Thursday, November 29, 2012

Living Greater

I am currently reading the book Greater by Pastor Steven Furtick and leading an online Bible study small group for it with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  Every week the host, Melissa Taylor, presents topic options for fellow bloggers to write about to accompany the study.

I chose this week to write about "Lifted Up" and to share with you someone who inspires me to live "greater".

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the father."  John 14:12

Greater things.  How can someone do "greater things" than Jesus?

The Answer:  The Holy Spirit living inside of us.  The Holy Spirit living inside of you!  You have the fullness of God living on the inside of you! Today you are empowered with the fullness of God to accomplish greater things.  How incredible is that? 

You may be wondering, but what does a life of living greater look like?

There are many examples of people living greater in the Bible.

However, there are people living now who may never have their names penned in a best selling book, but more importantly have their names penned in the everlasting Book of Life.  The Lord of the Universe and Creator of Heaven and Earth has recorded all of their greater works.  

Today I would like to share an example of one such life.
 







This is my Great Aunt Opal.  She is eighty-eight years young.  (If you met her, you might think she was closer to sixty.) 

Her name may never be mentioned in People Magazine  and she may never have a best-seller written on her behalf, but her name is forever engraved on the palm of the Father and in my heart.

What makes this lady an example of living greater?

Greater is adopting two precious babies when one is unable to conceive naturally.

Greater is faithfully caring for a husband diagnosed with Alzhiemers until he passed away.

Greater is exhibiting grace and joy while walking through the heart ache of caring for a once loving husband who had become belligerent due to a debilitating disease.

Greater is staying faithful to God and continuing to praise Him when a son passes away prematurely.

Greater is continuing to pray and believe God for the salvation of those you love.

Greater is having a servant's heart that willingly gives to those less fortunate.

Greater is volunteering at a local nursing home and loving on the precious people living there.

Greater is accompanying those with physical needs to a doctor appointment because no one else can go with them.  

Greater is giving up your own needs and interests to serve those who need you. 

Greater is washing the feet of your elderly sister and cleansing her wounds.

Greater is daily being by your sister's side and holding her hand on her death bed.  (This sister was my sweet Grandmother.)  

Greater is sharing the joy of the Lord with those around you and continually giving Him praise.

"Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:13 

My Aunt Opal lives greater because she loves greater.  She exemplifies this verse and she exemplifies a life lived greater.

Today, I honor you and your life, Aunt Opal.  Thank you for being an example of living "Greater". 


 






8 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tribute! She must be a great inspiration to you!

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  2. What an awesome story! Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us!

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  3. Thank you Beth and Kristen! She is an inspiration. She is full of so much joy and love! She exudes Jesus! I didn't even mention she also does situps and pushups everyday, walks many miles a day and hiked a mountain in the Rockies just a couple of years ago. She is an inspiration! (of course, she would blush reading this and give God all the glory.)

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  4. What a perfect example of "greater". I wish I could read something like this every day... it would totally put life back into perspective! Thank you for sharing this!

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  5. Aunt Opal is indeed a Greater woman of God. Thanks for sharing this.

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  6. Absolutely beautiful woman! She inspires me through your blog. To dig deeper, to trust God more and to be His hands and feet to a hurting world. God bless her. And you!!

    Love,
    Jennifer Newsom
    OBS Geoup Leader

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  7. Loved reading about Opal. What a beautiful word tribute you have written.
    Bless you my friend
    Love you
    Nicki

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  8. Runs in the family, keep writing you inspire us all!!
    Love,
    E

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