April 22, 2013

Behold Him By Meditating Upon His Word!

Learning to contemplate and meditate upon God's Word is an important and refreshing discipline you can put into practice in your daily life. 

This week I will share with you a wonderful method I love to use to meditate on Scripture.  It is a four step process:  Read, Reflect, Respond & Rest.

First, you will read the following passage four times out loud if possible.  It may seem redundant, but each time you read the verse try emphasizing a different word or phrase.  

Next you will read the passage, then read it once more and ask yourself some reflection questions.  

Read it a third time and respond to the Lord in prayer and then read it once again and rest in what God has spoken to you today through His word as you praise Him!

Complete the method using the passage below or download and print a PDF version. 

Read: Psalm 63:1-8 (out loud if possible).  Note any words or phrases that catch your attention.

 Reflect: Read Psalm 63:1-8 again and reflect and meditate on the passage, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is there something I need to know about God?
• Is there something I need to know about my relationship with God?
• Is there something that speaks to the circumstances of my life right now?

Respond: Read Psalm 63:1-8  once again.  Pray specifically for something God has revealed to you as you answered the questions in the Reflect section.  Personalize the verses in a prayer back to the Lord.

  

Rest: Read Psalm 63:1-8 and close in a time of praise to the Lord. 

Delighting in Him,

Susan Cady

Women's Bible Study Team

April 15, 2013

Bluebirds & Bended Knee

He bends down to hear me.  I will pray to Him as long as I have breath.   Psalm 116:2

The word picture in this verse of the Lord God Almighty bending down from the heavenlies to hear my prayer has so captured my heart.  It reminds me of some amazing realities: the Lord desires to fellowship with me and His faithfulness and love toward me are unfailing.  He longs for me to just be available - listening, waiting, and watching - for me to bend my knee in an act of worship and adoration to Him.

One day after reading this verse at my kitchen table I bowed my head, closed my eyes, and just sat very still in the Lord's presence asking Him to just show up.  As a looked up a few moments later, out my window I saw a beautiful bluebird perched on the deck.  I know this was a gift from the Lord!  He delights to give us gifts that thrill our hearts.  And He knew this one would thrill mine.  I just love bluebirds and so rarely see them.  He leaves precious gifts like bluebirds on the windowsill when I am still, watching and waiting.  What a delight to be in the Lord's presence just enjoying Him! 

Take time to draw near to the Lord and just delight in His presence today.

What are some of the things the Lord delights in telling us? 

• I have loved you with unfailing love and have drawn you to me with cords of kindness.  Jeremiah 31:33
• Fear not, I am with you. Isaiah 41:10
• You are engraved on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:16
• Stop fretting, I am Sovereign.  Rest in Me!Psalm 46:10
• I have heard your heart's cry, trust Me!Psalm 34:17
• You are forgiven in Christ!  Ephesians 1:7
• Here's a part of your life you need to surrender to Me. Proverbs 3:5-6
• Minister to this person. Galatians 5:13
• Seek forgiveness from someone or offer forgiveness to someone. Colossians 3:13

Delighting in Him,

Susan Cady

Women's Bible Study Team

February 18, 2013

Good Morning!

This week we will be taking a break from our

"Are You Walking in Fear or Faith" series.  Enjoy this devotional by Susan Cady. I know it will be refreshing to your soul.  

Blessings,

Jacqueline Heider

Women's Ministry 

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God's Word - A Spa for the Soul

Read Hebrews 4:12 and Psalm 19:7-11

Rejuvenates -

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the word of God is living and active.  These words actually mean "to have life, be alive" and  "energy, capable of doing, power, engaged in work".  It is energy to our souls.  It is actively working in us to bring about real life!  It rejuvenates us when we are tired, weary, distraught, overwhelmed, fearful, worried or burdened.  

Reveals -

We also read in the verse in Hebrews that God's word judges the thoughts and intentions of our hearts.  It's like an exfoliation for our hearts and souls.  It exposes areas of wrong thinking, wrong attitudes, and areas where the enemy has taken us captive in our thoughts.  It reveals areas of our lives that are not wholeheartedly devoted to Him.

Revives -

Did you notice the ways God's Word is described in Psalm 19:7-11?  Go back and take another look.  It says it is reviving the soul, enlightening the eyes, rejoicing the heart, making wise, and tastes sweeter than honey -these are great mental pictures for us of the rejuvenating and reviving power of God's Word in our lives.

When we are in the Word of God, reading, studying and meditating upon it, we are able to recognize the lies that are keeping us captive, the lies that are hindering our growth, areas we need to surrender and truth we need to apply and live out.  God uses it to expose and then restore so we reflect Christ Jesus. 

Renews -

Read Romans 12:1-2.  Romans tells us that we are transformed (changed) when we renew our minds.  This enables us to discern God's will.  He changes our attitudes, thoughts, words and actions -all through the power of His Spirit at work within us and His powerful and energizing word of truth.

Could you use some rejuvenation in your life?  Do you need to be refreshed in your soul and spirit? Spend some time today renewing your mind and reviving your heart and soul in God's Word.

Rejoicing in Him!

Susan Cady

Women's Ministry Bible Study Leader