It’s World Ballet Day
Classes from all over, bringing back lots of memories of days gone by. Simply beautiful.
Online Bible Study: The P31 OBS
I’ve had about enough lately of spending time on meaningless things. Perhaps that’s why simplicity has become my goal. I dare say I haven’t reached it but I surely want to.
I was reminded to let my readers know, Monday September 22 is the beginning date for Proverbs 31 Ministries next online Bible study.
You can sign up and learn more about P31 via their web site. Thousands of women sign up for these studies, women from all around the world. You only need to obtain a book to get started. There are numerous ways to plug in, and you can choose your level of participation. Current study information is available via this link.
This time around, you can look forward to reading and working through Lysa TerKeurst’s The Best Yes. Don’t miss any of the resources Lysa has made available via her web site.
And isn’t that what it’s all about? I am simply overwhelmed at times by how cluttered my days are. I do not do the things I want to do.
Romans 7:18-20 (NLT) 18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
It may not seem as drastic as some sin, but not spending time on the right thing can be a real problem. Normally I wouldn’t see my choices in this light. Sometimes however, I believe my choices really are sinful. Or selfish. My priorities are simply wrong. Just this week an avalanche of issues robbed me of my time. In some instances I felt spiritual opposition had been directed my way. In other situations, better choices could have been made. Above all, people matter more than meaningless endeavors.
Update: due to some business issues, I haven’t had time to plunge into this study. I have not read The Best Yes yet but I plan to because I want to see if I am on track with my thinking. If you have any questions, feel free to comment here. Are you reading the book or participating in the OBS (Online Bible Study)? Feel free to share your thoughts here.
Prayer at Wits’ End
I ran across this in the August 28 reading from My Utmost for His Highest, Daily Devotionals by Oswald Chambers.
Ask and God will do. Give Jesus Christ the opportunity and the room to work. The problem is that no one will ever do this until he is at his wits’ end. When a person is at his wits’ end, it no longer seems to be a cowardly thing to pray; in fact, it is the only way he can get in touch with the truth and the reality of God Himself. Be yourself before God and present Him with your problems— the very things that have brought you to your wits’ end. But as long as you think you are self-sufficient, you do not need to ask God for anything. “August 29.” My Utmost for His Highest. pag. 28 Aug. 2014. Web. <http://utmost.org>.
This has long been one of my favorite devotional books because it really makes me think. I can’t just read this and walk away. I have to ponder it awhile. Sometimes the readings zero right in on the issues I’ve been dealing with in recent days. Funny how an old book speaks to contemporary living.
August 2014 was a wits’ end month. First our business equipment died, a rather speedy costly death. Then we got a lovely notice concerning taxes. You can guess what it was. My insurance agent said it’s worse than having a root canal. Research shows that less than 1% of businesses like ours even get them. Lovely. At the same time, I was diagnosed with something called Dupuytren’s Contracture. I had to go to an audio medical dictionary just to learn to pronounce it! I wish I didn’t have it. It isn’t something a writer wants to have since it can result in hand and finger deformities. Ouch.
Yes, it was a wits’ end month. I’m upset, I have no idea what to do and I’m very frustrated and extremely aggravated. That’s the best working definition I can find for my wits’ end situation. In my effort to live a simple life, trouble manages to find me. I would like to simply be left alone.
I’m a far cry from being self-sufficient, so I ask. And I ask a whole lot. I’ve taught myself to remember that God doesn’t cause the problems. He allows them. And I ask Him for help. The devotional goes on to compare our asking to the way a child would ask. A child can be pretty brave in his asking. I’m asking with dependency on Him, presenting my problems to the reality of God Himself. Walking in faith, looking for the truth of His Word. I won’t say it’s easy. I get stressed, and I question myself and Him. I know I’m not alone in this.
What has you at your wits’ end? Are you at the end of your self-sufficiency? Do these words strike a chord with regard to your prayer life? Do you have a go-to devotional that speaks to you during the rough, frustrating times?
Is there prayer at your wits’ end? Help us Lord, to look to you through prayer when we’re in the land of wits’ end living.
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