Summer Hay & Seeking God

Hi all.  Summer is such a busy season on the farm, between harvesting hay and keeping up with the apple orchard we are very busy.   We know it's for a season so we are enjoying it while we are here.  There's only one thing that's guaranteed in life and that's change-- at least when you are pursuing God.

So I have been singing songs to the Lord while I drive tractors and I have been listening to all the songs I have recorded the last few months.  It's weird but I  am really enjoying the quiet on the tractor.  Amidst all the noise it's special to just be able to ask the Lord questions and hear what He has to say.

Hay has to be cut a certain way and dried a certain way and baled a certain way if you want good horse hay.   Every day the weather conditions change and we try to figure out what to do.  My husband has gotten very adept at asking me if we should do this and then wait.  I ask the Lord what to do and then we do that.  He's looked after us every time.  As we keep our hearts clean from offense and stay in touch with Holy Spirit we can have a running conversation with the Lord all day long, even while you are working!

That's my tip for today-- Repent quickly.  Whenever you get the slightest bit offended with anyone, forgive them and bless them.   God's blessing will help them change faster!  And more importantly, it will keep the enemy from attacking you with his half truths. Truly, your battlefield is your mind.  Offense and unforgiveness send out shock waves in the spirit realm that attract the wrong kind of attention.  Conversely, if you keep praise and thanksgiving coming out of your mouth you attract God's angels to help you.

Sounds simple I know, but it works.  God is looking for those who will sign up to walk in his glory and live in his glory.  I know that is what I am pursuing with all my strength.  I want to be a walking conduit of Heaven.  Whatever that looks like or sounds like-- I want it all!

Therefore, I exhort you to have a great day with the Lord!  It doesn't matter what's happening, He has promised to turn it around!  He will cause all things to work together for your GOOD as you praise and thank him.  (ref. Rom. 8:37)

Thank You Jesus that nothing can cause us to stumble or become offended because we love your law (Ps. 119:165)
Thank You Lord that we are wise, we don't give full vent to our anger because we have self-control. (Prov. 29:11)
Thank You Lord that we are quick to hear, slow to speak and very slow to become angry or offended. (James 1:19)
Thank You Lord that words of love, grace, mercy and kindness flow from our lips today.
Thank You Lord that Your love is shed abroad in our hearts by Holy Spirit. (Rom. 5:5)
Thank You Lord that we can't fail for winning, we can't lose for succeeding, we are always victors through the blood of Jesus and spread everywhere the fragrance of Him. (ref. 2Cor. 2:14)
Thank You Lord that Your favor has come and touched every area of our lives.  We are growing in favor with You and with all men. (ref. 1Sam. 2:26)

Thank You Lord that.... (your thanksgiving goes here)

Have a great day with Him!
Big hugs and many blessings,
Brenda Gale Thompson

For Parents of Teens

We have authority in our homes.  God has given us this authority and we must use it to protect our children, especially our teenagers.  It doesn't matter what they are doing at the moment, we still have authority if we do not become offended, hurt or bitter.  That doesn't mean we use a megaphone, however tempting that might be at times!

Let's pray before we go on. "Thank You Lord that when we train up  our children in the way they should go, when they are old, they will not depart from it (ref. Prov. 22:6). Give us teachable hearts right now to hear and understand your word and may we receive what You want us to receive from this. Amen"

A few relevant scripture verses are:
"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." (Prov. 20:11)
"Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished." (Eccl 4:13 italics mine)  What an awesome verse.... there's a warning here for all of us to stay teachable.

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise  so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Eph. 6:1-4 italics mine)

A long and good life is promised to those who honor their parents, whether they have been good or bad parents.  Parents will answer to God  for how they treated their children, especially if they exasperate or frustrate them unnecessarily.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame (Prov. 29:15)
Are we ever seeing the results of this verse.  So many latch key kids, left to their own devices and we wonder why they are getting into trouble!

Your children might be giving you grief or attitude at home right now but I encourage you to keep doing what you know to do.  I have had to moderate my training techniques with each child because they are all individuals, so keep asking the Lord questions. He is faithful. He'll show you how to deal with each one.

If one style of training doesn't bear good fruit, try another.  If you screw up, tell them you did and that you are learning too.  Kids don't come with operating manuals and we are all learning by the seat of our pants.

I have learned the hard way not to surrender my spiritual authority in the home. My son or daughter might be causing me all kinds of grief and I might want to throw my hands up and say, "Okay, you stand on the word and I'll agree with you."  That might feel good at the moment but no mother or father wants to see their kids suffer.  That's not love.

Even if they are walking in unbelief in one area of their lives, your faith is always stronger because your faith is tied to the King of Kings. Their unbelief is tied to the devil's fallen realm.

So take authority over the enemy in whatever area he is attacking your children.  Remind him that you rule and reign through Jesus and that you have been given the keys to the Kingdom. Whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth is loosed in heaven (ref. Rom 5:17,19, Matt. 16:19)  Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. (1John. 4:4)

Here are some helpful confessions to declare over yourself:

-Thank You Lord that because we love your word it is very hard for us to become offended. (Ps. 119:165)
-Thank You Lord that we are quick to hear, slow to speak and very slow to become angry and offended.  (James 1:17)
-Thank You Lord for a great guard on our mouths and for setting a watch over our lips.(Ps. 141:3)
-Thank you that we walk in the reverential fear/awe of You and we don't want to hurt those you have entrusted to our care. (Eccl. 12:13, 2Chron. 19:7)
-Thank You Lord that we are on guard against pride and with your help we won't be deceived. (Obed. 3)

In the end I want to say that it is all worth it.  Kids do eventually grow up and realize just how much your tried to prepare them for life. So be encouraged, You with Holy Spirit are an awesome team!

I decree that you are blessed to be a blessing, you are teachable and you bring delight to the Father's heart. In Jesus' name we agree. Amen!