Embracing Destiny

Embracing Destiny

Destiny is bringing opportunity your way
It may close in on you with very little delay
Don’t let delay hinder your way, proceed to your destiny

Destiny arrives for some seemingly in haste
But, consider life is much too precious to waste
With deliberate haste, no time to waste, step into your destiny

When destiny comes, all at once, you may feel a slight tug
And, then it may quickly transform into a strong bear hug
Whether a little tug or a big hug, embrace your destiny

Destiny will pull you from where it had gotten easy
And, take you where you may feel just a little queasy
Move over easy, bring it on queasy, be resolved to realize your destiny

Destiny challenges your being, puts you to the test
Its design is not to bind you, but bring out your best
Come hither my best and let us trump my tests onward toward my destiny

Destiny may take you to frontiers unknown
There may be routes you must travel all alone
But even if alone, conquer the unknown, trek into your destiny

When destiny comes, fear may come to counteract
Fear desires to handcuff and shackle you, so you won’t act
Act in faith to counteract and crush fear, and then waltz into your destiny

Destiny came to visit me the other day
I did not say much for there was not much to say
What could I say but, “Praise God! It’s a new day! I shall embrace my destiny!”

Destiny has come to me in spite of my wayward past
Regardless of my faults and failures, I don’t have to be downcast
Downcast is a thing of my past, I am forgiven and on my way to my destiny

Destiny reveals that there are tests and trials for me to the fore
But, the Lord has helped me overcome so much before
Full steam ahead no matter the obstacles, I must go forth into my destiny

Within my destiny, there are battles that must be fought
Battles without and within-in my words and deeds, and even in my thought
I think I will fight on; in the end, I shall have victory for it is my destiny

Destiny knows the paths I will plod
I have a perfect example to follow in Jesus, my Savior-the Son of God
I, with my cross and its yoke, shall plod the just paths leading to my God.
To be with Him ever is my destiny

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” Psalm 32:8-9 (NLT)

You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor and glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever. Psalm 73:24-26 (Amp)

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
4/11/08

Church Worship

Church Worship

Below is a prayer that one might pray
From a heart that is misguided and sadly led astray

Lord thank you for the comforts that we have positively enjoyed
The comforts are so cozy it is hard staying spiritually employed

Thank you for the steeple’s cross atop the church so high
It proclaims in our stead to the surrounding community that there is a church close by

Thank you for the blessedly firm yet amply plushy padded pews
They support our bottom lines so wonderfully as we pay our partial dues

Thank you for the color schemes earth tones, bright bold red, or kingly purpled plum
It looks so good in our sanctuary; we hate to go out to evangelize those lost in the slum

Thank you for the broad beautiful doors that let the desired demographic in
Those doors are just as good for keeping out undesirable folks from joining us within

Thank you for the superbly embroidered carpet that adorns the sanctuary floor
It’s so sacred, if people don’t have on the right attire with shoes we escort them to the door

Thank you for the choir loft precisely placed for a pleasing panorama while they vocalize
It’s most imperative to us that the choir’s robes match the surroundings to truly harmonize

Thank you for the splendid chandeliers that garnish our expansive ceiling
We pray our good paying visitors will return because they are so appealing

Thank you for the family life center we built so we, ourselves, can have more fun
We shall most certainly fabricate our own little kingdom before all is said and done

Thank you for the pretty pulpit for the new preacher we need to fill the seats in this place
We pray you will send us a figurehead with happy homiletics, someone we can showcase

Thank you for the stained glass windows that transform the light from the sun
We do cherish those windows as they keep us from being transformed by too much light from the Son

Thank you for allowing us the choice to worship a brand new edifice
Now Lord, please send us some new members we can fleece to pay off that devilish lease

Prayer: Lord, please deliver us from idolatrous building worship. Help us to fully understand that the real building of God are the saved souls that You look upon as the true Heavenly Masterpiece. Focus our hearts, minds, and actions to adding more souls to Your Heavenly Kingdom. In Jesus Name, Amen

Matthew 24:1-2 (The Message) 1-2 Jesus then left the Temple. As He walked away, His disciples pointed out how very impressive the temple architecture was. Jesus said, "You're not impressed by all this sheer size, are you? The truth of the matter is that there's not a stone in that building that is not going to end up in a pile of rubble."

