"WITNESS IN TRUTH AND LOVE"

Good Evening to All!

I have always loved the writings of Paul. I have a habit when reading from the Bible. I try to envision the person writing the book. What they look like, what their demeanor is. Their personality and so forth.

Before Paul was encountered on the road to Damascus, I picture Him as being haughty, and over zealous when it came to "rounding up the Christians. After God got hold of him it seems as though it definitely knocked him down a peg or two and made him very unsure of himself at first.

I must admit, after reading accounts from all of them, I think Paul is my favorite to read, and he is the author of the following.

"We proclaim the Lord, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. ( "perfect, meaning mature in Christ-according to the Amplified Bible) To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me. . . . My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the fill riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 1:28-29, 2:2-3


I have been researching and researching these verses, and for some reason, I cannot see where what I feel in my spirit and the research explanations come together. So I will just put it out there and if there are any Pastors out there who have a better understanding, I would gladly appreciate your comments.

What I am "hearing in my spirit" is that it is our place as Christians, as the body of Christ, to carry on His work. To continue teaching and witnessing to people about our God as long as we have breath.

There are a lot of us out here who want to do just that, but unfortunately, are over zealous to the point of running people off and scaring them away from Christ instead of bringing them closer to Him. Unintentionally, while "we" think we are speaking in "love" just wanting to plant enough seeds and water so that God can make the increase that we forget, that last part. GOD will make the increase. If we start "pounding" the Bible into people, they will shut down because they will feel we are being judgmental. That is not our job.

In case you are wondering I am speaking to myself LOUDER than anyone else, because I USED to be that way. I hope I have matured enough to know how to deliver God's message in love with no sound of judgment, but I also know I get excited when I start talking about Him and sometimes revert back to my over-zealousness.

I also do this when I read or hear something that is "suppose" to be scripture, but makes salvation sound so vague and trivial. What I mean by that is telling people in so many words that nothing is expected of us for our salvation. My brothers and sisters, that COULD NOT BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. God expects us to Love Him. God wants us have a Deep Relationship with Him, which as in any relationship it takes communication to each other. God expects us to Obey Him and Adhere to His Word. In a nutshell Live for God. Put Him First.

I don't say anything because it's not my place, but I get so frustrated when I hear people talk about themselves as being Christian, yet anyone can see by the way they live, act and talk that they don't walk the walk. The only thing I can do when I see this is say Lord, show them the way. Touch their hearts.

Just through Prayer, and Sometimes Prayer and Fasting I have seen amazing results. I have seen people do a 180 degree turn around. I had people tell me that one day something just came over them and they decided they didn't want to drink anymore, or they realized that needed their money for more important things than partying. I just smile and say well, I've been praying for you, and I leave it at that.

Well, I hope that this post has made some sense to you. Like I said my research didn't seem to match up with what I was feeling in my spirit that God wanted me to say, so I'm hoping this was meant for someone out there.

Be sure and get your pens, paper and Bibles warmed up for tomorrow evening Bible Challenge!

Good Night to All and May God Bless!