My prayer is that you receive more joy, a stronger connection with family and friends, but most importantly a more spiritually connection to GOD Our FATHER that will give you more success that will help you along your spiritual journey.
First, I’d like to apologize to you for any trauma, bad situations, tragedies or unforeseen circumstances that left a profound sad impact that you apparently endured. I am extremely sorry you had to muddle through those rough times alone. I am also very sorry WE all had to go through COVID-19 and are still having to deal with it up until today. I don’t have the ability to remove those moments, but I’d like to help you through those hurts and difficulties with Joy. Yes one can experience Joy even in pain (those sad or bad) moments won’t last forever and I suggest you truly cherish the good ones. This is my attempt to show you through clear lenses by encouraging words to you so you will know that there are still beautiful days ahead.
There are a few things I insist that you take ownership of – just CLAIM THEM!!!
These things are The Blessings that GOD Our FATHER, has for you. HEALING – 1 Peter 2:24 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed; STRENGTH – Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she rejoice in time to come; HOPE – Romans 8:24 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? Peace – Ephesians 2:14-16, Kindness – Ephesians 4:32, Grace – James 4:6, Comfort – Psalm 23:4, Happiness – Philippians 4:41, Joy – Hebrews 12:2, Courage – Deuteronomy 31:6, but most of all LOVE – Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:1.
Take hold of these beautiful gifts, they are so yours to own. GOD gave them to you and they are all yours in CHRIST JESUS. Please know you are a Blessing to all who know you and You deserve happiness, You are strong (there’s no one like you) – and GOD loves you unconditionally – remember that!!! You have hope and it says so in 1 Corinthians 15:19 and in having hope GOD constantly showers us with grace, kindness – again most importantly LOVE!!! So if GOD has bestowed all of that on you and then as I said earlier claim it for Yourself.
I can honestly say my life is a very simple. It’s not fancy nor is my life riddled with pretty frills. (Now there is nothing wrong with fancy if its what you like). I share stories and positive thoughts to inspire and empower you (My Loves – US all to live a joyful life regardless of some of our circumstances. Simply because Life is Good in GOD’s care. So let’s go!!! There was a young woman that since her childhood had been taught to behold herself to GOD, physically mentally but most of all Spiritually. After graduating from college she participated in ungodly behavior and she became pregnant. She had hurt, disappointed, and embarrassed her parents, even some young ladies who knew her and how much she Loved the LORD. All those mental thoughts were in her heard (she often beat herself up because of her feeling sad because of that choice. Her Faith was Shaken, Yet they (her parents) never treated her as though she was a horrible bad person, but rather they continued to support, cherish and love her throughout her pregnancy. Once the baby was born, she was a welcomed joy not only to the young woman, the babies father, but great happiness the new grandparents. Not soon after she and the father of her baby girl were married and later had two other beautiful daughters. Now that sounds like happiness rite, but we are not talking about happiness. We are talking about JOY!!! We have to remember that happiness is circumstances and often temporary, but JOY is eternal. This Joy is eternal and comes with JESUS CHRIST and HIS Blessings – no matter what the circumstances. Oh yes what brought such Joy to this young mother is that she knows that JESUS died for her sins, was buried and rose three days later: according to the scriptures. Not only does that bring Joy knowing that, but also that her child (children) also have obeyed the gospel – Oh what Joy!!! JOY is so in CHRIST JESUS and You too can have Joy in HIM. Studying HIS Word can guide you to that Joy and if I can ever be of help do not hesitate to personally reach out. I so am here to Encourage, Inspire, and Uplift you My Loves because I know ITS ALL ABOUT JOY!!! Love, ChristianGirlsChat
“Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in Love” Ephesians 4:2.
H – Healthy
U – Understanding
M – Mellow
B – Beloved
L – Love
E – Encouraging
HUMILITY GIVES PRAYER VISION
Today after years of hard work ensuring all dreams – many self-motivated high achievers reach success that’s so richly deserved. But I’m sure you can guess it many have forgotten about GOD – the one who allowed the success. Whatever happened to being humble? Some believe they are special, and it is all about them. They buy expensive “toys” to show how successful they’ve become; they push aside colleagues who’ve helped them achieve success. Never even acknowledging those who have encouraged and sacrificed that they can pursue their dreams. They abandon the values and principles that have made them successful. And worse yet, because they’re successful in one area of their life, they come to think they’re experts in everything. Why? EGO!!! One’s ego can cut short the payoff that these folks worked so hard to attain.
