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August 5 2019

Why Do We Always Judge A Book By Its Cover – Why We Should Let The Word of God Speak For Itself

Welcome

Welcome, Welcome. It is that time again. Grab your favorite mug and come and sit down with me for a few minutes. It has been awhile since we chatted. The time moves so quickly, let’s anchor a few moments together. Last week we talked about this blog as a community waiting to be built. Remember, I want to hear your questions, your comments, your concerns, and your voice! Take some time and leave me some notes in the comment section below anytime!

Why Do We Always Judge A Book By Its Cover - Why We Should Let The Word of God Speak For Itself

This week I want to talk with you about the Bible – The Word of God. As human beings, because we are moving fast, we tend to look quickly, and see things quickly which leads to us making assumptions/judgments about what we see/hear quickly. Sometimes we refer to this as “judging a book by its cover.” Some things shouldn’t be judged quickly! My question for us today is: Why Do We Always Judge a Book By Its Cover – Why We Should Let The Word of God Speak For Itself

Judging a Book By Its Cover

What exactly do we mean when we talk about judging a book by its cover? When I think about this, I think about the word assume. About moving quickly, not taking the time to see things for what they are. Rather taking the shortcut of believing we know what we know with that first glance. Although we are often told that first impressions are important, I believe they can also be very inaccurate at times. Have you ever met someone, disliked them immediately, but overtime, came to love them, or at least respect them? What happened? Your first, quick glance, didn’t give you all the information you needed. You made an assumption, followed by a judgement. You made a decision out of context. In short, you judged that book by its cover.

The Book

Judging a book by its cover often refers to making assumptions about people, but today I thought we could talk about the judgement/assumptions made around an actual book, the Bible. The Bible is not just any book; it is the Word of God. And it is probably one of the most misunderstood books out there. Many people have made many assumptions, judgments, and decisions out of context, around what is written in the Bible. We often hear Christians and non-Christians alike quoting Bible verses, in the positive or the negative, to support their belief or non-belief. Christians are often defensive of the Word, working hard to sell it, and those who are not Christians often take offense. What I would suggest to you today, is that the defensiveness and offense are not necessary. They are primarily a result of judging this book by its cover. It often involves a quick look, taken out of context, leading to an assumption and then a judgement.

A Living Word

OK, so we’ve taken the first step. We have acknowledged that we do often judge a book by its cover, especially this one. Now what do we do about it? I would suggest the next step is understanding that we can let the Word of God speak for itself. It does not need to be sold, or defended unnecessarily. Rather it needs to be shared and then it needs to be allowed to speak for itself.

The Bible is the Word of God. It is not just words written long ago by those long since dead. It is a living and powerful Word. A Word that you will find will speak to you in any situation you find yourself in. Hebrews 4:12 tells us: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (NKJV Search Results for “sharper” AND “than” AND “any” AND “two” AND “edged” AND “sword”. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org//search/search.cfm?Criteria=sharper+than+any+two+edged+sword&t=NKJV#s=s_primary_0_1).

Why We Should Let The Word Of God Speak For Itself

When you sit with the Bible, sit in the Word, with an open mind and an open heart, it will speak to you. It will speak into your life; right into the very situations you find yourself in.

When you sit with the Bible, sit in the Word, with an open mind and an open heart, you will begin to understand the bits and pieces you have heard over your lifetime, within a context. Context helps to frame what you are reading and prevents assumptions that lead to judgments.

When you sit with the Bible, sit in the Word, with an open mind and an open heart, you begin to gather all the information you need. The information that is needed to really understand what you are reading, the One who’s Word it is, and yourself. You will actually begin to develop a relationship with this Word.

But The Bible is Boring and Irrelevant

The Bible is a book about love, faithfulness, power, supernatural moving, and relational living. It is a book of action, love stories, war and peace, miracles and so much more. There is nothing boring about the Bible. That is yet another assumption that has led to judgments.

As we talked about early, the Bible is a living Word. Because it is a living Word, it is always relevant. If you speak to anyone who actually spends time in the Word, they will tell you that no matter how many times they read the same passages of the Bible, that it continually speaks something new and refreshing into their current situation. The Bible is a book that is always relevant primarily because it is always speaking.

