Tuesday, November 13, 2007

The Family of God

I consider those who visit this web log regularly, and who fellowship here, to be a microcosm of the family of God in the truest sense. Although in times such as these it is easy to grow callous, I appreciate the fact that so many of you took the time to say a prayer for Helen's granddaughter, to stand with her in this time of need, and write her notes and letters of encouragement.
It's easy to focus on the self exclusively when every teacher an evangelist is preaching a self-centered message, but we must remember that we are all members of one body, and as such should feel as a whole the pain and heartache of the one.
Throughout my life I have lived by the simple motto, that through everything, and in everything a lesson lies. There are no accidental circumstances in God, no variations of chance, to God there is purpose in all things, and He uses all things to fulfill His plan and bring glory to His name.
We must remember to have the heart of Christ, to hurt with those who hurt, to weep without hose who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice. We rest peacefully in the warmth of His embrace, knowing that for every beginning he has already established an end, for every trial a victory, and for every heartache a comfort.
In this world which God has created and man has utterly befouled, it is easy to lose sight of what is truly important, relevant and worthy of pursuit. It is easy to grow cold and cynical, to become islands unto ourselves, to watch the world pass us by and shake our heads, sometimes in awe, often in disgust, but we must remember that no matter how dark polluted and depraved this world becomes God still has a remnant. There will always be a family of God, a people set apart, pursuing righteousness and once you find such a group, once your search is rewarded with their discovery, you realize you're home, you are part of His family, a member within the body of Christ, and it feels good and right.

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea Jr.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

The loveliest thing about your blog today is that our dear pastor also preached this same message last night at our prayer meeting. There is an 'unfeigned' love of the brethren that is the very heart of Jesus. It is this love for one another that wil set us apart, all the more in these days as 'the love of many waxes cold.' Bless you Bro Michael.

Anonymous said...

I for one feel like I know some of you already. It's good to have a place we can share and pray for one another. Thank you Michael for setting up this blog, and for your truth inspired and truth inspiring teachings. The Lord bless you and keep you strong, in good health and courageous to speak out and point out the counterfeits and to proclaim deliverance to all who will listen to the message of the Christ, the cross and the lord's return.

In His Grace,
Joyce

deannaslater said...

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity, it is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down the the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing----Life Forevermore. Blessings to all of you here you have caused a breath of fresh air into my life, a sweetness like the honeycomb, thank you lord for Micheal, and this blog.

Helen, I have been praying all along, the benefit of healing is at work and all is well, the angels have been ministering to the family especially the Mother for her sorrow has been turned to joy, blessings to all.

deanna

Elm Street Chapel said...

Mike,
We can't help who and what we are, nor would we want to, we are made in our Fathers image and likeness.

John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

1 Corinthians 13
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (giving love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

L,J,P&HG
Dave

Anonymous said...

Amen to that, Joyce and Deanna. Praise the Lord that I was able to visit the hospital today.

Anonymous said...

To Cathy who had posted she was lonely:

Because of a reorganization in our company we were forced to move from our family, both physical and spirtual. Work conditions were not the best and it felt as if we were in a spiritual dry hole for the first seven years. But it was our church family, the only family that we had nearby, that helped us get through that time and get to a place where we once again felt the refreshing presence of God.
We don't realize the affect and influence we have on others; how a smile, a wave, a nod of acknowledgement, a lisening ear, etc., has on another. We are never alone as long as we are part of the family of God.

Michael, it does feel good to be with your family and it does feel right, and I am grateful there are other family members wherever I happen to go.

BTW: 18 years later God moved us again to an area where a sister lives, but not until he had completely answered a prayer that I had uttered about where to raise our children. I had forgotten (or was it reminded by God) until we were told we were moving. I wanted them to be in a smaller school setting. We were relocated when our oldest was halfway through kindergarten and we were transferred out (after 18 years of trying to leave but also knowing we would only go when God was ready for us to go) the year our our youngest of three graduated.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this message. It is very encouraging.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if the 7.7 quake that just occured in Chili is a major precursor to the quake in the Mike's dream about Cali?

They had a 5.6 just a few weeks ago near San Fransisco.

Cathy in Texas

Anonymous said...

Brother Michael, I feel like this place is one part/facet of a promise from 20 years ago that the Lord has been unfolding in my life this very year, about bringing me into His House. It has been many years since I have had real brothers and sisters I could actually interact with freely. Like about 14 years. I'm talking about people I KNOW are my brothers and sisters, not those I think I ought to consider that way, but feel "guilty" that I don't. Real brothers and sisters with whom I can be myself and know I'm understood, and not feel the need to belabor and explain everything I say or defend myself that I'm really not crazy. What a relief to come here and read what people have to say and RECOGNIZE the same heart, the same mind, and the same Spirit, and know we are of the same Father. To effortlessly feel His love, joy and concern for people I have never met face to face, to spontaneously lift them up as I read their words... it is such an encouragement to me. It reminds me of how, even in the womb, John the Baptist leapt at the presence of Jesus in Mary. I cannot describe in words how terribly I have missed that kind of fellowship in the wilderness where I live.

The Lord has been introducing me in person to other random family members from various places this year, and has even supernaturally joined me to a family with 8 children who each, and all with one accord, consider and treat me like their own flesh and blood and have made a place for me in their home in case I ever need somewhere to stay. WHAT? You mean I'm not an orphan and it's not too late to be adopted into an actual family at 39 years old? Only Jesus could do that. I can't wait to see how He's going to fit me spiritually with others in His House. But the point in telling this much is that with all the divine appointments and miracles that the Lord is suddenly doing in order to fulfill His word to me, this blog is part of it. When Helen shared about how the Lord used it to connect her with Bonny at this very time, I am not surprised. This is our God!

Anonymous said...

Amy, that is lovely! That is the heart of our dear and loving God. This blog has been the same for me ....earlier in the year I prayed that the Lord would give me a friend, since my best friend of many years went overseas and I have very little contact with her nowdays. I know that the Lord often does draw us apart, and friends can leave our lives because it is His time and His will, and ultimately we are to draw our love from Him alone, of course.....but it is such a wonderful joy to find like minded brethren. Michael, your blog has certainly been more or a blessing than you even realise! I have met Helen, even though thousands of miles separate us, and I enjoy reading all the comments and words of encouragement and wisdom which everyone contributes. It is like home church on a daily basis! Thanks again.

Anonymous said...

You are not alone Michael. There are us other insane people out here too ;-)

Blessings,

Peter