Posts Tagged ‘Mother Vivian Valdez Pruitte’Happy Birthday Mother Pruitte
Saturday, June 8th, 2013
Holiness Tabernacle Church of God In Christ would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to the Jewel of our great church . . . Mother Vivian Pruitte
May God continue to bless and strengthen you to see many more… 1st Lady’s Blog: The Dress Code
Saturday, June 1st, 2013
Church Decorum Series: The Dress Code Lesson Six: The Dress Code Let’s say you visit a church, find that you really like it, and are extended the right hand of fellowship. You meet with the Pastor and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the church. But then you start asking yourself, “What rules am I supposed to keep?” Have you ever found yourself in this predicament? When I went to the first Church Of God In Christ International Holy Convocation held in St. Louis, I was impressed, but a little disheartened, by a book that our Presiding Bishop and Mother Blake wrote about how the saints should deport themselves. While the information was very useful, I was surprised that we needed to be told some very basic things. Then I remembered when I first came to the holiness church. Can you believe I did not even own a dress! I did not know what to say or what to do. I felt so inadequate those first few times I visited. For those of us who have been in the church for a long time, we tend to assume that everyone knows the basics of church decorum. But over time, I’ve come to realize that there are just some things we won’t know – unless we are taught. Well have no fear, this year I am here to help! It’s 2013, a brand new year, and I will be focusing on church decorum – those things we wished someone told us so we wouldn’t have felt out in left field while everyone else was in right. I’ll be covering lots of topics, including presiding, speaking and teaching; praying for different occasions; dressing modestly; altar work and laying on of hands and more. I’ll also be taking topics from you! Simply email your suggestion to Blog@holinesstabernaclecogic.org and you just may find your idea as the focus of one of my monthly blog posts. Before we begin, I would like to start with a disclaimer: RULES AND REGULATIONS DIFFER FROM CHURCH TO CHURCH. IT IS ALWAYS WISE TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE PARTICULAR CHURCH YOU ATTEND. *** It’s that time of the year! The flowers start to bloom. We hear the sounds of birds chirping in the morning. Our senses awake to the beginning of summer and its warm, balmy weather. But as we embrace this new season, let us not forget one thing: the dress code (yes, I have to go there)! The world constantly puts out new fashions and styles. Sometimes these fashions are modest, but most times they are not. We simply cannot expect the world to be governed by the same set of moral codes that we as Christians govern ourselves. And while summer is a time to shed our bulky winter clothes, let us not shed off our modesty. Particularly when we come to church, we must remember that it is the house of the Lord and treat it with reverence and respect. As a Pastor’s wife, I keep certain items in my office which are always needed. Stockings, safety pins, scissors, needle and thread, nail polish remover and lap scarves to name a few. Ladies and gents, let us help keep each other saved and focused on Christ – not on our cute outfits! A fetish is defined as an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification. Sadly, there are people in the church who have all types of fetishes, and as women of God we must do our part to dress appropriately so as not to excite these passions. So as a friendly reminder, here are a few things to take note of when getting dressed this summer: Foundation: I’m not talking about the one you wear on your face. I’m talking about the one you wear under your clothes. There are a few items every woman should invest in: seamless panties (that won’t show under your clothes), supportive bras (keeping the “girls” in check when the Spirit moves on you), a good girdle (not the kind grandma used to wear, but necessary to tuck in the “jellies” and “love handles”), and some camisoles (read on and you’ll see why). Sleeveless: Remember to wear outfits with sleeves, making sure you cover your armpits (you never know who has that fetish). Plus there is nothing worse than looking at an unshaved, hairy armpit. Invest in some shrugs or cardigans to wear over sleeveless dresses and blouses. Length Matters: Please watch the length of your skirts. It is hard for others to stay focused on the service when you’re showing an ample amount of leg. If you wear a long skirt, check the split – you may not even realize that it’s going “too far north.” Also, I recommend that you practice sitting at home before you come to church. For example, if you’re planning to wear a skirt with a front or side split, sit in a chair at home first to see how high your skirt rises. What may look long while you’re standing can look completely different when you sit down. And always keep a spare lap scarf in your purse in case you forget the cute one that goes with your outfit. Sheer Beauty: There are some lovely, sheer dresses and blouses on the market. Unfortunately, they are not modest apparel. You should invest in camisoles to wear under sheer blouses. Camisoles are inexpensive and come in many colors. My personal favorites are the ones that have tummy control. They keep the “love handles” (which are not lovely) from spilling over your waist and showing through your suits and blouses. Camisoles will also prevent what they call "raisins" from showing through your blouse. Low Cut: Camisoles also serve