When I was in seventh grade, I made a terrible decision and betrayed the confidence of a friend.
As puberty set in, I could sense that all of my friendships were beginning to change, and that scared me. One of my closest friends was becoming beautiful and popular and unpredictable: sometimes she acted like we were still best friends, and sometimes she acted like she hated me. I was mousy and bookish, a bonafide Goody Two-shoes and terribly scared of being left behind. One day, my friend wrote me a note and confessed that she had a crush on a boy we both knew. To this day, I have no idea why I did what I did next. Maybe I thought I was being helpful to my friend, shortcutting all the back-and-forth between boy and girl. Or maybe it was easier to preemptively destroy this friendship, rather than wait for its inevitable come-apart. But regardless of my reasons, I took her note and handed it directly to the boy she liked, breaking her confidence and spilling the beans.
Let’s just say, there are some letters that you’re never meant to share.
Thank God, the gospel is nothing like that.
When Paul wrote letters to the early church, he did not show favoritism or any ounce of secrecy. He didn’t gossip, spread rumors, or betray confidences. From the confines of prison, he wrote words of encouragement and instruction to friends and churches all across the known world. And as those letters passed from hand to hand—from house to house—he intended for his letters to travel among the established churches so that even from a small prison cell, he preached the message of the gospel. These letters reinforced the courage and fortitude of the early church, a church that was growing despite the context of oppression and persecution.
In Colossians 4:16, Paul instructed the church at Colossae to read his letter aloud and exchange it with a nearby church so they could read another letter he had originally sent to Laodicea. The two cities were approximately ten miles apart—incredibly close by modern standards—and the exchange of letters would mean they each had a chance to read both. When I first read this verse, I felt shocked. After all, there is no book of “Laodiceans” in the Bible. But no matter what happened to the second letter, it’s amazing to think just how hard Christians have worked over the course of history in order to preserve the sanctity and veracity of Paul’s original letters so that you and I can read and receive wisdom from them from where we sit, nearly 2,000 years later. May we continue to heed his instruction to share these words with our friends and neighbors, as far as humanly possible.
Written by Claire Gibson
Leave a Reply
102 thoughts on "Sharing the Letter"
LINDA IN NC – I replied to your comment yesterday but don’t see it. Thankful you have a little grace with Gene! ❤❤❤
It has been a wonderful summer of Paul! I love his letters and going through them all in order like this has been so much fun. Looking forward to the next study with you ladies!
A resounding Amen to all you have said, dear Mercy..
Hugs dearest..❤️
Happy Friday ladies! Praying for you all.
Happy today.. Kimberley..❤️
“ Remember my chains. Grace be with you. “ CHILLS. Happy Friday, She’s! I am feeling blessed today as my husband and I recently paid off a large debt we are hoping will help us buy a home.
I have had the song stuck in my head all morning
“ I will praise You on the mountain. I will praise You when the mountains in my way. You’re the summit where my feet are. So I will praise You in the valleys all the same” .
This to me relates to Paul’s message. Praising God in your highs and lows and never forgetting where you have been, with grace.
Congratulations, Sophie. Praying Gkd prepares just the right home for you! I will listen to that song. ❤
Praising God in the highs and lows… Amen.
Praying God bless you as you lean into him in your home buying.❤️
Okay- no eloquence or exposition here, but as I read the verses this morning I saw a pattern of phrases. Later, as I read comments, particularly SEARCHING’S, I know you saw the same, but it helps me to write it out so here goes:
*
Colossians 4 (NLT)
v. 17
Pay attention
v.18
Remember my chains (okay a little exposition here.) I didn’t look into commentary, but what this meant for me was- Paul was asking the readers to remember the cost of discipleship as well as asking for them to remember to pray for him. I will dig into the meaning when I get a chance. But, that phrase popped out at me in a big way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hebrews 3
v.12
Watch out
v. 13
Encourage
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hebrews 10 (NLT)
v.23
Hold tightly…to hope
v. 24
Think…
Motivate one another
v. 25
Meet together;
Encourage one another
~~~~~~~~~~
2 Peter 3 (NLT)
v. 15
Remember, our Lord’s patience…
Be on guard
v. 18
Grow ( in the grace and knowledge of our Lord)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
MANY interruptions as I was working on this so I will stop here while it somewhat makes sense. Lol
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PRAYERS and PRAISES where each applies!
