So, I am doing a summer bible study with some of my blogging friends and with another good friend of mine, Cheslea (we will be meeting in person, not just cyber space.) And mentioning cyber space, Beth Moore is also using the same study on her blog http://www.livingproofministries.blogspot.com/. I thought I would journal some of my thoughts on the study here, for anyone who cares to read and for myself to go back and read later. So I have made it through session one of No Other Gods: Confronting our Modern-day idols by Kelly Minter. There is also a regular book, which I am also reading but I am going to journal about the study. So here goes.......
One of the verses Kelly uses is Matthew 6:21 "What we treasure is where our heart is." I have really taken this verse to heart and am going to try and concentrate on it. As I worked through the 5 days of session one it was apparent to me that I have many "false idols." Many, many things that take up my time and keep me from treasuring God and what He is doing in my life. I am a very organized and scheduled person. I love to make lists and check things off to move to my next task. I feel very accomplished when I have done this. But I have learned through the adoption process especially, that God speaks to me when I am quiet and I listen. When I really focus my heart on Him, and make Him my treasure first. I even kind of feel like the whole adoption process for me was kind of like a false idol. For the last 2 years everything I have done has centered and focused on adoption. Not that it is all bad, but I am afraid I have missed other treasures along the way trying to control all aspects of the adoption. Before our referral and other paperwork came, I always had a moment where I finally stopped and listened. Then it all worked out. I am trying to do that now. I still feel like the Lord may have more children for us, but I am really concentrating on just living in the now, not the what might be. And trying to listen to his voice and treasure His heart.Kelly asks us at the end of the session to find a song or movie clip that reflects the concept we learned from our week. I added a playlist at the bottom of the blog for you to listen to. There are 2 songs there that really speak to what I have taken from this session.
So that is session one for me, be still and listen and MAKE ROOM.
Come and Listen-David Crowder Band
Come and listen, come to the water's edge, all you who know and fear the Lord.
Come and listen, come to the water's edge all you who are thirsty, come.
Let me tell you what He has done for me.
Let me tell you what He has done for me,He has done for you,He has done for us.
Come and listen,come and listen to what He's done.
Come and listen,come and listen to what He's done.
Praise our God for He is good.
Praise our God for He is good.
Praise our God for He is good.
Praise our God for He is good.He has done for me,He has done for you,He has done for us.
Come and listen,come and listen to what He's done.
Come and listen,come and listen to what He's done.
Word of God Speak-Mercy Me
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
[CHORUS]Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to seeYour majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak
I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
[REPEAT CHORUS 2x]
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
Come and Listen-David Crowder Band
Come and listen, come to the water's edge, all you who know and fear the Lord.
Come and listen, come to the water's edge all you who are thirsty, come.
Let me tell you what He has done for me.
Let me tell you what He has done for me,He has done for you,He has done for us.
Come and listen,come and listen to what He's done.
Come and listen,come and listen to what He's done.
Praise our God for He is good.
Praise our God for He is good.
Praise our God for He is good.
Praise our God for He is good.He has done for me,He has done for you,He has done for us.
Come and listen,come and listen to what He's done.
Come and listen,come and listen to what He's done.
Word of God Speak-Mercy Me
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
[CHORUS]Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to seeYour majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak
I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
[REPEAT CHORUS 2x]
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
