One thing that really gets under my skin is when people take scripture out  of context to make it say what they want (disclaimer: they say the things that get on your nerves most are things you have done yourself, so I know I have probably done this before BUT I am working hard to learn more so I don’t do this). Whether their intentions are good or bad doesn’t matter I want to know TRUTH.  I am coming to realize that unless I can find it in scripture I can’t trust it.  It is hard to filter everything through that, but when it comes to what is really, really true I think we have  to.  The thing I am realizing is that in order to do that I have to know what the Bible says.  That takes discipline.  Discipline is not always easy for me.  I tend to like to watch T.V. too much and somedays I waste a lot of time.  The thing about studying the Bible is when I do it, it is the most amazing part of my day. Then two days later I just don’t want to.  I am trying to break myself of that cycle.  Somedays I will fail, but I don’t want that to stop me anymore from trying because the days I do it will all add up in the end to me growing closer to Jesus Christ.  Proverbs says a few things on it

“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines  those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Proverbs 2:11,12

“Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7

I don’t really know what God has in store for my life beyond what I am doing now (mom, wife, helper to my husband in his ministry) but I am okay with that.  I know for sure I am in a time where God is teaching me a lot.  I want to take full advantage of it so I don’t lose this precious time I have with Him.  I heard a lady from my church (very Godly woman) give a talk about Joseph and the 7 years of blessing followed by 7 years of drought and how we have times in our life of famine and times of immense overflow.  Spiritually that same can be true.  She suggested that we store up during the overflow so we will have nurishment during the famine. I want to store up these treasures for whatever may come my way (not trying to be morbid, just prepared and victorious in whatever comes my way).  I want to have God’s Word written all over my heart so I never lose sight of Him in any trial.  I pray He helps me do it and I seek God’s grace and mercy in drawing me to Him.  I am so sinnful and it is such a hard battle being waged between my flesh and spirit everyday.  Whew, I am tired just thinking about it!

I say that to say this…I love my church and I love the new sermon series our Pastor is doing (boy did I ever get off track, huh?).  This year our church is taking a look into the book of Romans.  The whole book over the whole year.  I love it! What I love most is that he can’t skip over the difficult passages that he doesn’t want to preach on (well, I guess he could, but he isn’t).  Our pastor has to bring all of it to the church and I can’t help but think that is the way we are meant to see it.  As a whole, not pieces.  I know nothing about preaching so take what I say with a grain of salt, but for me it totally works.  I feel like our church is being challenged to grow and we are learning to really study the Bible.  It may not be an overwhelmingly attractional type of series but it is real and honest and whole.  I challenge anyone reading this that is a member Hillcrest Baptist church to get excited about this oppertunity to challenge ourselves as a church and really grow deeper in love and knowledge of God and His Word.

“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; quard it well, for it is your life.” Proverbs 4:13