So Far.............

So far, so good. Not to sound prideful, but I have been doing really well on reading my Bible on a consistent basis. My goal has been at least every other day, but no longer than three days in between reading. Two Sundays ago, Pastor Dave Schiedel referenced a book (I'm working on finding out the name) that said that Christians should not got longer than three days without reading God's Word. Right now I am in Exodus. It can get a little long in reading when you get to God telling the Israelites all of the laws and feasts He wanted them to have, but as it has been said many times, if it's in the Bible then God must want us to learn something from it.

For example, two days ago I was reading in Exodus 21:22 which deals with restitution for personal injuries, and I discovered that the saying that most people quote for capitol punishment "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" doesn't have to do with somebody being murdered at all. In fact, it is talking about what needs to happen if somebody hits a woman who is pregnant and something happens to her or her baby. That just astounded me! I need to talk to Christopher about this because it is mind-blowing.

I'm very thankful that God is renewing this passion in me for reading His word. Actually, I've don't know that aside from a couple of weeks when I would come back from a camp or a missions trip that I've ever wanted to be in the Bible this much. I've always wanted somebody to show me how to do it and nobody ever has. I guess that that is one of my passions. That nobody ever grows up like me. Waiting until they are 27 to figure out the how of reading the Bible. Growing up people always told me why and when I needed to read it, but they never explained to me how to make that part of my daily life. They just said do it.

Thank you, God for showing me how to incorporate Your Word into my life. Please help me to see when somebody needs to glean my wisdom that given me in this area. Please help me to be able when I would be able to help somebody learn how to make you a part of their daily living.

Attacked

Since Saturday I have been having a pretty tough time in the disciplining of Joseph. He has been making it very difficult. Yesterday I was talking with some other moms and learned that they also had had very rough days. I was encouraged that it was not just me and quickly sent up prayers for them that they would have better days the next day. Well, it was not so for me. Nathan has been fine, but Joe's attitude continues to need improvement today. This afternoon it dawns on me. Maybe the reason that we all had "I need my husband here" days was not because our kids had all gotten together and decided that they were going to be rotten to us, but because the devil was making us the focus of his attacks? Was it because I have actually been trying to focus on getting in my Bible reading more often? Or because I actually am having a prayer life now? Maybe it is because the devil knows that it is my children who know best how to push my buttons and get my attitude not in line with what I and God would like it to be? In a weird way it makes me proud that Satan would choose to focus his energy on me. That must mean that I must be doing something right for God or else he would even bother with me. I mean why would he even look in the direction of someone who is just doing whatever the heck they want, and not even bothering to think about what God wants. I just pray that I can keep it up. I'm hoping to go now longer than two days in between Bible readings. I want to be able to hear God talk back to me. And I need to finally get through reading through my whole Bible from beginning to end.

Usually

Usually I use NASB when I am sitting down to do my Bible reading, but today when I went to the Bible site I decided to use the NIV just popped up. Normally, I don't care for this version because I feel like it is very dumbed down. I fell like it is a very good version for new believers or children, but don't feel like it challenges my brain very much. Sort of like reading a Nancy Drew. I'm enjoying it, but the challenge is not coming from the syllables of the words. With that said, today I read Exodus 17:1-7. Again the Israelites are complaining. This time because they don't have water. I'm sure that every Christian at one time or another has heard the stories about the Israelites complaining and has been forced to examine their own lives. This, sadly, has been me today. I have noticed that I (a usually positive person) have been complaining a lot more lately. If somebody does something nice for me I immediately look to see what they did incorrectly. I have even been able to find fault with a plate of chocolate chip cookies given from a neighbor. Chocolate Chip Cookies!!!!! This morning, I was feeling very sorry for myself. Missing all of my friends down in Warsaw. Reminiscing of the time at Noa Noa when my flock girls gave me a goodbye dinner. Remembering how much all of my friends cared for me down there. At the same time wishing I had more friends up here. Telling myself that I'm grateful for the couple of friends I do have (which I am), but at the same time asking God to send me more women I can get to know.

How much different am I from the Israelites then? They were not grateful that God had moved them out of the slavery of Egypt. Instead all they could think about was how they were thirsty now. They didn't remember how God brought them through the Red Sea on dry ground, saving them from Pharaoh and his army. All they could think about was they had a need and they wanted it met. Maybe the reason why there are so many examples of the Israelites complaining is because God knew that we as Christians would need a lot of reminding that God has been and will always be providing for us. He does not want to lead us out into the wilderness just to let us die! We need to trust Him that He is leading us where he wants us, and where it is best for us.

God, please help me to be grateful for where you have me right now. I know that you have surrounded me with great and godly friends who love you as much as I. Let me still be thankful for the friends of my past, but be able to keep my mind on being thankful also for the blessings of the present. I don't want to be ungrateful, for you have given me so much. I am truly blessed! Please help me to focus on that today, and not forget to count my blessings. Amen!