"Happy Birthday Son..."
What a joy that is to say. Mom and I count you as a blessing. We so enjoy working with you, partnering with you in ministry and just having fun together. Your heart to serve is refreshing and invigorating. We pray that the upcoming year is good and that you continue in the path that God has for you.
***
Walk by Faith 2021
Yes... It is dark out there... suppose to be... Nearly Midnight.
***
Makes sense... No Sun.... No moon... Just some stars...
***
The breeze felt cool... a good time for a walk... and a "Talk". God brought to mind folks and situations that I was not praying for or about. A good time for a walk... and a "LIsten".
***
Prayer is communication... Talking and Listening. No new revelations... rather more about realizations. Tonight... I prayed for folks that are dear to me... I just had not prayed for them for awhile. I prayed for situations that I sort of put on the "back burner".
***
And as my day draws to an end... I say with heart felt thoughtfulness "Thank You Lord... In Jesus' Name... Amen"
In the Old Testament, we read about a man that I greatly admire. That is probably the reason that we chose the name Caleb for our second son.
Most of us recall how Joshua and Caleb…
Whoa, hold on for a minute. Even the billing for this great story put Caleb second. And you know what? He did not mind that whatsoever, because in heart and mind, he knew that he would always be second. Yes, God would always be first in Caleb’s eyes. When one has that mindset all the credit stuff just doesn’t matter.
Caleb was the representative for the Tribe of Judah as the twelve spies were to go into Canaan under Moses’s directive. He wanted to see what the “Promised Land” looked like and see the folks that lived there. Caleb’s buddy Joshua was also a chosen spy. There were ten more, but we don’t talk about them. I guess their names are recorded however I have not taken time to look them up since I was in school… and that is a long time ago.
The twelve guys also know as the twelve spies went in for a look around. They could not help but admire the productivity of the countryside. The farmer side in them could see the potential. They took a look around at the cities and they noticed the people that lived there. That is where the problem started. People looking at people…
The twelve guys, I mean twelve spies, went back to Moses, and started telling stories of fortified cities and the warriors that lived there. There was some rough country where some really big folks, like giants lived. And the worry side came out and in unison, ten of the twelve guys, I mean twelve spies, started complaining. Some of the even wanted to go back to Egypt where they had been slaves.
And then our man Caleb steps up and proclaims rather straight forward that “We can do this, because God Is on our side”. We need to “Walk by Faith”. His proclamation no matter how true it was fell on deaf ears and hard hearts. Caleb and Joshua were the only two that knew God would be true to His word of giving them this land of promise.
To no avail. God sent the Israelites back into the wilderness to wander for forty years till all the knot headed adults that doubted God died off. Caleb and Joshua had to hang out with that bunch until the last one died off.
Then it was time to enter the Promise land. Joshua took over for Moses. And again Caleb was more than willing to be in the background and just do what God asked him to do. The Israelites moved through the land laying hold of it as their new home. After some time had passed, Caleb went to his old friend Joshua with a request.
“Joshua, old buddy, old pal, old friend… “ (No you will not find that in the King James Version, but I believe that from Hebrew to Larry… this is a pretty good translation)
Anyway, on with the story. Joshua… You know that rough country over yonder? It was promised to be my inheritance way back when. Well, I think it is time for me to take the family over and lay claim to that land.
Joshua listened intently and then reminded his dear friends of the giants that lived there. That bit of information did not deter Caleb one iota. In fact, it set off one the great challenges from Caleb to humanity for the ages. “God has kept me alive and going for the last 45 years, and today I am as strong as the day I first went into the land as a spy. If the Lord be with me and He is…there will nothing that can stand in our way.”
You know what is so fun about this speech. Caleb was 85 years old. Did you catch that? Going through life… walking by faith in God. All I can say is Wow. I want to be like Caleb.
Well, Well, Well… I think I see some giants on the horizon.
Oh by the way... Walk by Faith was our theme at Rainbow Bible Ranch this summer.
Reflection... Summer 2021
Thank You Derek Anderson for your many years of partnering with us.
May God richly bless you.
****
Walk By Faith... and keep singing through the entire journey.
Yesterday, I received a very nice hand written two page letter from a young teenage boy from Illinois that attended RBR this past summer. I would like to share a portion of the letter with you.
***
"I really felt like God was telling me to give my dreams and abilities to him and 'walk by faith'. The theme song, verses and your talks at the sessions were all perfect for me. I really felt like God was telling me to let me be led by Him even when I cannot fully see the plans He has for me. It was a huge blessing to me and I wanted to let you know that."
Your Brother in Christ,
Joshua
“Such a great ministry that hits home to the young people and gives them hope and teaches them “ to walk in faith”! Also teaches them good ranch values and horsemanship.”
“You know when I see a young person like this and the letter he wrote to you it makes me more positive about our young people and that I feel proud that they will carry on the love of this great Country of ours. The Lord has used Rainbow Bible ranch to influence so many of our young people.”
“Such an awesome ministry! I know he was not the only one ministered to by the word of God!♥️. Thank you all for your hard labors of love….for the Kingdom!”
“Letters from campers are always a blessing and great encouragement. Blessings upon you as you continue to serve the Lord.”
Reflection..."Summer 2021"
Well done Julia.
***
We sure had a great summer, didn't we?
Reflection..."Summer 2021"
Thank you Robin..
Going on thirty years of doing camp together.
Perspective...
Pray for Afghanistan.. You say???
***
My word... We have been there for twenty years and we should start praying "now"?