LINDA in NC – Great to see you! Thrilled for you and Gene! ❤
LYNNE IN ALABAMA- In my prayers! ❤❤
MERCY ❤
SEARCHING ❤
Cee-Gee, we do not need eloquent, we need His truth..
Amen, and thank you for your recap.
Hugs dearest..❤️
❤
Morning shes,
I am so thankful that the storm has passed and to hear updates about FL coming back to normal. So glad RHONDA that you got power, isn’t that so wonderful? Praise Jesus for dismantling and weakening that monster storm, what a Mighty God who honors the cry of His children. I just love the discussion today, and the heart felt long posts of many of you, what a treat for me to read. Community is very important, especially godly one, also it is rare and hard to find, truly a gift from God. I am so encouraged by LAURA to pray for a group of godly women to do life with, and how overtime God orchestrates things, I also long for Christ-centered women to do life with. I was able to join a small bible study group at my local church, we are doing “In View of God’s mercies” by Courtney Doctor (I am also interested in the Revelation study by Jen Wilkins that CEE GEE mentioned couple of weeks ago. Are you liking it CEE GEE? I love Jen Wilkins from the past studies, so detailed). Like many of you, I was also in isolation for a long time due to several life limitations, and that was so hard, contentment was truly tested. But God brought SRT and other online churches that were a source of love, encouragement, provoking to good works type of thing for me, that I am not weary in my pursuit of Him.
.
Prayers lifted up…
@MARIA BAER: so sorry that you had to go to ER, I am praying for healing in your physical body, and the calming of your mind, peace in your heart, and also for dear your family, children, a good accommodation in the mean time to be provided, and things that need to be dealt with to go smoothly by God’s favor.
@LANIE H: for your baby to turn around and all goes well with your pregnancy. So glad to hear you have the same book :) it’s a tough read for me, but I need it to grow.
@CEE GEE: for good strength, increased energy after the infection. Hugs!
@GRAMSIESUE: the provision of the Lord to meet all your financial needs, any stress and worries be gone, favors in meetings and negotiations.
@TANYA EVANS: the grant to be in your favor.
@SHARON JG: for Jeff’s treatment on schedule this week with machine working, so that you can enjoy your time off for a much needed rest from the stress of life.
@KELLY (NEO): successful hiring of a candidate who will be an amazing fit and addition to your team. Man, the process can take a while eh? But praying that the Lord nominates the right one.
@ERB: thanks for the updates yesterday ERB, so glad that you all are well. You were missed. Hope you can be back often.
@SEARCHING: like RHONDA said, hard to imagine you don’t do well with church women, you are like the nicest and most wonderful person, I love how you communicate on here, even to address difficult issues with such grace and patience! Joining in prayers that God will provide a group (2 or 3) to walk alongside with you and to do life with. It’s a prayer for myself as well, and over for our shes who are quietly longing for godly community.
.
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend to our Canadian shes, may God bless you and your families with a good harvest of love, abundant peace, and joy.
.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Bless you, MERCY! I finished antibiotics
yesterday and do feel a lot stronger today. Love your comment and Amening your prayers! You described SEARCHING so well – I feel the same about her comments sharing TRUTH GRACEFULLY! ❤
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to y’all!!!
Forgot to answer about study. YES! Learning so much! Helping tie up Laodicea connections as we read of it here. Are you in the shes FB page? I will happily share more there in messenger.
Happy Thanksgiving Mercy, thank you for listing all the prayers for those here and their loved ones.
A resounding Amen to all you have said, dear Mercy..
