Inner Beauty

Posted on November 18, 2012 by Karen Langdon
We found ourselves in a large exhibit building on a county fairground in a small town. The floors were cement and the walls cinderblock with garage doors set in one end to allow vehicles to enter. This was early Friday evening, and we were among a handful of people setting up booths for the following day’s event. There was very little indication as to the type of exhibits, décor or atmosphere that would occupy the space on Saturday. We set up our section in about two hours and went home.
Fast forward thirteen hours: Lights, colorful tinsel curtains, a runway carpet, a room full of vendors selling fancy, frilly items, and children, mostly girls, of all ages with curls, up-dos, manicured nails and the latest tot chic left no doubt as to the purpose of the day. We were at a fashion show and pageant for youngsters and teens. We came to share the love of Jesus using our CD and presenting puppet shows for the participants and their supporters. The mood was party-like with lots of energy accompanied by giggling, running and dancing. As we would begin a skit or start the music, children would immediately gather in front of the puppet stage to watch. Such sweet faces; lives full of hope and promise. Many were there for the fun of participating in such an event; they walked the runway, they sang and they danced. Some were there to progress through the pageant ranks to go on to a Miss County, Miss State, Miss America or Miss USA title someday. It was apparent that poise, appearance and performance were important to all those involved.
So, why were we there? Yes, we wanted to share the Word of God and the love of Jesus through music in a fun, entertaining way. On the surface we might seem to be an unlikely match for such an event. But, if one is determined to capture real beauty, where is it found? Amongst the pretty bows, fashionable clothes and make-up tables, we were there to promote inner beauty for the mind and heart. The Bible would call our presence there beautiful! (“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” Isaiah 52:7.) Our intention was to plant seeds in minds and hearts, both young and old, which could lead to the growth of beauty within.
As a family, we never tried the pageant scene, though at times one child or another was invited to do so. But, I am so blessed to be able to say that my children are beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. The amazing Word of God is the perfect beauty treatment for within. It continues to lead my adult children to love and serve God and humanity. What could be more beautiful than that?
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Know Him Through His Word

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Karen Langdon
If you’re like me, listening to a scholarly individual preach/teach from the Word of God leaves me a bit awestruck over the intellectual’s ability. Not only is it obvious that he is well read and well prepared, but the words just seem to flow continuously, publicizing an enormous vocabulary, and the mastery of the subject is without question. When I look at the verses that are being shared, I wonder if I’m reading from the same passage, let alone the same translation. The interpretation is profound, and listeners can come away feeling as if they’ve just truly learned something valuable, or one can scratch his/her head and come away wondering, “What in the world was that all about?” In truth, if this person has a relationship with the Lord, he would tell you that he too is learning and that there are many things that will be left unanswered until he is face to face with Jesus.
By contrast, one might assume that a very young child does not have the capacity to understand the Gospel to be able to receive the gracious gift of salvation. I was faced with this dilemma when at four years old my very precocious daughter began not just talking about how Jesus loved her and she loved Jesus, but she repeatedly kept saying that she wanted to ask Jesus into her heart. Now, I was thinking about how much Kelley was hearing that phrase in our home and at church, and I was highly skeptical that she could understand salvation and forgiveness enough to actually begin a true relationship with the Lord. I was aware that in three out of the four Gospels, Jesus called on a little child to stand amongst his disciples as an example of the innocence and humility that God desires in those who come to Him. But, surely this was an illustration of the type of posture any person that was mature enough should take when coming to the Lord. “Little child,” the words used in the account recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke, surely did not mean a preschooler.
I continued to think about Kelley’s express desire to receive the Lord into her life. I kept telling her how nice it was that she loved Jesus, and I prayed for wisdom to know how to respond to my insistent little girl. It was in one of my prayer and pondering times that I heard the Lord’s still, small voice speak loudly and clearly, “Who are you to decide what Kelley can or cannot understand? Lead her to me!” Later that day with her brother and me by her side, Kelley prayed to receive God’s precious gift of salvation, and she is still boldly serving Him today.
“The Word of the Lord is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” Hebrews 4:12 (emphasis added). It is appropriate for people of any status or category. To the learned it offers a wealth of knowledge to explore and devour; to those who are just learning, it offers a simple, straightforward message that can be easily grasped and appreciated as truth. That is why we do what we do – Godstruck Ministries 4 Kids exists to help children hide the Word of God in their hearts through His wonderful gift of music. God wants all people, educated or unschooled, rich or poor, child or adult to know Him through His Word. He is ready to meet each one there in a way that is personal and appropriate, from the oldest scholar to the youngest child. Praise the Lord!
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The One Who is the Rock

Posted on October 6, 2012 by Karen Langdon
God never wastes a moment. He always allows circumstances in our lives that have purpose and value. Even those challenges we face, maybe most especially those challenges we face, are working to improve our character, our faith or our life’s perspective. Sometimes, as in the case of the man who was born blind (John 9), God’s purpose is to display His glory in the situation. At other times, just like a loving parent who desires to bless a child, God is seeking to bless us because of the love and care He has for us as His children. In conveying the following personal experience, I see a combination of all of what’s best about God’s hand in our everyday lives.
Our executive pastor taught from the Word this past weekend on the subject of God as our refuge in difficult times, which he entitled, “Refuge: Between The Rock and A Hard Place.” I thought it was very insightful and compelling, and I went home prepared to make sure that in my devotional time I would go over the notes and glean further from what God’s Word has to say about God as our refuge.
The next evening I was thinking about where Godstruck is as a ministry and questioning how we might go forward. We had made no sales of our CD, Sing God’s Word – Psalms in Tune in over a month, and it brought on a rather dejected mood. I mulled over everything again the next morning before I began to pray. In considering the circumstances, it caused the phrase, “I feel as if I were between a rock and a hard place,” to pop into my mind. I immediately remembered the sermon and just began praying to God my refuge, the One who is The Rock. As I shared things with my daughter via Skype that afternoon (she’s our marketing director), she just started typing letters to some of the staff involved in children’s ministry at her church regarding the possibility of reaching the kids and families with news of the CD. Within a very short time, she received a response from one of the pastors approving the presence of a Godstruck Ministries table at their Fall Festival. What an incredible demonstration of His power and the answers that are found when taking refuge in “The Rock that is higher than I!” We are moving forward with a resurgence of purpose and a trust that no matter what things look like or how they feel, God is in control. He will work all things together for good because we do love Him and we have been called to do His work. Being between The Rock and a hard place is not a crushing experience; it is a place where one finds a strong, yet tender embrace that will never let go. It does not immobilize, but moves one forward to a greater depth of character and a launch into better works for the glory of God and the good of His Kingdom.
Moment noted: All glory, praise and thanks to God for allowing us to live through this circumstance!
A grateful witness to His many blessings,
Karen
Godstruck Ministries 4 Kids
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Verse

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Karen Langdon

January Scripture Verse – John 15:7-9

7“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
January Scripture Song – Way to Praise! CD #2 (Track 31)

Praise the LORD (Psalm 150:1-6)
January Discounts

Our Online Everyday Discounts

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