OUTHSIDESCOOP
FRESH DEW
WhoAreYouPleasing? BySis.RickiFuller
800ElmiraAvenue
Durham,NC27707
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Staff
OrlanderR.Thomas
SeniorMinister
WilliamA.Stephens
MinisterEmeritus
WileyShearin,Jr.
ElderEmeritus
RickiFuller
Women’sCounselor
CandiceP.Blount
ChurchAdministrator
QuentellaWilliams
ExecutiveAssistant
Deacons
JohnAlcox
AnthnoyGreen,Sr.
ArthurHackney
JohnMathis
ChesterMayfield,Jr.
RogerMcDougal
JoeWilliams
KeithWright
That question seems very appropriate as it pertains to our in-depth consideration of ‘restore or restoration’ this month. As we engage in the studies and the work of “embracing the restoring ministry of Christ so that we may show forth the life-giving power of The Christ,”
we are encouraged to disallow the customs of society (Romans 12:2). And in so doing, we are better able to strive to give ourselves permission to imitate Christ’s examples, thereby pleasing GOD. For instance, the radical Apostle Paul wrote the following in Romans 15 which gives us a model of what is expected of us in the restorative process(es):
“We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:1-6 NLT)
Little did I know that after taking a pause in writing this piece I would become the person whom GOD would use to be ministered to by my Christ-Sisters and Brothers. I was in a rather frustrating situation. Or, so I perceived the circumstance to be. Truth be told, due to the situation and misunderstandings/miscommunications, I allowed myself to audibly rant in the presence of several people audibly audibly (ugh - I showed my *__ indignation!).
Yet, my Christ-Siblings allowed me to rant giving me space to get it all out of my heart. They, then, encouraged me and built me up in the Lord. They spent quality/precious time with me in such a manner that we were able to praise and glorify GOD together as found in Romans 15:1-6. What an invigorating and freeing experience that was for us all. I’m extremely grateful that GOD allowed me to go through it all so I and others could see His Hand at work even in the midst of seeming chaos.
Those Brothers and Sisters were GOD’s emissaries whom He used to restore such a one as I cited in Galatians 6:1-3a (The Message). What a great example of pleasing GOD through restoration and forgiveness. They did not please themselves by joining in the raving. Instead, by restoring me their Christ-Sister, they pleased GOD!
Thank you, Lord, for Your Love and for Guiding us in pleasing You!
