Lost In the Prairies.....Found by God

Week two.  How did you do?  Did you get your study done everyday?  Or did you cram it all into one session.  Confession time - that's what I did.  For some reason this week I have been unable to get out of bed early to do my personal devotion time.  As a result, this week I have been overwhelmed, depressed, in a fog, set adrift, lost, angry, frustrated,......I could go on, but I won't.  I have no one else to blame but myself.  I could have gotten myself up.  My alarm went off.  I could of rolled out of bed instead of rolling over.  This week I have been running on fumes, when I could have been running on a full tank.  

When I do this it reminds of my own hypocrisy of telling my daughter to do her homework daily.  Of putting in the time to get good grades instead of watching TV or playing video games.  I can't expect her to get it right when I myself am failing.  I need to set good guidelines, not just for her, but also for me.  I need to lead by example.  Right now the rules seems to be "do as I say, not as I do."  Doesn't really seem fair and it isn't.  I need to get my act together so that I can teach her to get hers in order.

I loved the "Picture It" method.  I loved envisioning myself in the place of one of the characters in the Bible story.  It was a great way of thinking of what it would have been like to see Jesus and hear Jesus. Even though I crammed I got a lot out of the weeks study.  Funny enough the truths that came out at me were ones I needed to hear this week.  They were ones about Jesus' healing relief and freedom (Mark 1:40-45; 5:21-45; & Mark 7:31-37); about trusting Jesus to provide (Mark 6:35-44); and about where Jesus is in the storms (Mark 4:35-41; Mark 6:45-51). Another good reminder why I should be in the Word daily.  These are all things I need to be reminded of and need to embrace.  

My favourite word also came out this week in the study - "Ephphatha".  It used to be my signature line for my blog.  It means "be opened."  I wrote a blog about it when I first blogged.  How I still long to be open.  How I long to be completely authentic in my walk.  How I long to be free from the bondage that I cling to.  God again placed this verse in my life to remind me that I am free.  Free in Him if I would but believe it.  I do believe it and will embrace it.  I already feel a fresh wind flowing around me and renewing me.  I feel lightened and embraced.  I feel open.  I long to stay open.  

This week as we read we are to try the Probe It method or the SPACEPETS method.  It is more based on action then complete reflection   I am interested to see how this goes and can't wait to write more about it next week.

So, did anyone participate in the study last week?  Don't worry if you didn't.  If you would like to join in, jump in where we are.  There is never a right and wrong when getting into God's word.    For those that have no idea what I am talking about, don't worry.  I usually have that affect on people.  

For the next few weeks we are participating in the 40 Days in the Word study.   Last week, we looked at Philippians through the "Pronounce It" method of study.  I have to say, I felt redunkulous doing that method and quickly switched to the SOAP Method of studying the Bible.  Saying a single word out loud each time your read the verse did not work for me.  I am such a rebel.  I really do have to rebel against the norm.  However, when doing the SOAP method I got so much out of the verses.  

The verses that were chosen for Philippians really spoke to me this week.  They were uplifting and reaffirming.  They reminded me of what God has done for me and what He continues to do.  I have to admit that I have been struggling.  I have felt depressed.  I have felt weary.  I have felt tired.  I have felt defeated.  I have wanted to give up.  I have wanted to hide in a gopher hole and never come out.  The verses this last week reminded me that I need to bring the things that I am struggling with to God (Philippians 4:6).  They reminded me that He has a plan and purpose that will be fulfilled (Philippians 1:6/2:13).  They also reminded me that I cannot do this on my own.  That He supplies me with what I need to "press forward" (Philippians 3:12B/4:13/4:19).  These verses were like water to my soul.  They were extremely needed and reminded me that He is with me.  No matter what I feel, He is there.  Through the trials I face, He alone is guiding me through them.  He is providing me with strength and wisdom.  He is in control and I am not.  The story of my life and I am content in that knowledge.

This week the method of study recommended is the "Picture It" method.  I will attempt it and give it a chance.  It seems way more interesting than t he Pronounce It method.  I"ll know by day 2 if it's for me.  If not, it's back to old faithful SOAP method.