Advent Devotional at BWS!

This month we have an Advent devotional linked on our home page. Please click on the manger scene on the left side. It will be easier to read next week when my web designer gets back from vacation and can increase the print size.

The author is a Presbyterian minister,The Rev. Dr. Harry Cahill. Since he is a man he will not be posting, but I am willing to discuss the devotional in the forum with anyone who is intersted. Today would already be day five so if anyone wants to discuss any parts o the devotional from day 1 through day 5...now's the time.

Interesting. I guess no one wants to discuss it. I just hope women are reading the daily devotions.

I've been reading them Dotsie. I didn't realize this was open for discussion I guess. I've been reading them and seeing how what I read applies to my life. Looking at the reading as a personal thing. I've carried the thoughts through out the day and mulled them over. I was particularly struck by Day 3, Am I My Brother's Keeper.

I fall short of this some days and it was a great reminder that we are ALL responsible for being each other's keepers.

I'm really enjoying the calendar.

JJ

Oh good. Glad to hear it.

Harry is a dear friend. Known him for over 20 years. He is very wise and faithful, yet oh so human! Great combination. I imagine talking with him is like talking with a male version of Ann LaMott.

I also, tend to take the reading on a personal level.
Day 7, Born Into Conflict and Sin, is holding me captive.

Especially the following....

"Do not be afraid. Face your own conflicts and fears. It would be a mistake to ignore them by pouring your energy into making a “forced” Merry Christmas. Instead, bring them out in the open and lay them before Bethlehem’s manger. Ask the Lord to show you the way through your fears and conflicts, and to send your way friends and helpers so you are not alone".

Over the past several months... since being sick,
I have been afraid and fearful. Just couldn't understand why I was sick and then to have anxiety and depression.
What was my conflict and fear concering this area of my life?
I've had to lay these questions at the feet of Jesus. One thing I know for sure is...he needed me to walk closer with him. I was thinking just believing was enough...it's not, I need to walk in his word everyday. I need to listen to what he's whispering to me...now and always. I need to practice what he teaches, in my everyday life.
Before, I moved at the speed of sound, he couldn't get my attention.
I start and finish each and everyday with him. He's a constant through out my day. Can see his love in the actions of others daily. I would not have seen that months ago... too busy.
He slowed me down so I didn't race in front of him...how precious is that? I'm learning to trust his very word, with all my heart. To accepted all he has promised.
My friends and helpers have been the dear women right here.
I give thanks, for each and every one of you. May you one day know...how much you truly have been of good service.
The good news is....my depression and anxiety are letting up, I can feel it. I never made it past the second day on the zoloft.

I'm still growing, in the fullness of his love...

Dotsie...be sure and tell your dear friend Harry, I so appreciate his daily devotions.

Brenda, that is so beautiful! I like how you said He slowed you down so you wouldn't race in front of Him. Isn't that what we do with kids sometimes? We say "slow down", because if they get too far ahead, you can't see the danger before them and they'll run into it, head on.

He's protecting you and He wants you to keep Him company on the walk. So precious.

It's all so true... I need his protection, and companionship.

I think it's so cool that He wants our companionship, too.

And....he wants out companionship no matter what we do... that is what is amazing to me. The depth of His love. Amazing!

JJ

Wonderful addition to the site, Dotsie. Thank you.

Day Ten spoke to me. God used Mary. She said "yes." Do I say "yes" enough to God's call? Am I willing to risk stepping out and making a difference when He calls my name? Am I always listening to even hear His call?

Always a work in progress....

Those are questions we should ask ourselves every day. Sometimes we are like Adam in the graden. He hears God calling his name and he hides himself, because he realizes he's naked. But if we are clothed with Christ, we shouldn't feel naked anymore. Easier said than done...

Mary's yes is exactly why we should strive to be like her. She said Thy will be done. She walked with Jesus everywhere He went. She coaxed Him into doing his first miracle at Cana and told everyone "do whatever He tells you". We should beg for miracles and tell people the same thing. She stood by Him at the foot of the cross, she was there at Pentecost, ready to receive the promised Holy Spirit. I believe she is the model disciple.And I absolutely believe she is the spiritual mother of all believers. Jesus said to John (who represents the beloved, us) "Behold your mother". And John took her into his home that very day. Gives me chills!