August 28, 2009

Get Rooted

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5 NIV

Drew was visiting cousin Alexis when the hurricane hit. They sat inside the windowless room as the rain pounded the house and the winds howled. Drew stared in fear as his cousins sat peacefully. "How can you be so calm?" Drew asked. Alexis said, "God is with us."

To his surprise the cousins read the Bible, sang and prayed. He never experienced anything like this especially outside of a church. What shocked him was how they prayed.

"Dear Lord, thank You for the rain to water the outside. Thank You that we're in Your hands. Thank You for this room. Thank You for the opportunity to come before You in worship. Thank You that Drew is here. Father thank You for protection during this storm. Thank You for Your promise to never flood the earth again. You are worthy to be praised. In Jesus' name, Amen."

This was different than other prayers he heard asking God for what they wanted. They thanked God for everything, including the storm. Immediately, a peace filled the room. Although the fierce storm was stirring outside, Drew began to relax. Alexis' family was rooted in the Word of God. They were not easily shaken.

Gigantic trees withstand fierce storms like a hurricane. Sometimes the tree bends in the wind, but never falls. Their roots are deeply rooted in the soil. If the roots were just below the grass, the tree would easily tumble even with a small amount of pressure.

We're the same way. If we have God's Word planted deep in our hearts and are deeply rooted in Him, we can stand firm. A storm may come around us, but we won't be pushed down. We may bow or get discouraged, but we will stand back up straight and withstand the storm.

"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop-a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. "Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." Matthew 13:3-8 18-23 NIV

It's hard to be thankful especially when everything seems wrong. Two weeks ago, we lost our electric. I work from home on the computer and need the electricity. I cried and cried. I was going to fall behind and get in trouble. I called so many people and cried to them. When I started praising God for all the things He has done for us, He made a way to turn our electric back on. I didn't feel like praising. When He saw my heart and the desire to praise, He worked everything out and very quickly.

We taped paper to a wall that said "Wall of Thankfulness." We added things to be thankful for. Our wall was filled with things God blessed us with. It was a daily reminder of how blessed we really are.

Pray for your family to be rooted in the Word so they will withstand the attacks of the enemy. Begin a list of Thankfulness whether on paper that your parent hangs on the wall or fridge or even a notebook. Be encouraged and grow a heart of gratitude. In no time, you'll recognize how God is working in your family.

Getting rooted,
Colleen in Virginia
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 10548
Pompano Beach, FL 33061
http://rejoiceministries.org  

August 23, 2009

Time to Learn

"Moses summoned all Israel and said: Hear, O Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them." Deuteronomy 5:1

Some of you have been back at the books for awhile now while some of you are just getting started. A new school year is always a little bit exciting and a little bit scary. There are new people to meet, new teachers to get to know, new lockers to hang your coat in, new rooms to find your way around in, or maybe even whole new buildings where you have to find where the gym and the cafeteria and the restrooms are. But most importantly, it's a new year of learning.

"Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good." Job 34:4

When you start school, you have to learn so many things. First you learn your ABC's and how these letters go together to make words. You learn to count things and then add these numbers together and before long you are multiplying. You learn about your home, your city, your state, your country and the world. You learn about electricity and atoms and planets and Bernoulli's principle. (Look that one up!) You learn how to write your name, then how to write other words and how to string these words together to express yourself. Whew! Did you realize you learn that much?

All of this learning takes time and attention and practice. It doesn't happen by osmosis. You don't just sit in school and absorb all that knowledge. You have to work at it. You have to study and spend time at it. It's the same way with learning about God. It doesn't just happen. You have to work at it.

"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4-5

"I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders." Psalm 119:26-27

One good way to learn about God is to read His Word daily. Maybe you can set a goal for yourself to read a chapter in the Bible every day. Make it part of your "homework" and give it as much attention as you do your school work. Just like you memorize your ABC's or your math facts, make it a practice to memorize one piece of scripture every day. Practice it over and over like you do your times tables or state capitals. Before you know it, you'll be quoting scripture as easily as you say your ABC's.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16

It is good to learn about the ways of the Lord. He has the answers to all our questions. He knows the end from the beginning, the straight path from the detour road, the light from the dark, the right from the wrong. He is the source of all knowledge and the source of all hope. His Word will light our path and show us the way to walk. Is there a question you have been wrestling with? Take it to God. Is there an answer your heart needs? Ask God. Is there a problem that you don't see the solution to? He has the answer.

"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his." Job 12:13

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." Psalm 111:10

As you embark on this new adventure of learning at school, take God's Word with you. As you grow in knowledge and understanding of math and reading and writing, grow also in the Lord and in His Word. Pray throughout the day for His divine help and protection. No problem or question is too big or too small for Him to answer. As you gain understanding of His Word, you will also gain strength to stand against anything that the school day may throw at you. We serve a loving God; a God who cares about everything in our lives. He has promised to be with us - always.

"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:10

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

August 14, 2009

Three Little Words - Back To School!

"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done." Psalm 78:4

You've been seeing them and hearing them for over a month now. They are plastered on the storefront windows, they're written in big bold letters in the newspaper ads, and they flash across the television screen right in the middle of a good movie. They are there when you wake up and there when you go to bed. They bring sour faces to the children and concealed smiles to the adults. You know the three little words I'm talking about. Back to School!