I Dare You To Sit With The Word

It is time for us to start really sitting in and with the Word of God. Christians need to lead the way. We need not be quoting Scripture randomly and out of context. There is a need for us to sit with the Word first ourselves. Really sit with it. Get to understand it in its full context and grow in relationship with it. Then we will be able and willing to share the Word with those around us. Not selling it, or aggressively arguing it with a few verses taken out of context. Rather, talking about our experience with it. An experience always outweighs an intellectual argument. For those who are not Christians, who have never actually read the Bible, who have not sat in and with the Word, I would encourage you to take some time and actually sit with it. Make a commitment to see what it is all about.

It Will Change You

I believe with all my heart, because it has been my experience, that you cannot sit in the Word with an open heart and an open mind and not be impacted and changed. It doesn’t matter how many Bible verses you already know or how little experience you have with the Bible. A living Word creates change!

I Dare You

So today, I dare you! I dare you to commit some time. Get out the Bible and start reading. If you need comfort, start with the Psalms. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John will help you learn more about the life of Jesus. If you love history, you may want to start in the Old Testament. Looking for a love story, start with Song of Songs or Song of Solomon.

Things to Remember

It is important to understand that the Bible overlaps and everything isn’t in chronological order. Some things are also repeated. Also, there are many versions of the Bible out there – New King James, Old King James, The Passion Translation, NIV, etc. It doesn’t matter which version you read. Preferably start with something that you can actually read and understand. Unless you love Old English, the Old King James may not be the best choice for you. You can find the Bible in bookstores, libraries, second hand stores and online as well.

Until Next Time

My favorite thing about the Word of God is that it is always relevant to my life and it continuously speaks to me. It never gets old or boring or repetitive. There is always something new to read and receive.

Well, it is that time again! I can once again see the bottom of my tea cup which tells me it is time to go! I’m so happy you dropped by and we had an opportunity to chat!

Grab your Bible this week and start reading. I would love to hear about your experience/journey with it. Drop me some notes below in the comments section as you begin to read!

If you are interested in more Devotional reading, head over to my Facebook Page where you will find a Weekly Devotion early every Monday morning. Click here to go directly to Weekly Devotions with Laurie.

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

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July 22 2019

Community – The Antidote To the World We Find Ourselves In

Community - The Antidote to the World We Find Ourselves In

In today’s world there seems to be a lot of people who can find a lot of things to disagree on. But I believe we can all agree on one thing; that overall, the current vibe is a bit chaotic and quite negative. In the midst of it all are, what I like to call, the 3 d’s: discontentment, disconnection and division. This week I’d like for us to consider: Community- the Antidote to the Word We Find Ourselves In.

The Week Is New

The week is new! If you have been joining in regularly you know the drill. For those of you who are new to us, grab your favorite mug and drink and set aside a few minutes to sit and chat! You may have noticed it has been 2 weeks since we last sat together. Going forward this will be the new schedule. Every 2^nd Monday morning you will find a new blog post right here!

Be sure to check in regularly. I miss you when you don’t show up! Even better, to ensure you don’t miss any postings, see the directions to subscribe to receive this blog in your email on the right hand side of the page. If you are reading this outside of the website, click here to go directly to the website.

Step 1- Considering Community

What do you think of when you hear the word “community”? How would you define the word “community”? In contrast to the 3 d’s mentioned above: discontent, disconnection and division, community speaks of similarities, support and unity. A community is a group of individuals who gather together. That gathering can, but doesn’t have to, take place in the same physical space. Individuals in some communities may have never physically met one another, but are connected none the less. Communities have similar interests, visions and/or goals. They gather for the purpose of having a united voice. Communities also gather to support and encourage one another.

What Do Your Communities Look Like?

We are part of many communities. Our families, our social groups, our churches, our work places, the people we hang around with, groups that we find ourselves interested in, hobby groups, and sport groups are all examples of communities. They all represent people with common interests, coming together, with a united voice and purpose, supporting and encouraging one another. What communities are you a part of? Can you identify the common voice and goal of each of those communities? How do you support and encourage one another?

