I started in on Revelation today. I love that book. Do we really realize how amazing it is that we get to know how God's story is going to turn out?! I read the first 3 chapters where Jesus rebukes (and encourages!) the 7 churches. As I read His words to each church, I can't help but take His accusations personally - or at least use them as a barometer. It is always a reminder to me how much He cares that we are on the right track and sometimes has to bring us back on course, pressing us to see our sin for what it is. Brutal, but I'm so thankful He loves us this way!
So, I did the first book of Joshua since I was in the sermon for the first time in ages! The reoccurring theme stuck out at me--"Be strong and courageous because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them". This passage stuck out because of my role at Redemption. I have been really feeling discouraged--like I am not doing enough with the youth. I keep feeling like I hit road blocks and stumble my way through! These words stuck out to me and reassured me that God is with me and will give me the courage I need when I need it and the strength to persevere. The other thing I really noticed is how many times it repeats that God is with you. It became apparent to me that that point is driven into our mind and soul so many times in the Bible and while it seems simple--God is with us--it is more than that. He really truly wants us to know and feel his presence in our life and wants us to trust that he is here--always. When we see that and feel it, we can be strong and courageous like Joshua was.
This past year, I have felt God in my life more than ever but I know there have been times that I have ignored Him or haven't heard him. This happened very strongly about two years ago. More to come on that...
So I started in on Judges today. I read Deborah's song. It was not really beautiful to me like the Psalms are, that confused me---was I in a funk or is it really different? I wish I could have some background on her song...I may have to dig further and then I'll appreciate it more.
each week we will have a new post through which to interact. you can post comments as often as you want under each week in order to share what you are reading, disciplines you are engaging in, or encouragement to each other.
5 comments:
did the bcp hours this morning. enjoyed the lectio w/staff yesterday.
I started in on Revelation today. I love that book. Do we really realize how amazing it is that we get to know how God's story is going to turn out?! I read the first 3 chapters where Jesus rebukes (and encourages!) the 7 churches. As I read His words to each church, I can't help but take His accusations personally - or at least use them as a barometer. It is always a reminder to me how much He cares that we are on the right track and sometimes has to bring us back on course, pressing us to see our sin for what it is. Brutal, but I'm so thankful He loves us this way!
So, I did the first book of Joshua since I was in the sermon for the first time in ages! The reoccurring theme stuck out at me--"Be strong and courageous because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them". This passage stuck out because of my role at Redemption. I have been really feeling discouraged--like I am not doing enough with the youth. I keep feeling like I hit road blocks and stumble my way through! These words stuck out to me and reassured me that God is with me and will give me the courage I need when I need it and the strength to persevere. The other thing I really noticed is how many times it repeats that God is with you. It became apparent to me that that point is driven into our mind and soul so many times in the Bible and while it seems simple--God is with us--it is more than that. He really truly wants us to know and feel his presence in our life and wants us to trust that he is here--always. When we see that and feel it, we can be strong and courageous like Joshua was.
This past year, I have felt God in my life more than ever but I know there have been times that I have ignored Him or haven't heard him. This happened very strongly about two years ago. More to come on that...
Loving the book of Joshua, still working my way through it.
So I started in on Judges today. I read Deborah's song. It was not really beautiful to me like the Psalms are, that confused me---was I in a funk or is it really different? I wish I could have some background on her song...I may have to dig further and then I'll appreciate it more.
Post a Comment