Oh, To Be Like Him
Sharon W. Betters
TODAY’S TREASURE
"You are our letter [of recommendation], written in our hearts, recognized, and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the Living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 AMP
Dear Friends,
Over thirty years ago Carla and Gregg Miller entered our lives when Greg accepted the position of Youth Pastor in the church we were serving. Their hearts wrapped around ours as we saw the Lord had joined us in a wonderful and amazing ministry.
Our paths went in different ministry directions and except for Christmas letters from the Millers, we lost touch. Then social media! We reconnected and I knew Carla’s heart had grown even bigger with love for Jesus and His people. Carla invited us into her journey in grieving for her sweet little grandson and our hearts intertwined even more. I looked forward to her messages because though tears flowed, her choice to trust the Lord in this broken place inspired and comforted me in my own life journey. I had no idea she was also learning how to care for her precious Gregg, a man who made everyone he met feel cared for.
You are in for a gift this week as Carla shares a glimpse into her journey with her husband Gregg and his diagnosis of dementia. Before you think this has nothing to do with you because dementia is not in your life, please rethink your response!
I couldn’t wait to read each day because of how her spiritual journey schools her responses to the daily care of her beloved husband. I was especially struck by these words:
“When others ask, “How are you doing?” I sometimes respond, “The Lord is giving me many opportunities to trust Him.” My life may be the only Bible some people read, so I am compelled to honor God by responding to Gregg in godly ways.
"You are our letter [of recommendation], written in our hearts, recognized, and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the Living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 AMP
“I have decided to focus upon offering Gregg what he needs: patience, love, compassion, kindness, understanding, support in conversation (I’m becoming a pretty good mind-reader), meals and snacks (he never was a cook and he is always ready to eat), specific and frequent direction, scheduling, keeping track of appointments, medical care and medicine administration, mutual activities to engage his mind and body, and advocating for him. I intend to be a positive force in his life and a testimony to God’s power and presence in my life.” Carla Miller, Daily Treasure Guest Writer.
May each of us be moved by Carla’s journey to fill our hearts with Jesus so that as we care for others, we naturally overflow with His love toward the one who needs our care and in so doing, show others a reflection of Jesus.
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
More free resources for help, hope, & healing:
In His Grip is the preaching and teaching ministry of Dr. Chuck F. Betters from almost fifty years in church ministry. This month’s featured series is: Prayer: The Missing Detonator with Dr. Chuck Betters
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Sunday, 19 November 2023.
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