So I'm not sure where this is going but I think I have a need to babble on about ......
Had an interesting time staying focused during the lecture at bible study today. Usually I have a hard time at this point as my mind wanders to what is next on my list of things to do, but today I really tried hard to focus and again failed.
I am seeing some new things, maybe not so new in belief, just new in experience? First of all I have listened to my mother talk, as well as others, about being IN the word. Sounds kinda funny eh? The more mature in the Spirit will recognize this though. I have been spending more time reading the bible, as I have decided to take part in this study group. There are readings and questions to provoke your thoughts, then you get together to share what you think each question is asking and then after, you sit and listen to a lecture on the reading. There are notes to take home and read through as well before you get into the next weeks reading. One of the biggest things I have noticed is that the more time I spend reading and researching the question as well as my beliefs, the easier it is to see truths around me.
One of these truths would be the feeding of the flesh, or maybe the not feeding. I have found it easier to avoid the things not so good for me (talking about sugar here!). For lent I decided that I would try to give up a few things to explore this tradition. Cursing (I can have a nasty mouth), refined sugar (this is hard like trying to kick a bad habit) and the ever loved chocolate. Being more into reading and trying to digest all that is there for me to consume in this great book Have found my awareness for the cursing and I am able to reign it in much better than I have ever before. James 1:26 "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." That sort of hits home. As I don't consider myself religious, but I do see this word religious as spiritual, and this I do want to consider myself. James 3:10 "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers this should not be." And so it is that I do agree with James.
Of course the chapters we have also been studying have a fair amount of information and scriptures on obedience. John 15:10 "If you keep my commandments [if you continue to obey my instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father's commandments and live on in His love." John 14:12 "The person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me;and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I [too] will love him and show (reveal, manifest) Myself to him.[I will let myself be clearly seen by him and make Myself real to him.]" So there we have it. To show our love for our Father we obey, listen, as well as we can. He knows us, and He is aware of our shortcomings, and yet He loves us anyways.
I guess the concluding thought to this would be that I seem to have it on my heart to keep the cussing in check. This is one way I can honour my God and His love for me. I can show my love for Him and all He has done for me in this act. And maybe, just maybe, the love for my family in Christ will shine through just a little bit more.
There will be more on this later as I figure out more of the details as I go and explore further, but for now I am glad to have found this understanding and to have it in my heart. From there I will have it near and I will be able to call on it when in need.
Have a great night.
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