Taking Up the Bible

I can't get enough of the Bible. Now, for some of you...that probably sounds like the most boring and irrelevant subject in the world! For others of you--you probably feel the same. So, let me explain for a few minutes of writing as to why I feel that way!

While in PR, I had lots of time to just read and I felt my soul expanding, rather than my waistline. Now, mind you, I have a long way to go to reduce my physical weight--but I've been finding that I'm sick to death of thinking about losing weight, eating less, cutting down on sugar, exercising, etc. etc. In fact, I think that my over-obsession with that whole subject is like bowing down to an idol made out of gold or silver.

So, instead, I've been taking my Bible in hand and just reading! Not stopping to ponder a whole lot (unless something just jumps out at me), but just reading chapter after chapter. And interestingly enough, I feel like I've been caught up into a whole sweep of history! God's history! And my soul is expanding because of it!

One quick scripture that has been rolling around in my brain--out of the Message version. Daniel 2:20-21. "Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He knows all, does all: he changes the seasons and guides history, He raises up kings and also bring them down, he provides both intelligence and discernment."

For you that lean to the left politically, you might be cheering! Yes, finally...an old "regime" brought low...a new beginning with President Obama leading us on into a wonderful life. For those of you that lean towards the right, "Oh, this is the most horrible thing that has ever happened to America!" What has pumped into my heart is that fact that, "God guides history. He raises up and brings down leaders for HIS PURPOSES!"

Are all of God's purposes positive...in other words--do we always get protected from evil? Are we always deserving of the "good life"? Can one man truly be our savior? Only Jesus! He's the only one. So, we must not be gloating or in despair or whatever. We must be about our lives--extending ourselves to those in need, turning away from wrong doing and selfishness, opening up our hearts to the One who guides history--standing in the gap during our times of prayer!

History moves on--there are good times and bad times! There are times of horrible injustice and times of peace and right ruling! We forget that our time here on earth is relatively short in comparison with eternity. So, I've been asking God to help me keep His perspective and to not fall into bitterness and hatred or pride and arrogance!

Not an easy line to walk...at least not for me personally! I can't believe how quickly I can get puffed up in my attitudes over some trivial little thing that I do right! And as soon as I even get a hint that someone may be putting me down, I find unforgiveness and anger quickly raising it's ugly head in my mind. Man oh man! I do need a Savior--THE Savior!

And by the way...I'm thankful for all of you who take time to read this little blog! Our differences of opinion are all protected under the laws of this amazing land that we live in! Isn't it wonderful that we have the freedom to express our views and still be friends? More to come...