Our Incredible God
I came upon a compelling verse of scripture while studying the book of Acts. Chapter 26:8 states “Why is it considered incredible among you people if God does raise the dead?” This was stated by Paul when he was making his defense before Agrippa.
As I pondered this verse, my mind was in a quandary as to whether at times I hear God utter those same words; “why is it considered incredible if God……?” The wonders of God; “why does it surprise me?”
As I continued my thought, God showed me two possible reasons. I know there are more, but just for today, He gave me two.
1. Do I truly believe that God is who He says He is?
2. Do I truly believe that God will do what He says He will do?
Anyone familiar with the Believing God study by Beth Moore recognizes those statements turned into questions. I believe they lie at the heart of our amazement.
Continuing in thought mode, I also came up with another reason I may be amazed at the incredible working of God testified to in the lives of others. Could it be that I don’t really know who God is and what it is He says He will do? If this is so, is there someone who could help me in finding Him? Yes, I decided there is. Maybe you are asking the same question; “who will help me?” Consider on of three things.
1. Discipleship (One with One)
2. Accountability (3 or 4 ladies growing together as they give permission for the others to hold them accountable to apply the truths they find in God’s Word)
3. Growth Cell / Bible Study
I would be glad to talk to you about discipleship and accountability. If I can help you in either of these areas, please see me. There is no obligation just to investigate. I’d love the opportunity of getting to know you.
By the end of September we will have 5 ladies’ growth cells. Currently there is one on Tuesday night at 6:45, Wednesday morning at 6:30 and Wednesday morning at 9:00. Two new ones will begin Wednesday night September 15 at 6:30 with childcare, and Wednesday morning at 9:30, September 29. Watch the Women’s page for descriptions. Feel free to call me concerning these studies.
On The Wheel,
Becky
Achieving the Bottom Line
I wonder if you are like me at times, finding it difficult to know where to go for your Quiet Time? That is the place I was in for about 10 days. Nothing satisfied. I kept feeling the need for more than just cliches and clever sounding phrases. Of course, I knew the Bible was where I needed to be but just not knowing the exact process to take. Do I take a book and begin verse by verse, do I work on a topic, etc. Looking at all the books on my shelf, my eyes went to this little book by Oswald Chambers entitled, “Shade of His Hand.” It is a book consisting of messages he gave to the British troops in October 1917. These were to be his last lectures because he died on November 15, 1917. He took them from the book of Ecclesiastes.
I thought “oh no, this is that book that is so depressing about how to find meaning to life. After all, I’ve already found it.” But God kept pressing me toward that book. As a result of God’s persistence and my obedience, that’s where I am these mornings.
This morning my reading was Ecclesiastes 1:16-18. It is as follows.
“I said to myself, Look, I have amassed wisdom far beyond all those who were over Jerusalem before me, and my mind has thoroughly grasped wisdom and knowledge. I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly; I learned that this too is a pursuit of the wind. For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases.”
In today’s words I think Solomon is saying, “I’m great and I’m smart but so what?” You see, he was to discover that glorifying God was man’s/woman’s chief end to life.
That’s all well and good but how does a woman in my situation “flesh that out?” What does that look like practically in real life? The exact picture in each particular circumstance will look differently. But the means is the same. OC said, “Jesus Christ is the One who can transmute everything we come across.” That means everything. Why bother? Because unless we do, we will not glorify God.
That does not necessarily mean it is going to be exactly the way we would have it be but remember, we desire to glorify God and it must be His way. Sometimes the way is rugged, sometimes the way is smooth, but one thing we know for sure is that what He has called us to, He will take us through.
How is that possible? You don’t understand what I am going through may be your reply to me. Well, I don’t but as a fellow Christ-follower, we have the Possible living inside to do the impossible. One of my favorite verses of scripture is found in 2 Peter 1:3.
“For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”
God’s word says everything for life and godliness. We have no excuses. Oh yes, we, like Solomon, may have questions and discouragement from time to time but it’s up to each of us as to whether or not we want to glorify God and accept the way He sees or whether we want to “do it my way.” Do you know the ironic thing about that is that at the end of “your way”, like Solomon, you still will be searching for meaning.
Just for a glimpse into God’s care over all His works, sit down and read Psalm 104. Then I dare you to think that God hasn’t given to “the apple of His eye” the perfect way to true joy and happiness. How much more will He provide if you let Him!!!
Do you need some extra encouragement? I definitely do at times. If you need the help of a Women’s Bible Study or would like to explore further our One With One Discipleship, please give me a call at 998-2989 or email me at bdnbkyoder@aol.com.
Grace and Peace
Becky