Devotion

We were challenged by our small group leader to be in the Word this week - I sat down tonight to draw up a plan for my study when Ephesians happened upon me. I agree with minimizing frivolity in any study one pursues (not to say that reading the Bible is frivolous in any way, shape or form), but some times, the Bible just speaks for itself. A plan of study is an excellent way to focus the time we spend walking with God - I have found that many of the books people turn to tend to lean on the "self-help" side of things. I have had this conversation with several people in the past - I cannot stand those types of books. I'm not criticizing the people who swear by them, I just think that the contemporary church has lost sight of it's most important Guideline: the Bible.

I did a study on the book of Ephesians when I was in 8th grade - it was part of my home school curriculum that year. I didn't fully appreciate it then, but now when I read the Bible, I have a whole new sense of wonder. It covers everything. This begs the question - why don't more people devote concentrated time reading the Bible? This is a pointed question and I'm mostly asking myself. It's so clear - and there is something so settling about knowing that we're not alone, that God didn't create us and then leave us to our own devices. Technically, we can have whatever our hearts desire - whether it benefits us or not. We are given the opportunity to choose right and wrong. When we know the truth though, why do we choose the wrong? It would save us so much pain and heartache if we just understood that when God says, "don't," He means, "Don't hurt yourself." Pastor James uses that phrase in many of his sermons and it is so true.

Ephesians 5:15-17 - "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Most of what we rely on tends to be our own premonitions and strength. Often times, this falls so far short of being enough. I have been learning this in high volumes over the last couple of months. We can rely on our own strength only to a point - most of the times, this ends badly. Whether the end result is disastrous to use or others around us, the weakness left in the wake of failure is something to be reckoned with; we never truly recover from failures - past or present. Coming to terms with events from our past can be done, to find healing is also attainable; it's what is done in the aftermath that makes us who we are.

One of the hardest things for me to come to terms with in my formative years was hypocrisy. It is the one thing that tends to be the undoing of the Christian church. We are constantly under a microscope - eyes always watching, waiting for a sign of failure to attack. No one person is perfect, God forbid anyone attempt to claim that title. The simplicity and truth of it all: WALK in such a way that forces people to see the difference. LOVE unconditionally and without restraint. With that said, I am one who struggles with forgiveness. I have walked through life with a chip on my shoulder for a number of reasons; none of which I am inclined to broadcast publicly. This is a shortcoming that I am acutely aware of and one that I am trying so very hard to change - the Lord truly has softened my heart in so many areas. I find that I can breath more easily now.

My devotion, my love, my being, everything within me knows that I am nothing without the love of my Savior. A lost wretch who is now found..