Spreading Joy

It takes strength to be firm; it takes courage to be gentle.
It takes strength to stand guard; it takes courage to let down your guard.
It takes strength to conquer; it takes courage to surrender.
It takes strength to feel a friend’s pain; it takes courage to feel your own pain.
It takes strength to hide your own pains; it takes courage to show them.
It takes strength to endure abuse; it takes courage to stop it.
It takes strength to stand alone; it takes courage to lean on another.
It takes strength to love; it takes courage to be loved.
It takes strength to survive; it takes courage to live.

Author Unknown

 Your heart should start rejoicing as we enter the New Testament this week! I know mine is!  Keep going, don’t give up.  We are almost through the entire Bible! That should excite YOU!

This week’s reading schedule:

• Day 64 Daniel 9:1 – Hosea 13:6
• Day 65 Hosea 13:7 – Amos 9:10
• Day 66 Amos 9:11 – Nahum 3:19
• Day 67 Habakkuk 1:1 – Zechariah 10:12
• Day 68 Zechariah 11:1 – Matthew 4:25
• Day 69 Matthew 5:1 – Matthew 15:39
• Day 70 Matthew 16:1 – Matthew 26:56

 If we were doing this in person as a discussion group, we would pick one of the following and do a presentation on it.  I will list them for you with the HOPES that you’ll choose one and dive in, learing more and hiding more of God’s word in your heart.  Enjoy!

Isaiah

1. What periods are described in Isaiah and who was the original audience?
2. Describe God’s call of Isaiah (ch 6). Note that the seraph/seraphim are angels. Their name translates roughly as “burning ones.” Consider this for your presentation.
3. The following passages are often called the Servant Songs. What do they tell us?
   • 42:1-4
   • 49:1-6
   • 50:4-9
   • 52:13-53:12  (Isaiah 53:4-5 is a particularly good sommary.)
4. Does 55: 8-9 describe holiness? What is being communicated by these verses?
5. What is the main theme or message of the book of Isaiah?

Jeremiah:

1. What period is described in Jeremiah, and who was the original audience?
2. Jeremiah is sometimes called the “weeping prophet.”  How does 9:1 illustrate this description?
3. See 18:1-11 for an important and particularly poignant image.  Consider this for your visual presentation.
4. What did the kings think of Jeremiah’s warnings (36:20-26)
5. What does 31:33 tell us?
6. Does 29:11-14 sugest that there is any hope?
7. What is a major theme of the book of Jeremiah

Exekiel:

1. What period is described in Ezekiel and who was the original audience?
2. The book of Ezekiel is known for the strange visions described in it.  Consider the following for your visual presentation:
   • The glory of God (chapter 1)
   • The watchman (3:16-21)
   • The valley of dry bones (37:1-14)
   • Cherubim (10:9-14)
3. Describe the prophecy of the new heart (36:26). What does it mean?
4. What is a major theme of the book of Ezekiel?

Daniel:

1. What period is described in Daniel and who was the original audience?
2. Vegetarians no doubt are excited about Daniel’s refusal  oeat the Babylonian diet.  Do you think there’s any chance he was just trying to eat kosher (1:1-18)? What else might his refusal to eat from the king’s table represent?
3. Many popular sayings have their origin in the Bible. Two originate in Daniel.  Describe these scenes and their significance and consider them for your visual presentation:
   • Feet of clay (ch2)
   • The handwriting on the wall (ch5)
4. Daniel includes two important instances in which complete faith is demonstrated.  Describe them and consider for your visual presentation.
   • Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace (3:8-30)
   • Daniel in the den of lions (6:6-28)
5. What does Daniel 2:20-21 tellus about God’s presence in the world?
6. What is a major theme of the book of Daniel?

WHEWW…that is a lot to think about.  But I hope you’ll consider digging deeper and choosing at least one to learn more about.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. Week 10: Haggai There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

At this point, my Bible reading wil be the Bible in 120 days.  But, seriously, how bad can reading through the Bible in 120 days be? I generally read through it over the course of the entire year, but am finding this to be more helpful in getting me to read more.  Even reading through the Bible 2 or 3 times a year has got to be very beneficial.

