Wendy uses chapter 5 as a sort of review and recounts how she has begun to see times of trial as precious treasures that point her to Christ. She sums up Part 1 by hitting the nail on the head with...
"Theology at its most basic sense, is simply the study of God. Proper theology is not complex, but it is fundamentally important for all believers, because knowing our God and understanding his character are essential tools that enable us to exercise wisdom in our daily lives. As we study who God is and what he does, we are equipped to deal with the big and small issues of life. Knowing God and acting in faith in light of those beliefs is key to a life that is pleasing to God. Know him, and then act like you know him. That is faith."In response to part 1, use today as a sort of "review". The key to all learning is repetition (that's a Cody Cline quote), so take some time today to re-read what you've highlighted, underlined, and journaled since our time together began.
I know God is shaping me through our readings and I'm just dying to hear how He is sanctifying you! Now, please offer your response to the following question and post it as a comment to this blog post (http://abideoverbreak.blogspot.com/). Please limit your response to 1 paragraph.
After reflecting over the journey thus far (Part 1), what (if anything) lasting and of God will you take away from it?
I will be praying the following verse for you as you think through this question and respond.
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." 1 Thes. 5:23-24.Merry Christmas!
This book has been such a blessing for me! When I was reading the parts about God pruning and refining us to bring us closer to Him and further His kingdom, I thought to myself, "This is good stuff. I'm definitely going to remember that next time." Little did I know that God would test me so soon! I am currently going through a difficult situation but I have so much peace knowing that "God is", and all things work together for good for those who love him. I just constantly have to put the situation in an eternal perspective and lay it at God's feet multiple times a day-"Thy will be done."
ReplyDeleteJennifer Freeland
Soooo Cool, Jennifer :).
ReplyDeleteSomething I've been continually brought back to (I probably re-read it every day!) is the C.S. Lewis quote on page 39... ".... we are far too easily pleased." It's good timing because especially around Christmas time, I can become so materialistic & such a consumer! I've been trying to search my heart, desires, thoughts, etc. to pin-point what I'm being "pleased" with (which are more than likely just idols). Oh, how I long for that to be Jesus!
God is undenaibly real, but this is only a part of having faith. The other part is to seek him. I'm too often lulled into a sense of complacency by worldly things, and refuse to go out of my comfort zone. This is something I need to change. God promised unimaginable rewards for those who seek & obey him, so how could my comfort zone possibly compare? I also really liked the quote from James on page 54, "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes," so why am I letting myself get so caught up in little details? I need to learn to hand them over to God.
ReplyDeleteRachael Meyer
I am learning so much about what faith is. I don't think I ever truly understood faith, and it's always been sitting right there in front of me, but God is opening my heart to it this time around I guess. Coming off a semester where I let stress and worry really take hold of me, and pretty much control me, this study has really hit hard. I'm a little nervous, but at the same time excited to start back and let God take control and not stress and worry, but to really practice true faith in God. I want to let God completely capture my heart, and to turn to Him when I'm struggling and find peace and comfort in the knowledge that He is God, and He IS good.
ReplyDelete- Laura Wuest