another great purpose. They cover up everything that low-cut dresses and blouses like to show. Not exactly sure when it’s necessary to wear a camisole? Let me recommend this rule: if you put on a dress or blouse and can see any part of the “crack,” you need a camisole. And remember, sometimes the “crack” is hidden… until we bend over! A strategically placed camisole can help with that as well. “Gaposis”: The first time I ever heard that terminology was from a former human resource manager. She had just crossed off an interviewee from her list because of it. Women who are “well endowed” should be aware of "gaposis." Our blouses seem to take on a life of their own and gap open! Keeping safety pins in your purse is a good way to quickly remedy this. You can also borrow a safety pin from one of your sisters (we like to keep so many in our purses). I will leave you with one note of caution. Do not try to enforce dress codes on visitors. This would not make a good first impression and you may offend them. The old adage is still true: you must first catch the fish before you scale it. These are just a few gentle reminders for us to continue to dress modestly as the Bible admonishes us. Who knows – you may become the “Go to Queen” at your church and set up a kit with some essentials to help the ladies at your church! 1st Lady’s Blog: Church Decorum Series: Altar Ministry
Wednesday, May 1st, 2013
Church Decorum Series: Altar Ministry Lesson Five: Altar Ministry Let’s say you visit a church, find that you really like it, and are extended the right hand of fellowship. You meet with the Pastor and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the church. But then you start asking yourself, “What rules am I supposed to keep?” Have you ever found yourself in this predicament? When I went to the first Church Of God In Christ International Holy Convocation held in St. Louis, I was impressed, but a little disheartened, by a book that our Presiding Bishop and Mother Blake wrote about how the saints should deport themselves. While the information was very useful, I was surprised that we needed to be told some very basic things. Then I remembered when I first came to the holiness church. Can you believe I did not even own a dress! I did not know what to say or what to do. I felt so inadequate those first few times I visited. For those of us who have been in the church for a long time, we tend to assume that everyone knows the basics of church decorum. But over time, I’ve come to realize that there are just some things we won’t know – unless we are taught. Well have no fear, this year I am here to help! It’s 2013, a brand new year, and I will be focusing on church decorum – those things we wished someone told us so we wouldn’t have felt out in left field while everyone else was in right. I’ll be covering lots of topics, including presiding, speaking and teaching; praying for different occasions; dressing modestly; altar work and laying on of hands and more. I’ll also be taking topics from you! Simply email your suggestion to Blog@holinesstabernaclecogic.org and you just may find your idea as the focus of one of my monthly blog posts. Before we begin, I would like to start with a disclaimer: RULES AND REGULATIONS DIFFER FROM CHURCH TO CHURCH. IT IS ALWAYS WISE TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE PARTICULAR CHURCH YOU ATTEND. *** Working the altar is a serious work in ministry. One of the primary functions of church work is to encourage people to develop or strengthen their relationship with God. The altar is a designated place to accomplish this purpose. As you can imagine, this is also the place where the enemy will do all he can to distract, discourage or prevent people from receiving their breakthrough at the altar. But we can overcome the work of the enemy through the power of the Holy Spirit! I see the altar as the detoxification station. It is a place where we come to purge ourselves of things that prevent us from drawing closer to God or hinder our relationship with God. The altar will detoxify you of your old ways, habits, bad attitudes or what I like to call the “can’t help its.” It will also detoxify you of your old ways of thinking and prepare to receive from God. Altar work is not a work of the flesh; it is a work of the Holy Spirit. It is important to be Spirit-filled and -led when working the altar. Remember, it is God who does the work not us. God anoints us to work the altar. People come to the altar for various reasons including for salvation or restoration, being filled with the Holy Spirit, healing from illnesses, deliverance from demonic oppression or various other reasons. Those working the altar need to be prepared to pray for these various things. The following are some tips to keep in mind when working the altar:
Remember that the primary goal of the church is to make disciples of Christ. The altar is a medium we can use to accomplish that goal. As believers of Christ, we need to be prepared to help others receive this great benefit. Identifying My Trust In The Lord – April 2K13 WTLB
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013
By Sister Valerie Miller In life, it sometimes gets difficult to know whom you can trust. But we know that we are supposed to trust in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
