With American Mother's Day just passed and Haitian Mother's Day coming up...yep, I get 2 Mother's Days (*Haiti perk!) I am filled with awareness of the gift and power of parenthood and honor of what being a Mom means.
On Mother's Day, we had the blessing of sharing time with our friends in Houston, TX. As we shared Sunday morning with a sweet fellowship there was a time of opportunity for Vanah, the first graduate of House of Moses, to answer questions. One of the questions was what is the difference in an orphanage and a house of leadership and discipleship? She rightly answered the spiritual growth but then continued to speak of the restorative and healing power of having parents. With tears from her and every woman in the room, she shared stories of things that our family has shared over the last year speaking of memories of mother and fatherhood. It was a humbling realization to identify how amazing it is to be chosen and used by God to reflect his glory and be a vessel of healing through His love.
For the first time in two years we are not sharing Mother's and Father's Day in Haiti, and we sure miss our kids...our full house of love, joy and at times wonderful chaos! They sent gorgeous pictures that they took after church on Mother's Day. I have looked at those beautiful pictures a thousand times praying over each of their hearts, expecting God for great things in their futures and so thankful that God has blessed us with each child that we have the honor of parenting, discipling & mentoring and mostly just plain loving.
As Haitian Mother's Day approaches I want to give the gift to our family...
A look at John 2: Thoughts through devotion
Some think that John was writing to the church as the "chosen lady" in verse 1 and then some think it is directly to a woman in the body of Christ...whichever it is, as a mother I love this letter and 3 John.
It gives a framework for me to speak to you as a mom through this letter... My greatest gift as a Mother on Mother's Day and always is you...the fruit of your life, the legacy that you leave your children and grandchildren.
2 John Read through 2 John and as you do look at the below comments for the verses
*Verse 1: I love that he refers to her as the CHOSEN! We are so awesomely chosen by God to be his and he has chosen the beautiful lives which He alone has joined to be a family. I pray that their is an anointing upon us (Mother & Children as referred to in this letter) because of TRUTH!
*Verse 2: Favor because of the power of God's unfailing truth.
*Verse 3: May the Lord continue to be strongly with us because of his grace, mercy, and peace
*Verse 4: When I think about how incredible it is that John recognized that the children were walking in the truth, just as the Father has asked - This is my prayer and it is my great joy to have a testimony that my children are walking as God asks
*Verse 5: Then, the reminder to live in love for one another. I pray that we are consumed in love; that it encompasses our home and family, our hearts!
*Verse 6: That our love for Christ is so evident because of our obedience to his command of love. That everything in us flows from the power of love
*Verse 7: Know that there are so many deceivers and why? Because they are walking in the flesh...in the ways of the world. Do Not compromise. Everywhere around you are people who use their place of leadership for corrupt means - Don't settle. You have seen and experience such the brokeness of those who claim Christ and live apart from the Word and His ways. Be different for His glory, for bondage to be broken...
*Verse 8: The enemy wants to steal what God is building up. As Gal.6:9 says, Don't give up...Mom says, Don't give in...you will be blessed! (Matt. 6:33)
*Verse 9: Perservere! Stand firm in your faith - Remain humble as you seek to live out God's kingdom on Earth
*Verse 10&11: Don't just let anyone influence you... Remember that Satan is masked as an angel of light. He looks good but truly is not, is evil, is anything but good for you and your life.
*Verse 12: Parents have so much to let their children know...John was full of words for the church or a messge for this woman...He couldn't put it all on paper. This is on paper only because I am not with you presently to hold your hand, hug you or just gather around and talk. When we are joined together as John said to close this letter, our joy is complete.
*Verse 13: We send our greetings always because we keep you in our hearts and prayers always with such sincere and genuine love!
As the letters continue from John in 3 John...the beautiful testimony continues! Oh how powerful it is to be known for, through and by the things in this letter.
In closing 3 John 1:4 - I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth! Love, Love, Love this in our Lord's Word and Love, Love, Love you!
My dear, precious children: Read these letters to the church in John and continue to live it!
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