From tonight's bible study "One in a Million" by Priscilla Shirer
You can't do what you've always done and expect different results. If we want to move on to promised land living, we have to start doing things differently.
The Israelites wandered around the desert for 40 yrs but they were on the border of the promised land for 38 of those years. They were either too negative about going in, not believing God would deliver them even though they had the proof He would, or they were content living next to it and getting some of the benefits but not the abundance. They were complacent...life wasn't bad and it might be risky to enter, so they didn't pursue the abundance God had in store for them.
God, keep us from being complacent. Let us break the barriers once and for all. Let us pursue the promised land you have for us no matter what tries to stop us or discourage us, not matter what the risk, no matter what we have to change about ourselves or our lifestyles. We are the ones. We cannot wait for someone else to do it or to tell us about it...as Priscilla said "You are the one you have been waiting for"
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Dig In
NIV - Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.
The Message - Sow righteousness, reap love.It's time to till the ready earth, it's time to dig in with God. Until he arrives with righteousness ripe for harvest.
I loved this verse in Hosea...what a calling! I had to put The Message version with the phrase "it's time to dig in with God" Isn't that funny....we've been talking about getting ready to "dig in" at work the past couple days now (almost enough to make me wear boots to work!). And how many things can the "unplowed ground" represent. I think it's exciting. I love it and find it inspiring and love how God uses everyday events, words, conversations, etc. to prepare you to recognize, embrace and understand His words.
The Message - Sow righteousness, reap love.It's time to till the ready earth, it's time to dig in with God. Until he arrives with righteousness ripe for harvest.
I loved this verse in Hosea...what a calling! I had to put The Message version with the phrase "it's time to dig in with God" Isn't that funny....we've been talking about getting ready to "dig in" at work the past couple days now (almost enough to make me wear boots to work!). And how many things can the "unplowed ground" represent. I think it's exciting. I love it and find it inspiring and love how God uses everyday events, words, conversations, etc. to prepare you to recognize, embrace and understand His words.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Comfort We Receive From God
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all troubles so that we can comfort those in trouble with the comfort we ourself receive from God. (2 Cor 1:4)
I've been stuggling with this situation and God revealed this verse to me in one of my studies (90 days with the One and Only). Several days ago, this seventy year old lady (assumption) came to a friends door and knocked. The woman had a small bag and was worn and withered. She continued to ask this friend if there was some work she could do around the house because she was down on her luck. My friend, who was busy said No, I'm sorry...but as they lady walked off she and another friend discussed and decided to chase the woman down to give her a twenty.
By the time she reached the lady, she had knocked on another door and apparently the people said that they had weeds she could pull....so the old lady was pulling weeds by the time my friend approached her. She handed the woman a twenty and asked her if she didn't mind could she ask how she found herself in this particular situation. The woman responded that she didn't have any family (one sister in Alabama) near by and shewas a caretaker of an elderly man who had passed away ten days ago. The family of the man didn't owe her anything so she found herself homeless. She had to earn $5 a day to be able to stay at the Salvation Army here in Odessa.
I've been struggling with this....even crying. I know there is tragedy around each of us everyday. As a matter of fact, I've had to tell myself that this lady is a crack addict and choices have put her in that position, just to cope with this nagging memory. But....what if God has put this lady in the path of others to help her....witness to her....comfort her.......I'm not sure but very heartbroken. I know this may have been rambling but I just needed to share.
I've been stuggling with this situation and God revealed this verse to me in one of my studies (90 days with the One and Only). Several days ago, this seventy year old lady (assumption) came to a friends door and knocked. The woman had a small bag and was worn and withered. She continued to ask this friend if there was some work she could do around the house because she was down on her luck. My friend, who was busy said No, I'm sorry...but as they lady walked off she and another friend discussed and decided to chase the woman down to give her a twenty.
By the time she reached the lady, she had knocked on another door and apparently the people said that they had weeds she could pull....so the old lady was pulling weeds by the time my friend approached her. She handed the woman a twenty and asked her if she didn't mind could she ask how she found herself in this particular situation. The woman responded that she didn't have any family (one sister in Alabama) near by and shewas a caretaker of an elderly man who had passed away ten days ago. The family of the man didn't owe her anything so she found herself homeless. She had to earn $5 a day to be able to stay at the Salvation Army here in Odessa.