Many times a situation has escalated due to my urgent desire for resolution. Does the car really need to be washed this instant? Does the trash have to go out right now? Does my boss really need to approve my leave for Christmas today? Why the constant urgency? Well, the answer is simple really. I have a list of to-dos in my head that if not completed or accomplished within my own time frame, my world will completely collapse around me. Or so I think anyway. When, truthfully, it won't. My world, your world, our world will continue to spin on its axis and time will march on. So Lord, help me next time to remember that You are my hope. Psalm 71:5 says, "For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth." And instead of getting upset that I don't really have time to wash my car; or yelling at my son for not taking the trash out the moment I tell him to; or getting mad at my boss for not approving my leave today, I can take a breath and say, “Thank you, Lord.” Thank you, Lord for my dirty car. Thank you, Lord for my son that is healthy, strong, and the greatest blessing You've given me. Thank you, Lord for a job that allows me to take leave when I need and want. Thank you, Lord for being my provider and my refuge. It's in the little things that we discover our true identity. Help me, Lord to continue to trust, depend and find my identity in You. Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." 1st Lady’s Blog: Church Decorum Series: Prayer For All Occasions
Friday, March 1st, 2013
Church Decorum Series: Prayer Lesson Three: Prayer | Lesson Two: Learn To Be A Student | Lesson One: Be Observant Let’s say you visit a church, find that you really like it, and are extended the right hand of fellowship. You meet with the Pastor and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the church. But then you start asking yourself, “What rules am I supposed to keep?” Have you ever found yourself in this predicament? When I went to the first Church Of God In Christ International Holy Convocation held in St. Louis, I was impressed, but a little disheartened, by a book that our Presiding Bishop and Mother Blake wrote about how the saints should deport themselves. While the information was very useful, I was surprised that we needed to be told some very basic things. Then I remembered when I first came to the holiness church. Can you believe I did not even own a dress! I did not know what to say or what to do. I felt so inadequate those first few times I visited. For those of us who have been in the church for a long time, we tend to assume that everyone knows the basics of church decorum. But over time, I’ve come to realize that there are just some things we won’t know – unless we are taught. Well have no fear, this year I am here to help! It’s 2013, a brand new year, and I will be focusing on church decorum – those things we wished someone told us so we wouldn’t have felt out in left field while everyone else was in right. I’ll be covering lots of topics, including presiding, speaking and teaching; praying for different occasions; dressing modestly; altar work and laying on of hands and more. I’ll also be taking topics from you! Simply email your suggestion to Blog@holinesstabernaclecogic.org and you just may find your idea as the focus of one of my monthly blog posts. Before we begin, I would like to start with a disclaimer: RULES AND REGULATIONS DIFFER FROM CHURCH TO CHURCH. IT IS ALWAYS WISE TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE PARTICULAR CHURCH YOU ATTEND. *** Saying Grace: Have you ever had this happen to you? You sit down for dinner, really hungry and ready to eat, when they ask someone to bless the food. You close your eyes and bow your head… when all of a sudden, the next thing you hear is the Church Of God In Christ “Yes Lord” hymn being sung out of tune. You peek slightly out of the corner of one eye to see what is going on. To your chagrin, they have asked the wrong person to bless the food. It’s the person who does not know the meaning of the word brief. So you slump your shoulders and hope no one hears your stomach growling. Although you do not want someone to just say, “Jesus wept,” before you begin your meal, you also don’t want someone who wants to have tarrying service when it’s time to bless the food. According to our friend Mr. Miriam Webster, grace is defined as a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks. I want to bring your attention to a few words in this definition. First is the word “short.” It should not take more than about a minute or two to bless food. Secondly, are the words “giving thanks.” This is not the time to ask God to bless the President or the heads of state. The purpose of saying grace is to acknowledge to God that you are grateful for providing the food you are about to consume. Here are a few more examples of how we should pray for different occasions: Extended Prayer: One thing I notice at my church is that when we are having extended prayer, people tend to congregate at the back of the church because they are afraid to walk during the prayer. If extended prayer is going on, prayer that you know will last 15 minutes or more, the best thing to do is to walk quickly and quietly to your seat and join in the prayer. Invocation: When the invocation begins at the start of a service, everyone should be on their feet – including children. This is the time when we are asking the presence of Lord to come into our service, so we stand out of respect to Him. You should not walk or talk during this time. If you are the one praying, remember to include everyone in the prayer and use words like “we” and “us.” This is not the time to pray a selfish prayer. Asking God to bless you and your family and your career… would not be appropriate at this time. Public Prayer: If you have been asked to pray by a public or civic organization, it is okay to write down your prayer so you won’t stumble over your words. This will also help if you usually get nervous speaking in public. Rehearse