Read the following story of how God changes lives because of His great love! While attending a women's retreat last month a new and special friend shared her story with me. She was overflowing with such joy as she told me how God restored her family. Although much of her story was "in the making" prior to the retreat, the zeal in which she expressed it was as fervent as if it had just happened! MY NEW "GOLD" FRIEND was a surprise to me! I thought this may inspire you to be grateful for your friends. Seek out some new friends; perhaps they will become "gold" to you, also. Above all, be a friend! -Cynthia
MY NEW "GOLD" FRIEND
The newspaper article read, "Friends can carry you up life's mountains." It explained how the value of having friend-to-friend sessions on a regular basis encouraged long and healthy living. What treasures await friendships that are found in Christ!
Just a few weeks ago, I met Cynthia Vela, a guest speaker at our annual women's retreat. Frankly, since I was not in the mood for the old retreat, I almost canceled. This impatient attitude (sometimes up and sometimes down attitude) of mine waiting for change was just taking me deep in the dumps! I even thought that maybe I would stay there.
Thank God I got out of the dumps and went to the retreat! What an inspiring surprise God had planned! I recall a wise saying, "New friends are silver, but old friends are like gold." This weekend, my new friend, Cynthia, went from silver to gold in just two days at our retreat. I appreciated her warm and loving personality and our hearts were knit by His love.
What enlightening few days! The Lord led many of us into an unbelievable time of honesty and openness of hearts. Only the Spirit of God could do such a deep hearted work. His great love and abundant grace healed AND sealed our hearts.
Later in conversation, Cynthia told me I was a cheerleader for Jesus. She encouraged me to share my story in this newsletter. Wow! I was overjoyed that she believed that I had something to share of value. I rejoice in this small beginning. The freedom I have has delivered me from the lowest hell. My mess has now become a message for others!
Thank you Cynthia for inviting me to share my story during this warm Thanksgiving season. You have definitely restored joy and hope to my journey up the mountain!
Thank you, my GOLD friend!
With love,
Gloria
GIVING THANKS FOR GOD'S GREAT LOVE
As I share my personal story, I hope you will give thanks to God for His great love. Although you may not have a story identical to mine, you do have a story. Your story that can be changed by His love. Believe it and begin to thank Him!
Nearly nine years ago, my beautiful daughter-in-law withdrew from our dysfunctional relationship. As a result, I lost my closeness to my beloved granddaughters. This devastating separation, lasting for 4 years, drove me to dig deep into my heart. I realized that a religious mask I had been wearing for over forty years needed to be removed.
Now, I rejoice with joy unspeakable as this once heart-breaking pain took me from religion to a relationship with my loving Heavenly Father. No longer was I a servant of God trying to obey all the rules to earn the right to become a daughter of God, but I realize I truly became a daughter of God by faith in the finished work of the Cross. I chose to be a servant by His great love!
In the past, my focus was on my performance and not on the "Performer"! He is the one who loved me first! Now, all that I do for Him is a response to His great love! I have the freedom and the power to win over sin at last!
I love the song, "Jesus Loves Me This I Know". I used to think that He loved everyone else but me. I rejoice because I know He does love me! A good friend gave me a plaque with a bit of a different twist to that song. Displayed in my home, the plaque reads, "Jesus knows me, this I love." All who read it are blessed!
My heart change is best portrayed in the "dead dog" attitude of crippled Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan who was a beloved friend of David. (II Samuel 9) King David's covenant promise to Jonathan was to care for his entire family. Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, received the blessing of this covenant.
To make good on this promise, Mephibosheth was brought from Lodebar to the King David's palace to dine at the King's table forever. Crippled Mephibosheth thought he could do no works of any value for the King, so his first response was, "I am as a dead dog." King David quickly responded to Mephibosheth and told him the invitation had been extended to him not because of how well he could perform but because of who he was! He was born out of a covenant of love! What an amazing story!
In my life, I now focus on who I am in Christ and my true identity is in Him! I thank God that I no longer live in Lodebar, but I dine at the table of the King's table. The King of Kings! 24/7! Forever! Praise be to God! I will continue to declare who He is and who I am in Him!
Truly, the restoration of my family has been a testimony of great joy. Listening to others and learning is a new experience for me. Sincere laughter is coming from by heart. I have even my comedian (not by profession) husband in what seems to be a stand-up comedy. In between the comedy, my husband has had three minor surgeries. I can love him to wellness, not with a religious, self-righteous, rebuking spirit as before, but with God's great love pouring from my heart. My faith is focused on a faithful God! My trust is in a very trust-worthy God! It's all about His strength, His power and His anointing that worked in His beloved vessel! I had to learn I was His beloved.
Thank you for that wonderful "glory story" of what God has done in your life and the lives of those you love! I know your story has encouraged many to take an "attitude check" in who we are and what we do!
Thank you to everyone who donated candy, volunteered, and joined us for the Family Fall Festival. We had a record turnout of over 300 people. It was a fun time for the children and a way to turn our attention to Christ as we enter a season of giving. Our children's ministry fundraiser went exceptionally well and we are positioned to have the best year yet. We appreciate you partnering with us to make this ministry event possible. To God be the glory! PHOTOS
Posts