Hugs dearest..❤️
I am loving these comments and still formulating mine! Wonderful study and wonderful community building in this group! Love each of you! ❤
Happy Friday She’s! So good to read all of your comments this morning. I also have enjoyed reading and studying all of Paul’s letters this summer. Looking forward to starting Hebrews next week! I love Hebrews! Since COVID I have been attending online services at my little country church I grew up in. This has been so good and I enjoy the pastor (he preaches the word!) and community of members, although I only really know my sister and her husband and the pastor and his wife. But I feel like they are my community and I am on their prayer team as well. I remember Churchmouse talking about her online community because she couldn’t attend church due to health issues. I have been praying and asking God if it’s time to find a local church. I am torn because I really love my little church, pay my tithes there, and can really feel the spirit right in my living room when I am online with them. I’m not sure how much I would be able to attend since we are gone so much and I don’t get out very much in the winter months due to the snow and winter conditions. Saying all of that…I am so thankful and grateful for all of you ladies. The first thing I do in the morning is grab my coffee and get into SheReadsTruth and the comments. Thank you for all your love and prayers and insight that you so freely share every morning. I love being a part of the She’s Facebook group too! Have a blessed weekend everyone, stay safe. Bring on Hebrews!!
Love you, Cathy!❤❤
Me too, love you Catherine!! We need to do a coffee chat with 3 or 4 of us to talk about the daily study! And mix it up so we can have bigger coffee chats!
I love Hebrews too Cathy❤️
Ahh, Churchmouse, wherever you are, we miss you!❤️
What I love about Paula’s letters is his constant encouragement and today’s Hebrews passage couldn’t be more timely “encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sins deception” . Who am I encouraging? Who am I allowing to encourage me? Praying we all continue to “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior” and keep opening our Bibles so we stay rooted in the TRUTH!!
❤
❤️
Happy FRIDAY sweeties!! Yep, my last day of Fall break, a-little-sad, being truthful, BUT grateful for the time off, enough PTO to cover “most” of it, sleeping in, SRT when the sun is up rather in the dark, and one of the BEST moments is being able to take my daughter to school (junior college) and pick her up and coffee time. I’m going to miss this time with her. Haha…I was already thinking the next day off will be Veterans day followed by Thanksgiving. Sigh…God is good to have given me “time off” to rest, pray, run and spend time with my kids. GRATEFUL for this beautiful community of BEAUTIFUL She’s where we get-to do exactly what Claire mentions at the end of this devo. We get to continue to share HIS story with others and one another, our stories of pushing through even when it got hard, because OUR Jesus walks with us and here we are walking this journey together. I love you all SO much! Can’t wait to meet you all someday.
Hugs, Mari! ❤
Happy today Mari, covered in hugs❤️
Read everyone’s insight and was ministered to by them. You are all beautiful ladies. I never have anything too profound.
Today just the word encourage stood out to me!! Just to be encouraging to those around me. You all do this so well!
Praying for all of you! I appreciate those who list the requests. Continuing prayers for those affected by both hurricanes.
Find a group of people in person to share with each other. My community group is made up of people of all different backgrounds. We used to be miles apart in how we think and do things but now, since we provided a safe place for everyone, we are all dear friends. It also helps to have food but everyone contributes. Would I have went out and picked these people? Maybe not but God knew who we all needed. We are very diverse in our cultures, ethnicity, and backgrounds. I think we are just practicing for heaven!
I beg to differ, that was pretty profound of saying “how different”” you all were and miles apart in your thinking” yet..God brought you together, otherwise you/we probably would have been drawn to people like ourselves!! Love all that!
Cheryl, that is REALLY SPECIAL! I have been able to be with people all my adult life from many cultures and religions. It has helped me grow in many ways. A form of “love your neighbor”. I especially like your comment, “practicing for heaven”. Can you imagine!!
Yes, when shared that with us Donna I thought that was so cool and such an experience you have had!
❤
Truth, dear Cheryl.. God beings us together, whether on line or in person..
Amen.❤️
Blessed morning sisters. Way behind in reading but wanted to jump on with Thanksgiving and praise particularly for safety for Rhonda and Maria. I spent much time praying for safety and peace in the midst of the storm. All my family in FL are safe. Those in the Tampa as of yesterday were not able to get back to assess damages. Prayers continue for
affected by all the storms of life.
A quick word from us. Things have settled down some for us. Gene is adjusting well to the catheter. Thank you for your prayers❤
Oh Linda, so grateful for your prayers! They matter for sure. God is in control and loves to hear our faithfulness and petition!!
Linda from NC. Lovely to hear from you.
Good to hear things have settled and that Gene is adjusting to the catheter.
Continued prayer dear Linda, covered in hugs.❤️
MARIA I have been praying for you since I read about your fire last night (I was behind) and this morning am so grateful to see your post. Your faithfulness and peace is inspiring. I was in tears reading that and will continue to pray for your heart as you deal with all the after effects of this.