This weeks reading schedule:

• Day 57 Jeremiah 33:23 – Jeremiah 47:7
• Day 58 Jeremiah 48:1 – Lamentations 1:22
• Day 59 Lamentations 2:1 – Ezekiel 12:20
• Day 60 Ezekiel 12:21 – Ezekiel 23:39
• Day 61 Ezekiel 23:39 – Ezekiel 35:15
• Day 62 Ezekiel 36:1 – Ezekiel 47:12
• Day 63 Ezekiel 47:13 – Daniel 8:27

Biblical prophecy is not just about predicting future events.  Much of it serves a distinctly different purpose.  It provides an inspired perspective on current events.  Keep this in mind and as you think about the following 2 questions.

1.  Use a word or brief phrase to capture Jeremiah’s description of godly people in the following verses:

• 7:23
• 9:24
• 22:16
• 24:7
• 29:11

Do you agree with this list? What would you add or subtract from it?

2.  What attributes of God are found in the following passages from Jeremiah?

• 27:4-6
• 31:1-4
• 31: 34b
• 32:40

Add in 2 other attributes of God not described in the passages above. 

Isaiah  58 describes “fsting”.  Many Christians have never fasted.  Have you ever fasted? If so, what was it like? What kind of fast did you do? If not, would you consider fasting?  Is the sacrifice worth the effort?

Books you’ll encounter this week:

Lamentations: Poetic laments concerning the destruction of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel: Initial prophecies warn of fall of Jerusalem. After the fall, he offers oracles of hope.

Daniel: Daniel and his 3 friends are exemplary representatives of God while in exile in Babylon. While there Daniel pens a number of long-range prophecies.

Are you behind in your reading? If so, keep moving.  The main thing is to finish.  It doesn’t matter how long it takes you, just keep reading, enjoying, learning and soaking up God’s wonderful word.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. Week 9: Daniel There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

When I began listening to the audio version of  A Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada I listened, knowing that she had an amazing ministry to disabled people.  I expected this book to be directed to towards physical healing, but quickly found out that it spoke very loudly to my heart.  I have no physical disabilities, but found that healing is necessary, so I listened with an open heart and mind. 

Listening to this book from a view point of hurt is painful, regardless of what kind it is; will help you to begin the healing that your heart requires.  You may need physical healing and this book can and will speak loudly to you. 

You may require other kind of healing, such as healing of your heart that is discouraged, discontent or depressed.  You may need healing due to trust issues with someone you love deeply.  You may need healing from knowing God’s will for your life and fear has gripped your soul so much so that you are afraid to step out and go forward with the plans that God has in-store for you. 

One of my favorite quotes from Joni is:

I pray for strength to bare my pain, grace to benefit from it and devotion to offer it up to God as a sacrifice of praise. 

Again, pain – regardless of the “kind of pain” hurts.  Joni reminds us that God’s power always shows up in weakness and that pain and trials can lead to a heightened thirst for Christ.

Joni didn’t sugar coat any of the painful truth about living with chronic pain, daily hurts and disappointments and the question of how can this great pain benefit anyone, much less bring glory to the Lord?  This book provides an honest look at dealing with any kind of hurt that you may need healing from. 

If you are battling wave after wave of pain, hurt, sorrow or just feel like your heart will never sing again, I hope you’ll get this book, listen to it from a standpoint that hurt needs healing, regardless of what kind of hurt it is, and then – let the healing begin as you listen to an honest look at coming to a Place of healing. 

This book is read by Joni, which is a treat.  It’s very nicely done as she is use to speaking, teaching and talking to large groups of individuals. 

Thank you to christianaudio for a complimentary copy of this book via the Reviewers program.  I am not required to give a positive review of this book. 

