Day 26... Bear One Another's Burdens
Bible verse:
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord, " they replied. Jesus wept. John 11:33-35
How powerful do you find verse 35.... "Jesus wept" ? When I read that I feel it in my very core, in my soul and am comforted to know that He was as human as the rest of us. I thank God for that understanding.
In today's lesson, Moore reflects back on his friends Kevin and Janell's story of suffering when Kevin had a brain tumor not once but twice and how their small group from Church rallied around them and shared their burden. They stepped in when Janell had to work and wasn't able to take her husband to follow-up doctor appointments and such. Not only did their small group do these things, but they took on the ordinary chores of taking care of their home, making meals and other ways of supporting this couple in their time of suffering. This is what it means to share each others burdens.
Sometimes the suffering isn't so obvious, sometimes it is emotional because of many different reasons, such as a financial burden that comes along unexpectedly, or our children rebel, or find themselves on a bad road that leads them to draw away from us, the loss of a job, or the unexpected responsibility of having to raise grandchildren or take care of an elderly parent. Even though these stories all fall into unique categories, each is a type of suffering and can lead people to find comfort through chemical abuse, such as drugs and alcohol or worse, depression.
Thank God, Christian believers have something better than any of that, they have each other!! So remember to take time to quietly pay attention to your friends, co-workers, strangers whom you encounter because sometimes their suffering shows up when they least expect it. Sometimes, they are angry for what we think is nothing at all, but underneath there is a storm brewing and it happens to show it's ugly face. Do you know what I mean? Have you ever seen this happen? I have and I'm sure if you think about it you have also. When someone you know unexpectedly "bites" and it is not like them or maybe it is not so unexpected, maybe they act like that all the time. Have you ever asked yourself why? Try it sometime, you might be surprised to find out that they are suffering too.
Remember: We as Christians have the privilege of suffering together with members of our small groups, but not everyone has this privilege, so offer it up, again you may be surprised at the blessing you receive.
God Bless!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Day 25... With Open Arms
Day 25.. With Open Arms
Bible verse:
"Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." The second is this: "Love your neighbor as yourself." There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31
This was one of the very first Bible verses I attempted to remember. I wrote it out and placed it on my computer screen at work so I could see it everyday. Did I practice it everyday, no but after reading today's lesson I believe that God has worked this verse into my life and I practice more and more. The second verse that I attempted to learn was the one about God being "slow to anger" but we'll talk about that one another day.
Today's lesson explains what hospitality is all about, what it should be all about and what it is not. Hospitality is giving of oneself, of one's time, one's resources and not expecting anything in return. It's not about keeping score, it's about sharing what we have in the presence of God.
Moore says, "The presence of Christ communes with the hearts of His followers when they get together."
I had never thought about how the act of hospitality creates a safe environment for others (Moore, 2007). This is so true when you think about it. For example when you ask friends over for a meal, you want them to feel comfortable, and at ease and the only way to do that is to act hospitable, and create a safe place for them to feel that way. Very cool!
Also, the meaning of the hospitality was interesting in that it combines "friendliness to guests" and "house of healing".... Christian hospitality provides a welcoming place for people to come and heal (Moore, 2007).
I can see what Moore means when he talks about how this is so important in our small groups. Reaching out to others in hospitality offers us another avenue to sense the presence of Christ as we minister in His name.
Remember: Loving others as ourselves includes reaching out to them in Christian hospitality.
God Bless!
Bible verse:
"Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." The second is this: "Love your neighbor as yourself." There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31
This was one of the very first Bible verses I attempted to remember. I wrote it out and placed it on my computer screen at work so I could see it everyday. Did I practice it everyday, no but after reading today's lesson I believe that God has worked this verse into my life and I practice more and more. The second verse that I attempted to learn was the one about God being "slow to anger" but we'll talk about that one another day.
Today's lesson explains what hospitality is all about, what it should be all about and what it is not. Hospitality is giving of oneself, of one's time, one's resources and not expecting anything in return. It's not about keeping score, it's about sharing what we have in the presence of God.
Moore says, "The presence of Christ communes with the hearts of His followers when they get together."
I had never thought about how the act of hospitality creates a safe environment for others (Moore, 2007). This is so true when you think about it. For example when you ask friends over for a meal, you want them to feel comfortable, and at ease and the only way to do that is to act hospitable, and create a safe place for them to feel that way. Very cool!
Also, the meaning of the hospitality was interesting in that it combines "friendliness to guests" and "house of healing".... Christian hospitality provides a welcoming place for people to come and heal (Moore, 2007).
I can see what Moore means when he talks about how this is so important in our small groups. Reaching out to others in hospitality offers us another avenue to sense the presence of Christ as we minister in His name.
Remember: Loving others as ourselves includes reaching out to them in Christian hospitality.
God Bless!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Day.... In Between
Day... In Between
It's been several days since my last post, and I want to apologize, but I'm not sure to whom I am apologizing to. Mostly I guess, to God because He is the one I thought I was doing this for. I'm discouraged and disappointed, mostly in myself for not sticking to this.
These would be my excuses;
This has proved to me that being around other Christians and trusting them with what we are going through is very important.
Today I pray that God will show me that I have the strength and fortitude to continue on with Him.
Have a blessed day and I pray to continue tomorrow with our Rendezvous.
God Bless!
Wendy
It's been several days since my last post, and I want to apologize, but I'm not sure to whom I am apologizing to. Mostly I guess, to God because He is the one I thought I was doing this for. I'm discouraged and disappointed, mostly in myself for not sticking to this.
These would be my excuses;
- I'm tired
- Work has been very busy and draining
- My Aunt was very sick, and she passed away
- I'm too weak to turn off the television
- I have to make dinner
- I stayed up too late
- I visited with a friend
- No one is reading it anyway
This has proved to me that being around other Christians and trusting them with what we are going through is very important.
Today I pray that God will show me that I have the strength and fortitude to continue on with Him.
Have a blessed day and I pray to continue tomorrow with our Rendezvous.
God Bless!
Wendy
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Day 24... Shall we Gather at the Party
Day 24... Shall we Gather at the Party
Bible verse:
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. John 2:1-2
In today's less Moore (2007) discusses his Sunday School class and how they just love to get together and eat! They celebrate every recognized holiday here, and he wouldn't put it past them to celebrate other country's holidays too, if it meant that they could get together with one another and share some fellowship and a meal.
It's true, in this culture, food is used as a one of the main reasons to get together with friends, family and neighbors. My mother was the cafeteria manager at the local high school I and my siblings attended. She was also one of seven children. Several events were centered around holiday dinners, or what we used to call and still do, "wing dings". They were made up of our family and my mother's family of 6 other brothers and sisters and their families. We are quite a group when we get together. Also, my mother was very active in her church, she coordinated the annual Thanksgiving Dinner held at the church, she always invited her cafeteria friends/staff over for parties, her Red Hat group, and her special friends. She took special care to have the right foods, the right tableware, decorations and everything. It was quite a site. She even made it special for us, her children around the holidays when we would all get together before she headed to sunny Florida for the Winter. I remember the laughs, smiles, tears, all of it.
It doesn't matter what the reason is that we get together, we need to make sure that we surround ourselves with other Christians so that we can encourage one another, be accountable to one another, laugh, and cry with one another and know that it is a safe place to be.
There are several times in the bible when Jesus is sharing a meal with others, not only the one mentioned in today's bible verse, but others. One of the most important was before His crucifixion. These examples, among others, remind us that Jesus made an important place for Christian fellowship (Moore, 2007).
What happens when we fellowship together in our small groups;
Remember: Christian fellowship provides us with a great opportunity to enjoy life with other Christians and sense the Lord's presence at the same time.
God Bless!
Bible verse:
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. John 2:1-2
In today's less Moore (2007) discusses his Sunday School class and how they just love to get together and eat! They celebrate every recognized holiday here, and he wouldn't put it past them to celebrate other country's holidays too, if it meant that they could get together with one another and share some fellowship and a meal.
It's true, in this culture, food is used as a one of the main reasons to get together with friends, family and neighbors. My mother was the cafeteria manager at the local high school I and my siblings attended. She was also one of seven children. Several events were centered around holiday dinners, or what we used to call and still do, "wing dings". They were made up of our family and my mother's family of 6 other brothers and sisters and their families. We are quite a group when we get together. Also, my mother was very active in her church, she coordinated the annual Thanksgiving Dinner held at the church, she always invited her cafeteria friends/staff over for parties, her Red Hat group, and her special friends. She took special care to have the right foods, the right tableware, decorations and everything. It was quite a site. She even made it special for us, her children around the holidays when we would all get together before she headed to sunny Florida for the Winter. I remember the laughs, smiles, tears, all of it.
It doesn't matter what the reason is that we get together, we need to make sure that we surround ourselves with other Christians so that we can encourage one another, be accountable to one another, laugh, and cry with one another and know that it is a safe place to be.
There are several times in the bible when Jesus is sharing a meal with others, not only the one mentioned in today's bible verse, but others. One of the most important was before His crucifixion. These examples, among others, remind us that Jesus made an important place for Christian fellowship (Moore, 2007).
What happens when we fellowship together in our small groups;
- We see the Christian life lived out
- We offer an opportunity to invite new Christians into the fold
- We encourage one another, by laughing, praying, talking
- We are able to relax in a place away from the craziness of the world, be ourselves
- It provides a place of accountability
- Shows us that others love us as we love them
- Bonds begin to form and grow between the memebers
Remember: Christian fellowship provides us with a great opportunity to enjoy life with other Christians and sense the Lord's presence at the same time.
God Bless!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Day 23.... A Mountaintop Experience
Day 23... A Mountaintop Experience
Bible verse:
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took, Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Luke 9:28-29
Simply, today's lesson expresses how important it is to include worship in our small group meetings. Moore (2007) says true worship is not a matter of a certain style of music, a certain set of musical instruments, a certain type of prayer, or any certain activity. Rather, true worship flows from
Worship involves putting that belief and trust into action so our faith can come to life (p.114)
When the six on the mountaintop had finished worshiping, God appeared in the cloud and was with them, surrounding them, that is what we are trying to achieve in our groups..... communion with God!
Be sure that when you are together in your small groups that you are attentive to its purpose, which should be worshiping God at some point with the elements listed above. Why? Because Jesus said "For where two or more are gathered together in my name, there am I with them"
Remember: Time together in a small group with other Christian believers can always be a great time for worship.
God Bless!
