I have always enjoyed God's word. My Mother and Grandmother have told many stories of me and my little bible. They said I would take it everywhere!Lol! I was an early reader, (4 years old) and have always enjoyed the appearance of books, the smell of books, and just how exciting words can be. I'm a true book lover and I guess it's safe to say the first book I fell in love with was the bible. When I was younger I was taught to memorize certain scriptures, (Psalm 23 was my first) and let the bible guide me through life. I can be honest in saying there were some points in my life where I disobyed the "word" but through my faith in God, he led me right back to what I've always known. For that reason, I am very proud to be a Christian and love to share God's word. In fact, I don't think I would be a Virtuous woman if I didn't. "Wherever God has placed you, he can use you to speak his truth-words of love, justice, and faith to a lost world-even if it means being misunderstood or ridiculed. Yes, it may be difficult and you may be weary; but, sister, never tire of doing what is right." (2 Thessalonians 3:13)
I say all of that to say this to my readers...
I WANTED TO JUST RUN SOMETHING PASS YOU, SINCE I ADMIRE YOUR FAITH AND HONESTY....SO LET'S SAY ONE OF YOUR KIDS WERE REALLY ILL AND YOU HAD TO MAKE A HUGE DECISION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH ISSUE...YOU SEND OUT AN EMAIL BLAST REQUESTING PRAYER FROM YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS....I RESPOND W/LOVING WORDS, PRAYER AND SHARE MY OWN EXPERIENCE W/MY CHILD, W/YOU AND REFER YOU TO A SCRIPTURE (ROMANS 10:14) THAT I FELT GOD LEAD ME TO WHEN I HAD TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT MY CHILD'S HEALTH CONCERNS. THE SCRIPTURE TO ME AT THE TIME, SENT A MESSAGE OF HOW I CAN TAKE THIS ALONE TIME WITH MY CHILD TO SPEAK TO HER ABOUT GOD, TO REMIND HER OF HIS EVERLASTING LOVE, TO SHOW HER THE WAY, TO TELL HER TO BE THANKFUL, HUMBLE AND TO KNOW THAT...YES, JESUS LOVES HER.THE ACTUAL SCRIPTURE READS:
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
HOW WOULD YOU INTERPRET THIS SCRIPTURE FOR THIS SITUATION AND WOULD I OFFEND YOU?
I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE AND APPRECIATE YOUR INSIGHT ON THIS. THANKS, BE BLESSED!
OMG, you know that I don't get offended. I would just be thankful for the response and know that you will have me in your prayers. Sharing stories would only help me to realize I am not alone. If someone was offended by your words, just remember they are in a tough place at the moment and probably saying things they don't really mean. I have learned over the years to let things role off my back. I feel like life is too short to let people and things bother me. I have to just let it go.
ReplyDeleteAmber
I can see where you are coming from Amber and I appreciate your insight. Romans 8:6-8 says The mind of a sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
I know that my heart was in the right place and I believe that sharing scriptures is a great practice, especially among women.
Anita
Hey Anita,
ReplyDeleteI think that if you explained to me that this is what helped with with Ania and explained why (speaking to her about God, etc), I would not be offended. It is a part of your story and helps to put the entire situation in to perspective. One of our purposes as parents is to lead our children to God regardless of how long we are to parent them. Is it the most comforting scripture? Probably not, if one has not been shepherding their child, but to me it is a part of you sharing what you went through and most importantly-- that God will lead us to the words we need to hear in His book exactly when we need them if we are open and seeking Him.
Just my two cents.
I pray all is well for you and your family.
Maria
Maria, you know I always appreciate your insight and that's why I reached out about this. If I can share another scripture in this book...Romans 8:31 says... What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? I admire your faith Maria. Thanks!
Anita
In this text Paul demonstrates that there is no excuse for Israel’s unbelief. He wants Israel to not plead innocence by way of ignorance (or making excuses because they were uninformed). He simply wants them to be saved by way of the teaching of Gods word and not making excuses for their sins. If you gave this scripture to me obviously you are trying to spiritually enlighten me. Often times as Christians we have friendships with others yet don't know the extent of their relationship with God. By offering God or explaining his goodness you are making sure that I will have eternal grace with God. In this particular situation this scripture is fitting because in the time of doubt, turmoil, challenge, ect if you don't believe in God how can you seek refuge in him, if you don't have a relationship, how can you trust that he has everything under control according to his plan... I hope this helps :)
ReplyDeleteChristella
WOW, THANKS CHRISTELLA! I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK. UNFORTUNATELY A FAMILY MEMBER WAS OFFENDED BY MY REFERRAL OF THIS SCRIPTURE. THEY FELT I WAS SAYING THEY DON'T TEACH THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT GOD AND THEY DON'T GO TO CHURCH. THEY COMPLETELY FAILED TO READ MY POST (http://amasonslifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/01/5-days-4-nights.html )ABOUT MY SITUATION W/ANIA AND I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS WAS THEIR INTERPRETATION OF MY INTENT. GUESS YOU CAN'T PLEASE EVERYONE RIGHT?
Anita
You're welcome! You definitely can't please everyone. I've come to the realization that those who are offended by what I say are struggling with that same very issue within themselves. So apparently that family member already felt like they don't teach their kids about God...you just reminded them of it in a positive manner and they made it a negative attack. Don't sweat it.
Christella
Hey girl,
ReplyDeleteI would not have been offended by this scripture because I am a believer and I know God. I don't know who it was that you sent it to, but perhaps....they may not be a christian and if they are....I am really confused. To be honest, I may not have chosen that scripture for that situation but I don't think it is nothing wrong with it.
I hope that helps.
God knows your heart and when you are doing the right thing, it will all work out in his favor.
