Post by grammashirley on Apr 19, 2009 10:30:00 GMT -5
The Lord took me by the heart and called me into his kingdom when I was 11 years old. I spent far too much time trying to get my feet under me. I was called names, told I'd ruined my life and that I was a fanatic. At that age, it is truly difficult to take a stand and as a result I was wounded and fell away into the way of the world in my late teens. For almost 10 years I lived as a prodigal and though I was a disobedient child, the Holy Spirt continued to woo and convict me. I can remember laying in bed crying even after my children were of school age. I'd lay there and cry out to God to show me how to get back and all the while thinking I had to do something to earn his forgiveness.
Then one gorgeous morning shortly after I started my work shift my boss came by and simply commented "Isn't this a beautiful day that the Lord has mad".
That was it!!!! I could talk to the boss and he could tell me how to get back to Jesus!!! A bit later when he and I both had a moment, I went to see him and told him what was going on. He kindly asked what I was doing when I left work and I assured him I was available. He brought another fellow with him and they came to my house and led me through the "Romans road". And I repented and reached out again to the Lord.
That was over 36 years ago and though I've stumbled, He had me in his hand and promised that he would never leave me nor forsake me. And of course since he cannot lie, each day built my confidence in his faithfulness. Today, I know whom I have believed and am persuded that nothing can take me from his precious blood stained hands.
I enjoy being a prayer warrior and have met with Jan McLaughlin of "Prayer For Prisoners.org" and with God's blessing I'll soon be working with them praying, sending cards and doing phone calls to pastors to set up and confirm team visitations in churches.
So in closing I encourage you to see your family as your primary ministry then as you remain faithful to your calling, God will expand your ministry to reach both in and out of your home and maybe even your church. But please be very sure its the Lord calling you and not something you are doing for personal recognition. Satan loves to get us involved in something and then we find we have no joy in what we are doing. You will find that there is joy in obedience even when the waters are troubled, so stay strong, stay true and fix you eyes and your heart on the Holy One who died for each of us.
Hugs,
grammashirley
Then one gorgeous morning shortly after I started my work shift my boss came by and simply commented "Isn't this a beautiful day that the Lord has mad".
That was it!!!! I could talk to the boss and he could tell me how to get back to Jesus!!! A bit later when he and I both had a moment, I went to see him and told him what was going on. He kindly asked what I was doing when I left work and I assured him I was available. He brought another fellow with him and they came to my house and led me through the "Romans road". And I repented and reached out again to the Lord.
That was over 36 years ago and though I've stumbled, He had me in his hand and promised that he would never leave me nor forsake me. And of course since he cannot lie, each day built my confidence in his faithfulness. Today, I know whom I have believed and am persuded that nothing can take me from his precious blood stained hands.
I enjoy being a prayer warrior and have met with Jan McLaughlin of "Prayer For Prisoners.org" and with God's blessing I'll soon be working with them praying, sending cards and doing phone calls to pastors to set up and confirm team visitations in churches.
So in closing I encourage you to see your family as your primary ministry then as you remain faithful to your calling, God will expand your ministry to reach both in and out of your home and maybe even your church. But please be very sure its the Lord calling you and not something you are doing for personal recognition. Satan loves to get us involved in something and then we find we have no joy in what we are doing. You will find that there is joy in obedience even when the waters are troubled, so stay strong, stay true and fix you eyes and your heart on the Holy One who died for each of us.
Hugs,
grammashirley