Bible verse:
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took, Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Luke 9:28-29
Simply, today's lesson expresses how important it is to include worship in our small group meetings. Moore (2007) says true worship is not a matter of a certain style of music, a certain set of musical instruments, a certain type of prayer, or any certain activity. Rather, true worship flows from
- Loving God and valuing Him more than all else in life
- Seeking God's kingdom first
- Obeying God and glorifying Him with our lives
- Praising, adoring, and delighting in God
- Thinking about the mystery and wonder of God
- Sitting silently in the presence of God
- Focusing on God and seeking to know Him better
Worship involves putting that belief and trust into action so our faith can come to life (p.114)
When the six on the mountaintop had finished worshiping, God appeared in the cloud and was with them, surrounding them, that is what we are trying to achieve in our groups..... communion with God!
Be sure that when you are together in your small groups that you are attentive to its purpose, which should be worshiping God at some point with the elements listed above. Why? Because Jesus said "For where two or more are gathered together in my name, there am I with them"
Remember: Time together in a small group with other Christian believers can always be a great time for worship.
God Bless!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Day 22...All the More to see you With
Day 22... All the More to see you With
Bible verse:
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it" Luke 9-23-24.
In today's lesson Moore discusses global positioning systems (GPS) and how they are built for all different types of vehicles and even bikers and hikers, to help them find their way. To give direction. We all need direction some days don't we? We don't always ask for it, but find that when we ask the right question to the correct person, we generally get the answer we need. Not necessarily the answer we want, but the one we need. Right?
"Today we want to explore the way God's Spirit instructs us through members of our small group" (Moore, 2007).
Now, we all have friends we hang around with, meet for dinner, do Bible study with, or meet with for Sunday school, just to name a few. When we have a problem and we discuss it with these friends, they all seem to have the solution to our problem. They sincerely want to help, but sometimes their solutions just aren't what we need. We need to "lift our sights higher" (2007). We need to look to God for direction, and when our Christian small groups are tuned into God, then He can speak through them. Moore (2007) points out that if God can speak through a burning bush or a donkey, He surely can speak through us to offer spiritual instruction and direction to fellow travelers on the Christian way.
How can small groups accomplish being spiritual directors with God's help? Well they can assist us in
As the group turns its mind to what God wants and His direction then they (and we) can help one another stay on the right spiritual path. It is through the spiritual exercises discussed on Days 6-12; quiet conversations, quiet listening, quiet reading, quiet thinking, quiet writing, quiet simplicity, and quiet examination that group members grow and develop spiritually.
I am comforted that the author states that spiritual maturity does not equal perfection. However, as we continue our spiritual exercises we will continue to grow, in spite of our idiosyncrasies.
While we are on this journey, and we learn to share our concerns, joys, problems with our small Christian groups, listen for God, know that He is with us, even though we probably won't get our answers immediately, we must learn to be patient and wait on the Lord. It is His timing that is most important.
Open yourself this week to the spiritual direction of your group. Let God instruct you in new ways as He speaks to you through group members. You'll be amazed at how God can communicate to you through trusted friends. In doing so you will once again encounter Christ in a unique way (Moore, 2007).
Remember: God often offers spiritual direction for your life through your small group. Listen carefully!
God Bless!
Bible verse:
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it" Luke 9-23-24.
In today's lesson Moore discusses global positioning systems (GPS) and how they are built for all different types of vehicles and even bikers and hikers, to help them find their way. To give direction. We all need direction some days don't we? We don't always ask for it, but find that when we ask the right question to the correct person, we generally get the answer we need. Not necessarily the answer we want, but the one we need. Right?
"Today we want to explore the way God's Spirit instructs us through members of our small group" (Moore, 2007).
Now, we all have friends we hang around with, meet for dinner, do Bible study with, or meet with for Sunday school, just to name a few. When we have a problem and we discuss it with these friends, they all seem to have the solution to our problem. They sincerely want to help, but sometimes their solutions just aren't what we need. We need to "lift our sights higher" (2007). We need to look to God for direction, and when our Christian small groups are tuned into God, then He can speak through them. Moore (2007) points out that if God can speak through a burning bush or a donkey, He surely can speak through us to offer spiritual instruction and direction to fellow travelers on the Christian way.
How can small groups accomplish being spiritual directors with God's help? Well they can assist us in
- Discerning the work of God in our lives
- Listening for God's voice
- Recognizing the presence of God in our current situation
- Seeing our blind spots
- Living a life true to God's call
As the group turns its mind to what God wants and His direction then they (and we) can help one another stay on the right spiritual path. It is through the spiritual exercises discussed on Days 6-12; quiet conversations, quiet listening, quiet reading, quiet thinking, quiet writing, quiet simplicity, and quiet examination that group members grow and develop spiritually.
I am comforted that the author states that spiritual maturity does not equal perfection. However, as we continue our spiritual exercises we will continue to grow, in spite of our idiosyncrasies.
While we are on this journey, and we learn to share our concerns, joys, problems with our small Christian groups, listen for God, know that He is with us, even though we probably won't get our answers immediately, we must learn to be patient and wait on the Lord. It is His timing that is most important.
Open yourself this week to the spiritual direction of your group. Let God instruct you in new ways as He speaks to you through group members. You'll be amazed at how God can communicate to you through trusted friends. In doing so you will once again encounter Christ in a unique way (Moore, 2007).
Remember: God often offers spiritual direction for your life through your small group. Listen carefully!
God Bless!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Day 21... You Really Belong
Day 21... You Really Belong
Bible verse:
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Matthew 14:22-24
Honestly I'm still working on how this Bible verse connects with today's lesson except that the disciples were a group and they were in the boat.
Today Moore (2007) talks about being a part of a group. He grew up on a farm with his brothers and a sister. They did everything together, eating, playing, exploring and yes even fighting. He says the only times they were extra nice to one another was if they wanted something. Sounds like my family. I have four brothers and one sister. The things I remember all of us doing in a group were working in the garden, as I mentioned before, cleaning up after dinner; one would clear the table, one would wash, one would rinse, one would dry, one would put away and one of us had the night off. Sometimes when we were cleaning up, we would toss the dishes across the kitchen (making sure mom and dad didn't see) to the person who was putting them away in the cupboards. That was always fun! We also went on several canoe trips when I was a child as a family. Ask me sometime about our trip across Blue Mountain Lake up in the Adirondacks, that was a scary/fun time.
Anyway, it is as a group that we form memories and learn to trust one another. We fail and make mistakes too, but hopefully the bond is strong enough to keep it from breaking the relationship all together.
Jesus and his disciples lived together much like my family, and Moore's family did. The good, the bad and the ugly. It is through reading about Jesus and his disciples that reminds us of the many spiritual benefits we enjoy together with members of our small groups (Moore, 2007).
As we discussed earlier about the spiritual practices of prayer, Bible study, thinking, examination and service/ministry on our own, lets look at how the dynamic changes when we practice these in a group.
Prayer. Prayer is powerful, and we know that He hears us when we pray alone and with others Doesn't it make you feel better when you can ask others to pray for you? Especially because you know they will. So, when you have a special need, ask your small group to pray for you too.
Bible study. Bible study with a group is amazing. I'm learning so much right now in the Bible study group I am in. We started right from the beginning and I am in awe of how much bigger In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 is. If I wasn't in this class learning from the group leader and the others in there, I would have never know. It is amazing, and I know I said that before but it's true.!! So studying the Bible with others, give a whole new perspective, things we never even would have thought of, or maybe did but the group gives it support. Find a small group and ask questions of one another, even if you think they aren't right, because that is what it is all about, learning. Think about it, if we already knew everything then we wouldn't need anyone, right?
Thinking. Being in a group leads to opening our minds to think about other possibilities, and as we think about these we can share them with the others. Specifically about a Bible verse that is being studied, and not only do we think about it there and how it ties into life today, we continue to think about it later when we are alone or with others. God will clear your mind to knew understanding so that we can hear what He says.
Examination. As we discussed earlier about self examination about our spiritual journey and then sharing what we discovered with an accountability partner, in a group this also holds true. We are held accountable for our attendance and commitment to the group. As group members we must learn to;
Service/ministry. Think how much more can be done with a group of Christians in this area! Sometimes we are called to service or ministry alone, and when we are open to this we can do great things in the name of Jesus, for His honor and glory!! Several people in our church have done this and what an impact it has had on their lives. They can share it with us, but we can't really know how it felt to experience it. But, if we do service and ministry as a group, then it forms a stronger bond between group members, because we all experienced it. For instance in our church we do a Go-Weekend where anyone who wants to comes to the church to volunteer for the day. Some of us go to the Park and clean up, others go to someone's house and do whatever needs to be done. When we are done we are closer for it, and have shared in being the hands and feet of Jesus. Very cool!
So as you go out today think about the groups you are in, are they feeding you on your spiritual journey? What ways can your groups make a difference in Jesus name? There are more than these five ways to grow in your spiritual group, so think of how you can make a difference.
Remember: Christ meets you in new ways when you participate in a Christian group.
God Bless!
Bible verse:
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Matthew 14:22-24
Honestly I'm still working on how this Bible verse connects with today's lesson except that the disciples were a group and they were in the boat.
Today Moore (2007) talks about being a part of a group. He grew up on a farm with his brothers and a sister. They did everything together, eating, playing, exploring and yes even fighting. He says the only times they were extra nice to one another was if they wanted something. Sounds like my family. I have four brothers and one sister. The things I remember all of us doing in a group were working in the garden, as I mentioned before, cleaning up after dinner; one would clear the table, one would wash, one would rinse, one would dry, one would put away and one of us had the night off. Sometimes when we were cleaning up, we would toss the dishes across the kitchen (making sure mom and dad didn't see) to the person who was putting them away in the cupboards. That was always fun! We also went on several canoe trips when I was a child as a family. Ask me sometime about our trip across Blue Mountain Lake up in the Adirondacks, that was a scary/fun time.
Anyway, it is as a group that we form memories and learn to trust one another. We fail and make mistakes too, but hopefully the bond is strong enough to keep it from breaking the relationship all together.
Jesus and his disciples lived together much like my family, and Moore's family did. The good, the bad and the ugly. It is through reading about Jesus and his disciples that reminds us of the many spiritual benefits we enjoy together with members of our small groups (Moore, 2007).
As we discussed earlier about the spiritual practices of prayer, Bible study, thinking, examination and service/ministry on our own, lets look at how the dynamic changes when we practice these in a group.
Prayer. Prayer is powerful, and we know that He hears us when we pray alone and with others Doesn't it make you feel better when you can ask others to pray for you? Especially because you know they will. So, when you have a special need, ask your small group to pray for you too.
Bible study. Bible study with a group is amazing. I'm learning so much right now in the Bible study group I am in. We started right from the beginning and I am in awe of how much bigger In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 is. If I wasn't in this class learning from the group leader and the others in there, I would have never know. It is amazing, and I know I said that before but it's true.!! So studying the Bible with others, give a whole new perspective, things we never even would have thought of, or maybe did but the group gives it support. Find a small group and ask questions of one another, even if you think they aren't right, because that is what it is all about, learning. Think about it, if we already knew everything then we wouldn't need anyone, right?
