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!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
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!!
Day 7.. Quiet Listening
Day 7... Quiet Listening
Bible verse;
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12
My apologies for the delay in this post, I wondered how long it would take before I faltered, and I allowed myself to be distracted. I pray I do not let it happen again. Please forgive me.
We live in a world that is so full of noise, not all of it bad but a lot of it can be such a time waster. I spend many days driving to work without the radio on, on purpose. I do most of my praying in the car on the way to work, but as the author says "prayer also involves listening, quietly listening for Christ to talk to us." I need to continue working on this and pray for God to help me. I find it difficult to stop the noise in my head sometimes. I have not learned to recognize God's voice yet. That doesn't mean I'm not listening for it, or being guided by it, I just haven't waited long enough or been patient long enough to actually hear it.
Once we stop talking and quietly listen for His reply, we realize that;
God Bless
Bible verse;
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12
My apologies for the delay in this post, I wondered how long it would take before I faltered, and I allowed myself to be distracted. I pray I do not let it happen again. Please forgive me.
We live in a world that is so full of noise, not all of it bad but a lot of it can be such a time waster. I spend many days driving to work without the radio on, on purpose. I do most of my praying in the car on the way to work, but as the author says "prayer also involves listening, quietly listening for Christ to talk to us." I need to continue working on this and pray for God to help me. I find it difficult to stop the noise in my head sometimes. I have not learned to recognize God's voice yet. That doesn't mean I'm not listening for it, or being guided by it, I just haven't waited long enough or been patient long enough to actually hear it.
Once we stop talking and quietly listen for His reply, we realize that;
- Christ can help us better understand our situation. He helps us to see it more clearly.
- Christ can help us put our situation into perspective. He helps us to be able to manage that situation better.
- Christ reminds us that we are not alone in facing whatever situation we are faced with at that time. He is with us always.
- Christ gives us the right attitude or frame of mind with which to see things. Isn't this wonderful, we may be angry or feel defeated about a particular situation, but once we start to pray about it he softens our heart or encourages us that with His help we can endure, or climb the mountain.
- Quietly listening give Christ the chance to work in our life or in circumstances in ways that He would not do if we did not come to Him and wait before Him. Isn't it wonderful that the Creator is willing to wait on us, we need to learn to wait for Him.
- Turn off the television, radio, etc
- Go for a walk on in the woods, or on a trail where it is just you, nature and God
- Take a drive without the radio on and listen for God
- Take a retreat; lesson your obligations, take time away from a busy schedule to listen for God
- Sunday was God's day of rest, go to worship then learn ways to spend time with Him on your own, reading a devotional, and sitting quietly listening.
God Bless
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Day 6... Quiet Conversations
Day 6 - Quiet Conversations
These next few days will all revolve around the work "quiet". Our quiet conversations with God, quiet listening, reading, thinking, writing, simplicity and examination.
The Bible verse for today is;
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. Matthew 12:23
As you can see even Jesus needed to spend time alone, but he wasn't spending time really alone, he was spending time with his Father. Although he would have liked to spend more time alone with his Father, he knew that he could not. Jesus like us needs interaction with other humans.
I like how the author describes how differently people feel about being alone.
People feel differently about being alone. Some see it as a negative thing and feel lonely.
Others see it as a positive thing and enjoy the solitude. It depends on how you look at it.
When you think about what you don't have - companionship - that is loneliness. When you
think about what you have - quietness - that is solitude.
What I will take away from this explanation is to think about what I do have, , , God, when I am alone, and I will spend my time speaking and mostly trying to listen to what He is trying to say to me.
Everyone these days talks about how busy we all are, even me, I have said it numerous times. Jesus was just as busy even without the internet and a cell phone. He was surrounded by crowds of people who either wanted to use him up or toss him out, but he could only be surrounded by this for so long before he needed to separate himself from it all and be alone with his Father.
"Jesus' prayer life must have been contagious, because His disciples wanted to learn how to pray as He did" (Luke 11:1).
I was comforted to know that the Bible gives us no preferable posture for praying. We can sit, stand, walk, or whatever when we pray, because God is with us all the time. However, Jesus said that our prayer time with God should not be a public performance to impress others, but rather a time to commune with God as easily as we breathe. I like that.
