Dear Friends in Christ -
On a whim, I did something that I usually don't do, I peeked at tomorrow's Scripture readings in the daily office. I hadn't read anything in today's readings that really spoke to me. Usually, I make myself stick with the readings of the day, because if I'm patient and listening, they usually resonate with something at some point in the day. Today, I took a short-cut and peeked ahead.
The first story from tomorrow's readings - Genesis 15:1-11, 17-21 - reached right out and grabbed me, because it illustrates perfectly a key point from Bishop Smith's sermon yesterday.
The sermon was about the spiritual discipline of GUIDANCE. Guidance from God is something we often wish for, pray for. And there are certainly better and worse ways of putting ourselves in a place to hear God's guidance.
Yesterday, Bishop Smith recommended three steps to hearing God's guidance: LISTEN, BELIEVE and ACT. Each of these steps is perfectly illustrated in this Genesis story about Abram. Abram was at a real low point in his life when this encounter with God occurred. What God promised him was so far out, that he was tempted not even to believe God, and he says so. But Abram continues to listen . . . and believe . . . and act.
What is God guiding you to do today? Are you listening? Will you believe? And then will you step out in that belief and act?
I would love to hear your story of how you feel guided as you follow through! revjanet@stpaulsct.org
Faithfully,
Janet+
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