Thinking. Being in a group leads to opening our minds to think about other possibilities, and as we think about these we can share them with the others. Specifically about a Bible verse that is being studied, and not only do we think about it there and how it ties into life today, we continue to think about it later when we are alone or with others. God will clear your mind to knew understanding so that we can hear what He says.
Examination. As we discussed earlier about self examination about our spiritual journey and then sharing what we discovered with an accountability partner, in a group this also holds true. We are held accountable for our attendance and commitment to the group. As group members we must learn to;
- Be committed to the group for an extended period of time
- Trust one another
- Submit to one another
- Be open and honest with each other
- Maintain confidentiality with what members share
Service/ministry. Think how much more can be done with a group of Christians in this area! Sometimes we are called to service or ministry alone, and when we are open to this we can do great things in the name of Jesus, for His honor and glory!! Several people in our church have done this and what an impact it has had on their lives. They can share it with us, but we can't really know how it felt to experience it. But, if we do service and ministry as a group, then it forms a stronger bond between group members, because we all experienced it. For instance in our church we do a Go-Weekend where anyone who wants to comes to the church to volunteer for the day. Some of us go to the Park and clean up, others go to someone's house and do whatever needs to be done. When we are done we are closer for it, and have shared in being the hands and feet of Jesus. Very cool!
So as you go out today think about the groups you are in, are they feeding you on your spiritual journey? What ways can your groups make a difference in Jesus name? There are more than these five ways to grow in your spiritual group, so think of how you can make a difference.
Remember: Christ meets you in new ways when you participate in a Christian group.
God Bless!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Day 20... Friends
Day 20... Friends
Bible verse:
These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Mark 3:16-19
I love how God knows exactly what we need, and when we are paying attention we see it. In today's reading Moore (2007) describes how many popular television shows are based around a group of friends. Sometimes they live in the same apartment building (The Big Bang Theory), or they work in the same hospital (Gray's Anatomy), and sometimes they attend the same school (Saved by the Bell). I'm sure there are several other shows that you can think of, but if you stop and think about it a little longer as I did, you come to realize that even if the show is centered around "one" person, they always have a group of people that they work with.
Contemporary society creates many barriers that can drive people into silos of loneliness and alienation. Impersonal work cubicles, automated phone systems, cellphones, iPhones, and iPads (Moore, 2007). We can travel faster, and further than our ancestors ever dream of, and we have the world in the palm of our hands. However, if we do not have anyone to share these experiences with, we have nothing.
I am learning through this experience that I need to surround myself more with other Christians if I want to grow. I am the proverbial "couch potato", and I have learned that I watch the programs that Moore describes so that I have a sense of belonging. It has been this way for many years, and now with Jesus in my life, it needs to change. That is why it was important for me to talk about this blog and book study in Church. I was hoping to draw more people to read it, comment, disagree, and add to it so that we can grow more into the Christians that Jesus wants us to be. Sure it's scary, but it's necessary. We all need human connection in one way or another.
This week we are going to continue our examination of exercises and practices of Christina living. We will see how we perform them as members of a small group. Long-term spiritual growth seldom occurs in isolation. Christ most ofter grown and develops His followers as they participate in groups. His Spirit lives in and works with our spirits individually. However, the friends in our small group encourage us, listen to us, hold us accountable, pray with us, correct us, are honest with us, tell us the truth about ourselves, pray for us, support us, stand by us, and sometimes carry us (Moore, 2007).
Because we already belong to one of the largest communities in the world today, it should be easy to find a group to pull together or to find a group that is already working together in a Bible study or Grow group to join. I know Moore said earlier to not "just do it", but in this case, I hope he would agree that sometimes we just need to "just do it"... remember you have Christ with you, so you're really not alone. Also, if one group doesn't work out, simply bow out graciously, and find another. The Pastors at your Church should be able to direct you to a group that will be suitable. Sure we are all busy, but again we cannot do this alone.
If you have already committed yourself to a Sunday School class, grow group, or Bible study, Moore (2007) says you are already ready to move on to our exploration of this week's insights on Christian growth in a group setting. If you haven't committed yourself yet, find out about all of the groups that are available, times, days they meet and commit to joining one of them. You'll be glad you did; your spiritual growth and development require it (p.104).
Remember: Jesus usually grows and develops His followers in groups.
God Bless!
Bible verse:
These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Mark 3:16-19
I love how God knows exactly what we need, and when we are paying attention we see it. In today's reading Moore (2007) describes how many popular television shows are based around a group of friends. Sometimes they live in the same apartment building (The Big Bang Theory), or they work in the same hospital (Gray's Anatomy), and sometimes they attend the same school (Saved by the Bell). I'm sure there are several other shows that you can think of, but if you stop and think about it a little longer as I did, you come to realize that even if the show is centered around "one" person, they always have a group of people that they work with.
Contemporary society creates many barriers that can drive people into silos of loneliness and alienation. Impersonal work cubicles, automated phone systems, cellphones, iPhones, and iPads (Moore, 2007). We can travel faster, and further than our ancestors ever dream of, and we have the world in the palm of our hands. However, if we do not have anyone to share these experiences with, we have nothing.
I am learning through this experience that I need to surround myself more with other Christians if I want to grow. I am the proverbial "couch potato", and I have learned that I watch the programs that Moore describes so that I have a sense of belonging. It has been this way for many years, and now with Jesus in my life, it needs to change. That is why it was important for me to talk about this blog and book study in Church. I was hoping to draw more people to read it, comment, disagree, and add to it so that we can grow more into the Christians that Jesus wants us to be. Sure it's scary, but it's necessary. We all need human connection in one way or another.
This week we are going to continue our examination of exercises and practices of Christina living. We will see how we perform them as members of a small group. Long-term spiritual growth seldom occurs in isolation. Christ most ofter grown and develops His followers as they participate in groups. His Spirit lives in and works with our spirits individually. However, the friends in our small group encourage us, listen to us, hold us accountable, pray with us, correct us, are honest with us, tell us the truth about ourselves, pray for us, support us, stand by us, and sometimes carry us (Moore, 2007).
Because we already belong to one of the largest communities in the world today, it should be easy to find a group to pull together or to find a group that is already working together in a Bible study or Grow group to join. I know Moore said earlier to not "just do it", but in this case, I hope he would agree that sometimes we just need to "just do it"... remember you have Christ with you, so you're really not alone. Also, if one group doesn't work out, simply bow out graciously, and find another. The Pastors at your Church should be able to direct you to a group that will be suitable. Sure we are all busy, but again we cannot do this alone.
If you have already committed yourself to a Sunday School class, grow group, or Bible study, Moore (2007) says you are already ready to move on to our exploration of this week's insights on Christian growth in a group setting. If you haven't committed yourself yet, find out about all of the groups that are available, times, days they meet and commit to joining one of them. You'll be glad you did; your spiritual growth and development require it (p.104).
Remember: Jesus usually grows and develops His followers in groups.
God Bless!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Day 19... Never Forsaken
Day 19... Never Forsaken
Bible verse:
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthank?" - which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46
The lesson today hit pretty close to home for those of you who have the book and have read it. For those of you who do not have the book, this is what it says. Moore tells a story about a couple who attend their church, and have for years. However, the husband suffered from a brain tumor and suffered from seizures a few years back, but after treatment they went away. Unfortunately the seizures returned and for seven and half years he was treated and underwent surgeries, but would not survive in the end this time. Even though the husband was the one experiencing the actual physical symptoms, his wife was right there beside him. Encouraging him, taking him to appointments, everything, and they were both glad for it.
As we conclude out look at Christian practices done with someone close to us, we conclude with how through suffering we can meet intimately with Christ. Everyone suffers in one way or another, either physically, emotionally, or relationally. No amount of money, strength, fame, or prestige can stop it from happening. We can neither bargain or buy our way out of suffering.
Jesus suffered most of all, and the bible verse for today is only one example. Jesus suffered at the hand of the devil who tempted him, he suffered with his disciples from their disbelief and betrayal, and these are just a few of the examples. I believe what God hopes is that through our suffering we turn to Him for comfort, guidance and a heart for understanding that He knows the plans he has in store for us.
I'm learning how important it is to have someone here on earth to travel this journey with. I am looking forward to the journey that Dan and I will travel as husband and wife, companions, lovers, friends. I wouldn't change one minute from when we started, to now and into the future. Sure there will be difficult times, things that may happen that I am not prepared for, but with God's love, Jesus' teachings, and Dan, we will make it through. I look forward to the day that God puts a friend in my path that will also be there when the chips are down, or when we need a laugh to lighten the mood, or will just sit with me and say nothing. I'm sure He has done this a few times, but I have not had my eyes open to see, thankfully He hasn't given up on me. I did experience a little of these things with a few, but unfortunately I was distracted and did not keep up my end of the relationship. I'm learning, and pray that I will be given another chance.
Faithful service to God and blessings from His hand do not exempt us from suffering (Moore, 2007). Jesus suffered more than any of the rest of us ever will, so when we are going through those valleys remember we aren't the first, we won't be the last, but maybe we will be the ones who turn around to give a hand to those that follow. Be it many, many people or just one makes no difference so long as we do it together.
Remember: Live will bring suffering; you can face it with Christ on one side and your friend on the other.
God Bless!
Bible verse:
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthank?" - which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46
The lesson today hit pretty close to home for those of you who have the book and have read it. For those of you who do not have the book, this is what it says. Moore tells a story about a couple who attend their church, and have for years. However, the husband suffered from a brain tumor and suffered from seizures a few years back, but after treatment they went away. Unfortunately the seizures returned and for seven and half years he was treated and underwent surgeries, but would not survive in the end this time. Even though the husband was the one experiencing the actual physical symptoms, his wife was right there beside him. Encouraging him, taking him to appointments, everything, and they were both glad for it.
As we conclude out look at Christian practices done with someone close to us, we conclude with how through suffering we can meet intimately with Christ. Everyone suffers in one way or another, either physically, emotionally, or relationally. No amount of money, strength, fame, or prestige can stop it from happening. We can neither bargain or buy our way out of suffering.
Jesus suffered most of all, and the bible verse for today is only one example. Jesus suffered at the hand of the devil who tempted him, he suffered with his disciples from their disbelief and betrayal, and these are just a few of the examples. I believe what God hopes is that through our suffering we turn to Him for comfort, guidance and a heart for understanding that He knows the plans he has in store for us.