Jesus taught us important elements to praying with the Lord's Prayer;
Our Father who art in Heaven (we must approach God as our Heavenly Father), hollowed be thy name (give Him honor and reverence), thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is in Heaven (we pledge that we will follow His will here on earth as carefully as the angels in heaven follow it) give us this day our daily bread (we need to recognize out dependence on Him for life's provisions) and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us (we need His forgiveness and need to learn how to forgive others just as we are forgiven) lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (we need to recognize temptation and its pull, but seek His help in resisting) for thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever, Amen. (lastly we need God's help in maintaining victory over Satan and all the forces of evil).
So today as you get out of bed, and go on with your day, remember to find quiet time to spend in prayer with God, thanking him for the many blessings He has given you, prayers for your enemies, prayers for family and friends. It is my understanding as a new Christian that it is when we are quiet, no only in our environment, but also quiet in our minds that God then has a path to speak to us, and sometimes it is in a whisper the He speaks, so if we want to hear Him, when we need to hear Him, find a way to quiet your mind.
Remember: Jesus needed quiet conversations with His Father and so do we.
He went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Matthew 14:23.
God Bless
These next few days will all revolve around the work "quiet". Our quiet conversations with God, quiet listening, reading, thinking, writing, simplicity and examination.
The Bible verse for today is;
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. Matthew 12:23
As you can see even Jesus needed to spend time alone, but he wasn't spending time really alone, he was spending time with his Father. Although he would have liked to spend more time alone with his Father, he knew that he could not. Jesus like us needs interaction with other humans.
I like how the author describes how differently people feel about being alone.
People feel differently about being alone. Some see it as a negative thing and feel lonely.
Others see it as a positive thing and enjoy the solitude. It depends on how you look at it.
When you think about what you don't have - companionship - that is loneliness. When you
think about what you have - quietness - that is solitude.
What I will take away from this explanation is to think about what I do have, , , God, when I am alone, and I will spend my time speaking and mostly trying to listen to what He is trying to say to me.
Everyone these days talks about how busy we all are, even me, I have said it numerous times. Jesus was just as busy even without the internet and a cell phone. He was surrounded by crowds of people who either wanted to use him up or toss him out, but he could only be surrounded by this for so long before he needed to separate himself from it all and be alone with his Father.
"Jesus' prayer life must have been contagious, because His disciples wanted to learn how to pray as He did" (Luke 11:1).
I was comforted to know that the Bible gives us no preferable posture for praying. We can sit, stand, walk, or whatever when we pray, because God is with us all the time. However, Jesus said that our prayer time with God should not be a public performance to impress others, but rather a time to commune with God as easily as we breathe. I like that.
Jesus taught us important elements to praying with the Lord's Prayer;
Our Father who art in Heaven (we must approach God as our Heavenly Father), hollowed be thy name (give Him honor and reverence), thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is in Heaven (we pledge that we will follow His will here on earth as carefully as the angels in heaven follow it) give us this day our daily bread (we need to recognize out dependence on Him for life's provisions) and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us (we need His forgiveness and need to learn how to forgive others just as we are forgiven) lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (we need to recognize temptation and its pull, but seek His help in resisting) for thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever, Amen. (lastly we need God's help in maintaining victory over Satan and all the forces of evil).
So today as you get out of bed, and go on with your day, remember to find quiet time to spend in prayer with God, thanking him for the many blessings He has given you, prayers for your enemies, prayers for family and friends. It is my understanding as a new Christian that it is when we are quiet, no only in our environment, but also quiet in our minds that God then has a path to speak to us, and sometimes it is in a whisper the He speaks, so if we want to hear Him, when we need to hear Him, find a way to quiet your mind.
Remember: Jesus needed quiet conversations with His Father and so do we.
He went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Matthew 14:23.
God Bless
Friday, September 21, 2012
Day 5... The Matrix
Day 5.... The Matrix
Nope, we're not talking about the movie with Neo and Morpheus, but that is a great "literal" example of being actively involved in the world around him.
Today's lesson talks about how to be engaged, and not just going through the motions. Much like the song by Matthew West, Going through the Motions, we need to ask God for His help to engage, so that we don't wonder, "what if I had given everything, instead of going through the motions?".
The bible verse for today is from Matthew 14:13-14
When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them.
Now, as you may or may not already know, the news that Jesus heard was that his cousin John the Baptist had just been murdered and he was so grief stricken that that is why he drew away to a solitary place. Have you ever done this? Have you ever been so overwhelmed with grief or a burden that you just simply want to get away? However, there have been others who are looking for you while you are trying to "get away", because they look to you for support, for understanding. This is what happened to Jesus and instead of hanging out in the middle of the river (because he could have) all by himself to suffer in his despair alone, when he saw the crowds on the other side, he ENGAGED!!
