At the moment it is very still. All the girls have left from our Tuesday night Bible Study. The laughter and conversation no longer linger in the air, and I am reminded of how sweet the silence can be. My beautiful husband lies asleep in the other room; tired and drained from his long day. My books are in the corner, waiting to be read, but instead I've decided to sit awhile and enjoy the sweet silence that comes from knowing that God's word has satisfied, once again.
Currently, we have just completed week 11 in our Daniel study, by Beth Moore. This study will mark #2 that we have completed in the past year. Now, with only one week left to go in Daniel, I find myself reflecting over the past year's journey and at God's marvelous plans and his beautiful word. I think about how far we have all come, over the past 10 months and I am thankful that we did not give up, even when odds and opinions were against us. I am so proud of my girls... my friends... my sisters in Christ!
There was a sad time in our short history as a group where we were discouraged from joining together in Bible study and prayer. We were told that we were not mature enough, that we needed training, that we were out of line. We were told that we didn't know what we were doing... and maybe we didn't. But God saw our burning hearts for more of His word. He graciously took notice, as we prayed for each other, studied His truths and shared His love with one another. He has led us a mighty long way, with still much terrain to travel! I am honored to walk alongside women such as these; women who are not afraid to ask questions and seek truths beyond "Church Lingo"... women who aren't afraid or ashamed to say, "I am hungry for more of God!" These women are amazing and I am so proud to share this journey with them.
In our current study of Daniel, we are learning that in order to live effective lives for the cause of Christ, we must live our lives out on purpose, as living sacrifices that have resolved to renounce anything that will keep us from growing a deeper relationship with Christ and from our Godly calling.
Beth Moore says, "We...can live out our lives with integrity, but we will never do it by accident". How profound is that? Everyday, we must choose to pattern our hearts and our minds after the Truth that is found only in Christ, through the Word of God! And as we grow and mature, in His love, He begins to shape us and polish us into the Pearls and into the young women He has created us to be, for His kingdom and glory's sake! (Amen)
Sitting here, in the silence, my heart is so full and thankful for what God is preparing to do, in our lives, and in yours! Allow the Lord to lead you, in whatever direction you feel He is calling you. Don't worry if you're not good enough, mature enough or properly trained. If you have a heart to know, love and serve the Lord, then you are equipped enough! Christ will do the rest, and put you on a royal display, with all the other Jewels in His Crown!
Be encouraged, my friend!
Faith, Hope and Love,
~Pearls of Hope
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