W4E
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (...)"
Isaiah 61:1
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A friend had just encouraged me yesterday to take a verse or two and meditate on it throughout the day, and this chapter is even more confirmation that I need to do this. In January, I started journaling - about teaching the children, growing in the Lord, and my husband's job search. He is at the end of 26th grade - and finally ready for the real world. So far the Lord has been teaching me that 'me,' the woolly little sheep, cannot see past the fence as clearly and with as broad a span, perfect motives, as my Shepherd can. I also have a false sense of what really is best for us. I would script us right on the beach in NJ close to both of our families. However, I know that I desire even more for the Lord to direct our paths and have us be a tree of the Lord, which He promises He will "water abundantly." I am so glad this chapter is another 'kick in the butt' to get a move on my meditations. I am so prone to meditating on picturing ourselves living in the future, a new house, my own plans and wants for our family. I really desire to meditate on His word. I know my soul and mind will be washed by the Word, and only the Word. As introspective and thoughtful as I think I am, I would rather be thoughtful with the Word in my heart. I picture myself dipping my soul in a muddy puddle, and thinking it is gilded. But I KNOW Job 19:25, I know my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. He is the real author and perfecter of our faith. He is the author and perfecter of my life, I need to get in that Word!
I'd be interested in what others thought about the group question 10. If the FBI investigated our claim that we are submitted to the Bible's authority, what evidence would they find in our lifestyle?
:-) KG
One thing is for sure...mediation is not for gurus; it's for those who seek to see the power of God's word manifest in their lives. Scripture calls us to hide the word of God in our hearts,that we may not sin against God! Hiding the word begins at meditating on the word, as we meditate, take it to heart, it seeps into the fiber of our being...we then begin to believe the words that God has spoken and it advances our faith and life. As we do so, journaling is a helpful application for your own testimonial. It archives your faith journey and displays in black and white tangible evidence of your growth and God's faithfulness.
Keisha, #10... Ouch! Ouch! If the FBI investigated our claim that we are submitted to the Bible's authority, what evidence would they find in our lifestyle? I'm guilty as charged for inconsistency . Most time I believe I want to be submitted in thought, but the application on a consistent basis is questionable.
The truth is that we want to live holy, righteous lives, but much work is needed to be consistent, teachable & reachable, and disciplined.
May God help us as we pursue him more!