This is when Jesus performed one of the greatest miracles of His ministry (Moore, p.31). He fed 5000 men and their families. He chose to engage and be glad in it.
We are all so busy, and I have to say that this week has been the busiest week I have ever had since I started my new job in February. I am on the go from truly the minute I get up in the morning. I have begun each day this week at 5:30am with this blog, then I get ready for work. When I get to work, I am already thinking about all of the things I have to do, and then the phone rings and I have to make notes to not forget what I was already thinking about doing. I finish work and come home, make dinner, watch the news and back on the computer to respond here on the blog, do homework or posts for school. Whew..... I'm sure that some or maybe more of you have a busier schedule than I because you have children who need to be taken care of, parents or elderly people whom you are caring for, or a multitude of other tasks that take time to do.
I told Dan yesterday that I was "tempted" yesterday to feign illness and leave work early, because the devil was telling me how tired I was, I was getting cranky, I just wanted to go home and DISengage. It would have been so easy because anything that the devil wants you to do is easy!!
Our journey with Jesus and our Christian walk is anything but easy! It takes engagement, time, and sacrifice, right? When I woke up this morning I just wanted to lay in bed a little longer, I could think of a million excuses NOT to get up, like I'm tired, I started school, I didn't get to bed until late..... any of these sound familiar? But, as God always does when were are listening, He finds a way to get through, and I had a God moment this morning. When my alarm goes off it's not that horrible screeching sound, but K-Love radio station and while I was laying there thinking about ALL of those excuses, finally the song that was playing reached my ears, then my mind and finally my heart..... Calling Glory's, Don't Give Up. Thankfully this line is repeated many times because it took several for me to finally hear it. DON'T GIVE UP!!
Much like Jesus could have stayed in the boat alone, He didn't, he "had compassion on them" and performed a great miracle. We all have people that we interact with everyday, all day long, and it is within this matrix that we need to learn how to encounter Christ, learn from Him and grow in Him at every one of these interactions in many different ways (Moore, p.31).
So, go out today and ,,,,, Remember: Keep your eyes peeled for Jesus in your daily life!
God Bless
PS... it is raining quite heavy outside this morning, and we use a satellite for our internet, and without God this morning, this post would not have happened for several reasons :-)!!
Nope, we're not talking about the movie with Neo and Morpheus, but that is a great "literal" example of being actively involved in the world around him.
Today's lesson talks about how to be engaged, and not just going through the motions. Much like the song by Matthew West, Going through the Motions, we need to ask God for His help to engage, so that we don't wonder, "what if I had given everything, instead of going through the motions?".
The bible verse for today is from Matthew 14:13-14
When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them.
Now, as you may or may not already know, the news that Jesus heard was that his cousin John the Baptist had just been murdered and he was so grief stricken that that is why he drew away to a solitary place. Have you ever done this? Have you ever been so overwhelmed with grief or a burden that you just simply want to get away? However, there have been others who are looking for you while you are trying to "get away", because they look to you for support, for understanding. This is what happened to Jesus and instead of hanging out in the middle of the river (because he could have) all by himself to suffer in his despair alone, when he saw the crowds on the other side, he ENGAGED!!
This is when Jesus performed one of the greatest miracles of His ministry (Moore, p.31). He fed 5000 men and their families. He chose to engage and be glad in it.
We are all so busy, and I have to say that this week has been the busiest week I have ever had since I started my new job in February. I am on the go from truly the minute I get up in the morning. I have begun each day this week at 5:30am with this blog, then I get ready for work. When I get to work, I am already thinking about all of the things I have to do, and then the phone rings and I have to make notes to not forget what I was already thinking about doing. I finish work and come home, make dinner, watch the news and back on the computer to respond here on the blog, do homework or posts for school. Whew..... I'm sure that some or maybe more of you have a busier schedule than I because you have children who need to be taken care of, parents or elderly people whom you are caring for, or a multitude of other tasks that take time to do.
I told Dan yesterday that I was "tempted" yesterday to feign illness and leave work early, because the devil was telling me how tired I was, I was getting cranky, I just wanted to go home and DISengage. It would have been so easy because anything that the devil wants you to do is easy!!