Christianaudio has a free audiobook for your downloading pleasure each and every month, as well as gift certificates for the audio book enthusiast in your world.

for delighting in my delight
for noticing when I need to be noticed
for paying attention to what makes me happy
and knowing no gesture is too small
for loving me as always
and the humor that makes me giggle – sometimes 3 days later
for the hugs everyday, so little to most but so HUGE in my eyes
for calling when you can
for helping me get through the day
for always knowing…always!
for honestly communicating with me
and allowing me to see you through
for the sparkle in my eye when I see your eyes sparkle
for the words that inspire me to give more
for listening when I need to empty my heart and soul of hurt
for the guidance when I feel lost
thank you for all the treasures that you give to my heart
for the smile that lights my face each day
for the unexpected kindness you flood me with
for accepting me just as I am
and encouraging the little girl in me to run free
for your amazing smile that chases away gloom…….

Thank You!

It was my honor and pleasure to be a guest on the Setting Boundaries and Finding Sanity Blog Talk Radio with Diane Viere. 

Setting Boundaries knows when we love an adult child whose life is out of control we can often feel helpless and hopeless. How do you step back into joy when your heart is filled with sorrow? Regardless of the type of sorrow you are feeling, there are ways of finding joy.

Finding joy among chaos and the feeling that your world is falling apart is completely possible and it was my pleasure to speak with her on that topic. This is a very honest and candid talk about being joyful – even through tears.

Setting Boundaries & Finding Sanity Blog Talk Radio Interview

Easy steps to Finding JOY when your heart is sorrowful:

• Give JOY – This should go without saying, but we often forget that it IS better to give than to receive. When we give anything to anyone, our hearts are often flooded with joy. Giving back doesn’t have to always be expensive, huge gifts.  Cards, smiles, hugs – simple pleasures are just as joyful as other gifts.
• Smile – Simple, yet can often can make a huge difference to a heart that is sorrowful.  
• Do not compare – Don’t do it.  Comparing things, dwelling on the “have nots” is asking for sorrow.
• Notice and count the JOYs that are swirling all around you.  – So many little things make our life big, yet we tend to miss it because we are counting our “sorrows” instead of our joys. One easy way to do this is by journaling.  When you write down the JOYs, the happiness, the smile starters – you have something you can look at to remind yourself of the good times.
• Plan JOY – We plan meetings, Dr appts, visits here and there. Plan some joyful things. Plan a family night. Plan a walk in the park. Plan it and then expect joy. The only rule is that there is no discussion of the sorrow that surrounds you.  PLAN and COUNT the joy.
• Remember, this too shall pass.  We will have trials, tears and sorrow, but it won’t always be this way.  Look ahead into the future. Joy is coming.

Some Favorite quotes:

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. Thich Nhat Hanh

Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. Fyodor Dostoevsky

 I could talk for days on end about finding joy, spreading joy and the like.  I hope you’ll be encouraged by listening to the interview and you’ll start finding joy.   Once you start looking for ways of spreading joy, you’ll easily begin to notice opportunities for making a difference. 

To easily get started, take the 30 day challenge. One act of joy a day for 30 days, to get you in the habit of spreading joy.  If you think you can not afford to be spreading joy, think again!   Here are 50 ways of making a difference without spending a penny.

Are you ready to find joy? If so, you’ll soon realize that “There is NO joy like Spreading Joy!”

Follow Diane on Twitter http://twitter.com/partnerinSANITY as she regularly has free webinars and documents to help you while you are on the road to sanity!

So, tell me.  How do you step into joy when your heart is sorrowful?

How are you spreading joy?  Do you try to make a difference with someone at least ONCE daily?

Did this interview encourage you to find true joy, even through the tears? I can’t wait to hear YOUR story of finding and spreading joy!

{{{HUGS}}} yall

A friend of mine reminded me of something today that I know and unfortunately – I know it all to well.  Love hurts!  It truly does. 

No matter who it is that you love, you run the risk of hurting because of that love.  Sometimes it’s done intentionally, other times it’s by accident and sometimes there is absolutely nothing that can be done at all.  We’ve all spent countless hours with tears falling because someone we love has hurt us, or someone that we love is hurting.   

When you give your heart away you run the risk of having to pick it back up, one piece at a time because someone has torn it into a million pieces.  You don’t know if your heart will be treasured as much as you desire.  But still, you take the risk and give it away.