I'm learning how important it is to have someone here on earth to travel this journey with. I am looking forward to the journey that Dan and I will travel as husband and wife, companions, lovers, friends. I wouldn't change one minute from when we started, to now and into the future. Sure there will be difficult times, things that may happen that I am not prepared for, but with God's love, Jesus' teachings, and Dan, we will make it through. I look forward to the day that God puts a friend in my path that will also be there when the chips are down, or when we need a laugh to lighten the mood, or will just sit with me and say nothing. I'm sure He has done this a few times, but I have not had my eyes open to see, thankfully He hasn't given up on me. I did experience a little of these things with a few, but unfortunately I was distracted and did not keep up my end of the relationship. I'm learning, and pray that I will be given another chance.
Faithful service to God and blessings from His hand do not exempt us from suffering (Moore, 2007). Jesus suffered more than any of the rest of us ever will, so when we are going through those valleys remember we aren't the first, we won't be the last, but maybe we will be the ones who turn around to give a hand to those that follow. Be it many, many people or just one makes no difference so long as we do it together.
Remember: Live will bring suffering; you can face it with Christ on one side and your friend on the other.
God Bless!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Day 18... Because We Care
Day 18.. Because We Care
Bible verse:
Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village, Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by tow and gave them authority over evil spirits. Mark 6:6-7
In this lesson Moore talks about how "the Bible abounds with examples of ministry being conducted by believers working in pairs" (2007). Jesus called together his disciples and sent them out two by two, Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Silas, Barnabas and Mark, Priscilla and Aquila. They all did service and ministry together.
Don't you agree that most tasks are more fun when they are performed with a friend? I remember last year when we all had the opportunity to work at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen. Dan and I went together and it was wonderful because we were able to do it together. If either of us had gone alone, we would have made the best of it, and poured our heart and soul into the service, but it wouldn't be the same as going together.
Service and ministry offer our time, energy, effort, concern, money, and influence to people we know who need help. Being a true disciple of Jesus means that we do these things even when it is not convenient for us! When we are called to do these things they generally take us out of our comfort zone. For example, I was asked to take over a very large event where I work. My first reaction, as usual is sure I can do that, then my very next thought was, I'll think about it. Well I had let it go and had forgotten about doing anything with it until I get an email that says, "I'm so glad that you are going to take over this event!" Um.... I was stunned, scared and utterly in shock, because I never said that I would do it, I would help but that was all I could do. My return email said just as much. Well, I went over and spoke with the person, and she was just as shocked as I was that I was backing out. So, we talked about what was involved, and she assured me that she would be with me the whole time, and it would take a couple years to get it down, and be comfortable with it, so .... I agreed. You see it made all the difference knowing that I wasn't going to be "pushed out of the boat", but that we would do it together. By the time we done with our conversation, we both had goose bumps and it felt right :-)!!... Just let me add that it's not the event so much as it is helping my this woman who has done it for seven years transition out over the next few years, because she takes care of her elderly parents and she needs to be there for them. By having someone else to work with this frees her heart and her mind to tend to them if need be, and not worry that the other won't get taken care of. See it is easier with two, and I will enjoy doing it together with her.
We serve and minister because
When judgement day comes, God will make eternal decisions about our relationship with Him and our faith from the deeds we did on earth, such as feeding the hungry, caring for strangers, sharing clothes, visiting the sick or imprisoned. Caring for the least of these is caring for Jesus. God will see that we were caring for His son through caring for those who are in need. Not just when it was convenient for us, but especially when it was not. It's the hard decisions and choices to serve that show what we are made of, and shows are faith and trust in God.
Service and Ministry - these are two important practices of Christian discipleship.
So, go out today with your friend, or find a friend to go out with and see what works of ministry and service you can do together in Jesus name.
Remember: Service and ministry an often be conducted best with the assistance of a friend.
God Bless!
Bible verse:
Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village, Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by tow and gave them authority over evil spirits. Mark 6:6-7
In this lesson Moore talks about how "the Bible abounds with examples of ministry being conducted by believers working in pairs" (2007). Jesus called together his disciples and sent them out two by two, Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Silas, Barnabas and Mark, Priscilla and Aquila. They all did service and ministry together.
Don't you agree that most tasks are more fun when they are performed with a friend? I remember last year when we all had the opportunity to work at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen. Dan and I went together and it was wonderful because we were able to do it together. If either of us had gone alone, we would have made the best of it, and poured our heart and soul into the service, but it wouldn't be the same as going together.
Service and ministry offer our time, energy, effort, concern, money, and influence to people we know who need help. Being a true disciple of Jesus means that we do these things even when it is not convenient for us! When we are called to do these things they generally take us out of our comfort zone. For example, I was asked to take over a very large event where I work. My first reaction, as usual is sure I can do that, then my very next thought was, I'll think about it. Well I had let it go and had forgotten about doing anything with it until I get an email that says, "I'm so glad that you are going to take over this event!" Um.... I was stunned, scared and utterly in shock, because I never said that I would do it, I would help but that was all I could do. My return email said just as much. Well, I went over and spoke with the person, and she was just as shocked as I was that I was backing out. So, we talked about what was involved, and she assured me that she would be with me the whole time, and it would take a couple years to get it down, and be comfortable with it, so .... I agreed. You see it made all the difference knowing that I wasn't going to be "pushed out of the boat", but that we would do it together. By the time we done with our conversation, we both had goose bumps and it felt right :-)!!... Just let me add that it's not the event so much as it is helping my this woman who has done it for seven years transition out over the next few years, because she takes care of her elderly parents and she needs to be there for them. By having someone else to work with this frees her heart and her mind to tend to them if need be, and not worry that the other won't get taken care of. See it is easier with two, and I will enjoy doing it together with her.
We serve and minister because
- We genuinely care about people
- We see people as God sees them
- We really love others
- We want justice in out world
- God's love for us must flow forth in love for others
When judgement day comes, God will make eternal decisions about our relationship with Him and our faith from the deeds we did on earth, such as feeding the hungry, caring for strangers, sharing clothes, visiting the sick or imprisoned. Caring for the least of these is caring for Jesus. God will see that we were caring for His son through caring for those who are in need. Not just when it was convenient for us, but especially when it was not. It's the hard decisions and choices to serve that show what we are made of, and shows are faith and trust in God.
Service and Ministry - these are two important practices of Christian discipleship.
So, go out today with your friend, or find a friend to go out with and see what works of ministry and service you can do together in Jesus name.
Remember: Service and ministry an often be conducted best with the assistance of a friend.
God Bless!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Day 17... Simon Says
Day 17... Simon Says
Bible verse:
This is my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8
How many apple tress, or berry bushes have you past in your lifetime that have been overgrown, or the apples are too small and bitter to even make a pie out of? Now, how many vineyards have you past recently, yes even here in the North Country? If you have taken notice, the vines are pruned, the soil around them is cleared, they have support strings to grow against, and they look healthy. Right?
Jesus taught His disciples in John 15 about the spiritual pruning and growth they needed for them to develop as disciples. According to Moore (2007) the verse for today instructs us that we must mentor young believers so they can grow and develop as disciples of Jesus Christ. Much like the grape vines are carefully taken care of, so must the young Christians also be carefully taken care of.
Who can be a mentor? Moore says anyone with knowledge of the Bible and experience in the faith. Age is not a factor in this equation. We all have something to teach, and we all have something to learn. The hope is that while teaching and learning we are surrounded by the love of Jesus. The mentoring takes place within relationships that we build in our lives. We can study a Christian book with a friend or family members, like in Grow Groups, we can pray together. Other areas where mentoring can take place is on mission trips, or other ministry work, anywhere really so long as it is done carefully and with encouragement. As we mentor someone the Holy Spirit comes along side and the disciple and brings spiritual truths to life within their hearts so that they can be lived out daily.
Because mentoring can take place anywhere we need to be sure and surround ourselves with believers. Those individuals who are walking in faith and love for Christ.
This day's lesson and the one before were very difficult for me. Usually when that happens God is trying to tell me something. What I am hearing is be more involved with other Christians, build on the blossoming relationships that have already started, I can't and am not meant to take this journey alone. So, I will pray on that this week and I know God will answer my prayer.
I'm sorry it was late, or maybe it was just at the right time. Only God knows.
Remember: You can participate in the incredible responsibility and privilege of mentoring a disciple for Christ.
God Bless!
Bible verse:
This is my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8
How many apple tress, or berry bushes have you past in your lifetime that have been overgrown, or the apples are too small and bitter to even make a pie out of? Now, how many vineyards have you past recently, yes even here in the North Country? If you have taken notice, the vines are pruned, the soil around them is cleared, they have support strings to grow against, and they look healthy. Right?
Jesus taught His disciples in John 15 about the spiritual pruning and growth they needed for them to develop as disciples. According to Moore (2007) the verse for today instructs us that we must mentor young believers so they can grow and develop as disciples of Jesus Christ. Much like the grape vines are carefully taken care of, so must the young Christians also be carefully taken care of.
Who can be a mentor? Moore says anyone with knowledge of the Bible and experience in the faith. Age is not a factor in this equation. We all have something to teach, and we all have something to learn. The hope is that while teaching and learning we are surrounded by the love of Jesus. The mentoring takes place within relationships that we build in our lives. We can study a Christian book with a friend or family members, like in Grow Groups, we can pray together. Other areas where mentoring can take place is on mission trips, or other ministry work, anywhere really so long as it is done carefully and with encouragement. As we mentor someone the Holy Spirit comes along side and the disciple and brings spiritual truths to life within their hearts so that they can be lived out daily.
Because mentoring can take place anywhere we need to be sure and surround ourselves with believers. Those individuals who are walking in faith and love for Christ.
This day's lesson and the one before were very difficult for me. Usually when that happens God is trying to tell me something. What I am hearing is be more involved with other Christians, build on the blossoming relationships that have already started, I can't and am not meant to take this journey alone. So, I will pray on that this week and I know God will answer my prayer.
I'm sorry it was late, or maybe it was just at the right time. Only God knows.
Remember: You can participate in the incredible responsibility and privilege of mentoring a disciple for Christ.
God Bless!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Day 16.. Drop And Give Me Five
Day 16.. Drop And Give Me Five
Bible verse:
"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will" Mark 14:36
As you can tell because day 16 is being written on day 17 I had a bit of a problem with this lesson. However, after reading it over a few more times, this is what I get from it.
The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines submissive; submitting to others.
In yesterday's lesson God is wanting us to be submissive to Him alone. He wants us to trust in Him for every single thing. From the air we breathe, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, everything.
This is not an easy task, and it's not meant to be. The life of Christian is hard, look at what Jesus went through.
Moore put a quote into this day's lesson by C.W. Lewis that says "The Christian way is different... Christ says `Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You....No half-measures are any good.'"
What does this mean? It means He wants all of us, the good, the bad, the weak, the strong, the disabled, the geniuses, because He made us and Loves Us!
Find ways to be submissive to Him in your closest relationships for it is through our relationships with other believers that He will be there. We can learn from each other, everyone has something to teach, and everyone has a responsibility to learn.
