FOODFORTHOUGHT

The Black Shell
Marion Smith
July 9, 2010

Acts 1:8 When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will receive power
to testify about me with great effect, to the people in Jerusalem,
throughout Judea, in Sameria, and to the ends of the earth, about my
death and resurrection.

Recently, while walking on Ponte Vedra beach, I saw a shell had never
noticed before. It had a different appearance that drew my eye to it
immediately. It was the same shape as many of the other shells, but
it was completely black. It was that difference that caught my eye.
It reminds me of missionaries in foreign countries. When they go to
share the gospel they are probably completely different from anyone
the citizens of that land have ever seen.. They will stand out- just
as the black shell had. I then picked up the shell, examining it more
carefully.
Missionaries are also watched carefully by the inhabitants of a
foreign land.. Their actions, lifestyles, speech and appearance are
carefully thought about on a daily basis. Those who don't know Jesus
will be scrutinizing the missionaries every move.

The ambassadors for Jesus- these missionaries -- are not only those
who go to foreign counties. Each believer is a missionary in his
own right. I believe my mission field is in my family,my aquatints
and my neighborhood, proclaiming the Gospel through my attitudes,
lifestyle and the words of my
mouth.
I noticed some of the black shells were turned flat side down; others
in reverse, giving a cup like appearance. We need to assume both of
these positions in our missionary life. We must be open, for God to
fill us up, and also flipped over- ready to pour out the infilling
unto those he sends our way. The last thing I noticed was some of the
shells were grouped together, others were isolated on the sandy
beach. It didn't matter if they were alone or in groups- these black
shells still stood out and were special. The same hold true for us-
united or alone -- we are special because of what Jesus did for our
sake at Calvary.

Thank you ,Lord for the black shell and the way it reminds me we are
not only your children but also your missionaries and ambassadors.
Each time I see a black shell I will pray for missionaries in foreign
lands and be reminded you have given all of us a mission-- near or far
from home.

Marion Smith noles65@aol.com
comments and feedback welcome

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