Good morning to all on this cold Thursday morning from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I am heading home where my beloved is waiting for me indicates that there is snow on the ground. I was in rainy southwest Louisiana yesterday and got chilled to the bone. I had forgotten what winter felt like. Please continue to keep ET and his healing in your prayers. Also pray for JKS's healing and a job for TK.
I am continuing my journey in Timothy 1 verse 12 - 20, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. " Amen.
Wow!!!!!! Paul was a straight shooter that understood the depths of the love of God through Christ because PAUL UNDERSTOOD THE DEPTHS OF HIS DEPRAVITY AS A SINNER! I think Christians understand that when they were living in sin that this was not such a good "thing" for them but I don't think we understand just how much God abhors sin. God abhors it so much that WHEN JESUS TOOK ON THE SINS OF THE WORLD ON THE CROSS, HIS FATHER GOD, TURNED HIS FACE FROM JESUS. God hates SIN. Not just the act of SIN but the HEART of SIN.
To give you a REAL recent example. My appointment in Louisiana yesterday was in Greensburg, LA. I had to be in Monroe today so I flew into Alexandria, LA and drove to Greensburg which is a 3.5 hour trek that I made in 2.45 hours (no comments about the driving please). I had my meeting and drove another 1.5 hours back to Baton Rouge because the roads going north were becoming icy from the recent winter storm. I changed my hotel reservations from Alexandria to Baton Rouge, got my King non-smoking room confirmed and was looking forward to a hot shower and comfortable bed after a long, long, long day of tedious driving. When I show up at the hotel I am given a king smoking which I decline after showing the hotel clerk my confirmation. He insists that THIS IS THE LAST ROOM IN THE HOTEL. After 30 minutes of back and forth another customer walks in. I look at him and ask if he has checked in yet and am told no. I then say I am told that there are no rooms in the hotel only to find out that there is a king non-smoking that was held for him. Now this is when you can let the Fruits of the Spirit get to work or your Sin nature. Of the none (9) fruits Love, Joy, Peace, Long suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control I can honestly say at that moment NONE were operating in me. In fact there was a war raging in me! Was I going to demonstrate the love of God through Christ or was I going to be RIHT? Was I justified in being upset? Doesn't matter--I am to demonstrate the love of Jesus at all times. So I am confessing that I did not represent my Savior well. I didn't cuss anyone, I didn't raise my voice but I was not Kind, long suffering, gentle nor did I promote peace. The guy that walked in demonstrated more of the Fruits than I did because he agreed to take the smoking room and did so graciously. I was convicted enough to thank the gentleman who took the smoking room.
As Christians we get opportunities to share our faith in all occasions and I know I have to work on my self righteousness. Yes you can be right and you can demonstrate the Fruits of the Spirit. Father forgive my sin and thank You, in Jesus name, for the opportunity of confession. God still loves me and He wants me to GROW UP!!!!! God has ordained me and has named me. I am to reflect His love to a world that needs it. I can do better and will today.
Now may the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Stephanie
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