According to Moore, yes... this is a tough practice to implement and no it may never be popular. Nonetheless all serious disciples of Jesus must learn to submit to one another for their soul's comfort and joy. The Trinitarian Godhead practices it, and so must we. Think throughout this day of practical ways you can submit to your accountability partner. As you put submission into practice, you will encounter Christ in ways you have never encountered Him before.
Remember: You must learn to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
God Bless!
Bible verse:
"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will" Mark 14:36
As you can tell because day 16 is being written on day 17 I had a bit of a problem with this lesson. However, after reading it over a few more times, this is what I get from it.
The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines submissive; submitting to others.
In yesterday's lesson God is wanting us to be submissive to Him alone. He wants us to trust in Him for every single thing. From the air we breathe, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, everything.
This is not an easy task, and it's not meant to be. The life of Christian is hard, look at what Jesus went through.
Moore put a quote into this day's lesson by C.W. Lewis that says "The Christian way is different... Christ says `Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You....No half-measures are any good.'"
What does this mean? It means He wants all of us, the good, the bad, the weak, the strong, the disabled, the geniuses, because He made us and Loves Us!
Find ways to be submissive to Him in your closest relationships for it is through our relationships with other believers that He will be there. We can learn from each other, everyone has something to teach, and everyone has a responsibility to learn.
According to Moore, yes... this is a tough practice to implement and no it may never be popular. Nonetheless all serious disciples of Jesus must learn to submit to one another for their soul's comfort and joy. The Trinitarian Godhead practices it, and so must we. Think throughout this day of practical ways you can submit to your accountability partner. As you put submission into practice, you will encounter Christ in ways you have never encountered Him before.
Remember: You must learn to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
God Bless!
Monday, October 1, 2012
Day 15... In Control
Day 15... In Control
Bible verse:
But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. Luke 4:30
Today's lesson is about how important and necessary discipline is in our lives. Some of us are very disciplined in several areas of our lives, but others find it very difficult. The lesson says today that having that friend or accountability partner is very helpful with areas that we find most difficult.
I have recently become better disciplined in the area of my emotions. I am more calm, and tend not to let others anger, discontent, or other emotions control me. This has happened through maturing and the Holy Spirit.
"Growing in Christ requires us to bring every part of our lives under His Lordship and control" (Moore, p.77). As humans this is very difficult, to give up control. I for one like to feel like I am in control of at least something, but God is working on that too. Here are a few areas where we must exercise discipline in our lives:
Our speech. I really liked the explanation that Moore gave about the Hebrew people in the Bible. The Bible says the Hebrew people believed that once spoken, words took on a life of their own. This is so true. How many of you remember words from someone who has long past either died or has moved on out of our lives? I'll bet if you stop and think about it you will come up with several examples. My most vivid recollection are the words of my Grandmother, who came to live with us when I was around 13 years old. For some reason, she didn't like me very much, or that is how it appeared to not just me, but my parents also. She said many things, and sometimes it was more what she didn't say that I felt so much. It was a very difficult time in my life and there didn't seem to be anyone who could do anything about it and I was very angry for a very long time. Her words affected how I raised my children therefore the words that had hurt and stung me also hurt and stung my children also. Words are very powerful, so guard what you say everyday, every time you are going to open your mouth, all the time. This is what I have learned from God, and I am so blessed by this. He has shown me how to find the GOOD in every situation. Now, don't get me wrong, sometimes I have to fight hard to find that good, and even harder when I am the one who wants to see the bad, but in the end I reconcile myself with Him and let Him take control. In regard to my Grandmother, I hold no ill will for her anymore. Many years after she passed I realized that I would not be who I am today without her, and I also realize now that God was there all the time protecting me.
Our bodies. These vessels that we live in have a mind of their own, don't they? They want too much food, too much rest, too much sensual pleasure. If we let these bodies of ours take control we will for certain end up in a very bad place. If we eat too much we don't move as much as we should, we look at our bodies and are disgusted or disappointed, with the extra weight we need to take more medicine to help us control our hearts, our diabetes, everything. If we become too sedentary in our lives, and don't get enough exercise then we find it hard to breathe and hard to find ambition to do anything outside of what we have to do. These bodies also crave to be touched and when it doesn't get the kind of touch that it needs it will find other ways of satisfying that desire. But just as having a partner in Christ on our spiritual journey, we also need someone else to be accountable to here on our spiritual journey, and our physical journey. Isn't is easier to diet and exercise with someone? Isn't it easier to get our of bed and get ready to go for that walk when you know someone else is waiting for you to be there? I believe it is. "His or her watchful eyes can reinforce the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit" (Moore, p.79).
Our moods. We all respond to different situations differently in life. We can chose to be in a bad mood, or we can chose to be in a good mood. A part of the maturing process for every follower of Jesus Christ is learning to control these emotional highs and lows. With the help of the Holy Spirit we must learn to mast them so we can represent Christ in the best way possible. Because it is through our actions that we show we are Christians. The broader our outlook, the better our response.
Our material possessions. Remember we talked about simplicity a few days ago? How to loosen our grip on material things of this world. The best question to ask yourself before you purchase that "something" is .... "Do I really need it?" Mostly I am practical, and I talked about this a few days ago also. However, when it comes to a few things, practicality goes flying out the window. It is what it is and I want it! We all have items like that, but the key is to not let even those take your control away. Delayed gratification is huge. Don't buy it this time, wait and see how you feel the next time. Drink a glass of water instead of having that next soda or energy drink. Something as occurred to me over the last few weeks when it comes to making purchases, and that is I think about what someone else needs. I still get to buy something, but I buy something for someone else who needs it and I give it to them. Quietly of course because I want all the glory to go to God. Look around your house, what haven't you used in a long time that maybe someone else would really appreciate having. If it's just gathering dust, or is shoved way in the back of a cupboard then pull it out and pass it on.
Our care for the earth. I don't know about you but I get really angry when I see fast food restaurant bags all over the road. It makes me wonder how can people be so unattached to what they are doing. I remember the commercial when I was a little girl of the crying Indian and that had an impact on me, plus my parents never through anything out the car window that was trash. It was just something we didn't do. Now that I am older and see the world as God's creation, I want to take care of my little piece of it. Let's all take care of our own little corner and if we have the power to do more, then do it! These are all ways that we can thank God for the gift of His good earth.
Today, think of what you can do to practice discipline in your life and share this with your friend or accountability partner. With the help of the Holy Spirit and the support of your friend, you will have ample resources to master the different areas of your life. As you do, don't be surprised when Christ meets you amid your faithful efforts and blesses and invigorates you with His love.
Remember: Remind yourself daily to live a life that is in control.
God Bless!
Bible verse:
But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. Luke 4:30
Today's lesson is about how important and necessary discipline is in our lives. Some of us are very disciplined in several areas of our lives, but others find it very difficult. The lesson says today that having that friend or accountability partner is very helpful with areas that we find most difficult.
I have recently become better disciplined in the area of my emotions. I am more calm, and tend not to let others anger, discontent, or other emotions control me. This has happened through maturing and the Holy Spirit.
"Growing in Christ requires us to bring every part of our lives under His Lordship and control" (Moore, p.77). As humans this is very difficult, to give up control. I for one like to feel like I am in control of at least something, but God is working on that too. Here are a few areas where we must exercise discipline in our lives:
Our speech. I really liked the explanation that Moore gave about the Hebrew people in the Bible. The Bible says the Hebrew people believed that once spoken, words took on a life of their own. This is so true. How many of you remember words from someone who has long past either died or has moved on out of our lives? I'll bet if you stop and think about it you will come up with several examples. My most vivid recollection are the words of my Grandmother, who came to live with us when I was around 13 years old. For some reason, she didn't like me very much, or that is how it appeared to not just me, but my parents also. She said many things, and sometimes it was more what she didn't say that I felt so much. It was a very difficult time in my life and there didn't seem to be anyone who could do anything about it and I was very angry for a very long time. Her words affected how I raised my children therefore the words that had hurt and stung me also hurt and stung my children also. Words are very powerful, so guard what you say everyday, every time you are going to open your mouth, all the time. This is what I have learned from God, and I am so blessed by this. He has shown me how to find the GOOD in every situation. Now, don't get me wrong, sometimes I have to fight hard to find that good, and even harder when I am the one who wants to see the bad, but in the end I reconcile myself with Him and let Him take control. In regard to my Grandmother, I hold no ill will for her anymore. Many years after she passed I realized that I would not be who I am today without her, and I also realize now that God was there all the time protecting me.
Our bodies. These vessels that we live in have a mind of their own, don't they? They want too much food, too much rest, too much sensual pleasure. If we let these bodies of ours take control we will for certain end up in a very bad place. If we eat too much we don't move as much as we should, we look at our bodies and are disgusted or disappointed, with the extra weight we need to take more medicine to help us control our hearts, our diabetes, everything. If we become too sedentary in our lives, and don't get enough exercise then we find it hard to breathe and hard to find ambition to do anything outside of what we have to do. These bodies also crave to be touched and when it doesn't get the kind of touch that it needs it will find other ways of satisfying that desire. But just as having a partner in Christ on our spiritual journey, we also need someone else to be accountable to here on our spiritual journey, and our physical journey. Isn't is easier to diet and exercise with someone? Isn't it easier to get our of bed and get ready to go for that walk when you know someone else is waiting for you to be there? I believe it is. "His or her watchful eyes can reinforce the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit" (Moore, p.79).
Our moods. We all respond to different situations differently in life. We can chose to be in a bad mood, or we can chose to be in a good mood. A part of the maturing process for every follower of Jesus Christ is learning to control these emotional highs and lows. With the help of the Holy Spirit we must learn to mast them so we can represent Christ in the best way possible. Because it is through our actions that we show we are Christians. The broader our outlook, the better our response.
Our material possessions. Remember we talked about simplicity a few days ago? How to loosen our grip on material things of this world. The best question to ask yourself before you purchase that "something" is .... "Do I really need it?" Mostly I am practical, and I talked about this a few days ago also. However, when it comes to a few things, practicality goes flying out the window. It is what it is and I want it! We all have items like that, but the key is to not let even those take your control away. Delayed gratification is huge. Don't buy it this time, wait and see how you feel the next time. Drink a glass of water instead of having that next soda or energy drink. Something as occurred to me over the last few weeks when it comes to making purchases, and that is I think about what someone else needs. I still get to buy something, but I buy something for someone else who needs it and I give it to them. Quietly of course because I want all the glory to go to God. Look around your house, what haven't you used in a long time that maybe someone else would really appreciate having. If it's just gathering dust, or is shoved way in the back of a cupboard then pull it out and pass it on.
