I came across this video. I loved it and wanted to share it with others. I hope that you will like it too.
Why Is It So Hard to Study the Bible?
Tonight in Bible Study, we discussed the importance of praying and studying God’s Word or the Bible. We went around the room discussing reasons why reading the Bible was either easy or hard to do. The consensus of the class was that praying to God was easier than studying the Bible. Praying is something that can be done while you are cleaning house, driving the car, washing dishes etc. Studying/reading the Bible appears to be a harder discipline. The primary reason for not reading the Bible was time. Other things got in the way and then the day was over and the Bible was not opened.
One lady made the point that praying was us talking to God like we would talk to our friends or parents and studying/reading the Bible was God talking to us with us listening. So then it would seem that we spend more time is talking rather than listening. For me that happens a lot – love to talk and not good at listening.
I began to ponder why is it so hard for me to listen (study/read) the bible. Why do I put it off like something that is unpleasant? I am suppose to love God with all my heart, soul, strength and mind. So reading/studying about God should not be unpleasant task if I love God. What a scary thought!
I have been trying to read a book about “Systematic Theology”. I am only on Part 1, Chapter 4. This section is all about the the Word of God or the Bible. I am taking notes on this book so it will probably take me a long time to read it. Anyway, here is a thought from my notes.
- As I read the Bible, I become convinced the the Bible contains the very Words of God when the Holy Spirit speaks in and through the words of the bible to my heart and gives me assurance that these words are the words of my Creator speaking to me.
So it is by reading the bible that I become more and more convinced that these words are God’s Word. I would think that reading my God’s Words should be something of high importance so I can know that God is like, loves, etc.
Well then, I can see that I need to incorporate more bible reading/studying in to my daily routine. I will have to give some thought on how to accomplish that.
Posted in Spiritual
Christmas or Xmas?
Yesterday I was at the hair salon and the hair dressers and customers got into a lively discussion on whether or not the word “Xmas” was disrespectful to Christians since it is like taking Christ out of Christmas. I am always interested in how words change and how people understand the words. I made the comment that I had heard that the word “Xmas” was taking Christ out of Christmas but I was not sure that was correct. I said that the word “Xmas” probably had a different meaning when it originated. Most of the participants in the discussion were pretty sure that “Xmas” is a way to take Christ out of Christmas. One lady even discussed a sign that had “Xmas” in the wording and how she went in and discussed with the proprietor how this was being against Christians and the holiday of Christmas. The sign was then changed by the proprietor.
The answer to the question is – No. The word “Xmas” has been around for a long time and it is not taking Christ out of Christmas.
Quoted from Wikipedia (For those who are interested in the whole article here is the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xmas.)
For those with less time because of the Christmas season here is the quick version.
“Xmas” is a common abbreviation of the word “Christmas“. It is sometimes pronounced /ˈɛksməs/, but it, and variants such as “Xtemass”, originated as handwriting abbreviations for the typical pronunciation, /ˈkrɪsməs/. The “-mas” part is from the Latin-derived Old English word for “mass“,[1] while the “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Χριστός, translated as “Christ”.”
Posted in Holidays, Interesting Tidbits, Opinions, Reflections
The Family Christmas Photo
Now that Thanksgiving is over it is time to start thinking about the yearly family Christmas photo and newsletter. Every year it is such an challenge to get everyone together with smiles on their faces. This morning I could so relate to this Zits comic strip.
Posted in Holidays, Interesting Tidbits
Thanksgiving – A Day Late
Happy Thanksgiving. I know, I know it is a day late but sometimes for my family that is the way it is because of work schedules. Here are some pictures of our feast.
We ate turkey breast, sausage cornbread dressing, green beans, sweet potatoes, potatoes, cranberry sauce and rolls. For dessert we ate our family recipe for cheese cake.We talked, laughed and had a great time together. Afterwards, we watched some football and napped. I would say overall it was a most enjoyable day.
By the way, my husband and my daughter did sneak out in the morning while I was cooking to check out some of those great “Black Friday” deals. I wonder what they were getting my for Christmas?
The Grace of God in our Circumstances: Why you weren’t Born as an Impoverished Child in an Unreached Nation
The Grace of God in our Circumstances: Why you weren’t Born as an Impoverished Child in an Unreached Nation from the Desiring God blog.
Posted in Spiritual
Happy Thanksgiving 2010
“We Plow the Fields”
We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land.
But it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand.
He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grains,
the breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.
He only is the Maker of all things near and far.
He paints the wayside flowers, He lights the evening star.
The winds and waves obey Him.
By Him the birds are fed;
Much more to us His children He gives our daily bread.
We thank Thee, O Father, for all things bright and good:
The seed time and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.
Accept the gifts we offer, for all Thy love imparts.
And, what Thou most desires, our humble thankful hearts.
Mathias Claudius 1782
Posted in Holidays
A Prayer About Being a Gratitude-Geyser
A Prayer About Being a Gratitude-Geyser.
I do want to be done with all the whining, complaining, and other expressions of ingratitude. This prayer pretty much sums up the sermon I heard this morning during worship.
Reflections 