Bible Study Thoughts

Thought for the day: "I quit jogging because it was bad for my health...my thighs rubbed together so much my underwear caught on fire!"

Have you ever had one of those days! Seems like it happens to me far more that I would like. Usually I'm running around wildly with my hair on fire smelling smoke and wondering where it is coming from. I'm hoping this year will be better.

One of the things I'm doing just for me is memorizing Psalm 34 as a matra for when I am stressed or overwhelmed instead of grumbling and complaining. " I will bless the Lord at all times:His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. O taste and see that the Lord is good!"

I instituted "First Monday Lunch" rule today at the mission in order to promote togetherness and sense of team. I brought in lunch for the crew. Turkey chili and garlic bread. The guys like it and it isn't hard to please them.

Also I emailed Sue and Sandy Swofford about doing a daily Bible study with me. Guess I will have to wait and see what kind of response I get. It will force me to be in the word daily just to make up questions and to keep them encouraged.

Several thoughts that were "Aha Momments for me". One was Jesus' roots. Four Women listed in the genealogy of Jesus....Tamar ( daughter-in-law to Judah) ,Rahab the harlot ( also a foreigner), Ruth the Moabite ( a foreigner) and Uriah's the Hitite"s widow ( Bathsheba) . Was she also a Hitite or a Jew married to a Hitite? Jesus' birth is questionable and all is listed and none is swept under the carpet. Jesus acknowledges his background and it has a global appeal to all.

Another thought! "Rachel weeping for her children and could not be comforted". The slaughter of baby boys from two years old and younger in Israel. Did Jesus ever think of the the children that had been murdered in an attempt to kill him? Is this one reason Jesus was so compassionate with the children? On going theme: Innocents are killed because of ruthless political rulers. Global impact of Jesus : being raised in his early life in Egypt ( continent of Africa).

One way we are to "be like Jesus". Acknowledge our roots....the good, the bad, and the ugly! Becky says in Canada when people ask where you are from.....they mean your back ground. For us it is being a radical French Huguenot that came to this country for religious freedom!

While reading in I Samuel about David I was particularly impressed with David seeking God's guidance while on the run from Saul. I would have become discouraged long ago.....to be pursued on a daily basis for 15 years! That's more than I can comprehend!

I had such a good time in the Word this morning! I can hardly wait for my Bible Study tonight with Judi and the ladies!