Bible Bingo

A long ago pastor called it Bible Bingo. I call it talking with God. I have fond memories of my Dad mentioning conversing with the Almighty through His word in much the same way. What am I talking about? Simply asking God what He has to say to you today and patiently waiting for His answer. Waiting for God's direction to lead us in His word. Aside from daily being immersed in Scripture God speaks profoundly to His children from passages we wouldn't even consider going to on our own little scheduled sanctification plans. Places like Revelation 13, where He again reminds His children to beware of the schemes of the evil one. Warns them of the days to come, where deceit and lies will rule. Encourages them to patiently endure and hold faithfully to His word. Reminds them of who wins in the end, and that He really will be with them and will come riding in on his mighty steed to save them. This calls for wisdom. Wisdom from above. People get ready, the days are getting shorter according to my understanding. Are you ready for eternity?

It's All About Me

Or.... maybe it's not, but it sure seems like it in our consumerist world.

Just a little rant/observation/pondering I have been noticing for quite some time now: while listening to or reading anything Christian related (sermons, songs, books, articles, conversations) I have started to put things through my own little filter test. The simple questions that I base this test on are 1) Who is this about~ God or me? Easier defined by asking "Did I learn something about myself, or about God?" 2) Is scripture the central teaching point, or is the teaching based on just another theory that is popular? Pay attention the next time and see for yourself.

And, after some self examination on my continuing stingy conservative stands on scripture, God reassured me with these sweet words this morning. So true! So true!

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 84:10b

Blessed

Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law; Psalm 94:12When I read these words this morning it was as if God was speaking directly to me. This is for you, Terri, He said. As I was struggling with some of my own issues due to my lack of discipline, enjoying the pity party thank you very much, it really put a lot of things into perspective. It made me think first of all of God's love for me and how He shows that. In provision, comfort, consolation, salvation, joy, peace, but also in discipline. God disciplines those He loves Hebrews says, so I took comfort in His discipline to realize that indeed He does love me.

But who likes discipline? Grace certainly didn't when she had to receive a spanking session for her bad attitude the other morning. Did I enjoy spanking her? No, not on the level of the actual act, but did I enjoy the sweet repentance and joyful heart afterward? Absolutely. Do I have a daughter who quickly learned that it is a lot easier to smile in the morning and be a joy to her family rather than cause a scene and disrupt the whole household? Absolutely. Will she fall again? Absolutely.

Now, believe it or not, but I am really a rather lazy, self indulgent person. Left to myself I would flit from one thing to the next, not really getting anywhere. I definitely lack discipline in my life, so these words were like honey to me to realize that God's discipline is proof of His love. And notice that this discipline is taught from His law. Hmmmm.... interesting. And why does He give us His law and then expect us to hold to it? To grant us relief from the days of trouble (verse13). The little bit of pain that I have to experience now to learn to love, follow, and obey His word will save me a heap of trouble in the days to come. It only makes me all the more steadfast to continue for myself and for my children's sake in immersing ourselves in the word and striving to obey until the day of the Lord's return. Go fight the good fight Christian!