30 January 2012

Pillars

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord....
 - 1 Corinthians 15:58

This morning I read Rick Renner's Sparkling Gem for March 12. He explains what the word steadfast means from the Greek.
"It portrays something that is strong, unbendable, unbreakable, and permanent, such as a well-built foundation for a large building or a strong column that holds up a roof. So when Paul urges us to be 'steadfast,' he's calling on us to be totally reliable - not shaky or undependable." -Rick Renner, Sparkling Gems From the Greek
Part of Rick's devotional was an encouragement to let the pillars in your life know how much you appreciate them. Today I want to acknowledge some of the pillars who bless my life.
  • Kay Bieber Kay's pillar is gentleness. From my childhood I have observed her consistent, transparent walk with God. Her beautiful, well ordered home is the fruit of a beautiful well-ordred life. Her children do rise up and call her blessed. I belive someday to have the same testimony from my children.
  • Joe & Vicky Hendrickson Joe and Vicky's pillar is unflinching. I am thankful to be a recipient of the outpouring of decades of their ministry and marriage experience, their "right time" correction, care and encouragement. God knows what you need, when you need it.
  • Jeff & Patsy Perry The Perry's pillar is solid. Integrity in a metal means it is the same all the way through, no matter which way you slice it. Thanks to my husband I was blessed to call this couple my pastors for eight years. Their fire for God, love for His people and solid character are the solid testimony in ministry I desire to have as well.
  • Mom My mother's pillar is generous. My whole life I have observed her generousity to others. She gives sometimes without thinking of the cost to herself. She is a woman of the word and a woman of prayer, who laid a firm foundation of the word in my life from before I could read for myself. My life would not be what it is today without God's blessing of my mother in my life.
God you are so good to me. Thank you for these people and the others I haven't mentioned who have sown into me.

I encourage you, reader, to think of five people who have been steady, reliable, not easily shaken or affected pillars in your life and let them know how their life has affected you for the good.

1 comment:

Linda Scott said...

One of the strongest pillars in my life has been my daughter Della, who brings joy and strength. Kay also has been a profound influence for God's best in me demonstrating consistency and courage. My mother Kathleen brings gentleness and calm repose. In fact, my life is filled to overflowing with strong pillars of the faith walking the walk before me, mostly extended family- aunts and uncles, grandparents and the generations preceding them whom I was privileged to know- some personally for decades others briefly and through the testimony of their progeny as they reminisced. Except for Kay who has been my pastor since I've known her and my dearest friend... the pastor who has had the most righteous influence in my life is Alan Phillips at the Living Water Ranch in Olsburg, Kansas. He nurtured my children and I as we withdrew from a most painful and difficult past into a glorious new beginning. I will be eternally grateful to all these for the life now evident in my family.