Hello!

What we will be covering this week (we typically get through 9 to 12 verses each week):

Topic 1, Page 6  James 1:22-25 for the Tuesday group,

Page 3 from  Matthew 15:25-30 for Thursday night.      We will be focussing on the verses in bold print.

Discussion time:  We will see what comes up.

Reminders:  As we get more comfortable with each other, RESIST the urge to “speak into each others lives”  and to correct one another.  We do this so naturally that it really does take effort to resist this tendency.     I have caught myself now doing this so my sincere apologies.   We won’t of course be perfect but I thank you all for putting forth your  best for the moment and being gracious and merciful with one another and me.

For those who will appreciate it, I plan to highlight one main point after each verse.

I am recognizing that we are at so many levels in our group.    This would perhaps give those who would like this something simple to write own and think about.    I am very open to suggestions on how to make sure that there is something accesible for everyone there.

I do want to encourage you all.   As some have insightfully mentioned, the language of the Bible, actually the language of faith, is very much like a foreign language.    It is just this year that King James actually makes sense to me (I am 13 years into my studying the Word).       The fastest way to learn any new language is through immersion.   While it doesn’t feel like it at the time, our brains, yes, no matter what age, are made to understand languages.  It is easier for the young but even the older ones can do it, especially now that we have the help of the Holy Spirit.

Keep in mind that you have been transferred from one kingdom, that has one language.  But now you are part of the Kingdom of the Son, which honestly comes with a whole other English dialect.   Scripture tells us that the language of this kingdom is so foreign to the natural man, that without the help of Holy Spirit, it is actually impossible to understand it.

The image that came to mind was that of a fruit tree.  We just planted several in our garden.   Here is what we were told to expect..     Not much in the first year.  No real perceivable growth as all of the work the plant is doing is happening underground.  The second year, likely will see some growth in the branches and leaves… but fruit, the fruit only in the 3rd or 4th year after the(albeit large) plant has time to get established and have enough roots to support the growth of the fruit.   The Word is at work in you.  If you are reading in and hearing it, things that you cannot necessarily see or sense are happening.     So if you are feeling like… “I am just not getting it”  “this doesn’t make sense” etc.. hang in.  The Word is at work growing out your roots and establishing you in the truth of His Word.

Summary of practical suggestions :

This is part of “our part” of working out our salvation with fear and trembling daily.(See Philippians 2:12)   Be so encouraged, as you are faithful in the small things, He will mutliply all things for you.  Blessings.

1.  Commit to setting apart a daily time to “feed on” Gods Word and aim to meditate on one or two things that God has revealed to you.    Think of the reading part as the actual eating and the meditating part as the digesting part.    To get the full benefit we need to do both.  It is so encouraging to know that even if we don’t feel like we are getting it, the Word itself is working in us and is washing us and equipping us.
2. Keep a praise and thanksgiving journal so that if you hit a low or challenging time you can look back and be reminded and encouraged by God’s faithfulness in the past.
3. Crucifying the flesh:   Deny yourself, pick up your cross and walk as Jesus walked.   Truly to be His disciple, the flesh must lose it’s power over us.  I believe this is the major source of the “wet blankets” of fear, doubt and unbelief that cover and smothers our faith.