| September 16 Spiritual maturity and emotional health are related. Part of the work of God’s Spirit (sanctification) is to lead us to maturity—emotionally and spiritually. Part of God’s work is to rework some of our past that needs to be healed. What is not processed (from the past) will be passed on (into the future). God forgives past actions, but He also wants to transform the effects of the past so that those same patterns are broken. This needed work can be painful because we must face areas of our lives that are filled with scabs. Self-Honesty is crucial but difficult. For some, there will need to be a realization that we have used Godly activity to run from God. We spend hours and hours doing things “for God” instead of “being with God.” We fill our days with things of God that preoccupy our time and energy only to be too weary to be with God. Take prayer for instance—we spend time in prayer—praying for any and everything but won’t carve out 20 minutes to sit and reflect to allow God’s Spirit to bring to the surface the areas of our lives that need to change. The same can be said with serving in different ministries. We go and do, go and do, but don’t have time for crucial relationships. How about the one who studies the Bible daily, but then uses those same scriptures to justify one’s defensive behaviors, critical attitudes, or the avoidance of anything that would lead to a life change. Do you use God to run from God? Do you create a great deal of “God-activity” to avoid difficult areas in your life God wants to change? If so, consider an alternative path. Focus on your own self-awareness. St. Augustine wrote, “O Lord, grant that I may know myself that I may know thee.” Practice confession. Engage a friend in accountability. Listen to what they say without justification or blame shifting. Sit with God in prayer—reflective prayer—asking God to reveal those areas that need to change.  |
This Week’s Readings: Monday – Leviticus 1 Tuesday – Leviticus 2 Wednesday – Leviticus 3 Thursday – Leviticus 4 Friday – Leviticus 5 We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year! We have completed Exodus and are now reading Leviticus. You may join anytime. Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings. |
Things to Pray About: Pray for our country and the 2024 Presidential Election. Pray for spiritual maturity. Our unwillingly absent members and shut-ins. Pray for comfort for those who are grieving. Wisdom for our church leaders, local leaders, and world leaders. Family restoration through forgiveness. Continued growth of the faith of the people. Pray for understanding. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |
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