Today was my second to last bible study with the ladies. Next week I will be speaking to them for the last time. To say this time is emotional is a great understatement. I feel as if a piece of me will be missing for a time. This ministry has been my heartbeat for the past 3.5 years. I would like to share with you what I shared with them today.
10 Things I Hope You Will Do
1) Love each other
I John 4:7- Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
2) Stop Gossiping
James 4:11- Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.
Ephesians 4:29- Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
3) Continue on in faith
Hebrews 11:1- Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
- Note: the greek word for the word “sure” in this verse means “exact imprint”. So we could read: Faith is the [exact imprint] of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
4) Be proud of the gospel of Jesus
Romans 1:16-17- For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
5) Go and make disciples
Matthew 28:18-20- Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
6) Run the race with perseverance
Hebrews 12:1- Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
7) Do not be conformed to this world
Romans 12:2- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
8) Continue to help each other
Hebrews 13:16- And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
9) Be humble
James 4:10-Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
2 Chronicles 7:14- If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
10) Love God
Matthew 22:37- Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.
- Loving God is not just saying it with your lips but proving it with your life. Loving God means making him Lord of our lives, obeying and following his commandments no matter the cost, with all our hearts, souls, and minds.
Well done, babe!
Thanks for sharing this. As I prepare to leave 315 students and 28 teachers I have grown to love deeply, I will share this list with them and give you credit for such wonderful and encouraging words. I will also use them in my own life as a reminder.
Awesome words, Mel. Thanks for the written words and your example of living them out with these ladies.
Than you for this reminder for my own spiritual life. We all need to remember these 10 things. I am so very proud of you and the woman you have become. God will use you in the states as well.
We all need to be reminded of these things. Thanks for sharing. Will continue to pray for your ladies and all the people. God has used you both to make an impact on the village. Praying for you as you say good bye to the folks you have learned to love.
A blessing, thank you!
I copied it and will give you credit, as I read it to my Bible Study.
I continue to pray for you and all your loved ones.
Prayers, hugs and love.
Thanks for sharing, Mel. I know what you mean. I have become very close to those in my Bible study & I can share this with them also.
Blessings as you go,
Darlene
Very good, Melissa. Your deep study has given you nuggets to share.
We plan to travel May 2.
[…] In other news, I appreciated this post out of Belize. When you’re about to leave (whether permanently or for a while), what encouragement do you leave with people? Here are 10 things I hope you will do. […]