I have been doing a lot of reflecting on this 'new' life that God is calling me to. Because the details haven't been made known, I'm feeling very much in a limbo between two lives, the old (NYC) and the new (Africa? TN? NYC? Wherever..) I sense God 'stirring the pot' but nothing has been completely revealed as to what the next step is. I am encouraged during this time as he is the light unto my path. Over the past couple of weeks I have been praying specifically that the Lord will provide the foundation for these next steps when I get home...or wherever I am. Please be praying that when I'm presented with opportunities that I will have the wisdom to discern whether it is from God or not. And if something is not from God, it will be made very clear to me.
My devotion this morning was "speaking the truth in love." To do this requires both courage and compassion in order to maximize the impact of our service to his people.
Ephesians 4:15-32
"So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
God has called me to be a missionary to serve his people, whether that is in the continent of Africa, the homeless shelters and community centers of Manhattan, or asking the cashier how their day is at the checkout line at Wal-Mart. I have definitely learned during my time in Cape Town that regardless of where I am, I am to be connected within the community. I need to be in tune with God in order to love and value those who I see daily. I need to make myself available to his people.
Ephesians 5:1-2
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Love you, Lauren.
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