I apologize if today post is...feels fragmented. It's kind of how I am feeling today.
I am having a hard time living out my word for the year.
WHOLEHEARTED.
I am in an uncomfortable place,
my own skin.
I think I read books about God and the Spiritual Life more than the Bible. They are really good books, and contain much truth and they all point me in the right direction. And God uses them in my life in a very good way. But I think that I substitute them for reading God's word...a lot.
So, I decided that from now till Easter I will read two chapters a day. Beginning with Matthew and reading through Luke.
Reading Jesus.
Today I read, "Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute
single-heartedness."
single-heartedness."
Yes, Lord...
Oh Father, this is really my deepest hearts desire, but I fear it is buried too deep. I fear it will take some painful digging to get there,
am I willing...
am I willing...
Maybe that's why I don't focus my reading in the Word. They are more than mere good words.
There is power in them...they are living...
But isn't that what I say I want?
His word - Him to change me?
Yes, yes, but I am afraid.
So I am asking myself what it is that I am really afraid of....
At the beginning of Lent my church handed out a calendar of sorts. Each day of Lent has something to do. Some of them are things to give up for the day, some of them are things to do. Some of them will not be hard for me. Some of them will be incredibly difficult.
I thought I would begin to post them weekly...
Monday, March 14th - Write a prayer to God explaining the habits, behaviors, and sins you want to die to.
Tuesday, March 15th - Call someone with whom you have had a falling out and make amends.
Wednesday, March 16th - Fast during the daylight hours.
Thursday, March 17th - Do something that you've been putting off or trying to avoid.
Friday, March 18th - Go for a walk in your neighborhood and pick up any trash you see.
Saturday, March 19th - Spend 30 to 60 minutes in self-imposed silence.
11 comments:
Thanks...this is very close to home right now. Very pointed word. I am letting it soak in as I continue seeking God's face. Thanks so much for sharpening me.
Enjoying your art & blog! Thanks for sharing these weekly Lent activities...very interesting! :)
Mary, what a great post! We must be on the same 'page'-just before I read your blog I was downstairs reading the Bible and I decided to read 10-12 pages a day until Easter. Let's hope I can keep up with it. Thank you for your positive energy.
it's where we find true life ...
I was feeling that "uncomfortable place" today too, so I will join you in reading. Only Jesus can make us whole. Thanks for this post.xoxo
Hi Mary,
Thank you for sharing this. For sharing your heart. You are such an encouragement to me. Really. Constantly. I wanna be you when I grow up. I too have a huge pile of books by my bed that I'f rather read than open up my Bible.I think you're right. I think it's because the Bible has truth and power. It changes us. It never lets us stay the same.
I really like these lent activities. I like the idea of preparing our hearts for Easter. Easy to think about, tough to do do! xoxoxo
Mary, thank you for sharing such a powerful post. Blessings.
gorgeous gorgeous! The self imposed silence is one that has been an INCREDIBLE HELP in my spiritual life.
Mary, you are always an encouragement, I identify with the book thing, there myself. Take care, Connie
well we did go for a walk in our neighbourhood today...an hour but didn't have to pick up any garbage....your word always encourages.. Hope your friday is going great.
Hi Mary! I have missed you! I haven't been on the computer much since getting back from my trip to PA. But coming here today and reading your post made me realize how thankful I am to have you as a blogging friend. I am encouraged so much by the honesty in your words that you share.
I too can get caught up in reading good books from authors who talk about God and his ways and then sometimes forget to read God's own words. Your post was a good reminder for me too.
Aren't you glad that God knows how we are made and loves us through whatever? I'm so glad that I can count on Him to steer me. (literally mean he has to steer me by pushing me away from going the wrong direction sometimes)
♥Lee Ann
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