Speaking of rejoicing in heaven, Sandy and Sharon have been hosting a ladies’ Bible/book study on Thursday evenings in our house. Stan and I, and either Whitney or Brianna, babysit a round of little ones either at the church building or the Miller residence, while between 5-9 women sit around our kitchen table and read the Word, talk, laugh, eat, and pray together.
Four weeks ago a young, single mom of four children prayed and asked Jesus to be Lord of her life. She had been brought to the Bible study by another Christian woman we know. I’ll call this woman Mary. If you get a chance to meet her, ask her to tell you what God has been doing in her life. It is incredible, really, hearing of all she has been through, and witnessing these transformative days where, day by day, God keeps moving in her life. She brought her four little children to our church on Sunday for the first time. She gave a quotable at the end, while we were eating and fellowshiping. “You know what, going to church and reading the Word of God is better than Facebook and smoking weed!” The kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. A man found it, and he concealed it. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44). God allows each of us to walk through seasons of life when tough times seem to outweigh the good times. Sure, we’ve had tough times, too. But these are great times of encouragement, witnessing up close and personal how God’s great love for people, through the good news of Jesus Christ, transforms the repentant sinner from glory to glory. I like seeing this in the mirror, when God changes me. But it’s also very encouraging to witness new birth in other people. We are praying that the soil will remain tilled up and malleable, so that the seed that has been planted will grow into strong plants that produce the Fruit of the Spirit, to the glory of God. Rich
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Rich SchwartzSon of the Father, husband to Sandy, father of six amazing gifts, Bronx brother, active participant in Believers in Jesus Church, insurance adjuster, occasional runner Archives
February 2022
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