Crestwood Church Blog

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress... James 1:27

On Saturday afternoon returning from Stourbridge, Isobel and I saw a stranger who was in distress. Joan, an 80 year old widow who has had various operations over the past months - none of which have helped improve her frailty - was attempting to walk home with two bags of shopping. She lived 300m away.

This journey would have taken her the best part of an hour at the lowly speed she was struggling to achieve. It didn't take a revelation from God to see she was in need.

It took a while to get her into the car, several attempts in fact. The girls in the back seats were motionless and silent. After safely taking her into her home and placing the shopping in the kitchen, she thanked me. It was if I had walked a thousand miles with her, such was her appreciation.

To me, this was a few minutes break from the routine of Saturday afternoon, but the cheer and blessing it brought to dear Joan, Isobel and I was vast.

Sometimes we forget the every day acts of humanity which God has built within each of us. As believers we have no excuse, that which in previous times was dead and inactive has been made alive, because the person of the Holy Spirit lives within us.

Remember the countless acts of kindness that Christ has shown to us. Sadly we can be put to shame by acts of humanity from people who don’t know the Saviour. How much more should we who know Jesus be genuine and pure in our faith? It is something that we all should strive towards, myself included.

Labels: Humanity, Kindness, Spirit

posted by Andi - Sunday, 11 March 2007, 21:08
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I'm sure the thought of having to run a marathon terrifies some of us. How well trained are we when it comes to the things of God? 1 Corinthians 8:25 says:

All athletes are disciplined in their training...so I run with a purpose in every step. (NLT)

We are in a spiritual race in direct competition with Satan trying to bring our families, friends and community into a loving relationship with Christ. So we must train, so that we can defeat Satan who has blinded the minds of those who don't believe.

Believers training program

1. Wear the right shoes- Ephesians tells us to put on the shoes of the gospel: "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared". Keep to the truth, don't add or take away, and don't water it down.
2. Eat the right food– Diet is essential when preparing for a race. If you are not feeding on the word of God, don't expect to win. Your own diet will let you down. Luke 4:4: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God".
3. Practice your breathing- Listen to God speaking to you though his word and let the Holy Spirit live through you. Allow God to control your thoughts and your actions. Let him breathe life, purpose and joy through you.
4. Exercise vigorously- Live by example and put into practice what you have learnt. Develop and exercise these in everyday life.

Labels: Believers, Race, Spirit, Training

posted by Andi - Sunday, 30 April 2006, 20:20
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