My Divine Assignment: To Encourage Others

A dear friend who has gone to be with the Lord once told me I was her Barnabas which Biblically means "encourager." I never saw myself like that, but as I've grown in my walk with the Lord it seems that is my desire. I hope that what I share here will be an encouragement to you as we trust the Lord - for great is His Faithfulness.

My Divine Assignment: To Encourage Others.
In Christ's Love, Shelley



KEEP His JOY IN TRIALS, TEARS & TRIUMPHS ~~ A WOMAN'S HEART SHOULD BE SO COMPLETELY LOST IN God THAT A MAN MUST SEEK Him TO FIND HER ~~ Our desire to learn God's Word must be greater than our need to breathe ~~











Friday, September 30, 2011

GM - The Best Choice

     I would be curious to know how many men might have checked out the post today after seeing GM in the title. If my husband were to see it, he might be a bit flustered because this is a FORD family. So let's just get it out there, the GM doesn't mean General Motors in this case.      
     It means Grace and Mercy & God has been speaking to my heart about this for quite some time.  Whether it's a GM, Ford, Honda or any other make of car, you have to operate it if you need to get from point A to B.  I am finding that God is calling me to operate through Grace and Mercy much more than I ever have - in my marriage, at my work place, toward others who I may not agree with. I wonder if it's getting a bit easier to do, because of my age & the fact that it uses too much energy to be angry, bitter or annoyed.  It certainly doesn't do anything to uplift my spirit to spend much time in those not so nice places.  And it certainly doesn't allow be to uplift others when I have those kind of attitudes.  As Patsy Clairmont once shared "Are you sportin' a 'tude?"  I pray that it is easier for me to do because of my walk with the Lord these past years.
     The Bible has so much to say about Grace & Mercy it would take a week to share all the Scriptures.  Many of you already know the acronym for GRACE - God's Reward At Christ's Expense.  When dealing with others if we simply remember the Grace God has shown toward us, how can we not show His Grace to others. Easy?  Not always, but oh so important.  And where would His Grace be without His Mercy?  Justice is getting what we deserve, Mercy is not getting what we deserve, Grace is getting what we don't deserve.  If God has been so kind to extend to us His Mercy & Grace we have no choice but to do the same in love & obedience to Him.
     It doesn't matter to to God what kind of vehicle we drive - a clunker or a Cadillac.  It greatly matters to Him that in our lives we operate with Grace & Mercy.
     Two of my favorite verses - Ephesians 2:8,9  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.  I Timothy 1:13,16  (Paul is speaking) Even though I was once a blasphemer & a persecutor & a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance & unbelief...But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.
 
     As you continue in your day remember these Scriptures, let them speak to your heart, but most of all let others see them in you for then they will see Jesus.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

FRUSTRATION.......

Well, if you are on Facebook, you too were probably FRUSTRATED with the changes!!!  If you've not read my very first post, you may want to at this point to see how I feel about change.  Anyway, every time they CHANGE something it is supposed to be easier to navigate but within hours there are posts & pages dedicated to dislike or even hate for the " new upgrade."
     I probably wouldn't even be writing about this except for the conviction that came over me a few minutes ago due to my "frustration."  Seriously, am I really having a hissy fit over this? (hissy fit -A sudden outburst of temper, often used to describe female anger at something trivial. Originally regional from American South. Thought to originate from contraction of "hysterical fit" - yep that pretty well describes it.)
     As I continue to ponder this, many thoughts come to mind.  What important things in my life are more worthy of the energy I expended over the Facebook issue?  Things like abortion, sanctity of Biblical marriage & keeping families intact, the decline of the values & morals I was raised with, the sexualizing of our little girls, but most of all sharing the Gospel as the world continues to promote self-centered living, greed, lust, it's all about me attitude.  Am I as concerned over my neighbor or family members spending eternity apart from God?  I believe I am, but to what extent?  Am I willing to get my shoes dusty, my hands dirty and give of my time most of all? I would have to say, not nearly enough. 
     I will continue to be on Facebook as it is my desire to be a witness & encourager to others.  But when it comes to where my real frustrations & concerns should be there's only way place to refresh my thinking in this area & to encourage me to be about God's business moment by moment.
     Romans 1:16  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
     Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how could it become salty again? It would be good for nothing, but to be thrown outside and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world: a city that is set on a mountain cannot be hidden; neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a lampstand; and it gives light to everyone in the house. Likewise, let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
     1 Peter 3:15-16 But let your hearts be fully consecrated to the Lord God, always being prepared to give a reason for the hope that is in you to anyone who asks, with humility and respect. Thus, you will have a clear conscience; and those who speak evil of you will be ashamed by your Christ-like conduct.
     May we not be ashamed, may we let our light shine & may we always be prepared to give a reason for the Hope we have within us.  Blessings on you day.