RHONDA I have been praying for you and am so thankful to read about the answered prayers about the hurricane. What a true miracle and so grateful for yours and others lack of damage! Praise God!
I am on a prayer retreat with God and wow, my readings, along with SRT have been so Holy Spirit led to the topic of prayer. I too struggle with some of the things you all shared a few days ago. Several things posted have been such an encouragement. JULIA C your prayer several days ago really struck me “Help me to both expect and accept from You. Help me to pray with restful trust and confident hope”.
I love how God weaves scriptures and truths together to speak to us. If allowed, I’d love to also mention a book I am reading alongside this that is so incredibly helpful to my prayer life. As God would have it, I was on the chapter about Petitions and it was so freeing to me, to not be apprehensive about praying about the “little things”. I can feel guilty praying about my daily things when people are dealing with hurricanes, sickness, tragedy. But God wants us to. It’s part of his instruction in the Lords Prayer-“give us this day our DAILY bread….” Petition brings us closer to Him. It helps us release control to Him. Quote from that book- “When we trust God with our worldview but not our current experience in the world, we are falling victim to the lure of control……Prayer replaces control with trust.” From Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton (this book has been so helpful, if any of you are struggling with prayer). Also thanks to MERCY for the Oswald Chambers (love that devo) quote and LAURA today’s story of Gods answer to prayer and his faithfulness.
Sorry for the long post.
Although I don’t comment often I read your posts, am encouraged by them and I pray for your requests. Thank you for your comments, notes and encouragement you give. You all are a blessing.
Love it DW—THANK YOU for sharing, and THANK YOU for thinking of me!! I truly know God hears our prayers and spared my house and our area from way worse!!! I copied that quote down, thanks for sharing!!
D W, There a no long posts here, just sister sharing their heart and how God us moving in their lives..
Wonderful to see you here..❤️
PRAISING the LORD this morning for his protection!! And POWER!!
But to today’s devotional—Gathering together to read letters of Paul and the whole Bible is just imperative to your faith journey!! It doesn’t happen by going to church weekly to hear a sermon, sorry, it just doesn’t! It has to be a desire, and eagerness to study/learn/hear/ the Bible and what it all says! Yes, it can be difficult, and that’s where small groups can be helpful, in reading and studying, and sharing! These people then become your go-tos in the journey of life! Or maybe they were just there for a season, helping and shaping you in that time. We too, SHE”S, are a beautiful small group!
My church small group STARTS tomorrow! As the leader, I have the ladies that started with me a year ago! (remember HOW nervous I was to lead!!???) But I also have about 4 new ladies joining! I always start out by giving testimonies of how groups have impacted them and their walk! And then I always emphasize my desire that they grow closer to the Lord during the next 10 weeks!! This time I really wanted to study and read the word together rather than just doing a topical study!! BECAUSE I want them to see the importance of reading word for word rather than just picking the scriptures that encourage us! The feel good ones! We need ALL the scriptures as a whole to gather the wisdom God has for us! Isn’t it AMAZING that these handwritten letters penned by Paul to go to the churches were saved for us to read 2000 years later, YET we don’t even pick up our Bibles and read it! We let the preacher choose encouraging verses and make a feel good message out of them! SO thankful for SRT and their calling to get ladies in their Bibles!! The SRT motto..open your Bibles! I will stress this over and over as long as I am a leader! We will read through all parts, even the ones we don’t like and don’t want to apply today because they step on toes- No Way…ALL scriptures is God inspired for our benefit and growth! Trust and OBEY. ALL the word. Amen!
