Good News

Last night at Bible Study during the praise and request time, we received some great news. Before I share the news, let me share with you what's happening.

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The women from my church meet once a week to fellowship and study. I joined because after 4 yrs of living in Southern California I was still craving connection with other women.  I thought in order for me to connect with others, they had to look like me or share the same cultural background - which is very superficial of me. So I had reservations when I started, but I did have a desire to learn and share God's Word more. We started in the spring and we are using David, Seeking a Heart Like His by Beth Moore as our guide. During the week you read and take notes and come ready to share (or not.)

David was a man after God's own heart, though as you look at his life there were significant flaws and events that challenged him along the way.  David became king at age 30, but prior to that he had killed Goliath, was anointed as king, fought battles, committed adultery with Bathsheba, and had many wives (he seemed to have a weakness for women.) He had done a lifetime of living prior to becoming king, but at age 30 he was finally established as king. (There's a lesson here regarding God's timing.)

One of the highlights from last night's study (in addition to the good news) was an incident that occurred in 2 Sam 4. Saul's son Ishbosheth is murdered and David in turn puts to death the murderers. Violence breeds violence.  From this story, the writer of the Bible Study made this point - "we are not likely to draw actual swords and thrust them in to the bellies of our brothers and sisters in Christ, but when we use the word of God inappropriately, this is what we do. It is equivalent to what Peter did  when he used his sword to wrongfully cut off the ear of the soldier." This was food for thought, as I don't want to use the word of God inappropriately and cut off another's ear, so that they can't hear me.

Back to the good news - one of our members shared that she found Jesus, finally, and she has been so happy ever since. She came to our group because of her troubled circumstances. We had spent time praying with her, encouraging her, hugging and loving on her and helping her out financially.  But she was holding on to something and this week she could hold on no more. In her words she found Jesus and she has never been happier. It gave me goosebumps to see her joy because it was palpable, and I know that as we were happy the angels were rejoicing also.

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. Psalms 30:11,12

Do you know Jesus? As a Christian do you think about how you use the Word? Do you always speak the truth in love?