I'm putting them on like God's full armor.
Lending ear to the devil is a dangerous thing I often find myself doing.
How he tormented me, "You have nothing to tell about walking, spreading the word of God. You're a good-for-nothing person not attending church or serving the way the other sisters do."
Well, he's kind of right, you know. I don't preach, and the last ten years or so I actually haven't done much to help or serve actively in the church either.
When I go to church, I do so to get food for my hungry soul, rest for my tormented mind and get filled with joy through the Scripture, the hymns, the communion, even the beauty of the building.
(I need to add I did my share as Serina grew up, following to Sunday School, scout camps, even baking or making buns of puffed rice and chocolate for family gatherings at the YWCA/YMCA, attending gospel concerts where Serina and her lot were performing, Gunnar driving to and from each Friday evening when other adult pairs were busy having fun themselves, gathering money to support the trips to Paris, Estonia or wherever the choirs and scouts were headed.)
I think I'm making excuses for not being a church-working-going type. I am who I am, trying not to pretend being better or more engaged.
I've had to find my own way of being a Christian, serving God as honest as I can.
My Mom always instructed me to work for the face of God and not be an Eye servant.
I've tried to do that, with many flaws and failures.
If something, this has become my way of being a Christian.
I cannot be a straightforward A4 person. I wasn't cut out to be this way. I am not even honoring Christ the way I'd like to.
Nevertheless I am a person friends call in times of trouble and ask for prayers. They know I'm weak, they sometimes despise me, but they know that's why I've become a praying person. I cannot do or be anything without God. Because I'm weak, I am strong.
2 Chor. 3:2 "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men."
6 comments:
Felisol, we are each gifted from God with certain talents. The gift of prayer is a mighty one and should not be taken lightly! And, oh, what a gift! As the Bible explains we are all part of 'the body' .. now wouldn't it be boring if we were all big toes? ;) Thankfully, God, in His infinite wisdom chose such an example to show us, lead us, describe our part in His wonderful plan.
hi felisol...i put my other comment on the wrong post but that's ok, eh?
i read your reply to bernie and it so much soothed me ...how right you are! the lord knows all about it and he knows that we do have failures in life but he always makes it better.
doug yade is not my brother ..he is grampa yade's son and he lives hundreds of miles away up north, so i really was shirking my duties to deliver that book but i am sure that peter kormos was given time by the lord jesus to make his decision before he passed away...we can hope..doug yade and his wife are at this moment visiting russia again...although the door has been closed again to giving out bibles, the yades went to visit and encourage the dear russian people who have gotten saved reading those bibles.
felisol, your posts show how much you really do love your sea...one of these days, who knows we will see it!
felisol..i know that some of the preachers have said that the christian is the only bible that the unsaved see and you know what,? i never saw it so clearly until i read your verse.."2 Chor. 3:2 "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men."
such a great post my dearest friend..i look forward to what you will post tomorrow...love terry
Micah 7:19
"He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea"
Dear Felisol, I am getting to know you so much deeper and in such a beautiful way through your posts. I can relate to so much of what you write.
Your mother was a very wise woman and you were blessed to learn so much at her side. One day, you shall see her again, what glorious hope!
I love you Felisol! so honest, so hard on yourself, so loving and caring of friends...truly each of us has our place in His body...and I don't think He is nearly so concerned about service as we have been led to beleive in our youth. :) I once heard a minister speak on the topic "He didn't save me to use me"...this has stuck with me over the years....He is not a user....He saved me for LOVE...He saved You for Love...He just wants to BE with us and to give and receive love...its an amazing perspective....yes, out of love comes service...but not necessarily the service that man expects...He looks not on the outward man but on the heart and your heart is turned toward HIM. He is there near to you every moment...in a church building or out. You are such a blessing to us with your gifts of prayer, your writing, your photography...enjoy your sock adventure...and share with us...this will be our gift from you....your service to God will be sharing your gifts with your sisters.
Wow....the Lord's presence was felt - in a tangible way as I was reading the above comment from Cheryl...I am in complete agreement with her and believe that the Lord wants us, above and beyond all else, to love. To love as He loved. And yes, there comes service as a result of that love, but the motivation behind what we do changes everything - and we aren't compelled to live our lives performing "works" to earn our place in heaven. God is good - a gracious and merciful God, for sure. I enjoyed this post...especially the post of you and your precious mother. She smiles on you from above - for sure - and is waiting with open arms to greet you again one day.
Cheryl and Deb, you are both so right, so comforting right.
Jesus saved us from love.
After my mother stood on the threshold of Heaven, 15 months before her death, I asked her," Mama, what is your favourite word in the Bible?" "Grace,"she said , without hesitating. "Grace upon Grace".
She has given me so much, but that was one of our finest moments and her legacy to me, to all of us.
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