Category: Lectio Divina

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Hannah’s Prayer: Patient Gratitude

 

Meditating on HIS words: Joshua 1:8

November’s Theme: Gratitude

siyach or hagah

הֲגוֹת

Relax and Focus: Find a quiet space to get ready to read the verses

Read: 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Reflect: Hannah lived in mental despair for many years. Not only did she feel somewhat sorry for herself for not being able to have a child, she was likewise ridiculed by those around her. Over 2,000 years ago, Hannah’s experience lends familiarity to what occurs in our everyday circumstances. We feel sorry for ourselves when things are not going right and there are people in our lives who are ready to judge and ridicule at the drop of a hat. Yet, Hannah continued to pray. She prayed relentlessly that she would be given a child.

What goal, idea, or accomplishment are you incubating right now? Are you praying and asking God for guidance? Do you keep your plans between you and God? Or are you blabbing it to everyone?  Do you believe that you have the patience to wait for God’s answers even if these answers sometime take years? Do you listen when his answer is NO? Do you live in gratitude while waiting for the answers or when the answer is NO?

Perhaps you may have some questions you have bottled up for years that you can add to these.

Discern on the answers you’ve provided to these questions. Keep them near as a reference point for you during times of when you believe or have a desire to complain about God’s timing in your life.

Rest: Rest your thoughts and consider ways you could pray while including gratitude. Here’s an idea, maybe you can simply just spend a week thanking HIM for all that he has done and continues to do in your life. Don’t ask for anything during this time, just thank him.

Discuss: Share your findings with family members and friends who are open to listen. Be sure to discuss why this is important to you, and thank them for allowing you to share your thoughts and feelings.

Feel free to also share your thoughts on the comment link below or by clicking on the facebook icon.

STUDY GUIDE

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Do Not Be Anxious

Meditating on HIS words: Joshua 1:8

November’s Theme: Gratitude

siyach or hagah

הֲגוֹת

Do Not Be Anxious

Relax and Focus: Find a quiet space to get ready to read the verses

Read: Philippians 4:6-7 “ (6)Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Reflect: Recent research completed by Amazon shared that the most popular Bible passages searched are those focused on how to heal anxiety. In fact, our chosen verses for this week were on the top of the list. With Thanksgiving just 3 weeks away, family anxiety, for some, is a real thing. It can be a painful experience to walk through the doors of family members and to try to keep it together. Yet, we know the primary mission of God is to trust him in all that we do. Anxiety is treated through clinical therapy, coupled with other alternative applications. Pastoral counseling is also a popular choice for some. There are many ways and steps to treat the symptoms.

From a Christian perspective, when faced with such anxiety, who do you turn to? Do you turn to friends, family, or do you turn to Him? God’s love is never alternative therapy. He should be the first one we turn to. The vast amount of love God has for us can be sometimes overwhelming when we believe that we are not worthy. Yet, he is the ultimate therapist.

The Apostle Paul wrote “do not be anxious about anything. As we move closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas reflect on these questions:

  • When I am feeling anxious, how can I make time to spend with the Lord?
  • How can I deal better, with the criticism from family members who do not know the Lord?
  • How can adjust my feelings to serve as teacher to those who don’t know God?

These are simple questions that may come with complex answers. The Apostle Paul who was in prison when he wrote these verses, peacefully summarized how he dealt with the issues of his time. Echo his teachings and practice how you can better apply them into your everyday  life.

Discern on the answers you’ve provided to these questions. Keep them near as a reference point for you during times of despair .

Rest: Rest your thoughts and consider ways you could move from anger, disappointment or feeling sorry for yourself.

Discuss: Share your findings with family members and friends who are open to listen. Be sure to discuss why this is important to you, and thank them for allowing you to share your thoughts and feelings.

Feel free to also share on the comment link below or by clicking on the facebook icon.

 

 

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Tradition: A Stepping Stone to Identity

November, the month Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States, reminds us that we are part of a family. This family may be biological, a group of friends, or those in any environment that offer a sense of identity. The activities done and relationships formed in these settings, create traditions and acceptance, which help to define us.

During this time of the year, some select not to become involved with those who have bred them. This decision could be based on childhood trauma or because friends have become family. Just in the last few years, I have noticed recipe and gift suggestions on how to have a successful “Friendsgiving” celebration. Many people are now choosing to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in this manner, rather than doing so with family. I don’t believe that there’s anything wrong with this choice. In fact, I support it, especially for those who have lost loved ones and continue to cope with this lost. Lost, remember, appear in all forms. Whatever that may look like for you, I offer up prayers.

Albeit, those who prefer to simply be removed from family at this time, should remember that it is impossible to keep running from what is preventing you from facing  the underlying issues. Sometimes you may feel that you can overcome with all you’ve got, and other times the fetal position in bed, will do just fine. As Christian women, we too are tested as we hold on to this consistently-known tradition of identity, while carrying the heaviness of the suit of armour, worn to fight off the enemy.

