I created the accountability sheet yesterday afternoon. It was an odd thing; I had told hubby what I was doing when I took my laptop into the front room to work on it. He went into his office and when he was done, just as I was completing the form, and DEMANDED to know what I was working on. That created a tense situation for me, because I wanted to respond sarcastically. I had already told him; he had forgotten. But to DEMAND an answer, it did not set well with me. But I held in my irritation and responded politely.
Not sure what was going on with him; could have been I told him he needed to give up his pride.... and his car keys earlier. I won't go into all the details, but I am taking him to a couple appointments on Monday morning, but he insists he is driving after that. HE will decide when it is time to give up his car keys. Sigh. So that is one of my prayer requests, that he will recognize it is time. Yes, he can still drive to things close by, but anything more than a few miles away, he needs to find a way. He is so afraid of giving up his independence, and I get it. I understand what he is feeling. But we are having more and more conversations about this and at some point, he will 'hear' what I am saying. I won't benefit from it as I will (as others at times) have to take him places. I want him to keep driving. But I know too that it isn't always safe for him to be driving. As we talk about it, please pray that God will soften his heart and he will 'hear' it is for his own good. Not that we are taking away from him; but it is for his own good. Perhaps he will let me drive when we go out more. That would help.
Today is Sunday and we will be going to church. In fact, today, we are to attend the 'class' at this church we've been attending to hear their beliefs and mission. I love CCV, but it is way too big and the deal with the small group thing was a factor not to go there. Although I would go occasionally, because I do love the church. But this church is again multi-cultural as we had attended before, and is quite diversified. The few times we have heard the pastor speak, it has been from the Bible scriptures so that is a good starting point. We'll go hear what they have to say to day and will go from there. This is the first step in 'joining'... finding out what they believe. I'm looking forward to getting involved in the women's group and make new friends. It was interesting that I prayed last Sunday that God would show me/us if that is where we are to go.... make us feel welcome there. And we had more people come over to greet us (and not through the greeting time) and welcome us there. I figured that was my sign.
I John 1:7 (NKJV) "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."
It really is important to be with other believers. We often say that we don't have to go to church to be a Christian, and that is true, but we are called to be with other believers to edify the church and to be a part of the body. You remember the scripture in I Corinthians 12. You cannot say that you are the foot so you don't need the head; or that they are an eye and are not needed. Ah... I need to write out the entire scripture, but I do not have the time this morning. Look it up; begin with verse 12.
Each person is valuable and is needed in the church. It doesn't matter what your gift is, it is needed. We are called to edify the church and walk this journey with other believers. Where do you fit in? What is your gift? Is it serving? Is it giving? Is it encouragement? Is it prayer? Is it leading? Is it teaching? We all have gifts that can be used in the body of Christ. And as you give it to the Lord, He builds up His body, the church.
Blessings!