We can say we are Christians…but I prefer Christ-follower. He is my Lord and Savior—dying on the CROSS for ME!! YOU! We owe him OUR lives, yet we play at being a Christian on Sundays. Let’s be Pauls and earnestly and with determination and grit, like time is running out, to tell the good news, that Christ alone saves!! I’m telling you, in this political climate, there is only one truth, one way, one side. The side of the Lord and we must vote that way. Your vote matters, and it has to be for laws that will most line up with the truth. I truly believe the church has woken up, the sleeping giant has risen! Leaders and advocates have been threatened and arrested, and silenced over and over, yet who is paying attention? If you are not seeing this I implore you to follow many church leaders that are out there standing up for Christ-following beliefs and values!! They need our support. Often times we don’t want to step up until it affects our own lives individually, but I’m telling you, it IS going to affect you and all church attending/Christ followers soon! These letters we have read all summer are the wake up! Arise! Be bold, speak the truth, go be involved! Don’t shy back, but speak in love and vigor like Paul!! Oh I want to be a Paul…and A JESUS, more importantly!! I love him SO much that I am desperate to hold on to my rights I have right now. They can be taken so quickly. Bonhoeffer was an advocate for Christ in the 40’s. The movie is coming out at the end of this month! I wish it was coming out sooner!! Lord open our eyes, take the scales off, let us realize the urgency for our religious freedoms that are slowly and surely being taken. We love you Lord, we have Bibles that call to us, to be in your word, and to know you better. Thank you Lord, thank you!
I apologize..I too, like Laura, think and work it out as I write! I told my husband if I died, all he has to do is read SRT for my comments for 6 or so years to know my heart…Hahahahahhaha! How funny is that? funny not funny?!
Amen, sweet sister! Amen!
Rhonda, what boldness I see in you compared to a year ago! I started seeing a change after Ian and you boldly… against your nature at the time… volunteered to pray with your neighbors. Your boldness has increased exponentially since! That is an inspiration to me… to us! People say (and I am guilty, too) that we aren’t being persecuted as Christians. Your comment reminded me that every time we lose any part if our Christian heritage on which this country wad founded we are being persecuted. Great words of encouragement as always. Rejoicing over your safety and the safety of your property! Love you! ❤❤
Love your heart Rhonda! I was so happy to see the pictures of your house being saved on Facebook. I am so happy that the storm turned and lost power as it made landfall. I kept reminding Jesus that He could calm the storm and He had walked on water!! Save His people. God is so good! Continuing to pray for all impacted from the last two hurricanes. Still so much tragedy. Hugs and prayers as you start your new group. You are going to be great!❤️
I am so in awe of you Rhonda and love following all posts and doings. I am part of a 5 week small group right now (a subset of our ladies Bible study) for a special series our pastor is leading us in. Last night there were just 2 of us but we had the best conversation and I came home so peaceful. I want to see the movie too! Praying for courage to stand up for righteous and truth.
Rhonda, praise, praise, Praising with you and for you! Love you muchly my dear… muchly!❤️
Hello everyone. Thank you for the prayers— they’ve been felt. My mind has honestly been so busy, but at peace. I have not been able to concentrate on the devotional but I’m constantly praying and praising God for his infinite mercy and grace. All the important things— human life and my dog, were saved. And we have been good stewards of his blessings, so thankfully we have all we need materially. I ended up having to go to the ER later the day of the fire because of light smoke inhalation as I went to get my youngest from him room. But the effects of that are now subsiding. I just wanted to stop by and let you know we are all ok and thank you.
Oh Maria…thank you for checking in with us!!! You have been in my thoughts and prayers! Just reading…getting my son from his room…gives my heart palpations!! Oh THANK YOU LORD for giving Maria just what she needed, the calm and head knowledge to save and get everyone out of a burning house!!! You were the 4th man in the fire…WE PRAISE you LORD for you faithfulness and saving this family!!! Amen! How, how…HOW SCARY!!! I wish there was more we could do to help?? But we are sending lots of prayers!
❤
So glad you’re okay
Maria! Know that we will continue to pray that the Lord will give you ” beauty for ashes”and that the “glory of the latter house will be greater than the former”.
Yes amen…BEAUTY for ashes! I pray the beauty shows as a testimony to many Maria!
❤
Maria, You have been on my heart and mind since I read of the fire that took your home yesterday. I am praying for you and will continue. I’m thankful you got medical help yesterday and pray God will be near to you in a very comforting way.
Oh Bless you!!
