A.L.S. Update (4/11/2013)

Luke 9:23  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me

One of the hardest things a christian is called to do is deny yourself, take up our cross and follow Jesus. Since the time we came into this world we are taught to do the opposite. Look at how we pamper our selves, the average person spends 3 minutes in the closet, trying to decide what will make them look their best. What about our possessions do we deny ourselves our hearts desire? In fact Jesus told us to love our wife us much as we love ourselves, is it possible? He knew how much man was enamored with themselves.  When face with a terminal illness, it gets even harder to deny yourself, you seem to be the center of attention and I don’t know about you but I eat it up. But at the same time I don’t what to be lifted up, but my savior Jesus Christ should be exalted. So I what to share a couple of ways God has working all things to my good. Please understand when God is working all things to your good it means He is conforming you to the images of Christ. Be for you say “Amen” consider what Christ went through in a short 33 years. The first lesson came when one morning I was feeding, “if you don’t know I survive through a feeding tube” anyways the two kids we have taken care of for the last five years were dropped off during my feeding. I see now this was Gods way of getting my attention off myself, the kids could not understand how i have to get my nourishment now. Try to explain to a five years old what a feeding tube is,  and why I don’t eat like He does anymore. If only I had childlike faith, by the time of my next feeding, Reed was bringing me pillows and blankets just trying to make me comfortable. Now they pay little attention to it. Just the distractions of two sweet kids is a blessing, you have little time to center on your self, when trying to keep up with them.  It’s a daily struggle to deny yourself, pray that I will stayed focus on Christ my savior, for where do I have to turn?

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1: 24,25)

Gregory Lane  (04/11/2013)