Study, Apply and Transform

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TransformedinChrist

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I hope everyone is doing well,
I have been studying God's Word much, spending time with my daughters. I am learning to contiune to apply God's Word in my life daily. Right now my girls and I are reading the Book Experiencing God [The 7 Realities for Experiencing God]. It's been such a blessing. I cannot wait to dig deep and dive more into study.

What have you been studying lately? How has it impacted you? What do you want God to change in you?
 
Yes reacting negatively does come high on my list too. having high expectations form others nut not myself(humility> oh yes I need that. check.

Annnnnd, I think Everything should be perfect and permanent all the time...nothing should go wrong whatsoever, and I should be in perfect control all the time....lol


God is listening and knows how stupid I sound and is like....mwahaha my child grow up hehe
 
Via dolarossa said:
Yes reacting negatively does come high on my list too. having high expectations form others nut not myself(humility> oh yes I need that. check.

Annnnnd, I think Everything should be perfect and permanent all the time...nothing should go wrong whatsoever, and I should be in perfect control all the time....lol


God is listening and knows how stupid I sound and is like....mwahaha my child grow up hehe
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That pretty much sums it up.
 
I tend to read for pleasure rather than study! But I choose pleasureable topics to study so,,,reading and studying can be and the same for me.

I have just finished reading a book called 'Quakerism' the basics and it was a more academic publication --i.e it had footnotes and references and a glossary..I learned quite a lot about the movement that began small but went all over the world. Apparently it is big in Kenya. There are also different strands of Quakerism. The one that is near me is more of the unprogrammed worship kind which was to me a bit of a departure from where I am coming from. There are also more evangelical ones that focus on Jesus and the Word.

So I learned a whole lot more in one book than going and experiencing a worship meeting and not understanding just what was going on. lol. If a book like that was written on the different 'denominations' of christians then I would understand a lot more about church history and background which can be a bit of a mystery for a new comer, who wants to know why people do what they do in churches! Of course if you just talk to another person who's part of the church they will only tell you their personal experience of it or may not tell you certain things in hopes you'll join so you can figure it all out later.

I don't find it easy joining groups that have been going for a looong time, even centuries and doing things as part of tradition, because I don't come from a 'traditional' background.

In essence its learning more culture than anything. I think it's the same for other things like learning tikanga in Maori. You want to know why they do the things they do, which are often ceremonial and tied in with their spiritual beliefs.
 
What do you want God to change in you?

I thought about this question because I am sort of used to 'cultural assimilation' and trying to fit in a culture that isn't really my own. Obviously God appointed the times and place in which I was born and I can't help that, it seems often I just sticking out (in terms of appearance) but I notice I try to 'blend' in wherever I go often by NOT drawing much attention to myself and becoming somewhat invisible. And I have often thought just being a middle child can do that!

So sometimes that makes me feel like a guest or visitor from another planet at times, rather than maybe as someone who can make herself at home anywhere. I feel like when I read about the past and see it from where I am now I get see strands weaving in and out of history coming to where I am now (like a river) and whether I am going against the flow, or riding along I suppose. And I didn't know if were I end up will be far away or it just will eventually come full circle.

Maybe He's just doing a filtering process or He's teaching me about river care or something. Because I am downstream from history and I am getting all the stuff people from the past have chucked into the stream...and it can be tough to navigate that sometimes.
 
Today was a rainy day so spent most of it alternatively dozing and reading in bed (heaven for a book worm!)

I have three books on the go at the moment - I borrowed them from the public library.

'the 5 love languages of teenagers' by Gary Chapman. I'm working in a school that has teens now so I thought I might learn a bit more about relating to them. I tend to treat teens as young adults who in my experience, can be sensitive and serious (growing pains! choices! awkwardness!) rather than as children who often just need comforting, laughter and fun. I've gone through 'words of affirmation' - praise their efforts even if its not perfect, 'loving touch' -- high fives, pats on the back, secret handshakes, cuddly objects to hold can be good - and am up to 'quality time'
Quality time is more quality conversation, not just time spent on an activity the adult wants to do but the teen doesn't care about.

