In Ephesians chapter six verses 10 – 18 the Apostle Paul tells us that we are in a spiritual battle and that our fight is not merely against physical forces, but our real battle is with Satan and the unseen evil forces in our world. While we have been able to report on some really awesome things have been happening over the past several days at camp, we are definitely feeling the attacks of the evil one who loves to destroy and wreak havoc wherever growth and progress is being made and lives are being transformed.
We have seen the seeds of transformation taking root in the lives of many of the boys over the last several days, but we have also seen the enemy ramp up the opposition to the positive changes that are developing here at camp and in the lives of the boys. So I ask you to join me in taking up one of the two offensive weapons Paul talks about in Ephesians 6 and join with us in fervent prayer for the boys, our Ranch staff, and the activities we will be participating in together over the next several days.
While all of the boys need prayer, I ask that you pray specifically for KA as he struggles to control his anger, build positive relationships with peers, and build trust with staff. Pray also for DA as he also has been struggling with anger and has struggled with avoiding getting sucked into negative behavior. And pray for IG and SD as they sometimes struggle with a negative attitude and wanting to participate with the group. Finally pray that God would give our staff continued wisdom and patience as we deal with these situations and seek to use these spiritual attacks as opportunities for growth in the lives of the boys God has brought to the 2015 Ranch Program.
Thanks in advance for your prayers!
Praying specifically for all of these boys, praying for you all to have the strength from God to stay calm and patient with each of them, and praying boldly for Satin and all of the evil forces to leave these boys and the area where God is at work. Thank you so much for all you are doing in the lives of these boys!
Praying for all of you! To the staff – God placed each of you in this program for a reason….because He wants to and is using you as agents of change for these boys. I am praying for God to strengthen you and encourage your spirit as you sleep tonight and begin preparing you for the battle ahead on the trail. Psalm 16:5-11 is perfect for you leaders “Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup, you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in Pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN. Therfore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with your joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” I pray also that each of these teens will know and see your hearts. You are here for them and for some bringing them closer to their heavenly Father and for others introducing them to Him. Thank you all for your dedication to God’s calling!
Praying that all the lives of theses boys are changed and hearts are softened on this trip! Prayers for the staff to have patience and find a way to break down walls!! God is going to continue to do amazing things today and the days to come!!!!
Thank you all for your time with RR 2015 you are an amazing group of leaders!
And to the boys – I am praying for each of you. I know that this is high time during the camp for anger to flare. But remember that this is such a short period of time in your life that you can make the most of it and use it to make a positive change in your life or you can make it a bad experience and not take this opportunity to grow. I am praying that you choose the first because I know that each of you have it in you to do great things for God! Whenever you start to get the itch to think on the negative remember Phillipians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” God didn’t place this in the bible to filk up another page. He knows that it is a challenge for people to keep the focus on the positive rather than the negative. But when you can train your mind to keep the focus positive and continue to seek Jesus and how he handled things….man, it is life changing! Know that what will make you the man that God created you to be is to overcome the easy – all the things that Satan will tempt you with…anyone can give up and get angry. But it takes strength and courage to choose to stay calm and stay positive – I know you all have it in you to do this!
Im praying for all of you boys, hoping that God will change the way you see the world and the way you see yourself. Im also praying for the staff, hoping that God will help YOU change the way these boys see the world, and themselves. Just remember Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
Also dad, I miss you a lot, and I’m praying not just for Remembrance Ranch, but specifically for you! Love you 🙂
Praying for all of you !!! I know we all have our moments of weakness… and can be very hard to control at times… we all need to lay them before the Lord , our Worries , our Anger , Jealousy , all the hurting inside , the sadness everything and just place it all in front of Our Lord . He is your Rock our Protector He will not let you face Life alone . You boys are such a strong Group!! You have what it takes . and such Bright future ahead of all of you ! 🙂