Not Our Will but God's Will
Laydee is recovering well - I’m eagerly anticipating when she’ll get her bandage removed and can enjoy life "freely again."
How did everyone’s Thursday go?
Since it’s now 5:00 PM PST, I’m beginning to think back on my day. In earlier blogging times, I would express my thoughts in the mornings while enjoying a cup of coffee. Now, I tend to share my reflections in the late afternoons, after my day is largely complete. This timing suits me better during this season of my life.
Yesterday at BSF was truly interesting, with everything flowing seamlessly. I feel blessed to be surrounded by incredible women. One new member shared a belief rooted in her faith, suggesting that Adam's transgression was a noble act that led to humanity's mortality - an essential step for achieving exaltation and godhood.
Say What?
She conveyed her belief that God the Father, who was once a mortal man, achieved divine exaltation. This path to godhood transformed him into an eternal being, characterized by a physical body of flesh and bone. She also noted that Jesus journeyed to ancient South American civilizations to spread his teachings.
I felt my cheeks get warm as I listened to her - I shared my disagreement politely. I hold a strong sense of guardianship over God, His Word, and so on, and I had to inform her that I didn't subscribe to what she shared with us, and most of the ladies there also spoke up. It didn't seem to faze her, and she said she would be back.
I did tell the others in a text message once I got home that we should all speak with love and respect, because she is there for a reason. We must maintain our focus on God's Word.
I've already looked up some information about her church, and oh boy... My husband recommended that I read the book, The Kingdom of the Cults, by Walter Martin.
At the college today, my husband encountered some students who wanted to argue with him and recorded a video of the exchange. He maintained his composure while the students shouted at him for around 20 minutes, trying to draw a crowd, but most of the other students simply walked by. When it was over, a teacher approached and expressed gratitude for his patience, which he attributed to God because, deep down, it was challenging not to say something he might later regret.
Clearly, God is working through both of us - granting us precisely what we asked for: to be more courageous and to do His will.
My husband messaged our Pastor after he got home and expressed his frustration. Our Pastor sent back one of his favorite quotes:
Debby
How the courage due to the strength of Christ that both you and your husband share reminds me of Charlie Kirk's conviction to use the Truth in face of deception, yet never losing his focus on what it means to love one another and respect the dignity of every human being. May God continue to bless and support you both in bringing this message of His everlasting love to all the world. Blessings, Debby!
ReplyDeleteWell no comparison to CK. My husband has been doing this since last year with no issues. It wasn’t violent and he said he never felt threatened but it’s hard to just not react when someone is in your face. That was not easy for him and I’m so pleased he didn’t allow the young man to get under his skin where he would say something he would regret later. He’ll be back there next Thursday!
DeleteOne thing, we forgot to pray together when he left. We need to pray before he goes out. He needs Gods covering.
Wow - what a day for both of you. God was with you when you answered that woman in the group. She is there for a reason, just as you said. God was with your husband too!
ReplyDeleteThat was so awkward for me and the rest of the ladies.
DeleteI do wish my husband had a partner like last year. His partner doesn’t want to do it anymore which is such a shame. And it’s a sad truth, no one wants to go. 🥺
I think your attitude about this new lady is spot on!! I have read Kingdom Of The Cults! I think it is still somewhere around here.
ReplyDeleteWe have it in our bookshelf! It’s important to know about these other faiths so you know where they are coming from. “Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven..."
DeleteIt's too easy to be drawn into arguments and difficult to resist.
ReplyDeleteYou have to be on your toes, and know your stuff!
DeleteToday it's a cuppa and reading blogs as laundry swooshes in the new washer. Though I do tend to read blogs more at Barnes than home. Today though and earlier this week, it was both mornings and a cuppa and a read through of posts. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteSorry to read about the kids. So weird today.
That is a comfort sign for me - the aroma of fresh coffee and the swooshing of the wash! Love it! 😍
DeleteHaving a strong conviction and a heart of compassion to reach the lost will rattle the cage of the enemy. This time of BSF is going to be challenging , but in a good way, for the entire group of yours. You will ALL come away from Ezekiel different than when you began.
ReplyDelete(((hugs)))
Sue
You know, we are noticing the rattling the cage of the enemy. I’ve always played that down but there’s some spiritual warfare going on.
DeleteWe’ve reached out for more prayer protection on Thursdays for him. Many say they’ll pray and then forget. He needs those who will really pray.
I haven't read that book, but I may look it up. Of course, that lady was WRONG, wonder why she is there. Maybe you can get her to see the light.
ReplyDeleteWe actually have the book in our office. I didn’t know it was there!
DeleteOne can only hope she is seeking truth.
Some find it hard to remain calm when confronted by such people who just want a video they can share on Youtube, so it is cool that your husband remained calm and didn't give them the reaction they wanted.
ReplyDeleteIt is very hard not to react. The battle isn’t ours alone, it is God’s!
DeleteWhat Mari said! I was just reading and saddened by all the edgy, ill-will folks out there. I'm so glad you (and hubby) elected to take the high road and refused to engage. This road we're on is apt to be shadowy.
ReplyDeleteWe really shouldn’t be all that surprised. Look how Jesus Himself was treated and the Apostles. Much worse and it won’t ever get better. We must pick up our cross daily!
DeleteSometimes we are all faced with those who wish to argue or fight. The best way to handle that is exactly what you and your husband did. I hope that your lady does come back to the Bible Study and you and the others can gently lead her in the proper direction.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I like what you said, Jackie - “gently lead her in the proper direction”
DeleteBonjour Debby, votre témoignage est à la fois puissant et profondément humain, il reflète une foi vivante, mise à l’épreuve dans les échanges du quotidien, mais toujours guidée par la volonté de Dieu, vous avez su, avec grâce et fermeté, défendre la Parole tout en gardant un cœur ouvert et cela est admirable, votre manière de réagir face à cette nouvelle membre du groupe BSF, avec respect mais sans compromis, montre une belle maturité spirituelle et le calme de votre mari dans un contexte aussi tendu à l’université est un exemple de courage humble, celui qui ne cherche pas à vaincre mais à témoigner, je me permets, avec beaucoup de respect, de vous suivre dans votre liste d’amis, c’est avec grand plaisir que je vous invite également à découvrir mon univers, où les mots cherchent à honorer la foi, la beauté et les liens sincères, si cela vous parle, j’aimerais beaucoup que vous me suiviez à votre tour, je vous souhaite un très bon week-end, sous la paix du Seigneur, avec des moments de repos, de prière et de douce reconnaissance, avec toute mon amitié en Christ, Régis
ReplyDeleteMerci de votre visite et de votre commentaire encourageant. Je visiterai votre blog.
DeleteEveryone wants to shout and scream it seems. No one can have a civil debate these days. I dont understand. It is difficult to take the high road, but sometimes we need to like in the case of yourself and your husband. Janice
ReplyDeleteIt’s to be expected in this world today. Nothing is easy. On the most part, he is 99% received well, regardless whether they agree or not. Just this one guy in the group of three. He says he’s coming back next week with “more friends” My husband did take his photo after the guy was filming him. Funny how he didn’t like that but was fine about taking my husband’s photo.
DeleteI feel like the world is getting crazier and crazier. God's will always.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Lux and thank you for dropping by. 🌺
DeleteNothing frustrates someone that is trying to goad you into an argument or fight as to calmly react to them instead. Your husband handled it well.
ReplyDeleteI have to ask, do you read French or did you use google translate?
Nope, good old google translate! 😆
Delete