For the last two years, we've had the pleasure of going through the books of John and Revelation, word for word. It's been an intense, but great ride. I pray the Holy Spirit reminds us of the truths revealed in those scriptures when we need them. The summaries are written on the website for reference.
It's time to shift gears and catch our breaths. Instead of focusing on a book study, we are going to allow for a more open format, the Freedom Format, where guys are free to share what is going on in their lives. This will be a time to testify what the Lord is doing and what He is revealing in scripture. It will also be a time for prayer and praise. Everyone is encouraged to spend time with the Lord through the week in bible study and prayer. If you don't, it will be an awful quiet gathering! We'll engage this format through the Fall and Holiday Season, then see what the Lord prompts us to do.
It seems our kids are at the top of our lists for prayer. Emotionally tethered to them, we are passionate about them being saved and following the Lord for the rest of their days. That's the heart of God for His people, as well. We are reminded that these really aren't "our" kids, as if we own them. They are God's children. They are gifts from Him. We completely entrust Him with them. Lord, save them and draw them close to You. Even use us, if You can and will, to point to You with our own lives and testimonies. If not us, bring impactful believers into their lives to point to You. We trust You to give them the very best opportunities to hear the Gospel presented. You don't give second-best. We pray their ears are opened and hearts are sensitive to Your voice.
Before going elk hunting, the Lord reminded me that He never said this journey would be easy. He said to get tough. Since then, He's been revealing all the various areas in this spiritual walk to be tough in. It's been good. Physically, I did have to be tough on the hunt, as my foot injury was quite painful on the hikes, but He allowed me to make it through each one. I really enjoyed His mountains. It was a special time for me and Him together. I may have been the happiest hiker in the woods that week! I'm thankful He allowed me to hike, but I'm also thankful He proved to be the provider of strength to handle the strain. It truly was evidence of walking in His strength and power, not my own. I couldn't have done it on my own.
During our last day of the hunt, I prayed the Lord would bring an elk to us, if it was within His will. He didn't. I wasn't disappointed. I trusted He heard my prayer and that He knows best. I accepted His answer. He didn't allow it in His sovereignty, so I have no right to complain or become embittered.
Sometime during the week, He revealed some facts about worry and its negative impact. It seems worry is deceptive and subtle. We walk a fine line of worry each day when we have issues to deal with, problems to solve, and concerns to address. There's no dodging our responsibilities, but we are to be disciplined and tough to control our thoughts and keep issues from becoming worries. We should be entrusting each issue into the Lord's hands and have a strong faith He will work within the processes necessary to the end of the issue. Let's expectantly look for Him to work in even the smallest of issues in our lives. He cares about us that much. Let's walk in dependence of Him to handle each and every problem. Let's hope to bring Him glory in our thoughts, actions, and words as we deal with each challenge.
It's become more apparent we are at our best when living in awareness of His presence, first and foremost. This very fact will actually help us in our relationships and tasks. It's the way to live your best life possible, where He is maximized in you. It allows us to be more in the moment and appreciate things in life more.
Long-term injuries sideline you from doing not only ordinary tasks, but also things you love engaging in. When you finally get to participate in those things again, there is a deep sense of thankfulness and appreciation. I believe this is the attitude He hopes for us to cultivate all the time. This is where you can finally start doing those things for His glory and not your own personal satisfaction. I pray that whatever we do, we will do our best to be appreciative for the opportunity and bring Him glory in doing it.
