Two Resolutions for 2008: the first came as a result of encouragement from our daughter, Robin, who told me her only resolution this year was to get up and have some time with the Lord. I know if she can manage it, pregnant with 4 lively other children, I certainly ought to be able to! And my second? To use this blog as an encouragement for others to do the same. It's more difficult than I imagined to write for encouragement and send it out to cyberspace - all my insecurities come charging in. So let me know if you read this - if you can't get through to comment here, send me an email at susanbraun7@gmail.com.
I can't wait to study with some others Paul's letter to the Phillippians - the first letter I read in the New Testament as a young Christian almost 44 years ago and it has never lost its appeal for me. There is nothing like the joy of rediscovering all God has for us as we get into the Word together.
2 comments:
Susan,
I read your blog and am very excited to study Philippians with you and the other ladies. I have really missed the Tuesday night study! I too have a resolution of more time in the word and in prayer.
I received my devotion e-mail from Proverbs 31 Ministries this morning and it was very appropriate to my feelings this 4th day of the New Year. I haven't been able to figure out why I have been discouraged and uneasy. Although I enjoyed my time off commitment over the Christmas Break from fellowship group and teaching Sunday School, I really also took a break from time with the Lord.
I think that this excerpt from the Proverbs 31 devotion speaks it well:
When was the last time I spent any quality time with my Lord? When was the last time I delved into reading God’s word and focused on sincere prayer? Although I had been going through the motions of my every day life, fulfilling all of my obligations and commitments, I felt dead inside. Empty. I had so many blessings, but I had lost the joy of my salvation as I allowed the busyness, frustrations, anger and resentments of life to affect the status of my heart. I thanked God for speaking to me through my family, first in a brother’s dream, then through a mother’s story.
Dear friend, is it possible that your heart is “dead” today? Have you been carrying around a heavy heart and have not understood why? Just as our heart yearns for a loved one who is far away, our soul innately yearns for Christ. If you are feeling empty and burdened, I encourage you to consider what you have been trying to fill your heart with. Have you been searching for joy in your job, your friends, material items, volunteer work, your spouse, etc.?
Those things will never quench the thirst that our soul has for God’s love. Ask Him to revive your heart today and focus on His grace and mercy, or invite Him into your heart for the first time and allow Him to fill that special place in you that is His alone.
Holly Banks
Thanks, Holly, isn't it funny how we get lonely for the Lord and don't realize this is what is getting us down. Susan
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