I've been struggling with this....even crying. I know there is tragedy around each of us everyday. As a matter of fact, I've had to tell myself that this lady is a crack addict and choices have put her in that position, just to cope with this nagging memory. But....what if God has put this lady in the path of others to help her....witness to her....comfort her.......I'm not sure but very heartbroken. I know this may have been rambling but I just needed to share.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Loyalty
Speaking of this week...Matt 25:21 hit me hard this morning. The master answered, "You did well. You are a good and loyal servant. Because you were loyal with small things, I will let you care for much greater things. Come and share my joy with me" How upsetting to even think someone might think I am not loyal, but how many times do I get that upset when I haven't been loyal to God. Most times, although guilty feeling, I just think I'll do better next time, or that's something I need to work on. Shrug of the shoulders and I move on. Not so when it's one of my friends...just the thought of it is devastating and I want to fix it right then. When will I put Jesus above all else, get to the point where I am totally loyal to Him above all else. Devastated when disloyal to Him, in a good and repentive way, sobbing bring me back to You God, I'm so so sorry.
And why not. The strength and the power in Hebrews 6:18-20. I can just hear it being spoken with authority. "These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he makes a promise, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. These things encourage us who came to God for safety. They give us strength to hold on to the hope we have been given. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong." No one but Him can provide that.
But despite it all, the sweetest of all in Hebrews 10:14, I like how it was paraphrased on pg 224. With one sacrafice, Jesus made us perfect forever. Through Jesus, we are being made holy.
It's a daily process, but it does take some gumption and some stepping up. Not stepping up in our own way, but letting our Savior step in, even when it feels risky and unsafe.
And why not. The strength and the power in Hebrews 6:18-20. I can just hear it being spoken with authority. "These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he makes a promise, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. These things encourage us who came to God for safety. They give us strength to hold on to the hope we have been given. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong." No one but Him can provide that.
But despite it all, the sweetest of all in Hebrews 10:14, I like how it was paraphrased on pg 224. With one sacrafice, Jesus made us perfect forever. Through Jesus, we are being made holy.
It's a daily process, but it does take some gumption and some stepping up. Not stepping up in our own way, but letting our Savior step in, even when it feels risky and unsafe.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
1 Cor 10-13, Lesson 10 Day 2
Reading this makes me realize sometimes it's not about what we are doing or what's right or wrong, it's about being ready for Christ, doing everything we can to prepare, focusing on Him and His return, being mature in our faith, and helping others get to that point as well.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
kloves verse of the day
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.~ Hebrews 10:24, NLT
Psalm 37
I thought this was very encouraging. To not fret, for it is sin and leads to evil. Refrain from anger.Realize our Father sees all and righteousness will prevail.
Our Father provides everything we need. Like Lucado says, we don't get to look at a menu and pick out what we want from life's variety, we trust that the one who prepares the meal will sustain us and get us what we need. I liked his analogy "We dont swagger into his presence and demand delicacies. Nor do we sit outside the door and hope for crumbs. We simply take our place at the table and gladly trust him to "Give us this day our daily bread."
Our Father provides everything we need. Like Lucado says, we don't get to look at a menu and pick out what we want from life's variety, we trust that the one who prepares the meal will sustain us and get us what we need. I liked his analogy "We dont swagger into his presence and demand delicacies. Nor do we sit outside the door and hope for crumbs. We simply take our place at the table and gladly trust him to "Give us this day our daily bread."
Monday, August 24, 2009
8/24/09
In day 1 or lesson 9 I loved the verses we all have heard before.
Matt 6:32-34 For the pagans run after all of these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I have to constantly remind myself that God also knows what I need and is able to guide our paths. We don't have to plan and stress so much but rest in the knowledge we have that He will take care of us. He doesn't overlook any need we have.
Also John 15:4 - We have to remain in Him and He will remain in us. He won't force us to stay there though, it's a choice we make.
