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Listen while you read: "Yield Not To Temptation"1 (Lyrics) |
Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV)
Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)
There have been times in my life when I have listened to the nudgings of the Holy Spirit, like in the early 1970s when we sponsored our first foster child, Marilou, from the Philippines. I was very faithful in writing letters and sending pictures of our family to her over the years that we sponsored her. She wrote letters to us as well. But then, we lost touch.
About ten years ago, our son, who was then living in our house, passed on a letter from Marilou. By this time, she was married and had become a school teacher, because I had been a teacher. We corresponded again for a while and kept in touch via webcam. It was quite an experience to actually be able to see each other and talk to each other after all those years. She is a devout Christian and she shares her faith all the time.
Then, she let us know that she had breast cancer and asked if we would send her some money to help pay for her medications. She was very upset, so we sent the money through our bank. But then, we lost touch for the next few years.
A few days ago, I got some messages from her! Since then, we have been able to chat and send pictures to each other. She is now a school principal, and her health is good — she recovered from the breast cancer. She is so grateful for the help that she received as a foster child.
Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
We may never know how we have impacted another person's life. I am humbled and so very glad that I listened to the nudgings of the Holy Spirit when we decided to foster Marilou, our first of many foster children over the years. Perhaps one day, we will meet face to face — if not in this life, most certainly in eternity! To God be the glory!
Maybe you're wondering what you can do to make a difference in someone's life. Always seize the opportunities that come your way. Let us be open to the nudgings of the Holy Spirit and allow God to use us. How might the Holy Spirit be nudging you? Are you ready to accept the challenge?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the many ways that You work in our lives and for the people that You bring into our lives. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, who guides us into the opportunities that You give us to make a difference in the lives of others. May we always be open to the nudges that Your Holy Spirit gives us, for we never know when it might impact someone's life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Loved your message.
A beautiful story and a great challenge, Dee.
Dear Dee, How encouraging. Thanks for sharing. I am sure it will nudge some of us.
Dee,
What a sensitive testimony to answering a prompt from the Holy Spirit; an encouragement to every reader.
Shalom. Blessings to you, and to your extended family. You indeed have much, and I pray you will be blessed with peace and happiness until the time when Jesus reaches out to you, saying “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Dear Dee,
As a result of your sensitivity, love, and obedience, to the leading of the Holy Spirit, your foster daughter Marilou, came to know Christ as Savior. Praise the Lord!!! You and your family have reaped a countless
abundance of fruit in this life, that will last through out all eternity.
As you prayed in today’s devotional, may we also, be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit wherever, and however He leads us. God Bless You!
Thank you, Dee, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.
What a wonderful story.
It should inspire us all, to follow those nudges.
I am asked to do the announcements regularly and I like to read an inspirational devotion to them .As I read this devotional I was thinking that it would be a good one to read to them. Then I read to the end and saw that it was from my good friend, Dee. So thank you for another wonderful writing. Keep it up.