***
During that time it is estimated that losses in the Afghan security forces are around 69,000. Along with that the number of civilians and militants killed at about 51,000 each. More than 3,500 coalition soldiers have died since 2001 - about two-thirds of them Americans. More than 20,000 US soldiers have been injured.
***
Yes... More than 2300 American military men and women have died... and many more hurting.
***
A top US general says the collapse of Afghan forces in 11 days against the Taliban offensive was "not foreseeable".
***
Really?????
***
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said “Our team in Doha and our military partners on the ground in Kabul are engaging directly with the Taliban to make clear that we expect them to allow all American citizens, all third-country nationals and all Afghans who wish to leave, to do so safely and without harassment,”
***
And all Afghans who wish to leave are welcome... And we have open doors???
***
Sounds like our borders...
***
Fellow Americans.... Be on guard... Be vigilant...
I have a hunch that a plan is in play and it is not what many of us perceive.
***
And we could probably say that about some other "events" that have been taking place. The dismantling of America continues... And more than ever... I would encourage all to align yourself in God's will. Study God's word. Salvation may be found only in Jesus Christ.
***
Perspective...
Yes... "Pray"
***
"Spend time in quiet thoughtfulness with God"
***
"Seek good fellowship". Bad company corrupts good character. "Who are you listening to?"
***
"Be grateful" Best way to stop negative complaining.
***
In Colossians chapter 3 we read, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him…And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men"
“Amen Brother!!! We know by reading revelations, that there are NO western powers in the end days. Israel will stand alone! So what happened to the western powers??? Folks we are seeing it right now!!! Folks be bold for GOD, ask for wisdom to have opportunities to share God’s goodness but also the insight to recognize them when they happen!!! Passin through rollin on and homeward bound!!!!!”
“The first few lines is almost exactly my words when asked. Again, this battle of flesh and blood is so, so much more.”
“Yes. Thank you for being bold to share. We absolutely should pray now… and should have been for the last twenty years. We are so comfortable here in America aren’t we? Let us not also be complacent but be watchful; be ready.”
“Second fastest growing church in the world today. My son served there two tours. The Lord is the Lord of Afghanistan. I will continue to pray as we have since 9/11.”
Reflection.... 2021 RBR
***
Kiersten Rae... you are an amazing young lady. Your ways with animals is more than admirable. Thanks for all your help this past summer.
Reflections...
"Caleb...so appreciate your willingness. You ride a lot of horses and cover a lot of ground".
***
"And Molly Anne... It has been so fun having you join us again wearing a red shirt. Thanks for being a prayer warrior."
***
WALK BY FAITH - RBR 2021
“You are very Blessed to have your family want to help with this ministry-”
Nearly overwhelming…
It is 1:00 in the morning and the temperature is still 82 degrees. The wind is blowing at stiff pace from the south adding to the nearly smothering conditions. I am unable to sleep as the results of the drought and heat are certainly on my mind. Lots of questions and only one answer. And that is “Walk by Faith”. That has been our theme during the 2021 camping season at Rainbow Bible Ranch. Fitting to say the least in so many areas. And certainly, it is not so much about my faith, but rather Who my faith is in.
With the daunting heat of the summer and yes, our region had the highest temperatures of anywhere in the nation yesterday, we have spent much time watering livestock, plants and trees. I have had little spare time due to the extra chores, but I have had time to think about life lessons that may be learned in this difficult situation.
As you may know, we have planted many trees around the ranch over the last years. It is easy to notice that the young trees have not fared well. Those with a limited root system require much more attention than the well-established trees. The hot winds and shortage of moisture not only wilt the leaves, but also burn and dry up the foliage and ultimately branches and entire trees even to the point of dying.
We live in a society today that is not unlike the severe drought and heat that is taking place across our region. Our young people may be the most vulnerable. And chief among my concerns is the need for discipleship in young Christ Followers. The Bible is clear about evangelism and discipleship. We read of the Apostle Paul’s account in I Corinthians 3 of how some plant and others water and it is God who gives the increase. During the difficult times such as we live now, I am mindful of the fact that some do plant and some do water. It is a team effort, and it goes without saying, that both are important.
As the many kids that attend camp, we see numerous decisions to come to Christ. The seeds that have been planted are taking root. And those roots that are yet so shallow need to be nurtured and watered to be sustained during difficult times. Perhaps while a child was at camp, values and principles were reiterated that he or she was learning in their home and community. Perhaps Rainbow started a child on the path of a good habit such as reading God’s Word. We at RBR love the fact that we can come along side parents and family in showing the importance of respect and obedience to parents.
Certainly, we believe that a stay at RBR and Christian camping in general is of value. But it is only part of the equation to enable an individual to grow strong in godly principle. Let us be more than vigilant as each of do our part in planting seeds and nurturing the growing individual.
What others had to say…
“Love your heart Larry. You planted some, watered and nurtured some also for God’s kingdom. Will be praying for growth of those seeds and efforts of your crew to be multiplied friend.”
“You sure have a way with words. I appreciate your voice on Facebook so much!”
“So well said. Praying for all the young Christian souls who have made a decision to follow Him and that they may be encouraged daily and may seek His Word to stay strong and keep growing in these trying times.”
“Larry, you’ve said it so well....all new believers need to be discipled and shepherded as they walk the new path they have chosen in Christ. I’m so thankful for the hundreds, maybe thousands of kids RBR has influenced for Christ in the past 40 plus years. Who knew what glory to God would come from the tragic deaths of your brothers and their friend. Praying for encouragement for you and the whole clan as you live through the current circumstances of drought and other challenges that come with ranch life.”
