Ashley

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God Bless you, Ashley! You’ve brought to mind a conversation I often have in this new church I’ve started going to. I make it a habit to speak to at least one person, preferably someone new-to-me, after Sunday Service. I’m 62, you know, and I’ve been a Christian so long, that it is not in my identity to self doubt in that way… I have the assurance of my salvation. I know that is a gift from God, and the evidence is the residence of the Holy Spirit in me! Ephesians 1:13-14; 2:8. What that “looks like” is here in your words to me. I need to know that God the father is pleased with me. “Keep going, don’t give up!” or best of all, “I see that you’ve fallen, here, let me help you up” as he extends his hand toward me. Each of us are his hands! His voice. Bonhoeffer, in Life Together, said something that gave me cause to think it over, and its so true. 2 Corinthians 10:1-5 speaks to us about the battle of our thoughts. So, go look that up as you ponder Bonhoeffer’s words> “Therefore, Christians need other Christians who speak God’s Word to them… The Christ in their own hearts is weaker than the Christ in the word of other Christians. Their own hearts are uncertain; those of their brothers and sisters are sure.” Sorry for going on and on here, but you’ve hit something of a musing thought for me, and so needed in my present moment. Please, since you are one who reads the Word similar to myself, with an open heart to hear what God is speaking, look at the following scripture with all the above in mind> Acts 9:1-19. Its the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. Jesus re-entered creation, to confront a murdering, misguidedly zealous young man. What he actually SAYS to Saul is so very little. He declares whom it is that is speaking. and a directive, then he departs. » » » 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” « « « Please go and see… for yourself I mean. The next thing that happens supports what Bonhoeffer has asserted! Thanks again… I think there’s a post here for me to share with others, so I’ll copy/paste it and go into more detail. Thank you for your sisterly love, encouraging me. Its obedience to the Spirit of God that lives within you.