Tuesday, August 30, 2011
I Cor 11:19 "May the Genuine Be Recognized" (August 31)
I Cor 11:19 - There is a little phrase in today's reading that lingers large in my mind: "that those who are genuine among you may be recognized." We've been part of factions in a church, even caused some of them, I'm sure. But I want no part in doing anything to bring judgment on the church. I want to look at what's wrong in my own heart first, always. I can't make divisions go away but I can make my heart right with my Beautiful God. And I am. And I will be. And may the God of all Hope make us all genuine in our endeavors. May you be found faithful! I recognize what is so genuine in you!
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I have been singing God's praises all morning for an answer to prayer that has been almost twenty years in the making. I am so excited. I am smiling with tears as I write, but I know today's readings are no accident. Lord, may I not do anything that would bring judgment on the church--even in this prayer request--such a fragile subject I am pondering--Prove us genuine, Lord! Prove us faithful! May our lights shine for You alone!
ReplyDeleteI am apprehensive about a Bible study we are starting tonight. This is the first Bible study Mike and I have EVER done together, and it's at the Baptist church. I'm afraid someone is going to be a judgmental loveless idiot and offend my husband. He already has the Baptist stereotype down, and so it won't take much. Churches can be so wonderful as a community of one-minded people, or they can put off. Please pray with me that God would unify and rule in that room this evening, that tattered men would fade and God's glory would brighten so that all we see is Jesus Himself.
And please share in my joy this day! He is so worthy of our praise and consistent dependence on Him alone.
Annette, you write so well and express your heart so eloquently that I am blessed over and over as I read your posts. I will pray for Mike and the group. I am praying for Greg and his new wife and for your son in laws spiritual growth. I'm with you, may we always be genuine and not be a stumbling block to anyone anywhere at anytime. May we always reflect Him and when we don't may He show us and may we repent and do better the next time. May your fears be calmed, may God overrule anything negative at anything that could crop up. May His sweet Spirit be over all and in all.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary Lou. I'm getting ready to leave, and I'm nervous. It's a good nervous, though! I so appreciate you.
ReplyDeletePraising with you, Annette! And may the LORD Jesus Christ anoint you both to serve with courage, dignity and wisdom...defeating every force that rises up against HIS work and HIS ministry.
ReplyDeleteMay faith...genuine faith...be found in each of our hearts.
"...that tattered men would fade and God's Glory would brighten..." Ohh! That so gripped me. Make your goal what it has always been, "all in" for His Glory. How sweet that you and Mike are doing this together this night. God is stirring and that's pretty exciting. Praying for mighty men to walk alongside. Good friendships that remain. We walked into this Sunday School at a Baptist church about a year ago and we decided to join the S.S. class and I thought it would be because of my friendships deepening there but it was a total shock that Bob found 3 friends who have been closer than brothers in just one year---lifelong friend. And three! That is simply amazing to me! And it's for real! And that doesn't happen often or lightly. Praying for you Annette and this beautiful night that honors Him so! You do! Call me if you can over the 3-day-weekend. It's 10pm and I just got home from work. Teaching is time consuming and writing curriculum drains the minutes. Would love to talk with y'all!!!!
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