Richard, When, I was is Babylon churches yes I was deceived. I still love them people. I have zeal to tell them the truth, but I know they could eat me alive. But, when I first repented I was in my home not in any church. Now, believe it or not even when I worked out I loved people of all classes and yes, when I was 19 I fail in love with a young man who had a drug addiction. I hated drugs, but I wanted so badly for him to over come. I loved him, but he did not love me back. He passed away at the age of 51 he had traveled all over US to help people with drug addiction. He even has articles on the internet. He was a seven-day adventist and for some reason he left. I never found any of this out till after his death. Even thend I did not have the total picture, but I can say a seven-day adventist pastor, said, Doug had left but he had not stopped loving people of a walks of life. Even, those who did not see things his way. I never quit loving him. The last time we talked he told me he hoped some day he could love like me. I dont tell these things to put a feather in my cap. I know, it was all God. I was in love with him at first sight. Even though he didnt love me back, I see love never fails.
Also, for these church people I love them. Now, you proably remember reading about my neighbor, some could think I was licking my wounds. She had done some things most neighbors could never take. I wont go into But, once when I got home from a trip she accused me of not telling her. I had told her, Richard she looked like she woul like to murder me. It scared my 87 year old Mother to death. She has a bad childhood and cruelty in her family. But, god knows I gave this relationship 17 years of loving her. But, god tells us to try and live in peace with people. He knew with some personalities we could not. She got mad at me for nothing again. She asked for every gift she ever bought me back. I gave it to her. She has never called since. Richard I have never been presecuted like this for 17 years at a time. I have had some presecution. I believe god took care of this for me. He knows I did not ever show her anything but love. She told me I was unforgiving person and I just wanted things. I had always forgiven her and I don't care about things. I have always had my needs met. I am glad I am not rich. I know people and love and god is all that matters. When, I worked out I showed love. When, I worked I gave an honest days work. I know who enabled this. I can't boast but I know that God judges my heart. I judge myself. Others are more important then me.
I can't save the world. I can only love them with Gods doing it in me. When, ever I show where I have come in my journey it is only to help others along. I am leaving it up to God with her. I do need peace for me and my family. I am not licking wounds. But, neither am I the Saviour of the World. That beast really wanted to rise the last two days and the Lord spanked me good. That, makes me see how he is working in me. I even thank him for that.
What, I was really trying to say is that they don't see spiritual they see physically. Its not there fault no more the it was ours. My neighbor could not see 17 years of love. She made the choice to leave not me. She never seen the love. Maybe sometime she will. But, I still belive love never fails. I use my walk in life to show people where he is taking me. It has taken me years like Ray says to look back and see. I am no better then anyone . I was just mainly speaking about how here in America most don't see themselves as the church. They look at physical Israel that is not even who God is talking about. He is talking about himself Christ. He is talking about us who are his called out overcomers church. Love is the sum of commandments if we had true love we would have no wars, no fights with neighbors and murders no hate, no jealousy. I know I am running a race. I know everyone wont be selected, but I run because he tells me too. I will tell you the last few days he has really made me labor. I know now how Paul talks of labor. He does it ,but it hard doing it, but joy when we do. I have had all kinds of things said to me about my love, it weird , strange scary, so be it. That, I dont love, even though I stayed in it for 17 years. Am, I presecuted you bet. Is it worth it you bet. Cause,I know what the prize is and I know who is doing it Christ.
In His Love,
Marlene