Our journey with Jesus and our Christian walk is anything but easy! It takes engagement, time, and sacrifice, right? When I woke up this morning I just wanted to lay in bed a little longer, I could think of a million excuses NOT to get up, like I'm tired, I started school, I didn't get to bed until late..... any of these sound familiar? But, as God always does when were are listening, He finds a way to get through, and I had a God moment this morning. When my alarm goes off it's not that horrible screeching sound, but K-Love radio station and while I was laying there thinking about ALL of those excuses, finally the song that was playing reached my ears, then my mind and finally my heart..... Calling Glory's, Don't Give Up. Thankfully this line is repeated many times because it took several for me to finally hear it. DON'T GIVE UP!!
Much like Jesus could have stayed in the boat alone, He didn't, he "had compassion on them" and performed a great miracle. We all have people that we interact with everyday, all day long, and it is within this matrix that we need to learn how to encounter Christ, learn from Him and grow in Him at every one of these interactions in many different ways (Moore, p.31).
So, go out today and ,,,,, Remember: Keep your eyes peeled for Jesus in your daily life!
God Bless
PS... it is raining quite heavy outside this morning, and we use a satellite for our internet, and without God this morning, this post would not have happened for several reasons :-)!!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Day 4... How Green is Your Thumb?
Day 4.. How Green Is Your Thumb?
Today's bible verse is from Luke 8:4-8
While a crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: " farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear"
In today's reading the author explains that he and his family planted a garden when he was growing up, and all of the steps it takes to have a successful harvest. When I was a little girl, we used to plant a huge garden also, and many of the things that the author described were familiar to me as well. I have good memories about the garden and some not so good. One good was that I would follow my father while he was tilling the soil, and I remember walking in his footprints, his left foot always turned our just a little :-). A couple of things I never really "enjoyed" were pulling weeds, and picking the beans. Who knew how many green beans one plant could produce, and produce, and produce!!
These were days when my siblings and I were all in the garden, laughing, grumbling, and working. I didn't realize it then but I do now, that I was learning how to plant a "vegetable" garden. Only God knew that I would need and use that knowledge now to learn how to plant His garden in others.
Just as we have growth after new birth, Moore also says, "We have a responsibility to nurture the spiritual life Christ gives us with our gift of new birth."
So, what are the similarities between growing a "vegetable" garden, and growing as a Christian? Here are a few points that we read about today;
Just as my father tilled the soil, preparing it for the seeds we would plant, we as Christians must prepare our hearts for the messages that Christ will give us. I love the line in the book that says, "Christ sends us special love notes each day." We must be ever watchful for these, keeping out heads up and our hearts open is one way to notice these; such as the beautiful sunrise, the clouds and their shapes and colors (one of my personal favorites), the wildlife, (of course when it's not in the road, ;0)), a smile on the face of a stranger, or the unexpected comment or smile from someone you thought never would do either.
We must listen and hear the words that Christ's says to us, consciously make them part of our lives and act on them. Missed opportunities are my biggest regrets right now. However, we must be careful and guard our hearts. At first I was puzzled by this statement, but as I read what Moore had written, it made more sense. We are to guard our hearts from those around us that are negative, unhappy all the time, but also... we must guard our hearts against our own grumblings, worries, and yes even riches and pleasures that we allow to take control of our lives. "These intruders will come, no question about that. But we do not need to let them throw us off balance spiritually" (Moore, p. 27).
Also, we must weed our garden. We must tend to our heart by "pulling" the bad attitudes, resentfulness we may feel towards others, oversensitive feelings we may have, and wishing ill will on others. All of these things will prevent us from growing spiritually. It is important to be able to "see" that we feel this way. Try to understand why we feel this way. For example, a few years ago I used to get very, very angry over something that maybe happened at work (where I used to work), I would swear, and yell, and through my arms around as if to try and beat the angry feelings I was having, but then one day I realized (God incident) that the reasons I got so angry was because I was afraid!! I was scared and to hide that weakness I would angrily bully my way through it, instead of facing that fear and dealing with it properly. Now, don't get me wrong, I still get angry, but now I know why I am angry and I don't let it consume me. Thank Jesus!!
What do you do to "water" your garden? I thank God for every blessing, I surround myself with Christians that I know will help me by teaching me what they know, and encourage my growth, like you!
"Today we need to set our heart and mind on following the example of a good gardener. We must treat our life as a garden where we can grow spiritual fruit for God and His good purpose" (Moore, p.27).