Eph 2:19-22 (Amp) Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens, excluded from the rights of citizens), but you now share citizenship with the saints (God's own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God's [own] household. You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone. In Him the whole structure is joined (bound, welded) together harmoniously, and it continues to rise (grow, increase) into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, consecrated, and sacred to the presence of the Lord]. In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you yourselves also are being built up [into this structure] with the rest, to form a fixed abode (dwelling place) of God in (by, through) the Spirit.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
4/10/08

How Have the Mighty Fallen

How Have the Mighty Fallen

O’ what a sad and terrible sight,
When the mighty man loses his might!

Consider how condescending, disdainful he roared before,
Trampling over honorable people, as if they were dirt on his floor.

He dwelt smugly in a seemingly secure place, dabbling in sensuous pleasure.
He cared not for the poor and needy, for he robbed them of their most meaningful treasure.

O’ how snobbishly he sauntered and strutted all about;
Desiring that others would bow in awe at his supposedly ceaseless clout.

He became lifted up in his heart and lofty in his own eyes.
He used people as a ladder, stepping on them so he could rise.

He thought he was so much superior to those who were about him.
Now he finds himself alone and on his own, he must now sink or swim.

So soon, we are apt to forget that life’s tables typically turn.
One reaps, what one sows, is an enduring lesson we all shall have to learn.

No matter how high you may aspire and assume to ever ascend;
Be careful not to think too much of yourself nor upon yourself, too much depend.

The Almighty is God alone, great in blessedness, power, wisdom, and might.
The pride of the proud angers Him; pride reveals a heart of sin not broken, nor contrite.

If we, from the error of our way, do not swiftly, sincerely be reverent and repent;
His holy anger may be stirred to wrath leading to a showering down of righteous judgment.

Let us ever be faithful preaching the grace, mercy, and justice of God, giving Him all glory.
For there are men blindly stumbling in darkness, in need of true light-the Gospel Story.

Jesus, a mighty man of grace and truth was led like a lamb to the slaughter up on Calvary’s hill;
He hung, bled, and died for our sins; rose in three days from the grave and now His name is exalted to save, call on Him and save He will!

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled: But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. Isaiah 5:14-16

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
4/4/08

I Shall Rise

I Shall Rise

Be not disdainful towards me should you ever observe me in utter distress.
For the Lord, my God is my Deliverer and He shall pull me out of my mess.
And, by His love I shall rise.

Be careful of judging me as insignificant and irrelevant, writing me off too soon.
In the twinkling of an eye, the Almighty shall light my little star as bright as the moon.
And, by His grace I shall rise.

Be cautious of shamefully setting traps to trigger my slip, to orchestrate my fall.
For, you may temporarily trip me up, but “I AM THAT I AM” will catch and hold me when I call.
And, because of His righteousness I shall rise.

Be wise and attempt not to pull, prod, and provoke me to transgress.
I may falter but my Savior stands ready with compassion, with Him there is forgiveness.
And, by His mercy I shall rise.

Be it known that I may lose social contacts, status, and even worldly substance attained.
Nevertheless, as long as Jehovah-jireh is nigh, I shall ever be maintained.
For by His provision, I shall rise.

Though, my health fail and my body turn against me like my worst enemy;
My trust shall ever be in Jehovah- rapha', the Lord who heals me.
.And by His cure, I shall rise.

My imperfections may cause me to descend to the lowest depth that a living man can go.
Yet, I have staked all my hopes in a crucified, buried, and resurrected Jesus, the only real salvation any man can know.
And, because He is plenteous in redemption, I shall rise.

Christ Jesus, my Redeemer ever lives, so let come what may from day to day.
For God’s goodness sake and by His power even death, hell, and the grave have to get out of my way,
And even though one day I die in Christ-like Christ, by His power I shall rise!!!

I shall rise in spite of Satan’s attempts to produce my premature demise.
I shall rise in spite of the fact that I may never be ‘VIP’ in the world’s eyes.
I shall rise to the high call of God, press toward the mark, and from Him receive my Heavenly prize.
I shall rise for Jesus has filled my inmost being with Himself guaranteeing my ascension with Him into paradise.
I praise God, for I shall rise! I shall rise! I shall rise!!!

