Friends, Family and other Blessings

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James 2 14-17    What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 

1 Corinthians 15:58   Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Galatians 2:16   knowing that a man is no justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

I am so fortunate to have so many folks in my life who are blessings. God’s given me a wonderful, loving and hard-working family, good friends who offer support and acceptance, and a church family who helps me learn and share experiences to realize we all have problems and each person’s journey is their individual path.

These folks who are blessings all have different attributes and strengths, and live their lives with grace. They may be wonderful peaceful examples of Jesus’ love and peace, so I benefit from seeing them interact with others. They may be going through a time of suffering and hardship yet walking faithfully and cheerfully. They may be givers, donating time, money, energy, and so forth to whatever task may be required. Perhaps it is a cheerful person who emanates love and kindness always, even when going through trials and personal difficult struggles.

But thankfully, my life is full of these folks who are blessings. I study His words, and ask for help in becoming more like His Son, but there is always such a long way to go. Yes, I have come a long way but always see far more to improve and strive for. Thankfully, God’s blessed us with the Holy Spirit who guides us and directs our paths, and shows us where we have faltered, and how to improve our journey.

I feel sometimes disappointed in my immaturity, in my faltering when I fail to not stumble (AGAIN, over the same root and problems it seems) and can see my lack in so many areas. I recognize my love journey has so far to go to know I may be a blessing in someone else’s life. One of my wishes is to serve and love others in all areas.  But it is the constant walk, knowing by faith that you are not alone, ever, even without good support systems.  He is with you, and He is helping you grow in your walk.  It is not by what you do, good deeds and so forth, but where your heart is, the faith you have…that is what allows you to grow and to get to eternal glory.

So I strive to follow and grow in God’s word, walking faithfully in the steps I am supposed to walk without falling off to the side, or being distracted and lead astray. I want to be diligent and show in all I am faithful.  I want to be fruitful in my walk, in my life.  I pray I am a blessing to others in whatever they need that I can possibly fill.

It is one step and growth at a time for “mybellaviews.”