We sang a song in church that said something along the lines of Christ singing over us and it repeats "I love you, child I love you" several times. I stood there thinking of how much I love my children and how I can sing that to them and feel it and mean it so deeply and how that must not even compare to how our Savior loves us and how amazing it is for Him to sing over us and sing those words to us. I was filled with God's love for me and it brought tears to my eyes.
The sermon was over loving other people. I can't imagine how much God loves us and all the people around us. I hope I can get just a glimpse of that and truly love people the way God wants me to and get just a portion of understanding of how great His love is for us.
Matt 6:32-34 For the pagans run after all of these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I have to constantly remind myself that God also knows what I need and is able to guide our paths. We don't have to plan and stress so much but rest in the knowledge we have that He will take care of us. He doesn't overlook any need we have.
Also John 15:4 - We have to remain in Him and He will remain in us. He won't force us to stay there though, it's a choice we make.
We sang a song in church that said something along the lines of Christ singing over us and it repeats "I love you, child I love you" several times. I stood there thinking of how much I love my children and how I can sing that to them and feel it and mean it so deeply and how that must not even compare to how our Savior loves us and how amazing it is for Him to sing over us and sing those words to us. I was filled with God's love for me and it brought tears to my eyes.
The sermon was over loving other people. I can't imagine how much God loves us and all the people around us. I hope I can get just a glimpse of that and truly love people the way God wants me to and get just a portion of understanding of how great His love is for us.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Jesus
He is Jesus.
The One and Only.
Transcedendent over all else.
To know Him is to love Him.
To love Him is to long for Him.
To long for Him is to finally reach
soul hands into the One true thing
we need never get enough of.
Jesus.
Take all you want.
Take all you need.
Till soul is fed.
And spirit freed.
Till dust is dust.
And face you see.
Jesus Christ.
He's all you need.
The One and Only.
Transcedendent over all else.
To know Him is to love Him.
To love Him is to long for Him.
To long for Him is to finally reach
soul hands into the One true thing
we need never get enough of.
Jesus.
Take all you want.
Take all you need.
Till soul is fed.
And spirit freed.
Till dust is dust.
And face you see.
Jesus Christ.
He's all you need.
Lesson 8, Day 2
I got sidetracked in Colossians in this lesson but I really liked it. Colossians 2:16-19 talks about not letting others judge you, especially those who delight in false humility. This really spoke to me bc a lot of times people who are super religous can make us feel like we are not as good a Christian. I know I have felt this in the church at times, especially in regards to the amount of church and events that I miss. This also spoke to me about being careful in how I treat others and how I might come across that very same way to other people sometimes.
Col 2:23 says "SUch regulations (talking about things the world says we shouldn't touch taste or handle) indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Col 3:2 - Set your mind on things above...5-Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature....7-8 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived...but now you must rid yourselves of them. 13-Bear with each other...and forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14-over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Thru these verses I just really picked up the message that its all about loving others and how we treat others, especially those in the body of Christ. We will not get along with everyone, we won't make the right decision every time, we won't be able to be great friends with everyone, but we can choose to set our minds on Christ and by this we will be able to forgive and love others and treat others well.
Col 2:23 says "SUch regulations (talking about things the world says we shouldn't touch taste or handle) indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Col 3:2 - Set your mind on things above...5-Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature....7-8 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived...but now you must rid yourselves of them. 13-Bear with each other...and forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14-over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Thru these verses I just really picked up the message that its all about loving others and how we treat others, especially those in the body of Christ. We will not get along with everyone, we won't make the right decision every time, we won't be able to be great friends with everyone, but we can choose to set our minds on Christ and by this we will be able to forgive and love others and treat others well.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Blogging
I hope all of us (yes Dave that includes you) don't lose sight of our Bible study.
Week 8 - Day One
In Christ we are set free by the blood of his death, and so we have forgiveness of sins. How rich is God's grace. Ephesians 1:7
As I read the lesson..I'm burdened with the topic of forgiveness. I have written many sentences and then erased them. The Lord is at work but I'm not sure how He and I will get us to where He wants to go. Pray for my stubborness!
