray and believe that God will answer. They don't just hope He will answer, they believe! Almost a year ago, I asked the children to pray for my job situation as it was very frustrating and I needed something to bring in more money. Within two weeks, I was offered a new job that covered all our needs. I have no doubt that the Lord answered the children's prayers.

God has a special job for you, just as you are. You can play a very powerful, special role in the salvation and healing of your family. Hold your head up high, look to God and know He will use you, just as you are.

Serving just as I am,
Colleen in Virginia
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 10548
Pompano Beach, FL 33061
http://rejoiceministries.org  

July 17, 2009

Leftovers

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." Matthew 22:37-38

One of my kids' least favorite things growing up was leftovers. They weren't fond of leftover food reheated and served again. They didn't like the leftover clothes that were handed down from their older cousins. They didn't like the patio pool water left over from the day before or firecrackers left over from last 4th of July. They especially didn't like that sometimes they only got my leftover time.

How do you think Jesus feels about leftovers? Do you think He just wants the part of us that is left over after we do all the stuff we want to do? Do you think that maybe He wants the first serving, so to speak, of our life? I think He does. He wants to be first in our lives because when He is first, everything else makes sense.

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

I know that we all have very busy lives. Summer especially can be filled with one activity after another; one trip after another; one ballgame after another. Or filled with the things we don't get a chance to do when school is on like hang out with our friends or play video games or go swimming. Sometimes it's hard to find time for God when there are so many other things that we would like to do.

But what if we were to take God along with us for our summer fun? That wouldn't be so hard would it? "Lord, thank You for the warm sunshine and the cool water." "Jesus, thank You for the chance to spend some time with my friends." "God, thank You that You made the summer to give us a break from those teachers!" There are a lot of ways to take Jesus along with us if we just remember to do it.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

So how do we put God first in our lives? Well, one way might be to give Him the first part of your day. Instead of jumping out of bed and running to the television or the video games or the neighbor's house, how about spending a little quiet time with God? Thank Him for the summer morning, read a scripture or two from His Word, worship and praise Him. Tell Him what you have planned for the day and ask Him to come along. You can be sure He will be delighted to go with you. When God is with you, well it just makes everything that much better.

We can also put God first in our lives by asking Him what He wants us to do. Where do You want me to go? How do You want me to act? What do You want to say to me? Proverbs 3:5-7 talks about leaning on God for understanding and how He will make your paths straight. I really like how The Message puts these verses. "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track." Now is that a neat promise or what? If we put God first, if we seek Him with all our hearts, if we ask Him for wisdom, He's going to keep us on track.

We mustn't let the things of life crowd out the things of God. He told us in Matthew 6 that He knows we need these things but if we will just give Him the best of our hearts, not the leftovers, He will give us the best of His heart in return.

Jesus wants to be first in your life every day. Not just at church or Sunday school. Not just when you have a special need or a prayer request. Not just at the end of the day when you are so tired you fall into bed and say, "Bless me. Amen." Jesus wants the first in our life, not the leftovers. He wants the first of our time, the first of our thoughts, the first of our prayers, the first of our energy, and the first of our hearts.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12:31-32 (NLT)

God Bless,
Kim in Nebraska
http://rejoiceministries.org/kim.html  
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 10548
Pompano Beach, FL 33061
http://rejoiceministries.org  

July 10, 2009

Go for the Gold!

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes in to strict training." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NIV

The triathlon was finally here. This was an endurance race, which means a long race. The triathlon included a 10 mile run, 20 mile bike ride and 2 mile swim. Jeff would have to train long and hard to get ready for the race. Every day for the past nine months, he ran 15 miles a day, rode 25 miles on his bike and swam 5 miles at the beach. He drank lots of water, ate a super healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and got a good night's rest every night.

Jeff knew he had to train hard. It wasn’t a race that would be over in five minutes. This race would take hours to complete and he would be racing against people from all over the world who also had been training hard for this big day.

The signal was given and the race began. Some runners bolted off the starting line at a quick pace while others started off slow and steady. Jeff was in the middle of the pack holding a steady pace. As the race continued, people slowly quit and gave up. Those that dashed out off the starting line soon fell to the back of the group because they were losing their energy.

By the end of the 10 mile run, Jeff was in 10th place. As he came around the corner at the end of the 20 mile bike ride, he realized he was now in 4th place. Swimming was Jeff’s strength. Jumping into the water, he swam with all his might. People were standing on the beach screaming and clapping as he hit the wall. Jeff won! His training for the race paid off.

