Hope Archives - Page 3 of 27 -

Church Conflict and God’s Amazing Grace

Helen Wall and Susie Adams and God’s Victory Bouquet

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
—Deuteronomy 31:8

For over forty years as a pastor’s wife, I was honored to serve churches in several states. And I can say, every single one was filled with strong, loving Christian men and women who never had internal conflicts. I can say that. It’s not true, but I can say it.

Click here for some exciting words from our Loving Father regarding church family.

Sweet readers, as long as we are here on earth, we will have problems, in and out of church. When there is that inevitable conflict, I believe it’s not so much whether I am right or wrong, but how my spirit is toward others.

When my husband was asked to leave one church, we had children in school and a very active, growing congregation. We took a week’s vacation and shared and prayed as a family seeking God’s will and direction. Only God’s Holy Spirit could have granted us the peace we had as we returned and continued to serve those who would do us harm. (I must say, God’s clear direction was sometimes to leave.)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Before leaving for vacation, we ensured everything about the church was in good order and ready for worship. I grabbed some of my favorite flowers and made a colorful altar bouquet with little thought of how God would use those flowers to speak to me when we returned.

Week after week as we grew in grace, God seemed to reveal His character and grant peace through a simple bouquet. Three lilies – Father, Son, Holy Spirit; gladiolas – I was glad… to worship; striped grasses – by His stripes we are healed; baby breath – He is the Breath of Life; roses – He died and rose again … Each week a loving Father spoke through the Victory Boquet and turned our hungry hearts toward Him.

If your heart is troubled, or you know someone struggling, meditate on these verses as you pray for one another. Allow our Father to pour out His grace and love upon you, those you love, and those who rub you the wrong way.

I love you. I care. God loves you so much more.

Drop a note if I can pray for/with you.

Hugs, Susie

The Peace of God in Vibrant Color

“Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Phillips

The bid on this amazing king-size crocheted quilt (eighty beautiful squares) was $110 and no one was bidding more; until…

It was a beautiful Saturday in July when Cheryl and I decided to go to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home annual quilt auction in Springfield. My emotions had been under the rug for some time. I missed my better half. I missed the things we looked forward to each year. I needed some encouragement.

Click here for 25 verses for the exhausted and weary.

My intentions were clear. “Cheryl, we need a play day. Let’s go to the quilt auction and enjoy their fresh fruit cobblers, get a few crafts, and see old friends. We can watch a bit of the auction for old times’ sake, but I AM NOT bidding on quilts.”

My eyes still water when I recall the many years Russell set aside $$$ for me to enjoy this annual event. I made it a personal challenge to get the bidding up on quilts that weren’t faring well. Most of the time I succeeded and dropped out before the final bid.

I always bought a few so my great-grandkids could choose one when they turned thirteen. Also, I kept a few baby quilts and full-size quilts on hand when community needs arose. But, this year I was only going to observe.

It wasn’t long before the bug bit. I grabbed a bidding card and was off and running! I came home with a beautiful stack of small quilts, lap robes, and baby quilts. Oh, yes, and this amazing crocheted piece for $140.

I do not need it. I have no idea what I will do with it! But it was NOT leaving that place for $110!

Truth? I may not have needed the quilts, but I needed the experience. I needed the excitement of being involved in something bigger than myself. I wanted to help the Children’s Home. As I look at my treasures at home, I praise God for meeting needs I didn’t know I had. I praise Him.

I napped under a colorful quilt after I got home, hugging it and praising My Father for His mercy, grace, and love.

I truly look forward to what God has planned for these beautiful quilts. Let me know how God has personally blessed you this week.

Leave a note.

Hugs, Susie

Help, Lord, I Need You

Forsaken Tiger Yearns for a Glimmer of Hope

“Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way.” 1 Peter 3:15 TLB

News of the day can be depressing. Praying for our leaders seems hopeless. Any sense of “normal” is surely gone forever. All creation yearns for peace and stability.

Today I was reminded—yes, convicted—of my role and responsibility as a Child of God in challenging times.

It is, after all, my personal choice. Do I join in the discussion, the tearing down of a person? Or, do I instead pray and trust God to help me see others, including our president, as His creation? Teach me, Father, to pray for his soul, for his family, and his responsibilities, just as I would have others pray for me.

Here are a few choices I have made for myself as the political atmosphere continues to heat up.

#1. I can seriously ask God for forgiveness for my attitude, and my lack of faith in His leading. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 Click here to read all of 1 Peter 5.

#2. I can obey God as I pray for the current and future presidents and all those in authority. “ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people; for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

#3. I can remember it is God Who puts people in power. Romans 13:1 and 1 Peter 2:13, 15. Paul and Peter were not excusing wrong behavior. They were being persecuted, yet they were honoring God with their obedience.

#4. I can be honest with God. To obey Him as above does not mean I understand or even like what happens. I can tell God I don’t get it, I’m unhappy, confused, and hurting.

#5 I can pray for wisdom and a softened heart! “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

#6 I can be thankful in all things! I am reminded that our mission as Christians is not to change the nation through political reform, but to change hearts through the Word of God.

Thank you for praying for me and for each other. I know God’s continual tugging at my heart is in answer to the faithful, loving prayers of others. Beloved, now more than ever, we need each other.

Please let me know how I can pray for you. And thanks for taking the time to comment below.

Hugs,

Susie