THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

June 2, 2021

LIFE IN THE FOLD:

I recently read this quote (author unknown): "Sit with women who sit at the feet of Jesus. The conversations are different. You walk away feeling inspired, not inferior, because those are the women who know this Christian walk is a race, but not a competition."

Jesus hung around with saint and sinner, alike, while on earth. Jesus spent time at Lazarus' home, teaching and eating with him and his sisters. He spent time with His disciples; teaching them, eating with them, training them in ministry, and traveling with them. He hung out with the multitudes, teaching them and healing the sick.

But Jesus, also, ate with the sinners and spent time with them. In Mark chapter two we read where Jesus was reclining at the table in Levi's house, and many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Him and His disciples. When the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw what Jesus was doing, they began to criticize Him and asked His disciples, "Why does He eat with people such as these?" Jesus' reply was, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

There is nothing wrong with socializing with unbelievers; unless we allow them to influence us to get our eyes off Jesus and sin. I have friends who are christians, and some who aren't. I love them all and are thankful for their friendship. My prayer is that I can encourage those who aren't following Christ to see Him in my life, and desire to have a relationship with Him. Should I choose to withdraw from them and not nourish our friendship, I would not have the opportunity to influence their life and be a light to them.

But there is something very special about sitting with other believers who, also, have a love relationship with Jesus. You can openly talk of spiritual things, share testimonies of answered prayer, pray for specific burdens or needs, and encourage one another. There are no concerns that you are going to offend. Even when visiting about mundane daily life, there is a camaraderie because of the common ground of faith.

Perhaps it's because you are spending time with a brother or sister in Christ. Your spirits are connected, because they are first and foremost connected to Jesus. You leave feeling better about yourself, better about life, and light of heart where you may have been burdened before. You may even feel inspired and encouraged to draw closer to the Father. Your laughter and joy comes from within; not based on your circumstances or whether or not you feel particularly happy with your life at that moment. We know that our joy comes from the Lord. We can experience peace, regardless of what is going on around us. There is a heart and spirit connection with other believers that you just don't get from your friendships with unbelievers.

We are all running a spiritual race through life. But we know that it's not a competition to see who runs the faster, finishes the strongest, or gets more recognition. We are all running together, and encouraging our fellow brothers and sisters as we see them struggling or falling down or enduring hardships or when they've been hurt. We stop and lend a hand to help them up. We stay by their side to make sure that they are okay and are moving back in the right direction. We cry when they cry. We laugh when they laugh. And we rejoice when they rejoice.

It's okay to befriend non-christians. I have friends who have chosen not to follow Jesus. I pray for them and love them and am the best friend possible.

But it's very important that you also surround yourself with people of faith, who love Jesus and sit at His feet. It's important not only for you; but it's also a benefit for others to be with you and have your godly influence in their life. Don't pull away from the church and the fellowship you can get from being part of that body. Don't pull away from Bible studies and the fellowship you can have with other believers there. Don't pull away from one-on-one time with other christians who are like-minded and can encourage and bless you; and whom you can encourage and bless in return. We are all part of the body of Christ, and we need one another!

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

Sometimes it's good to be around Christians from various denominations who, although they love Jesus, aren't all of like mind, regarding beliefs or traditions. It can give you a different perspective.

For example, in the Methodist church, everyone stands for the reading of the scripture. We didn't necessarily stand for every scripture, but we did for the main scripture that the sermon was based on. I really like the reverence shown for the Bible. On the other hand, some other denominations think of the routine as turning into a habit, and losing the reverence that was intended. The Bible doesn't say one way or another, so you can look at each viewpoint with respect, and decide for yourself.

Some churches (I believe Eastern Orthodox is one) refuse to have statues of any kind because they can serve as idols. Other churches have statues of Jesus, disciples, or saints to serve as reminders of good examples to follow. As long as they don't become idols, the Bible doesn't say one way or another, so you can look at each viewpoint with respect, and decide for yourself.

Some churches forbid dancing because it can get out of hand and lead to unclean kinds of dancing. Some allow dancing, but in reason. Again, the Bible doesn't clearly say one way or another, so you can look at each viewpoint with respect, and decide for yourself.

Each kind of church has different things they allow or don't allow, and aspects of God they focus on heavily. Different ones are best for different people. As long as they don't claim parts of the Bible are mistakes or wrong, and as long as they focus on following Jesus Christ, then they are certainly worth a visit.

Please be open and respectful. But you don't have to agree with every opinion someone has.

ON THE MENEWE:

Wackies (Called 'No Bake Cookies' by some)

These are my absolute favorite cookie!!

Put sugar, milk, butter and cocoa in a large saucepan and stir together. When mixture reaches a full rolling boil, boil for 1-1/2 minutes.

Remove pan from heat; add oats, vanilla and peanut butter. Blend well.

Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Cookies will harden as they cool.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

We have had so much rain the past few weeks; or so it seems! On Monday I sat and watched and listened to the rain all afternoon. It reminded me of rainy days when I was growing up. On warm, summer days when it rained, one of my favorite things to do was to lay on the bed by an open window (we didn't have central heat and air), listen to the rain, and read a book. It was always so relaxing. Rain is still one of my favorite sounds.

There is also something about the smell of rain; especially if it's been hot and dry. There is a special scent as it falls and hits the dry ground and begins to nourish and refresh the soil.

I love the sunshine! But occasionally, I do love a rainy day.

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

She entered her war room with a burden in her soul and tears in her heart.

She left with peace in her soul, joy in her heart, and a smile on her face. - unknown

(Quote could be used for men, too! Replace the words she/her with he/him.)

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org