United

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Five months ago we started this journey to get to know God better.  Many things have happened in the lives of our readers during those five months and many things have transpired in our own lives.  We have seen friends laid to rest, even readers of this blog.  Children have been ill, husbands have lost their jobs, marriages have taken place and so have some divorces.  Five months doesn't seem like a long time, but it is long enough for life to take place isn't it?

One thing that I have found comforting during this year so far is the example of the godly women in my life.  Many have been the kind words offered my way these ladies.  One lady has not said as much as she has just lived right during times of great heartache.  Her example fuels my desire to live and stand for God.  If she can, I too can.  Another lady has just been there to hear all of my thoughts, good and bad, yet encourages me as a friend to continue on and serve God.  Her joyful spirit inflates my spirit when I feel downtrodden.  There is one lady who has pointed the direction out for me when it comes to this transition of my children.  Her smile and soft words of understanding have validated my emotions as a mother.  Every single one of these women God has placed in my life have helped some area that I have needed it.  I feel that we have stood together, even though at times separated by many miles.  This united feeling helps me continue in my family's mission of getting the Gospel out.  So in the end, these women have help further the Gospel.

There is nothing quite as destructive as a double minded person who speaks out of both sides of their mouth.  One minute they are slicing and dicing you, then the next saying something apparently sweet and kind.  This false type of conversation isn't one that becomes the Gospel of Christ. 

Today I want to draw our attention to the end game.  We want to get to know God better so we can be used by Him for His purpose right?  Well, one of the ways we can accomplish this goal is by standing united as women of God.  No, we all don't attend the same church in the same town.  No, we all don't know each other personally.  But, there is one thing we can do, and that is take a united stand wherever we may be.  We can point the way, cheer the sad, encourage the downcast and if nothing else, smile.  Our conversation can be as one.  We can all tell the truth about God and not feel bad. 

The next time you see that young mother at church who you would like to criticize for something, why not walk up to her and place your hand on her shoulder and ask how her day went?  You may be the first adult that she has spoken to all day.  Encourage, keep our conversation going about God!  You never know when that one act of caring will keep a marriage together because it stops a broken spirit from turning bitter!

The next time the girl at the cash register is rude to you, take the moment to look her in the eye instead of grabbing the receipt and heading out the door.  She is being rude because something is wrong.  Usually a lack of Christ in her life, and you hold the light.  SHINE the WAY!

When you see someone truly struggling spiritually at work, you could just buy them a cup of coffee and shoot the breeze with them.  Sometimes all people need is a few moments of nothing.  When you part, let them know you can pray together any time.  Your words could be holding the first step towards them wanting to look at their problems from a different perspective. 

On the rest of our journey, let our conversation be as one so that the Gospel can be furthered in and through our lives.  Let's get to know God better, but not be ashamed to speak about Him.  We have come through some pretty hard times together as ladies, so why not use those times to tighten our bonds as fellow laborers in His service?  Let's speak about Him.  Let's be united!

Until next time, Lord willing,
Sheri