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Almost every day Christian parents tearfully acknowledge, "We've tried so hard to raise and instruct our children in the ways of the Lord. But still, after all of this, some of our children have strayed into sin. Why? We just don't understand."
If these problems exist in your family, pray and ask God to forgive you. Then go back to your relatives and ask them to forgive you. Bitterness, resentment and stubbornness never "win" an argument. Loving, giving and forgiving allow God to mend the rips and tears in the family establishment.
These Scripture promises offer comfort and assurance in times of need:
When you are the neediest, He is the most sufficient………………………..2 Corinthians 12:9
When you are completely helpless, He is the most helpful…………………..Isaiah 50:7
When you are the neediest, He is the most sufficient………………………..2 Corinthians 12:9
When you are completely helpless, He is the most helpful…………………..Isaiah 50:7
Money will always continue to lure and influence people. America has become the "me" nation that likes to accumulate things. People who have garages can't park their cars in them as they are too filled with other things. We collect stuff to make us feel better, our life easier, for a break in the mundane or to impress others, but what is the end result - more stuff to store. Storage companies can't build fast enough!
It has often been said, "A man is known by the company he keeps." There is certainly truth in that statement, but honestly, I don't believe it is the complete truth. Rather I think we need to consider the motives of people for the company they keep. Now, before you get rattled and prejudge my statement, let me get to the point of this article.
Larry and I rejoice at the wonderful services we have had these past couple of weeks. On June 21st we ministered in Grand Forks, ND, at Valley Christian Center with Pastor Chris Dawes. On Sunday morning while preparing for the service, Pastor Chris said "I remember you from waaaay back." I chuckled, "Hey…be easy on us old people." It is always entertaining to hear comments from pastors and partners who often say, "I remember you when I was just a kid"…and now they are in their 30's and 40's.
Let me catch my breath…we've just returned home from a 1200 mile, whirlwind round trip from Sisseton, SD to Milwaukee, WI. We were so privileged to be able to attend the 30th anniversary celebration of my brother, Pastor Jerry Brooks, and his wife Sherry's pastoring at Oak Creek Assembly of God in Oak Creek, WI.
We arrived home May 28th. The next day, LaDawn and our two grandchildren scurried home for the long Memorial Day weekend. Even though we came home road weary and seemingly braindead, it was so refreshing and fun to have them come as a welcome committee.
Mother's day we ministered in Owatonna, MN at Elevation North, which is pastored by our friends, Doug and Deb Jones. We had a precious time. Doug and Deb are excited about their new venture with Elevation North, and they definitely put 100% of their energy into whatever they do.
We've been crisscrossing from Pennsylvania to Michigan to Indiana and back to Michigan these last few weeks. Last Sunday we were in Jonesville, MI, at the Hillsdale Assembly of God pastored by Dennis and Joyce Haarer. We have had the pleasure of ministering in their church before, and they, too, are a sweet and tender couple.