July 22nd

This topic is very relevant to me since I have been struggling with issues of being too preoccupied with daily living to take time out for my bible study. I started this morning by studying Psalm which speaks to this kind of behavior. I know that there are some persons with whom I come into contact with through family ties, and work who would not have the same priorities in terms of being diligent to God and his Word. I have to be the one who will guard myself against getting involved with well- meaning activities or pursuits which will prevent me from putting God first and foremost in my life.

I am having a very difficult time with how to respond from the kingdom life to the worldly neighbors next door who are excessively trashy, (true trash from their dumpster as well as towels, etc. used outside left there forever), and they appear to be homosexual raising a boy and girl part-time.

Beyond my own repulsion to that lifestyle there are walls there with them that detour conversation. It is a family that is on a course of destruction. There is a little boy between 8-10 y/o and a young teen girl about 13-14 y/o. The two women appear to be divorced and sharing custody with ex-husbands.

Different ones of them have come to my door to ask for little things, trash bags (I am happy to share them), and the use of my water and water hose. Though I share what I have when they ask of me, I am appauled at my own inability to reach out in geniune Christian love. I can only believe that stems from the molestation I suffered at the hands of females when I was a child. Maybe I haven't fully forgiven the perpetrators and it is an area I need to work on.

I guess this is where the rubber meets the road for me when being of this world or 'in' this world and being a Kingdom Daughter or a worldly brat. I need to put on genuine Christian love for this family rather than be stuck in my repulsion. That is not to say that I believe at all that I should condone such behavior or lifestyle, but rather to love the individual as Jesus did for me. I don't believe He saw or sees my sin any less than the sin of my neighbors, yet He still reached out to me "in love". Only in Him can I reach out in that love and I am obligated to do so. It is in this situation that I understand a phrase in an old song that talks about the Mirey Clay. It is something detestable to reach down into, but Jesus did that for me and regardless of the stench and mire I must too, as His ambassador, do the same for this family. I believe it is here that I will discover how much of the world, or how much of the Father, I am made of.

I do not want them to suffer an eternity of hell. I don't wont anyone to have to go there, that is an unconscionable thought to me.
I do need the love that Christ has for them and the discernment and wisdom He would have me approach them with. This is one of those times I wish I could have God sit down and talk to me as a good and wholesome father sits down to talk with his child about something very important. I need a Father/daughter talk that's audible giving instruction where I am seriously lacking in knowledge, wisdom and discernment. I have been asking, but I am still clueless.

I ask your fervent prayer, not for my sake, but for the sake of this family that they may be diverted from a road that leads to eternal destruction to the path that will bring them to eternal life.

Gloria,

Thanks so much sharing your heart and your needs with us today. We will be praying that your neighbors would come to know Jesus as Savior. We'll pray for you, too, as you reach out to them. Tami W.

Yes we must reach out to all. I ask myself time and time. How do I show or represent my Heavenly Father. Does that mean reaching out to all. Yes we don't have to accept the sin.Just show God's grace. He will judge them not us. How can the worldly ever see the light. If the light doesn't shine. We can stay in our circle and stay among believers. Honestly what did Jesus do? He went to all. Our Father gives us so much. We must pray and ask for guidance. Once he gives us the guidance don't be afraid to utilize the wisdom.

What I struggle with is commenting (or not commenting) on certain subjects. I give the person the feeling that i do agree, but in reality as a Christian I don't agree. I find it hard to speak up on certain subjects that I know are wrong.

Thank you for your prayers.

I learned they had their water turned off and that there is a sizeable bill to have it turned back on. I spoke to my pastor and he said if they wanted to come into his office and discuss the matter that our church might be able to help. The young woman I spoke with is proud and didn't want to ask our church for help, but I did fill up 2 gals. of drinking water for them and took that over. For now prayer and sharing what I can is the only way I know to reach out to them. I trust God will guide me as to what He wants me to do.

Please continue to pray for me and this matter as I seek God's guidance and wisdom. I pray I don't miss His leading in how to minister to my neighbors.

Thank you and God Bless.

I am an abuse survivor also. In one case I had a lesbian come to me for help and through the guidance of a friend was able to do some more forgiving and deal compassionately with her. However, the situation you are dealing with is much more complex. In this situation I believe you need definite guidance re: how to minister in this situation. I know God must be pleased with your sincere desire and will guide you. Do not be impatient or beat yourself up because this could be a slow and painful process but extremely benefical on both sides.

Judi- Thank you for your comments. I appreciate you taking the time to share with me. I am waiting on God to show me what I should do and how I may be His servant. While patience isn't my strongest gift, I know your advice in using it is a wise counsel.

Thank you again,
Gloria