I have always said that I have a "black" thumb, and that if a plant wants to survive at my house then it needs to be able to do it on it's own. How wrong I have been!! I have learned from today's reading that just like everything else in my life that I want to do, I have to put the effort into it. Just as I won't accomplish my degree from one episode of t.v. to the next, neither will I keep a plant alive in my home unless I tend to it. I won't keep my Christina heart unless I do things to nurture it either.
Remember: Gardening is a learned skill.
"Let us pray today that Christ will give you a vision of His desire to help you grow in your walk with Him. once you have that vision clearly focused in your mind, pray that He will help you be receptive to all of the many ways He wants to assist you in your growth" (Moore, p.28).
A farmer went out to sow his seed. (Luke 8:5)
Be a farmer today.... :-)
God Bless you all!
Today's bible verse is from Luke 8:4-8
While a crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: " farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear"
In today's reading the author explains that he and his family planted a garden when he was growing up, and all of the steps it takes to have a successful harvest. When I was a little girl, we used to plant a huge garden also, and many of the things that the author described were familiar to me as well. I have good memories about the garden and some not so good. One good was that I would follow my father while he was tilling the soil, and I remember walking in his footprints, his left foot always turned our just a little :-). A couple of things I never really "enjoyed" were pulling weeds, and picking the beans. Who knew how many green beans one plant could produce, and produce, and produce!!
These were days when my siblings and I were all in the garden, laughing, grumbling, and working. I didn't realize it then but I do now, that I was learning how to plant a "vegetable" garden. Only God knew that I would need and use that knowledge now to learn how to plant His garden in others.
Just as we have growth after new birth, Moore also says, "We have a responsibility to nurture the spiritual life Christ gives us with our gift of new birth."
So, what are the similarities between growing a "vegetable" garden, and growing as a Christian? Here are a few points that we read about today;
Just as my father tilled the soil, preparing it for the seeds we would plant, we as Christians must prepare our hearts for the messages that Christ will give us. I love the line in the book that says, "Christ sends us special love notes each day." We must be ever watchful for these, keeping out heads up and our hearts open is one way to notice these; such as the beautiful sunrise, the clouds and their shapes and colors (one of my personal favorites), the wildlife, (of course when it's not in the road, ;0)), a smile on the face of a stranger, or the unexpected comment or smile from someone you thought never would do either.
We must listen and hear the words that Christ's says to us, consciously make them part of our lives and act on them. Missed opportunities are my biggest regrets right now. However, we must be careful and guard our hearts. At first I was puzzled by this statement, but as I read what Moore had written, it made more sense. We are to guard our hearts from those around us that are negative, unhappy all the time, but also... we must guard our hearts against our own grumblings, worries, and yes even riches and pleasures that we allow to take control of our lives. "These intruders will come, no question about that. But we do not need to let them throw us off balance spiritually" (Moore, p. 27).
Also, we must weed our garden. We must tend to our heart by "pulling" the bad attitudes, resentfulness we may feel towards others, oversensitive feelings we may have, and wishing ill will on others. All of these things will prevent us from growing spiritually. It is important to be able to "see" that we feel this way. Try to understand why we feel this way. For example, a few years ago I used to get very, very angry over something that maybe happened at work (where I used to work), I would swear, and yell, and through my arms around as if to try and beat the angry feelings I was having, but then one day I realized (God incident) that the reasons I got so angry was because I was afraid!! I was scared and to hide that weakness I would angrily bully my way through it, instead of facing that fear and dealing with it properly. Now, don't get me wrong, I still get angry, but now I know why I am angry and I don't let it consume me. Thank Jesus!!
What do you do to "water" your garden? I thank God for every blessing, I surround myself with Christians that I know will help me by teaching me what they know, and encourage my growth, like you!
"Today we need to set our heart and mind on following the example of a good gardener. We must treat our life as a garden where we can grow spiritual fruit for God and His good purpose" (Moore, p.27).
I have always said that I have a "black" thumb, and that if a plant wants to survive at my house then it needs to be able to do it on it's own. How wrong I have been!! I have learned from today's reading that just like everything else in my life that I want to do, I have to put the effort into it. Just as I won't accomplish my degree from one episode of t.v. to the next, neither will I keep a plant alive in my home unless I tend to it. I won't keep my Christina heart unless I do things to nurture it either.
Remember: Gardening is a learned skill.