Love hurts when parents don’t care or value their children as much as they should. Love hurts when we’ve taught our children to do their best, make wise choices and they still decide to do what will completely destroy their life.  Love hurts when you are sitting in the hospital room and the doctor tells you to do what you want to do because you’ve only got six months to live.  Love hurts when that person looks at you after hearing they only have a short time to live and says….”what do you think?” At that moment LOVE is killing you and ripping your heart to pieces and all you can mutter is, “I love you and I’m going to miss you deeply.” 

Love hurts when you watch your loved one slowly forget what they’ve known all along as well as how to do simple day to day things.  Love hurts every single time you leave them at the nursing home because they can no longer take care of themselves nor do they remember who you are.  

Love hurts when you do your very best but you hear that your best isn’t good enough. Love hurts when you no longer fit in because aren’t as nice looking as the rest of the group. 

Love hurts when you are holding a limp body that is convulsing with pain because it has been through so much and your only desire is for the pain to be placed on you, but you know differently. You can’t help them; all you can do is hold them and weep because love hurts so much. 

Love hurts when you get a phone call that says “there was an accident” or “they had a heart attack” and you think back to the last words that you said.  Love hurts as you are numb with grief and try to remember if you told them just how much you loved them. 

Love hurts when you’ve tried and tried but fail.  You look upon your friends and wonder when will it be your turn.  You love them, but love hurts.  Love hurts when your best friend is on the phone, crying and the words won’t come.  You have no comfort to offer her, so you listen in silence and cry with her, wishing your heart would speak to you so you could help her. 

Love hurts when you realize that “I’ll always love you” doesn’t mean forever anymore and love hurts when “I’ll never forget” ends way too soon.    

Yes, my beautiful friend. Love DOES hurt.  But Love also does many other things.   

Love comforts the heart that has been torn into a million pieces because the heart is an amazing thing and love is so very powerful.   It is the comfort of sending an emergency text requesting prayer and having that text replied to at 2:30 in the morning saying that others are praying as well.  

Love brings peace on the other end of the phone that simply says, “I’m sorry and I love you. I can not let you hang up until we laugh!”  and then simply talking until the natural effect of love takes place and the laughter simply oozes out.  

Love gives delight and puts a gleam in the parent’s eyes for a visit from a “complete stranger” at the nursing home.  They don’t have the memories anymore, but the time spent right now fills their heart with delight! Love is coming home to a parent that says welcome home, your room is waiting and even though you don’t deserve one single solitary nice thing from your parent, the forgiveness is greater than all that awaits you, because you know you don’t deserve that love or forgiveness anymore. 

Love assures the child and reminds him or her that he doesn’t have to pretend or be fake because their parents love them, just the way they are.  Regardless of weight, looks, IQ, status in school or the kind of career they end up in. Love is real and unconditional. Love is stomping through mud puddles while holding someone’s hand and laughing because this opportunity doesn’t happen often.  

Love is an opportunity to say I will miss you when these few short months are gone, but you have made my world far better than I could have made it without you.  Love is an opportunity to share and laugh at the little things that make life big. We can’t always count on being wildly successful or the greatest, but we can make the most of each opportunity brought our way, no matter how small. 

Love restores hope when all hope has been lost.  It lifts the head of the discouraged, it lights a fire in the eyes of the depressed.  Love motivates, encourages and inspires others to love and usually in a greater fashion.  Love shows the beauty of disfigurement, the tenderness of the aged, the passion of the brave and the power of the fearful.  Love thunders its power through the pain and sickness of cancer and the many diseases that grip our hearts with uncertainty.  Love whispers reassurance that no matter what, I’m right here with you.  

Love divides the pain and doubles the JOY.  Love is patient, kind, enormous, caring, abundant, boundless, dependent as well as helpful, responsible, peaceful, thoughtful, calming and serious. 

 Love will allow a mom to step between her child and danger without consideration of the outcome.  Love will wake a friend in the middle of the night without worry of what might be said later. Love brings music to the heart during the worst trial and allows you to sing even though tears may be falling.

Love is the mile wide smiles that are painted on faces because of the sparkle in the eyes of another.  Love is the hug that doesn’t let go right off the bat because the moment, the instant the hug is given the heart is flooded with spectacular joy from such a simple, yet wonderful gift.  Love is the joy that fills the soul when good nights or even good byes are exchanged.  Love is the tears that are shed because you wonder how in the world you ever made it through the day without their love to begin with.  

