Thursday, May 24, 2012

Don't Worry!

Don't Worry, Be Joyful! That is the title of the sermon this Sunday at Riverlawn. It is based on Jesus' words in Matthew 6:25-34. There is a lot of great stuff that Jesus reminds us of in that passage, yet I still have a hard time making sure that I don't worry about things. I know it is a spiritual issue and I need to surrender control, but it is harder to do than it is to say. I saw a church sign the other day that said, "Well done is better than well said!"
A lot of times my worry comes in the form of worrying about finances. This past week we had to spend $600 on my car, money on sprinklers, medical bills, dental bill, yard bill, and the list goes on.
As a follower of Christ I know that I need not "worry" about these things, but be diligent in paying for services rendered and honoring God in my finances.
I have been telling several people in counseling this week to "surrender" their will to God's and to leave Him in control.
The ironic thing is that Holy Spirit is trying to get that very thing through to me too!
So, here's to not worrying and to being joyful!
Jeff

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Bragging on my 3rd born!

As a parent it's okay to brag on your kids a little bit, as long as it brings God glory!
I went to my 3rd grade son's awards ceremony today and was very proud of his academic achievements in reading and math. He got awards in both categories. . . BUT I was most proud of him for the class award that he received. The school does Character Counts awards in each class. The awards are voted on by the class. Eli got the "Fairness Award" for his class. I have thought about those awards today, as a follower of Christ, and I am most proud of the Character award. It is the award that is about caring for others above himself. (I am proud of the achievements in reading and math as well, but not in the same way!)

Congratulations Eli! Your earthly father is proud of you, BUT more importantly your Heavenly Father is proud of you!

Character Does Count!
Jeff