"Let us pray today that Christ will give you a vision of His desire to help you grow in your walk with Him. once you have that vision clearly focused in your mind, pray that He will help you be receptive to all of the many ways He wants to assist you in your growth" (Moore, p.28).
A farmer went out to sow his seed. (Luke 8:5)
Be a farmer today.... :-)
God Bless you all!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Day 3 Don't Just "Do It"
Day 3... Don't Just "Do It"
Today's bible verse is;
Luke 4:1-2 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was lead by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
Day 3's reading in Rendezvous talks about how the media such as television ads is sending the message that if we purchase a particular brand of shoes, drink a particular type of sports drink, and "add equal doses of effort, willpower, and determination, we can excel at the sport of our choice" (Moore, p.22). This would be remarkable if it were true, but as we all know there is more to it than that. Unfortunately we cannot just "do it".
Taking a bit of a detour here, I have been an avid watcher of television my whole life, it has been my relaxation, my entertainment, my exercise, and as I have grown and matured in my walk with Jesus, I have learned that it has been my excuse for not living life. Deep down in my mind at times, I believed that life should be like the shows and movies I have watched. I should look like that actress, or be as good at that sport like that athlete, I should just be able to have my Master's degree completed by next week's episode. Now there are more reasons why I submerged myself into television, but I won't go into that now. What I will say is that I am learning that if I want to achieve any goal, it takes a lot of work on my part, and I have not done it by myself. God has been with me every step of the way!
Now, not only has God been with me, but my husband, children, friends, fellow students, instructors, and even people I don't even know have been with me all through this journey and those that came before. But mostly this journey I have had all of these people, and the Holy Spirit with me. See it is not just "Jesus and Me", it's everyone that touches my life that has contributed to this journey.
"Christ never expects us to live our Christian lives under our own power. We have the Holy Spirit just as Jesus did" (Moore, p.23).
It is our responsibility and our choice to follow Jesus, to make the initial commitment, but He never intended us to "go it alone", or just "do it" by ourselves. We have to be careful that we don't fall into the trap of trying to earn our salvation.
Here are a few bible verses to remember when you think that you have to everything yourself, by yourself;
1 Peter 4:8-10
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.
Don't be jealous of what gifts others have, we cannot be all things, only Jesus can. Instead find a way to meld your gifts with their gifts to make both of you stronger.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
It is important to continue to meet as Christians, to hold one another up, encourage one another, be a joy to one another.
1 Corinthians 12:17-20
If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, be thankful for the body that you have, with all of it's imperfections, you are the way you are because God made you that way.... BEAUTIFUL!!
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
We need to be encouraging to one another, lean on one another, be there for one another, ask for help when you hear the Spirit directing you too because you know the voice I am talking about don't you? The one that is quiet and whispers, "ask and you shall receive".
Today, open your eyes and see who you might help today, who needs your help today. As the author leaves us for now he says;
Remember: You can't do it alone; you need the help of the Spirit and of other Christian believers.
Thank you for visiting the blog today, I pray that God speaks to all of you who have come, and remember, I didn't do this alone, God has been with me the whole time, as He is with you always.
God Bless
Wendy
Today's bible verse is;
Luke 4:1-2 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was lead by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
Day 3's reading in Rendezvous talks about how the media such as television ads is sending the message that if we purchase a particular brand of shoes, drink a particular type of sports drink, and "add equal doses of effort, willpower, and determination, we can excel at the sport of our choice" (Moore, p.22). This would be remarkable if it were true, but as we all know there is more to it than that. Unfortunately we cannot just "do it".
Taking a bit of a detour here, I have been an avid watcher of television my whole life, it has been my relaxation, my entertainment, my exercise, and as I have grown and matured in my walk with Jesus, I have learned that it has been my excuse for not living life. Deep down in my mind at times, I believed that life should be like the shows and movies I have watched. I should look like that actress, or be as good at that sport like that athlete, I should just be able to have my Master's degree completed by next week's episode. Now there are more reasons why I submerged myself into television, but I won't go into that now. What I will say is that I am learning that if I want to achieve any goal, it takes a lot of work on my part, and I have not done it by myself. God has been with me every step of the way!
Now, not only has God been with me, but my husband, children, friends, fellow students, instructors, and even people I don't even know have been with me all through this journey and those that came before. But mostly this journey I have had all of these people, and the Holy Spirit with me. See it is not just "Jesus and Me", it's everyone that touches my life that has contributed to this journey.
