You know, what really amazes me? How the ‘first’ Christians witnessed. Why was it different for them?
I claim to have the same faith…but why in the world can I not witness like them? I have the same Spirit as the early believers. The same Christ died for my sins…I am so frustrated sometimes that I am not able to speak up when I come in contact with unbelievers. The early Christian church didn’t even have in ‘print’ the Word of God, but they stood up (even until death) for what they believed in. Of course Peter, Paul and John (and others) were the prime examples how to witness. Even if they where stoned, imprisoned and endured other hardships, they dusted themselves off and went back to witness.
I think my major problem is that I don’t stay in His Word as much as I should. Sure I read my devotions every morning, I remember Scripture when I am in distress…But really staying in the Word of God means digging deep into it…drinking in His promises…
Lord, purge my heart where I do wrong so I can be a clean vessel. Prepare my heart to be Your hands and feet. Let you Spirit lead me to be a witness to You faithfulness, Your mercy and Your grace. Lord, I want to live beyond myself, through Your Spirit. In Jesus precious name I pray. Amen.
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| Addie | Heather* | Carol |
| M | Rach | Jeana |
| Jenn | Amanda | MamaB |
| GiBee | Boomama | Maria |
| Blair | Heather | Nancy |
| Janna | Flipflop | Robin |
| Sherry | Patricia | Tara |
| Lauren | HolyMama! | Faith |
| Christy | Eph2810 | Karin |
| Leann | Rachel | Janice |
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This is a list of the women participating in the study and the links to their blogs. New postings on the study will be published for the next ten weeks, between Friday 8pm – Saturday 8am. Please feel free to visit each of us and comment. Everyone is welcome to participate in this discussion as we seek to live beyond ourselves. May God bless you richly from the hearing of His Word. |
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I think that you are so right. As Christian in the 21st centuary, we have to look past the worldly views of life and beauty and dig deeper into what God says and not be afraid to share what we know. Somethimes, drinking his word can be hard if we have holes in the cup. Just remember, to drink his promise with a hole cup, there has to be nothing in range to distract you from the Promise of God. ..God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.. Romans 8:28
Oh, you’re so right. Stayig in His word, spending quiet time with Him each morning in prayer, drinking in His promises and these things fill us with Him and push the fleshy us out. I would love to live more boldly, more powerfully as the first Christians did. Great thoughts!
I think you do witness. I mean, look at the stuff you write here. I believe at we are all called to different kinds of ministry. I once confessed to my priest that I don’t pray as much as I should. He told me that when I go about my vocation, caring for my family and my children, I am praying. I’m not called to live the life of a priest or a nun who are granted the graces of being able to pray for hours at a time. You may not be called to be a missionary or preacher. You may be called to witness to your faith in your blog and who knows who you may have touched?
Amen and amen! We may not have the persecutions the early church faced, but we do have a gazillion other worldly entrapments that make us just as ineffective as the threat of persescution could. I often wonder if I would be as bold as the early church, too, especially since they did not have the written Word to inspire them. Praise God that we do! Love ~ Patricia
I agree about the “digging” in the Word. I go through the routine of being in the Word, but I am not really digging and challenging my faith.
But from the looks of it here – you are witnessing. God has given you a unique ministry and a unique pulpit.
God Bless!
Your heart and love for our Lord speak eloquently to me, dear friend. I’ve also wondered why I didn’t seem to have the bold faith of saints before me, given their hardships and persecution, but I do believe the Lord’s grace enables to do what He calls us to do, at the exact moment He calls us to do it. Sometimes we just aren’t aware of our personal impact on others. And maybe that’s the way it oughta be, so we’re trusting in His Spirit to flow through us, and not our own flesh.
Iris, I loved your expression “drinking in the promises.” Just a beautiful word picture to me.
I would also love to join a Beth Moore study sometime. At different times I’ve looked into the website, but didn’t follow through. Want to do that soon.
Love & hugs to you~
Vicki
I also feel convicted when reading of what the early church went through, just to spread the gospel! And I get nervous when I’m given an opportunity.
Great Thoughts!
My brother says that we have to constantly stay in the word. That to just read it is not enough. Like you said you have to dig deep into the meaning and to drink in his promises. I have been doing that more and more.
this is so true…we take for granted the fact that we will be able to read the bible anytime – so we put it off until tonight…which becomes tomorrow….soon becoming a week, a month. thanks for the reminder!
I think you’re underestimating yourself, Iris. You’re bold to have this blog where you share your faith with the world. And all that you do behind the scenes with your prayers and encouraging emails are so refreshing for us.
But I’m also looking forward to being pulled along by this study to dig deeper into the Word. I need these fill-in-the-blanks to make sure I stay on track!
Amen Iris ((HUGS)) I think for me it’s far easier to “witness” via typed words but to stand and boldly tell someone to their face about the gospel is another matter all together. Our pastor did a message on “Lessons from Hell” this weekend and his main point was “how would we act differently if we truly believed in the reality of Hell?” Man, talk about convicting!
Thank you for your sweet words this week – many, many hugs to you girl!
If it’s the desire of your heart to witness like the members of the early church, He will give that to you.
You have such a gift of encouraging those around you, Iris! I don’t have the gift, but want to encourage you in return to be bold in Him. Cling to Philippians 4:13.
Stick with us! It’s going to be a great study, isn’t it?
I don’t see anything wrong in you. Your being not able to speak up when you encounter unbelievers is just normal. It is because you were just shocked what unbelievers can say against your belief. I’m sure if given time, you will be able to speak up. I don’t believe too that you don’t stay in His words as much as you should. You do. Only Him can say that you do so don’t worry. Unbelievers can be nasty people.
Hi!
I just wanted to send a ((HUG)) your way and thank you again for this wonderful opportunity! I am having a great time studying!
-Jenn
You are very welcome Jenn 🙂 – I am glad that you enjoy it :). Looking forward reading your post this up-coming weekend…