Yes, it is true.  Love does hurt and the risk is great.  But with all the wonderful things love does, I say go for it!  Love and love deeply!  Love is worth the risk as the returns are so much greater than the pain. 

Will you risk love?

Is it worth the risk?

{{HUGS}} yall

We just finished up Proverbs!  Wise words to live by.  I hope you enjoyed it and applied it where applicable.  Some of them deal with our faith – “Trust in the LORD”, some of them deal with our actions. They all speak to the heart and make us wiser for it.  As you read, keep in mind there are 4 types of proverbs:

1. Synonymous – the second line repeats the first line in a little different way
2. Antithetical – the second line is contrary to the first line
3. Synthertic – the second line adds to the idea of the first line
4. Comparative – a truth is explained relative to some experience or something in nature

This Week’s Reading Schedule:

• Day 50 – Isaiah 14:1 – Isaiah 28:29
• Day 51 – Isaiah 29:1 – Isaiah 41:18
• Day 52 – Isaiah 41:19 – Isaiah 52:12
• Day 53 – Isaiah 52:13 – Isaiah 66:18
• Day 54 – Isaiah 66:19 – Jeremiah 10:13
• Day 55 – Jeremiah 10:14 – Jeremiah 23:8
• Day 56 – Jeremiah 23:9 – Jeremiah 33:22

Did you memorize a Psalm? Share that if you did.  I love Ps. 46. Many know Ps 23.  They are all awesome to hide in our heart.

Are you caught up on reading?  If not, don’t sweat it.  I’m on target with listening, (I listen while I work) but this weekend….I have got to get some major catching up done on the reading. 

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Lao Tzu said “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”  I have found that sometimes we take that first step naturally, other times it is quite by accident. Then there are the times that we are forced into taking that step with no control over what is happening, no look into what will be happening or no clue as to why it is happening.

That first step can often be scary, confusing and downright difficult.  When we are facing a new direction, a new journey of yet another thousand miles, sometimes it is so easy to over look the positive because we are afraid or focused on the unknown.  Instead of checking out the scenery along the way of our journey, we are focused on the “what ifs”.  We need to eliminate the “what if” game from our life and enjoy our journey, enjoy the beauty that is surrounding us and know that even with challenges that lay ahead, joy is swirling all around us, waiting to be noticed and appreciated. 

As my life takes a new direction, I’m not fearful, I’m not worried – I’m excited!  The last 4 years of my journey has been such a hodge podge of emotions, challenges and events.  When I embarked on that journey in April of 2006, I was fearful. It was the most difficult challenge I had ever faced and I literally stood, looking at my virtual mountain and thought “ok, swallow me up, get it over with….I’ll never be able to do this, NOT in a million years.”  The only thing that was consistent was change and I had never been presented with so much to learn all at once.  I was afraid of an epic fail. 

Not only was there NOT an Epic Fail – but it was the best four years ever. Challenges presented themselves. People came into my life, securing a permanent place in my heart, new things were learned, old ideas were tossed out the door.  New friendships were made, faith was increased. 

My new direction is in employment.  At my last assignment, there was lots of smiling, singing, problems and mercy – the food and gatherings were always such fun!  There were projects that seem to never end and then the easy ones that made you feel as though you accomplished something right away.  There was the infamous 3 day work week *ahem* and the immediate “NO” (with a big smile) as certain people came through the door looking for stuff.  There were those that brightened the day with their laughter, smiles and hugs, as well as the 2 that made my path smell wonderful as I journeyed down the halls.  There was the direct leadership, that was always appreciative, realistic and supportive and made the day enjoyable, regardless of the challenges and ocean of paperwork that continued to grow.

Has your direction changed recently? Are you standing at the bottom of the biggest mountain you’ve ever faced and are thinking, go ahead…swallow me up? Are you moving towards the unknown? 

What are you doing to appreciate the journey? Are you noticing the little things that make life Big while you fight your way down this road? I hope so, because the JOY is there, swirling all about you – begging for you to notice and appreciate it.

