Hi Friends and Family! Its been a long time since writing. There's been plenty of uncertainty over the last few months, but were heading for a very busy summer camp season now! Which is both exciting and scary.
We will hopefully have a big update to our website done by April 1st.
I will also be more diligent in keeping everyone more up to date with our ministry.
Amanda and I have been doing our devotions in the books of Thessalonians. Here is some from chapter 5!
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breast-plate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing!
I'd be so curious to hear what all of your thoughts are on this, but here's how we apply this to our family's life!
Jesus is coming back sooner than later, because time keeps moving forward, not backward! And judging by the seasons, it looks like sooner then later as well!
I don't think this passage is referencing an escape from the turmoil of the last days, but rather its saying don't be surprised by it, be ready for it.
Our 'tools' to be ready are by putting on faith and love as a breast-plate, and hope of salvation as a helmet. Notice that Paul is using Armour examples for our 'tools' so lets call them weapons! Notice how they protect the heart and the mind. I would suggest they are both offensive and defensive weapons.
God made a way for our us to live with Him, in HIS Kingdom, Forever. This is the key. He has offered us a way of amazing salvation!
So how does this practically look in our family? It means that we examine all the world's going on's and discuss them with our kids. We expect trouble from the world, the bible makes that clear to us. Our job as parents/disciplers is to ready our children to be able to withstand the hardships, trials, persecutions that Will come their way one day. We work towards developing a resilient faith in our children. In Camp ministry, we offer the love of Jesus, the hope of salvation, so they may grow faith in HIM, and become resilient followers of Jesus.
Don't trust the world's (Media, Politics, the Powers that be) view on freedom, it is counterfeit in many ways.
Don't be lulled to sleep faithful brothers and sisters.
Wrestle with God to grow your faith.
Work out an aggressive Jesus centred love. (Think of it this way. If you see a little kid run in front of a vehicle, and you rush out pushing the kid hard to get out of the path. The kid could likely have a broken arm, bad scrapes, maybe a concussion. Yet there life was spared. What is more loving, hurt them to save them, or leave them to love them.) ***NOTE Jesus centred means its only effective to work this out on the CORE Gospel.
Never ever lose hope in your salvation in the Kingdom to Come! Decide today, that even if your worst nightmares came to be, you would still choose Jesus.
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