What a great morning this one has been. I have had some really great quiet time with my Papa and a great workout - After not working out for a couple of weeks it is time to get back into it - epically if Mark is going to be home in 3 months!!
I was on vacation a couple of weeks ago and then last week it seemed as if I needed a vacation from vacation - with clients every morning and VBS every evening it was a crazy week - and very unorganized for me. I suppose that is why this morning has been so great finally getting back to a routine!
I have been doing a couple studies with a couple of girls and then just a devotional type on my own. One that I am doing is LOVE by Calvin Miller - my friend and I did a study over Galatians and have decided to walk through each Fruit of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:22 & 23 today's lesson was over My Service to Others - it is about going and telling as it stats in Isaiah 52:7 - How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news ... the feet are going and the good news is telling. One of the questions was: Who led me to Christ? Did I ever thank them? I can't tell you I remember who led me to Christ - I remember I was 4 years old when the Associate Pastor from the church came and talked to my brother and I about what it was to invite Jesus into our hearts - I new I wanted Jesus in my heart but if I be totally honest I also wanted the cute little white Bible and if my brother got to go in the big tank I wanted to also! A lot happened in my life after that ... I can't say that I walked with Christ or if people looked at me they would not have been able to see Him reflected in me very well - I didn't understand what it was to "walk" with Christ - all I knew was I was here, He was up their and I needed to follow the 10 commandments and I should be good. MANY MANY MANY MANY years later after a failed marriage and into a second marriage I started going back to church - really going - not just the Holiday thing or two times every 3 months, but really going. I remember one morning in Sunday School Class doing a study Experiencing God (way over my head at the time) Debbie Wilson a lady I will never forget said these exact words in describing her relationship with Christ, "intimate relationship" I about feel over in my chair I did not believe you could say that about Jesus, but now my curiosity was peeked - that is what started my journey - she and I spoke a couple of times - sad thing was she was very ill and before I truly got to understand what she meant she passed away from Leukemia - but she made a lasting impact on my life. From that day forward I have hungered and searched and found what it is to have an intimate relationship with Christ - it is so not about the religion - its about the relationship - I can honestly say that Jesus is my best friend - He is always and has always been their for me - even when I turned my back from him and did what I wanted to do - He has pulled me out of such darkness that I truly should not be here today - He is my Hope and I put my Trust in Him. In this life of mine He is the one that I can always turn to, He is always their for me - He loves me. Did I get got Thank Debbie - No I did not, but I know she knows and I know that one day I will Thank her personally with Jesus standing right by my side!
A very sweet lady in my Bible Study last year gave me a very special verse that holds me, epically while Mark is away and how fitting with him being in the Navy that it talks about and anchor ... Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain . Jesus is my Anchor of Hope he is the one who holds me and keeps me balanced. When the waters get rough He hold me tight as he tells me get out of the boat Joanna - keep your eyes focused on me - life might be a little crazy right now, but my peace be with you. I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone - get out of the boat - and the hard part - stay out of the boat - when things get uncomfortable keep pushing forward - keep your eyes focused on Jesus. God has a place for you - think about your strengths and abilities and use them to serve Him - It's up to you to find that place. I know what mine are - God has shaped me through my experiences in life, he allowed them so He could mold me - the most Painful experience in my life is where the most learning has come from - In reading Purpose Driven Life - Day 31 it says this, "God intentionally allows you to go through painful experiences to equip you for ministry to to others ... in 2 Cor 1:4 it says "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us" As the days go on I will share with you the pains, hurts, torments of my life that have brought me to a better place, made me in the a better person - God has brought so many people into my life that I have been able to help, understand, walk beside - because of the experiences I have had in my life - for that I am Truly Thankful!
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