It struck me this morning, reading in Acts, that God says straight out from the beginning that Saul/Paul will suffer for the name of Jesus. This makes all the calamities of his life make a lot more sense. And makes me see how little most of us really”suffer” for our faith.
I highlighted that verse. It made me think of the question so often asked, “Why does God allow so much suffering?” This is why–for His glory! In our own will, we sometimes don’t allow our own suffering to be used in that way, but this is a great reminder that we should.
I will say that today is the first day in what I hope to be many of starting my day with God’s Word. This is a new journey for my even though I have always been a Catholic. Reading the comments above is helping me to understand other’s interpretations of the readings but also come to develop my own understanding as well.
I commend you! I have read through the Bible each year since 1987. The plan was to read each day but I did not always get it done each day. It has proved to be a mighty work for and in me. Each year reading becomes more dear and precious to me. May you be blessed!
I grew up Catholic and came to know Jesus and baptized in the Holy Spirit while attending the Catholic Church. Keep reading The Word every day. God promises that if we seek Him we will find Him.
Welcome, Kim! I start each day by reading the comments first, that way, the reading is already “highlighted ” by these wonderful women of Christ Blessings!
Proverbs 19:2 Desire without knowledge is not good,
and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. – I believe God wants us to have big goals and work towards greatness but to first learn our craft and become good at it. He doesn’t want us to “want” for the sake of wanting alone. We have to slow down and enjoy the process.
Such great insight Katrina. I have the tendency to stress about something not happening “fast enough” but then I realize I’m not ready for the next season until I learn all I am to learn in this season. Thank you for this. I know you wrote this 12months ago, but I needed to hear it today.
So thankful for the conversion account of Paul! It brings hope to my soul knowing that there is no person who is too deep in sin to be rescued by our Savior!
Yes! Isn’t it amazing that He chose to use an enemy, really, when He already had eleven “men in training “? That just shows the power of the God! I can only marvel at His plan that looks crazy to the world, but is oh so good!!
I agree Lauren…it can be difficult to give freely…whether it’s forgiveness or monetary…when the recipient seems unworthy. I’ve definitely struggled with that as well. but then I am reminded that I most certainly am not worthy of the Grace that was given to me…and I am humbled. yes…I believe we are to give freely, and God will work it out. sometimes we may not see the results in this life…but I believe when we go Home…it will become clear.
Another thing that I’ve noticed is the repeated emphasis on being kind to and looking after the poor. I’m questioning whether I do enough or give enough. The temptation is to judge whether or not the recipient is worthy, but perhaps I am just supposed to give freely and let God work it all out.
I feel the same way, Lauren. I WANT to help the poor, but I’m often times not so sure what that looks like – how do I wisely give to those in need, in a way that both satisfies the root of their need and glorifies Christ?
I’m still learning about this! But I’ve heard that sometimes just being friendly and not avoiding eye contact is a help to the poor. They are often so ostracized and people actively avoid all contact with them. By meeting the poor people around your area in a food kitchen or something might be a good way to start that friendliness. This has been on my heart also
19:11 – “A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offence.”
This resonates with me – I have definitely seen that this is true. When I have an insight into how someone acted, I am much more willing to let it go and forgive (mostly) freely. But I am so stubborn and know this about myself that I think sometimes I deliberately refuse to have any insight. I don’t always want to forgive, so I make it easy for myself not to.
It struck me this morning, reading in Acts, that God says straight out from the beginning that Saul/Paul will suffer for the name of Jesus. This makes all the calamities of his life make a lot more sense. And makes me see how little most of us really”suffer” for our faith.
I highlighted that verse. It made me think of the question so often asked, “Why does God allow so much suffering?” This is why–for His glory! In our own will, we sometimes don’t allow our own suffering to be used in that way, but this is a great reminder that we should.
I just started this year-journey. Thank you!
Esters. May you be blessed through this year of reading! It is one of the most comforting things I do each day!
Spell check is to helpful some times… Estera
I will say that today is the first day in what I hope to be many of starting my day with God’s Word. This is a new journey for my even though I have always been a Catholic. Reading the comments above is helping me to understand other’s interpretations of the readings but also come to develop my own understanding as well.
I commend you! I have read through the Bible each year since 1987. The plan was to read each day but I did not always get it done each day. It has proved to be a mighty work for and in me. Each year reading becomes more dear and precious to me. May you be blessed!
I grew up Catholic and came to know Jesus and baptized in the Holy Spirit while attending the Catholic Church. Keep reading The Word every day. God promises that if we seek Him we will find Him.
Welcome, Kim! I start each day by reading the comments first, that way, the reading is already “highlighted ” by these wonderful women of Christ Blessings!
what a great idea Karen!
Thank you for the suggestion Karen! I think I will take that approach tomorrow
Good idea!!
Proverbs 19:2 Desire without knowledge is not good,
and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. – I believe God wants us to have big goals and work towards greatness but to first learn our craft and become good at it. He doesn’t want us to “want” for the sake of wanting alone. We have to slow down and enjoy the process.
Such great insight Katrina. I have the tendency to stress about something not happening “fast enough” but then I realize I’m not ready for the next season until I learn all I am to learn in this season. Thank you for this. I know you wrote this 12months ago, but I needed to hear it today.
Needed to hear this 6 years down the line. Thankss so much Katrina for sharing thiss.❤️
So thankful for the conversion account of Paul! It brings hope to my soul knowing that there is no person who is too deep in sin to be rescued by our Savior!
Amen!
Yes! Isn’t it amazing that He chose to use an enemy, really, when He already had eleven “men in training “? That just shows the power of the God! I can only marvel at His plan that looks crazy to the world, but is oh so good!!
I agree Lauren…it can be difficult to give freely…whether it’s forgiveness or monetary…when the recipient seems unworthy. I’ve definitely struggled with that as well. but then I am reminded that I most certainly am not worthy of the Grace that was given to me…and I am humbled. yes…I believe we are to give freely, and God will work it out. sometimes we may not see the results in this life…but I believe when we go Home…it will become clear.
Another thing that I’ve noticed is the repeated emphasis on being kind to and looking after the poor. I’m questioning whether I do enough or give enough. The temptation is to judge whether or not the recipient is worthy, but perhaps I am just supposed to give freely and let God work it all out.
It’s hard, though.
Agree! I try to help when I can also thinking about my safety when I’m out and about alone
I feel the same way, Lauren. I WANT to help the poor, but I’m often times not so sure what that looks like – how do I wisely give to those in need, in a way that both satisfies the root of their need and glorifies Christ?
I’m still learning about this! But I’ve heard that sometimes just being friendly and not avoiding eye contact is a help to the poor. They are often so ostracized and people actively avoid all contact with them. By meeting the poor people around your area in a food kitchen or something might be a good way to start that friendliness. This has been on my heart also
19:11 – “A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offence.”
This resonates with me – I have definitely seen that this is true. When I have an insight into how someone acted, I am much more willing to let it go and forgive (mostly) freely. But I am so stubborn and know this about myself that I think sometimes I deliberately refuse to have any insight. I don’t always want to forgive, so I make it easy for myself not to.