Praise God always

It's been a really rough week spiritually, physically, and emotionally, but looking back on it, there were a few times and a few people where God seems to have so obviously shown me that He hasn't forgotten me, assuring me that things will work out to His glory, even if I don't understand and struggle.  I don't know how people live without dependence on God.  I'm just not strong enough to handle this life without Him.

But enough crying

I think most people who read this know i love kids.  Last week was my first chance to be a teacher for the primary group (pre-k - 5th grade).  And honestly, they are so cute.  I'm not a parent, but I kind of understand a little better what Pastor Peter was talking about on mother's day, about how children are an inheritance.  They are definitely a blessing.

It's funny what kids do.  Well for one, its funny what they find interesting.  We're going through Leviticus this month in the primary group and last week we were teaching about the levitical priests (which was then tied in to how Christ is our priest).  I thought it was really cool that Berean kids know what animals can and cannot be sacrificed, what an ephod is, and even that there are different sacrifices.  But what Faith Kim wanted to know was, do the Levitical priests work at night?......  Haha I dunno for sure, and the answer isn't all that important but I just thought it was cute.

I talked to an older brother about some people in my life who lack discernment and are not doing well, who have stopped going to church, or maybe even in a worse case, have jumped into a leadership position prematurely.  I recall the illustration that Pastor Peter gives about how when sheep follow each other, they do so blindly.  One sheep can jump off a cliff and the rest will follow.  And certainly a sheep by itself will not be able to do anything either

What really really really really breaks my heart is that the people I love know what they're supposed to do, they know the answers to their struggles but they tackle it by themselves or ignore their issues, or even knowing what to do, they just don't do it.  Its like watching the kids.  They'll do something they're not supposed to and a lot of times, dealing with the consequences is how they learn and grow.  But then again, they don't know any better.  As adults we do know better.  No one needs to tell us that we're not making the best decisions, that we're not living for God, that we lack discernment and wisdom because we already know.  But (and I know I've blogged about this a lot before but I've been so convicted of it this year) what good is all that knowledge and understanding, great or little, if it is not manifested into action.  Take the ultimate act of Christs death.  He could have loved us in His human heart and perfect love, but it would not have been perfect without His amazing sacrifice.  Likewise, what kind of love (or lack of) is in our hearts if it doesn't manifest itself to anything?

I would argue that even if you haven't conquered your sins and maybe even struggle more than others, don't let that restrict your service or encouragement.  I think of all the husband wife illustrations I've heard.  What kind of love does a husband have if the only way he manifests his love is by saying "i love you."  somehow we all know saying it just isn't enough.  It doesn't reveal the heart much.  But even worse, what if a husband didn't even say it, what if he just held what is so good only in his heart.  What a shame that would be.

It's like I'm watching kids play with fire, but these people aren't kids, they're adults, leaders, Christians.....  Don't do what you know is wrong, it's all a choice, fail or not, theres not giving up.

We weren't given up on, if we were, we would have been totally wiped out.....

dang thats kinda long and no pictures or anything : T