Good Morning!
This week let's share how you have had the opportunity to apply the virtues of forgiveness, kindness or humility. Has someone else shown you forgiveness? Have you been gifted by another with kindness? Has God humbled you this past week? Ouch!
I confess that I am not close to being perfect in any of these areas, BUT, because we are studying Col. 3 this summer, I have been much more aware of my heart and my motives. I am looking for opportunities to offer forgiveness (not always easy); seeking ways to show kindness and asking God to help me to be humble. I really don't want to wait for the Lord to HAVE to humble me out of my disobedience! It is easier to jump off my self-righteous throne than to be knocked off in a battle with the Lord.
I was shown kindness just this morning by a dear friend.
My older brother, Keith, had a heart attack this morning and was air-lifted to a larger hospital. At this time I have no other news. My friend, sent an email to encourage me once she heard. That could have sufficed. Yet, this person got in her car and came to me. That act of kindness to give a hug, to offer her love and support was given out of a heart like Christ. I will always remember the extra mile this person offered me.
Please be in prayer for my family.
Wednesday - We will not be having our class. After the Elder vote, we will be having an ice cream social. Please bring dessert to share and look for ways to bless or serve someone!
Gail
Love you, Mom.
ReplyDeleteGod answered my prayer (& any of you all who prayed for me) with Psalm 143. It's not a psalm I would think of to read, but the power of God's word spoke to me. As difficult as work has been, God wants me to continue to focus on Him and "practice" His virtues. I cannot control other people. I am only responsible for myself and my choice to obey my Lord or not. If he is truly my Lord, I have no choice but to obey Him. How can I call him "Lord" if I am not willing to obey and follow Him. Work is still stressful and hard, but I have changed my heart and my mind. It's a choice every moment that I have to make. I pray I can persevere and continue to make the right, godly choices. Not "me", but the Holy Spirit in me continuing to "meddle" so I can continue the "journey" of conforming to the image of Christ. I feel so inadequate to the task. Following is Psalm 143 for your reading pleasure.......
ReplyDeletePsalm 143
1 LORD, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.
3 The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
like those long dead.
4 So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.
5 I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
6 I spread out my hands to you;
I thirst for you like a parched land.
7 Answer me quickly, LORD;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD,
for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
11 For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life;
in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
Sorry to hear about your brother - hope everything will be ok - it's hard when one of your siblings is sick - God will be with you and we will be praying for your brother and you
ReplyDeletecathy
Ladies, thank you to everyone who practiced being kind and serving at the ice cream social last night. Karen and the kitchen crew appreciated your help. I appreciate your spirit of service and the excitement of getting to know one another through service. Thank you to those of you who were able to gather for prayer for Gail's brother, Keith. Gail reported this morning that Keith had a very good night and his numbers are improving. The plan is to release him from the hospital in the next day or so. Please continue to pray for him and his recovery. See you Sunday, Marilyn
ReplyDeleteThanks Marilyn and all who were able to join with us in prayer for Keith. God continues to work miracles in his life and recovery. And, it is being used for His glory. He will possibly go home later today, so continue to pray for him and his family. Pray for those who do not know the Lord to see Jesus in this circumstance and long to know the person who has changed a life in such a dramatic and wonderful way!
ReplyDelete