I started reading my Bible regularly these past few weeks, after an awesome sermon series about the Good Book.
Mind you, I never read the Bible. Never did. It just wasn't part of my life, for many reasons. I even thought it was weird that it's like the best selling book of all time.
Today, I'm wrapping up one of the worst emotional weeks of my life. My Bible reading was fast and furious these past few days, looking for peace where I felt I could find none.
I went to my Divorce Care class last night. In the DC video series, Bible passages are often presented to emphasize a point.
Last night's topic was about anger. I didn't fell terribly angry at anyone but myself last night, and didn't think I could draw a lot from it. But I love and absolutely need the support of my DC friends, and even if the topic was on picking daisies, I would still be there just to get their hugs and smiles.
During the video, a passage from Philippians 4 scrolled across the screen. It's a great passage:
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things."
Lo, and behold, as I have followed the recommended reading plan from PCC, which I brought home from the afore-mentioned sermon series, I was on schedule to read Philippians 4 today. I saw that on the screen last night, and I thought, "Cool I will see that in the morning when I read that chapter."
Now mind you... Bible reading completely unchartered territory, heart-wrenching week, need peace, feeling really, really sad, following plan from church, reading Bible, Divorce Care... and this is what I find precedes that passage:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ."
Really, how cool is that?
I've always loved a good book. And now, I can say I truly do love the Good Book.
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1 comment:
Jeanster,
I just read your blog, including your older posts. I'm sad for all of the pain that you have suffered, and I am sad that you've had to suffer it.
I remember the bright eyed photographer who came to interview for a full time job in Chicago, when you were working at an out of state paper. Thank God that Mike Kelley had the good sense to let us hire you! You were a blessing to all of us at the Southtown! I was sad for us when you went "downtown" but glad for you!
Please always remember that:
You are remarkable, talented, generous, warm hearted, giving, forgiving, tenacious, openhearted, boundless, brave, credible, delightful, dynamic, eager, encouraging, energetic, exuberant, gentle, harmonious, fearless, kind hearted, mature, productive, reflective, self assured, UPBEAT, tough and VERY WISE.
It is important for you to process all that you have been through, and you are doing it wisely, and with much grace!
I'm glad to hear that you have found a church home that "fits", and good people to accompany you on your life journey. Keep on, keeping on..
You're "kicking ass"!
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