I've been attending a Ladies' Bible Study recently where we're going through Luke using a Beth Moore study called, "Jesus the One and Only." Right now we're going through the last week of Jesus, which is quite appropriate given that Easter is coming up.
Last night a few things stood out to me that Beth pointed out in the video session. The study was about Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Something I've always been aware of was that this is really the only time we see Jesus, the man struggling with God and his will. He knows the pain He's going to go through and would love for His father to take it all away. He's in a "war of the will" as Beth Moore puts it. How often have you felt you were in a war of the will with God? I definitely went through about a year long war with God struggling to first ignore, then to question and doubt and finally accept what His will was for this time in my life.
Another really interesting thing Beth Moore talked about in her video, and something that needs to happen during any challenge, comes from the idea of anguish. In Luke 22:44 it talks about Jesus being in anguish as He's praying. Beth tells us in her video that the Greek word for this means having a fear that doesn't run away, but continues on to the end despite the fear. I may still have fear and anguish about what I'm going to do, but I need to have the kind of anguish that continues on and does what I know God is leading me through until the end.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sermon Series
Have you ever been through a sermon series where it feels like every message is meant or you? I hope so... If you haven't, it's probably because you haven't been listening to the sermon very well :)
The series my pastor has been going through the last two weeks has very much felt like it was written and planned with me in mind. I'm pretty sure it wasn't, so I know it has to be God talking to me through my pastor.
The series is about the call we feel in our lives to chase after adventure. Today he made the point that God never tells us he's safe. He just promises to go with us wherever He sends us. Right now I'm struggling to remember that God is not only sending me to Africa, but He's promised to with me. I find myself nervous and afraid of leaving my comfort zone and the security of my family. This series is reminding me that just because he called me out of my comfort zone doesn't mean he's going to leave me on my own. I need to continually remind myself that I will never be alone in my life no matter whether I'm in Ohio or Africa.
It's a timely and important reminder that I have my pastor (speaking the Words of God) to thank.
The series my pastor has been going through the last two weeks has very much felt like it was written and planned with me in mind. I'm pretty sure it wasn't, so I know it has to be God talking to me through my pastor.
The series is about the call we feel in our lives to chase after adventure. Today he made the point that God never tells us he's safe. He just promises to go with us wherever He sends us. Right now I'm struggling to remember that God is not only sending me to Africa, but He's promised to with me. I find myself nervous and afraid of leaving my comfort zone and the security of my family. This series is reminding me that just because he called me out of my comfort zone doesn't mean he's going to leave me on my own. I need to continually remind myself that I will never be alone in my life no matter whether I'm in Ohio or Africa.
It's a timely and important reminder that I have my pastor (speaking the Words of God) to thank.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Since Februrary 2010
A lot has happened in the last year and I have a lot to let all of you know about.
First off, I promised I would discuss a few of the signs that came up that confirmed I was supposed to go. The biggest one was that my aunt had a dream that Satan would attack me and try to get me to feel like I shouldn't be going on this trip. She had a last name of someone that the devil would use to try to change my mind. As soon as she woke up from the dream, she prayed and then texted me what her dream had been about so I could be prepared. Now, you should know that this is a very unusual occurrence for my aunt. She's never had something like this happened to her ever before. So when I received the text, I was instantly on alert. Then, that evening I was discussing with one of the pastors at my church and he told me some information of things that were happening. One of the families involved had the last name my aunt had given me THAT morning! To say that I received confirmation at that point is an understatement. From now on, anytime I have doubts creep in about whether I should go or not, I just remember my aunt's dream and my confidence in my task returns.
Since I last posted, I have filled out my application, turned it in and gotten confirmation that I will be going. At this point, it appears that Tanzania could possibly by my destination. I would be working with missionary kids and teaching them as well as working with the missionary team already in place.
This gets me excited, nervous, impatient, a whole gamut of emotions. But, I am ready to get started in the next step of the process and know for sure where I'm going and what I'll be doing. So, please be in prayer for me and for this opportunity to spread God's word and work with people dedicated to bringing Him to people who have never learned about Him. I will keep you updated on my journey as I get really going on this new path. I hope you are blessed even a little with my journey as I'm sure I will be over and abundantly blessed by it myself.
First off, I promised I would discuss a few of the signs that came up that confirmed I was supposed to go. The biggest one was that my aunt had a dream that Satan would attack me and try to get me to feel like I shouldn't be going on this trip. She had a last name of someone that the devil would use to try to change my mind. As soon as she woke up from the dream, she prayed and then texted me what her dream had been about so I could be prepared. Now, you should know that this is a very unusual occurrence for my aunt. She's never had something like this happened to her ever before. So when I received the text, I was instantly on alert. Then, that evening I was discussing with one of the pastors at my church and he told me some information of things that were happening. One of the families involved had the last name my aunt had given me THAT morning! To say that I received confirmation at that point is an understatement. From now on, anytime I have doubts creep in about whether I should go or not, I just remember my aunt's dream and my confidence in my task returns.
Since I last posted, I have filled out my application, turned it in and gotten confirmation that I will be going. At this point, it appears that Tanzania could possibly by my destination. I would be working with missionary kids and teaching them as well as working with the missionary team already in place.
This gets me excited, nervous, impatient, a whole gamut of emotions. But, I am ready to get started in the next step of the process and know for sure where I'm going and what I'll be doing. So, please be in prayer for me and for this opportunity to spread God's word and work with people dedicated to bringing Him to people who have never learned about Him. I will keep you updated on my journey as I get really going on this new path. I hope you are blessed even a little with my journey as I'm sure I will be over and abundantly blessed by it myself.
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