The truth is not everyone treats success the same. There are people who achieve success yet remain humble, never forgetting who they are and from whence they came. They value all around them and treat such so.
The definition of Humility is simply showing respect and courtesy to others while also giving yourself that same courtesy and respect in return. Simply stated showing self confidence but never at the expense of others; as well as giving others what they would essentially like to give themselves.
My humble opinion
Most of us come from humble beginnings. We make something of ourselves through pursuit of knowledge, integrity, hard work and a bit of good fortune. Yes, people have every right to be proud of the success they have earned. But that doesn’t give them the right to be rude or disrespectful to others.
Some people get a big thrill from boasting about their accomplishments or showing off their possessions. They’ve convinced themselves that they’re better than others are and making sure people know it.
True humility is most beautiful!!! Christian women should grasp the significance of this character trait and in practicing these attributes we see heavenly beauty and feminine nobility grace our churches, homes, and communities like never before. While humility is often misunderstood and devalued by “Our” culture, lets think about the importance of cultivating and keeping a humble heart.
The world does not smile happily on humility. As Christians we can and should focus on adopting a posture of humility much like Jesus in
John 12:23-37. 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Jesus did not need man to say how he would be lifted, but GOD would lift him up and all men would draw unto Him. Let’s allow GOD to use us and draw the attention on Him through humility.
James 4:10 – Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and he will lift you up.
Practicing humility there will be no need to lift oneself up. Becoming followers of Christ the example we see the indelible mark of the cross is we surrender and at the heart of surrender is the beautiful quality of humility. Jesus embodied humility flawlessly even up until his dying on the cross asking His Father to forgive them for they did not understand what they were doing.
Matthew 26:39And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
There will be times in life as I stated earlier when one might think they h ave it all together and may be they do, but, remember GOD wants our best and we must yield to HIM. Think of this illustration in song and take a listen: https://youtu.be/_F5Ukj2bFhg
Instead of making yourself likeable to those around you, focus on adopting a posture of humility before GOD. You will find that HE will lift you up and use you mightily to accomplish HIS will in this world. Refrain from getting in the way of the message HE wants to communicate in and through your life or complicating it by drawing attention to yourself
A wonderful woman by the name of CORRIE TEN BOOM – Humbly shared the statements “ there’s no pit so deep that God’s love cannot reach and never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known GOD” Is that not the most powerful.
One important ingredient to humility is realizing that it is not based on our success but on our faithfulness to the cause God has put before us. HE measures success differently than the world. After a bit of reading and studying I’ve realized the way to cultivate humility is to not grow dissatisfied and discontent with what HE has given but to faithfully steward what God has put before you and making it a conscious decision walk in obedience and faithfulness I’ve found HE will open doors and enlarge your borders in His time and have HIS way.
Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
There is no better way for the beauty of Heaven to shine gloriously through our lives than when we get out of the way and allow Jesus to increase in our hearts for blessings to continue to flow. I’d like to share a story about a sweet man that through his actions I often thought he was a bit strange. My Dad was one of the most humble people I have ever known. He drove the van and would transport the riders from their home, to the church building and back home after worship. Me being a little girl, I didn’t want to be riding all over taking people here and there. Each Sunday (twice) and Wednesday nights. It was a regular routine. However I became immune to the process and would just go with the flow. It make me realize just how humble and sweet he was. There were so many women and children riding the van and a few were ill-equipped to exit the van without assistance, and some were fine, but he would say to them very sweet, soft spoken and endearing to please wait for him so he could help them (remember my dad wasn’t a young man when I was a child) yet he being very on helping them exit the van and would always make the riders feel like they were important and cherished. That was his nature and I believe he so had the spirit for me to follow and practice. I want to be that strong – yet humble. Yes the word is HUMBLE.
Humility does not have its eyes on self, but rather GOD and others. GOD puts a great price on humility of the heart. That brings the praying soul nearer to God, which also gives wings to prayer and a peaceful mind. I believe it is better to be clothed in humility than with an expensive garment.
