Hola Amigos!
Okay, so here is the deal - last night Paul talked about the importance of spending time with Jesus, studying His Word, and praying. My personal small group (this is colie btw) expressed that studying God's Word can be frustrating at times because you may not understand something or you don't know where to start or its a little overwhelming - which are all issues everyone faces, not just youth. I am all about trying to find the most logical, simple solution to a problem, so I thought why not have an easily accessible, paperless(less dead trees) solution to our issue! Anyway, this blog is to hopefully be an answer to some of those issues with great truths from the Bible in a relevant format. I am calling it an "Un-Quiet Time" for a few reasons. Number One, the specific words quiet time have negative connotations for me because I have such a strict image of a quiet time in my head, and that is just not me. Number Two, I know that many of you are rarely quiet, so if you want to read this blog while listening to music, watching t.v. and texting then go for it. I hope that this blog helps you develop a time that works for you and your daily life. Finally, I hope after studying your Bible and getting to know God that you are very un-quiet about your faith, that you share your story with your school, your family, and your world.
Okay, so I want to help you learn and study the Bible, but I believe you must take a little responsibility for your own education. So the passages have been linked to website that will show you the entire passage - all you have to do is click on the reference and it will take you to the passage. I am asking that you not only read the blog but also take the initiative to read the reference. You may use the link provided or open your own Bible and read it there.
This may seem like a lot of information, but you do not have to do this in one sitting or in one day! Take your time, work at your own pace! If you have any questions, let me know by leaving a comment or email me at beaty.nicole@gmail.com or text me at 601.319.9630! There are no bad or dumb questions!
This past Wednesday night's lesson came from Luke 10:38-42 and told us of how Martha was busy preparing Jesus' arrival and Mary was more concerned with sitting at Jesus' feet listening to His teachings. I know we talked about this in detail last night, but I really want you to think about all the things you do every day instead of spending time in God's Word. Maybe its time to write those things down and consider what you could let go of so that you are not too busy to spend time with God. We can learn a great deal from Mary and Martha who are mentioned a great deal in the Gospels which include the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Today, we are going to John 11. Again we see Mary and Martha, but this time we learn about Lazarus who is the brother of Mary and Martha. It's extremely important to know the context of a passage - simply read a chapter or two behind and ahead of the chapter you are studying so that you know the entire story. At this time, Jesus is teaching in Jerusalem and the surrounding area. The Jewish leaders are getting restless and seeking to kill Him. It is not much longer before Christ will be killed. Now after you read John 11, there are a few things I want you notice.
1. Paul talked about the importance of spending time with Godly friends and telling your story of how Christ changed your life. Your friends can change your life - just ask Lazarus. Notice the friendship of Jesus with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Based on what you read, would you say they are close friends?
2. We often want everything right now - call it a Fast Food Syndrome - we want everything exactly the way we want it and in less than 30 seconds. Notice Jesus' initial response to hearing that Lazarus was sick. Did he go immediately?
3. God's time is not always our time, and we must learn to be patient. What are Mary and Martha's responses when Jesus comes? And what is His response to them? Mary and Martha had incredible faith that had Jesus been there, their brother would not have died, but they didn't think that perhaps Christ had a bigger plan that would bring the most glory to God.
I know that we all go through difficult times and sometimes life sucks, but I want you to see how Jesus reacted when He found out that Lazarus had died. It says in John 11 that Jesus wept - He cried. I want you to know that we serve a God that knows and has experienced exactly what you are going through. Let that truth comfort you - you are not alone on this journey.
I hope you all have a great day.
With Love,
Colie
Okay, so here is the deal - last night Paul talked about the importance of spending time with Jesus, studying His Word, and praying. My personal small group (this is colie btw) expressed that studying God's Word can be frustrating at times because you may not understand something or you don't know where to start or its a little overwhelming - which are all issues everyone faces, not just youth. I am all about trying to find the most logical, simple solution to a problem, so I thought why not have an easily accessible, paperless(less dead trees) solution to our issue! Anyway, this blog is to hopefully be an answer to some of those issues with great truths from the Bible in a relevant format. I am calling it an "Un-Quiet Time" for a few reasons. Number One, the specific words quiet time have negative connotations for me because I have such a strict image of a quiet time in my head, and that is just not me. Number Two, I know that many of you are rarely quiet, so if you want to read this blog while listening to music, watching t.v. and texting then go for it. I hope that this blog helps you develop a time that works for you and your daily life. Finally, I hope after studying your Bible and getting to know God that you are very un-quiet about your faith, that you share your story with your school, your family, and your world.
Okay, so I want to help you learn and study the Bible, but I believe you must take a little responsibility for your own education. So the passages have been linked to website that will show you the entire passage - all you have to do is click on the reference and it will take you to the passage. I am asking that you not only read the blog but also take the initiative to read the reference. You may use the link provided or open your own Bible and read it there.
This may seem like a lot of information, but you do not have to do this in one sitting or in one day! Take your time, work at your own pace! If you have any questions, let me know by leaving a comment or email me at beaty.nicole@gmail.com or text me at 601.319.9630! There are no bad or dumb questions!
This past Wednesday night's lesson came from Luke 10:38-42 and told us of how Martha was busy preparing Jesus' arrival and Mary was more concerned with sitting at Jesus' feet listening to His teachings. I know we talked about this in detail last night, but I really want you to think about all the things you do every day instead of spending time in God's Word. Maybe its time to write those things down and consider what you could let go of so that you are not too busy to spend time with God. We can learn a great deal from Mary and Martha who are mentioned a great deal in the Gospels which include the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Today, we are going to John 11. Again we see Mary and Martha, but this time we learn about Lazarus who is the brother of Mary and Martha. It's extremely important to know the context of a passage - simply read a chapter or two behind and ahead of the chapter you are studying so that you know the entire story. At this time, Jesus is teaching in Jerusalem and the surrounding area. The Jewish leaders are getting restless and seeking to kill Him. It is not much longer before Christ will be killed. Now after you read John 11, there are a few things I want you notice.
1. Paul talked about the importance of spending time with Godly friends and telling your story of how Christ changed your life. Your friends can change your life - just ask Lazarus. Notice the friendship of Jesus with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Based on what you read, would you say they are close friends?
2. We often want everything right now - call it a Fast Food Syndrome - we want everything exactly the way we want it and in less than 30 seconds. Notice Jesus' initial response to hearing that Lazarus was sick. Did he go immediately?
3. God's time is not always our time, and we must learn to be patient. What are Mary and Martha's responses when Jesus comes? And what is His response to them? Mary and Martha had incredible faith that had Jesus been there, their brother would not have died, but they didn't think that perhaps Christ had a bigger plan that would bring the most glory to God.
I know that we all go through difficult times and sometimes life sucks, but I want you to see how Jesus reacted when He found out that Lazarus had died. It says in John 11 that Jesus wept - He cried. I want you to know that we serve a God that knows and has experienced exactly what you are going through. Let that truth comfort you - you are not alone on this journey.
I hope you all have a great day.
With Love,
Colie