Saturday, November 14, 2015
New Beginnings
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Isaiah 40:31: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint". (KJV)
How many times do I truly wait on God? I am usually hell-bent on forging forward with my own agenda, and truth be told, it really is exhausting to always try to make everything happen when it's not in God's timing. It's like working trying to climb up a mountain, right in the middle of a waterfall. I also realize that I don't spend nearly enough time actually talking to God. My prayer life is next to non-existent, and I don't study God's word nearly enough! I can quote Bible verses all day long, but that means little in the big picture of life. To be perfectly honest, I would almost say I pretend to know God, but do I really KNOW him? What kind of example am I setting for my children, and also my husband, by not being consistent in my faith? Not a very good one!!
The title of the current message series at church is "The Time is Now." I believe there is no better time, than right now, for me to get my act together and actually start living what I preach. I am tired of feeling lukewarm, "wishy-washy," and alone too. To quote Pastor Craig; "It's better to take the Hard Right, than the Easy Wrong" or something like that.. Basically.. it's better to do what is right, even when it's hard, than do the wrong thing just because it's easier. So, this is my New Beginning, and I have 3 things I need to do:
1: Talk to God (Prayer)
2: Read God's word (Bible Study)
3: Fellowship with other believers every week.
If you know me, you would also know that routines do not come easy for me. I know I have to make these things a habit. It's easy to say that I should get up early in the morning to spend Quiet Time with God, but it's actually very difficult for me to wake up every morning, which is why I feel that is what I should do. (Hard Right?). How early in the morning has yet to be decided. I also have to decide upon a Bible Study Plan. That is where the Bible app will come in handy! Besides going to Church every weekend, which I should do regardless, I want to find a Lifegroup, and I really think I need a face to face, in person, Lifegroup. Online is great, but I need to get out and meet people, and do life with people. I will be exploring the options this weekend at church.
The purpose behind my writing this blog is simply to journal my walk with God through life, with the hope that others who are at similar points in life will be Blessed and realize that they are not alone. I welcome comments, thoughts and prayers.
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Hi Kate!
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog Post!
The way, I usually have my Bible Time is a short ten minute meditation / prayer session with God every night before I goto bed.
I also participate weekly with my Church for Sunday School and have lunch with them later and that gives us time to interact and share thoughts as well.
What you are doing is on the right track! Give offline access a chance and see how things turn out.
Cheers!
Huggers Sis! Like you, I'm married not just to an unbeliever but to a "militant atheist"! You're right, it isn't easy...tho I often tell those who would judge that my beloved unbeliever is more Christ-like than many Christian folk. He is kind, sweet, generous (almost to a fault), grants me most anything I could want/need and is the best dad and grandpa to my children who are not his own.
ReplyDeleteYes, we do have some very loud discussions at times about our opposing faith/beliefs. I try to remind him that everything he loves about me is a result of my faith. Almost sadly, he didn't know me "before Jesus". so it's difficult to convince him about the huge changes Jesus has made in me.
About tithing-I too have this issue. However I don't have any income of my own and he is greatly opposed -for the same reasons you mentioned.
As to time spent with "Christian stuff". We have a deal-tho being retired makes it easier for me than it might for you. I participate in all activities when he's not home-whether it's attending Church Online and related activities, reading and studying which I do a LOT. And making sure I spend some quality time with him-keeping him my #2 priority.
I will continue to keep you lifted in prayer as I know personally how difficult these choices are. Remember, we may not get them to church but we can BE the church for them. Love you!