I just wanted to leave a quick note for those who read here regularly, or maybe even from time to time and have been encouraged or blessed by these ‘short’ Bible studies. As you might know, I’ve been pretty consistent in posting almost daily these past 4.5 years. Even when traveling or on vacation, I would always find myself up early, reading and studying... for myself, if for no one else. And still...even when on the road I would find myself pulling out my laptop and typing away. I’ve often described what I find every morning as ‘manna’ from heaven, which I would gather up and feed on and then gladly share with whoever cared to partake for themselves. And trust me...I know myself well enough that there was no way I could continue to generate this much ‘material’ on a daily basis...on my own. I know where it’s been coming from.
Having said this, it seems in the past month or so, I’ve had some ‘pauses’ in my daily posting; not in my study time...just sharing/posting these lessons. At times, I think it is a ‘test’ from the Lord so I don’t get ahead of Him or think I’m doing this on my own. I’ve also felt there may be a ‘shifting of the winds’ in what God might be doing or the direction He may be leading me in with these daily postings. I’m not quite sure yet what that might look like, but we shall see. This I know – I’m at a stage and season in my life where I just want to abide in Him and do things His way; I know where ‘my ways’ usually end up.
The next two weeks may be hit and miss here as Kathy and I are heading out later today (Tuesday) to go visit our middle child and her husband in Denmark. This will be our first ‘excursion’ since Kathy retired about a month ago. Yes, they have internet over there and I will have my Bible and laptop with me...so if I find some ‘Danish Manna’ over there, you can rest assure I will share it here with you as well. :- ) (Not the pastries though lol )
In the meantime, I want to pass on a link (will post in the first comment box below) a podcast that a sweet friend sent to me recently. It’s about an hour long and I listened to it and was captivated by it, mainly because much of what was being articulated in the broadcast mirrored in so many ways, a similar message I’ve been sharing here regularly for the past 4-5 years. In fact, I even ordered the guest’s book and am going through it now. So if you need some good ‘manna’ and might want to hear ‘another voice’ for a change, I would recommend you giving it a listen to; you might also even want to order the book and give it a read yourself. I am just finding what is being shared in it is just so enlightening and helpful.
You don’t need me to remind you how much suffering is being experienced by people these days everywhere you look. Be it emotional or mental pain...to physical suffering, family relationships and marriage. etc., ...and don’t even get me started on the divisive polarization that is taking place in our society these days for ‘all the reasons’. We truly are living in some dark times, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any ‘healing light’ out there.
I just want to see people helped and lifted up out of the miry clay (Ps. 40:2). I know what God has done for me in recent years and He wants to help, encourage, and lift up so many others...who are willing to ‘come to the light’ (John 3:17-21; 5:39-40; Matt. 11:28-30). And may I remind you one more time why so many of God’s people are hurting/suffering... if not ‘being destroyed’? (Hosea 4:6).
One last thought, or maybe it’s a request. I’m not asking you because I ‘need’ this, but I know it would be a great encouragement to me if I heard from anyone who has been blessed by reading here the past few years. I don’t track or keep record of who ‘likes’ or shares these posts; and I’m not looking for any pats on the back. There are some who I hear from on occasion who do indeed voice much appreciation for what I share here, and that always blesses me. So if you have been helped in any way...and have seen a difference for the good in your own walk with Jesus because of what you have learned here...feel free to leave a comment or send a private message here; I’d love to hear from you.
So until I return stateside...be blessed...and make it your heart’s desire to pursue Him, seek first His kingdom...and above all else...ask Him to enrich your walk by learning how to abide in Him on an ongoing basis (John 15:1-8).
This pic I posted above was from last night...one more bed time story with my boys before we head out. This will be the longest I’ve been apart from them since moving out here 2.5 years ago...pray for me! ;-)
I have been blessed by your posts here. Thank you for taking the time to share what God has revealed to you.
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