The House You're Building

Next week I'm going on vacation and won't be posting a study.  So this week I'm doing two-but there is a catch...you create the study!  Now before you think I'm a total slacker this is really for your benefit.  Your goal as a Christian is to grow into a self-feeder when it comes to the word.  Hebrews 5:12-14 says that  as we grow in the faith how we feed (understand the word) is to grow to, much like the natural course of human development.  I'll be giving you some "behind the scenes" on how I do my study for you to give you a jump start.    To finish up our study on bringing others the word of reconciliation, we will finish by looking at how we are to treat other believers.  Though I will still write this study for you when I return, your work this week is to preview the topic by your own searching. Just think of it like I'm sending you on a biblical-treasure hunt.  Here are some guidelines on how to ...

Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life   --Deuteronomy 4:9 So how is balance in your life going?   Back in March I wrote a devotional at a very transitional time in my life when I had first started this blog.   This past February, my family moved into a house that started as a dream four years prior.   Building this house has been a season where God has taught me many things about my faith through the symbolism of this process.   I’ve shared before that what He showed me seemed to be a perfect fit for the title of my blog.   During the routine of the school year, the direction from Him that came of this time with God about balance was really clicking.   For those of us in Washington there are a lot of jokes about the weather right now.   Is it really summer?   For me it is because school is out...

Prepare Your Heart:   Read Psalm 127:3-5.   Meditate prayerfully on this verse.   What are the blessings you have received as a parent?   Like my marriage study, I approach this lesson with slight trepidation.   I am not a perfect parent and don’t claim to be.   We are all on this God-seeking journey together.    It’s often nice to know you aren’t the only one who hasn’t got it all together yet.   This week I’ve returned back from a trip to Colorado to visit my college roommate who is also a new mom.   It was pure joy to see the love in this family.   He is a miracle.   It was difficult for them to conceive but they have come out on the other side with a healthy baby boy.   In coming home, I was greeted by big hugs from my own two and “a what did you get me.”   Having dinner that night as a family for the first time in a few days, my son was having a hard time remembering to use his table manners.   At our h...

Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking.   For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the early messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!   When God spoke from Mount Sinai His voice shoot the earth, but now He makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also:   This means that all of the creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.   Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.   For our God is a devouring fire .    Hebrews 12: 25-29 I have been tempted this week not to listen.   Have you ever been at crossroads where God is calling you to walk with Him down a dark path where you can’t see?   Where fears and questions seem to paralyze you?   You’d much rather go y...