Of Service through Bible Study

A Year of Being Kind blog – Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Of Service through Bible Study

Lots to do today! I had some email correspondence to go through this morning (at home), and then went to church to get ready for the bible study. A member of the board and I were talking, and before I knew it, it was after eleven. After the time bible study was to begin! So—the two of us dashed into the meeting room. I apologized up and down. But it seemed okay. Several people were practicing on special music for Sunday while they were waiting. I’m so glad I didn’t leave people just twiddling their thumbs!

I taught the next installment in the study. Good topic, although I felt the study wasn’t quite like the previous weeks. Somehow, not as insightful. However, I hope and pray that the church members who attended received a blessing from what we read today. I’ve always found it good to open the Bible and study more in depth, even when the questions were not as penetrating and thoughtful.

Contemplating on this makes me wonder: what does God think of us when we study the Bible? (Even when the questions don’t pack much of a punch . . .) I am leading the midweek study group through a series of studies on the titles and names of Jesus, found in the Gospels. Last week’s study was on Servant—we looked at Jesus in the Upper Room, and discussed Him washing His disciples’ feet. Excellent study, and wonderful discussion, too! But—not today. I tried to help the study along, but I wasn’t able to do as much.

I suspect God is pleased whenever believers gather to study the Bible. I know there are many places in the Scriptures where the study of the Word of God is praised and lifted up. I know many devout believers in God search the Scriptures regularly, and write commentaries and bible studies and other biblical and devotional literature. Moreover, they pray and meditate on God’s Word. And, I get to do this, too! I love to lead people in study. I relish teaching others about the Bible, letting them know more about the things I have studied diligently, over many years.

One verse does come to mind, regardless of whether I have an excellent study or not. As Isaiah 55:11 states, “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Even so, God’s Word is living and active, not static. Readings from the Bible will always bear fruit. Regardless of whether the study has mediocre to poor questions, or whether the teacher is more or less dynamic. God has promised, and I believe in the truth of God’s promises.

So—I find I have the best team-teacher in the world—God. And, I can truly be of service when I teach about God: service to others, and service to God.

@chaplaineliza

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Be Kind? Through Social Media!

A Year of Being Kind blog – Thursday, July 3, 2014

Be Kind? Through Social Media!

The wonders of modern technology! What will they think of next? Yes, I do use social media. I would call myself an advanced beginner, in terms of know-how. Plus, I only use a few platforms of social media. (I don’t want things to get too complicated. On top of everything else, I don’t want to dive in too far over my head, either.)

A few weeks ago, I had my first introduction to Skype! I talked with Rich, a missionary in Latin America. He gave me some in-depth information about IncaLink. Regular readers might remember that, since I had several different ministries of IncaLink on consecutive Fridays. As my Feature Friday feature! Not only was IncaLink’s work in several Latin American countries really innovative, but I was so excited that Rich and I could talk so easily. (!!!!) I’m in my fifties, old enough to remember what a challenge it was to communicate with missionaries. Only three decades ago, it was often difficult hearing regularly from missionaries when they were stationed some distance from even a mid-sized town. In places like Peru, Mexico, India, Kenya, Ethiopia, or Lebanon—just for a few examples.

I do have a Tumblr account, and I post from time to time. Two, maybe three times a week. Tumblr is the place I put all kinds of lovely photos, darling animal shots, breathtaking landscapes, and biblical verses with images. Plus, I also add my links to my blog from wordpress.com. (You know what that is—you’re reading one of my wordpress posts right now! *grin* )

Then, of course, I am an old hand at Facebook. I know my way around the FB world pretty well. I am acquainted with several professors, who often have lively back-and-forth on their Facebook pages. I got involved in several in-depth discussions on Facebook today, and I hope I was encouraging. One post, as I remember, was meant to be helpful. (Another one was snarky, too. But that’s me, sometimes, too.)

How simple it is to be encouraging! How easy to be kind and helpful, as well. I don’t have any idea who might read my posts, or my responses to two blogs. But my thoughts and ideas have gone forth, into the wide world. Of course, they might not be that much of a much. (I don’t want to flatter myself too much, now.) But—God may use some words I have written to be exactly the encouragement someone needs, today. Or perhaps, tomorrow. Even my snarky post might be just the admonishment God means for someone to read. Who can tell? Only God knows how far my words might travel.

May the words that flow from my keyboard be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

@chaplaineliza

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Being There For Someone–Or Two Someones

A Year of Being Kind blog – Monday, January 27, 2014

Being There For Someone—Or Two Someones

I went to the grocery store recently. Just ran in to grab a couple of things before going home for the night. Lo and behold, I happened to run into a couple I’ve known for years, but haven’t seen for some time. It was wonderful to see them! We had a joy-filled meeting, right there in the dairy aisle. We all hugged, and we picked up right where we had left off, several years ago.

Isn’t it amazing how that can happen, with certain friends? You don’t see each other for many months, or even years, and then you meet again—unexpectedly, in a grocery store, for instance—and it’s just as if the last time we met was only a few days ago. We started up an unfinished conversation just as if we had only been briefly interrupted. (I’m smiling as I write, because it’s so marvelous! Good, good friends.)

One half of the couple recently started a new job, and I rejoiced with him. “That’s wonderful,” I said. “Congratulations!” Right off the bat, we began to talk in depth, not simply superficial stuff at all. (That’s one thing I love about my friend. We can both dive into the serious stuff when we need to, and find ourselves on the same wave length.)

I know the verse I’m lifting up for this month is Ephesians 4:32. Looking back at the conversation my friend and I had, we both exemplified being kind and tenderhearted to each other. There was a great deal of give and take, both of us listened to each other sincerely. We didn’t waste time, but got down to honest, open communication.

Funny thing, communication. Words are powerful. Words can be hurtful and destructive. (As both my friend and I can attest.) But words can also praise, build up, encourage, comfort, and soothe. This passage from the end of Ephesians 4 has a list of both negative as well as positive suggestions for action. Sure, the list of the things we are not supposed to emulate is clear, but so is the positive list. Communication can rank high on the positive list, and seems to be a common thread. We are encouraged to exhibit these positive characteristics in our words, deeds and lives. Communicating in a way that is pleasing to God is a marvelous start.

My friend and I certainly were supportive to each other when we met by chance. Or was it by chance? God’s providence, perhaps? I suspect God had a hand in our meeting, because I believe we all received encouragement from each other. Isn’t that the way that God often works? Even when God’s hand might be mostly hidden from view?

As verse 32 tells us, we can build up each other. Whether we’re friends, family or simply strangers, it’s the loving, encouraging thing to do. Be kind and tenderhearted.

@chaplaineliza