I am very blessed to have been part of several Bible studies over the years. Currently I’m kind of in three again. I didn’t really plan on that, but so far it’s been crappy. Mostly because I’ve been depressed. Now I’m thinking God allowed me to get involved with all three groups again because there are people in each group that I need to connect to. I only hope that even in my current state I can return the blessing and be used by God in the Bible studies.
Both former and current Bible study leaders said their devotions are in the morning. The first is before breakfast, for 20-30 minutes of study. The second is first thing every morning. She also adds that she views “quiet time as non-negotiable.” She likens her time with God in the morning as part of schedule, as much as showering or flossing teeth. She added that it was important to follow through with the commitment, often regardless of feelings.
Another facilitator reminded me to not only 1) Make a plan but 2) Make a choice to follow through with the plan. Wise words. Her method is well known; she reads a proverb a day plus a chapter from another book. Proverbs having 31 chapters, a number of months having 31 days…coincidence? I think not!
No less than three friends emphasized being in a group and having accountability. Is it any wonder that we humans desire community? God has designed us not only to want it but need it. People are must to succeed in walking in faith. Life cannot be lived alone. It takes others to support, encourage and come along side the journey.
One of these friends mentioned I needed to focus outside myself, and not on the depression. She is so right. My focus needs to be on God, not me.
One of my friends out west is listening to an audio Bible and reading it as she listens. She and her husband are going thru Bible in 6 months. I have not made it thru the Bible in year. Or the whole thing ever I think. Well, that’s going to change. They’re inspiring me. But not all in six months, I want to sleep sometime. :)
(I must be doing better, my sense of humor is back.)
The last friend I heard from had some of the best advice for praying without ceasing. She wrote “just take a few minutes to pray when quiet comes…“Be still and know that I am God” She doesn’t have a spot, a particular book, or journal or even routine. She stops and takes a moment to pray wherever the moment comes. And somehow, she says amazingly, the moment always comes. I think it’s that she anicipaties and looks for it—that’s how she finds the moment.
She’s now keeping devotionals in every room to grab whatever is closest when she has 5-10 minutes. She’s focusing on flexibility.
Tomorrow the last of the survey on devotions.
Both former and current Bible study leaders said their devotions are in the morning. The first is before breakfast, for 20-30 minutes of study. The second is first thing every morning. She also adds that she views “quiet time as non-negotiable.” She likens her time with God in the morning as part of schedule, as much as showering or flossing teeth. She added that it was important to follow through with the commitment, often regardless of feelings.
Another facilitator reminded me to not only 1) Make a plan but 2) Make a choice to follow through with the plan. Wise words. Her method is well known; she reads a proverb a day plus a chapter from another book. Proverbs having 31 chapters, a number of months having 31 days…coincidence? I think not!
No less than three friends emphasized being in a group and having accountability. Is it any wonder that we humans desire community? God has designed us not only to want it but need it. People are must to succeed in walking in faith. Life cannot be lived alone. It takes others to support, encourage and come along side the journey.
One of these friends mentioned I needed to focus outside myself, and not on the depression. She is so right. My focus needs to be on God, not me.
One of my friends out west is listening to an audio Bible and reading it as she listens. She and her husband are going thru Bible in 6 months. I have not made it thru the Bible in year. Or the whole thing ever I think. Well, that’s going to change. They’re inspiring me. But not all in six months, I want to sleep sometime. :)
(I must be doing better, my sense of humor is back.)
The last friend I heard from had some of the best advice for praying without ceasing. She wrote “just take a few minutes to pray when quiet comes…“Be still and know that I am God” She doesn’t have a spot, a particular book, or journal or even routine. She stops and takes a moment to pray wherever the moment comes. And somehow, she says amazingly, the moment always comes. I think it’s that she anicipaties and looks for it—that’s how she finds the moment.
She’s now keeping devotionals in every room to grab whatever is closest when she has 5-10 minutes. She’s focusing on flexibility.
Tomorrow the last of the survey on devotions.
The church is doing the bible in a year again this year. If you have not done it, there is alot of reading but it is so worth it. I really encourage you to do it. I did it the last time and was very thankful I did. :)
ReplyDeleteRachel, That's a great idea. I've got several churches from my own, to family and friends, that are going thru the Bible in a year. It is a lot of work and it's not an immediate goal. But I'm looking at using those various plans to help guide what I read daily.
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