Week 2 – (Feb 6, 7, 8)
On Monday, the reality of the Sabbatical began to hit home. After being in Colorado the first week it seemed like a short vacation, but now I am in my usual surroundings during the work week without the work. I am at peace knowing that our Southern Region managers are capable and willing to take care of things. I guess having the first Sabbatical in 2010 taught me that God will make all things work out.
As far as my devotions, I have continued with the 2 daily devotions that I started on January 1. One is titled “Men of the Bible – Insights from the Warriors, Wimps, and Wise Guys”. This gives a brief insight from the lives of ordinary men, that gives a lesson that can be applied to our lives. It shows the good, bad, and ugly. Monday focused on Jonah and Luke 11:29-30.
Luke 11:29-30New International Version (NIV)
The Sign of Jonah
29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.
In contrast to Jonah’s disobedience, Jesus obediently offered to sacrifice himself to save many. Jonah also saved many through following through with God’s plan that he ran from. It is a comfort to know that even in our disobedience, we can still rest in Christ’s obedience.
The other is titled “The Shadow of the Cross” and is focused on the Gospel of Mark (my favorite :)). On Wednesday, the focus was on Mark 2:23-24.
Mark 2:23-24New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath
23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
Although this devotion deals with legalism, I found my thoughts going in a different direction. I will start working with Meals on Wheels on Friday. These verses reminded me that the field owners left grain on the ground for the widows and others who could not provide for themselves. I can only hope that the experience with Meals on Wheels is a positive time and I will find satisfaction helping some of our elderly that need just a little bit of help to maintain their independence. Maintaining your independence when aging or invalid is so important to the dignity of one’s existence.
On Wednesday I added a 3rd book to the daily devotional plan. “The Book of Mysteries”. This is not done in a typical devotional style and if the 1st day is any indicator, I am going to love this. It is done in story fashion but leaves you with something to work on during the day to bring you in closer relationship with God. Today started with a question ”Can that which is finite encompass that which is infinite?”. The answer is only if the finite is an open vessel. Only by opening yourself up can you come to know what you don’t know already.
Today’s mission: Open my mind, my heart, and my life to what I do not know so that I can contain that which is greater than myself.