Ronnie Rasmussen

Choose To Forgive.

Too often in my life I was finding that I wasn't walking in forgiveness. Whether it was when people would say or do things towards me that were hurtful or when I would hurt others. Then I stumbled upon this scripture...

Matthew 6:14-15 says: ¹⁴For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 

I don't know about you, but for me that scripture is freakin convicting! The fact that if I don't forgive someone for kicking my dinosaur or forgive someone for doing wrong to me. My sins won't be forgiven. That bothers me A LOT! Jesus died a brutal death so that our sins can be forgiven, God forgives us for sinning against him so we should forgive others, yet we can can't forgive someone for eating the last cookie. When we walk in forgiveness & have a "kill'em with love attitude" people don't know how to respond. Example: someone punches you in the face. Reaction: punch back or say thank you may I have another? Matthew 5:39 That's your answer & doing so will freak someone out. Understand though I'm not saying let someone beat you to a pulp or walk all over you. SO many times people did injustice towards Jesus yet he just forgave and showed them compassion. Isn't that how we should be as "Chrisrians"? I think that a lot times its people that aren't "Christians" that are quick to forgive but as christians it's hard for us. I pray that God would give us hearts that are forgiving & loving.

What's Love Got To Do With It?

Everything. Simply put, Everything. If God didn't LOVE us he wouldn't have sent his son. So many times I find myself overlooking the fact that God really loves us no matter where we've been, no matter what we've done, & no matter who we are. The fact that me, just one person on this earth filled with billions of people from all different cultures & lifestyles is loved by a God that is so great & mighty. Romans 5:6-8 is a great example! Whether you're:

- Broken

- A Drug Addict

- An Alcoholic

- Skeptic

- A Thief

- An Outcast

Those are just a few but know that Jesus LOVES ALL OF YOU! The life you're living doesn't have to be that way! I know a guy that can take the pain, brokenness, hurt & heal the wounds of your heart. That guy's name is Jesus! His LOVE is SO overwhelming & life changing! It's so easy all you have to do is invite him in you're heart & ask for forgiveness! The fact that he is waiting for you to make that jump in your life is so awesome! JUST DO IT!!! As for those of us that are already believers... Live your life with LOVE. Care for those in need. Buy a stranger lunch. Open the door for someone. SMILE AND ASK HOW PEOPLE ARE DOING!!! These simple acts of LOVE & kindness could change somebody's life! Let God's LOVE flow through you! I'm praying for you people out there! Know that there is always someone that loves & cares about you! 

Thoughts On Junior High Ministry.

When you think of junior high students there are a few words that instantly come to mind (for me atleast)... Routy, Akward, Bad B.O.(usually the guys), A.D.D. Those are just to name a few. I've been leading a small group of J-high guys which by the way they are AWESOME and if there has been one thing God has tought so far through leading them it is definitely patience! I REALLY believe in them and I am so for them, I think a lot of times people just avoid junior highers because of their age. When I look at them I see students that have so much potential but they aren't doing anything with it because they don't know how to "unlock" it. I've heard the "well you're only in junior high" excuse WAY too many times! I personally believe that those years of 6th, 7th, & 8th grade are SO important. Not only do you start to develop who you are and what life is all about but also who you are in Christ. My thoughts, ideas, & questions to help them "unlock" that potential, help them figure out who they are, & help you work with them...

-Cast vision into their lives, They want hope & to know that though they are young they can still do great things!!!

-Ask them if they died today what 5 characteristics they would want to be remembered by...

-Help them discover their gifts!(SO IMPORTANT!!!)

-Point them to Jesus!

-Be there for them! This is HUGE!

-Go to sports events! Speaks volumes to them though you may not see it outwardly expressed, inwardly they think you're the bomb!

-Be the leader God has called!

You aren't going to always have the answers to every question they ask & if you don't thats okay! Just be who you are & who God called you to be! that is a great example: your own life!!! Be Blessed!

It...

I've been reading a book called It by Craig Groeschel. If you haven't read it or heard of it then get it & read it! God has really been showing me some awesome things through the book & bringing a lot of thoughts as well as questions to me. Have you ever wondered if your ministry has it? Here are some questions you could ask yourself...

1) Is God in complete control of my ministry?

2) Am I doing the talking or is God?

3) Is there growth?

4) Are lives being changed?

I believe these questions can completely rock your ministry! Our ministries should be completely God centered because isn't that who ministry is all about? Beg God to do BIG things & show up in incredible ways! We need to let the holy spirit speak through us! God is waiting for you to ask him what he wants you to speak or teach on! Just ask!!! I personally am a huge believer that if there isn't growth something isn't being done right. When God is moving people run to that! All you have to do is ask him to move but you have to be willing to do crazy things! Don't keep him in a box! Only God can change people! You cant nor can I, but God CAN! So people let's let God reign in our lives! Let's get on our faces and beg him! so our ministries can have It!