I’m not sure I want it now!
I am wrestling with how much personal information to share. I want to be honest with my readers, but I also need to protect and respect my family’s privacy. I’ve mentioned on several occasions the trials and tribulations of raising our teenage son/stepson.
However, I must not let the negative out-weigh the positive. Less than a week ago I shared a passage from Proverbs. I suppose it just hit me that it was answer to prayer in a way. My stepson has seen for the first time, and in the most visible way, the truth of that passage as well as this one:
Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; and they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble. –Proverbs 4:14-16.
One of his “friends” decided to incriminate him as well as a few others in something this fool had done. It was all lies of course, but through it, my stepson has finally understood our words to him about choosing his friends and associations wisely. It’s unfortunate he learned it this way, but the good news is that he learned it!
I’m learning myself to remain calm during times of stress. It’s a very hard lesson that has taken me years to learn and I’m still no where near the point of remaining calm during a storm. But God’s not through with me.
Last month I mentioned the great stress my family is going through right now with regard to our finances. Maybe this is just a rant, but I’m sick of this prosperity gospel nonsense that is so prevalent in our time. What I identify with is:
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. –1 Peter 1:6-7.
I’ve come to a point to where I want to stop focusing on my lack right now and realize that my suffering now will pay dividends in heaven. I’m not espousing works to get into heaven! Don’t misunderstand me.
“But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full. Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.” –Luke 6:24-26.
Best life now? No, our best life will be with our Savior and King! In the meantime, may God watch over my family and keep my children from harm and away from evil.
Best life now? No! May HE INCREASE! Not me!
“Maybe this is just a rant, but I’m sick of this prosperity gospel nonsense that is so prevalent in our time.”
Joe….if you send me $100.00… you will not only receive ten fold in return, but I will also send you a prayer cloth. Thats if you include a self addressed envelope.
Seriously…..I’m praying for you brother.
Thank you, Ike.
I hear these things and I just shake my head and say: “Where is that even in the Bible? It’s not in mine!”
God bless you, my brother.
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