I have just started attended BSF
(Bible Study Fellowship.)
The girls and I completed our first week of homework and then,
yesterday was the first time we met with our small groups.
I really enjoyed myself.
When I got home I was very chatty with my husband,
I told him about the notes that I took and about some of the things I had learned.
One very powerful section that we discussed...
1 Thessalonians 5:2-4... for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness...
Wow!
I enjoy reading the Bible,
but even more so when I get to share my thoughts,
feelings and ideas with other believers.
At the end of the night, during the lecture,
as I was listening to the speaker talk about Thessalonians
and about Paul's journey,
the persecution he endured and the love that he had for people,
I began jotting down how Paul was an encourager.
Then as I heard the speaker say...
BELIEVERS ARE ENCOURAGING
It led me think about the people in my life.
I thought of who I intend to encourage,
and then I wondered...
What am I invested in?
Who am I invested in?
Whew! My list was of things and people that I believe God
would deem worthy!
Next, I wrote down that
BELIEVERS NEED ENCOURAGEMENT
and I thought about the people in my life,
that I am not only invested in, but that are invested in me.
Of course, God, my husband and my kids were at the top of the list again,
but it was kind of an eye-opening moment.
Because one of the things that has really been important to me the past few years
is having really good people surround around our children.
Children are influenced by so many people.
And many times, even though in our home we are taught "values"
society's standards can easily become a way of life.
I want our children to make better choices than we did,
and I realized that BSF is a good step towards making this happen.
It's not only a way for me and the girls to get a better understanding of the Bible,
but it's teaching them dedication and discipline
and it is putting them in an environment with people
who are there because they love God and desire to know more.
I truly hope that as they grow,
Bible lessons and devotions, church visits, and BSF meetings
will not be something that they "did" as a kid,
but will be a way of life.
I will do many things in this life,
but the most important thing I can and will ever do
will be to raise loving, healthy, happy Christian kids.
**********************
Dear Lord,
I pray that our girls will make valuable and healthy friendships.
That they will be a positive example to their loved ones,
and that they will also have friends that encourage them to live a Christian life as well.
AMEN!