Go ahead! Take that first step….your next thousand miles awaits you!

{{{HUGS}}} Yall

Starting Week 3 of our Journey through the Bible.  I have to confess, this is quite the challenge.  Of course everything has gotten busier to the Nth degree and reading 12 pages a day is difficult.  I have been reading everyday, but I must confess….I am behind.  I will be caught up by the end of this session. 

How are YOU doing? Are you ahead? Are you behind? What are your thoughts so far?

Reading Schedule for this week:

• Day 15 – Deuteronomy 23:12 – Deut 34:12
• Day 16 – Joshua 1:1 – Joshua 14:15
• Day 17 – Joshua 15:1 – Judges 3:27
• Day 18 – Judges 3:28 – Judges 15:12
• Day 19 – Judges 15:13 – I Samuel 2:29
• Day 20 – I Samuel – 2:30 – I Samuel 15:35
• Day 21 – I Samuel 16:1 – I Samuel 28:19

This Week’s Reading Tips:

Pay attention to the following people in your reading this week. How do these people interact with God? How faithful are they to God’s will?

• Joshua: Joshua, Rahab
• Judges: Deborah, Gideon, Samson
• Ruth: Ruth, Naomi, Boaz
• 1 Samuel: Samuel, Saul, David

Books You’ll Encourter This Week:

Joshua Overview: Moses’ former assistant becomes leader of the nation of Israel. The book celebrates the many victories that God brings to the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership. At the same time, the failure of the people to follow completely God’s plans plants the seeds for future failure.  KEY TEACHINGS: God kept his promise, giving the land he had  promised to Abraham many centuries earlier.   God is the one who brings victory; there is no foe that can withstand him.  God expects obedience.

Judges Overview: this book clearly delineates the impact of leaders who follow God from those who do not.  Some of the favorite Biblical personalities from children’s Sunday School are found here – Deborah, Gideon and Samson.  Key Teachings: God is patient, just and merciful.  God is able to accomplish his plan even through flawed individuals. God held the Israelites accountable to his expectations of them.

Ruth Overview: Ruth’s story of faithfulness is remarkable in its own right, made more so considering she was from Moab, a nation considerd an enemy of Israel. Ruth and Boaz are ancestors of Christ.  Key Teachings: God remained faithful to his people even when the times were characterized by unfaithfulness.  God provides for those who are faithful.

1 Samuel Overview: Samuel is not only a priest, prophet and judge, but a kingmaker. At God’s behest, Samuel anoints Saul the first king of Israel after the people call for a king.  God later directs Samuel to anoint Saul’s successor, David, which sets up a series of conflicts between Saul and David.  Key Teachings: God provided a king for his people.  God Reigns!  God’s power and sovereignty are demonstrated through his king.  God will punish even his chosen ones when they disobey.

Think about it:

“A young man asked God how long a million years was to him. God replied, it’s like a single second in your time. Then the young man asked God what a million dollars was to him. God replied, it’s like a single penny to you.  Then the young man asked God, Could I have one of your pennies? God smile and replied, sure…give me one second.”

God perceives time differently than we do. God gives us the same amount of time and the question isn’t if we have the time to read 12 pages a day, it is if we choose to.  How are we choosing to use our time?

Questions for discussion:

1.  Are you reading the Bible instead of other things in your life or in addition to?

2.  If you are still struggling with your reading, what activites can you eliminate? Where can you squeeze in more reading?

3.  What advice would you give to others who are just beginning this journey or are struggling to keep up.

Digging In:

4.  Refer to Leviticus and list the 5 main sacrifices

5. God lays out the elements and purposes of these offerings with some specificity. Is there too much detail here? What does this suggest about God’s involvement with his people’s lives?

6. What happens to Aaron’s sons in Leviticus 10: 1-2? What does this tell us about how God expectus us to interact with Him?

Applying it:

7.  In Numbers we find God’s people wandering in the wilderness for several decades after failing to believe God would lead them to victory.  Have you ever experienced a similar delay due to fear or similar lack of belief? How can we apply this to our lives today?

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin.  Here is the main information page as well.