Rejoice not against me, O my enemy! When I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteous deliverance.
(Micah 7:8-9 Amp)

And God both raised the Lord to life and will also raise us up by His power.
(1 Corinthians 6:14 AMP)

RevLDReedSr
IOweJesus
3/27/2008

A Living Hope

A Living Hope

There are many things that we complain, debate, march, and even worry and write about, but to what end. Usually, there are others who complain, debate, march, and even worry and write about the opposing view that we hold. To answer the questions of how to sustain life and make it more enjoyable for its participants are the pursuit of many and the topic of most. Knowledge is more accessible, yet many of the same issues still exist that the first humans faced. What is next for our planet and its humanity? Is there life after death? The world has not provided a suitable answer.

The apostle Paul said to the Corinthians, “If we who are [abiding] in Christ have hope only in this life and that is all, then we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied. But the fact is that Christ (the Messiah) has been raised from the dead...” (1 Corinthians 15:19-20 Amplified Bible)

Christians suffer along side everyone else. There are no special supermarkets, which I have seen, with deep discounts for Christians only. I am not aware of any major universities who offer free tuition only for confessing Christians. There are no rules, as far as I know, which prohibits Christian men from going to war to fight and die for our country. Christians have marital problems and many are divorcing. Christians have problems with their children. Christians have careers and financial obligations just as others do. Christians struggle too.

Since God has blessed me with His free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, I find that I truly worry and wrestle with far fewer things in and around my life. I have more patience and peace. His love, His word, and His Holy Spirit strengthen me. He has shown me through the eyes of faith that this life is not the end. What man can behold now with his natural eye is not his final family portrait of existence. There is a another frame containing a more splendid picture which is more appealing in every way than anything our eyes have ever seen.

The difference in the life of a true Christian from those who are not is that we have a living hope for a brighter future today and on into eternity. Our hope rests in our faith that according to the scriptures, Jesus Christ-God’s beloved, and only begotten Son-died for our sins; was buried in a borrowed new tomb; and was raised from the grave three days later with all power given unto Him in heaven and in earth.

God is worthy to be praised. His loving kindness is incomparable. He is a God of unsearchable depths of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. His works are righteous, powerful, and innumerable, and His ways are mysterious.

God made this world and everything that is within. He knows all about its troubles. (Proverbs 15:3 KJV) He is aware of sin-how it overcame man and sickened his nature. Sin is man’s greatest and gravest sickness. When sin overtook us, we began to cry under the weight of its burden, its bondage. He heard our soul’s despairing cry. God sent his Son, born of a woman…to redeem… (Galatians 4:4-5 NIV)

God wanted Jesus to identify with us so we could trust Him to be faithful and true and be able to gloriously, deliver us. Jesus experienced life in this world as we do now, but without sin. He met sick people. He healed many. He experienced the hurt caused by religious and government corruption and proclaimed to them truth. He confronted people who were dishonest in their dealings with others. He saw poverty and hunger. He was compassionate and fed multitudes. He had opportunities to indulge in pleasure and make a name for Himself. However, He rebuffed Satan’s temptations to engage in sin for a season. He witnessed how death weighed down the human heart with pain, grief, and fear.

Jesus wanted to please His Father in all things even in facing death. He entrusted His life to His Heavenly Father’s care while living in this world with all of its troubles, in dying on the cross, and in being raised from the dead by God’s mighty power.

Let us do likewise. No matter our trials, let us keep our faith in Christ that He will strengthen and cause us to triumph. No matter our pain, let us keep leaning on His soothing, steadfast love. No matter our faults, let us bring them to Him confessing and truly repentant and confident in His mercy and forgiveness. When death knocks on our door, let us hold on to His promises with hope that will not disappoint.

He spoke to Martha and you and I, “I am the resurrection, and the life: He that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.” (Matthew 11:25-26 KJV) He speaks to our hearts through John also, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Revelations 1:18 KJV)

It is folly to a fool to believe in the cross and the subsequent empty tomb. Nevertheless, as one who truly believes, I am glad and eternally blessed that He rose. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow; whatever it may bring.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Larry D. Reed, Sr.
I Owe Jesus
4/11/2006

Enchanted Embrace

Enchanted Embrace

My love I thank God for your enchanted embrace.
Your loving arms intertwined with mine form a sweet interlace.

May we more and more, tenderly touch and hold each other close.
Each other’s entire being, let us endeavor ever for joy to engross.

Let us repeatedly reassure one another with a squeeze that pleases.
May, our cuddling be continually a comforting delight that eases.