the prayer so you’ll read it with fluidity. These are appropriate times to pray for the heads of state. Private Prayer: Many people say that they don’t know how to pray. Prayer is just communication with God. Just talk to God as if you were talking to a friend. The more you talk to God the easier it becomes. This is the time you get to ask God questions. You should set aside a specific time to pray as this will help discipline you to do it faithfully. If you don’t, time will always get away from you. During private prayer, you confess your faults before God. This should not be done during the invocation. Private prayer is a time you can be “selfish” and pray for yourself and your loved ones. You can also use this time to help you prepare to pray in front of people. One suggestion I give people is to pray the Psalms. They contain some beautiful prayers to God. Travailing Prayer: You don’t hear much about this type of prayer anymore. The older saints used this term to refer to prayer that requires an emptying out of yourself. This is the time to ask God to help you break strongholds in your life; things that you are having difficulty overcoming or are a constant struggle for you. You keep praying until you feel you have broken through to God and you can hear Him respond to you. This prayer requires more than just a few minutes. Sometimes you’ll even run out of words to say. It’s okay, just listen and hear God. Sadly, many people don’t understand the value of prayer. I see people purposefully come to service late or right after prayer is finished. They are doing themselves a disservice. Prayer is essential to the life of a Christian. The Bible admonishes us that we “ought always to pray” (Luke 18:1 KJV). You cannot develop a close relationship with someone if you don’t spend time talking to them. Likewise, if we want to get closer to God, we must strive to develop a meaningful and consistent prayer life. 1st Lady’s Blog – Church Decorum Series: Learn To Be A Student
Friday, February 1st, 2013
Church Decorum Series: Because You Won’t Know, Unless You’re Taught Lesson Two: Learn To Be A Student | Lesson One: Be Observant Let’s say you visit a church, find that you really like it, and are extended the right hand of fellowship. You meet with the Pastor and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the church. But then you start asking yourself, “What rules am I supposed to keep?” Have you ever found yourself in this predicament? When I went to the first Church Of God In Christ International Holy Convocation held in St. Louis, I was impressed, but a little disheartened, by a book that our Presiding Bishop and Mother Blake wrote about how the saints should deport themselves. While the information was very useful, I was surprised that we needed to be told some very basic things. Then I remembered when I first came to the holiness church. Can you believe I did not even own a dress! I did not know what to say or what to do. I felt so inadequate those first few times I visited. For those of us who have been in the church for a long time, we tend to assume that everyone knows the basics of church decorum. But over time, I’ve come to realize that there are just some things we won’t know – unless we are taught. Well have no fear, this year I am here to help! It’s 2013, a brand new year, and I will be focusing on church decorum – those things we wished someone told us so we wouldn’t have felt out in left field while everyone else was in right. I’ll be covering lots of topics, including presiding, speaking and teaching; praying for different occasions; dressing modestly; altar work and laying on of hands and more. I’ll also be taking topics from you! Simply email your suggestion to Blog@holinesstabernaclecogic.org and you just may find your idea as the focus of one of my monthly blog posts. Before we begin, I would like to start with a disclaimer: RULES AND REGULATIONS DIFFER FROM CHURCH TO CHURCH. IT IS ALWAYS WISE TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE PARTICULAR CHURCH YOU ATTEND. *** I am a Sunday School teacher. Teaching is my passion and I love the interaction of a class. I teach adults and I love it. I have all kinds of students in my class. The Late Ones: these are the ones who are consistently late to class. They come in, sit in the back and spend the rest of the class time trying to figure out what we are discussing. These are also the ones who distract the other students, asking them what page we are on and what are we talking about. They always ask questions that have already been addressed or make comments that have already been made. I usually have these students sit towards the front of class, letting them know that I have an assigned seat for them. Then I give them a brief summary of what has already been discussed. The Unprepared: these are the ones who never read their lesson. They always come in with an excuse about what happened to their book – they were moving or they switched bags or they just can’t find it. Sometimes they are so embarrassed to say they misplaced their book (for the fifth time), they quietly blend in with the class and do not contribute to the discussion. I tend to walk around when I teach so when I discover these students, I quietly pass them another book. The Correctors: these are the ones who always have to correct anyone who stumbles over a word while reading or add to every comment contributed to the discussion. These students, by the way, do not like to be corrected themselves. I playfully “mute and un-mute” these students throughout our class time to give others the opportunity to contribute. And if I correct them, they tend to get an