Without Grumbling

 I gather this is Part 2 from last week.... Maybe it's just the book of Ruth; it just makes you realize you should be obedient and trust God.  

My Pastor told me one time, well many times on a given day  "Just do it".  My self was like, "Well'll".  I can't even remember what I was giving excuses on what I could not do.  

Ruth 3

Naomi gave Ruth a task with specific directions.  Ruth did not ask how come or why and she did not complain or give her opinion. What she said in vs 5 had me still " All that you say to me I will do."  and then the next verse you see her doing it.  

OMG! Why can't I be like Ruth?  I had 3 errands to do today and even though I enjoyed the visits a part of me wish I did not have to drive.  I can't seem to shake the spirit of " I don't feel like it" even though 8/10 I will do it especially if it has to get done.  My desire is to get to a place when someone tells me to do something in reason and it is coming from a Godly Divine place without me finding an excuse and any reservations.  I want to be like Ruth and just do it!

When we carry ourselves like Ruth, we do what needs or should be done and there is no drama attached.  We also finish completing the task well exactly as one was told.  I challenge you along with myself the next time God tells you to do something do it without grumbling.

2 Timothy 1:7

2 Corinthians 12:9

We got this!

Always with Love,

            A.P.E.P. 

Stop Fussing!

 Growth will always occur no matter how old or the level you are at in Christ. 

I was at the car dealership waiting to be served for an oil change this morning.  They open at 8am.  I was there 7:45am... fourth car.  It is 8am two service people are going down the line and I was skipped twice.  The first time I did not make any noise because the automobile was behind me, and I knew they would have to attend to me before they could move that automobile.  I guess the gentleman saw my face and my body posture change and immediately he came to me and said he was sorry you were skipped, how can I help you?  

(I like this picture because I actually felt this is what I looked like...I went from smiling to this look)

OH! My flesh did not allow me to be quiet.  I said, " Well, I was about to say (which I am doing).  I was waiting and I was just watching.  I have been coming here for 16 years so I know how this works."  the gentleman just smiled and said mam how can I help you.  

I will be so glad when I can KILL my flesh and keep my mouth shut and just answer the question without sass.  The man apologized and was polite.  BUT no, I had to make him see my displeasure.  Long story short after he left me, I sat down and began writing this Blog as I repented to God. Humility, that is what I was lacking.

Now someone might say You were in your right because you felt unjust...yeah but Jesus was unjust MANY times and He still showed LOVE.  The problem is we are condition like the world and at times it is hard to get away from that because it is like second nature to us to behave especially with many unjust things happening in the world, but JESUS is LOVE and if we say we want to be like Him then we need to do better. 

This brings me to Ruth Chapter 2:

What I love about this story is that Ruth saw a need and moved without having an appointment, she asked a question to gain permission and then she moved in the answer provided.  When she moved and went to the place to walk in her answer (you have to read Ch 2 to know what I am talking about) she took whatever they offered and allowed: Humility.  I bring this to our attention because we grumble and complain when we get offended or what we think is due to us because of life, family, or even friendships.  I found out when you humble yourself you find favor.   Do you know my car was ready before anyone else this morning with no issues.  Now someone may say that's because you mention the years you been with the company.  I say it's because I repented immediately after the man left me and God knew I would share my testimony in this Blog.  

My Pastor shared Ephesians Ch 6:8 last night to me and I did not understand why until this morning.  So, rejoice!  If you move "Godly Good" favor will come upon you, so try not to fuss.  

Always with Love,

A.P.E.P.

True Friendship: I Have a True Friend

 

I am reading Ruth Chapter 1 and in a short space of time as you read you will see a family move to a strange land to sons taken up wives that lead to a mother being left with daughter in laws.  

Ruth 1: 14-15 Daughter in law #1 Orpah:  She is an example of an Acquaintance. 

(Someone who says, Hi, bye tolerates you during the season but will leave when the mood seed fit for them to do so).

Ruth 1:16-18 Daughter in law #2   Ruth   She is an example of a True Friend.

(she will do whatever, go wherever, be whatever as long as she is with the person she cares for).

What makes this soooo sweet and special is that Ruth was willing to forgo her culture and what she knows to be with a woman she has grown to admire, respect, and love.... True Friendship. 

Do you have a Ruth in your Life?

Do you have only Orpah in your Life?          

Here is the Truth and the Open Secret, everyone has a Ruth; His Name is Jesus...our True Friend. 

Naomi said she came home empty (that was her flesh talking) but she came home so blessed because she had a True and Faithful Friend.  

We must remember our situations may look dire, hard, and uncomfortable but if we open our eyes and see the goodness of our Faithful Friend, who says He will never leave us.  

I am grateful for friendships.

It is friendship that remind me how I matter to Jesus and so now I write.... again.

Always with Love,

A.P.E.P.