Some thoughts... and an Invitation.

There is this story that I’ve heard a few pastors tell, it goes a little something like this:

There was this couple. They had this nice old car – you know, the kind with the bench seat up front – and when they were young, the woman would slide on in and snuggle right up next to her man - and that’s how they rode everywhere. As time wore on, she ended up more in the passenger’s seat than the middle. One day, she notices it and immediately and agitatedly (Is that even a word?) calls it to the attention of her man. “Why don’t you hug me up like you used to? Why don’t we ever ride close like when we were young and dating??” Her husband looks over at her and says: “Don’t ask me! I haven’t moved!”

It’s a cute and funny story, but humor me and follow me with this one: How much is this like our relationship with God?! (Personally and as the Bride of Christ.) Be honest with yourself for a moment and think about it. How many times have you wondered, “God, all those people in the Bible have pretty amazing stories – and you moved in all of these amazing ways – why don’t you do that now? Why don’t you use me like you used them? Why do revivals happen other places but not here?” Why, why, why?? The list can go on and on. If you’re like me, you don’t need me to come up with a list of example questions. You probably have a list of your own. But, what if it’s similar to the story above?
God doesn’t change. The God who is God today, has always been God and always will be God. He is the same and always will be the same. Though the world and people around us may change, God does not change. He is the same God who is in the Old Testament. Our God today is the exact same God who poured out His Spirit at Pentecost. Now, I’m not saying that we don’t all experience Him in different ways. Our relationships with Him are on a personal level – He’s going to connect with us on a personal level that speaks to us as individuals.  What I’m saying is, what if we’re just not putting ourselves in the position to receive a blessing? What if we’re in the car with Him, but we’re just way over there in the passenger’s seat staring out the window? It’s not that He can’t act like that anymore – He can. It’s not that He doesn’t want to still do all of those amazing things and have great, interacting relationships with us – He does. It’s the fact that maybe we’re over here acting like we don’t want Him to do any of it. God loves us all lavishly – but He isn’t going to force Himself on anybody.  He loves us so much that we’ve got a choice in the matter. What if we would put ourselves in a position to be blessed? What would happen if we just scooted right on over, real close? You know, where He didn’t have to reach across the seat to hold our hand, but we put ourselves in a position for Him to put His arm around us? To put ourselves in a place to just enjoy Him, His presence, and being close to Him? We have that option, you know.  

Okay, so… We’re starting a regular Tuesday night women’s Bible Study. Women of all ages, races, and denominations are welcome! It will be from 6:00-8:00pm at the Grassy Pond Family Life Center. (Big shout out to the peeps at G.P.!) (Don’t worry if you can’t get there right at 6:00! From 6:00 to 6:30, we’re just coming to take our time, talk, grab a cup of coffee (or tea!) and get settled!) First up: we’re starting Seamless by Angie Smith. It’s an easy study! (Know a lot about the Bible? Great! You’ll love it! Know a little about the Bible? Great! You’ll love it! Know nothing about the Bible? Great! You’ll love it! Just want to get away from your Husband, Kids, Parents, Schoolwork, Work, or whatever for a little bit? Great! You’ll love it!) The homework (Yeah, there’s a little of that – not bad – I promise!) is short and the video sessions are about 15 minutes in length. Bonus – All of the books have already been provided! So, no worries as to whether you can afford one or not – they're free! If you can, just send me a message and let me know you’d like a book with your name on it! (If you can’t – no worries – we’ll have extras!) 

And I just want to make sure all you ladies understand: We want YOU. Yes, YOU. (You know, the one reading this.) Maybe you don’t know us that well… We don’t care. We’d love to get to know you! Maybe you’re not sure if you’d fit in… We’re all sisters here. He loves us and so we all have something in common. Maybe you’re like: But I’m not a member of Grassy Pond… Well, this isn’t a Grassy Pond thing. This is a women who love Jesus thing. (Or even a women who just want to know more about Jesus thing.) So come on! Grab a cup coffee or tea, a snack (we might have a couple of those!), and an ink pen and let’s see what God has to say to us – because He still speaks!  

Really hope to see you there, my friend! 

{EDIT: In my excitement, I may have forgotten to mention the date... (Okay, I totally did.) Anyway, we start the first Tuesday in August!}