Application!

I like the way Jim's sermons are organized.  Maybe it is because I was a teacher, and I liked to be organized.  Maybe it is because his sermon plans resemble my lesson plans.  Maybe it is because I like note-taking and tried to develop a sense of organization with my students, so I appreciate what he tries to accomplish with his congregation.  I also know his method of delivery is not for everyone.  My daughters have told me that.  Well, one of them has.  But I like his method and that is what counts for me.

Today's sermon was titled 'Learning to Love God' and the plan was divided into two sections:  Bible Study and Application.

Right up my alley!  I love Bible Study.

But the Application part is what caught my attention today.  Here goes:

Discipleship is learning to love God and Jim suggested 8 "Activities to Help You Grow" (I listed them and will add my comments in red)

1.   a devotional life  I had to smile on this one because I have started January and 2018 very strong in this activity!  Reading the Bible in 365 through YouVersion has been exciting for me.  Today, in fact, I was a little miffed that I did not have time to complete my daily devotions and reading before we went to church. Plus the renewed reading of Made to Crave and the discussion with the FB group has been good for me.  Also the new OBS with Proverbs 31 will be starting soon, and I am excited about that.

2.  regular worship - church attendance This is one that we struggle with because we are gone so often, plus sometimes it is just easier to stay in bed where it is warm and just start our day whenever it happens.  This morning it was very tempting to do just that, but I was determined to go to the early service.  I was out of bed with the alarm at 6:15 and in the shower, out, hair dry, face cream on, and nearly dressed before 7.  After church we went to Medaryville for gas, stopped at The Farm to put the trash cans away, then home with time to relax a bit, fix lunch in the Instant Pot, and then we plan to go to Landon's birthday party.  I feel SO much better when I am up and moving, and I like taking a shower first thing and getting ready for the day. Plus I feel more energized and focused since we went to church. Another bonus was chatting with Jane and making plans for the next week, catching up with Tina, and checking in with E. Anne.  Plus Tyson's communion meditation was great and Jim's message was very applicable - since I am doing this!

3.  regular group Bible study As I said before with the devotional time.....Reading the Bible in 365 Days with Beth Z, Babette, and Karen C.  Made to Crave with Beth Z, Babette, and Karen F.  

4.  develop Christian friendships Even though we are not to discuss religion and politics on DWLZ, I have found several Christian friendships through that site.  Plus I really enjoy talking to Jane and Tina and E.Anne.  I have to count them in my group of closest friends.

5.  participate in ministry at church  need some work on this one.

6.  develop a compassion ministry - send cards, take meals, babysitting I try to send cards, but I can do better with this.  I need to add possible recipients to my notebook.

7.  develop an evangelism ministry - have a name to pray for every day  I can do this, and I do do this often.

8.  participate in stewardship - giving  Another one to work on

There we go!  Great sermon today, and I am SO glad we didn't shut off the alarm and stay in bed this morning.