Words to Live By

I am currently reevaluating my blog. First of all, in my naivety, I had no idea how many other “bloggers” there are out there! Many far more professional looking, more well-written, more widely read than mine. But what is the purpose of this blog, after all? I do not want it to be about me. Even if there is only a handful of you out there reading this blog (“hi, Mom!”), I want it to be something that will turn readers’ eyes upward, toward Christ -- whether there is 1 of you or 100 of you. I hope it is an avenue by which you can be challenged and encouraged to fix your eyes on Jesus Christ; to have a mind that is firmly focused upon the Lord (Hebrews 12:2; Isaiah 26:3). 

In whatever I write or whatever I share, I will try to keep it succinct yet significant.  You need time to read those other blogs, and still keep priorities straight, right?! My goal is to whet your own appetite for a deeper study of the Bible -- or maybe just to get you into the Word at all. His are the Words of life (John 6:63, 68). If you are frazzled, bogged down, discouraged, overwhelmed, or just plain bored, you need those words of life -- abundant life.

What are you living by? Most days I don’t feel like I’d survive very well on three meals a day; I need a couple of snacks (and some chocolate) thrown in there, too! Okay, of course I would survive...but I admit my “flesh” (sinful tendencies) would rear it’s ugly head more quickly. 

What about spiritually? Is it enough to have one “meal” per week and try to survive? Some of us try to do this. We attend church or Bible study once a week, while during the other six days the Bible collects dust. It is neither in our hands nor our hearts during the day. There is no way we can have abundant life in Christ if He is not our life and His Words our very sustenance (see Colossians 3:4 & Matthew 4:4). 

So again, what are you living by -- spiritually speaking? What needs to change? Take a moment and pray for God to give you a burning desire to feed on His Word, make Jesus Christ your life, and experience the abundant joy He offers.

By the way, if you need a place to start with Bible study, check out my previous posts titled “Digging Deeper Into God’s Word,” Parts 1-4 under the Topic of Bible Study.

Rachel

A Piece of My Mind

I’m finally an author!  I can actually say that I have had a book published.  For as long as I can remember I have been a “writer.”  I have journals and notebooks dating all the way back to...well, let’s just say the 6th grade.  I can’t get rid of any of them.  Believe me, I have tried!  They have been with me from the US to Germany and now to South Korea.  I have written plays and stories over the years as well.  I actually enjoyed writing papers in high school, college, and graduate school.  

I just love to write, but rarely ever had the courage to write anything that I knew others would read and critique.  Every time I write something it feels like a little part of me.  Any time someone else reads what I have written, I allow them to read my thoughts.  But the hardest part has been listening to what others have to say about what I write!  This blog is one way I can start to share my thoughts and listen to the critique and comments of others.  My journals are filled with lessons God has taught me over the years that I want to pass on to others.  I have been praying for a ministry; maybe this blog is one way to have one.  So for now, I’ll let you read my mind.  I’ll even let you comment on it...for now!  

Rachel