I just want to start off mentioning that I saw Micah 6:8 AGAIN. This had to be at least the fifth time that I saw this verse this week. This time it was in Hobby Lobby on one of their metal signs. I have NEVER noticed it before but it caught my eye this time! Definitely think that is God telling me something!
On Day 6 of my Bible study, it was talking about "Pictures of Pursuing God". This was somewhat comforting to me because it talked about how Jesus pursued God at various times throughout the day. He didn't have a set devotional time. Sometimes it was at night; sometimes it was during the day. I know that most people recommend doing the devotional in the morning. I just haven't been able to do it. Since I go to bed late, it makes it hard to wake up even earlier than my kids to do this. Even though I more prone to fall asleep at night, it is easier for me to do it then because it feels like I have to whole house to myself because everyone else is asleep. I guess this was a reassurance to me that it doesn't matter what time I devote to Him, He just wants me to pursue Him. :)
We had our first class at church yesterday. It was very small, but I really liked that because it seemed more intimate. I got some extras out of the devotions that I otherwise wouldn't have seen. I love hearing other people's perspectives because sometimes I feel like I just don't understand what I am reading. What stuck out most in my mind were some scriptures that we read such as the following verses:
But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father." John 15:7-8
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seeks me. "I will be found by you," says the Lord. ""I will end your capitivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and bring you home again to your own land." Jeremiah 29:11-14
It was interesting that it was mentioned in the class that no one reads the verses following Jeremiah 29:11, but they clearly tell us that God is telling us that He is there and wants to be sought. There is no hiding by Him. He doesn't go away somewhere. He never leaves us. We just have to LOOK for Him. It doesn't seem like such a hard task but Satan is right there tempting to us to do otherwise because that is the one thing he doesn't want us to do.
We also talked about our call to minister to others. Looking at the disciples, they were common everyday people, just like us. They weren't some special group of people that were higher in society, etc. I think it is another great example of how God uses anyone to spread the Gospel. It can be a king like David or a former Roman soldier, known for persecuting Christians, even someone that didn't think he had the talent for speaking on God's behalf and leading people out of Egypt (Moses). I guess I never have thought I could do that because I didn't think I was well "versed" enough to minister to others. I feel very limited in what I can say. I guess I need God to take over in that part of my life.
On the final day of the first week of study/devotions, the main point that caught my eye was that in our pursuit of God, we have to be focused. As Paul says in the Bible, we are to "run the race, in such a way, as not without aim." What I need to to remember is that "The Christian life isn't a sprint, but a marathon." I will never know it all and I will never be finished so why rush things. I need to absorb everything God wants me to know and do.
The most profound statement was "If we reflect honestly on sin, we quickly realize that every sin is rooted in unbelief." As I reflected on this statement, it really hit me on how true it was. Every sin is rooted in unbelief. When we lie, there is unbelief that we will get caught. When someone steals; they don't believe they will be caught. It goes all the way back to Eve. She didn't believe God's truths about those trees in the Garden. Sarah didn't believe God's promises that she would have a baby. Yet, she had a baby. Like I said, it was a very profound statement to me.
In my prayer last night, I had an honest confession to God. I need that burning desire to want to pursue Him everyday. I want to feel His presence. I don't want to just go through the motions.
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