attitude and not contribute anymore for the remainder of class. There is an art to being a student. Firstly, you should strive to be on time to class. When you are consistently late you’re letting people know that you don’t care much about the class. Instead, you should read your lesson before (not during) class, and as you read the lesson, write down any questions or comments you would like to contribute to the class. Secondly, students should not correct other students in class. It embarrasses the student and makes them feel that their contribution is not important. A student prefers to be corrected by the teacher. While I am teaching I’ll correct a student without making them feel awkward. Because I understand that everyone is not a good reader, I don’t constantly correct people as they read. It’s really not that important and we’ll have the chance discuss the verses in-depth anyway. Thirdly, as you sit in class learn to listen and not make all the comments. This tends to intimidate the shy students. Always give others an opportunity to speak – you’ll be amazed at how just a few moments of silence can coax others into joining the discussion. Fourthly, stay on topic and don’t ask questions that are not germane to the discussion. The teacher only has a limited time to cover the lesson and you will not get to the meat of the lesson if you ask questions that will take the class off topic. Most of all learn to learn from your teacher. All teachers have different teaching styles. If you are a visual learner, draw pictures and diagrams in your book to better help you understand. If you are an auditory learner, listen carefully and do not be distracted by movements and try to sit towards the front of class so you won’t be distracted every time someone enters the class. If you are hands-on find activities when you are studying your lesson that will help you connect with it. Becoming a student is not hard you just have to work at it. Happy learning! C. H. Mason Bible College – Spring 2013
Monday, January 28th, 2013
Holiness Tabernacle will be offering the following Church Of God In Christ C.H. Mason Bible College class during the Spring 2013 session:
You may register below or call 703-497-7928 for more information. REGISTER TODAY1st Lady’s Blog – Church Decorum Series: Be Observant
Saturday, January 5th, 2013
Church Decorum Series: Because You Won’t Know, Unless You’re Taught Let’s say you visit a church, find that you really like it, and are extended the right hand of fellowship. You meet with the Pastor and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the church. But then you start asking yourself, “What rules am I supposed to keep?” Have you ever found yourself in this predicament? When I went to the first Church Of God In Christ International Holy Convocation held in St. Louis, I was impressed, but a little disheartened, by a book that our Presiding Bishop and Mother Blake wrote about how the saints should deport themselves. While the information was very useful, I was surprised that we needed to be told some very basic things. Then I remembered when I first came to the holiness church. Can you believe I did not even own a dress! I did not know what to say or what to do. I felt so inadequate those first few times I visited. For those of us who have been in the church for a long time, we tend to assume that everyone knows the basics of church decorum. But over time, I’ve come to realize that there are just some things we won’t know – unless we are taught. Well have no fear, this year I am here to help! It’s 2013, a brand new year, and I will be focusing on church decorum – those things we wished someone told us so we wouldn’t have felt out in left field while everyone else was in right. I’ll be covering lots of topics, including presiding, speaking and teaching; praying for different occasions; dressing modestly; altar work and laying on of hands and more. I’ll also be taking topics from you! Simply email your suggestion to Blog@holinesstabernaclecogic.org and you just may find your idea as the focus of one of my monthly blog posts. Before we begin, I would like to start with a disclaimer: RULES AND REGULATIONS DIFFER FROM CHURCH TO CHURCH. IT IS ALWAYS WISE TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE PARTICULAR CHURCH YOU ATTEND. *** Now on to our first lesson: Be Observant. I cannot emphasis this enough. Being observant will help keep us from some embarrassing moments. Say for example, you notice that at your church everyone wears dark blue on first Sunday’s. Well then, stop coming to church on first Sunday’s wearing red! (smile). They probably won’t say anything to you because you are new and the members want you to feel welcome, but make a mental note to purchase a blue suit and have it clean and ready to wear the next first Sunday. My guess is you’ll probably hear a lot of, “Wow that’s a great blue suit!” or “you wearin’ that blue suit all right!” Translation: Thank you Jesus, you finally got with the program. When you join a church, strive to have a relationship with your pastor. Get to know how he likes things done. This also comes through observation. If you pay close attention, you’ll learn him very quickly. And don’t forget, you are in a new church and things are done differently from church to church. No matter how well-intentioned you may be, don’t try to change everything overnight. Saying things like, “In my old church we used to do it this way,” can really rub people the wrong way. You may have some great ideas, but you need to spend time observing first and then suggesting a way to improve a church task. And before you can do this, you need to gain the trust of the leader – which is done through faithful and dependable service. If you are a faithful member, the leader will love to hear your ideas. I hope you enjoyed this first lesson! Join me this year as together we learn how, “…thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God…” (I Timothy 3:15 KJV). God bless! First Lady Vivian Pruitte 1st Lady’s Blog – Christmas