What we also know is that God approves of us, because he loves us unconditionally. Conversely, he favors peace, love, and forgiveness more than anything.  Despite this acknowledgement, you may not be able to find it in your heart to carry out what he expects from all of us. And, he may even understand that you should be given more time. In this case, consider, writing a note or sending a card to your loved ones wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving. God will work through this gesture to begin the healing process. This could very possibly be the most important step to free you from burdened-despair.

Stepping stones, guide us on chosen paths. Add this one to the concrete identity of finding perfect peace; the kind Jesus referred to when he directed us a women… to hold on to (Luke 7:50).

I testify, right here and now, that this is possible. If you are unsure how to move forward, call me to get a consult set up. I’d love to partner with you on this journey!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.

With love,

Charlotte

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October 21st, Reflection

Meditating on HIS words: Joshua 1:8

October’s Theme: Self-Control

siyach or hagah

הֲגוֹת

The Understanding Heart

Relax and Focus: Prepare your reading space. Relax and focus on the joy of reading God’s words.

Read: Psalm 147:3-4, 6

Reflect: Chapter 3 of this Psalm is so reassuring. It offers such comfort to those who are open to receiving God’s precise healing. Broken-heartedness appear in many forms; a broken relationship, love for someone who may be in love with someone else, a child’s behavior (especially teenagers :-), not receiving a job offer, losing a loved one, etc. etc. All very different, with the effects being almost identical.

Think of a time when someone you know shared about this broken heart. How did you react? Did you offer encouragement with no questions attached, or did you share your experience in this area while masking the troubles of the one who shared. Remember, there are many instances when people just need a simple form of inspiration, like one who heeds from blabbering or talking over, when someone has opened up about a problem. God listens to us with no interruptions. And, in his compassionate ways, he often ask us to do the same for others in his Family. He knows all of our need, but encourages us to offer areas of his existence in kindness, right here on earth. He understands our cloudy days. However, he relies on you to help, especially those Family members that don’t know HIM. Helping those who hurt, puts you in a high position to be HIS right-hand person, HIS assistant! What a great promotion appointed by the Most High this is…!

Respond: Discern on the answers you’ve provided to these questions. Keep them near as a reference point for you during times when you listen compassionately or have a nudge to ignore the heartache of someone else.

Rest: Rest your thoughts and consider ways you can become more conscious of the people around you. They may not share their feelings, but through behavior and facial expressions, it is easy to tell when friends are feeling down. Share a cup of coffee or tea with them. Allow them to talk or just be in silence. The fact that you took this time with encouragement and support, will provide your trust. Trust, so that when the time comes for them to share, they know you will listen in confidence.

Discuss: Share your findings with family members and friends who are open to listening. Be sure to discuss why this is important to you, and thank them for allowing you to share your thoughts and feelings.

Feel free to also share your thoughts on the comment link below or by clicking on the Facebook icon.

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Sunday October 14th’s Reflection

Meditating on HIS words: Joshua 1:8

October’s Theme: Self-Control

siyach or hagah

הֲגוֹת

No Comparison

Relax and Focus: Prepare your reading space. Relax and focus on the joy of reading God’s words.

Read: 2 Corinthians 10:12-15, 17

Reflect: By driving around simply doing basic errands, what is easily found are bumper stickers sharing the accomplishments of family members, teams, or even that of business success. However, when these achievements propel us to share in this way, it is important to discern on a simple question. Is this boasting or is this comparison? The neighbor’s child who struggles in school, may find it very difficult to compare himself with his childhood friend who is a star student. So much of a great student that her parents drives around every day sharing with strangers, how wonderful she is, by displaying this on a piece of paper taped to the bumpers of their cars.

Moving into the work environment, think of how it makes you feel when your abilities are compared with someone else’s on your team. In fact, there are some leadership styles that feed on this form of “motivational” technique, noting that it may provoke others to become just as good. And, instead does quite the opposite. When you believe that you should voice your accomplishments, ask yourself…why is this necessary for me to do? How is this helping anyone? How do I believe that God sees me? Does God see my success? Does he help me to meet my goals? Does he love and accept me for who I am?

By reading his Word, there’s a high chance that you’d find the answers to these question. God sees your beauty, he wants to accompany you in everything, he loves and accepts you and your willingness to admit failures, to try and try, as you become closer to him. As Paul encouraged us to do Boast only in what God does!

Respond: Discern on the answers you’ve provided to these questions. Keep them near as a reference point for you during times when you believe or have a nudge to boast or compare on your achievements.

Rest: Rest your thoughts and consider ways you could move from boasting and comparing, to helping. If you are an expert in a subject, offer to tutor a child who is struggling in school. If God has done something to change your life significantly, boast on this!

Discuss: Share your findings with family members and friends who are open to listening. Be sure to discuss why this is important to you, and thank them for allowing you to share your thoughts and feelings.

Feel free to also share your thoughts on the comment link below or by clicking on the Facebook icon.

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Empathy Toward Friends

Real friendships have the ability to change the world. Yes, I know that this may sound a bit quirky, but please bear with me as I share why. When friends are supportive of each other, this can make adjusting to some of life’s trials so much easier to maneuver through. A listening and empathetic ear, can often put a chaotic heart at ease. Sometimes people just need our soft presence and not one of judgment or criticism.

