All for Jesus?

Early in September we organized and hosted what we’re hoping was the first of a series of seasonal “Ladies’ Teas” – with the goal of encouraging personal Bible study and fellowship, especially among the ladies who faithfully attend Iglesia Bíblica Maranatha.

 

I say “we” because JM and the Little People willingly and cheerfully helped with all the details: brainstorming, pre-cleaning, setting up, re-organizing benches and tables, decorating, shopping for needed supplies, etc. One of my goals was to communicate that this “tea” was an extra special event; I wanted the ladies to walk in and see that they are loved. (JM, who keeps track of such “stewardship” details, noted that we spent, over the course of several days, the equivalent of two 8-hour days cleaning and setting up – and that didn’t even include all the time spent shopping.)

 

 

That Saturday dawned gray and cool, with a threat of rain. And things began to fall apart... Or so it might have seemed from a limited, human perspective... When the ladies I expected to surely show up did not, the thought came: Am I willing to have done “all that work” if Jesus is the Only One who attends? A blessedly convicting thought!

 

 

In the end, the nine ladies and girls present enjoyed a sweet time of fellowship. And we embarked on a study of Philippians, purposing to read through the book multiple times during the next two months, especially noting references to “joy” and “rejoicing” and the contexts in which those concepts occur. So, we continue our study individually, occasionally sharing what we’re learning via fb or when we see each other at church.

Do pray for this endeavor and especially for these dear ladies (and for me!);  my burden is that we grow in our love for Christ and His Word (Philippians 1:9-11).

Thankful that “He who began a good work in [those who believe in Him] will perfect [that work] until the day of Christ Jesus...”