Why is it that people do not want to become involved in the lives of people with too much going on? Is it because we feel inadequate to make a dent in all the trauma drama. Is it because we think that if you are really spiritual, then you won't have continual problems. Or, could it be that we want to protect God's reputation for neglecting how we look and how we feel. Someone asked me today, "When are things going to turn around for you?" And what if they don't. My friend says that life sometimes feels to him like he is rearranging the chairs on the Titanic. What if our marriage stays in the same rut, our children take a turn for the worse, our jobs disintegrate. It is just what if's. But the question really is---if there are no blossoms on my vine, will I trust Him? Absolutely yes. And I have no idea what that means---what that really looks like. So, let us all not grow weary of doing good even in the midst of our own tremendous need. Not to check off a box but to "keep in step." Bear one another's burdens. In God's due season, we will reap! Yes, we will! He holds me and you very tight in that place---we are held. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone. And, I love that God tells us to especially do good to those who are of the household of faith. Gal 6:10 This week, I seem to hear God saying that our little bitty blog right here could do good to the household of faith in another country. Just throwing it out there for the fall or for next year. I'll be back with that thought. Meanwhile, do good to someone God brings in your path this day---He is already working in their heart.
King Josiah hears the Book of the Law and rents his clothing in grief. The Lord tells him he will be spared but Judah will suffer the wrath of the Lord. So does Josiah just sit and wait, knowing his own life is spared? No, he does a serious house cleaning and destroys all the high places set against the Lord.
ReplyDeleteDo I grieve when I hear Scripture that says what I should be doing, the Great Commandment, "Go ye therefore into all the world, baptizing and making disciples?" Or do I chuckle as I did yesterday and say my ministry is my home? Forgive me, Lord as I justify and don't repent, excuse and not relent, keeping the high places that I have set up in place of You. Break my heart to forgive like you do, in love and completeness, because of Jesus.
This day is a gift. It's a new sun to expose light, a rested soul to examine the hard truths, an examined soul to clean house spiritually, an able body to share His Good News of Redemption, even for the most hard-headed and stiff-necked among us, chiefly me. Let us take this day as the gift it was meant to be and serve Him with our whole hearts.
You ask some hard questions, Bev. Many Christians today seem to feel like we're supposed to be all shiny and together--that if you're spiritual enough you'll escape the fiery darts. It has been my reality that the devil comes harder against the most devout and faithful among us. He knows their testimonies most damage him and glorify God the most.
ReplyDeleteIf we think about it, what gives more glory to God? A dear friend when asked how he was doing, would always answer with a smile, "Beyond reproach." Another lady I know answers, "God has seen me through some hard times, and because of Jesus, I'm here to tell you about it."
it's time we give the Lord credit for the big and small miracles each day. When asked how we're doing, it's no longer adequate to respond "Fine. How are you?"
Bev, I am praying for you. I just read your post from today and later posts from yesterday. I don't know why you have so many challenges. I know you are faithful, and your walk and acceptance of trials is a great inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteGod has made you a great woman of faith through all of this. Your ability to keep going,looking to Him as you face problems is amazing.
I pray for you as you find a way to be at your daughter's wedding. I know you will be blessed, I pray for his banner of love to cover you.
I am going home today. I have been at the hospital with my father and mother for 6 days. He is home now, after having a heart catherization. He had a mild heart attack. He still has a blockage. But after wrestling with God like Jacob all night, I have peace about him leaving me someday. I know he loves God and will be with Him.
I have a difficult relationship with my mother. I have to deal with a lot of issues and would be grateful for prayers.
"...for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."
ReplyDeleteThis portion of Scripture has scared me for most of my life. I wonder why I've been away from here for so long and when I return I see it again? Hmmm... God has a strange sense of humor. He makes me think long and hard on this one little message!!!
Bev... I'm so sorry! That's all I can say...
Love you!
Thanks Ang, you made me smile through your encouragement.
ReplyDeleteAnd Ang, to think that there are 31,103 verses and that's the one that pops up again. It really is the LORD loving you deep.
Cleaning house---love that about Josiah
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