Friday, May 14, 2010

Shelly Says ~ "Something Happens"

I love it when this happens: I ask a question (to God) regarding something that is currently happening or relating to some Bible study or book I'm reading and... BAM... in His time He provides the answer in a surprising way!

This happened yesterday, and I got the answer very quickly.

In the middle of the day, I felt the urge to review some of our material from previous Breaking Free Chapters. I resisted at first - thinking I've spent enough time on that today. ; ) As I sat down to read, Chapter 6 (To Experience God's Peace) really jumped out at me. So, I began reading it again.

Several things spoke to me, but I was left with these questions: What is the key? What unlocks this peace that is inside of us? How do I activate it?

While the answers seem simple... Jesus... I felt that there was more.

Then, as I decided to step away from the book and let those questions linger, I got a strong urge to keep reading. But, instead of reviewing the next chapter, I felt that moving on ahead to today's reading would be the right thing to do.

Now, mind you, I have been keeping up right along with the rest of you... doing the assigned reading on the assigned day; however, I felt the urge to read ahead on Chapter 11 yesterday.

The 2nd line of Chapter 11 gave me the answer to the questions I'd asked: "The key to peace is authority - peace is the fruit of an obedient, righteous life," says Beth Moore.

Wow! Ask and ye shall receive! : ) Praise God!

While we relish in the power and glory of the Lord, let's move on and discuss Chapter 11.

Prayerlessness is an obstacle. So, it seems the key to overcoming this is to develop a life of prayer. Right?

One of my favorite lines from this Chapter is - "The Spirit of God is released through our prayers" (paraphrased from the bottom of pg. 73). That's really powerful! I've never thought of my prayers that way.

What spoke to you? What hit home? What sentence, phrase or idea evoked questions? Did you ask God about them? Are you keeping the eyes and ears of your heart open to receive the answers? How did you answer the study questions?

Today of all days ; ) don't forget to Stop, Drop and Pray.

"The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace." Psalm 29:11 (NASB)

*** That is the preprinted Scripture on the journal page on which I wrote my thoughts yesterday : )