Ever felt compelled to share what God placed on your heart, but refrain from doing so due to several factors? I often feel this way when I am a part of some specific groups. Then when given the opportunity to share, walk away feeling strange as though you’ve stepped on several toes. I often ask myself if these situations really exist or perhaps, they are a figment of my imagination. Sigh…
Lately I have become a bit bored with some teachers of the Bible. Now, I know what you must be thinking…one should never get bored with God’s words, right? Rightly so… but this has been my experience as of recent. I have even taken a break from my favorite Christian television network, because I feel as though I am running around in circles based on familiarity of lessons transmitted through almost every teacher. When exposed to the repetitiveness, and in the setting of providing each person a chance, in all fairness, I’ve asked myself if these are indeed messages I need to hear. The very same messages, gift-wrapped and sent to me in several different forms of paper.
I don’t pretend or even behave as though I know everything about the Bible. I just don’t think anyone really does. Yet, there’s a thing about richness and deep lessons, the kind my heart longs for. If it’s one verse, one statement or even one word, I want to know how relatable it is to me and my life. I read the parables of the Bible not to just breeze through them as part of my yearly reading project. I dissect them, to understand them, as beautiful teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, apparent through the prophets, disciples, and apostles.
There are moments I want to share my knowledge so much so…but within these moments I believe this God-given knowledge must be kept to myself. This decision of hoarding God’s lessons built on His words is grounded in two areas of my awareness. Firstly, I must think deeply on the time and moments to share, listen to God’s leading, and then translate just as He provides. And, secondly, it is likewise of importance to store this content for forthcoming publications, I am aware will be protected through specific processes and procedures. I know, I know…here I go again with a knowledge bank I keep locked away. Vaulted some may even say. A scarcity mentality others could also deduce. However, still all quite necessary. I’m not even going to attempt to tell you more on why!
My quiet faith believes in simplicity in all we do. Nonetheless, knowledge is superior. This may stem from the idea that most Quakers who resided in the United Kingdom (UK) at the beginning of our faith, were forbidden a formal education. Even so…many succeeded. The Cadbury Chocolate business and the goodness it provides today (I love the fruit and nut bars! They were favorites of my grandmum too) were created by a Quaker. The money systems we use currently were likewise influenced by Quakers in the sense that fairness of price should be provided for every man and woman, because we believe that there is “That of God” in every person.
Today, in the conservative path of this faith, we grasped at knowledge led by Our Father. Holding on with utmost robustness and with valor. The Bible is so rich with both! Perhaps the reason for my somewhat uninterested comportment pertaining to some teachers as of lately. I’m just not seeing this richness! Well let me take that back, I am only seeing it in one or two minsters/pastors I know. Other than this group, some are more interested in taking stylish photos and displaying them on social media, with no display of new spiritual wealth. Paraphrasing simply means repetition, friends. It means nothing else. Spiritual wealth! Yes! Now that’s what I seek.
In one study group I enjoy attending, the Gospel of Luke has been an element of discussion for some time now. I’ve mentioned spiritual wealth above, and in my writings next week I plan on discussing Luke 14 with you. Here, my insights are rich concerning Jesus’ teachings. The Supper in this chapter of the Bible was an element of superb grace. Grace…both warm and welcoming, which was to be delivered to humanity by Christ.
This may be the last parable I write on for a while. I must keep, I must keep, and I must keep…
I look forward to my dig this week to locate and to bring this treasure to you, in next.
Until I pop in right here again, have a most pleasant seven days ahead as God’s grace continue to shine upon you.
With all my love,
Charlotte
Link to my Reflections on Church Leadership
Rev. Charlotte, I very much enjoyed your first Autumn video. Thanks!
My puzzlement is that I’d previously understood that “No” from God is a valid answer to a prayer request concerning any of His biblical promises. He loves unconditionally, is omniscient. What am I missing?
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your comment.
The “No” you speak of seems to come from the spiritual context of acceptance. The “No” I refer to is often generated from our human existence of immediacy. Thus, my beginning of discussion pertaining to my daughter’s reaction. She was pulling from her human carnal understanding and not necessarily from her spiritual.
C