Aug 16 2007
Promised Land and Blessing
Yesterday was our last summer ladies' Bible study for another year. We have been meeting with this particular group for five years now and it has been a life changing study for me. Some of these women I only see in this summer Bible study; some of the women were new this year. We come from very different backgrounds and with very different needs. The Lord is always present as we seek Him.
As I have mentioned in previous posts, this year we studied the journey of the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt through the wilderness to the Promised Land. So yesterday we asked the question, "What did God especially teach you this summer?"
I think that I learned above all that in a world that is looking for an experience with God our walk with Him is about relationship. Over and over He states in His Word, directly or indirectly, His desire to dwell with His people. God brought them out of Egypt for His Name's Sake and so that they could serve Him. He led them through the wilderness covering them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, protecting them. He cared for their needs, their shoes never wearing out. He fed them. He desired that they look to Him to meet those needs. When they entered the Land which had been promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob He fought for them so that they could defeat their enemies.
True life is found in a relationship with God. Jesus talked about this. In John 17:3, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" Not experience, relationship. A knowing, covenant relationship of give and take.
I could talk about this for a long time I guess. It amazes me. And thrills me. This is the Promised Land. To walk with God in this relationship now......and forever. One of the days of our Bible study the question came up of what exactly the Promised Land was. Is it death? Is it heaven? No. I believe it is Now! We can know the joy of walking with the indwelling Messiah now. One day we will see Him face to face, but we can know the reality of that relationship by responding in obedience to Him now. And resting in His faithfulness. I will have to revisit the topic of rest.
Our tradition in summer Bible study is on the last day we have a day of blessing one another. We go from woman to woman and tell each one how she has encouraged us, blessed us and we bless the Lord for her. There are times of tears and laughter, hugs and challenge. It is something we take very seriously and we pray before we arrive so that we are ready for how the Spirit will lead. This year I was going in one direction and the Spirit led me a different direction. I found a wonderful resource here on the Names of God. I was led to pray for each woman and the Lord helped me to pick a Name of Him which I saw Him working in each woman's life. For example, one woman has an autistic daughter and a husband who is disabled. The Name of God which I choose to bless Him with for her was "He who is sufficient for His people." For another woman the Lord led me to pick, "He who gives songs in the night" and it was so evident from the circumstances in the room that it was totally of Him. It was just a wonderful morning and we were challenged to encourage others every day.
For His Name's Sake.
As a mother I have tried to educate my children in everything I think about life. I have also found that many times I was learning right along with them. When I didn't know the answer to something the most important thing for me to do was to point them to the One who did have all the answers. We have had to work through many tough issues together, but we have rejoiced in God's blessings to us. Now my children are nearly grown and my life has entered a new season. I have discovered that I have changed also. My blog is a place to express my thoughts and feelings about my God, my family, and about life through word and through photography. May my life bring honor to the Almighty.
