God has my back…

Hey there,

It’s been a long time since my last post.  I’ve had other things to do here recently.

God totally has my back.  He really does.  He also answers my prayers.  I love it when I can look back in the recent past and can see God working in my life.  Even more so when it’s for good/edifying/encouraging things.  I have experienced many instances of looking back and seeing God working in my life through my errors, consequences and the resulting correction in my ways.  I really dig it when I can see Him working in my life through “fun” things.  I’ll take what He gives me regardless though.

If you look at my first post you can see that I’ve been praying for a ministry, well, a public ministry, something involving other people, for a while now.  God answered my prayer last week.

Saturday, March 28th, I got a call from a “relative” with a serious issue.  The husband of an almost related family was in a position of uncertainty and looking for some help.

The oldest teen in their house had recently decided to be an individual.  Like many teens, this one decided that the proper way to express himself as an adult and rightfully in charge of his future was through sneaking out, stealing the family car, going out all night for a joyride and then trying to deny it all.  

If you’re wondering why they’d call me don’t.  You see, I’ve got experience in this arena.  I was a bad kid.  A horrible kid.  If you’ve got children, picture the worst sort of person, that guy that you pray your children will never associate with. God blessed me with a Judge that finally gave me the choice between finishing high school and joining the military, or coming back to face serious charges as an adult.  God blessed me with a wife that was willing to grow into adulthood with me.  God blessed me with Godly men and women throughout my life.  I made it through with my body, brain and faith intact; Thanks be to God!!!

I’ve had the opportunity throughout my adulthood to work with different teens because of this.  Talk about humbling and honoring experiences.  I’ve seen kids make both good and bad decisions after our “sessions”.  It’s always a great “high” to see them succeed.  It was really sad to see them continue in their error.  

Jamie, 16.5 years old, great success.  He’s almost 19, and he’s been acting like an adult since he left my house.  When I say “acting like an adult” I’m talking about being responsible, accepting his limitations, working on goals, being accountable for the consequences of his errors, and letting go of the excuse “I’m just a teen.”

Sandy, 15 years old, horrible failure.  She didn’t listen, well, maybe she did, but she chose to stay on the same path instead of turning around.  This hurt me; my family and I were incredible invested in Sandy.  When she left I took it personally, something I hope to never do again.  

So, pray for Cody, that his story will glorify God when it’s done.

I excited that I can see God using my past, my error and my success, to work towards His glory.  To see how things I might have intended for dishonor, have been turned, and now are used to honor the Most High.

I prayed for ministry, and God brought it straight to my door.  It’s 6’1″, snores, stinks a little after a long day, and is sleeping on my couch at night.

 

In Christ <><

Ben

Bible Study.. James

I have never gone through a book in the Bible at home.. just at church. But after reading Ben’s blog talking about James and how much it is speaking to him, Something inspired me to attempt to go through it. The information in it is pretty straightforward and simple, very direct and commanding, Which for me makes it pretty easy to get alot out of and understand. I was reading James 1:13-1:15  and some verses really jumped out at me which I feel can apply a lot to a teens life. James 1:13-1:15 states ” and remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say ” God is tempting me”. God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death.” Ironically Ben sent me these verses a few days ago, and I came across them in my James study. Basically, to me these verses are saying.. Stay strong and don’t blame God. Resist every temptation that comes your way.

When I was writing notes on James, I kinda went off on a side rode, and I would like to share that part of my notes with everyone.

“When, sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”

It is your choice, you know what your going to do is wrong, Be strong and say no! Have stronger will power, who cares what your peers think. If only they could realize how they are destroying their lives , my heartaches  to my fellow classmates, everyday strangers, loved ones. If only I could declare what is locked up in my head to the world and they would listen….I bet that’s how Jesus feels..just alot stronger.

“O Lord! hear my prayer, inspire me to reach out and declare redemption, help others and spread your holiness!”

 

Ray