Being more influential would be one who builds up others and responds to others needs accordingly.
A humble person of influence always responds with gratitude. They often make sure when others are a part of projects, they often give the credit to others. A humble person has no problem saying they are wrong. They don’t have to be in the spotlight. Are you one who influences on Instagram, YouTube, etc.
What it means to be humble
Its about showing respect and courtesy to others while also giving yourself that same courtesy and respect in return. Its all about being gracious in victory as well as in defeat. Its about being assertive but not aggressive, about showing self-confidence but never at the expense of others; and its also about giving to others what they would essentially like to give themselves.
Valuing humility goes well beyond that fact that you have a greater influence over people. It also requires a great development of self-control and patience. Your humility encourages you to stay open to others ideas and responses. Humility eases the pressure on your shoulders because you don’t need to put on an act to try to live up to lofty standards and expectations and as a result, you will experience less stress and anxiety. In fact, humility makes you feel better about your failures and mistakes because your always open to learning from every experience.
Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom and with all thy getting get an understanding.
It is most important to always develop the ability to influence others. Our human nature is not to be humble, defend or standup for others, but do that for ourselves, but the Act of Humility embodies multiple ingredients of God’s nature mingled together that will create these attributes in oneself which makes a authentic humble heart.
A humble person will often respond with respect and humility by saying:
I’d be honored
Its my pleasure
I appreciate that
You are most welcome
A humble person always:
Strive to be fair and supports equality in all social situations
Only praises people for their talents, skills, ideas, and accomplishments. They often be the first to praise another person in front of others.
Is always very thankful for suggestions, ideas, support help even for the smallest of things that others rarely notice
Consistently contributes to helping make other people lives better – help them accomplish their goals, lifting their spirits when they are feeling down, help people over come obstacles, even in the place of doing it anonymously so they don’t get the credit
Keep doing it will win favor in others eyes and when thinking of how to keep humility as a reminder- think of it like this: Humility Gives Prayer Vision – it really does.
Humility is so much more than holding a door open, letting someone in front of me in the line or helping an old lady across the street. It starts in the mind and will manifest itself in our actions. It is about living a life that is completely dependent on god for all. It is relying on GOD in every aspect of everyday and acknowledging that apart from HIM – HE’s our only sustainer that makes all things possible. It is not us but HIM.
Don’t forget to –
PRAY
A great way to grow humility is to thank GOD for everything that is good in your life. I encourage you to throw some worship music on and think about the blessings from HIM in your life and pray this when you are done.
God show me the pride in my heart and rid me of it. I want to walk humbly with you like David did. Grow a humility in my heart that relies on you for everything. I don’t want to go throughout my days relying on my own knowledge and strength. I want to be filled with your Holy Spirit. Thank you for making this possible Jesus -amen
Remember Christiangirlschat is here to Encourage, Inspire and Uplift. Love you all
On Thursday February 11, 2021 National Meteorologist predicted that come Monday, February 15, 2021 a Winter Artic Blast would be hitting Texas the Big State!!! Did you hear me say Big 😂. The understatement was that there would be snow, sleet, freezing and immense cold weather throughout the entire state. Even with the simple explanation, no one anticipated the ultimate outcome. No Texas resident would be immune to the dilemma and we were to prepare to be hit hard.
I want to be the first to send you Love as you read The Love – Love – Love Blog. It’s Valentine’s Day!!! I got to thinking last week about how Valentine’s Day began and decided to do just a bit of research for by about Valentine’s Day so I could share with You My Loves. Well I found out somethings I didn’t know.
Sanctified: Set apart to a sacred purpose, free from sin or to purify.
Chosen: Being selected as the BEST OR MOST Appropriate – being the object of divine favor specifically picked for a special purpose.
I want to start out and show you some very special people that I actually chose to be in my life. I am talking about You! You chose me and I chose you. J Of course GOD saw fit to place us at the exact same place and time for as you are reading my simple words that I share with you. However, I really have a grand list of people that “GOD Chose.” Let’s run through them.
