Monday, September 25, 2017 The Song of Creation—Studying Nonverbal “Books” (The Discipline of Study, Part 6 of 6)

Monday, September 25, 2017

The Song of Creation—Studying Nonverbal “Books”  (The Discipline of Study, Part 6 of 6)

Scripture:

Isaiah 55:12 (NIV)

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Devotional:

In this final section on the discipline of study, Pastor Foster outlines many areas of nonverbal study we can embrace. My favorite is the study of nature. The song of Creation is a beautiful one to me. As a musician, I see God’s creation as His symphony. There are times I look past what He has made, and forget that taking the time to ponder and appreciate His incredible works is a spiritual practice. Pastor Foster refers to the study of creation as “reverent observation.” God loves His creation, and desires that we also love and embrace it. There is an intimacy to be found with Him as we study. “Of this much we can be sure: if we love the creation, we will learn from it.” (Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline).

In addition to the study of nature, there are other rich areas of nonverbal study. Human relationships, in particular, and our willingness to step back from justifying ourselves, will surely deliver us from pride. Studying the relationships we have with others and our interactions with them can produce compassion where we have judgment. The study of ourselves is a very central place of study. Our inner feelings and mood swings, triggers, tendencies to shut out others or embrace can give us great insight.  Approaching these areas with humility and by the grace of the Holy Spirit flowing in and through us produces a fruit of righteousness. Cultures, established institutions, events and what they say about the values of our culture, and in what areas those values are affecting the message of the gospel are areas that will give us discernment about how to continue to be a light in this very confused world.

I find the most important point to be the one that he makes in closing. As we study, we will find ourselves growing in joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10), and He provides the discipline of study to strengthen us!

Prayer:

Thanksgiving:

Lord, I thank You for You are good. When I am not good, You are good at all times. My heart overflows with gratitude, Lord, and I worship You!

Confession:

Lord, I come and confess my need and my shortcomings. (Take time to allow God to examine your heart. Confess any struggles or challenges. Mine today: God, I confess to You that I have been short and impatient with my family this past weekend. I want to flow with Your patience, and ask that You will help me though this problem seems to continue to surface. Teach me to be loving and kind at all times, and to seek forgiveness when I am not.)

Supplication:

Lord, I ask You to give me the will and desire to be a student of Your Word. Show me how to do this in practical ways. Help me to embrace study and to not be overwhelmed with the idea of it. Give me the desire to begin this habit if I have not or to dig deeper and increase my capacity if I have. Today, equip me to best parent these children You have honored me with. Reveal areas that I need to grow, and help me to be humble to allow You to grow me in those areas.

Intercession:

Lord, I lift my children to You. They are my treasure, and I desire to continually release them to You to be cared for. (Journal needs, concerns, progress and victories. Chloe today: She is growing into such a wonderful little girl! She is funny and bright and so smart. She is growing so much in the area of social interactions. She is having some steps back in separation anxiety. I ask that You will show us ways and strategies to pour into her so that she will feel and sense her security. Give her peace. She is also still waking up in the middle of the night occasionally for minor needs and will wake us. Show us how to strategize and get ahead of these things so that we will all be rested. For Christian: Praise God, he is not running way from us like he used to! We still do have some situations where we lose him for a few minutes, but when we walk together in public I often do not have to hold his hand tightly nor wear a wrist strap to keep him from bolting into oncoming traffic. He is also beginning to use his device and other appropriate communication strategies appropriately! We continue to struggle with potty training. I feel defeated often, and I need Your strength.)

Thanksgiving and Consecration:

God, You are the Answer to these needs. I am so grateful that You meet me here and address my needs, my challenges, and provide me with forgiveness, healing and grace. I worship You and lift You up. Bless Your holy Name, Lord! In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.