Perfect
"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 5:5
Greeting friends, it has been a long time since I last wrote to you but I have earnestly kept all of you in my prayers. Well, it has been quit a summer and before we know it will be one of those distant memories that we store deep inside of us. I do not necessarily have a specific topic on my mind today, but I am going to just keep on typing and see if God can make something out of my useless words.
I would be lying if I told everyone one here that I have been happy this whole summer and love God so much. The truth is for a few weeks I had really been down. I mean I would do my devotions and maybe prayer a little but it just seemed like something was missing! What was it? Well the first thing that was affecting my relationship with the father was how tired I was. I participate in many extra-curricular activities and they were getting very strenuous on me physically which in return was effecting me spiritually.
Yeah activities are good and all and can even be a ministry for some but when they began to weigh you down you aren't ministering to anyone . I have now began to understand a little more about the power of resting in the Lord. In Matthew 11:28 the bible tells us
"Come unto me all who labor and our heavy burden and I will give you rest. "Seek him with all your heart."
The second thing that was hindering my relationship with the father is one of those things that society puts so much influence on. It was one of those simple things that we rationalize so much. I wanted a women. Yeah a women. I am 17 years of age and that seems to be what everyone focuses on, so why not me. I have already been through many struggles pertaining to things like drugs, cussing, and pornography and those worldly temptations do not seem to bother me that much any more. don't ever let your guard down.
"I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you"
Psalms 119:11
However, I thought it was fine to want a girlfriend I mean a Christian girlfriend someone who loves God as much as me. Thats fine right? Well, yeah that is fine but I was only rationalizing God wasn't the focus of this pursuit. This simple thing was my focus was not heavenward. How can we run the race and receive the prize if we are not looking in front of us to see where we are going ( 1 Cor 9: 24 ). This doesn't mean the feelings are gone but it means that it is not my focus. Ask yourself when doing something " How is this glorifying God? " and then determine if it needs to be done or not.
You see there is so much for us to learn about God and our relationship with him that the Christian walk should never get boring. However, if I was limited to one topic to talk to you about it would be the simple concept of God's Love. Perfect Love. That is what I am ultimately trying to obtain in my life. Perfect Love for all not for me but for them. Wow!! That is the only way for us to be truly like Christ. If we set that as our standard how can anyone see something wrong with Christianity. Perfect Love what a standard! Join with me and lets help one another in this quest so when one falls we can easily pick them back up.
Continue praying for those that you love, and those whom you dislike, and never stop believing, because Gods love is perfect and because of that he answers our prayers.
Inside-Out Youth Ministries
<'\\\\\\\>< His humble servant,
James Laker
* Love is not love until you give it away *