I wrote this earlier today to Eric and while I was in the middle of writing it I knew I wanted to post it online for all to see. I don't know if anyone will read it, or when they do if they will even care, but comments are always welcome. I hope everyone is able to look past the occasion of Christmas and seek out the deeper meaning.
:o)
December 5, 2005
Monday
8:26 pm
Hey Eric,
I was thinking while I was working out and reading your book (How to Read the Bible …) and I thought, “I wonder how Eric’s quiet times have been, because after he read this book, he had a few really good quiet times”. So, how have your quiet times been lately? Mine are OK… could be more regular. I had one today after working at Pizano’s; I read Jeremiah 2 & 3 (I got interrupted otherwise I would have read more).
Back to when I was working out… I was reading your book and I thought to myself… “You know, I should use one of my notebooks that I have in my room and just jot down scriptures that I read and what I thought from specific scriptures…. I should do something like Eric is doing.” So I wanted to tell you that, and I also wanted to tell you what stood out in my readings today and why I highlighted it in my Bible.
I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the barren wilderness. --- Jeremiah 2:2b (NLT)
I highlighted this because I thought of myself … 1-eager to please God and 2-as a young bride (someday). I am not as eager to serve God when I don’t want to or when I have other things filling my time like school, work, socializing, etc.
Long ago I broke the yoke that oppressed you and tore away the chains of your slavery, but still you said ‘I will not serve you.’
--- Jeremiah 2:20a (NLT)
This verse I highlighted because I … I just thought it would be good to keep as a reminder of the many things God has done. Then while I was just writing the verse down, I thought … “Am I being ungrateful, unappreciative, or too picky when I say that I will/am serve/serving God?”
When will you stop running? When will you stop panting after other gods? But you say, ‘Save your breath. I’m in love with these foreign gods and I can’t stop loving them now!’
--- Jeremiah 2:25 (NLT)
I thought with this verse of myself when I do what I want to do even when wise people offer council and Godly advise. FOOLISH!
Does a young woman forget her jewelry? Does a bride hide her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have forgotten me.
--- Jeremiah 2:32 (NLT)
How can I “forget” to spend time with God? It seems so easy, but it shouldn’t. I should look forward to it, like I do to the day when I will get married. Also, just think of those people who only remember God or Jesus Christ during the seasons of Christmas and Easter.
And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding. --- Jeremiah 3:15 (NLT)
This verse made me think of pastors, leaders, Ed, etc. and how they are lead by God. Oh, how wonderful it is to be taught wonderful things about God and to later teach others.
So Eric, how have things been going with your quiet times? Just so you know you have encouraged me to have more quiet times just by you having quiet times. I love you and keep up the good work.
Becca
