My heart has been very heavy the past 24 hours. Prayerfully asking God what my part is when others have issues in their lives that I am not responsible for or able to ever control. I think that when we/I (women who mentor other women) meet with a number of women on a regular basis, there is this assumption that we/I am a "Godly Woman" which I embrace and value. However "Godly Woman" does not ever mean that I can take your hand and lead you out of the sin in your life. Sin is sin. we all know this and I have issues in my life that God exposes in me. I am working on those things daily. I have people in my life who hold me accountable, but it is not their job to place handcuffs on me and walk side by side keeping me out of trouble. God gives me a clear picture of what is right and wrong, and it is my decision which direction I choose and my responsibility.
My heart hurts when I see decisions being made that will have a lasting impact on lives and the life of families, spouses, friendships. Perhaps that hurting heart comes from having walked in similar shoes. I can come alongside and give solid Biblical guidance, but I can not take your hand and lead you out of that sin. That is your decision and choice. I can throw you the rope, and I will get down on my tummy and reach down to grab you, but if you don't take the rope, or reach your grip into mine I am only to pray for you, and offer the best guidance I can.
Twice this past year, I have been blamed and attacked for my lack of coming alongside and doing the right thing. What is the right thing to do when the sin is being walked in and around by another? To confront, ask questions and pray? If that person continues to walk in that sin, to gather with another sister in Christ to ask that you walk away from those temptations of sin? That would be the best intentions and Biblical what we are called to do.
Often I am not aware of all in your community, and if church has not been a regular event in your life, I am not always sure who to bring in and alongside. I do know this. I am praying women. I am praying hard for you, and the path of destruction you are on. Who are you? You are anybody. You are me. About fifteen years ago I shared a situation in my life with a very strong mentor who was regularly in my life She prayed with me and I already knew all the Christian-ease, but I did not have ears to hear it. Sometimes when in the depths of some deep sin, we don't have ears to hear, even if the words are being spoken. I may speak words of truth, but if you don't have ears to hear, I can not be held responsible for the sin and disasters in your life. If you do hear the words of truth spoken and still make choices apart from Christ there will be consequences to that sin in your life.
For those of you who mentor others, speaking and pouring the life of biblical truth, it's important to keep your heart in check. To know that God is using you in the good the bad and the ugly. I know you are not perfect, but God is perfecting you. I know that I am not perfect, and God is also perfecting his will, guidance, and grace in my life. We may not be able to reach everyone, and if after we have poured into someone, with the best of what we have, at the end of the day our best, may not have been the expectation of best put on us.
God calls us to love, and if a brother or sister falls, we are to love them like an unsaved person, which comes full circle because we are called to love the broken. The broken may not love you back, and Jesus certainly breathes His life into the unbroken and into me. May the God who teaches us to love, live in our hearts as we pour into the people we love. Love and Blessings, Elizabeth
Showing posts with label Conditions of my Heart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conditions of my Heart. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Grumbling into His Presence
Do you ever read something in a book and just sit an awe of the author? Pehaps pull out your journal and copy word for word what the author wrote? Even say something like...this is exactly what I would have said or written, or these are the very words I needed. I love reading and I love reading the words of another that inspire, touch, and move my heart.
This morning was really an easy morning except for the fact I had a stiff neck from a long night's sleep. I decided to take the boys to early service and let my husband sleep in. I had a busy day yesterday and he held down the fort, so in my amazinging wifeness I did not bother him, just let him snooze. Off we went to church.
Upon hitting the parking lot my heart sunk. We were far away from the church and they already had the bright vested man directing traffic away from the building which was already a good two blocks away. I rolled my window and asked if I could drop my family off and Emily agreed to hold down the kids while I parked the car. I grumbled. I mean seriously if I had not dropped everyone off I would have just gone back home and picked up another service later in the day. Grumble, grumble. I parked almost at the front of the complex which is furthest from the church. It took me five minutes to walk with my 20 pound Bible and stiff neck.
I did not get seated in the main gathering place because it was full and I have to admit I REBEL watching a service via "video venue". Kids in classes and there I sit in the video venue. Emily offered to go and get me a cup of coffee. I love the discernment of a child. Although it did not take much to know that mom was flustered. So I sat, sipping my coffee and praying that somehow I could hear a Word from God in my grumbling. I opened my Bible to the text being taught from and then was lost in my journaling and reading. I do not have to go to church to meet God. I do need to clear my mind, my heart, and my soul as not to hinder my connection to Him. The events leading up to sitting down really stirred some energy and I just journaled and asked God to stir that energy towards Him.
Nehemiah 1:5-6a
"O Lord, God of heaven, the great awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to bear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel..."
And it there I paused and copyed this passage into my journal. I replaced Israel with the city of Portland and felt this grumbling weight lifted. I did not have the words to express my heart but Nehemiah shared his. In going to the Word of God truth is laid out over and over for me.
It was then the message of this morning transformed my grumbling heart and I can sit and only scratch the surface of how my heart was blessed this morning. Even in our grumblings when we pause to seek Him, He will intervine on our mood and extend more of Himself.
Did I have to slug back several blocks to the car with all kids in tow and a hint of rain. Yes I did, but my steps were less heavy and my heart is brought a glimse closer to a greater understanding of His purpose and plan for my life. More to come on that later. When God steps in and bless's my heart I must give Him glory, honor and most important praise. Praise you Jesus for knowing the condition of my heart and providing the words of another to show me more of you.
This morning was really an easy morning except for the fact I had a stiff neck from a long night's sleep. I decided to take the boys to early service and let my husband sleep in. I had a busy day yesterday and he held down the fort, so in my amazinging wifeness I did not bother him, just let him snooze. Off we went to church.
Upon hitting the parking lot my heart sunk. We were far away from the church and they already had the bright vested man directing traffic away from the building which was already a good two blocks away. I rolled my window and asked if I could drop my family off and Emily agreed to hold down the kids while I parked the car. I grumbled. I mean seriously if I had not dropped everyone off I would have just gone back home and picked up another service later in the day. Grumble, grumble. I parked almost at the front of the complex which is furthest from the church. It took me five minutes to walk with my 20 pound Bible and stiff neck.
I did not get seated in the main gathering place because it was full and I have to admit I REBEL watching a service via "video venue". Kids in classes and there I sit in the video venue. Emily offered to go and get me a cup of coffee. I love the discernment of a child. Although it did not take much to know that mom was flustered. So I sat, sipping my coffee and praying that somehow I could hear a Word from God in my grumbling. I opened my Bible to the text being taught from and then was lost in my journaling and reading. I do not have to go to church to meet God. I do need to clear my mind, my heart, and my soul as not to hinder my connection to Him. The events leading up to sitting down really stirred some energy and I just journaled and asked God to stir that energy towards Him.
Nehemiah 1:5-6a
"O Lord, God of heaven, the great awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to bear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel..."
And it there I paused and copyed this passage into my journal. I replaced Israel with the city of Portland and felt this grumbling weight lifted. I did not have the words to express my heart but Nehemiah shared his. In going to the Word of God truth is laid out over and over for me.
It was then the message of this morning transformed my grumbling heart and I can sit and only scratch the surface of how my heart was blessed this morning. Even in our grumblings when we pause to seek Him, He will intervine on our mood and extend more of Himself.
Did I have to slug back several blocks to the car with all kids in tow and a hint of rain. Yes I did, but my steps were less heavy and my heart is brought a glimse closer to a greater understanding of His purpose and plan for my life. More to come on that later. When God steps in and bless's my heart I must give Him glory, honor and most important praise. Praise you Jesus for knowing the condition of my heart and providing the words of another to show me more of you.
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