While recently reading in Genesis 16, I was
surprised at the words that seemed to leap right off the page into my mind and
heart. Actually, it hadn't been long since I had completed an in-depth
study in this "Book of Beginnings." I didn't really expect to
"find" anything "new" as I read on this particular day (I
can hear God laughing).
Still there it was echoing
with freshness, God's question to Hagar that found a new landing place right
inside my heart: "Hagar, Sarai's maid, 'Where have you come from and
where are you going?' " (Genesis 16:8)
Somehow, I knew that the
Holy Spirit was posing that same question to me. With a brand new year
beginning what an opportune time to reply by, glancing back in consideration,
while looking forward with anticipation to where I wanted to be headed in 2013.
Various thoughts and ideas
came to mind as I personally pondered these two queries. One thing is for
certain: I knew if I wanted to keep on keeping on in my walk with God, I
needed to continually be "coming from something" while going
"toward something else."
I also knew, without a
doubt, part of that "something else" would be seeking to spend daily
time in God's Word. For that is, hands down, the paramount way God uses
to bring about change in my life. If you are like me, you probably see
areas in your life that need transforming by a Savior that loves us too much to
leave us the way we are.
Not only does the study of
His Word bring about needed change in my life, but it grows me intimately more
acquainted with the One who loves me beyond compare. I have wrestled with
many doubts in my spiritual life which were never totally settled until I got
into a Ladies Bible study. There, alongside other women that shared the
same struggles as myself, I began to grow in my relationship with God.
I've found we all need each other and we all definitely need God's Word!
So what a great time to
invite you to join us for our Lee Park Ladies Bible Study. If you want to grow closer to
Jesus in this upcoming year, I can promise you, your time will not be
wasted.
You may even find yourself in
the place all of us have been at one time or another. Perhaps you are not
sure if you are coming, going or even have a personal relationship with
Jesus. If so, I have some great news for you! One of the many
incredible things about God is that He meets you where you are. In fact,
when God posed His inquiry to Hagar, you might say she was in a "state of
limbo." Yet, God met her right in that very place. He will
meet you wherever you happen to be too. So please think about coming to
join us as we begin our new semester of studies....there will definitely be one
that is just right for you.
I know that as the year
progresses, in order for me to remain focused, I will have to continue to ask
myself, "Where am I going?" But one answer I can give to God
right now is, "Lord, I am going to Ladies Bible Study." How
about you? All our upcoming Ladies Bible Studies and descriptions are posted on
our previous blog. Please join us this coming Tuesday, January 15, for
our Community Day Bible Study Kick-off. We begin at 7 p.m. with heavy appetizers
and will have more information about all our studies offered! See you
there!
--Mary Armstrong