Such a scary thing to go through. But God…
Prayers continue for you and your family. ❤️
Maria – praying for you and your family
It’s so good to hear from you Maria. You and your family have been on my mind and in my prayers since you told us your home was lost to fire. I’m so glad you are all okay and pray your lungs continue to heal from the smoke. Continuing to pray for you for guidance and stability as you deal with insurance and that you find your next place quickly. Love and hugs!❤️
Maria, I am thankful again that 1) you were able to get your son to safety and 2) your lungs are recovering so quickly! Another way of seeing God’s Hand amid this tragedy. Prayers continue, sweet sister! May God provide all your needs as you pull up your boot straps and move forward. Praying peace for all! Love you! ❤❤
Maria, continued prayers for you and yours. So lovely to see you here and hearing you STILL talk of our Father God and His goodness..
May the peace of God continue to surround you in these trying days..❤️
In our verses from Hebrews today, we are cautioned in vs 13 to ‘exhort (encourage) one another daily, while it is called “Today,”’ and ‘23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting (encouraging) others one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Parenthetical additions – mine.
–
Sisters, let’s remember He is always faithful and that for each Today we have, the approach of “the Day” is one day closer. May each of us give what we can to each Today in preparation, especially praying for the lost.
–
So thankful for our sisters being safe in the storm. Praying for those who lost loved ones and those whose homes and other items were damaged or lost. May they have wisdom, guidance and the help needed as they work to move forward.
–
Catching up on the last couple of days, reading back through the comments and praying.
MARIA BAER – continuing to pray for your family in working through replacement of necessary things and guidance in where to live.
ADRIENNE- praying, sister, for answers.
TANYA EVANS – praying the grant situation is worked out
JILLIAN L – I have pondered and wrestled with this same question time and again. MARGARET W shared some good thoughts. One thing I remind myself is that I can be changed through prayer – maybe my perspective is changed, my heart, my thoughts?
LANIE – praying baby girl turns as needed
MARY L and LIBBY K – I think most, if not all, of us have felt this way. Praying that struggles with prayer will ease and resolve as you continue going to the Lord in love, in need, in thanks.
MICHELLE P – joining you in praying for the lost
COLLEEN DEVEAU – love you pointing out power of prayer!
JULIA C – so good yesterday, thank you.
TRICIA C ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
MERCY ❤️
TINA ❤️
❤️right back atcha, dear Searching!
A real blessing to us all right here!
I love you!❤️
Thank so much. ❤️
Thank you, God, for Paul and his letters!
Thank God for Paul and the early churches. Their hard work and commitment to spreading the world to all and each other is the reason we are able to have the word of God today. I think this is one of those moments we can say what the enemy meant for evil God meant for good.I am sure Paul never thought that him being in prison would lead to such a powerful message for generations after him. God works in incredible ways. We never know how our difficult times could be changing the life and encouraging others around us to keep faith.
How right you are, Candyce!
“We never know how our difficult times could be changing the life and encouraging others around us to keep faith.”
Through it all … aim to put a “good heart forward”.
AMEN Candyee!! So, so true, you said it perfectly!! It is easy to praise God in the good, but it is in our hard and terrible, that when we praise, people really see what we are made of, how Christ is what we are made of!!
Perfectly said!
Thank you ❤️
I loved all the Scriptures shared today. And as I read through the few comments already posted, I have nothing new to add except, yes, me too! Kelly (NEO), I had the same section from HRT copied to post. So beautifully written!
These last few sections of Scriptures have prompted me to put something together that I don’t think I ever realized before. I started praying over 7 years ago for a community of believers to do life with. I remember one New Year’s writing down in my “Goals List” “Find a Christian Community of Women to do life with.” This was before my husband confessed his affair. I realize I share about that a lot, but today it struck me that it is an important milestone in my faith journey. Before that happened, I was praying for certain things. Healing for my marriage. A community of women to do life with. After his confession, these things were answered. Not immediately, but as God and I worked through that hardship. Interesting. I never really put that together before. I prayed for something. Went through a terrible experience. God brought me through it. And my prayers were answered (over time…let me emphasize that). I have shared a lot about how God is healing my marriage. But the community was a part of my own healing. Because of my goal, I had set out to find Christian women in my life to gather with. I became very intentional about making plans with them and before the confession, I was starting to socially get together with some of these women. I tried to follow God’s leading on who those women should be. Then the confession. And some of those women were the ones who held me up as I walked through it. The very ones that God had drawn me to. Wow! And now they are some of my dearest friends. And yes, we do life together!
