Daily Walk

     Yes, me who hates to exercise has been taking a daily walk, but it's not what you think - although I will be making EVERY effort to do that also.  What I am referring to is The Daily Walk Bible  I purchased in 1988 (36 years ago) with the help of my dear friend and mentor Karen Corcoran.
     This Bible is unique in that each day it gives: 1-Overview of what you will read in Scripture; 2-Your Daily Walk encourages you on how to apply it to your own life; 3-Insight gives historical facts to increase your Biblical knowledge.  It is written in Living Bible translation which I lovingly called Kindergarten text because I needed it in words I could grasp the meaning of.
     I must confess that when I purchased this Bible I was at the beginning of being a Christ-follower (who didn't like to read much) and so I only read what I had described in the previous paragraph. At the end of that year, I read through it again including the actual Scripture for each day.  That began my LOVE for reading. 
     I have read it off and on over the years, deciding to use it again this year. It still speaks to my heart clearly. I still learn something new as God takes me deeper into understanding of His Truth.  I will often compare it with my "main" Bible study notes, Life Application Study Bible, NIV, for even more clarity.
      Acts 20:32 And now I entrust you to God and his care and to his wonderful words that are able to build your faith and give you all the inheritance of those who are set apart for himself.
      Matthew 4:4 But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.' "
     II Timothy 3:16-17   All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.  
     I would encourage anyone to use this Bible because of it's value as a devotional also.  The one I have was first printed in 1987 - but there are some newer versions set up a little differently.  I may get a newer one for 2013 to see what God will show me from a different perspective.

    For those of you who are FAITHFUL in your daily walk in the physical sense, PRAY for me that I will put that higher on my priority list.  My challenge to you is not to miss your Daily Walk with our Lord.  It truly is the best exercise of the day for our hearts and minds.  When we meet Him Face to face we won't ever have to exercise these bodies again - YAHOO !!!!!!!!  
I mean AMEN !!!!!



top photo: healthhackz.com     bottom photo: lifes-like-this.blogspot.com

I Feel Good ...

Does the title bring to mind James Brown ?  I can't seem to get that song out of my head since I decided to make this post. You wouldn't think there would be a problem with "feeling good" but there seems to be for me at times.
I have been convicted that I OFTEN make an idol of desiring to feel good & I mean REALLY feel good.  I find myself annoyed with the "little annoyances" of getting older, of not having the energy I used to.  If you know me well, you know that I eat healthier than probably 90% of the people I know but exercise is another issue.  I just don't like not feeling good and being able to do all the things I used to do in a SHORTER amount of time.
The inconvenience of having sinus issues BUT I don't have debilitating asthma; not getting a good night's sleep BUT I have a comfortable bed to sleep in & I am able to get up in the morning; slight arthritis in my hands BUT I can garden, turn pages in my Bible & play games with my grandkids.  I can do all those things even when I don't REALLY feel good.  It's quite obvious things I've just mentioned are simply the my selfishness when I think of what so many people are dealing with when I look at our church prayer list.
The perfect Scripture just came to mind and Paul put it so well - I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.  Philippians 4: 11-13
Is there an idol in your life that God has been speaking to you about ?
(image by kangarooboo.com)

No Comment

This is a phrase we may use when we don't want to answer a question or when the answer we might give is better left unsaid.  The Lord has been teaching me a great deal lately about "no comment."  The great thing about that is that "I get it" although it would have been greatly beneficial I'm sure if I'd "gotten it" many years ago.  
How precious is the thought that God continues to pursue our hearts to bring us into the likeness of Christ.  Although the lessons aren't always pleasant, they are worth it.  This lesson has not been painful just too long to get it.
My "no comment" moments have come about when there's a thought in my head that I "feel the need to share" but that still small Voice says, "What is your purpose for saying that?"  Well, if that prompting doesn't get your attention, you definitely are not listening.  Hearing that Voice actually makes me smile now because it brings to mind the acronym THINK.  Is it Truthful, Helpful, Important, Necessary, Kind ?  I do like to converse with others but am finding that there are things that just don't need to be said.  One of my earliest posts referenced this verse:  Be still and know that I am God.  I'm learning to be still physically more than I used to and God is also leading me to be still with my words.  The perfect thought for those "no comment" moments: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

COMFORT Zone

     As our Bible study finishes up the book Unstuff we have often discussed the issue of comfort zone.  With ages ranging from early 30's to late 60's we seem to agree that we do like our comfort zones.  If we are too hot or too cold we adjust the thermostat for our physical comfort.
      What about our spiritual comfort zone?  What keeps us within the boundaries of it?   If we are unsure about some one's beliefs, we stay in our comfort zone and may not speak God's Word of Truth or encouragement to them. We don't want to be seen as intolerant or fanatical so we keep quiet.
    Yet, if we simply read the Gospels, we clearly see that the Followers of Jesus stepped out of their comfort zones and many lost their lives for it. Even Jesus, although He was God, stepped way out of His comfort zone when He willingly went to the Cross.
     I admit that I LIKE my comfort zones, physically and spiritually, and I do not always follow that Voice that tells me "you need to step out in faith."  Where is it that you need to step out of your comfort zone to make a difference in some one's life?  Simply look to the Word of God to give you the ability to do that. 
       I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.   Philippians 4:13
 
Image from zazzle.com

Just do it !!!

     As this day of Easter is winding down, I pray you were blessed by time with family & friends & the sweet fellowship of others who rejoice that He is RISEN !!!!!  I posted this pic on Facebook with the comment: "If you know someone who still "doesn't get it", share the Good News !!!"  I also gave the card to my friend Sally & labeled her as the woman speaking. The problem is I  struggle with "not getting it" fully.  I believe we cannot completely comprehend what God did for us through the sacrifice of His Son but I know I am eternally grateful.

     So what's the issue?  Well, as I shared in my last post, I am in the progress of unstuffing but mainly in the material things & not in the use of my time.  Paul stated in Romans 7 - I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do,  I do not do....For I have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out.

     Those things I wanted to do in my neighborhood leading up to Easter I did not do. It wasn't that I couldn't do it, I just didn't.  I ponder what missed opportunity is now gone that may have brought someone to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This is the place where I am grateful that Lamentations says "His mercies are new every morning."  Easter is the GREATEST evidence that grace abounds for sinners.  May we have the boldness to make that gift known to others.  Those missed opportunities can be that moment of eternal life or death for someone.  Why would I not want to tell them?

     II Timothy 1:8,9  So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,  who has saved us & called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose & grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time...

When in doubt,  JUST DO IT, make no excuses.

(image by Inherit the Mirth)