Some of you are saying, "No! Not here, too!" Yep, here too. I'm a teacher so I can really empathize with some of you when you start seeing the back-to-school aisles in the stores the day after you've just celebrated with fireworks and picnics. It's hard to hear those words and see those reminders that our summer vacation is rapidly drawing to a close and soon the hard work of school will begin again. But I think it's just a way of preparing us for the inevitable - change.

Every school year is different - both for the students and the teachers. Students have to get used to a new teacher, a new grade, maybe even a new school. Teachers have to get to know their new students and figure out the best way to teach them. Just as we prepare our rooms and our teaching materials ahead of time, we hope that our students are also preparing to embark on a fabulous new adventure of learning. With a little effort on both our parts, it can be the best school year ever.

Change is always hard, isn't it? But change can be a very good thing in our lives. I remember when I was changed by giving my life to Jesus. It was hard to let go of my old ways of acting and reacting, but it was so good to feel the peace and the hope and the promise.

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him." 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NLT)

Has there been a change in your family? I'm not just talking about living arrangements or new people in our lives. I'm talking about seeing the peace and the strength that mom or dad have because they have placed their marriages and their families in the loving hands of God. I'm talking about seeing your parent act or react in a more loving manner to people and circumstances in their lives. I'm talking about seeing them praying more often or speaking of God's promises. These are good changes, aren't they?

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone..."If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:18,20-21

You know, Jesus changed things for everybody with just three little words, too. "It is finished." With those words, He offered Himself as a sacrifice to take away our sins. With those three little words, He defeated the enemy and made a way for us to be forgiven. He bridged the gap between God and sinful man and offered us eternal life. With those three little words, He gave us hope. He changed things forever.

"Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit." 1 Peter 3:18 (NLT)

What a change this sacrifice made for us. What hope it gives us. When you head back to school this year, remember that even though change can be scary and tough, it can also be good. Look at it as a chance to do a new thing, be a new creation, shine like the star you are, and walk in peace, hope and victory because you are sons and daughters of the King.

"But forget all that- it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?" Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT)

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

August 7, 2009

Where's the Key?

"I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:10 (NIV)

While mom was at the grocery store, Sarah and John walked to the corner where the farmer sells his fruits and vegetables. Mom would be back in 45 minutes. For $25.00, they bought corn, watermelon, green beans and fresh milk. With their produce and milk they went home. Sarah yelled "Oh no! The door is locked!"

It was a hot day. The milk would spoil by the time mom came home. What would they do? John remembered the special place mom hid a house key for emergencies. He unlocked the door and the two took their bundles in to the fridge. Sure enough, 30 minutes later mom came home.

They could've broken a window. That would've saved the milk, but would be expensive to fix and cleaning up shattered glass could cut somebody. They could've waited outside for mom to come home, but the milk would've spoiled and money wasted. Wait at a neighbor's house, but if no one was watching, they wouldn't have known when mom got home and she may worry.

The important thing is the key that opened the door and let them in. The important thing in your family situation is salvation, which is the key that opens the door for your family to be healed.

Without the key of salvation, it would be like your parent breaking through the window. The shattered glass would hurt feelings and issues that weren't being healed by God and could cause more hurt. Replacing the window would be the stress of trying to fix the marriage on their strength making it easy to get discouraged. God needs to work in their heart and heal it. If that doesn't happen first, there could be a lot of hurt to sort through.

They could sit outside and wait for somebody to open the door, but how long will that take? They may be afraid to walk through the door not knowing if they will be welcomed. With the key of salvation, the Lord will give them the confidence to know that is most definitely the right thing to do.

Maybe it has been a really long time and out of anger you asked your mom or dad to replace your prodigal parent with someone else. That would be like the neighbor. John and Sarah wouldn't know when mom came home and miss her walk in the door. You could miss the opportunity of your prodigal parent coming home if you're pushing to start a new family.

I want your prodigal mom or dad to come home too. More importantly, I want your mom's or dad's heart touched by a God who does the impossible, a miracle working God. I want your prodigal's soul saved whether they've never been saved or they need to recommit their life to Jesus. Once this happens, everything else will fall into place as it should be.

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

"Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples…But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." John 20:30,31 (NIV)

Salvation is only possible through God. Jesus performed miracles to show he was the Son of God and through Him people could find life. When people get saved, their heart is ready to hear and do what the Lord wants them to do, including coming home.

In October 2004, the Lord told me He would restore my family, but first He said He must restore my husband. Without his heart being changed by God, we'd be holding our marriage together on our own strength, if he even came home. Instead, I'll wait for God to fulfill His promise His way.

Let's pray first for your mom's or dad's salvation and then marriage restoration.

"Dear Lord, I pray that __will confess with their mouth that 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in their heart that You raised him from the dead so __ will be saved. I pray that you're patient with __ not wanting them to perish, but repent. Even though this looks impossible, I know it is possible for You. Bless me with peace that will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus helping me not to worry or be afraid. In Jesus name, Amen."

(Scripture references: Romans 10:9, 2 Peter 3:9, Matthew 19:26, Philippians 4:7)

Praying for the key to be found,
Colleen in Virginia
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 10548
Pompano Beach, FL 33061
http://rejoiceministries.org