What kind of sponge are you?

If you were a sponge what kind of sponge would you be?

-DRY ?
-DAMP ?
-WATER LOGGED ?

OR...

-SOAKED, BEING WRUNG OUT BY YOUR MASTER OFTEN ?

I listened to an amazing testimony yesterday (a few actually!) where this lovely woman compared herself to a sponge. She was loving the Lord being filled with joy, "soaking" it all in...but she wasn't sharing it...she then asked us if we knew what happens to a sponge when it's soaked? My own thoughts were of the heavy sponge, not being able to absorb any more water, just flat on the sink, becoming useless.

We need to share His word. We need to share our testimony (within the right time and the Holy Spirit's prompting) and the just the amazing "little" things God does in our lives. For all of us who share in the saving grace of our dear Father in heaven, it wasn't because we sought him out on our own accord but because He allowed us to seek and be taught about Him. Someone told you of the saving grace of Jesus; of a Father who forgives, loves, reconciles, blesses and rejoices over you. That someone could have been your parents, grandparents, family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker, pastor, TV/radio program, missionary...or person you don't know at the grocery store, bank, park..even prison. You don't know what the Lord's plan is for your life or someone else's. But we do know He requires our faithfulness, trust and obedience.

He used me today to share His word! I missed the first opportunity to share when I felt prompted, out of fear of embarrassment and I continued on in my day...but the conviction got stronger and stronger, until I returned to my home, got all of the wee ones out of the car, went to unlock the door and realized if I didn't get back in that car and do what I felt the Lord was calling me to do, I was going to be disobeying my Father God, the Creator of all...hmmm, I think I'll risk that embarrassment! But besides that fear of disobeying and knowing I'll be held accountable for my actions (or lack of) here on earth, I knew that I didn't want this girl to miss out on a chance of finding the love of her life, her Father in heaven, or delaying it, just because I didn't want to leave my own comfort zone.

I share this beautiful personal story of God's grace, and the courage and words He provides...when He sets up the situation. My point to it all is not to ignore the Holy Spirit's prompting of sharing the Word, or of making a kind or forgiving call...of showing the love of Jesus Christ. My sweet friend told me once, she'd rather share something she felt the Lord was telling her that might be wrong than to not share it all and for her to be wrong and disobey. I say this with the prayer of thinking (PRAYING) before we speak and saying it with the love of Christ and not the tongue of judgment, condemnation or hate. As it says, we fleshy people can bless and curse with the same tongue, and not show the love of Jesus. Praise the Lord for forgiveness and grace...as I have been quick to convict and judge thinking with a "holier than thou" attitude. Oh how I was humbled...seeing the Lord's love in this person for me...unconditionally and undeserving.

Part of showing His love, I'm learning is in the little things, the friendships, the kind words, meals, the testimonies, the gentle encouragements...opening doors to the gospel, to the invitation to church...to that personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It may be one quick bold conversation or years of a friendship with much behind-the-scenes prayer...only the Lord knows:) Fortunately, we just need to listen and obey, and He'll take care of the rest!

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." -Matthew 28:18-20

Dear Lord, may we be blessed, safe and listening with discerning hearts and ears! May Your word flow through our lips and through our actions. May we be strengthened and encouraged as we go through our days. May we be lights for you Lord in this dark world, showing the hope and salvation that only you, Jesus bring. May we be great working sponges for You, Lord! In Jesus' name-Amen!

Please share testimonies of the Lord's work in your life - how wonderful it is to read and share them with others!

God bless!

Bree