Also, we sang this song today at church and this phrase keeps coming in my mind over and over...
...Jesus your loving kindness is better than life.
Week 8 - Day One
In Christ we are set free by the blood of his death, and so we have forgiveness of sins. How rich is God's grace. Ephesians 1:7
As I read the lesson..I'm burdened with the topic of forgiveness. I have written many sentences and then erased them. The Lord is at work but I'm not sure how He and I will get us to where He wants to go. Pray for my stubborness!
Also, we sang this song today at church and this phrase keeps coming in my mind over and over...
...Jesus your loving kindness is better than life.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Aug 10
Ezekiel 33:10-11 ...Our offenses & sins weight us down and we are wasting away because of them. How can we live?....As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their evil ways and live.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Lesson 7, Day 4
k, so I don't know how I got ahead. I'm not going to read next week so I can be with everybody...except Dave! haha
I liked this one. Really made me think a lot about you Angie. I really have learned a lot from you from hearing you talk about your Mom and your beliefs. It has truly affected me.
I think what stuck out to me most in this one was the side excerpt on pg 160 "The Shepherd's Voice"
When He comes back, I want to be sure I know His voice. I thought the statement that those who don't know God's voice will spend an eternity fending off the voices they followed on earth...I can't imagine having to listen to all the false things I buy into for an eternity. I am sure in my salvation and know I will not have to do that, but I want to be sure and follow the voice of God while I am here, not the voice of others around me. Even truly well intentioned Christian friends cannot replace following the voice of God.
I liked this one. Really made me think a lot about you Angie. I really have learned a lot from you from hearing you talk about your Mom and your beliefs. It has truly affected me.
I think what stuck out to me most in this one was the side excerpt on pg 160 "The Shepherd's Voice"
When He comes back, I want to be sure I know His voice. I thought the statement that those who don't know God's voice will spend an eternity fending off the voices they followed on earth...I can't imagine having to listen to all the false things I buy into for an eternity. I am sure in my salvation and know I will not have to do that, but I want to be sure and follow the voice of God while I am here, not the voice of others around me. Even truly well intentioned Christian friends cannot replace following the voice of God.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Honest Hearts
Day Two Turning Yourself In...
I think what I grasped most out of today's lesson is that God knows us...he knows the real us...and he loves us. Like in 1 John 4:19, We love because God first loved us. How awesome is that...to know that no matter what sin we bare...God loves us.
I have thought about the fence today. As the story about the two young adults in love but on opposite sides of a feuding family. Tearing the fence down to make a bridge is very difficult but I believe God calls each of us to examine those fences we put up in our lives and desires us to tear them down. This is difficult for most....an definitely for me!
I have been also analyzing the statement...."the grip of grace." To me that is extremely powerful. I can visualize the Lord's hand upon me....I just have to grab it sometimes.
I hope the Lord blesses you and your families. I am blessed to have you in my life and I look forward to watching each of us grow in Christ.
I think what I grasped most out of today's lesson is that God knows us...he knows the real us...and he loves us. Like in 1 John 4:19, We love because God first loved us. How awesome is that...to know that no matter what sin we bare...God loves us.
I have thought about the fence today. As the story about the two young adults in love but on opposite sides of a feuding family. Tearing the fence down to make a bridge is very difficult but I believe God calls each of us to examine those fences we put up in our lives and desires us to tear them down. This is difficult for most....an definitely for me!
I have been also analyzing the statement...."the grip of grace." To me that is extremely powerful. I can visualize the Lord's hand upon me....I just have to grab it sometimes.
I hope the Lord blesses you and your families. I am blessed to have you in my life and I look forward to watching each of us grow in Christ.
The Brave Friendship of God
“He took the twelve aside …” (Luke 18:31).
Oh, the bravery of God in trusting us! Do you say, “But He has been unwise to choose me, because there is nothing good in me and I have no value”? That is exactly why He chose you. As long as you think that you are of value to Him He cannot choose you, because you have purposes of your own to serve. But if you will allow Him to take you to the end of your own self-sufficiency, then He can choose you to go with Him “to Jerusalem” (18:31). And that will mean the fulfillment of purposes which He does not discuss with you.
