God's Ear

 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

1 Peter 3:12

Years ago I went to a women's retreat that focused on prayer. I wish I could remember the title, but I'm stumped. However, the principles of prayer do not change.

When we pray we need to include four elements:

Adoration - praising God for who He is

Confession - confessing our sins (and yes, we all sin)

Thanksgiving - praising Him for all He does, will do, and has done

Supplication - petitioning Him for the needs of others and our own needs

May we be men and women of prayer.

Become a Life-long Learner

 Some people, I think, are given a propensity to learning. Yet others must work at it. I fall in the category of life-long learner. I love reading the latest research on reading and studying God's Word, both bring me pleasure.

In the book Habits of Grace the author shares five principles of life-long learning:

1.  Vary your sources and your seasons.

2.  Create space and redeem time.

3.  Mind your mindless moments

4.  Adapt to new media

5.  Embrace the identity of learner

Points 1, 2 and 4 have been something we've practiced all our lives.

For me the hardest thing to do is mind my mindless moments. I can waste valuable time vegging out. However, Dan's been on vacation this week and one thing I notice is we don't turn on the TV. We get up drink coffee and read till around 11am, then he goes and conquers a project. I envision this will be very similar to what retirement looks like for us. (So I think Dan makes me more accountable to not fall into #3)

Both of us have that given propensity to learn. We have never been afraid to challenge our beliefs and grow. Some of the saddest people I know will say, "I know what I believe and that is all I need to know." Giving yourself to learning more about Christ and our Christian walk is needful for growth and maturity. 

So what are you my friend?

What is on Your Heart Map?

 ...that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God. - Colossians 1:6

I'm reading a book called "Habits of Grace" by David Mathis. Today I read that there are 12 Bible verses that we should soak in. One of them being Colossians 1:6.

The author says, "The gospel is the fuel that awakens and energizes the human heart..."

This led me to think of "heart maps". As a writing teacher I understand that heart maps are a visual representation of what is on your mind. Then I questioned what does my spiritual heart have written on it? Can I separate my spiritual and human heart? I think not.

I want to hide in my heart God's Word. I am blessed to have recall of what I read and study. I'm very conscientious of the fact that God brings scripture to mind as needed.

Matthew Henry said, "The gospel is the word of truth, and we may safely venture our souls upon it. And all who hear the word of the gospel, ought to bring forth the fruit of the gospel, obey it, and have their principles and lives formed according to it."

Is my life reflecting the Gospel in my heart?