Today is Sunday, and the day we set aside for worship and praise to our Heavenly Father. Today is the day we go to church and worship together. Usually. However, it is a little different on this day. Another snowstorm has come through and changed our usual plans. I do not like days when I cannot do the normal ... when I have to stay home whether I want to or not. I especially dislike not being able to go to the House of God and worship together with other fellow believers. The day seems so long and so very different. I don't know why God chose His day for a snowstorm, but He knows. Our family gathered together in our little living room, read the Bible together, sang together, and prayed together. My hubby and I dug some children's stories out (for Kid's Club), and colored for a good portion of the afternoon. Fun! Joshua had a great time along with us coloring his own pictures.
The highlight of my day though, was to finish reading a biography of Julia Shelhamer. She was an exceptional lady for sure! As I read through the book, I was convicted time and again of the little I am doing for Christ. This lady passed out tracts continually. She shared the gospel frequently and went searching for lost souls with the hope of bringing them to Christ. Too often, we wait for the opportune time or the perfect setting. Not so with Julia. She was bold for Christ; and looked for ways to be a blessing and a light to others. Her husband, Elmer Shelhamer, was often gone away from home preaching in revivals. Julia felt lonesome and hopeless while he was away. Finally, one day she decided to do something about it. She purchased her own tent, acquired some chairs, had them set up, and began preaching her own services. God helped her, and the audience grew until it was overcrowded with lost souls seeking God. The Lord blessed her efforts time and again through her spunk,boldness, and genuine concern over the lost. Then I started thinking .... I have always depended upon my husband for leadership in things that we do; after-all, I am just a woman. It is not my place to lead. However, on Judgment Day, I will not be judged for what my husband accomplishes, but for what I have accomplished. May God help me to be dependent upon Him instead of my earthly husband for everything I do. May I be BOLD for Christ!
Julia Shelhamer tried and was successful in many forms of ministry. She was involved in a boat/river ministry, starting a mission in Washington D.C., a telephone ministry, street meeting ministry, a pastoral ministry, and others. All of these were successful. She did not give up when funds were low; she did not consider anything a failure, but kept working for God despite adverse circumstances at times. May God help me to be faithful, and to seek and save the lost. I want to be busy about the Master's business. How about you? Read the book and I am sure you will be convicted too. (*The book is entitled, "Julia: Giantess in Generosity" by Glen Williamson. You must read it -- you won't be able to put it down!)
