When I started my writing journey, I intended to take a habit that I had formed in writing on another platform and transfer it here. It seemed to me that having all my writings in one place was neater, tidier, and, well, better. What I have found is that it doesn’t matter what the intention is, if action is not implemented then the habit will not be formed. They say it takes weeks, if not months, to create a new habit and that consistency is the key. Both of these things, I have failed at miserably.

So here is my attempt to get back into the habit of writing. To share revelations that the Lord gives me and to share my life with anyone wishing to read. Like so many other people, good intentions are easy. Follow through, not so much. And so here we are, months since my last post, and honestly feeling a little overwhelmed and under-inspired.

One habit that I have been able to develop, with the Lord’s help and a few digital reminders, is to consistently be in the Word. I start each day with reading my scriptures. The Bible app has been my friend on this journey. I never really had an issue with being in the scriptures, however I was not always consistent with life got busy. This year has been different. Since January, there are not very many days that I have missed and that brings my heart joy. The plan I’m using is one of those through the Bible in a year plans and, while sometimes I feel rushed in certain books, I can honestly admit I have learned a few things, seen things with new eyes, and had revelation.

That is what the scriptures are supposed to do. They are supposed to challenge you and help you see things with fresh eyes. For anyone that truly wishes to know, the truth will be revealed. And no matter how many times you have read a certain passage, the beauty of the Word of God is that it can reveal new meaning at any time and in any season of life. There are other texts out there that weren’t included in the Bible, to be sure, and someday I hope to read them as well.

As with any challenge that comes with a faith journey, there are exterior challenges that will rear their ugly….. or beautiful…. head. One challenge is personnel changes at my job. Someone that I greatly respect and have learned a great deal from, not just in my chosen career path, but in life and faith as well, retired. I no longer have them as a resource close at hand. Their replacement is a good person, but they do listen differently and that is an adjustment. Additionally, I have found that when I am seeing new things through the Word, inevitably one of the non-believers in my life circle will challenge that thought. This is good and I’m grateful for them even though they don’t know that they have challenged me.

All of this reminds me of several things. First, our primary job as believers is to share the Good News with the world. The world, especially the American world, doesn’t really want to hear the truth, but we are challenged to share it anyway. Following Jesus is hard. It requires something of you. It’s not about programs and good music. It’s not about feel good sermons and edification. It’s about purification, refinement, and heart stuff. It’s personal. It’s challenging. It does hurt at times.

Secondly, we live in a very lost and broken world. Just ask someone who says they are tolerant. Tell them you follow Jesus. You’ll find out how tolerant they really are. Tolerance has a stopping point with most people. That point comes when faith requires them to repent. Many do not want that. They want to be justified in their life and with their life choices. God loves everyone. Yes, that’s true. But God calls us into repentance. See 2 Chronicles 7:14, or even Matthew 3:2. There are many verses in both the old and new testaments calling us to repent. To change how we behave and to accept something better.

Finally, as I said before, following Jesus is hard. It means not always understanding the world around you. It means being shunned, left out, hated, despised, judged, and all the things that tolerant people say we shouldn’t do. We are called to be in the world but not of the world. We are called to surrender to a voice that we do not always understand and that can sometimes be drowned out by forces not wanting us to hear. But we must listen for the Good Shepherd. He will lead and guide us. He will help us. He will show us the way.

If you do not know the Lord and want to, I pray for you. Open the Bible to the Gospels or even to the smaller books in the new testament. Ask the Lord to show you. Ask him to open your heart. Many times I have heard “I’ve read the Bible. It’s nothing” and things of that nature. I ask did you really read the Bible or did you just read the words with you mind already made up. Open your mind and heart to the possibilities and see what happens. God loves you. God calls you. God desires you.

Thanks be to God!