May, our ears be soothed by the mere sound of each other’s voice.
May, our words be kind, a loving reflection that we are each other’s choice.

Let us constantly thank and praise God for our union; two became one.
Let us faithfully fulfill our vows to each other that we be not undone.
.
The ravages of time with its temptations and trials cannot pull us apart,
If each of us would chastely consider that, we are joined at the heart.

So, let my heart be yours and your heart be mine for all-time,
So, that our love will flourish like the fragrant, fine-looking flowers of springtime.

Our loving embrace is emblematic of the divine love of God demonstrated towards man.
For our sin Jesus died, now He beckons us to connect with Him eternally by clinching, in faith, His nail-scarred hand.

Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving doe, a graceful deer. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love. Proverbs 5:18-19NLT

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
3/7/08

How Is Your Love Life?

How Is Your Love Life?

How is your love life? I trust that you feel loved. If no one else loves you, God loves you. It says so in John 3:16. John 3:16 lets us know that God so loved the world that He selflessly gave His only begotten Son. Now that is love. God spared not His Son, but sent Him to die for you and me. That is love. Jesus loves us, too. He said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Now that is love. Jesus died for you and me. He sacrificed His body for us. That is love.

Now, what about you? Do you love God and if so, how do you show your love to God? I am sure that you have confessed that you love God. Surely, you have sung that song that says, “Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me.” When you love someone, you would like them to show love back, don’t you?

Do you adore God? Surely, if you love someone you would adore them. When you think about God’s goodness does a smile just automatically appear on your face? When you think about His mercy and grace that He has showered upon you does your heart rejoice? Have you ever had an inclination to prostrate yourself before Him? When you feel His overwhelming presence, do you give in and allow His Spirit to lift you?

Do you spend quality time alone with God? Surely, if you love someone you would spend some quality time with them-you know, one on one time. Do you do that? How much time do you spend with Him? Is the thirty second or two minute prayer the extent of your time together each day? Surely, you spend more time with Him than just when you attend church, right? Do you regularly spend time with Him reading His word?

Do you think about God often? Surely, if you love someone you would think about them often. How often do you think about God? Do you think about Him only on Sunday morning, Wednesday night, during revival week, at meal time, or bed time? Or do you only think about Him when you find yourself in a bind that you have tried first to fix and failed to do so?

Do you communicate often with God? Surely, if you love someone you would communicate with them often. When you communicate with God, do you do all of the talking? When is the last time you listened to Him? Has He never asked you to help someone that you may not have if He had not asked you? Has He ever asked you to do something that required you to get out of your comfort zone?

Do you obey God? Surely, if you loved God then you would obey Him. For His word declares in 1 John 5:3, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.” Jesus said in John 14:15, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” We are commanded to love God. We are commanded to love Him with our hearts, souls, and minds.

So, how is your love life? Are your human relationships suffering because your relationship with God is not where it should be? Or, is your relationship with God suffering because you are more enamored with the people, the pleasures, the positions, or the possessions in your life?

I thought I knew how to love. I later learned that I did not know what love was until I heard the Good News of Jesus' love for me. The sacred and self-sacrificing love He displayed when He died upon the cross for my sin awakened a deeper sensitivity within me, which drew me to call upon Him to save me from my impoverished idea of what love was and save my soul from the wretchedness of my sin.

I, admit, my love life is not perfect, but I rejoice in that He is perfecting me day by day, taking me from glory to glory for His word and His Spirit empowers and compels me to love according to His righteous standards.

If you are not showing love for God, take this time right now to repent and return His love. I encourage you to accept His Son as your Savior and Lord and you will experience what true love is. For God Is Love!!!

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
3/6/08

A Blessed Stallion

A Blessed Stallion

Like a stallion
You were wild and strong

You lived with passion
As you roamed along

You had no desire
To live life in a boring pen

Though, your time was short
You charged through it, yet taking it all in

You touched many lives
As you ranged about, so inexhaustibly

Upon many hearts
Your mark has been etched permanently

The beauty of your joyfulness
Was a wonder to behold

It seemed you were one
Who would age but never grow old

Now that you are gone
My tears shower down as rain and drop like dew

I pray you knew
Just how much I loved you

I am glad God gave me
You to be my little brother

I thought we had more
Time to continue to live, learn, and love each other

But, the Lord called your name
And you had only one option - to reply

God opened up the gates to heaven
And called you to dwell in greener pastures on high

I miss and I love you and so I mourn
Yet I rejoice that I will see you again on that great gettin’ up morn’

For Now, Rest In Peace Larry DeWayne Reed
Forever your brother, and Brother in Christ, indeed!!!

