Naked in Humility: (With a Touch of the Finest Love)

By Marilou Russell

Naked in humility--I arrived in this existence naked, and I am covered only by God's righteousness. Understanding everything on this earth is temporary. Until we come to our holy offering unto God, we will never be satisfied.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:33-34)

For only with God can we be complete and be filled. Our decision is to put God first, then all things shall follow with His blessing, and by the Holy Spirit, we will produce and bear good fruit in our lives.

It is not all about us. It is all about God and what is pleasing unto Him. All glory and honor belong to God. He is the ultimate judge. His love and His grace forever humble me.

My life is above my normal earthly walk of life. Hence, the renewing of my thoughts and emotions is redefined by God's love.

My hopes and desires have only deepened and been reshaped by all my journeys experienced. I have been changed by the grace of God.

Walking in humility reminds me to submit each of my journeys to God and to bring honor and glory to our Abba Father as I serve Him faithfully. My desire is to use my talent and gifts in my local church where I get to serve.

Thank you for tapping into my journey. I hope and pray that each one has something positive to take away.

If you have any questions or comments, you may reach out to my website. Message me with your questions or comments.

Thank you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9798891306066

Book preview

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Naked in Humility

(With a Touch of the Finest Love)

Marilou Russell

ISBN 979-8-89130-605-9 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89130-606-6 (digital)

Copyright © 2024 by Marilou Russell

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

I am dedicating this book to my late father, Dominico A. Belarmino Sr., who remains alive in my heart. He left a legacy, instilled a foundation, and developed a passion for creativity and a love of writing. I am grateful for how he encouraged me to have a passion for writing. What I am now and who I have become is through his basic teaching, along with my mother, Erlinda B. Abejuela.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

—Philippians 2:9–11

I will be unpacking my personal experience of my journey in the wilderness to show each reader how to find hope.

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Two Reasons We Get Mad at God

Marriage Squashed Pottery

The Journey to the Holy Land Israel

After the Journey to Israel

About the Author

I am dedicating this book to my late father, Dominico A. Belarmino Sr., who remains alive in my heart. He left a legacy, instilled a foundation, and developed a passion for creativity and a love of writing. I am grateful for how he encouraged me to have a passion for writing. What I am now and who I have become is through his basic teaching, along with my mother, Erlinda B. Abejuela.

I will fall facedown as Your glory shines around.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

—Philippians 2:9–11

How to experience healing, wholeness, and a transformed life after being broken and shattered.

In awe of reverence.

I will be unpacking my personal experience of my journey in the wilderness to show each reader how to find hope.

Acknowledgments

I thank God for inspiring me to write my life journey experience.

He sustained me during my stormy seasons to keep moving forward, making me stronger; God gave me hope of loving myself and my family despite my brokenness. It was quite a process of healing and restoration. Pain and struggle were a part of my valley to get where God wants me. God intended to secure my wall of protection by drawing me closer to Him.

I am thankful for the people who are always excited to hear about my passion.

Pastor Ronda helped me by proofreading my content, giving me suggestions, and praying with me.

I thank Roger and Joyce for ensuring my safe recouperation after my surgery. It was a blessing for me to know through them that God had shown me a favor. To Joyce, thank you for helping me get through this journey in finishing my manuscript and for ensuring that my writing has a good, coherent flow.

Shawn Kunkel supported me with encouragement and prayer.

I also thank the rest of my friends who have traveled with me along my journey through this valley and who bring me joy.

Finally, thanks to my church family who have helped me grow in love.

Introduction

We arrived in this world naked and empty. We did not burst into this fallen world well-equipped or knowing everything. Out of nothing, we are changed, and we experience a new life. When I say out of nothing, I mean, first, we came into this earth empty. Second, when we lose everything, we experience the process of humbling ourselves. Some may be fortunate to be successful and gain wealth. But as we are redeemed and transformed and at times may even lose everything (i.e., materials, families, jobs, finances), our character is developed into the most beautiful reflection of Jesus.

As the fruit of the Spirit manifests, our lives transform into the image of God by grace. Although we are all from different walks of life; we all still have free will; we must take responsibility for our choices. The key to growth is how we respond to or handle the storms in life as we embark on each chapter of our life's journey.

Let me ask you, how did you respond or handle your storm or desert journey? Were you caught unaware, or were you aware? Were you of sound mind and responsible? Did the result turn out the way you wanted? Or did the storm take you in a different direction?

God does not want us to be stagnant. He always wants us to be proactive, moving with clarity in obedience and honoring Him as we keep growing with God's purpose in focus.

Maybe you are asking, Why does God allow these difficulties in life? Is He allowing the good to be ruined?

Accepting the situation is the beginning of the way to healing. The key element is to accept the things that did happen as well as accept the things that did not. This is not an easy journey, and you will look back on your past at different stages of growth and become stronger because of it. Only our intimacy with God can truly heal our wounds that are deep and seem beyond repair.

You can't do this on your own. In your deepest wounds,