bread and water

 The Breaking Away The Bible speaks of children as arrows  which are meant to be released.   But Lord, I want to hold onto them.  At times, control them, for their goodness sake.  Yet this causes their spirit to break.  How do I handle this breaking away, this making their own way, when I just want them to stay; little and moldable, young and teachable, forever reachable?  Lord help me guide them, launch them,  release them to You.  Help me trust Your control to make the boy a good fellow.  I need your grace  and teens seem to need space  to figure life out on their own  when Your Word will make it known.  Lord give us wisdom  to raise our children for Your Kingdom. -Brandi Beck Smith

Be the one who is different  because you have Christ in you.  Be the one who says no  to the things of the world.  The line is too blurry  between Christ followers and the world.  We should be light in the darkness.  Sometimes light hurts your eyes if you’re used to the dark.  You might make people uncomfortable  if you’re too different.  There’s a difference between loving others  and joining in their sin.  We can love others without compromising our convictions.  If your friend group were to hear from someone that you  are a Christ follower, would they be shocked? Or will they say, “Yes, I could tell there was something  different about her.” The Bible puts it this way, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so you can test and approve what the Lord’s Will is.” Romans 12:2