Right responses . . . .

Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33)

God is more concerned with our right responses to adversity than He is us having the right circumstances in or lives! Many times we will complain to God about all that is happening in or lives. We spend more time asking God why than we do how or what. 

We want to know why things are the way they are rather than asking, "How should I respond?" or "What would You have me to do?" After all, He told His closest friends that they would have troubles . . . and boy did they! Yet as He told them, we are to also "be of good cheer . . . I have overcome the world".

As we hold on to His promises, we too shall overcome . . . one day!

Why read scriptures and journal?

“Thus speaks the Lord God of Israel, saying: ‘Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you. (Jeremiah 30:2)

Why read scriptures and journal? Well, there are a few reasons . . .

• It keeps a record.
• It helps us study.
• It opens our eyes up to the Word.
• It challenges us.
• It creates a conversation.
• It helps us listen to God.
• It helps us respond to God.
• It disciplines us.

The spiritual discipline of journaling sets aside a time to read God's Word, listen to His Word, and respond to His Word. It is not just talking to or at God. It is a conversation . . . listen and respond. As we read and respond, we begin to have a HIStory of our conversations with God. We can begin to see how He has responded to us in various times and over months and years. 

Throughout both the New and Old Testament, God instructs the authors to write it down. How do you think we received the Bible? I hope one day my children and grandchildren will be able to pick up this blog and my old Bibles and read what God has accomplished in my lifetime. 

What about you? What is God saying? How do you respond?