Monday greetings to you,
Have you heard others say that they have a bucket list? You know, do the things you have always wanted to do, preferably before your body won't let you. Well, I was thinking about this recently and realized the greatest thing I could do would be to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as I could reach. That is what ministers to my heart as I share Heartstrings with you. There is nothing in my thinking, that could mean more. And, think of the joy in leading many or even one to Christ!
Even though we are going to begin James chapter two today, I read the book of Philemon early this morning. I did have to shake off some anxiety from a phone call, along with not sleeping enough in the night. Taking my thoughts captive to the Lord was so necessary for me to move forward today. Here is what brought me back to the main point. Philemon 1:6 says, "[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory]." During a time of confusion, and trials of various kinds, we need to remember Who we identify with. I want to stand in faith. Hope this helps you.
James 2 talks about how faith removes discrimination. As I am learning about the character of Jesus and how to apply His Word to my walk as a believer, I am challenged in so many areas. Whether it is reacclimating myself once more to worship and praise in the face of bad news or getting over a wound from another person at church. It comes back down to finding out what the Word of God says. Before I continue with my thoughts, let's see what James has to say.
"My brethren, pay no servile regard to peole [show no prejudice, no partiality]. Do not [attempt to] hold and practice the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ [the Lord] of glory [altogether with snobbery]!" Everyone preaches equality but this is a problem in the body of Christ. To regard others as better than ourselves takes a real rebirth from our self-love to the Love that Jesus speaks of and showed everywhere He went.
"For if a person comes into your congregation whose hands are adorned with gold rings and who is wearing splendid apparel, and also a poor [man] in shabby clothes comes in, and you pay special attention to the one who wears the splendid clothes and say to him, Sit here in this preferable seat! while you tell the poor [man], Stand there! or, Sit there on the floor at my feet! Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming critics and judges with wrong motives?" This is very pointed, and yes, the finger of truth points to me too. You know, we can take this to outside of the church building too. Think about you reaction to someone who is wealthy. For instance, right now there is a film crew in our town and special acclaimed actors. They chose to use our cafe to eat. This at first made me excited and I wanted to meet a celebrated actor. But, then I saw the same woman, a regular customer, sitting in the corner alone. She is always alone. We are kind and treat her well. Even so, it was easy for me to get sidetracked by the bling and sparkle of wealth in the same space. My heart grieved when Holy Spirit pointed this out to me. It still makes me sad. So, this week I am going to not pass judgement on her because of her lack of beauty and wealth. To look beyond her no more but, to take the time for a conversation.
The wealthy pass quickly through our lives, for most of us anyway. But, the poor are always here nearby like regular customers. Jesus told us to pay attention. It is really a matter of my pride. Yes, pride that I was worthy enough to get the attention of someone who has so much. I confess Lord, I have been a hypocrite in my actions and thoughts. Forgive me and give me another opportunity.
If you are repulsed by the poor and diseased then, change your mind. If you have been favorable to someone in the limelight, change your mind. We are all poor. We are only wealthy in the knowledge in the participation and sharing of our faith. In our identity with Christ as we go from place to place will be our greatest treasure. So, no more snobbery! Humbly come before the Lord. Treat others as you would be treated. Take time to listen. Yes, even the rich will see Jesus and want to know about Him. See how Nicodemus sought Jesus in the night. He didn't want to be seen and yet, he became born again because He searched out the Life Giver! He then became part of Jesus's story. Amazing! Be ready all the time to give an answer for your faith in Christ.
"Grace (spiritual blessing and favor) be to all of you and [heart] peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). I give thanks to my God for you always when I mention you in my prayers." Philemon 1:3-4. God bless you until we meet again. Patricia.
Abundance is...identification with Jesus