Our care for the earth. I don't know about you but I get really angry when I see fast food restaurant bags all over the road. It makes me wonder how can people be so unattached to what they are doing. I remember the commercial when I was a little girl of the crying Indian and that had an impact on me, plus my parents never through anything out the car window that was trash. It was just something we didn't do. Now that I am older and see the world as God's creation, I want to take care of my little piece of it. Let's all take care of our own little corner and if we have the power to do more, then do it! These are all ways that we can thank God for the gift of His good earth.
Today, think of what you can do to practice discipline in your life and share this with your friend or accountability partner. With the help of the Holy Spirit and the support of your friend, you will have ample resources to master the different areas of your life. As you do, don't be surprised when Christ meets you amid your faithful efforts and blesses and invigorates you with His love.
Remember: Remind yourself daily to live a life that is in control.
God Bless!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Day 14... An Amazing Thing Happens
Day 14... An Amazing Thing Happens
Bible verse:
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20
In today's reading, Moore points out that "even Superheros need coworkers" (p.73). Jesus never expected us to take this spiritual journey alone. So, it is important that we find someone, or a group of people to share this journey with. They will help us to understand the Word, and help us to listen to what God is saying. They are a trusted sounding board for our thoughts and questions. These friends are the ones we should be able to admit that we need help.
Taking these steps include some of the lessons that we have already discussed over the last two weeks. Such as listening, bible study, thinking and examination.
Listening is important so that we give God time to talk to us, or just to "be" with us in whatever situation we are currently in.
Studying the Bible is important for our growth and development on our journey, but studying alone can only be beneficial for so long. We need to be with others who are also studying the Word so that we can share what we have learned and learn what we have missed with others.
Thinking about what we have studied in the Bible will most always cause us to have questions. Moore says that God does not entrust any of us with all truth. So when we get together with others and put down or talk about the things that each of us has learned, it shows us a larger picture than what we would have seen on our own.
Examination....this is important between friends. Asking one another questions about our spiritual journey helps to keep us on track in that journey. These questions can help us to face the ideas or ideals we may be struggling with on our journey.
We are more likely to complete a particular bible study lesson if we have someone we are being held accountable to. Much like if we were on a diet and we had to account for the food we ate to someone, we may be less likely to eat those peanut butter cups, or that brownie. We learn to make different, possibly better choices.
These are but a few suggestions of what can be accomplished with a friend in taking this spiritual journey, you may think of many, many more. Whatever ways you think of, or by using the ones discussed in today's lesson, try to find a way to make them work in your life. Christ is out there just waiting for you, find a friend and invite Him in.
Remember: When you get together with another believer, Jesus joins you.
God Bless!
Bible verse:
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20
In today's reading, Moore points out that "even Superheros need coworkers" (p.73). Jesus never expected us to take this spiritual journey alone. So, it is important that we find someone, or a group of people to share this journey with. They will help us to understand the Word, and help us to listen to what God is saying. They are a trusted sounding board for our thoughts and questions. These friends are the ones we should be able to admit that we need help.
Taking these steps include some of the lessons that we have already discussed over the last two weeks. Such as listening, bible study, thinking and examination.
Listening is important so that we give God time to talk to us, or just to "be" with us in whatever situation we are currently in.
Studying the Bible is important for our growth and development on our journey, but studying alone can only be beneficial for so long. We need to be with others who are also studying the Word so that we can share what we have learned and learn what we have missed with others.
Thinking about what we have studied in the Bible will most always cause us to have questions. Moore says that God does not entrust any of us with all truth. So when we get together with others and put down or talk about the things that each of us has learned, it shows us a larger picture than what we would have seen on our own.
Examination....this is important between friends. Asking one another questions about our spiritual journey helps to keep us on track in that journey. These questions can help us to face the ideas or ideals we may be struggling with on our journey.
We are more likely to complete a particular bible study lesson if we have someone we are being held accountable to. Much like if we were on a diet and we had to account for the food we ate to someone, we may be less likely to eat those peanut butter cups, or that brownie. We learn to make different, possibly better choices.
These are but a few suggestions of what can be accomplished with a friend in taking this spiritual journey, you may think of many, many more. Whatever ways you think of, or by using the ones discussed in today's lesson, try to find a way to make them work in your life. Christ is out there just waiting for you, find a friend and invite Him in.
Remember: When you get together with another believer, Jesus joins you.
God Bless!
Day 13... A Friend For All Times
Day 13... A Friend For All Times
Bible verse:
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon Called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20
My apologies for being late on this post, I pray you will forgive me. Unfortunately this is one of my many weaknesses, procrastination. I have asked God to help me in this area of my life, and it is getting better, but I am resistant to change. Dan is aware of this weakness in me and loves me anyway. He is my wonderful "mate", and I am accountable to him. Sometimes he says things I do not want to hear, but I am learning that these are words I need to hear. I love him for that, but sometimes it is too easy to brush them away, or to be stubborn and then do what I want to do anyway. Such as putting off a post on here, or a homework assignment that I know I can make time to do early, but I wait until the 11th hour. This is where I wish I had a friend to whom I had to accountable. Yes, there is Jesus, but, well, anyway. On with today's posting.
In the bible verse Jesus calls to Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew to come and join Him so that he can teach them how be "fishers of men." As much time as Jesus spent away from everyone, he too needed a bond with other people. He and Peter were very close and shared many high and low moments together. "God created us for relationship" (Moore, p.69).
Over these next few days we will look at how Christ is with us as we are on our spiritual journey with a trusted mate and/or friend. We aren't meant to take this journey alone, we need friends who help us understand the Word, understand ourselves, good and bad. They and we as friends need to be able to hear what is said and be honest and caring in our reactions and responses. We and they as friends are our human guides, so long as they are on a spiritual journey also, and a believer in Christ.
This next part makes me a little more than anxious because it makes me think about my failures at being a friend.
God has just given me the answer, truly... television and movies have been my friends for a very long time, almost forever. Well now what a revelation. Thank you God! It makes sense now and if you will allow me to explain for a moment, , , I watch a lot of both, and depending on my mood, I can choose what I watch, those shows that comfort me when I am down, those that make me laugh when I feel like laughing. I tend to stay away from scary movies because well, some of them hit too close to home. Nightmares from the past (of course not ones with Jason or Aliens), but the shows and movies that remind me of things I want to forget or thought I had dealt with but haven't. Those I tend to stay away from, unless the topic is something that doesn't have a direct touch with my life, then I watch them because the hero swoops in and saves the day. Wow! I thank God for revealing this to me.
I think about the few friends that have entered my life and are always there when I need them, and I have always tried to be there when they needed me. Mostly if there were a tragedy, or life crisis. But what about all the other times, when just being with one another was what they wanted. I have failed miserably there and God has opened my eyes to this right here, right now. Wow! I thank Him for that, and I pray that He will continue to show me these things that will help me be closer to Him, especially through the friendships of others.
According to Moore, (p.71) he explains that being open, honest, and vulnerable with another person, especially someone other than a mate is important, but people's defenses go up and their ears shut down. This is why I was so anxious when I read this part of today's lesson. It is scary opening yourself up to others. Again Moore says being vulnerable can be threatening; admitting weaknesses, bad feelings, and failures can be hard; and being put on the spot to give an account of our choices can be embarrassing. Admitting we need help (sometimes lots of it) can cause us to feel less than victorious. So, yes sharing your spiritual journey with an accountability partner takes valuable time and requires effort to schedule. He says that we'll also find it take a lot of emotional energy too.
Those are some of the reasons that show there is a price to pay to have the trust level high enough for spiritual accountability to work well. Thankfully, the benefits outweigh the costs (p.71).
So, as we set out on this journey, or if we are already waist deep in it, we need to remember that we need trusted mates, and trusted friends to help us, and for us to help as well. It is a two way street, and if we are to walk boldly up the middle of that street we need people around us that we can trust to make sure we don't get hit, or to at the very least think about what we feeling, choices we think we should make, and why. It is important that we have a mate or friend to encourage us through difficult times, one to challenge us to victory in times of temptations, and someone to help us hold on when we are most ready to give up.
I believe in time that as I learn how to build better friendships I will see Christ along the way and as the friendships grow down here, God will show himself even more to us. I pray today that you too will have learned from this days lesson what it takes to build healthy spiritual relationships with others, and if you already understand how to do this, you will be kind to those who are lost and don't quite have it grip on how to do it.
Remember: Our spiritual journey finds enrichment in the company of a trusted mate or friend that can be found in no other setting.
God Bless!
Bible verse:
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon Called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20
My apologies for being late on this post, I pray you will forgive me. Unfortunately this is one of my many weaknesses, procrastination. I have asked God to help me in this area of my life, and it is getting better, but I am resistant to change. Dan is aware of this weakness in me and loves me anyway. He is my wonderful "mate", and I am accountable to him. Sometimes he says things I do not want to hear, but I am learning that these are words I need to hear. I love him for that, but sometimes it is too easy to brush them away, or to be stubborn and then do what I want to do anyway. Such as putting off a post on here, or a homework assignment that I know I can make time to do early, but I wait until the 11th hour. This is where I wish I had a friend to whom I had to accountable. Yes, there is Jesus, but, well, anyway. On with today's posting.
In the bible verse Jesus calls to Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew to come and join Him so that he can teach them how be "fishers of men." As much time as Jesus spent away from everyone, he too needed a bond with other people. He and Peter were very close and shared many high and low moments together. "God created us for relationship" (Moore, p.69).
Over these next few days we will look at how Christ is with us as we are on our spiritual journey with a trusted mate and/or friend. We aren't meant to take this journey alone, we need friends who help us understand the Word, understand ourselves, good and bad. They and we as friends need to be able to hear what is said and be honest and caring in our reactions and responses. We and they as friends are our human guides, so long as they are on a spiritual journey also, and a believer in Christ.
This next part makes me a little more than anxious because it makes me think about my failures at being a friend.
God has just given me the answer, truly... television and movies have been my friends for a very long time, almost forever. Well now what a revelation. Thank you God! It makes sense now and if you will allow me to explain for a moment, , , I watch a lot of both, and depending on my mood, I can choose what I watch, those shows that comfort me when I am down, those that make me laugh when I feel like laughing. I tend to stay away from scary movies because well, some of them hit too close to home. Nightmares from the past (of course not ones with Jason or Aliens), but the shows and movies that remind me of things I want to forget or thought I had dealt with but haven't. Those I tend to stay away from, unless the topic is something that doesn't have a direct touch with my life, then I watch them because the hero swoops in and saves the day. Wow! I thank God for revealing this to me.
I think about the few friends that have entered my life and are always there when I need them, and I have always tried to be there when they needed me. Mostly if there were a tragedy, or life crisis. But what about all the other times, when just being with one another was what they wanted. I have failed miserably there and God has opened my eyes to this right here, right now. Wow! I thank Him for that, and I pray that He will continue to show me these things that will help me be closer to Him, especially through the friendships of others.
