Blank isn't really accurate, I have all sorts of stuff I have thought about, but nothing seems inspired enough, inspirational enough, or interesting enough to put on cyber paper. Maybe that is why I make such a good loner most of the time. I feel like I really don't have anything to say. I don't want to take part in a conversation of any sort, and that is what a blog is--a one sided conversation. I talk, you listen and maybe talk back to your monitor. I don't know what happens once this is floating through the ether of cyber world.
So, now I will try talking. Let's talk about my Wednesday Bible Study on Revelation and the week's assignment that I did yesterday. The Apostle John was in exile on the Isle of Patmos. He was not surrounded by any of the other disciples. They were all dead, most of them martyred. He was not in the midst of a body of believers. He was in exile, away from the Christian community which was under persecution. He was a believer living in a heathen place, yet worshiping on the Sabbath, and caught up in the Spirit.
Here is the question we, as fellow believers, need to ask our selves. If we were living in a totally pagan culture, and completely cut off from the Christian community; if we had no small groups in which to share our joys and our sorrows, or minister to others as well as be ministered to; if we had no places to worship or hear the Word proclaimed, if our closest friends had been tortured and/or killed for their faith, how long would we still worship on the Sabbath? How long would we worship at all if there was no one to keep us accountable, to encourage us, to pray with and for us? How long?
My answer to that question probably explains why I have never experienced any extraordinary, blow-my-mind revelations of Christ. If I can skip church because I'm too lazy to get out of my PJs on a given Sunday, how trustworthy am I in my worship of the one who is my only reason for being? Not very.
OK, now that I've gotten that off my chest, here is something else. I went to the high school last night for the Sports' Award Event. They called it a dinner, but it was really an opportunity to eat sugar-filled, store bought cookies and cake. I did my part by eating a red velvet cupcake. That should fill my year's quota of red dye.
In a way, my Discover Jesus Moment presented itself at the Girls' Basketball Awards portion. As the coach called up each one of the players individually, and talked of her attributes and contribution to the team, these thoughts and questions went through my now sugar laden-dye filled brain. Please bear with me.
I pictured an awards banquet in heaven (there just might be one). When The Greatest Coach of all times finally calls me up before the gathering of saints, will he say any of these things about me?
- She is extremely coach-able. She listens to what I want and what I expect, then tries her best to do it.
- She is a sacrificial player and gives it her all.
- She is a specialist. She might sit on the bench a lot, but when I need her talent and skills, she is ready to get in the game. She gets her job done.
- She sparks the team on with her enthusiasm and willingness to work.
- She is a joy to have on the team. Her smile and positive spirit can not be dampened.
- She is growing by leaps and bounds. Each practice is better than the last.
- When a full court press is on, I can depend on her to get the ball past the mid-court line and out of enemy territory.
- She is an unselfish player, always looking for an open player and making the assist.
- She is a total team player.
Just wondering.
So there you have it, a peek at some mental images and silent conversations I had with myself the past few days. Now I have shared them. What kind of silent conversations do they stir up in you?
Alright, I will share one more thing. As I continually discover more and more of Jesus, I discover more and more about myself. As long as I continue tor ask, "Am I doing what he wants?" or "How can I remain strong and faithful?" I am seeking him and will continue to grow. When I ask instead, "Am I good enough?" the answer will always be a resounding "NO!" because I am now depending on myself alone, and not Him. I am looking at myself alone, and not at Him. Only He was, is, and will ever be enough. That is what he wanted me to discover, AGAIN. Only He is enough.
Are my thoughts filled with praise and thanksgiving? No, not filled, but praise and thanksgiving are often there. Is His praise continually in my mouth? No, not continually, but it is often there. In spite of all my failures, questions and doubts, I know that I am coach-able and I am growing. I also know I am a member of the strongest, most winning team in the world.
We're Number One.
I'm off to practice. See you there. Go Team Jesus.
Jan
???????On one of my proof-reads I noticed a mistake, but didn't correct it. Now I can't find it again. Where, oh where is it?
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