Changing

Along with the "Redeemed" study we are doing in Ladies Bible study, we are investigating the "Sermon on the Mount" on Sunday mornings.  Both these studies, come on the heels of the Lord asking me to do a "follow me" study on my own.  I see so clearly the connection of these areas, I know God is taking me to a new place, a new level on my journey toward a Christ like life.  I feel overwhelmed by all this, sometimes in a good way...like WOW,  how does God fit this all together, and sometimes in a scary way, like WOW, how am I going to do all this at one time.

And then I hear this song.  And I know the bottom line is being different, changing to be salt and light, flavoring the world around me with God's love and shining His sweet care and steadfast truth to those I encounter.  It's not about plowing through studies.  God isn't on a time schedule.  His time is eternity!  And His timing is perfect!

Sometimes I think God visits are actually God camping out in our hearts.   There He leads, teaches, admonishes, heals, renews and strengthens us.  Things like teachings, songs, Bible verses, seem to bring to the surface the work He is doing in our hearts.  They place the spotlight on something God is working on in us and with us, for His glory.

I love You Lord.  I am in awe of the way You weave things together.  Thank You for these studies. Thank You for drawing me to a new place.  I know on my own I cannot, but through You I can.  Help me to not be stubborn or willful, but to submit to You every area of my life.  I want people to see You in me.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

Think about starting a study in the Beatitudes today.  Matthew 5:3-11

Romans 8:28-29  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.  For God know His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.   

The Beatitudes

3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,

    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

4 God blesses those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

5 God blesses those who are humble,

    for they will inherit the whole earth.

6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,

    for they will be satisfied.

7 God blesses those who are merciful,

    for they will be shown mercy.

8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,

    for they will see God.

9 God blesses those who work for peace,

    for they will be called the children of God.

10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,

    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.