Adam – 1st Man of Many (1 Timothy 2:13) 13 For Adam was first formed,
Abraham – Father of All Nations (Genesis 12:1-3) 1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Rahab – A Harot – (Joshua 2) 1And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:5 And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wont not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.7 And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;9 And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:13 And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.14 And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the Lord hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.16 And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.17 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee.19 And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.21 And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.22 And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not.23 So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them:24 And they said unto Joshua, Truly the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.
Mary – the Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38) 26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Peter – Preached the 1st Gospel Sermon (Acts 2:14-41) 4 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:21 And it shall cometo pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to siton his throne;31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Now let us go to the Three Chosen of our focus: These are not listed as importance, but explanation and understanding.
David – A Man after GOD’s Own Heart (Acts 13:22) 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart.
Here we have Samuel sharing with us that Saul had now lost favor with God and had gone his own way with disobedience and Samuel informs him of God’s displeasure of him due to his wayward behavior of disobedience. Samuel ultimately went through all of Jesse’s sons and the lot landed on David. A New King was chosen and of course Saul was upset and felt humiliated because remember David was a mere sheep herder and not only that Saul knew David because he was friends with Jonathan Saul’s son and David also played the harp for Saul. Can you imagine the anger that is stirred in Saul’s’ heart? It is believed during Saul’s and David’s overlapping kingship David hid in caves for approximately 7-10 years. While he ran and hid from Saul he had an opportunity to do harm to Saul, but causes no harm to Saul but says with regret for just tearing Saul’s garment “the lord that I should do this thing to my master.” Knowing he is the Chosen David remained humble.
We all know David was not a prefect man. Once Saul was dead and David took his rightful place – David began to do things that were displeasing to God. His men were in battle and instead of going with them he stayed back and that got him into trouble. David sinned!!! David knew and acknowledged he was not a perfect man. With all of David’s sins and shortcomings he still found favor with God because of his repentant heart and his willingness to please God.
Now the next CHOSEN ONE is that of JESUS the CHRIST. David was chosen and Jesus- a descendant of David was on his way –
Mary and Joseph were the vessels used to ensure that Jesus would grow to show his deity from birth. Jesus like Moses was hunted, and many baby boys lost their lives because of the evil heart of man. Jesus was chosen from the beginning of time to come and saveus from our sins!!! Ephesians 1:4-5 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Jesus is The Chosen Ultimate Sacrificial Lamb (Isaiah 53:7) 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.
JESUS WAS CHOSEN FOR YOU My number 3 of the focus:
YOU were CHOSEN (1 Peter 2:9) 9 But ye are a chosen generation, royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. I’ve made this scripture very personal so here is my girl spin on it. “You are a Chosen Daughter of a long line of Royalty. Girl do you know you are Holy and not like others because your Father told you so. Sing to GOD to your heart’s desire because you are standing in His Bold Light.
Now that you know “You are Chosen” what are you going to do with that Marvelous Power.
Think about it like this:
Do any of you remember kickball?
Usually, there was a teacher that picked the teams or occasionally two students were chose as the captains. Then the Best kicker for kickball Began!!!
If you were a great kicker you were probably the captain or one of the best kickers and you were chosen first and it didn’t hurt the ego. Well you are the Best “kicker” for Jesus. God says you are the BEST’ and “You are a chosen SANCTIFIED daughter of The MOST HIGH. Jesus came to this earth, died by sacrificing his life because You were Chosen. The Chosen One Chose You and wants You to invite someone else to be Chosen. HERE ARE ENCOURAGING WAYS TO DO JUST THAT:
(GALATIANS 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Show Our Families/Neighbors How We Ought To Behave – Even Towards Others That Don’t Practice Such Behavior. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
During these trying times it is important as Christians to draw from GOD’s WORD in order to make an impact on our neighbors so they will see HIM through our actions. It is also important that we make a difference in areas whether it be by phone, Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter on Capitol Hill, in person or anywhere GOD places us so that HE can be glorified. Which leads me to the question at hand.
Is your memory accurate? I think I can answer that question without hesitation, and the answer would be probably – not always. Memories sometimes are like opinions; the person remembering the event may not see it exactly the same.
We are such creatures of habit and typically practice the exact behavior without being aware that we are. I actually like that about myself. I’m a ‘Type A’ person that normally keeps the same routine over and over without deviation. That can be a joy as well as a curse depending on how you see it. LOL
I first want to acknowledge that being Thankful and Grateful is a state of mind – Oh how thankful-grateful am I.
