A lesson from Peter

In the first epistle of Peter, Peter writes to God's people who are "scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia". It is in chapter 3 where I read a message that spoke great things to me.

The first lesson that we learn, comes in the very first verse. 1 Peter 3:1 reads like this, "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won over by the conversation of the wives". As Christians, we must strive to continually win over souls to Jesus. To accomplish this, we must put on Christ and be examples of his teachings. We influence others by the way we act, especially if those being influenced know we are Christians. God tells us that even if we cannot win souls over by His word, we can do so by our Christ like behavior.

In verses 8-9, Peter writes, "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." These verses are self explanatory. We should always be compassionate and caring towards one another, even if the other person is doing evil unto you. By offering love and care to the evildoer, you will be presenting yourself as a child of God, and by giving love and care towards the enemy you will in return be given blessings from God.

Many times I write my feelings on scripture because the scripture I am writing about is speaking to me. Sometimes to lift me up and sometimes to remind me of what I should be striving to become. I have a bad work environment and I am constantly being accused of mistakes that I didn't make. I am treated badly and picked on. Going through this everyday becomes frustrating. Many times throughout the day, I become angry with my coworkers. When this happens, I often long for justice, revenge, payback. However, revenge is not ours to give, and it is very important that you and I always remember not to render evil unto evil because it does not help the situation.

Down on the farm

I took this picture today. My two nieces and nephew are sitting on a hay bale and my cousin is standing behind them. My nephew didn't like being up that high. They all had a big day today playing with each other. They wore us adults out too! My brother and I had to give the children piggy back rides, but it was more like we were their pack mules. I don't think I've ran that much in a while and boy did I feel it.

It's been a while...

Me and my grandmother. She's holding
my nephew and her first and only great-grandson.
Not the best picture of me.

I haven't updated my blog in a few days. Not much has happened since then. The lady I discussed in my last blog has since past on. My step-mom, grandma, and myself went to Tammy's viewing last night. Never in my life have I seen so many people at a viewing. The line of people was clear out the door and though out the parking lot. A real testament to how loved of a woman she truly was.

On a happier note, I am off this weekend which means I'll be spending time with my family. I love my family so much. Today I am at my dad's. We will be feeding cow's later and possibly preparing the garden for planting. Now is the time you plant potatoes and onions and I hope we can at least get some onions planted within the next few weeks.

Yesterday I had to opportunity to spend some time with my grandmother. She has Alzheimer's so I feel it's very important to spend as much time with her as possible. I took her to see her first cousin in Daisy who will soon be 83. We talked about family, sewing, and they told stories from their childhood down by the river.

Looks like I will end this sooner than expected. Off to feed cow's with my dad.

~Brent

Leaning On The Everlasting Arm

The title of this post sums up the weekend. Friday night my friend Beth and I saw "True Grit" on the silver screen. The movie was great and I was very impressed with the story, the instrumental music, and the breathtaking shots.

One of the instrumental's that I immediately recognized was the gospel song, "Leaning On The Everlasting Arm". While I think about this weekend, I have realized that we must lean on HIS arm, not only in times of trouble and temptation, but during our everyday lives. God is my rock and with him I can stand through anything. We must remember that.

I have had a heavy heart over a special lady the past few days. Her name is Tammy and she is in the hospital fighting for her life. I do not know her that well, but I still feel very sad for her. She and her family have been in my constant prayers, and I continue to pray that not only can we lean on HIS arm for comfort and support, but I pray that God will touch Tammy so she may recover and live a long, happy life.

My faith in God has been tested over the past few years. I have had my ups and downs with my faith and no matter how far I fall, or who I am influence by, I always come back to God. I know He is my Father and that one day we will all meet him in the sky. My faith in him is constantly growing and stronger than ever.

In Matthew 7:7, Jesus tells us to, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you". We must seek God, do His will, and knock. By doing so, He will answer us. When we seek God and put full faith in Him and His abilities, we can ask of him and it will be given to us, if it's His will. Matthew 21:21 has this to say about faith: "...Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this (which is done) to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done".

I have full faith that God can heal Tammy and I continue to pray that He will. I would like to ask you guys to bring Tammy up in prayer. Ask God to heal Tammy .

Brent