One more example as I think of how I prayed for something, and God answered it in an unexpected way. As you all know, our youngest daughter rebelled and cut us out of her life. My husband and I were “church shopping” at the time and decided to go to a church that was “Seeker Sensitive” oriented. Not our normal type of church, but we chose it because we knew that our daughter had agreed to go to this church before her rebellion and so we saw it as the one church she would agree to go to with us when she returned. We are still there, 5 years later. It still is not “our cup of tea” in many ways, but God drew me to a group of women at this church, totally miraculously (that is a story for another day) who are now my best friends! We are multi-generational, study God’s Word together and encourage and build each other up every day. I love them so much! And they have walked through our heartache with our daughter every step of the way. So interesting. I never put together the way God answered my prayers before until now. I prayed. Went through a really hard time. And my prayer was answered in HIS timing, and in a beautiful and BETTER way than I even asked for!
Sorry for the long post. I am kinda working all of this out in real time by typing. But as I get ready to go on a beach trip with the girls I just mentioned above, I wanted to get it straight in my own head because I definitely want to share this with my friends this weekend!
I could continue by sharing how THIS community came into my life as well…but that is left for another day. Love you, SRT friends!
Laura, I do the same thing. Process as I talk. This has been a long time prayer and new years goal of mine for a long time! Every new year I am very ashamed I have not found a community group I love. I don’t know that there is anything in this world that I have felt more opposition to than finding a community group. And like you it first started with finding a church. I have mixed emotions about this, as I can see God in it as well. During the roughest part it really seems like God had called me to a place of isolation (I’m not advocating for this by the way) but in my specific story realizing I needed only him, and only he could heal this wound was essential. I have always sought the council of others first. So I think my year in isolation was necessary for my growth in Christ! When we finally found our church, there wasn’t a group for us, which was a bummer, but I befriended our new assistant pastor and his wife and asked if they would start one. They did and we have joined but it is a young couples group and I know my husband hates it. I desperately need this group so please pray for us that it will work out!
I forgot to mention, but thank you so much to my online community, because y’all have definitely carried me through these times of not having a physical community!
LANIE. I would LOVE to meet you for sit-down share!!! I am much older than you, but age doesn’t get in the way for me. Clemson or Easley (preferably Clemson) would work for me should you want to meet. I am here everyday, so just let me know here. If you’re on the FB page we can do contact info there. Love ya! ❤
I’m sorry your husband doesn’t like the group, BUT good for you for making connections and getting it started. Community is SO important; I think that’s one of the things we see in all of Paul’s letters. It’s really special to have a group you can walk alongside, whether you’re in similar times of life or not. It’s always worth the effort! I hope this group is a blessing to you.
I agree…our “small groups” are imperative to form a family that is there and walks with us through all things! When I went through my divorce- my friend invited me to her church, and to join in with her small (married couples) group. I was hesitant, but I knew God put them there for me! My other friends would have easily (and tried) to take me out to the bars, where inevitably we were “hit on” and drinking and so on! (the devil loves that!). BUT–you NEED Godly people surrounding you, and when your need hits, and it will- THEY are just who you need to wrap their arms around you!!
Thank you Laura!! That’s why I love journaling- you can look back and READ and know how God brings what you need into fruition! We often forget what we prayed for or lack in seeing where we were and where we are now…is all BY the Lord’s hand!
Laura, this is so special! Thank you for sharing!
I agree. We don’t always get what we pray for in the way we think we will, or the timing. But God…
Good for me to remember as Steve and I struggle thru the financial difficulties, IRS meetings, and his health. God has brought us through so much. He never leaves us. And He has a perfect plan!
Hugs to you ❤️
❤️
Looks like there are more stories to come! Whoop!
Love right back to you, Laura! ❤️
Just reading some of the posts from yesterday- glad to see you Florida girls are ok! ❤️
@Maria Baer – still praying for you!
I am praising and worshiping this morning for hedge of protection and faithfulness for hearing the mighty prayers of his people…and for the POWER coming on so soon! Having my coffee ready and easy this morning..(and a house for that matter!) is AMAZING!!