According to Moore, (p.71) he explains that being open, honest, and vulnerable with another person, especially someone other than a mate is important, but people's defenses go up and their ears shut down. This is why I was so anxious when I read this part of today's lesson. It is scary opening yourself up to others. Again Moore says being vulnerable can be threatening; admitting weaknesses, bad feelings, and failures can be hard; and being put on the spot to give an account of our choices can be embarrassing. Admitting we need help (sometimes lots of it) can cause us to feel less than victorious. So, yes sharing your spiritual journey with an accountability partner takes valuable time and requires effort to schedule. He says that we'll also find it take a lot of emotional energy too.
Those are some of the reasons that show there is a price to pay to have the trust level high enough for spiritual accountability to work well. Thankfully, the benefits outweigh the costs (p.71).
So, as we set out on this journey, or if we are already waist deep in it, we need to remember that we need trusted mates, and trusted friends to help us, and for us to help as well. It is a two way street, and if we are to walk boldly up the middle of that street we need people around us that we can trust to make sure we don't get hit, or to at the very least think about what we feeling, choices we think we should make, and why. It is important that we have a mate or friend to encourage us through difficult times, one to challenge us to victory in times of temptations, and someone to help us hold on when we are most ready to give up.
I believe in time that as I learn how to build better friendships I will see Christ along the way and as the friendships grow down here, God will show himself even more to us. I pray today that you too will have learned from this days lesson what it takes to build healthy spiritual relationships with others, and if you already understand how to do this, you will be kind to those who are lost and don't quite have it grip on how to do it.
Remember: Our spiritual journey finds enrichment in the company of a trusted mate or friend that can be found in no other setting.
God Bless!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Day 12... Quiet Examination
Day 12... Quiet Examination
Bible verse
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled....
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:6, 8
Today is wraps up our discussion of how to be more connected to God through Quiet conversations, listening, reading, thinking, writing, simplicity, and now examination. We all need to take the time to examine our lives, and our time with God as we make this journey. So, I will pass onto you the ways to practice quiet examination that the author has provided. It is up to you how frequently you need to quietly examine your spiritual journey, your days and your life with God. Here they are some examples of questions to ask yourself. As you continue with this practice, other questions may come up which is good because we don't want to do this as a matter of routine, or going through the motions. This practice is meant to help us grow.
STOP! Look into your heart for God, Listen for Him.
Remember: Take time to examine your life.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.....
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:6, 8
God Bless you all!
Bible verse
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled....
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:6, 8
Today is wraps up our discussion of how to be more connected to God through Quiet conversations, listening, reading, thinking, writing, simplicity, and now examination. We all need to take the time to examine our lives, and our time with God as we make this journey. So, I will pass onto you the ways to practice quiet examination that the author has provided. It is up to you how frequently you need to quietly examine your spiritual journey, your days and your life with God. Here they are some examples of questions to ask yourself. As you continue with this practice, other questions may come up which is good because we don't want to do this as a matter of routine, or going through the motions. This practice is meant to help us grow.
- Did I set aside time today to pray, listen to Christ, and read the Bible?
- Did I talk to Christ conversationally throughout the day?
- Did I direct my public conversation and action toward the glory of God?
- Did I attempt to do good to all people in all situations?
- Did I thank God for the good gifts I enjoyed?
- Did I take time to think about my spiritual journey and mentally process what Christ is saying to me?
- Did I take time to write down spiritual insights, questions, prayer requests, or thoughts about what Christ is teaching me?
- Have I lived in a manner that aims toward simplicity?
- Have I read a Christian book or given myself to studying about God or my spiritual journey?
- Am I on target with the goals Christ has given me for my life?
STOP! Look into your heart for God, Listen for Him.
Remember: Take time to examine your life.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.....
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:6, 8
God Bless you all!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Day 11.. Quiet Simplicity
Day
11.. Quiet Simplicity
Bible
verse:
Then a teacher of the law came to
him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of
the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. Matthew 8:19-20
I
must admit I did not understand this verse at all when I first read it. It was at that point I stopped and prayed for
God to open my mind to His teaching and help me to understand. Well, not only
did He do that, but it also opened the flood gates to other thoughts too.
In
the reading for today the author talks about spending several years on mission
trips with his wife, son, Brent, and students from the University where he
worked. They traveled to Central
America, the Caribbean and South America.
It was their son whom at the age of nine truly understood the meaning of
quiet simplicity. For Christmas he asked
for nothing, because he realized that he already had much more than his friends
had in the countries where they had gone on mission trips. The author further explains that Brent, his
son, knew exactly what he was doing. He
made the choice of simplicity, and this choice was reinforced later on in his
life while he was a college student spending a summer in India.
I’m
going to jump to the end of the reading for a moment as I feel it is important
to say this early. Neither the author
nor I can tell anyone what “quiet simplicity” means to any of you. In this particular lesson he centers
simplicity on material things. This is
when meaning and understanding of the Bible verse hit home for me. Jesus did not own many possessions and
therefore had no place to lay his head.
He did not own a home, nor did he have all of the things that go along
with that, dishes, linens, furniture, nothing.
Think about that for a moment…. He called no place home in this material
world because his home was with his Father in Heaven. Wow!
Jesus said in Matthew 6: 19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasurers
on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and
steal. But store up for yourselves
treasurers in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do
not break in and steal. For
where your treasurer is, there your heart will be also.”
Today’s
reading also speaks about fasting. “Jesus did not specify how often or how long
we should fast; He did not want us to legalize the practice” (Moore,
p.59). He wanted us to view t as a
privilege. A way to grow closer to God
and to abstain from whatever item had a hold on us. Our desire is to hunger as much for God as we
do for food, or things.
Practicing
quiet simplicity helps us stay centered on what is most important. It is a practical way to keep Christ and His
kingdom at the top of our treasure list.
As we do it, we will find it to be another way to meet Christ and give
our love to Him.
Remember: Keep life simple.
God
Bless!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Day 10... Quiet Writing
Day 10.. Quiet Writing
Bible verse;
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" Luke 1:46-47.
While reading today's lesson I am taken back to my teenage years, when I used to write down everything. Mostly because I didn't feel I had anyone to talk to about what was happening in my life at that time (like many other teenagers), but I think now even then that God was working in my life. I did find that when I wrote things down I did feel better, and I lingered less on the problems. It was like I was giving it to God, but I can't say for sure. I hope so.
Today we are going to talk about keeping a journal, or as the author so wonderfully puts it, "putting down on paper whatever we want to record about our spiritual journey" (Moore, p.53). There are so many things we can write down, and it doesn't have to be grammatically correct, or in any specific order. It can be whatever we are thinking about at that time. Maybe it's a question to God, maybe it's an answer from God, whatever it is write it down so that you can reflect on it in the future, or someone else can.
I like and agree with the concept of keeping a journal, but I couldn't help but feel that it was going to be one more thing that I had to do, along with everything else I have to do everyday. However, I was pleasantly surprised as I continued to read that it is not something I have to do everyday! Thank you God! I have started to journal a few times over the last years, mostly trying to record how Huntington's affects our lives, but most days it doesn't at this point, again I say thanks to God, so I write a day and then don't for a long time. I felt like a failure, and that would be the devil working. My how he likes us to fail. Moore says that this is a trap we can fall into, and boy did I fall. I am glad to know that I have not failed, and I can just pick up where I left off, or I can journal the next time something happens. We can do the same thing during our spiritual journey, write down when things happen.
Quiet writing gives us a tool for reflecting our time alone with Christ. The Book of Psalms is a great example of journaling. King David for told us about his journey with God, the good and the bad. He wrote about when he praised God, and when he questioned His presence in his life. Journaling can be a place to be completely honest, no holding back, good or bad.
When we journal like that it gives us the opportunity to reflect on a problem. I was struck with such a vision when the author says, "He (God) steps between our problems and ourselves, they're not nearly as big as they first appeared" (p.55). Can't you just see God standing there as a filter, showing us that the problem without everything else that we have built around it? I love that!
This journal can also be left as a written record of your own spiritual journey for your children, or grandchildren or maybe a friend. Maybe I'll start again, or just pick up where I left off in that pretty leather bound book I purchased. However, even if I don't, I hope when someone picks up my Bible, maybe after I have gone to be with God in Heaven, they will see on the edge of many pages, thoughts that I had, visions that God so graciously gave to me, revelations, or they will see the passages that I hi-lited so that I could find them easily, or remember what I felt like when I was reading that passage. I do hope that they also see the bigger picture, the one that shows them that I was actively involved with God, and the journey I am on.
Whatever method you use, notebook, margins of the Bible or another book, note cards, or your computer, our goal is the same. We want to encounter Christ and reflect on our time spent with Him.
Remember: Take time to record significant moments along your spiritual journey.
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" Luke 1:46-47
Bible verse;
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" Luke 1:46-47.
While reading today's lesson I am taken back to my teenage years, when I used to write down everything. Mostly because I didn't feel I had anyone to talk to about what was happening in my life at that time (like many other teenagers), but I think now even then that God was working in my life. I did find that when I wrote things down I did feel better, and I lingered less on the problems. It was like I was giving it to God, but I can't say for sure. I hope so.
Today we are going to talk about keeping a journal, or as the author so wonderfully puts it, "putting down on paper whatever we want to record about our spiritual journey" (Moore, p.53). There are so many things we can write down, and it doesn't have to be grammatically correct, or in any specific order. It can be whatever we are thinking about at that time. Maybe it's a question to God, maybe it's an answer from God, whatever it is write it down so that you can reflect on it in the future, or someone else can.
I like and agree with the concept of keeping a journal, but I couldn't help but feel that it was going to be one more thing that I had to do, along with everything else I have to do everyday. However, I was pleasantly surprised as I continued to read that it is not something I have to do everyday! Thank you God! I have started to journal a few times over the last years, mostly trying to record how Huntington's affects our lives, but most days it doesn't at this point, again I say thanks to God, so I write a day and then don't for a long time. I felt like a failure, and that would be the devil working. My how he likes us to fail. Moore says that this is a trap we can fall into, and boy did I fall. I am glad to know that I have not failed, and I can just pick up where I left off, or I can journal the next time something happens. We can do the same thing during our spiritual journey, write down when things happen.
Quiet writing gives us a tool for reflecting our time alone with Christ. The Book of Psalms is a great example of journaling. King David for told us about his journey with God, the good and the bad. He wrote about when he praised God, and when he questioned His presence in his life. Journaling can be a place to be completely honest, no holding back, good or bad.
When we journal like that it gives us the opportunity to reflect on a problem. I was struck with such a vision when the author says, "He (God) steps between our problems and ourselves, they're not nearly as big as they first appeared" (p.55). Can't you just see God standing there as a filter, showing us that the problem without everything else that we have built around it? I love that!