My Hope And Vision For This Community

This blog can also be a community. Although we are not physically together as I write and as you read this blog, my hope and vision for this time and space is that through it we can build a community; a real sense of being together. My hope and vision includes a two way dialogue that is more than me writing and you reading. I want to hear your voice, answer your questions and talk about topics that are of interest to all of us. Over time, I want us to grow together, supporting and encouraging one another, as we share our hearts, thoughts, vision for our lives and the lives around us, our dreams and the goals we will put in place to get us there.

Together, In This Time And Space, We Can Build Community

Did you know that we can actually chat back and forth through the comment section? I welcome your comments, questions, suggestions for topics of discussion and your thoughts. Your heart is what I want to hear! I want to hear all about your big dreams! Be the one to start the conversation and someone else will be more likely to join in. As well, you can always be in touch with me through email or on my Facebook Business page. Let’s make this a two way conversation!

Step 2 - Community And The World We Find Ourselves In

“The world we find ourselves in.” There is something about this statement that doesn’t sit right with me. I believe it is the sense I get, as it rolls off my tongue that we have allowed life and the world to happen to us; it has impacted us, but we have not moved in such a way as to impact it. We are meant to take an active role in life and the world around us. Sitting back and allowing life and the world happen to us, puts us in a situation where the 3 d’s have full control over us and maximum impact on us. Discontentment, disconnection and division; this is not the direction we want to be headed in. Discontent = lack of satisfaction or contentment. Disconnection=to detach or terminate a connection. Division=separation and disunity. The 3 d’s involve the breaking apart of connections and the resulting lack of contentment.

Step 3 -Community As An Andidote

I believe that the antidote can be found in the building of community. An antidote is something that remedies or counteracts. What are we counteracting? We are counteracting the fact that we have allowed the world to impact us, rather than impacting it. The 3 d’s of discontentment, disconnection and division that have resulted in a negative and chaotic atmosphere also need counteracting. Now what? It is time to build community. Remember, community is about connection; connection around common interests, vision and goals; connection that happens when we support and encourage one another. This connection is an active process. It requires a decision, on our part, to become part of a community, to work to grow within that community and to help build that community. Connection counteracts disconnection. The active process counteracts the inactivity of allowing life and the world to happen to us.

Who Is Your Community?

Where do you find community? How to you connect and grow in a community? We are already connected to many communities by the very nature of communities. We are human beings – we have interests, visions and goals. By the very nature of that we have a connection to communities that are already established. As human beings, we were created to connect. We are meant to be in relationship, not just with God but with one another. Communities are natural places for us. However, in the midst of the world we have found ourselves in, many of us have become discontented, disconnected and divided. There is no judgement in that statement. But it is necessary to state, because until we become aware of our current condition, we won’t be able to make a decision to change that condition.

Step 5 – Communities: Identifying Where You Need To Grow and Build

So, now for the fun part; it is time to find your tribe and start connecting. As mentioned earlier, this is an active process:

1) You need to make a decision to have an impact on life and the world around you, rather than just letting it happen to you

2) You need to identify your community

3) You need to commit to growing as an individual within that community

4) You need to commit to helping build that community

Do you have some communities in mind that you can step into and start growing in and helping to build? Or do you have a community on your mind or in your heart that you haven’t yet come across; a community that you believe is yours to build? Now is the time!

Step 6 -Community: You Can Start Here

This blog is a community waiting to be built. Although we are not physically together as I write and as you read this blog, my hope and vision for this time and space is that through it we can build a community; a real connected community. I can’t emphasize it enough, I want to hear your voices, answer your questions and talk about topics that are of interest to all of us. Over time, I want us to grow together, supporting and encouraging one another, as we share our hearts, thoughts, vision for our lives and the lives around us, our dreams and the goals we will put in place to get us there.

Community: What's Next?

Together, in this time and space, we can build community. Drop some comments in the comment space below. Let me know how you feel about what we are talking about. Throw in some suggestions for future chats.

Also, you can always be in touch with me through email or on my Facebook Business Page. Let’s make this a two way conversation! Let’s build a community.

Until Next Time

Communities happen in many different times and spaces. Step out today and identify at least one community to really commit to. Jump in with both feet and see what amazing things happen. I would love to have you actively join and begin building this community as well. Let’s see how many comments we can drop in the comment space below!