Father let Your Word remain precious to my heart and provide guidance to my mouth and mind always. In Jesus name, Amen
From HRT today:
“When you are together with a handful of other Christians and read and discuss something from Scripture, a memorable encounter happens. You are being formed by the shared Word of God. You are encouraging, challenging, enlightening, and developing a life of lived spirituality together. . . .
.
“It’s worth asking—do you have that community of fellow believers to speak God’s Word to? Is there a church or a small group of Christians that are speaking God’s Word to you? We desperately need the community of believers to help keep us from “an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12). We need each other to “provoke love and good works” among each other (Hebrews 10:24). Let me ask again, who are those fellow believers that you can share the Word of God with and that are sharing God’s Word with you?”
.
Long to have such a group to physically meet with, but I am so grateful for you ladies to “meet” with until then. (Not that I would stop SRT, but in addition).
.
Update about my work situation for those interested: one candidate accepted but won’t be starting until Dec (He has to move to the area). Second candidate went with another company. Third candidate being sent an offer today.
.
Continuing to pray for those dealing with storm distruction and for the church to shine as helpers go to the areas in need.
Thank you, KELLY. I too would like to have a group to meet with. Well, maybe not a group but 2-3 women. Confession here – I don’t do well with the women I’ve met in any church we’ve attended. No doubt it’s me and not them, nevertheless …
Thankful your work situation is being improved, albeit slowly.
Dear Searching
May you find spiritual sisters,
with whom you fit.
And by His Grace,
your faith is knit.
Yes, praying in agreement with that Gwineth!
Hard to imagine, we value your insight and wisdom so much here, so…we’ll just keep you here with us!! ;)
Amen, Gwineth! ❤ I would be in that group in a ❤beat!
Me tooooooo!❤️
Thank you Kelly for sharing from HRT, I copied that down! Thank you for always listing the prayer requests for us! Praying for your work situation.
❤️
Dear Lord Jesus, come fill us with your Glory! We want to know you more. Illuminate the Eyes of our Hearts so we can see you. Let us fix our eyes on you Lord Jesus! You know the Plans you have for us Lord Jesus, show us your plans. Lead us and guide us to take the best next step. Thank you for everything. We Love you Lord Jesus! Amen!
Amen ❤️
❤️
❤️❤️❤️
The continued relevance of the Bible really stood out to me this morning. We still need encouragement to stand firm, encourage one another to hold fast to what we believe about Jesus and know to be true. “..hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Be alert and on guard “that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” and do not be “carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability”. Today’s culture would love to carry us away in error. However – because the gospel message is clear and unchanging, all Paul’s letters would have been relevant to all the believers – then and now! Truth is truth and still is, thanks be to God.
This concentration on Paul’s letters for the summer has been very rich – an intense focus on who Jesus is, what He has done for us and how that should affect my daily life. Happy Friday Ladies! Very excited to dive into Hebrews next week.
❤️
Yes, SALLY, these days, if we don’t stand firm we could easily be carried away and lose our stability.
Right on, Sally!
Couldn’t think of a better person to spend the summer with, than the Apostle Paul.
Imprisoned in body.
Liberated by spirit.
Due his own letter of strength & encouragement.
Oh gosh…should have read YOUR message before I posted my long winded comment that you summed up SO much better!! Amen and Amen! (I tell ya’ll I am not eloquent in my wording, but…I still put the fumbling words spilling from my mouth, hahah)
Amen, sister! ❤
MERCY I am just reading through yesterday’s comments and just want to say I appreciate you sharing. That is beautiful. ❤️
Have a great weekend dear Sisters.
Yes agree, Amen!
Aww..thanks ladies!
❤️
Maria Baer…..catching up and went to see what happened. Thank God you and your family are OK. Praying for you and your family as navigate through this loss, BUT GOD….God is SO good to have spared you, your family and pets! Praying for an out pour of support from your loved ones and community!!!
You are up EARLY for your last free Friday!! Hope you will enjoy your last day of vacation with maybe a coffee shop visit! :)
I am in agreement, praying for our dear Maria, sister and friend in Christ, that you Maria are surrounded by love and help, and get everything squared away for a place to live, and then to sort through the paperwork and challenge of all you have lost. I hope we can help you somehow other than showering you with prayer, lifting you and your family up to the Lord. Be a good steward of blessing God through the loss for your family to see and others, that is a blessing for sure!! Strong in the Storm!