This journal can also be left as a written record of your own spiritual journey for your children, or grandchildren or maybe a friend. Maybe I'll start again, or just pick up where I left off in that pretty leather bound book I purchased. However, even if I don't, I hope when someone picks up my Bible, maybe after I have gone to be with God in Heaven, they will see on the edge of many pages, thoughts that I had, visions that God so graciously gave to me, revelations, or they will see the passages that I hi-lited so that I could find them easily, or remember what I felt like when I was reading that passage. I do hope that they also see the bigger picture, the one that shows them that I was actively involved with God, and the journey I am on.
Whatever method you use, notebook, margins of the Bible or another book, note cards, or your computer, our goal is the same. We want to encounter Christ and reflect on our time spent with Him.
Remember: Take time to record significant moments along your spiritual journey.
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" Luke 1:46-47
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Day 9... Quiet Thinking
Day 9... Quiet Thinking
Bible verse:
After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2:46-47
Twelve years old! When I was twelve, I certainly wasn't sitting around our church having long involved conversations with a group of Pastors. When I read this day's lesson I began to feel sorry for myself, because I feel like I have wasted so much time not knowing God, but He quickly tells me that I have not wasted anything at all. He says that He has been with me waiting for me. He says it is never too late to know Him and age has nothing to do with it. I guess maybe I do hear His voice. I am so blessed.
Now, what will we do with that? Today's reading is about quiet thinking. This is the next step in meeting with Christ, stopping and thinking reflectively what about what He has told us, through prayer, and mostly through His word. We need to think about each piece of Scripture so that we can remember it for the future.
I have learned through my current studies that one of the best ways to do this is by association. If we really want to remember something so that we can easily recall it in the future, number one, it has to be important to us personally, and the way to make it easy to recall in the future is to associate it with something that means something to us. For example if I am studying for an exam at school and I want to do a really good job, then I need to quietly think of ways to make associations in my mind of the subject I am studying so that I can easily recall that information when I am taking the exam. This is what the author is trying to explain to us today. We need to make the time to set ourselves apart from everyone and everything to think quietly about the Word that we have studied so that we can recall it in the future when we need to.
As I have said before, I believe that we are all so busy, including myself, living day to day that we are not taking time to process what we have been learning. Simple things like, where we left our keys when we got home last night, that appointment that is so important for work or our health, a person's name that we just met. It's not that we are forgetful, we never bothered to remember it in the first place because we are so busy. "Contemporary society places much more emphasis on doing than being" (Moore,p.50).
Jesus was busy, he did several of the things that we do today without a car, cellphone, or a computer, but the one thing that He did that we are not doing is, thinking about the messages from God. He took the time to draw away from everyone and everything to "think" about what the message said. That is why Scripture came so easily to Him, because he spent the time thinking and processing it in his mind so that he could recall it. To this day, people who make things look easy, that are not easy, do so because they have worked very hard to master that task. If we want to become masters of the Word, then we must work very hard at it.
Unfortunately there are too many Christians who experience the same spiritual experiences because they do not take the time to think about those experiences and grow into new and wonderful spiritual experiences.
So, today make a conscious effort to not only quietly converse with God, quietly read God's word, but be sure and take the time to quietly THINK about God's word. Make connections in your mind with what He is tell us so that we can recall it in the future for others. What a testament that would be, right? I know that I am in awe when others can repeat scripture instantly when the situation arises that it is needed.
Remember: Take time to stop and just think. You'll be amazed at the connections you'll begin to make between what you're learning today and what you learned a month or a year ago.
He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27
God Bless!
Bible verse:
After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2:46-47
Twelve years old! When I was twelve, I certainly wasn't sitting around our church having long involved conversations with a group of Pastors. When I read this day's lesson I began to feel sorry for myself, because I feel like I have wasted so much time not knowing God, but He quickly tells me that I have not wasted anything at all. He says that He has been with me waiting for me. He says it is never too late to know Him and age has nothing to do with it. I guess maybe I do hear His voice. I am so blessed.
Now, what will we do with that? Today's reading is about quiet thinking. This is the next step in meeting with Christ, stopping and thinking reflectively what about what He has told us, through prayer, and mostly through His word. We need to think about each piece of Scripture so that we can remember it for the future.
I have learned through my current studies that one of the best ways to do this is by association. If we really want to remember something so that we can easily recall it in the future, number one, it has to be important to us personally, and the way to make it easy to recall in the future is to associate it with something that means something to us. For example if I am studying for an exam at school and I want to do a really good job, then I need to quietly think of ways to make associations in my mind of the subject I am studying so that I can easily recall that information when I am taking the exam. This is what the author is trying to explain to us today. We need to make the time to set ourselves apart from everyone and everything to think quietly about the Word that we have studied so that we can recall it in the future when we need to.
As I have said before, I believe that we are all so busy, including myself, living day to day that we are not taking time to process what we have been learning. Simple things like, where we left our keys when we got home last night, that appointment that is so important for work or our health, a person's name that we just met. It's not that we are forgetful, we never bothered to remember it in the first place because we are so busy. "Contemporary society places much more emphasis on doing than being" (Moore,p.50).
Jesus was busy, he did several of the things that we do today without a car, cellphone, or a computer, but the one thing that He did that we are not doing is, thinking about the messages from God. He took the time to draw away from everyone and everything to "think" about what the message said. That is why Scripture came so easily to Him, because he spent the time thinking and processing it in his mind so that he could recall it. To this day, people who make things look easy, that are not easy, do so because they have worked very hard to master that task. If we want to become masters of the Word, then we must work very hard at it.
Unfortunately there are too many Christians who experience the same spiritual experiences because they do not take the time to think about those experiences and grow into new and wonderful spiritual experiences.
So, today make a conscious effort to not only quietly converse with God, quietly read God's word, but be sure and take the time to quietly THINK about God's word. Make connections in your mind with what He is tell us so that we can recall it in the future for others. What a testament that would be, right? I know that I am in awe when others can repeat scripture instantly when the situation arises that it is needed.
Remember: Take time to stop and just think. You'll be amazed at the connections you'll begin to make between what you're learning today and what you learned a month or a year ago.
He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27
God Bless!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Day 8.. Quiet Reading
Day 8.. Quiet Reading
Bible verse;
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. Luke 4:16
In today's reading the author tells a story about how when he travels he makes sure to connect with his wife who is not with him. He states these days they can email one another, but in earlier days before the internet they would fax letters back and forth. This turned out to be a challenge because of unreliable phone lines in certain areas of the world, but they managed it and he did everything he could to make sure that he received those letters via fax from his wife. He says that she is the love of his life and that connection was very, very important.
Much like the author's wife, and our significant others are the loves of our lives, we need to be sure and develop our relationship with God our Father in heaven. The best way to do this is by reading the Bible. I know that some of you have already learned how to do this, but for many of us we don't know where to start. For those of us in the latter category I learned a few things in my Sunday school class yesterday;
Jesus used the Bible in his teaching everyday, when he rebuked the devil, when he healed the sick, when he encouraged others. He knew the Bible so well because he read it, not because it was his obligation, but because it was his way of being with his Father.
We need to make sure that when we read the Word of God that we do not hurry through it. We must read the scripture and then stop and make sure that we understand what it it saying, what He is trying to say to us. If we do not understand, make a note of it and ask someone else about it, like a Pastor or someone who can explain it. A quote in the reading to day from Madame Guyon (1648-1717) states,
"Read very slowly. You do not more from one passage to another, not until you have sensed the
very hear of what you have read. You may then want to take that portion of Scripture... and
turn it into prayer."
Bible verse;
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. Luke 4:16
In today's reading the author tells a story about how when he travels he makes sure to connect with his wife who is not with him. He states these days they can email one another, but in earlier days before the internet they would fax letters back and forth. This turned out to be a challenge because of unreliable phone lines in certain areas of the world, but they managed it and he did everything he could to make sure that he received those letters via fax from his wife. He says that she is the love of his life and that connection was very, very important.
Much like the author's wife, and our significant others are the loves of our lives, we need to be sure and develop our relationship with God our Father in heaven. The best way to do this is by reading the Bible. I know that some of you have already learned how to do this, but for many of us we don't know where to start. For those of us in the latter category I learned a few things in my Sunday school class yesterday;
- The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of God's word, they are not just words written by men. They are words inspired directly from God. So remember that when you are reading the Bible the words truly are God's words. (Scripture)
- The Holy Spirit guides the interpretation of Scripture. We are not the first people to read the Bible, many, many, many before us have read it and we need to listen to those who have read it before, such as Jesus, our Pastors and others. (Tradition)
- God renews our minds to understand His word. This is so true, because haven't there been times when you have read Scripture and it did not have much meaning for you? However, later you may read the same Scripture and you understand it and it means something to you? This has happened to me on several occasions as I have been traveling on my Christian journey, has it happened to you? (Reason)
- God helps us to apply His word to the world today. If we listen well enough, and take the time to understand what God is trying to say, speak with others who are more familiar with the Word, then we truly can learn what God is saying and apply His word to our everyday lives. (Experience)
Jesus used the Bible in his teaching everyday, when he rebuked the devil, when he healed the sick, when he encouraged others. He knew the Bible so well because he read it, not because it was his obligation, but because it was his way of being with his Father.
We need to make sure that when we read the Word of God that we do not hurry through it. We must read the scripture and then stop and make sure that we understand what it it saying, what He is trying to say to us. If we do not understand, make a note of it and ask someone else about it, like a Pastor or someone who can explain it. A quote in the reading to day from Madame Guyon (1648-1717) states,
"Read very slowly. You do not more from one passage to another, not until you have sensed the
very hear of what you have read. You may then want to take that portion of Scripture... and
turn it into prayer."
Jesus' habit of reading the Bible offers us a pattern for our own lives.
It is never too late to get into the Word, it is the devil who tells us that we don't have time, he keeps us busy with other distractions, he doesn't want us to become closer to God. The evil one will encourage excuses, and we must fight past that because God is waiting for us to read His love story to us. Make time to be with God. Read quietly and let the words wash over you as I will be doing. I look forward to seeing how the Spirit will take God's Word and use it my life to help guide and direct me.
Lastly, remember that we can read the Bible anytime, we have Kindles, Nooks, Smartphones that can bring up Scripture at a moments notice so when we are waiting in line anywhere, we can read Scripture, we can copy Scripture down and post it on our desktops, our bathroom mirrors, anywhere. We can listen to music that incorporates the Message. We are so blessed that we are not persecuted in this Country when we read the Bible, we take it for granted but we shouldn't. Find the time and then set an appointment to be with God in His Word.
God Bless you ALL!!
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