Dec 3, 2007

Keeping a Secret Life

My Angela Thomas's bible study is simply incredible! I have done A Beautiful Offering before, but I am at a completely different place this time I am doing it. This week's study is called "Keeping a Secret Life" and it is all about having a secret relationship with our heavenly father. We are focusing on the private life of spending time with God, that in turn, results in a beautiful public life that people cannot help but see our precious God.

Sadly over the last six months or so, my private time with God has been pretty laxed and minimal and I keep wondering why I'm not able to SEE what God is doing more in my life. Every example when I talk to my ladies in bible study is past tense. Such as "Two years ago when God told me...." or "Last year I saw God miraculously...". I felt so frustrated that I wasn't able to give them current examples that are usually happening all around me. I think God is showing me this week, through this study, that I need to get back to him first. Quit focusing on the negatives! Quit worrying about the future! Quit wondering if I am doing my kids a disservice to home school them! Quit thinking all together for a minute and just sit! I need to sit at the feet of Christ and just adore him. I need to acknowledge that my public life isn't so great because my private time with him isn't either. For this week, I am going to strive to seek that private time with God.

Angela talks about three beautiful pieces of our lives that really get the attention of God when offered in private. The act of giving in secret, praying in secret, and fasting in secret are ones I really need to put into practice this holiday season. May each of you find that special time with our Saviour as well this Christmas, so that others who do not know Him will certainly WANT TO. God bless!

9 comments:

Susanne said...

Oh Susie! Why is it I know this but I still need to be reminded of it? Thanks for posting what you are going through. It speaks to me too!

Susan said...

Wonderful post, Susie.
Susan

Linda said...

I know "whereof you speak" Susie. For some strange reason, it seems the heavier the burden the more I tend to draw away from Him and into myself - the very opposite of what I need to do. I have felt that distance these past couple of weeks and it leaves me feeling so empty. You are so right. There is absolutely no substitute for time spent with Him.

Ruth said...

Excellent post and reminder. It sounds like a wonderful study! I am really working at quality time with the Lord, too. Thanks so much!

Mayhem And Miracles said...

Beautiful. Thanks for the reminder....I needed that! Loved all the birthday pics. Looks like such a specil night.

The Glow Girls said...

Love the post. Love the study!!! I still to this day refer back to the study and all that she said. There is soooooo much I want to share with you and reading your post makes me more excited to share with you. Makes me want to do the study again. Can't wait to visit with you. Very soon!!!

Shawna said...

You're reading my mail, Susie. When I press in as close as I can get & the problem doesn't go away, well, I don't have much stamina to keep pressing in. I want that to change.

Julie said...

LOVE the whole 'secret' thing, and it's so very true.

Inspiring, Susie. Very inspiring.

DA Wagners said...

Thanks for the blog entry . . . You've got me motivated!!! I've met Angela Thomas. She signed a copy of her book to me. I can't remember which she signed, but they are both good! Thanks for the pep-talk!