Camp's Rants & Raves

We just got back from Family and Youth Bible Camp. What a great week! I tagged team the senior high with my friend Nick Marcoux. And…as always, we had a blast!

Here are a few glimpses…

- Serving the Lord with your all in the ordinary will result in the extraordinary. “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” (1 Samuel 16:11). This is Jesse talking of his youngest…David. David was living an ordinary life…serving God with his all. The rest of the story speaks for itself.

- You might not make it across the street, home, through dinner, or whatever. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man, the living should take this to heart (Ecclesiastes 7:2). Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog - it’s here a little while, then it’s gone (James 4:13-14).

- Knowing you might not…what are you going to do with Jesus? Forget all the other questions. This is the only one that truly matters.

- Listen to the Paul within your life…there’s likely more than one. Paul advised them saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul (Acts 27:9-11).

- What is it costing you to follow Jesus Christ? Then King David said to Ornan, “No but I will surely buy it for full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing,” (1 Chronicles 21:24).

Also, here are some questions asked by the senior high…all eye openers…

- If you feel as if God is calling you to do something bigger than what you are capable of doing, how can you feel the confidence to do great things for God?

- Why does God not let something happen that you have worked hard for and would be able to praise Him through?

- Other than an accountability partner, what are good ways to break a habit, as in a habit nobody knows you do?

- How far is too far when it comes to dating? When does it become a sin? What’s the most advisable way to resist the physical temptations and sexual temptations from the opposite sex?

- What do you do if you have a friend who is a believer, but doesn’t attend church?

- My dad is probably not a believer. Besides praying, what are some other ways to also influence him?

- How should I begin to talk to someone about Christ? What should I say first?

Camp was a huge success! God moved in mighty ways and I’ll forever be grateful…for we serve an awesome God. Until next time. Jed.

Trust? Not A Chance!

Earlier today I pulled up to a stop sign and trusted my wife. She claimed all was clear and off we went without demise.

Trust is powerful. After all...I trusted my wife with my life. No doubts, glances, fears, or worries. Just the word go and off we went. We trust people from all walks of life. Doctors to heal. Officers to protect. Pastors to counsel. Teachers to teach. And the list marches on. But...trusting God seems to be a stretch and life overtakes.

I love my kids and kids love trust. A lion could be charging or asteroid colliding. But...my kids would feel safe and secure within my arms (although we know better). Why? Because of trust. No doubts, glances, fears, or worries. Just absolute and simple trust.

We try and crack the code or untangle the mystery. At times…this mystery is ok unsolved. The answer may remain elusive. Hidden despite our best efforts to seek. Why? Why the diagnosis? Why the pain? Why the stress? Let's take the lead from the kids. Here comes the lion or asteroid. So...jump into the arms of God. Safe and secure with absolute and simple trust.

Abraham left without a defined end...and guess what. Abraham found home (Hebrews 11:8)! He trusted God and God delivered and secured home. How about you? On a journey without a defined end. Not sure of the how, when, where, or why. Just trust. Haunted by fears and questions. Just trust. Plagued by popular opinions. Just trust. Unsure of...

Just TRUST!

Give and release this journey to God. Trust in the Lord with all your heart...He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). Now...that's words to live by. Say bye bye to doubts, glances, fears, or worries. Listen for the word go and trust! Until next time. Jed.

The Best Is Yet To Come

There’s hope for today and hope for tomorrow. But…I’m somewhat drained, exhausted, jaded, and whipped. Thoughts are racing and racing fast. Reaching for just one and poof. It vanishes…as countless others race past. There’s no end and I’m out of shape. Nap time anyone?

Guess what? You’re not in this race alone. Sure…there’s doubts, fears, thoughts, and worries running wild. But, you’re not in this race alone. Sure…you may be drained, exhausted, jaded, and whipped. But, you’re not in this race alone. You may not even see a finish line. You ask…what’s a finish line? Do they truly exist? But, you’re not in this race alone. You may hopelessly look for a body…someone to talk to or relate with. But…yep, that’s right…you’re not in this race alone.

The writer of Hebrews says it best. Hebrews 6:18-19 notes, “Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” What does this text mean? Well…Jesus has your back and you’re not in this race alone.

There’s hope for today and hope for tomorrow. The best is yet to come! A simple post…but, one that’s dear and near to my heart. Until next time. Jed.