GPBC Blog

By Janice Fry--

If you're friends with Wayne and Paulette Williams, you learn that asking yourself questions is good and sometimes helpful. One question I asked myself is, “Why did I agree to write a blog when I am not gifted in writing, and it can stress me out?” The word witness came to mind. We all have different gifts of the Spirit, as it talks about in 1 Corinthians 12, but we all can be witnesses to the goodness of God and His worthiness to be praised. So I do not have the gift of writing, but I can speak of the goodness of God.

This year, my “go to” book of the bible is Hebrews. A different section than usual keeps coming to mind. It's Hebrews 2:1-4 (NASB):

"1 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will."

I began to ask myself questions like “Am I neglecting my salvation? What does it look like to neglect salvation? What does it look like to not neglect my salvation?” In all of these thoughts I came back to grace. I cannot live out my salvation without grace. In Romans 3:23, it says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” I am overwhelmed by my need for grace and thankful for Jesus who provided that grace, mercy, and forgiveness because of His life, death, and resurrection. So now what to I do? Hebrews 2:1 helps by telling me to pay close attention, but Ephesians 4:23-24 (NASB) states:

"23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth."

What do I need to put on the “new self” daily?

1. I need my Bible and Bible study/small group. Thank you Wayne and Paulette for leading me to Jesus and helping me grow emotionally and spiritually. Thank you to the women in my small groups who help and encourage me.
2. I need church. Thank you Greg, Staff, and Elders for doing your best to lead the church to Jesus and helping us grow spiritually.
3. I need ministry. I have been the director of the pantry for 10 years. David Livingstone stated that it is not a burden to be in the will of God. When I look back at the past experiences that God gave me, I see how He gifted me to be the Pantry Director and it has not been a burden. Thank you for all who work in the pantry because our response to those in need is important. Jesus wants us to respond with kindness, grace, and mercy to those in need both physically and spiritually.

Will I live this out perfectly? NO! I continue to need grace, mercy, and forgiveness and to give grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Jesus does not turn away from me when He doesn't like my attitude. He continues to work with me, and I should do the same especially when it is a difficult situation. Jesus does not wish that any should perish. Do those perishing break my/your heart? I will trust Jesus to give me what I need when he “refines” my faith by fire (1 Peter 1: 7) or if he asks me to go to Nineveh (Jonah). I wish to follow Jesus all the days of my life because God is good and worthy to be praised.