Is Bible reading simply a checklist item?

I’m trying to not just read the Bible but LIVE it. Reading with great expectations of connecting more deeply and living more authentically with God. Psalm 119: 15-16 reads, I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways, I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. “Meditate, consider, not neglect”- I simply cannot just read God’s word and check off my time with Him. I must(and should desire to) meditate/apply; trust/consider God’s ways; delight that He loves/cares for me and that is why He gave us His word; I cannot neglect the word-I must not only read, but study/apply/LIVE it. I believe I must start with the simple question. Is God truly first in my life? Sounds simple/easy enough, right? It did not take me long to realize when I looked at how I spend my time each day to see that while God was high on my list, He was not at the top. What has perplexed me so often is that I want to see a clear, defined list such as 1) God, 2) Family, 3) Job/career………..and so on. In actuality, life’s activities are usually all intertwined together causing a futile attempt to place our individual actions into certain categories of our priorities-thus causing doubt and confusion with our priorities. The Christian life is not a simple checklist of good actions, it’s about allowing God to mold us into His image and to be the example of Jesus to those He puts in our life. I’ll finish with a couple passages; James 3:13, Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds, done in the humility that comes from wisdom. Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Colossians 4:2 Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Friends and Enemies

"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you" Luke 6:27-28. We tell our children to choose friends carefully-true friendships are not in abundance. While most of us have many friends-we do not nurture them into trusting relationships. We must be vigilant of those who outwardly express sincerity, yet have other deceptive motives. I've heard the term “frenemies” to describe such people. While our friendship choices are critical, Satan is the ultimate deceiver/enemy. He comes masked as a friend, however, he seeks to steal, kill and destroy our Spirit. Beware! "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour"- I Peter 5:8. I wonder, is it easier to discern a ‘friends’ sinful influence or the enticement from Satan himself? We have all probably heard the phrase,'keep your friends close, your enemies closer'. We read in Proverbs 27:6, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy." Also in Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." I must ask myself, Am I faithful, accountable, and encouraging to my friends? May God help me to become the kind of friend to others..... that I long to have. May I allow Jesus to mold and equip me to be a true friend to others while glorifying God. We could all probably admit that we often times take our friends(and family) for granted! Blessings in your pursuit…….TO