We tend to say that because a person has natural ability, he will make a good Christian. It is not a matter of our equipment, but a matter of our poverty; not of what we bring with us, but of what God puts into us; not a matter of natural virtues, of strength of character, of knowledge, or of experience—all of that is of no avail in this concern. The only thing of value is being taken into the compelling purpose of God and being made His friends (see 1 Corinthians 1:26–31). God’s friendship is with people who know their poverty. He can accomplish nothing with the person who thinks that he is of use to God. As Christians we are not here for our own purpose at all—we are here for the purpose of God, and the two are not the same. We do not know what God’s compelling purpose is, but whatever happens, we must maintain our relationship with Him. We must never allow anything to damage our relationship with God, but if something does damage it, we must take the time to make it right again. The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the surrounding influence and qualities produced by that relationship. That is all God asks us to give our attention to, and it is the one thing that is continually under attack.
I'm not sure which devotional this is from but I really enjoyed it today and thought it was worth sharing.
Oh, the bravery of God in trusting us! Do you say, “But He has been unwise to choose me, because there is nothing good in me and I have no value”? That is exactly why He chose you. As long as you think that you are of value to Him He cannot choose you, because you have purposes of your own to serve. But if you will allow Him to take you to the end of your own self-sufficiency, then He can choose you to go with Him “to Jerusalem” (18:31). And that will mean the fulfillment of purposes which He does not discuss with you.
We tend to say that because a person has natural ability, he will make a good Christian. It is not a matter of our equipment, but a matter of our poverty; not of what we bring with us, but of what God puts into us; not a matter of natural virtues, of strength of character, of knowledge, or of experience—all of that is of no avail in this concern. The only thing of value is being taken into the compelling purpose of God and being made His friends (see 1 Corinthians 1:26–31). God’s friendship is with people who know their poverty. He can accomplish nothing with the person who thinks that he is of use to God. As Christians we are not here for our own purpose at all—we are here for the purpose of God, and the two are not the same. We do not know what God’s compelling purpose is, but whatever happens, we must maintain our relationship with Him. We must never allow anything to damage our relationship with God, but if something does damage it, we must take the time to make it right again. The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the surrounding influence and qualities produced by that relationship. That is all God asks us to give our attention to, and it is the one thing that is continually under attack.
I'm not sure which devotional this is from but I really enjoyed it today and thought it was worth sharing.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Week 6, Day 1
I woke up a 3am this morning and couldn't go back to sleep...worrying about my kids and the time I am not with them, and the time I am with them how snappy and worn out I sometimes am. I couldn't go back to sleep. Was in tears, thinking I needed to stay home but always with a nagging feeling I am right where God wants me to be. Read up to #2. Honestly thought "these will not be about someones child and my ridiculousness. These will be about true struggles." Then I read the very first one 2 Sam 12:16-17, which is about David mourning for his child. I felt the love of God so strongly, that He was saying I do care about your thoughts and concerns for your children and yes, they are that important to me too.
The sequence then went something like this. Down to #3. I checked the first check box...(Tend to worry and think and rethink myt choices.) Then on to pg 148 the 2 paragraph under "Faith in God's Power" -
Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right.
This was bittersweet for me today, having being reassured there is a plan, God is with me and is in it and working for the best, although it means I don't get to spend the time with my kids I would like to I can rest in the fact that I know my God and can feel His presence and care for me and my family.
The sequence then went something like this. Down to #3. I checked the first check box...(Tend to worry and think and rethink myt choices.) Then on to pg 148 the 2 paragraph under "Faith in God's Power" -
Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right.
This was bittersweet for me today, having being reassured there is a plan, God is with me and is in it and working for the best, although it means I don't get to spend the time with my kids I would like to I can rest in the fact that I know my God and can feel His presence and care for me and my family.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Week 5, Day 5
I thought Psalm 22:1-8 was interesting. Jesus says v1 on the cross, just as David did here. The bible is full of parallels, and my thought when I read v 4 "In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them" was of our country and how we began trusting God and our forefathers took such a risk coming here, but they were delivered. Our country was founded on belief and trust in God and I think has turned its back on God...just like Isreal has done over and over and how he brought Isreal back so many times. Just thought that was kinda interesting. Wondered if God were to add us as a country to the bible where we would fit in.
