To all my praying friends ...
Thank You for your prayers! I had a much better night last night and actually got some much needed rest and sleep. Bless you all!
I had something almost completed to post on Facebook and just lost it! Go figure! So here I go again in this forum instead!
Every year for probably the past 8 or so I have "chosen a word" to live out in that year; Rather than setting new resolutions that will most likely fall by the wayside in a month or so! The Word that kept niggling at my mind for 2015 was / is HOSPITALITY. The definition for hospitality is "the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers." Some synonyms are - friendliness, welcome, helpful, warmth, kindness, congeniality, courtesy, generosity, food. The scripture that kept finding its way into my readings and devotions was Romans 12:13 ... "Share with the saints in their need; pursue hospitality." This was going to be a year of action for me as I shared and pursued!
Most mornings I get up later than hubby - he is a farmer and he is usually up before the birds! One particular morning I came downstairs to find he had left me an encouraging note and a scripture reference from his morning reading of Gods Word. The reference ...Romans 12:12 & 13. Verse 12 states - "rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer." Ummmmmmm ...
Within these 2 verses there is a lot of action going on!
Rejoice in hope
Be Patient in affliction
Be Persistent in prayer
Share....
Pursue hospitality
I quickly came to the realization that God was telling me that until I rejoiced, was patient, and persistent I would not be able to share and pursue. Whoa! I had no idea how I was going to learn these lessons - I thought I pretty much had them, however it seems that God thought differently. In the past 2 months I believe He has "set me aside" to REST, BE STILL, SEEK HIM, and to reaffirm for me once again that until I make HIM the center of it all I can do nothing. I have been afflicted with much pain from a number of different physical things these past couple months and currently feel I am "no good for nothing!"Please know I don't say that in a self-pity way. I am basically a DO-ER... like Martha; Not a SITTER at Jesus feet - like Mary!
Just yesterday someone said to me, "I know you are not feeling good but I want you to know Jesus is shining thru all your work, discipline, and the hurts. When we feel we are down to nothing, God is up to something."
I believe this wholeheartedly. I know He is up to something. And I am excited to see what He is about to do!
So - dear sweet, faithful, praying friends -
I am on a journey with HIM ... and I just want to thank you for journeying this path with me! Hospitality for me has become so much more than fun, food, fellowship..... MY definition is that hospitality is being joyful in all things; enduring affliction with patience because we know that He wastes nothing and that all things work to good for those who love Him; praying continually in all things, thru all things; and He will empower the sharing and pursuing that needs to be done in His Name.
Praying a blessing upon you this morning!
HUGS
Ruthie
2 Timothy 1:12 - ...for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. (KJV)
