To get the Message, You've got to read the Words.

Last night while catching up on reading a few blogs, I came across Debbie's post from Words on Wheels.  I have been lucky enough to be exchanging comments with Debbie for awhile now.  Mostly I have been captivated and inspired by her lovely tablescapes.  I still haven't quite gotten a grasp on the whole story of who "the duchess" really is.  But that's just a thought for today's post not the point, at all.

 I confess that I have not devoted the time to follow her all that closely because if I had, surely I would have known what grabbed my attention last night.  With so many wonderful bloggers out there, I tend to be a skimmer, but last night I decided to linger on a few and I'm sure glad I chose to linger on her post.

Debbie's post for yesterday, Simply Studying, was one full of passion, her passion for God's Word.  She spoke of her Bible studies; both her own studies, her teachings and her excitement of an upcoming retreat.  I was curious about her passion for Bible study.  I do not currently belong to any study groups, but do enjoy reading the Bible and meditating on His word.  Confession number 2, I have been very lax in that too.   Debbie's post inspired me to think of a different approach to studying scripture.  She talked of looking at words and studying their meaning and why God chose that word.  I am sure I would never be able to intelligently translate words like her but it is an interesting approach of study I have not thought about before.   I liked her post so much I had to come back again this morning and study her blog a bit more.  I was also reminded I need to just pick up my Bible more and read.  I know God speaks to us through his word, so why do I  always wait and expect another way, like maybe answered prayers or something.  Too often I find myself discouraged because things are not going my way, and they really aren't right now!  I can pray and talk to God all day long at times and never hear a thing, and still I don't pick up my Bible.  What is wrong with me?

 

On revisiting Debbie's blog this morning I also went back and read a post she had written about having a smack down from God.  Boy, could I relate to this!  I've had a few of those before and seemingly still need them often.  Her smack down came from Hebrew 12, you can visit her post here.  I was pondering her thoughts and the verses and finally decided I need to pick up my Bible and read this myself, perhaps the discipline of these verses needs to apply to me as well.  Yep, they sure did!

Only, God also led me further to the verses in Hebrew 12:14-15.  They really hit home!  I have been living with a root of bitterness that wants to grow like crazy.  Shockingly, I am reminded that others cannot see the Grace of God in me when I harbor such things in my heart.  Have you ever realized how ugly your face is when your joy does not reach your eyes and worry has taken over?  

Most recently, it has been about a job that I interviewed for that would be a perfect fit for me.  It looked liked it was all coming together so well then just stopped cold.  I had been promised an answer one way or the other after several attempts to get one and have yet to receive one.  It has been just over 7 weeks since I interviewed.  I also had bitterness over my old job that I loved but lost because the business closed.   I thought I had dealt with that already, but apparently not.  I cannot help but think I should not even have to be worrying about a new job..that's bitterness y'all! 

I have some bitterness, about the sadness of my aging mother and my terminal father in law and what me and all my family members are going through with both of these difficult situations.

Then there's the state of  our economy in general and the VERY sad stories of others who's situations make mine pale in comparison.  Now can you see, that's a whole lot of bitterness, that needs to come out?  So even though I have somewhat recognized that I have had this feeling taking over I haven't realized how to get rid of it.  I tend to think if the situations would just change then everything will be fine.  LOL!  I also tend to look every which way for solutions that are often just unattainable.

Now my point in telling you all this, (and this is as personal as I like to get) is that I was reminded again, that I need to do some serious digging alright!  Not just digging out, but digging in too!  I'm not telling you this so you can feel sorry for my circumstances.  Please save your pity for those who really need it, like those who never turn to God.  I am telling you this because if I can also inspire one more person to pick up their Bible then it will have been worth it.  Let's not ever forget our blogs are open to

 many who never comment, reach many eyes, and hearts.

    Thank you Debbie, for the inspiration to dig into God's Word more often, and in a new way. I know those ladies at the retreat are going to be blessed by you this weekend.   Mostly for the reminder, that if I want to hear what God has to say, he's already provided that for us too, we need only open it up and read it.  You have truly inspired me today and that's why I am joining Inspiration Friday.  Thank you!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Mary