Blessings,
Tinisha
Thank Tinisha, I appreciate your feedback, and perhaps I should've searched for a new scripture for this situation. However, my mind immediately went back to when I was in the same situation and I just decided to share my experience. But like you said, God knows my heart and I do pray that all will work out in their favor.
Anita
Hey Anita,
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you are taking time to teach Ania and speak to her about God, what an amazing oportunity to speak to her about God, Gods love and the healing that comes from trusting in his word. If I am understanding correctly, you want to know if the scripture below is appropriate to those that you sent the email to?
I think that fellow Christians, and believers can really be inspired and motivated by that scripture because they feel that they 'believe' in the 'one' who they are calling unto (God). However, for those who are non-believers, new christians, sceptics, may interprit this scripture as judgemental, offending, legalistic, condeming, etc. I dont think it is right to 'dumb' down the gospel for the sake of others, beucase wheter we like it or not, the gospel is the truth and the truth is sometimes a hard pill to swallow. But, some people may be stand-offish when it comes to this scripture and may not undertand your intent on including it in an email directed towards prayers for Ania.
I understand it, appreciate it, and am challenged by it, so I appreciate these sorts of scriptures but to someome who doesnt know the gospel, believe in it, or is judgemental of it, may be offended by the straight-forwardness of it..
I like the fact that you chose that scripture.. Im in favor of the non-washed down truth of the Bible.
My prayers are with you, Ania and the rest of your family
Love you,
Jaycee
Thanks Jaycee! All you are speaking is true. I appreciate your comment. There are so many books in the bible and some so many aren't familiar with because they are so deep. It's so easy to refer to Psalms or Proverbs, etc. and there is no problem with that. I personally have found lots of comfort even in the book of Romans and like I said with my situation with my own child, I just decided to share. It's God's way and I am a godly woman. Romans 8:26-27 says: In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
Anita
Hey love!
ReplyDeleteI apologize for the late reply. I'm thinking maybe a different translation would have brought forth a better understanding of where you were going with it. I looked it up in the MSG and it made more sense to me. I was able to make the connection with the scripture and what you were saying you wanted to speak to Ania about God, to show her the way, to tell her to be thankful, humble and to know that...yes, Jesus loves her. But when I first read it, I think I took it as maybe the woman did not know about God so it caused me a little confusion, but that is why we must read things more than once before we come to a conclusion. Maybe she was seeking a little more or something a little different, but it was very nice of you to try to offer some encouragement in would could be a difficult time. I hope this answers your question.
Peace and Blessings,
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33 KJV)
baraprayermovement.org
Empowering women, one prayer at a time.
Thanks Shineka! Yet, another good way to look at this situation and interpret this scripture. I feel so blessed that I have so many godly women around me that I can truly confide in and reach out to.
Anita
Sorry it took so long to respond, I have always felt that you have to truly know your friends before you discuss religion or politics. In order for someone to see the good in that scripture they first have to understand that it is coming from a good place a place without judgement. You also have to truly understand the bible and its interprutation. The person may feel as if you are saying "don't call on God when you are in need, when you ingore him the other times". We all are motivated by our own experiences this is where the opportunity lies to education that individual and not having them think that you are making judgements
ReplyDeleteCheryl
You hit the nail on the head Cheryl!...I have been motivated by my own experience with my child and again simply wanted to share that. It's too bad that this individual thought I was passing judgment. That is the reason I decided to blog about this. Thanks for participating!
Anita
Nita,
ReplyDeleteI would say that is a very good loving way to tell your child to have courage and faith, in the midst of not being able to see, but I would also show her the the rich man I think it is Luke 16: ? show her what happens to the man that don't have faith the one that did not believe and don't worry so much about family because if they don't have any business they need to get them some. Anita be confident that G-d has made you a very good Mother , self presurvation is the first law of survival and if you are teaching you children to Love them selves by your actions when you seek not just life but eternal life...............So loved........and that is in the heart .............behold the sower went forth to sow, for if we do not have love then what shsll we keep the Holy Ghost in.
For if ther is no love we have not nothing
Uncle Doug
Thanks Unc!...Love you! :)
Hi Nita!
ReplyDeleteI think that it would only offend if they don't understand it. In my opinion, nothing written in the Bible should offend as it is God's word.
LaTasha McNeil
Straight forward and to to the point Tash...Thanks!
Anita
I apologize if you haven't been able to leave a comment as a reader. I've received emails that some have been unbale to publish comments, yet some have been. For that reason I have taken the time to publish your emails you have sent in response to this blog entry with your permission of course. Again, I appreciate your insight, your faith, your comments and the truth. My intent is never to offend anyone, especially with God's word. My mission is to do as the Lord instructs me and share his word for the greater good in all and for all. As one of my favorite gospel songs go:
ReplyDelete"I give myself away so you can use me..."
~Amen and bless you all! :)
Hi Anita,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, i was so busy the last two years. And didn't continue my blog. I came back to Belgium, as you know i've studied one year in italy, last year of high school. Now i'm back in belgium since two years and i'm studying economics at the uni of antwerp. really nice and interesting. I had to search a house and make sure that everything was okay to start at uni. But everything is fine, and life is good. Of course i told everyone hello ! They were surprised and happy and asked a lot of questions. I showed all your pictures to my family ! I've told also Sophie Peeters about you! she knows you! i think she babysitted at the kids sometimes. My family is okéy, parents are working and my brothers Stef and Toon are going to school, Stef finishes high school this year.
It's so good to see that everything is okay with you and your family. And hah yes i can imagine that you're always busy and working!
hope you had a wonderful christmas and a happy new year to all of you !
Hope to keep in touch :)