Training time can be hard. For a race, runners need to eat and drink right, get good rest and exercise to build those muscles. They do this every day for hours. Those that did not train hard had to drop out of the race because their bodies were not strong enough to complete it.

You are now in your own race, not a physical running race, but a spiritual race. You need to train as well. Without the proper training, you will get discouraged and want to quit. You will want to give up on hope of your family being restored. Don’t quit! With a little training, you will compete, complete and win the prize.

Your training includes drinking in the Word of God daily, spending quiet time talking to God and resting in His peaceful presence, exercising your faith by sharing it with people, doing kind acts, visiting a sick friend, sending a card of encouragement. Ask your parent for help to do this. Not only will you be blessing someone else, but you will be exercising your faith and making it stronger.

Jesus said "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37,38 NIV

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 NIV

"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40: 28- 31 NIV

Run the race. Set out to win the prize. The grand prize is your parent’s salvation. The first prize is the restoration of your family. You will need to train, but train so you can run to win. God will be with you the whole way, feeding your spirit, giving you rest and strengthening your faith.

Your parent may not be in a place to run this race right now, but you can help them. Although they may not admit it now, your parent needs you to stand up and pray for them. Spend time in prayer for your parent’s heart to be touched by God and for your family's restoration. The race may be long, but hang in there. Run to get that prize.

Running for the prize,
Colleen in Virginia

Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 10548
Pompano Beach, FL 33061
http://rejoiceministries.org

July 3, 2009

Attention Parent - Although in this week’s "Charlyne Cares For Kids," Kim reflects on her children's childhood experiences with fireworks, please understand that we are not suggesting that you or your children ever handle fireworks. You could take them to a professional fireworks display, which we will be doing, but please heed the advice of the authorities and leave fireworks in the hands of experts. Please take time to talk to your kids about the danger of playing with fireworks.

The Steinkamp and Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.

Let's Celebrate

"They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness." Psalm 145:5-7

Man oh man. I love the 4th of July, don't you? When my kids were little, we were at the fireworks stand every day! My son even worked at one several summers. Of course he spent all of his salary on fireworks - and then some. I use to call him my little pyromaniac. Of course the little stuff I let him set off was nothing compared to the night celebration that featured the big stuff that only adults could light. I think that was one of the longest days for my kids. Especially since here in Nebraska the sun doesn't set until after 9:00 P.M. in July. And who wants to waste all that cool fireworks when it's still light out?

So my kids dutifully set off the poppers and Black Jacks and Tanks (lots of them, I might add!) and muddled through the family barbecue, all the time asking, "Can we light the big stuff yet?" It was so hard to wait for that celebration. But while they were waiting, the grown-ups were preparing. Setting up the pipes that would shoot the Sky Rockets, nailing boards to tree trunks for the Spinners, clearing the area of debris and dead branches for safety. And the grown-ups, in their infinite wisdom, always knew just when it was the right time for the celebration to begin. Once it got dark enough, everything was ready and just sort of fell into place. And the celebration began.

"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." Psalm 57:7-11

Waiting is a hard thing isn't it? Especially when you are waiting for something that has been promised. It might be like that for you in your life right now. The promise has been made, but the waiting is hard. Sometimes it seems like this will never end and the celebration will never begin. But just as the adults' in my kids' lives were working behind the scenes getting everything ready, Jesus is working in ways you cannot see or know to get everything ready for your celebration of being a family restored. He is working in your heart and working in the hearts of your parents, laying the groundwork, building the bridges, opening the lines of communication. He is pouring His Word and His truths into all your lives so that your family can be all that He has destined it to be. Only Jesus will know when the time is right. Only Jesus will know when everything is in place.

"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3

"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" Isaiah 30:18

Maybe you are spending a little time in God's waiting room right now. That's OK. Because sometimes God's answer to our prayer is "Wait." God wants to have everything just right for you and for your family. Often, that takes time. If we can wait for dark to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July, we can wait for God's perfect timing in our lives. Then what a celebration it will be!

"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." Luke 15:22-24

Getting ready to celebrate,
Kim in Nebraska
http://rejoiceministries.org/kim.html  
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 10548
Pompano Beach, FL 33061
http://rejoiceministries.org