I've often thought with the generation gap the person who is older tends to dictate and boss the younger person...this happens all the time in schools, and no doubt it happens in families and in marriage relationships. It can be quite unequal and feel unfair for the younger person. I am still in some minds about that, whether authoritarianism is healthy or whether attachment parenting helps all children grow into healthy adults (you just have to learn to detach when they reach the age where they can get their driver's licence) for now there are all types of families from close-knit to far-flung.

I have two other love languages left, 'receiving gifts' and 'acts of service' so that should be interesting.
 
Book number 2 is 'The Well educated Mind' A Guide to the Classical Education you never had. by Susan Wise Bauer.

I had read some history books aimed at school children by this author and found them very good to read. Well this one doesn't disappoint, she gives summaries of recommended classic books in chronological order from novels, to autobiography, to history, to poetry and drama.
I did not have a 'classic' education as such, there are gaps to my knowledge in some areas particularly history - I tend to delve into some histories more than others for example, I'm completely familiar with hollywood movie studio history and know the names of all the leading ladies and men and a bit about the films as thats quite accessible to me. As is British royalty but only going back to the past century.
I read books about the first and second world wars.
I know art history from the renaissance period.
I've recently studied NZ history in regards to the land wars that was never discussed at school (or anywhere). Everyone learns about the Treaty of Waitangi but nobody mentions what a terrible civil war occurred after that!
I know quite a bit of Chinese history now although I don't ask me where and when all the dynasties were.

Greek philosophy and the roman era and Vikings I never studied - so I would like to know more about them.

Shakespeare I had coming out my ears though so I don't think I need to go back to studying the bard again.

I don't think there's any end to education though we can't know everything. But its good to have some background so you can know what you are dealing with. Otherwise you would make stupid gaffes like Prince Harry dressing up as a Nazi. Apparently those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.
 
Book number 3 is a bit easier to flick through.

Its called 'the one day room makeover'
I have a library, its in one room so I have rearranged it, but I can only do so much with the decor without bringing in new furnishings (I'm not allowed apparently) but am doing my best to update it and make it student friendly. I do wish powers that be would leave their silly ideas about the modern learning environment behind as it benefits nobody except the approved school furnishing people who are basically thinking its a licence to print money. Whats happening is students are learning (or TRYING to learn) in huge warehouses and barns which are open plan and that only serves to spread covid and make everyone go crazy with noise levels and no privacy/personal space.
 
TransformedinChrist said:
I hope everyone is doing well,
I have been studying God's Word much, spending time with my daughters. I am learning to contiune to apply God's Word in my life daily. Right now my girls and I are reading the Book Experiencing God [The 7 Realities for Experiencing God]. It's been such a blessing. I cannot wait to dig deep and dive more into study.

What have you been studying lately? How has it impacted you? What do you want God to change in you?
Click to expand...
I wish the God would make me PRETTY!

My wife says that I am.
My dogs kiss me all day long.

BUT............I have a mirror that does not lie!

Seriously...........I am retired but I just finished producing a study guide on "FORGIVNESS" for the Pastor who took my place so that he can do a Sunday night study class for the church. He asked me and I am blessed he did so.

I am the Pastor Emeritus at our church and I am very encouraged that our new Pastor has thought to use me is a special way.
 
So I have been studying 1 Samuel. I just got to the part where David could have killed Saul when he went to relief himself at the cave and all of David's men where there. David cut the corner of his robe.

God used that situation to answer David's prayer in Psalm. God gave him an opportunity to show that David wasn't trying to kill Saul and take his kingdom. David's heart was right. God showed grace.

Realizing that God may want to show my enemies grace - will I join Him in His Work?

I know my Mom is my Mom but when people aren't following Christ, doing detestable things against God - they are your enemy because of what they are doing against God. We are called to hate what God hates.

I am seeing how God is using this opportunity to show my Mom that grace, I could have hammered her down. I could have rejected her flat out and avoided her. I bought her a new bible, I encourage her, I explained, I have been sharing scripture, I have been even vulnerable about some things that we have been discussing pertaining to the questions we are asked how we are going to align to God's Word in our lives and adapt/alter our life's and make our choices based on God's Word.