"Christ never expects us to live our Christian lives under our own power. We have the Holy Spirit just as Jesus did" (Moore, p.23).
It is our responsibility and our choice to follow Jesus, to make the initial commitment, but He never intended us to "go it alone", or just "do it" by ourselves. We have to be careful that we don't fall into the trap of trying to earn our salvation.
Here are a few bible verses to remember when you think that you have to everything yourself, by yourself;
1 Peter 4:8-10
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.
Don't be jealous of what gifts others have, we cannot be all things, only Jesus can. Instead find a way to meld your gifts with their gifts to make both of you stronger.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
It is important to continue to meet as Christians, to hold one another up, encourage one another, be a joy to one another.
1 Corinthians 12:17-20
If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, be thankful for the body that you have, with all of it's imperfections, you are the way you are because God made you that way.... BEAUTIFUL!!
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
We need to be encouraging to one another, lean on one another, be there for one another, ask for help when you hear the Spirit directing you too because you know the voice I am talking about don't you? The one that is quiet and whispers, "ask and you shall receive".
Today, open your eyes and see who you might help today, who needs your help today. As the author leaves us for now he says;
Remember: You can't do it alone; you need the help of the Spirit and of other Christian believers.
Thank you for visiting the blog today, I pray that God speaks to all of you who have come, and remember, I didn't do this alone, God has been with me the whole time, as He is with you always.
God Bless
Wendy
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Day 2 - Reset Your Lens
My apologies for the delay in this second post, but I, like many of you have to make a conscious effort to make time to spend in the Word, and with God. So,with that said we are about to set out on a 40 day adventure. I look forward to our discussions, your comments, learning and most important making a stronger connection with God.
Here we go.....
Day 2 - Verse John 3:3...."I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again"
Where did the term "born again" come from? In John 3, Jesus is approached by a Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus, a Pharisee. Jesus tells him, "unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God". Jesus explains that as a baby is born from it's mother's womb, so shall we as new Christians be born again, but not from our mother's womb, but through water and the Spirit.
The purpose of today's discussion is not to get "hung up" on just the fact that we are born again, but that Jesus left us with so many different ways to change our lives now that we are "reborn". We need to now focus on the many teachings of Jesus. "By paying special attention to Jesus' life and ministry we can better learn how to grow in our spiritual walk with Him" (Moore, p.20).
Here are a few of Jesus' lessons from the book of Matthew, chapter 5;
Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
What or better yet How can we as Christians go out into our daily lives and live these lessons? Can't we take a few moments out of our day and spend it with God by reading His word? To be the hands and feet of Jesus we need to live by his lessons, feed the poor, take care of the widows, forgive, be kind. We are not like those who do not know the Lord, we have now accepted the responsibilities of being a Christian, as it says in
Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
We are not meant to hide, we are meant to lead by example. I believe that others will want what I have, a peace and good spirit, one that does not critisize or condemn others, one that sees the good in all things. One of the most incredible parts of the journey I am on is when people say to me, "Are you always happy?", "Do you always see the good or positive side of circumstances?" I try to. Life is hard and people are hard, but I hope to show them a softer side. We do not know what they are experiencing in their lives, and maybe we can be a light that they can turn to, even if they do not say anything. Others watch us, they are waiting for us to fall, or falter... be careful because we are still human, and only Jesus is perfect.
What can you do today to show the world that you are a Christian? What lesson can you take from Jesus, either one posted here or a different one from the Bible? Be the LIGHT in someone's life today, expecting nothing in return, except to know that you were "Jesus like" to them.
What do you think? Let me know. I look forward to hearing from you!
God Bless you all, see you tomorrow.
Here we go.....
Day 2 - Verse John 3:3...."I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again"
Where did the term "born again" come from? In John 3, Jesus is approached by a Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus, a Pharisee. Jesus tells him, "unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God". Jesus explains that as a baby is born from it's mother's womb, so shall we as new Christians be born again, but not from our mother's womb, but through water and the Spirit.
The purpose of today's discussion is not to get "hung up" on just the fact that we are born again, but that Jesus left us with so many different ways to change our lives now that we are "reborn". We need to now focus on the many teachings of Jesus. "By paying special attention to Jesus' life and ministry we can better learn how to grow in our spiritual walk with Him" (Moore, p.20).
