Jeanne Stewart,
If
I could write with all the words of all the languages of this world and express
a vast understanding of reason, but did not have love for the reader, the message
would only be words without the life of the Spirit of Truth. If I had a gift of
placing each word in just the right phrase as if painting a lovely picture of
expressions to gaze upon, but did not love the reader, the message within would
be nothing but my opinion. If I could earn thousands of dollars by selling
articles and books full of words, being able to boast about my great writing
ability in front of cameras and crowds of autograph seekers, but did not love
you the reader, I would have gained nothing.
We
writers for Strombolis have another new beginning of yet another new year for “Fresh Bread”, bringing to you the
reader a deeper understanding of God’s love through His word by so many
varieties and styles of writing. Growing in His grace, we continue to seek His
direction so as to write by the Spirit of His truth. It is my desire to
encourage you the reader by writing only what the Spirit of Truth speaks to my
heart, in love. In allowing my written words to express the truth of His love for
you, my reader, I seek the direction to write only what He speaks to my heart
and spirit, else my words are empty. Without His life in the words written,
self pride deem them ineffective.
The
contribution that brings the message of change for you the reader begins as I
humble myself before the Lord so I can hear what the Spirit wants to present on
these online pages. I realize humility does not come on its own; it must be
made the object of special desire, prayer, faith and practice of the study of
His words. When my full understanding comes after my quiet time of preparation,
then I am writing by the Spirit of Truth which brings change to the
understanding heart which is then life to you the reader. Then my writing will
be complete with His acceptance, my words His words expressed in humility and
my disappearance of self. John the Baptist said it well: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
The
only sure mark of the presence of God is the disappearance of self, as we hide
ourselves in Jesus, clothed with His humility, the bloom and beauty of His
holiness. Do you realize Jesus brought humility back to us, His creation? Jesus
humbled Himself, becoming a servant, though He was God, did not think of
equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine
privileges, taking the humble position of a servant and was born as a human
being and He appeared in human form.
Let
us have such faith in the “all of God”
and the nothing of ourselves, that we may in God’s power seek only to serve one
another in love and accomplish the disappearance of self so as to bring all
glory and honor to our Lord. As we start this New Year, may we know and be
confident of a new beginning of trust in His care as we continue to anticipate
Jesus’ return for His Church.
“They do not fear bad news; they
confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless
and can face their foes triumphantly.”
(Psalm
112:7-8 NLT)
