Hello Ladies,
I have to first start off with apologies as I have not posted in some time. As we all know, sometimes you can get side tracked and busy with life. But I'm back!:)
I hope the reading is going well for you all! I can't believe that it is almost time for us to finish the book. I would love to hear from you all. Any suggestions on how to improve the book club, next book suggestions? Chime in:)
So since I have been MIA, theres so much I have to talk about. :). Hmm where do I start?
I will start with Day 10 where Rick Warren discussed the 3 barriers that blocked our total surrender to God. (fear,pride,confusion). Oh how no matter how many times you read this, I'm pretty sure you can identify with one. What I've come to realize is total surrender does involve taking that leap of faith that in all of your good doings and relationship with Christ he has the wheel. He has predestined us for greatness. However so often we fear letting go of some things or people in our life(who/which are ultimately blocking us from surrending). I'm speaking as a person who is still dealing with some things that are preventing me from giving it ALL. It's a process indeed.
Day10-14 were very special to me as Warren discussed drawing closer to God and just becoming a friend. Sometimes we often make something so simple so complex. I'm guilty of it. Once upon a time a tried to be perfect(bad move). I got so busy trying to avoid doing wrong that I forgot the simple things. I forgot to just be a friend to Jesus. I think is extremely important. I love the days of just talking to Him. You know? You're in your car or cleaning the house and you're just having conversation with Him. I believe that's what He wants most. Its often said relationship over religion. The relationship, personal relationship, we have with Jesus is significant to our walk. It's where we can come with all honesty and humbleness.
Day 15-21 focused on the family you have in Christ. What I found to be interesting was when Warren said "Your spiritual family is even more important than your physical family because it will last forever". Moment of transparency- I have not come from the most functional family by far thus causing a lack in close relationship. When I found my church home in Ormond Beach, I became friends with people that I went to college with but never spoke to in college. How ironic. Those friendships are still strong today. Some of these women are just as close to me as my actual sisters. It's amazing how God provides you with a spiritual family to support you and hold you accountable for you during this walk. Warren saids "God never intends your relationship to Christ to be private". We are to fellowship with one another. We are to share testimonies and lift each other up in Christ. We are called to be involved and serve. We are not to keep what God has revealed to us to ourselves.
Day 22-28- Obedience, Temptation. Something that we will deal with until the end of our lives here on earth. The minute we decide to give our life to Christ, it's as if the devil gets an email(our generation;) stating "New Person Committing to Christ". Am I alone with this? All kinds of tests come flying your way. I love , love, love Warren's quote "every tempation is an opportunity to do good". Now we're not always going to get it right. We might fall, however, it's an opportunity. I believe the more we choose right over wrong we grow stronger. What stuck me was when he mentioned there are no shortcuts to maturity and that we are slow learners. Oh how I've been there thinking, "yup I learned my lesson , boy did I" only to make the same mistake again. Can you say thank God for Grace!!!!! But it is so true. Sometimes we have to learn something 50 times before it sticks. Like Warren said "God knows better". Thats one thing we can't do is fool God. He sees ALL and knows ALL. He knows we are going to mess up before we do. However, His Grace is sufficient. Next topic Obedience?
I'm going to close for now , will continue later as I have to leave the house. Talk to you ladies soon. Love You,
Erica
P.S. Please excuse typos.