Here are a few of Jesus' lessons from the book of Matthew, chapter 5;
Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
What or better yet How can we as Christians go out into our daily lives and live these lessons? Can't we take a few moments out of our day and spend it with God by reading His word? To be the hands and feet of Jesus we need to live by his lessons, feed the poor, take care of the widows, forgive, be kind. We are not like those who do not know the Lord, we have now accepted the responsibilities of being a Christian, as it says in
Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
We are not meant to hide, we are meant to lead by example. I believe that others will want what I have, a peace and good spirit, one that does not critisize or condemn others, one that sees the good in all things. One of the most incredible parts of the journey I am on is when people say to me, "Are you always happy?", "Do you always see the good or positive side of circumstances?" I try to. Life is hard and people are hard, but I hope to show them a softer side. We do not know what they are experiencing in their lives, and maybe we can be a light that they can turn to, even if they do not say anything. Others watch us, they are waiting for us to fall, or falter... be careful because we are still human, and only Jesus is perfect.
What can you do today to show the world that you are a Christian? What lesson can you take from Jesus, either one posted here or a different one from the Bible? Be the LIGHT in someone's life today, expecting nothing in return, except to know that you were "Jesus like" to them.
What do you think? Let me know. I look forward to hearing from you!
God Bless you all, see you tomorrow.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Day 1... A Love Story
The book that I will be blogging about and hoping that you will want to join in on the conversation is;
Rendezvous, A sacred encounter with God
author; Frank Moore and Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City
Copyright 2007
ISBN 978-0-8341-2297-0
I list this information to be sure and give credit where credit is due. I am but interpreting what Mr. Moore has written in the hopes that God will use me to as a conduit to some or all of you out there. I am very excited about this journey, it is one I have never taken before. Those are the types of journeys that can be most rewarding and unexpectedly exciting! I pray then that we all experience our own encounter with God, please feel free to share.
However, I would ask that if post to this blog that you keep it respectful of others as Jesus would have, that means in language and expression. Thank you!
So, here we go...
According to Moore, every love story has a subject and object, and the love that binds them (p.15). In this story Christ is the subject, we are the object and his love . However, in every relationship, problems occur. It is important that we be aware of these occurances and how we react to them, but most of all we must be aware that these problems affect our relationships.
This book is meant to help us encounter God in new places and experience His love in the midst of our current situations (Moore, p.16).
I hope to be able to see God in situations that make me most uncomfortable. I know that I am safe in His love and he will never leave me or forsake me. I find great comfort in that, I hope you do too.
So, remember to realize that everyone has complications in their lives that affects their relationships, but try to step back and ask yourself where is Jesus in all this turmoil? Do you see Him there? Is he trying to teach us something? Is it, whatever "it" is nothing to do with us at all?
These are questions we need to ask ourselves, and look to Jesus to answer.
I look forward to being out here on the world wide web with all of you and I pray that Jesus is here with us too.
God Bless
Wendy
Rendezvous, A sacred encounter with God
author; Frank Moore and Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City
Copyright 2007
ISBN 978-0-8341-2297-0
I list this information to be sure and give credit where credit is due. I am but interpreting what Mr. Moore has written in the hopes that God will use me to as a conduit to some or all of you out there. I am very excited about this journey, it is one I have never taken before. Those are the types of journeys that can be most rewarding and unexpectedly exciting! I pray then that we all experience our own encounter with God, please feel free to share.
However, I would ask that if post to this blog that you keep it respectful of others as Jesus would have, that means in language and expression. Thank you!
So, here we go...
Day 1 A Love Story
Today's bible verse
Matthew 22:37-39
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself."According to Moore, every love story has a subject and object, and the love that binds them (p.15). In this story Christ is the subject, we are the object and his love . However, in every relationship, problems occur. It is important that we be aware of these occurances and how we react to them, but most of all we must be aware that these problems affect our relationships.
This book is meant to help us encounter God in new places and experience His love in the midst of our current situations (Moore, p.16).
I hope to be able to see God in situations that make me most uncomfortable. I know that I am safe in His love and he will never leave me or forsake me. I find great comfort in that, I hope you do too.
So, remember to realize that everyone has complications in their lives that affects their relationships, but try to step back and ask yourself where is Jesus in all this turmoil? Do you see Him there? Is he trying to teach us something? Is it, whatever "it" is nothing to do with us at all?
These are questions we need to ask ourselves, and look to Jesus to answer.
I look forward to being out here on the world wide web with all of you and I pray that Jesus is here with us too.
God Bless
Wendy
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