RevLarryDaleReedSr
I Owe Jesus
2/16/08

Rest In Peace My Brother

Larry Dewayne Reed
01/18/71 - 02/08/08
Fare Thee Well My Baby Brother.
I will see you on that great gettin' up mornin'


Love Buut

When Facing a Financial Famine

When Facing a Financial Famine

When facing a financial famine
God has some wise counsel that you should examine
Trust in Him to supply all of your need
By faith, He will sustain you if you will follow His lead

I, myself, have survived a financial famine or two
God always made a way; He led me right on through
I had to learn to walk by faith in the face of my dire plight
Depending upon Him fortified me; my burdens got light

The load was not as heavy; my perspective was changed
By seeing things His way, my priorities were rearranged
He directed the use of the finances He entrusted to my care
As I needed more, I trusted Him for the how, when, and where

I did without things I thought I could not live devoid of
For, life’s must-have possession is Jesus and His wonderful love
I learned a more meaningful definition of what is true success
Success is also in having little and making of it what is best

I learned that I could start over even from just about nil
I learned to swallow my pride and humbly seek His will
I grew to disregard mockers-their looks and things said
I put one foot in front of the other and marched straight ahead

I stopped stressing by confessing, in faith, what the Word fed
Joy and peace grew within and I slept well when I went to bed
In my financial poverty, I acquired great spiritual wealth
For in my fall, I came to pursue and know the Lord in greater depth

Through your financial famine, I encourage you to pray
Unity with His will braces you against the pull to go astray
In your financial crisis, let His peace bind your stress
Believe He is God Almighty and to Him all things acquiesce

Bear in mind, you are not alone; most have suffered at times
Fiscal setbacks do not mean you are guilty of moral crimes
However, own up to it, if your condition is due to your sin
Admit your fault, forsake it, God will clear and cleanse you within

Do not be too proud to seek out supportive specialized assistance
We make things worse because of our prideful reluctant resistance
If creditors are unyielding to aid, strive to keep your composure
Consider two angry parties can hardly act as one to bring real closure

Keep in mind that in every start there will spring forth a finish
Your need may be severe, but, know that God can more than replenish
Many saints have suffered penury and found tough times do not last
In His truth, God pours out timely blessings, so you just holdfast

God may not deliver you through a quick fix or a sudden cure
You may travel the long road to recovery; by Him, you will endure
Believe that God is working to bring about His higher good
You will see His grace and mercy, just as He said you would

If you have more than enough, to meet your particular needs
Be your brother’s keeper; let your life be full of merciful deeds
Never forget the eternal riches that await us on the other shore
The mess we face now ought to make us long to go there, more

Let me remind you that down here, even for the wealthy, trouble abounds
We should base our lives on material that matters, things forever sound
I desire to sway you to trust Jesus as you triumph over economic strife
He can do more than fix your money; He can endow your soul eternal life

Will you set your eyes upon wealth, when
[suddenly] it is gone? For riches certainly make
themselves wings, like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.
Proverbs 23:5 (Amplified Bible)

But the Lord watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His
unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive
in times of famine. We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and
our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
Psalm 33:18-22 (New Living Translation)

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
2/1/08

And Go Said, "NO!"

And God said, "NO!"

I asked God to take away my pride, and God said, "NO!"
He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole, and God said, "NO!"
He said, "Her spirit is whole, and her body is only temporary!"

I asked God to grant me patience, and God said, "NO!"
He said, that patience is a by-product of tribulation; it isn't granted, it's earned!

I asked God to give me happiness, and God said, "NO!"
He said, He gives blessings; happiness is up to me!

I asked God to spare me pain, and God said, NO!
He said, "Suffering draws you apart from wordly cares, and brings you closer to Me!"

I asked God to make my spirit grow, and God said, "NO!"
He said, I must grow on my own, but He will prune me to make me more fruitful!

I asked God if He loved me, and God said, "YES!!!"
He gave His only Son who died for me, and I will be in Heaven someday because I believe!

I asked God to help me love others as much as He love me,
And God said, "Ahhhh, finally ~ you have the idea!"

