Gues who is still in control amidst the chaos–there is one who can calm my storms and yours too.
Amazing…I taught Vacation Bible School just recently and realized a deep and awesome truth.
At first I did not want to volunteer–more or less because I was already so very busy, another fear the kids may not like me. I didn’t get to decorate my room before VBS started but how wonderfully God provided me a co-helper who made things so easy that I was able to decorate and study the lessons hours before the children came to my room. Each nite I was able to decorate with what was pertinent to the study for that particular lesson.
There was one child that I thought I may have a problem with and may end up not cooperating. But again God helped me and that child was there every night and came out of her shell by the end of the week–and how it lifted my heart.
The story of Peter trying to walk on water really stirred them. I had a makeshift boat they sat in while they listened to the story. They paid particular attention to how when Peter took his eyes off Jesus–he started to sink. I believe they got the importance of keeping your eyes focused on Jesus amidst the storms and how important that will be when they go through their own storms in life.
Three children out of about ten at the end of that week said they were ready right then and wanted to invite Jesus to be their Savior and Lord. It was so amazing as at the beginning of the week I wasn’t sure they were paying attention but God’s Word is true–it does not return void.
Tonight I was just reminiscing about how much I love my family and realized I love those children too. In a way I was sad to love so many because when you love you can also hurt for those you love. Then I thought about our Heavenly Father and how big must his heart be to love all of us and how great the pain can be. Then I remembered a song–How Deep The Father’s Love For Us–the words ring true (see words below.)
How his heart must have hurt for the death of Iranian Neda Soltan more than I hurt as I watched it on youtube for the first time. Then I also remember the greatest pain must have been when He gave his only Son to die on the cross. But Jesus death meant saving “undeserved” grace for me and you and God knew his Son would rise again and he did.
There is a lot of suffering in this world but someday it will all be over. Sufferings in Sudan, North Korea and now Iran amongst many others. My prayer is those who do not know the only One that saves– will seek him. Thank God for his word and I remember indelibly how God gave me his word for City On A Hill Prayer Journal. When I asked him for a scripture for it–I turned the page on a brand new Bible and it opened to Matthew 7:7. I believe with all my heart because I have seen it come true–He answers and gives you Hope for another day…also He give you JOY…amidst the troubles…Indeed He is our shelter and His mercy is everlasting upon those that fear him.
He hears even the simplest prayer–so say it even when you don’t feel like it and ask God to help you when your hurting. Ask him to calm you when inside everything maybe churning–like a boat in a storm–then be amazed.
Hope you know him as a sheep knows the Shepherd and they know his voice. If you don’t have Bible I pray you will find one and seek after Him from whom all blessings flow…….The Father’s Love IS Deep!!!
Watch The Video
Listen
Lyrics
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast inJesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Occupy until He comes–don’t give up no matter how bleak the news sounds but rather look up for the time draws near!!!
Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 01:00AM 
