Reading God's Word- A Lost Art

I was 20 years old when I first got saved. Living on my own in Palm Springs, CA. Before giving my life over to Jesus, I had lived a very fast life. I had tried most everything out there to make me happy and give me purpose. Yet, before Christ, I was very empty on the inside.
I remember my first year as a Christian. I would set the alarm for like 5am, make a big pot of coffee and just read Gods Word for hours. I devoured it. I remember sitting by the swimming pool in the summer and having my Bible with me, just reading and soaking up God's Word. See, there was change- big change, happening in my life. And much of that change was because of God's Word. "The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12.)
See, after I gave my life to Jesus, my mind needed lots of renewing! "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)
Okay, so fast forward. Fifteen years have passed- Bible college in Texas, got married and 3 kids and 1 dog later. I find myself going back to the basics. I find myself hungry for more of Jesus. I want more- more intimacy, more of His presence. To know Him even more. And the cool thing is, is that He desires to meet with us even more than our desire to meet with Him.

What's a great way to grow in our walk with Him:
1. Read His Word
2. Start to memorize and meditate on scriptures that apply to your life and jump out at you
3. Pray scriptures over yourself and loved ones

Some simple things I have done to help:

• I bought the cutest little journal from Micheals and I found it in the $1.00 bin! I call it my 'scripture only' journal and write my favorite scriptures and one's I'm wanting to memorize. I keep it in my purse and even if I'm just sitting while I'm waiting to pick the kids up from school, I can easily flip it open to meditate over a scripture. I try and add to it daily.
  
• 1 Year Bible. Some people don't know where to start, or what book in the Bible tot read next. Or they just totally skip the Old Testament and read the New Testament only. I love the 1 year Bibles because I get in my Old Testament and New Testament and Proverbs and Psalms! And most of these Bibles go by date, so it helps you stay on track .

• Before I read I will say a prayer and ask the Lord to open my eyes and give me revelation and speak to me through His Word.

Results?
A renewed mind, you can know God more intimately, power that comes from knowing His Word, and a changed life! Pretty good results, huh?! And if that's not enough, sometimes the Lord will give me a scripture for someone else. And often times I will get a Word that I really needed to hear that ministers to me right where I'm at.

Matthew 24:35 (NIV) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Colossians 3:16 (NIV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Psalm 119:11 (NIV)

¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.

Deuteronomy 11:18a (NIV) Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds

Gods Word is powerful and life changing!

Enjoy the journey!

How's the Weather?

Some people really do not like small talk. You know, things like...how's the weather? But what's so interesting is that we all have an opinion of ..the weather! Too hot, too humid, too rainy, to snowy, not enough snow, if only Spring were here, can't wait for summer, etc, etc. Here in Colorado I think there's a common frustration. The frustration is that the weather people keep telling us 'the big one' is coming and either it lasted 10 seconds, or just never arrived! This weekend was suppose to be 'the big one'. Prom was canceled, several Easter events, and soccer games. Which of course, since the Easter hunts and soccer games are outside- that was a good choice. But I awoke with anticipation in my heart. It was suppose to start snowing after midnight, so I assumed the streets would be covered. But, to my hearts unpleasant surprise- just drippy, dreary rain. We can't really sled in that stuff, you know. And the day went on as we knew it. Playdate for Noah, tutor for Hope, grocery store, and LOTS of laundry. And all day, it's been wet snow. Now, don't get me wrong- I love days like these. But there's something about when your heart is expectant, like a small child with big eyes opening his or her present. That child is expecting something. And if he or she received something that they either already had or didn't want- well, there might be some disappointment there. It's all about expectations. And I was expecting a lot of snow.
That's why I love God so much. When we come to him with our expectations, and await for Him like a little child- He will never disappoint. He is always there, and has good things for us. We can come to Him hungry and thirsty and walk away filled up.
So when the world sometimes leaves you disappointed, when your expectations have not been met, do not fear or fret. For God is very near.

So...How's the weather?

Psalm 34:8 NKJV
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!