I have had a situation (a death in my extended family) today that has reminded me in a greater way how we, as godly women, ought to be living with our whole heart for what matters most - God and making Him known to lost souls as we can as women; living for eternity. Yes I know this already, but sometimes it is more vivid in my mind, like now.
I also see God's perfect timing in this situation as I was able to share the true gospel via email with the said family member just a few weeks earlier, so it was either for her repentance or condemnation. God alone knows that and I will leave that to Him. See the full gospel explained a little more here.
"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."
(Revelation 22:12-13)
(Matthew 7:13-14)
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
(Matthew 7:21-23)
I see how deceived so many professed believers are as they live in man-made religion and choose for this life earthly pleasures instead of the sufferings of Christ by obeying the full gospel. And they are trying to get by with keeping just SOME of God's commands. Yes it is sad, but I know everyone has a free will and will be without excuse before a holy God.
"Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth."
(1 Timothy 5:5-6)
I was once caught up in some of that in the past but I have repented and now I am striving for Christ, for He alone is worthy!
(Revelation 5:12)
I, as a godly woman, do not want to live for this life...but for my Lord who paid a great price for me. I do not want to be deceived by false ways of Christianity as it is today. And I know that all in Christ will be persecuted to some extent, but...
"For I reckon that the
sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the
glory which shall be revealed in us."
(Romans 8:18)
May I also, with the Lord's help, not once complain about the things I may not like in this life and instead live to glorify God with my affections set on things above, lest I be like the children of Israel who provoked the Lord.
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
(Hebrews 3:12-13)
I praise God for faithful and obedient brothers and sisters in Christ who are striving hard, overcoming the flesh, living in the Spirit, making the gospel known, and exhorting one another daily lest anyone be hardened by sin. I am greatly encouraged to know just a few of these true saints and I know God has His people all over the world shining where He has called them. Though we be FEW, we are united in love and doctrine!
To God be ALL the glory!
I love this verse which is true for those who are faithful and obedient saints.