Pg 143 - I loved the first section story of the Devil conversing with God accusing us and the last on that page as well about God coming down to our level. Both gave me chills. Realizing God's love is as deep as it is truly does open our lives up to significant change. I think that is one of the hardest things in my life though, believing God can love me even with some of the mistakes I make.
Pg 143 - I loved the first section story of the Devil conversing with God accusing us and the last on that page as well about God coming down to our level. Both gave me chills. Realizing God's love is as deep as it is truly does open our lives up to significant change. I think that is one of the hardest things in my life though, believing God can love me even with some of the mistakes I make.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Week 5
I really liked this week. I think it is hard to understand that God loves us and live our lives as if that is true. I really liked day 2 about being honest with yourself and God. I think we get caught up in what is "right" from a worldly perspective instead of God's. But Max is right...we don't have to run anymore. We are not purposed for that. I liked the statement on pg130 The sooner you speak to Jesus, the more you'll speak for Jesus." If we aren't being honest in our relationship with God and speaking to Him daily...it will be ackward to try to talk about Him to other people and even to ourselves.
Day 3 - I loved, I don't think there is anyone who can't relate. The point of not being able to love without realizing GOd's love for us was really driven into me this day. In relation to my family and friends, pg 133 toward bottom under #7, we can try all we want but will never find all we need to sustain a lasting relationship without the love of God. Also the sentence above 7. (He hates the man bc the man reminds him of his debt to his Master) Jeff has a friend I hated being around and I finally realized it was bc he reminded me of exactly what I used to be and I didn't want to be reminded of it. I think it would be good to try and apply Max's principle of first thinking about our indebtedness to God before we snap to not forgive someone else. I know I want to try and use this in my life.
Day 4 - Pg137 - above 6. I love the story of the soldiers. It reminded me that we all try to live the best way we know how, and some of us (all of us at times) try to do it without God at all which makes it harder on those that do.
under #6 - Indulging our hurts with anger. I've been there and it did exactly what the book said, It made hate grow in my heart not only for the person I was in conflict with, but for anyone like her. The progression is predictable and where it takes us, there is no room for God. That is not where I want to be.
Pg 138 above 8. His love can fill you and leave you with a love worth giving...I love that. And again with the theme of trying to give what we don't have in the middle of the page. I just think that is so important and I think frustration and failure in those areas is a sign of separation from God and that we need to get back to Him.
Funny - I was one trying to multiply 70 * 7 before reading on!!
Day 3 - I loved, I don't think there is anyone who can't relate. The point of not being able to love without realizing GOd's love for us was really driven into me this day. In relation to my family and friends, pg 133 toward bottom under #7, we can try all we want but will never find all we need to sustain a lasting relationship without the love of God. Also the sentence above 7. (He hates the man bc the man reminds him of his debt to his Master) Jeff has a friend I hated being around and I finally realized it was bc he reminded me of exactly what I used to be and I didn't want to be reminded of it. I think it would be good to try and apply Max's principle of first thinking about our indebtedness to God before we snap to not forgive someone else. I know I want to try and use this in my life.
Day 4 - Pg137 - above 6. I love the story of the soldiers. It reminded me that we all try to live the best way we know how, and some of us (all of us at times) try to do it without God at all which makes it harder on those that do.
under #6 - Indulging our hurts with anger. I've been there and it did exactly what the book said, It made hate grow in my heart not only for the person I was in conflict with, but for anyone like her. The progression is predictable and where it takes us, there is no room for God. That is not where I want to be.
Pg 138 above 8. His love can fill you and leave you with a love worth giving...I love that. And again with the theme of trying to give what we don't have in the middle of the page. I just think that is so important and I think frustration and failure in those areas is a sign of separation from God and that we need to get back to Him.
Funny - I was one trying to multiply 70 * 7 before reading on!!
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