tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post7559030141900854637..comments2023-10-01T10:37:57.605-05:00Comments on The 30 Day Journey For Hope: Still Wrestling With Lukewarm ChristianityUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-38018663519861497282010-02-02T16:51:57.111-06:002010-02-02T16:51:57.111-06:00Melanie, This is totally where I am in my spiritu...Melanie, This is totally where I am in my spiritual journey! I want that crazy love for God but I'm still fighting that need to follow Jesus through works that are not coming from my heart. I'm desperately longing to love Him so much that I want to give like He gives, just like you said here. My own lack of passion scares me, but I know there is so much more to following Jesus than just actions. thank you for sharing this. As the body of Christ, we need each other for support and encouragement to draw near to God, especially in this day of rampant materialism and human pride.Kari....His 4everhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10099402542011079105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-38261488484108626692010-01-27T09:06:19.173-06:002010-01-27T09:06:19.173-06:00Melanie, I admire you greatly but I have begun to...Melanie, I admire you greatly but I have begun to be a little concerned about the theme of your messages lately. They seem to be leaning heavily toward "works" as the way to Heaven. Yet I know you do not believe that. I was so caught up in legalism for years that I was relieved to get to the bottom portion of this post and see you start talking about the change in the heart and the relationship with God. "Works" do not provide a pathway to Heaven, but come about as a result of the changed heart which causes us to want to be more like Jesus. As we become more like Him then it is our desire to show the transformed life by serving Him through serving others. Our love and faith is manifest through our works but the "works" are not what gives us eternal life with God. If it were, then Jesus' sacrifice would not have been necessary.<br />I question anyone who would say someone would not be seen in Heaven, for only God knows our hearts. Some of us are more fortunate than others and can give more of ourselves than others. But we can take hope in the story of the widow's mite. You have been very blessed with the financial resources and the good health to do what you are doing. God bless you for that, for you could have chosen to spend your good fortune solely on yourself. "To whom much is given, much is required." Some, however, have physical problems and/or family situations that are so demanding that taking in orphans would be an impossibility. But we can give a cup of water to the thirsty, a loaf of bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked, a kind word to the hurting, comfort for the sick, etc., etc. God gives to each of us different talents and abilities to use as He leads us. He only requires that we love Him with all our hearts, souls and minds, and love our neighbor as ourself. That is a big order in itself. I thank Him for His grace and mercy to accept me as I am, with all my short comings. I thank Him that the blood of Jesus covers them over. I would like more stars in my crown to throw at Jesus' feet, yet I can never compare to a Sister Teresa or a Billy Graham, but thank God I do not have to.<br />God bless you for the work you are doing. You are an inspiration. May you continue to light sparks in the hearts of others to do what the Lord would lead them to do. The fields of harvest are white and the works of the enemy are vast. We are God's vessels on this earth to do His will.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-84546205417229149132010-01-26T11:50:40.381-06:002010-01-26T11:50:40.381-06:00great reminders, Melanie!great reminders, Melanie!gillianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16388843035018332740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-68611221101884694862010-01-26T11:13:25.151-06:002010-01-26T11:13:25.151-06:00;) thank you for sharing.;) thank you for sharing.Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05452607521750848540noreply@blogger.com