~ Claudia Weizs ~

More Than Mere Pawns in a Game

More Than Mere Pawns in a Game

God save the children. There are so many children in such insecure situations throughout this world that it is overwhelming to consider. The ravages of war, poverty and economic inequality, familial fracture and the resultant friction, sinking societal morality, governmental indifference, token responsiveness, or prejudice; and sometimes just plain poor parenting have left many children longing for fundamental things. Every child should be loved, have a sense of belonging, possess emotional, material, and physical security, and have someone to guide and help him or her grow into his or her fullest potential.

Through no fault of their own, many children are stuck in the middle of mess created by adults who should be looking out for their wellbeing. It often seems that they are mere pawns in a game.

Children’s lives are hanging in the balance between parents at war with each other; between feuding political leaders battling for power; between community agencies stretched thin trying to be everywhere, doing everything on shoestring budgets or grossly mismanaged resources; and sadly between churches with apathetic members whose idea of ministry is just being at church on Sunday morning. There are ministries in sheep clothing who are more hell bent towards building brand image doing token things to net big bucks for decadence making it hard for legitimate entities to make a greater impact.

Some children feel voiceless, valueless, and possess a deep void within. Internal agony and external eruptions stem from a variety of factors. Some have seen and experienced violence firsthand. Some have feelings of powerlessness and a desire for greater control arising from being tutored by an environment where you dominate or you will be dominated. There some have had every ounce of drive to move forward in life wrung out of them. Some have been often promised more, most of the time received much less, and are weighed down with feelings of betrayal, neglect, and insignificance.

Some have been torn by the gut wrenching demand to choose between mommy and daddy and sometimes the best choice would have been neither based on the scarcity of true affection, meaningful interaction, and emotional, material support given. Those ever so close to them have harmed some to their core. Drug, physical, and sexual abuse and physical and emotional abandonment have left lasting scars.

Our children deserve so much better, so much more from us, adults, who should know better since we were once children ourselves and desirous to grow up in a good environment, a stable home with loving parents free from unnecessary hardship. Though we, ourselves, may have had it hard, we should want and strive to do better by and for our own children.

All adults, whether they be parents or not, should be concerned about the welfare of all children everywhere. If we live, long enough, these children will have to manage the world where we live and care for us when we are in a stage of life where we may no longer be able to care for ourselves. We should do better, because we can do better and if for no other reason than that it is just the right thing to do.

Parents, stop using your children as a way to exact vengeance on one another. Recognize that whatever you pour into your child sooner or later will be poured out-good, evil, or indifference. Failing to promote achievement, morality, responsibility, and dependence upon God will make you cry in the end and most likely damage the welfare of another generation to come.

Understand that being there for your child, means more than being in the same house. Make yourself available for meaningful dialogue to connect with them. If they need help that you are not equipped to give then you get up and you get out and find them the help they need.

Set a good standard for them by the way you live. Be a person of decency, honesty, self-discipline, and productiveness. Remember that your actions, your decisions have consequences and could put your family in unnecessary unstable positions, whether it be management of your personal finances, career choices, or your dating habits. Be aware of the character of the people you allow to be around your children, their friends and yours, too. Be involved in their educational process. Tell them you love them and show them that they matter by showing the love that you profess.

Bring them into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and rear them by His teachings for you will not be able to find a better foundation than that of Jesus Christ.

Children are awesome little wonders from God. Yes, they may tax us with their seemingly endless energy, their constant chatter, and the immaturity of their age. But, let us give them what we desire, love, which is manifested in patience, compassion, and appreciation.

There are some things so obvious that you don’t need another test to measure it. I sometimes consider whether God, in His infinite wisdom, may be using our children as a mirror to show us what is really within ourselves. Though we may be more affluent, we are struggling due to blindness. We have blindness of heart to see reality because we don’t have the time, we don’t have the patience, and we have on our rose colored glasses which provide for us a more desirous alternative view which is only a mirage, it is better to lookout for number one and let others fend for themselves, even one’s own seed.

We don’t really care to come to the realization that many of are children are failing to cope and failing to make the grade because we are failing them. We are failing our future by failing our children today.

The key to tomorrow is in the hands of today’s children. What are we storing up and leaving on the other side of the doors that they must open and enter a future of hope or havoc?

God, in Your great mercy, save Your children! Your word teaches that they are gifts to be treasured from You. (Psalm 127:3-5) In Jesus name, Amen.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
1/22/2008