When I was a little girl I can remember always wanting to get more candy, more dolls, more cookies, etc. Not realizing I had all the candy, dollies and cookies I needed. LOL. I remember watching Marvin Zindler with his white hair, wearing his white suit, twirling his baton, strutting in the downtown Thanksgiving parade. (If you don’t know about Marvin Zindler…Google him and you will find a lot out about him). Well, Mr. Zindler was a hoot. He was well known for his segment on Channel 13 where he showcased people who were living in horrible conditions and/or being taken advantage of by others. He had two sayings that all of Houston could quote: 1) “Marvin Zindler EYEwitness News” and 2) “Its bad being poor.” (He had a colorful vocabulary, so I replaced the actual word he used with “bad” instead. LOL
1 Corinthians 1:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Like Paul we servants and belong to Christ. That “mark” that Jesus “Our Master” has placed on us makes us “HIS” slave and therefore we do exactly what HE says for us to do.
Jesus says in
Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
Once there was a beautiful two story house on Hussion Street and in that house lived a mom and her three children. Well it was pretty early in the morning before the mom woke the children for school so the mom made her a cup of coffee then went and sat in her back porch to drink her coffee before she awakened the children for school. She had two boys and one girl.
On this particular morning the daughter and the youngest son awakened and realized mom was not in the house. So, they followed the scent of coffee to the porch. Upon meeting mom they all turned and realized the door was covered with smoke. Well a neighbor who just so happened to be driving on his way to work saw the flames quickly called 911 and rushed to the house. He grabbed the fire hose to extinguish as much as he could. Within minutes, the firemen were dispatched to the house and arrived fairly quickly.
As they began to frantically put out the fire, the mom realizing the child was still in the house, began rushing to get into the house. She screamed, “my son is upstairs still – he was left upstairs sleeping!” As she was trying to get them to let her go in, a vision came to the upstairs window; it was her son still a bit sleepy and groggy. As one firefighter was retracting the ladder, other firefighters were blocking spectators. One of them noticed that he recognized the family as well as the boy from the window. He immediately began talking to him and said to the boy, “it’s me Jason- Mr. Alson”. Now what many people below didn’t know was that the firefighter was also the boy’s Sunday school teacher. The lesson the teacher had been teaching the class about was FAITH- Forsaking All I Trust Him. The teacher/firefighter shouted out the word “FAITH” and immediately the boy became teary. He then told him “I want you to jump to me”. Fear was in the face of the young boy as well as the bystanders. The firefighter shouted again “FAITH” as he was waiting and hanging on the ladder outside the window. Just a few feet away, the boy took a huge leap and landed into the arms of his teacher and firefighter.
The firefighter/teacher used his lesson from his class in an immediate way and he was not implying that he was a god or GOD. His intent was simply to get the young man to focus on the lesson and use it for the moment. However the example applies very much to US.
Are you trusting GOD today?! Yes, it’s one day at time.
This pandemic has hit “Our World, Our Country, Our State, Our City, Our Town, Our Subdivision, Our Street, Our House, with a Big Mohammed Ali fist and we have been so affected – but my loves…don’t lose FAITH! GOD got us!!!
Just think of yourself as the little boy in the story. Think of how JESUS wants us to trust Him with humility and love like the children He speaks of:
Matthew 19:14: But JESUS said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
The humility and innocence of a child is the most beautiful thing. Children don’t question or waiver when it comes to having faith in people.
In the story that fellow trusted his fireman teacher and just jumped into his arms without a question. That little boy had faith in his teacher/fireman and knew that he would catch him.
That is how we are to be with GOD.
That’s the faith we need to have during these difficult and challenging times of COVID-19 and all of the other things that are wailing around. Yes, as Christians our faith has been tried and tested. But don’t allow satan to disrupt your focus. God wants you to know that HE is never leaving, dropping, or forsaking you. Listen to this and allow Him to speak to you through this song.
GOD is a better catcher than the teacher/firefighter. HE never wants us to worry about figuring it out alone. But to depend on HIM to help us through. So, I want you to think on that as you travel through the week and remember the five letters of FAITH and the key words that are attached.
Margie D. Creswell 