So, often after PCT I continue to think about our discussion & have further thoughts that I’d like to discuss, but don’t know how exactly to do that ( except with Lars J ) and then the week goes on & I forget. So Tobi gave me permission to shoot an email out to continue PCT discussions online (so you can blame her J )
There were a few verses that I thought of during & after, having to do with trying not to be sucked into our culture’s mindset, and also the whole “free time” discussion. Sorry, I was in & out due to kiddos, so these probably weren’t the main topics of the study, but they’re the ones I picked up on J“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy & pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 Relates to the “renewing of your mind” idea, but also to how we spend our time. I know that we don’t need to spend all our spare time in the Word of God, although that should be a priority. But God gives us skills & interests, and brains, and I think for me, I forget about furthering those things in my life, and just go for the “vegging” at the end of the day. But there are other “pure & lovely” things we can be doing (piano, guitar, painting, furthering education, gaining knowledge, whatever) Ultimately for the Glory of God. Which brings me to the next verses:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” Colossians 3:23-24
I think all of this definitly ties in with the sermon on Sunday. Have been thinking of that one quote often. "If God doesn't rule your mundane, then He doesn't rule your life" So good!
Also, I was thinking about the whole Martha/Mary discusion, and was wondering, is it possible to “Sit at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said” as mary did, WHILE being martha & doing other things? After I said that I often listen to sermons, worship music, ect while doing things around the house, I started to think about it & thought it’s kind of like being Martha & Mary at the same time J Not sure if that is ok. But I figure it never hurts to listen to good things like that, but maybe I should still take time to be still before God? Or is he really talking about the spiritual? It says “but Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” and “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better…” Luke 10:40-41 I don’t feel distracted, or upset while I’m listening to different things while cleaning ect. I actually feel more peaceful. So I wonder if it’s more a heart issue. Any thoughts?
Also, I was watching a youtube of Francis Chan (wrote Crazy Love) And he said something that really stuck with me. He was talking about spending time with God every day, specifically the morning, and how many people say they just don't have time to spend with God every day. And he said something like, how can you afford not to spend time with God every day? Everyone talks about living each day like it's your last, but this literaly could be the day that you meet God. There is no reason why this couldn't be the day that you actually stand before the throne of God & see Him. That actually really freaked me out when I listened to it for the first time. I know that sounds terrible. Because I'm one of those people who says that! I don't have the time to spend with God every day! But when I think that I could meet Him today. wow, that definitly changed my perspective. Here's the link if you want to hear watch :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDkSYBY87zk Thought I'd share :)
