April 7, 2008
Challenge Week #2
It's only week two and I already got off track on my reading, almost. For me, I've found I can usually read my Bible in the morning when my little guy is eating breakfast. If I don't finish, I can do more reading during naptime. But over the weekend I never have a schedule. I remembered Saturday afternoon that I had not read my Bible yet and got after it, but then yesterday I remembered just before bed. So, I'm still on track, but just barely! I know I would not have gone to all the work of getting out of bed to go read, if it were not for all of you ladies keeping me accountable. In fact, this whole week I've been reading about how important it is to God that I remain accountable or "faithful" to Him. That word "faithful" stood out to me many times this week so I know God is trying to get my attention. Earlier this week I read these verses on faithfulness.
Colossians 1:2 "To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ"
I Timothy 1:12 "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry."
I Timothy 3:11 "Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things."
II Timothy 2:2 "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
All of these verses on being faithful also reminded me of Matthew 25 and the parable of the talents. This is the story of the master who leaves and gives his servants talents. He gives five talents to one, two to another, and one talent to another one, each according to his own ability. When the master returns to his servants he finds that the first two servants have been faithful with their talents and increased what the master had entrusted to them. The master said to them, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord."
The last servant however was a different story. He was not faithful with his talent. Why was he not faithful like the rest of the other servants? He says it was because he was afraid, so he hid it in the ground. In verse 26, though, the master reveals why this servant was unfaithful. Verse 26 says, "But his lord answered and said to him, You wicked and lazy servant..." The servant was unfaithful because he was "wicked and lazy". Now that verse really grabs my attention. I can easily see myself in the shoes of this unfaithful servant. First because I can identify with being afraid, but especially because I am often unfaithful in the little things for no better reason than because I am wicked and lazy. Very lazy. Why do I not read my Bible daily? I'm too lazy. And I'm too wicked doing other things that please my flesh rather than the things that please God and faithfully doing what God asks me to do, day by day, moment by moment.
I like I Timothy 1:12 where it says "and I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful." In the NAS, I like it even better. "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful." To me, it sounds like God will enable me and strengthen me if I am faithful to Him. If I am faithful to Him he will giive me the strength to remain faithful. I'm not in this alone. He is there to help me along the way.
I'd love to know how you are finding the time to keep up and stay on track as well as what God has been showing you in your quiet time!
 Share Your Heart!
April 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by trustingdaily
Oh my....I just posted a looong comment and it didn't work. Ug. Oh well, as I was saying...
We've had quiet time at different times of the day and found that morning is best for us. We (Phillip and I) just really need our hearts in the right place and good attitudes to face the day, come what may.
We skipped a day or two so I'm so glad to have the accountability - which reads encouragement in my brain.
Love, Angela
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April 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by FruitfulFamily
Thanks for stopping by. I am so glad that you've done this. It has truly kept me accountable for my reading/studying time. It never lasts 15 minutes--LOL. I will be posting about it maybe Friday. I din't know how to do a sticky post, and I needed the drum workshop info up until tomorrow. That is when the workshop is, so... Also, I having a problem putting the button on my blog. I've tried at least 5 days. Maybe you can walk me through it. Thanks
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April 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by ilovemy3angelbabies
My son and I do devotions in the morning to start our day. By me doing my reading in the evening I have snagged my DH into doing the challenge with me. Not only does he hold me accountable but it gives us some much needed time reading the word together and some much needed together time.
Thank you again for this wonderful challenge!
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April 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by lahbluebonnet
Weekends are harder for me too! hen dh is home during the day, we get off schedule and it's difficult to find a quiet place (usually the weekend). During the week, dh wakes me up at 6am, when he leaves the house to go to work. I am sleepy quite often, but I persevere, and it makes a difference in my day. When he's home during the day, like the weekend, I might read before I go to sleep. When my dc were toddlers, I had a lot of trouble finding time. I'd pray for time, and He was always faithful to provide it, but I didn't always take it. The biggest motivation for me read the Bible daily is that I want to! I know I need it! I can't get through the day without it! And I miss that time emotionally with Him if I don't have it.
Blessings,
Laurie
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April 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by lcourtneymom
I am really appreciating the accountability this challenge is helping me to have. I do want to be faithful in the spiritual disciplines that I know can help me grow in Christ.
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April 11, 2008 - Update Week Two
 Posted by blessed2bhome
Hi Leah,
It has been going fabulous! I had one bump in the road and I was so disappointed with myself. I stayed up late (yes, on the computer), and then went to the computer first thing in the morning. I did fit my Bible reading in at the end of the day, but that was not where I needed it.
I manage to stay in bed to have my quiet time most days, reading my Bible. My husband encourages me to stay there by bringing me my coffee. :) The kids and I are doing devotions faithfully. Well, I have to run. I have a commitment not to dawdle this morning. LOL
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April 20, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by trustingdaily
Hello friend,
Just checking in. We're in Mississippi with Phillip - heading home tomorrow. I've read my bible TWICE in the last week! I've gotten way off being in a hotel room with three children! hee-hee....But, it's always on my mind and for that I'm so very thankful for the challenge and encouragement.
((hugs))
Angela
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