SERVANT HEART

ISAIAH 51 - 7

Listen to Me, you who know righteousness,

You people in whose heart is My law:

My dearest sister in Christ has quite a nose for old books and she arrived with a rather faded yellow aged hard back copy of the life story of D.L. Moody.   On the inside cover a faded pencil mark 3/6.

Three shillings and six pence.   She didn't even realise she had given me a signed copy "Your as ever D.L. Moody."   I could only wonder how it came to be abandoned on an old book stall.   Of course I advised my friend it was a signed copy and with her amazing lack of agenda she replied "I just wanted to read about the man"

In the introduction F.B. Meyers wrote about Moody's personality:

"There was an appearance of abruptness in his manner, which was undoubtedly assumed as the protection of a very tender and sensitive spirit, much as an oyster will form itself strong shells against the fret of the waves and rocks.

He had seen others carried away by the adulation of their admirers; he knew that the personal element was apt to intrude between the speaker and the interests of those whom he would fain save for Christ's sake; he was absolutely determined that people should not rest on him, but on the Word of God, to which he was ever pointing them, and he therefore encased himself in the hard shell of an apparently rugged and uncouth manner."    Perhaps good advice these days for all those in ministry.     

He thereby avoided the pitfall of the sirens that hang around the preachers and teachers.   Historical bounty hunters after the considerable compensation paid out for past indiscretions.   The media hounds just love it.  Disgrace the man, disgrace the church, disgrace the profession.

The introduction also mentioned Keswick that beautiful little town in Cumbria that still holds an annual christian rally in the summer but is albeit a very exclusive place for those wishing to live there.   The northern lakes are splendid in themselves, a great retreat for the recluse, a place where one can sojourn and be still.   

It's in that stillness inspiration comes, it's there you hear the inner voice, but the answer to my prayer usually comes unexpectedly when I view a sink full of dirty dishes or the daunting prospect of trying to peel and chop vegetables minus "a la fingers" 

At the end of his life Moody wrote to Meyer saying "I am going to do all I can to get the Christians to take a higher stand, (a deeper spiritual life) and get them together.

Perhaps that is the stumbling block.   Getting people together.   When true Christians come together in one place the Holy Spirit moves in power and it is a very different experience to the "crash, bang, wallop" of the new wave.   

Perhaps because I consider myself totally unworthy to even tie the shoe lace of my closest christian sister/friend (the bearer of hidden gems by the true men of God) that I realise my own glaring inadequacy to even attempt to keep up with this energetic bundle of love.   Always reaching, touching and loving lost souls and those society prefers not to see.    Surely her crown is guaranteed.

She remains totally unaffected by media christians, self appointed prophets and teachers.   She is just her Father's daughter working to reach others until the ambulance finally pulls up outside her house or the "men in white coats" consider she has finally lost the plot.

This small sturdy eighty year old woman is a constant source of encouragement to others and her energy amazes this physically restricted individual who struggles to get through a day without the customary siesta and painkillers.  Within a few years we had both lost husbands that were the love of our lives and only faith pulled us through and focused our attention on a hurting world. 

We both belong to the so called generation of "super mums" in that is we did everything.  With age  most learn to accept physical limitations and adapt accordingly, nevertheless her schedule is amazing and her passion for the lost insatiable.

We learn much about how we should treat widows and orphans in the bible and sadly the time comes when some have to "go it alone" and although we realise we are precious to God many are ignored or considered a burden by their families.   Generally the attitude is we have lived too long.    To merely shop or make the increasing number of medical appointments can leave one exhausted.  We are slowing down, homeward bound.

But praise the Lord I can still cope although my mind goes on "lock down" where routine is concerned, ever chasing hiding keys.   Did I take my medication.   Where on earth did I leave yet another walking stick and I remain totally unable to comprehend the endless tide of bureaucratic literature that pours through the letter box.   How did they arrive at that figure.   Followed by frequent requests for inclusion in my will and would I consider their funeral service.

We giggle over lunch agreeing that our families notify either one of our departure.    My sister in Christ is such a constant source of encouragement I would be reluctant to lose her.   Then she assures me that in the event of my death she would be at my funeral and I cheerfully reply "that will be three then"

She is a true treasure and surely has her Father's eyes.   Worthy to bear the name christian, showing endless unconditional love and understanding for all.    Those who know her remember well her complaining as the ambulance arrived at the church hall to cart her away to hospital.   "No, No" she cried "I want to go to Jesus" her friends assured her "No, it's not time, not yet"   They were right.   She continues to bless others, works with the addict and the homeless, weeps for the appalling apostasy of the church and battles on to the finish line.

James 1 - 27

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this:

to visit orphans and widows in their trouble,

and to keep one self unspotted from the world.

   

SHALOM