Saturday, December 1st, 2012
How many ornaments are too many? Running around from store to store to purchase gifts Investigating who has the best prices. Same thing every year. Trying to come up with something different can be quite tedious My family is no help; they have their own concerns And only stop to ask if I need help with anything as they rush out the door. Suddenly, I realize that the thrill has gone out of Christmas
Is this how your joyous season goes? It seems that since my girls began their adult lives, the fun has gone out of Christmas. No longer do we look forward to seeing their tiny faces light up when they receive that doll or toy they’ve been wanting all year. Instead we get a, “thanks for the gift card mom and dad.” Ah, if only we could go back to those days. Sometimes I wish Christmas was a week-long celebration instead of just a day. We spend so much time preparing for it… and then it’s gone! If the excitement of the day could be extended, maybe it would feel like Christmas received its due justice. But why do we get drawn into the commercialism of Christmas when it only leaves us disappointed and disillusioned? Don’t misunderstand me, I love Christmas and I get excited when that time of the year rolls around. But it seems that after the presents are opened and the meal is eaten, there is a huge let down; a deflation of sorts. Right after Christmas, I just want to take down all the decorations and I begin to long for summertime. But even as I reflect with mixed emotions, I realize that I have much to be thankful for this holiday season. This year we have grandchildren and I told my husband the other day that Christmas will be fun again because of them! We can actually buy toys and not just electronics and gift cards. The innocence and excitement of Christmas will return and we will again get to see tiny faces light up. Ultimately, I think the best approach is for me to remember who instead of what we are celebrating. If I keep in mind the reason for the celebration, I will not set myself up for disappointment. So let’s maintain our focus and enjoy Christmas this year. It really is the most wonderful time of the year! 1st Lady’s Blog – Pieces of the Puzzle
Thursday, November 1st, 2012
One of the things I used to love to do in my former years was jigsaw puzzles. Putting them together was very relaxing to me. I would lay out the puzzles on a table and always begin with the end pieces which were easily recognizable because of their flat edges. I would work on it day by day until the puzzle was complete. Then I would sit back and admire the beautiful picture the puzzle created. Something that would frustrate me when putting the puzzle together, however, was when I had almost completed it – only to discover that there were a few crucial pieces missing. This destroyed the beautiful image and made me feel that all my hard work was for naught. ***
Understanding God is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. When we obtain salvation, God gives us those foundational corner pieces. As we go through experiences with Him, He adds more pieces to the puzzles. For example, when you hear that life changing message, it’s another piece. Or when you hear a testimony of a powerful healing, you add another piece because it was a part of God you did not know before. When you’re in Bible study and receive a new revelation, you just received another piece. Now you are building the puzzle and are beginning to get a glimpse of the image it will create. You don’t only get to know God through your personal relationship with Him, but also through the testimony of others. When others share their experiences, you obtain another part of God. These all join together to form pieces of this great puzzle you are putting together. You will spend your entire life putting it together and you will not receive the final crucial pieces until you get to Heaven and Jesus presents you with the final pieces. Only then will the picture be complete and you’ll be able to understand God in His entirety because your mind will be opened to understand and your new spiritual body will be able to see God as He truly is. Your puzzle will be finished and you’ll be able to admire the beautiful picture of God. |
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I learn something new about myself almost every day. My lack of trust is only one of many things that God has brought to the forefront of my attention. There are various situations throughout the years that individuals go through that make them who they are. I am learning that for me, many of these situations were caused primarily by my lack of trust and dependency in Christ. And some of these situations were unavoidable – well, many were – had I solely trusted and depended on Him.
Christmas tree; artificial or natural is one the many decisions I have to make during this season.
The other day someone asked me to explain who God was and it left me puzzled for a minute. I explained to them that God cannot be described in one sentence. There are so many facets to God that our finite minds cannot possibly comprehend His totality. I had to think for a minute. Suddenly, an image formed in my mind which gave me a way to explain God to this person. |
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