BARB TALK:
As much as I wish my arms were 3 inches longer, that’s probably not going to happen. As much as I want Al to know Jesus, I can’t manipulate situations around him to make him believe, nor can I will into existence a heart of faith for him.
So what are my options?
I have had others tell me for 35 years, if I just leave this or that book around, Al will read it and be saved. If he just would listen to a podcast, go to a certain meeting, or if this person speaks to him, or if I pray this prayer, Al’s life would turn to Jesus. I have even had others tell me that if only I would shape up, Al would bend his heart and his knee to Jesus.
I find none of that behavior in scripture as a cure all for salvation of our loved ones.
But what I have found is this:
•Pray.
• Live a life of love.
•Walk in the Way.
•Read God’s Word.
•Live every moment as a Christ Follower.
•Trust God with the outcome.
The Voice has an interesting transition of 1 Corinthians 7:16:
“Remember that anything is possible, so the life you lead and the love you show under this strain may be what finally liberates your partner.”
1 Peter 4:10-13, Amplified Version:
“As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor. Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him yes do it] as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it). Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you.
But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly].”
Sounds like I am to live as a believer and 1 Peter 3:15:
“In your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.”
Lord please help me to live and behave only as You desire, never falling prey to outside pressure.
As much as I wish my arms were 3 inches longer, that’s probably not going to happen. As much as I want Al to know Jesus, I can’t manipulate situations around him to make him believe, nor can I will into existence a heart of faith for him.
So what are my options?
I have had others tell me for 35 years, if I just leave this or that book around, Al will read it and be saved. If he just would listen to a podcast, go to a certain meeting, or if this person speaks to him, or if I pray this prayer, Al’s life would turn to Jesus. I have even had others tell me that if only I would shape up, Al would bend his heart and his knee to Jesus.
I find none of that behavior in scripture as a cure all for salvation of our loved ones.
But what I have found is this:
•Pray.
• Live a life of love.
•Walk in the Way.
•Read God’s Word.
•Live every moment as a Christ Follower.
•Trust God with the outcome.
The Voice has an interesting transition of 1 Corinthians 7:16:
“Remember that anything is possible, so the life you lead and the love you show under this strain may be what finally liberates your partner.”
1 Peter 4:10-13, Amplified Version:
“As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor. Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him yes do it] as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it). Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you.
But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly].”
Sounds like I am to live as a believer and 1 Peter 3:15:
“In your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.”
Lord please help me to live and behave only as You desire, never falling prey to outside pressure.
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