a disciple// day 2: we are one in the spirit

Last week I started going to Bible Study class at Austin's church with his family. I absolutely love it. It's exactly what my heart was yearning for.

So we read and discussed part of Philippians 2 and as always, I felt a pull on my heart strings.

In the wake of all that has happened this past week (especially in my state (Florida)--  in Orlando) I feel that this is what we need to keep remembering and telling ourselves... Love wins. Choose love. 

As Dr. Martin Luther King  Jr. once said, "Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that".

Jesus was the ultimate example of love. He humbled himself, born a man and became a servant, living a fully obedient life to God, even when that caused his death (Philippians 2: 8). A death that was for each one of us. He showed the ultimate love.

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. (Philippians 2:2)

Choosing love isn't always the easiest thing, but look at how hate has effected us. 

This song also kept coming to mind.....

If we are all after doing what's right and loving and following Jesus, we are all in one spirit. 

a disciple // day 1

Truth: I grew up in church. I cannot remember a time where I was not a part of a church family or learning about God's Scripture.

Truth: I crave a deeper relationship with God. Yet, I don't always (or often) put in the hard work and effort that I need to. It's as if I just expect Him to do all the work and no relationship is like that, even a relationship with our Father.

So today I sat down with coffee on my back porch and opened my Bible and a Disciple study book that was my dad's. Today I choose to be more like those wonderful men I grew up with that taught and shared and lived the Word, my dad and uncle. They were never pushy. They never forced God on anyone. Instead, they let God work through them and just simply shared the Word. They shared who God is through their actions and kind words. They were some of the best men and men of God that I've ever had the privilege in knowing.

Today I want to start a new habit. A new ritual (for lack of better word). I want to delve deep into the Scripture for myself and share what I feel God calls me to share, as my Uncle Dana did. Not to prove something or pretend to be something I'm not. I want to do it for the same reason I believe he did. Because when you learn or hear or see something wonderful, you want to share it with everyone you know. You want to shout the Good News from the rooftop.
Even if no one reads, but me....

When I picked up the Disciple book, I had forgotten that it had belonged to my dad. His writing and  thoughts are all throughout the study book (and I think it just means that much more to me).

While reading this book, there were some really awesome writings that I enjoyed. They weren't necessarily a brand new idea for me, but they put things in a new perspective.

"Nothing is hidden." The Scriptures (which literally means writings) include all things- from violence and betrayal to divine faith and forgiveness. Nothing is held back. Bad and good of humanity is shared.

When we read the Bible, we shouldn't read it as any other book- it's not a novel or just any other love story or adventure novel. "Rather, as we read, we listen for the Holy Spirit to help us understand eternal, universal truths.  We watch for unexpected insights that are personal, just for us. We savor a promise, a thrill to a story that rings true in our experience, or agonize over a law or principle that could change our lives." "We see new truth."


Today's reading:
"Be strong and brave. Be sure to obey all the teachings of my servant, Moses gave you.  If you follow them exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings. Study it day and night and be sure to obey everything that is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything. Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Do not be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go," Joshua 1:7-9