Let the demons tremble

James 2:19 (NIV)

"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."

This morning unfolded with heart wrenching meaning in my thoughts and actions.  The conserje (guard/groundskeeper of our apartment) lady came to our door as I was still in my polka-dot pajamas holding a today-turned 14 month old with oatmeal still clinging to his face.  (Who by the way ate all his portion plus most of my oatmeal breakfast!)

She asked if our drain was clogged up on our porch.  Glad that they were going to fix it, I let her in to our mid-stride project filled apartment.  Books piled everywhere, pens, papers, and decorations all askew.  We cleaned out two of our cabinets because Loren put a stain on them so they can match the rest of our furniture.  (looks good! huh?!)

As we walked through the mess I couldn't help but feel a little bit intimidated that I don't have it all together.  My messy bun pre-shower self pretended I didn't care.  One reason I felt intimidated is everyone else in the apartment (in this whole neighborhood for that matter) has a maid.  All the maids who work in the apartment we live in come from 7am until 4pm every week day.  Must be nice huh?  Needless to say, their apartments are always spotless.  Any time I happen to visit a neighbor there is never one item out of place!  Laundry, dishes, toys- all perfect.

But I do care.  I like things tidy.  I enjoy a clean house.  I also live in reality where we don't have a maid and I can't do it all.  So I don't, and I am starting to learn that it's ok.

As the conserje was cleaning out the clogged drain I got to use my spanish as we got to talking.

She informed in a matter of fact fashion that she just had a miscarriage.  I was shocked.  I know what that is like.  Emotions of 2010 rushed in.  I remember it hurt any time I saw a baby.  And here I was holding a baby.  Raw pain seared in my heart.

I told her I know that is painful and how we lost our first child.  She continued to inform me that she didn't even know she was pregnant.  She went in to the doctor because she thought something was wrong and the doctor informed her she was pregnant, then an ultra sound showed the baby had died a few weeks shy of being 3 months old.

God spoke to me: 'Pain is everywhere- I can heal this pain.'  I knew then and there that this was someone God wanted me to reach out to.  I have the answer she is longing for!  I MUST share.
Unfortunately she had to move on to the next thing quickly after the drain was unclogged.

With a burdened heart I put Zane down for his nap and proceeded to study the Word.  I am doing a study on James by Beth Moore.  God's timing is always perfect as the portion I studied this morning was the following:

James 2:14-19  (NIV)

^"14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? ¹⁵ Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶ If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. ¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."

Our faith is meant to do some good in the world we are living in.

Beth Moore said in the study:

"The Holy Spirit does His job.  He convicts & compels.  If we can keep on living without any intervention, interference, or empowerment from Him, He may not be present within us."

Even the demons believe- and shudder. (see verse 19 above)
May I not just share a belief system with demons.
The demons know Truth and are doing all they can to run away from it, yet they are scared.  See Mark 3:11 & Mark 5:7. <---- crazy!  If you skipped over the verses click the links and READ THEM!

Thankfully it is by grace we are saved.  See Ephesians 2:8-10.  Yet we are compelled to share this good grace with others!

God has not giving me His Spirit so I can be wrapped up in myself with knowing my eternity is secure.  No- I am commanded to make disciples and share the good news!
I ask for your prayers as I seek opportunity to talk more with her.  Pray that there is a time where we can talk about God and I can share with her about Christ!

How are you discipling those around you?  The ones who live next door?  The ones at your work?  Ask God to give you the courage not to keep it for yourself but take your belief to the next level and share it with someone else!


p.s. The other day the conserje was polishing our front door (she is responsible for the stairway, grounds, and I guess our doors).  The thought slipped through my mind- wow- the front of our door is the cleanest place in our house right now.  ;-)

OH and my son just woke up from his nap- so I wont shower until next nap... ;-)  Can anyone relate?