Well, it is that time again! I’m out of tea and so it is time for me to go. So happy you dropped by! Remember, if you are on my blog, there are directions to subscribe to receive this blog in your email, on the right hand side of the page. Otherwise, click here to go directly to my website.

Also, since we are building community, share the blog posts with your friends. By clicking on the symbols below the blog you can share with your friends, via email, Facebook, or Pinterest. Or direct them to the blog at https://www.laurie hopkins.ca

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

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July 8 2019

Why Do You Need To Make One More Trip Around This Mountain? Murmuring and How it will Keep You Stuck

Good Morning, Good Morning! It is that time again! Grab a cup of something fabulous, set aside a few minutes so we can sit together and chat and let’s go! This week I spent a far bit of my devotional time reading through the books of Exodus and Numbers. I’m fascinated with the story of the Children of Israel and their journey from Egypt, through the desert, to the Promised Land. This week I was particularly struck by their murmuring. What I would love to share with you this week starts with a question? Why do you need to make one more trip around this mountain? Murmuring and how it will keep you stuck.

Checking In

Before we get started I always like to check in! How was your week? How did you do with anchoring your moments and being more intentional about your time? It is a process, so don’t get discouraged if it didn’t work out so well this week, stick with it and it will come in time!

There is a Rumble

Murmuring; there is something about the word itself that has a feeling of disruption or unsettledness. Merriam Webster defines a murmur as a low indistinct but often continuous sound (retrieved from: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/murmur). Murmuring happens when we don’t have or choose not to use our courage to muster up our assertive voice to bring forth our complaints; instead we lower our voice, turn our head slightly towards one who will listen and begin to voice our opinions. Murmuring has the feeling of a low continuous rumble. Not enough to make a change, but just enough to unsettle the masses.

How it all Started

In the book of Exodus we read about the Children of Israel who were being oppressed in the land of Egypt. God sent Moses in to set them free from their oppression and to lead them into the Promised Land; a land He had prepared for them. In the process of setting them free, the Children of Israel witnessed many miracles through the hand of Moses. Obviously their faith grew through the process, because when it came time for them to leave Egypt, they packed up their belongings and followed Moses out into the desert.

They Developed Their Faith at the Red Sea

The Lord led them out of Egypt with a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. He led them out into the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea. God was intentional about where He was leading them. Their faith was about to be strengthened! The time had come to see the Hand of the Lord move in a mighty and miraculous way. The Egyptians realized their mistake in letting the Children of Israel go and followed hard after them. When the Children of Israel looked up they saw the Red Sea in front of them and the army of Pharaoh behind them. They raised up their voices and cried out to the Lord.

Do Not Be Afraid

Moses said: “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. “The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:13-14 (NKJV) – Now the LORD spoke to. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/exo/14/1/s_64001).

Faith rose up in the Children of Israel! When Moses stretched out his hand, the sea divided before them and the Children of Israel moved forward in great faith and crossed over!

And Then Came the Murmuring

The Children of Israel were given a mighty victory over the Egyptians. They were now on their way to the Promised Land! Given the cloud that went before them by day and the pillar of fire by night and this great victory granted them at the Hand of the Lord, we could assume that the story of the Children of Israel and the remainder of their journey into the Promised Land would be one of faith and continued victory. But the Children of Israel became stuck. They are well known in the Scriptures for their constant murmuring. That murmuring and lack of ability to activate their faith and learn the lessons needed, kept them stuck in the desert 40 years. How many times did they round the same mountains again and again wondering when they would finally see the Promised Land?

What was all the Murmuring About?

As we read further we can see that every time the Children of Israel faced a challenge, the murmuring started. There are many instances, but in looking more closely, they seem to be grouped into three main categories.

1) When they choose not to activate their faith

2) When they didn’t distinguish between their needs and their wants.

3) When they were trying to run someone else’s race

Activate your Faith

1) Three days into the wilderness, after the mighty miracle at the Red Sea, they came to Marah where they found water but discovered it too bitter to drink. It was time to activate their faith! If the God that went before them could part the Red Sea so they could cross, surely He could provide water to drink. They had the measure of faith they required – they had activated it at the Rea Sea when they stepped onto the dry land between the separated waters. But the Scripture tells us that they “complained against Moses.”