I now see. Grace. I don't have to hurt her. There is no revenge, anger or resentment. I don't know if this makes any sense. I mean obviously I wouldn't go out of my way to physically hurt her but mentally and emotionally I think when people have trauma and severe abuse there IS that temptation.

I am so grateful God is teaching me what it means to use the opportunity to extend His grace. To show my heart is right. I want to honor God, join Him in His work and see her grow and become rooted solid in His truth and eternal Word which will impact her relationship with God and bless her in turn.

Sorry I am rambling. I just love how God is sovereign and teaches you. You have a mirrored situation in your own life [looking at the scriptures and then back at your situation] and wow God speaks so loudly in His Word to us.
 
I'm glad please ramble on, I find that when I ramble I can get my thoughts together on what God is teaching me through scripture (He'll just bring a passage to my attention) and it will be exactly what I need to learn from.

There is a scary passage in the Bible about 'not suffering a witch to live' and for all the things I had done in the past I was most scared God would strike me down for them but I learned He is a forgiving God and gave me a lot of grace!

If people close to you are going against God and become your enemy (because they are worldly etc) you are called to love your enemies anyway. I am not sure where in the Bible it says that you need to hate your enemies! Certainly that is not what Jesus says!

God loves us even when we were yet sinners. And even when the Israelites stumbled and fell and Gods hand was stretched out still.
 
i know that but I mean when you "really know experience it" God makes it so evident inside of you. The word comes to life. Does that make any sense at all?
 
Well sometimes the word does come out of you through tongues you'll get a nudge from God and He will give you utterance. And you won't know what you'll say until you say it - He gives you the words.
Though I'm more of a write it down person (scribe) because my voice isn't actually very loud.

I think I'm a terrible singer though I tried karaoke and I know I just am a big fail if I try to do that solo. People are polite though and don't begrudge my voice when I do sing, which I actually enjoy. I'm just thinking of the times when God really spoke out loud (very few times) people listened and absolutely knew it was God even when He speaks in different languages.
 
TransformedinChrist said:
So I have been studying 1 Samuel. I just got to the part where David could have killed Saul when he went to relief himself at the cave and all of David's men where there. David cut the corner of his robe.

God used that situation to answer David's prayer in Psalm. God gave him an opportunity to show that David wasn't trying to kill Saul and take his kingdom. David's heart was right. God showed grace.

Realizing that God may want to show my enemies grace - will I join Him in His Work?

I know my Mom is my Mom but when people aren't following Christ, doing detestable things against God - they are your enemy because of what they are doing against God. We are called to hate what God hates.

I am seeing how God is using this opportunity to show my Mom that grace, I could have hammered her down. I could have rejected her flat out and avoided her. I bought her a new bible, I encourage her, I explained, I have been sharing scripture, I have been even vulnerable about some things that we have been discussing pertaining to the questions we are asked how we are going to align to God's Word in our lives and adapt/alter our life's and make our choices based on God's Word.

I now see. Grace. I don't have to hurt her. There is no revenge, anger or resentment. I don't know if this makes any sense. I mean obviously I wouldn't go out of my way to physically hurt her but mentally and emotionally I think when people have trauma and severe abuse there IS that temptation.

I am so grateful God is teaching me what it means to use the opportunity to extend His grace. To show my heart is right. I want to honor God, join Him in His work and see her grow and become rooted solid in His truth and eternal Word which will impact her relationship with God and bless her in turn.

Sorry I am rambling. I just love how God is sovereign and teaches you. You have a mirrored situation in your own life [looking at the scriptures and then back at your situation] and wow God speaks so loudly in His Word to us.
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Agreed. Give it time. Talk to her, educate her with the Word of God. DO NOT ARGUE or hate!

Rememeber........she has been told something different from people she has trust in. YOUR goal must be to show here WHAT GOD said a=instead of what a man said!
 
TransformedinChrist said:
i know that but I mean when you "really know experience it" God makes it so evident inside of you. The word comes to life. Does that make any sense at all?
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Be very careful here. "Experiences" can be deceiving!

“If anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Cor. 14:30-33).

When we are having an experience that we learn from the Scriptures is not from the Lord, it is time to “keep silent,” and remember that our spirits are to be under our own control—”the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”
 
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