Alot of times throughout my Christian walk I thought I was abiding in Christ when I have'nt been. Now the conscience effort of abiding in Christ found in the second chapter makes me feel as if I am tripping all over myself, there are so many highs and lows but I am getting there. For example, I was very hesitant to run a requested errand because I had just settled down for my relaxtion time plopped up in bed with my remote control,...all was great. I was grumpy but not cheerful or should I say Christ-like at all about running this errand. Within a few minuetes of my arrival at the Family Dollar the cashier was in such a sad state and I overheard her speaking with a customer and saying that her mother lives in Vermont and did not have long to live she is dieing of cancer. It's my turn at the counter and ironically no one else is in the store and I feel this is a devine appointment. I think to myself "I am abiding at this moment" and God has put me here to comfort her. I asked if she wanted to pray and she broke into tears and we prayed for her financial situation that she would be able to go to Vermont and be with her mother before its too late (theres more to her story that is heartbreaking),..she reached over the counter and hugged me with tears as big as Texas and thanked me. I could tell how Christ had sent some comfort into heart and there is a since of hope that she will make it there in time. Abiding in Christ was spontaneous inspite of my human self.
Get ready ya'll God is going to have you in different situations just because of your slight teany tiny abiding in Him, it may not seem much to us here but it is huge to Him. I can't wait to here all of your stories of how God is using you more than ever due to the effort of abiding in Him.
What a moving and inspiring second chapter. The author, Bill Perkin's couragous openess with sharing his family history with the world is very touching.
ReplyDeleteAs for the concept of abiding Christ, I love it.
I chose the bible verse "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" as my reminder and to keep me focused on abiding in Christ.
I found times when applying all that I've learned in the first two chapters challenging. Being me and in all of my humaness I missed the mark on several occassions to make more Christ-like decisions, however when applying the concepts I've learned all of the situations became opportunities to practice a new way of thinking, feeling, saying, and doing,...a way that is more like Christ!!!
Being aware of my self reliant behavior is starting to become second nature and making a conscience effort to choose a different and better way, Christ's way, is staring to take place.
I hope all of you have had an awesome God filled week and I look forward to seeing you Monday evening!!!
With Much Love,
Shelley
What an amazing bible study last night guys!!! Thank you all for sharing and being so open!!! I truly can see Christ in each one of you!!! What a blessing in my life you are!!! I hope this week brings you love, peace and joy as you find yourself abiding in Christ as you go through your daily routines.
ReplyDeleteOne of our goals is to have relaxed reliance on God and I think by abiding in Christ we can.
I believe this book is truly life changing and with that being said,...how exciting it is to become more like our Saviour Jesus Christ!
If during this week you find you are having trouble abiding in Christ just call me and we will talk about it,...afterall isn't that what we are here for to help each other in our walk with God? And you are my brothers and sisters and I love you dearly and want to see you succeed on your journey!!!
With Much Love,
Shelley