Perhaps they were tired of traveling, worn down by the desert heat or distracted by the uncertainty of their future. However, this was the time they needed to activate the measure of faith placed down inside of them. Instead of doing so, they choose to murmur. God still provided the water, but their faith missed an opportunity to be activated and the lesson wasn’t learned. Several times they choose not to step up and activate the faith that was within them. Each time I believe their faith was weakened.

Finally as they Lord prepared them to enter the Promised Land, when their spies were sent in to survey the land, their faith was so depleted that 8 came back with a negative report with only 2 of them encouraging the people to go forth into what God had for them; what was already theirs! As a result of this unwillingness to activate their faith, they Lord caused them to wander 40 years in the desert until that whole generation had died. Because of their murmuring and their depleted faith, they never appropriated the very promise God took them out of Egypt to obtain.

Needs vs. Wants

2) The Children of Israel were many and as we can imagine it would have required a lot of food to keep them fed. When they murmured about the lack of food, God provided Manna, bread from heaven, that fell fresh like a heavy dew on the land each morning. It was to be gathered each day, not to be saved or stored. What was provided daily was sufficient to meet all their dietary needs.

And yet, after a time, they tired of the daily bread from heaven; the daily bread that was meeting all their needs. In Numbers we read that the murmuring started once again. They wanted meat. Again, God met their need; He brought flocks of quail into the camp for the Children of Israel. But as they feasted on their meat, they failed to understand that once again they had not learned the lesson. They hadn’t recognized the difference between their needs and their wants. Their needs were being met. Their needs and wants would both have been met in the Promised Land had they stopped their murmuring and waiting on the plan the Lord had for them.

Stay in your own Lane

3) The other moment of murmuring that stood out for me was when the people rose up against Moses and Aaron and their leadership. In Numbers 16:3 we read: “They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” (Numbers 16:1 (NKJV) – Now Korah the son of. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/num/16/1/s_133001).

The people were headed towards the Promised Land. The cloud went before them by day and the pillar of fire by night. Throughout this journey God spoke to Moses, the leader He had chosen. Moses intervened on their behalf many times with the Lord. And yet, these people felt that they should be leaders as well. Instead of focusing on their own day to day responsibilities, activating their own faith and gaining entrance to the Promised Land, they began focusing on what Moses and Aaron were doing. And the murmuring ensured.

The murmuring about Moses and Aaron was just a continuation of the murmuring that had taken place all along. At this point they had chosen not to enter the Promised Land as the Lord had intended. In all the instances of murmuring they had depleted their faith and because of that they found themselves stuck in the desert.

What About Us?

It is wonderful to talk about the Children of Israel and their murmuring and what they should have done differently. But I wonder how many times we ourselves get caught up in the same patterns? How often has God asked us to step up and activate our faith and we have found ourselves murmuring instead? When was the last time we murmured about not getting what we wanted, rather than being grateful that our needs were being met while God prepared us for a time and place where we wouldn’t have to worry about either? How easy is it to become focused on the race others are running rather than ensuring we are running our own race well? And the murmuring ensues.

We are not unlike the Children of Israel. God has performed mighty miracles in our lives and had granted us a measure of faith to be activated. We often choose not to activate that faith, get caught up in our wants vs our needs and don’t keep our eyes on the prize. Murmuring, intentionally or unintentionally becomes a way of life. Murmuring is contagious. The masses get unsettled. And we all find ourselves stuck in the desert wondering why we are taking turn after turn around the same ole mountain again and again.

The Cure for Murmuring-Rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

(Philippians 4:4 (NKJV) – Rejoice in the Lord always. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/phl/4/4/s_1107004)

When you acknowledge your tendency to murmur, choose to turn aside from murmuring and began to actively replace it with gratitude and rejoicing, you will find that lessons are learned more quickly, faith is more easily activated and one or two turns around that mountain will be sufficient before moving onto the Promised Land. You will not be stuck any longer!

Until Next Time

This week, begin to recognize the rumble of murmuring in your life! Make the decision not to stay stuck, wandering around the same mountain and in the desert because of murmuring.

Well, it is that time again! My cup is empty and our time has come to a close. I’m so happy you stopped by!

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

Category: Uncategorized | 1 Comment