Providing these elements of kindness, refreshes the soul of a friend who needs it. Loyalty, honesty, and compassion from one person to another can break down barriers of protection that others may not have been able to chip through. A real friend can bring out the inherent beauty once embedded in the heart of another. When this beauty is revealed…watch out…as it will be filtered into daily interactions, creating a stream of kindness through those who are open to the positive effects this expression brings.

Real friends uphold accountability in strengths and weaknesses as an important aspect to flourish and grow. Be grateful for your true friend, as she is invaluable.

Enjoy your October!

Charlotte

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Sunday October’s 7th’s Reflection

Meditating on HIS words: Joshua 1:8

October’s Theme: Self-Control

siyach or hagah

הֲגוֹת

From Victim to Victor

Relax and Focus: Prepare your reading space. Relax and focus on the joy of reading God’s words.

Read: Psalm 91:11-12

Reflect: This prayer of Moses, a supreme man of God, discusses that you are protected by angels even in times of trouble. Not only to protect you, but to assist you in guarding your ways. Yet, questions that should be asked are—do you often sit still before responding to an uncomfortable situation? Do you trust that God’s angels will help you with the answers? Do you have a tendency to blame others based on what has happened to you in the past, or based on your current situation? How can the reassurance of this verse help you the next time you are faced with stressful situations? Striking a foot on a stone can be quite painful, just as agonizing is the discomfort inflicted on yourself and others when circumstances are out of control.

Respond: Discern on the answers you’ve provided to these questions. Keep them near as a reference point for you during times of anger, and if you continue to “lose it”, return to these verses over and over again.

Rest: Rest your thoughts and consider ways you could deflect anger toward another person or even on yourself, should this behavior show up this week. Allow yourself to be lifted-up into a new way of viewing things by becoming the victor over your words and actions toward others.

Discuss: Share your findings with family members and friends who are open to listen. Be sure to discuss why this is important to you, and thank them for allowing you to share your thoughts and feelings.

Feel free to also share your thoughts on the comment link below or by clicking on the facebook icon.

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September 9th Study Guide: Meditating on HIS Word

 This series is based on God’s Words to meditate 

in

                                                              Joshua 1:8

siyach or hagah

ַהֲגוֹת

in Hebrew

Bursting to Speak Your Truth

Study Guide

Read : 2 Timothy 1:6-8

Reflect : Think of a time when you felt shy or decided to stay quiet as it came down to sharing how wonderful God is. Perhaps you were scared that someone would ridicule you or suggest to you that God is not real. Relating to Timothy where the Apostle Paul encourages him to be courageous in all things. How could you be bolder in your relationship with God? Through the sharing of your own experiences, do you believe that this could change someone’s life?  How can you cross the bridge to meet family members who are not believers? How can you prepare yourself to not judge others during their own journeys?

In life it is occasionally difficult to maneuver through what is not morally right. These experiences can often create internal chaos in the sense that we know it is important to speak upon God’s certainty; yet, we choose to remain silent. However, do you believe that God can assist you in speaking our holy-truth? How do you feel about being as authentic and as real to invite others to sincerely listen to you? When God has made a significant impact in your life, don’t you want to share this great news?

Respond : Journal on your answers to these profound questions. Revisit them every time you feel that you should remain quiet when speaking on your faithful path.

Rest : Use this exercise as a verbal model toward your encounter with others this week

Discuss : Practice your delivery with open family members and friends. Be sure to discuss why this is important to you, and thank them for allowing you to share your thoughts and feelings.

Feel free to also share your thoughts on the comment link below or by clicking on the facebook icon.

Previous Study Guides

God LOVES You!

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Fullness for Life

Verse: Proverbs 3:1-8

A full and happy life is a longing for most who are not in denial that this is achievable. Yet, the steps needed to reach this pinnacle can take a bounty of undesirable work. Undesirable work often produces laziness that is so very comfortable, it is difficult to often recognize.

The passage that I’ve based this month’s message on, states that following God as our leader is the only way to flourish in every layer of our lives. It is where we can rid ourselves of laziness, strife, unforgiveness, self-denial, and other enemy-reaching ideologies about our true identity of what we really mean to God.

To prosper in this uniqueness allows us to sparkle from the inside out.  It produces loyalty to God, filtered into who he wants us to be.  This faithfulness is transcendent when we come to realize that it should likewise also be shared in support of others who may or may not be on the same path that we have chosen.

Devotion to God does not share room with laziness or excuses. It is a continuous departure from the old way once known, to the new way of bathing in HIS WORD!  Yes, there are lemons such as job loss, relationship problems, losing a family member, or even tragedy that we must sometimes unfortunately face. They often seem to show up and grow in the midst of our attempts to do good…to be good. However, our faithfulness as the sugar cane proudly developing, yields the sweetness of God’s love. God’s love is always there for us. He longs for the ultimate relationship where we place our trust in Him.  He is in control! Our faithfulness is important to Him as he leads us on the path and destination of comfort, peace, and, the fullness of life.

Have a most beautiful and fulfilling August, sweet friends!

In grace & gratitude,

Rev. Charlotte