You Just Never Know Who Needs You

[Nazarene Servant]

As most of you know I have had my struggles with pride
and trying to convey an assurance that I know what the
Bible says. I have read it through and through and established
the truth of Jesus and what is apparent to me in Scripture.

However, with all the hubbub of what's what in doctrine and
theology I found inspiration in a certain old gentleman in
a forum where I get some of my Christian news. He is
probably in his 70s and apparently has extensive knowledge
of God's word. But his knowledge is not what impressed me.
It was the fact he couldn't recall much or any of it.

There was a thread that had loads of insight and chatter about
people's perception and here was this man who wanted to get
in on the discussion and he could only insert fragments and
then made a comment about why he couldn't recall his mental
library. He is suffering from preliminary dementia symptoms and
it is already attacking his recall but in his struggle of inability of
recapturing that knowledge I found who I am looking for.

This man's frustration with the prison that we are in shows where
Christ stepped in. He is not impressed with our knowledge but felt
sorry for our brokenness. We are strangers in a strange land and if
I can't recall all that I know then I know only Jesus.

 

[CPerkins]

Dementia is a horrible thing to watch, as the person you know slowly changes over time. It doesn't behave the same in everyone, but has similar patterns that are unique to individuals.

This man seems to be aware of the memories, but is having trouble accessing them. Later he may forget he ever had this library and even start replacing the library with false memories.

Thankfully God knows our minds and hearts, even if we have forgotten.

 

[Garee]

As most of you know I have had my struggles with pride
and trying to convey an assurance that I know what the
Bible says. I have read it through and through and established
the truth of Jesus and what is apparent to me in Scripture.

However, with all the hubbub of what's what in doctrine and
theology I found inspiration in a certain old gentleman in
a forum where I get some of my Christian news. He is
probably in his 70s and apparently has extensive knowledge
of God's word. But his knowledge is not what impressed me.
It was the fact he couldn't recall much or any of it.

There was a thread that had loads of insight and chatter about
people's perception and here was this man who wanted to get
in on the discussion and he could only insert fragments and
then made a comment about why he couldn't recall his mental
library. He is suffering from preliminary dementia symptoms and
it is already attacking his recall but in his struggle of inability of
recapturing that knowledge I found who I am looking for.

This man's frustration with the prison that we are in shows where
Christ stepped in. He is not impressed with our knowledge but felt
sorry for our brokenness. We are strangers in a strange land and if
I can't recall all that I know then I know only Jesus.

Yes we should be careful how we entertain strangers they could be sent as a messenger for God as apotles . Both parties can be blessed by he mutual faith of Christ that works in both to will and empower them to do His good pleasure. I would think spiritual gifts are always two fold in that way.

Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

 

[bobinfaith]

As most of you know I have had my struggles with pride
and trying to convey an assurance that I know what the
Bible says. I have read it through and through and established
the truth of Jesus and what is apparent to me in Scripture.

However, with all the hubbub of what's what in doctrine and
theology I found inspiration in a certain old gentleman in
a forum where I get some of my Christian news. He is
probably in his 70s and apparently has extensive knowledge
of God's word. But his knowledge is not what impressed me.
It was the fact he couldn't recall much or any of it.

There was a thread that had loads of insight and chatter about
people's perception and here was this man who wanted to get
in on the discussion and he could only insert fragments and
then made a comment about why he couldn't recall his mental
library. He is suffering from preliminary dementia symptoms and
it is already attacking his recall but in his struggle of inability of
recapturing that knowledge I found who I am looking for.

This man's frustration with the prison that we are in shows where
Christ stepped in. He is not impressed with our knowledge but felt
sorry for our brokenness. We are strangers in a strange land and if
I can't recall all that I know then I know only Jesus.

Hello Sam;

In outreach ministry we visit an Alzheimer's residency once a month. It is heartbreaking how the guests with different backgrounds, all wonderful, develop this illness and much of what you described regarding your friend who experiences a loss of his "mental library."

I can relate to this regarding a very special old friend, 30 years my age. When I faced my share of zig-zags from Biblical teaching mixed with human mis-interpretation and opinions, he was my mentor as a Godly man during my battles. He gave me some direction in my discipleship.

He developed cancer, a form of dementia and was bed ridden until he went to be with the Lord.

It was sad that he couldn't recall alot that he shared with me but what I retained from him I was able to carry on and share my inspirations with others today.

I hope what he inspired in you, you are able to take some of what he shared, that you can carry and pass on to others that will inspire them.

God bless you, Sam, and this is one of your many threads that spoke to me.

 

[Nazarene Servant]

Hello Sam;

In outreach ministry we visit an Alzheimer's residency once a month. It is heartbreaking how the guests with different backgrounds, all wonderful, develop this illness and much of what you described regarding your friend who experiences a loss of his "mental library."

I can relate to this regarding a very special old friend, 30 years my age. When I faced my share of zig-zags from Biblical teaching mixed with human mis-interpretation and opinions, he was my mentor as a Godly man during my battles. He gave me some direction in my discipleship.

He developed cancer, a form of dementia and was bed ridden until he went to be with the Lord.

It was sad that he couldn't recall alot that he shared with me but what I retained from him I was able to carry on and share my inspirations with others today.

I hope what he inspired in you, you are able to take some of what he shared, that you can carry and pass on to others that will inspire them.

God bless you, Sam, and this is one of your many threads that spoke to me.

Thank you, Bob I really appreciate you sharing
this and your kind words. Really, I needed this.