~ Madame Jeanne Guyon ~
Thank goodness that Laurel gave us a little hint regarding this quote. Laurel mentioned that Madame Guyon was speaking of reading the Bible.
Let me tell you–staying in shape physically and spiritually is very important…This past weekend my Sweetheart and I took our cameras to shoot some pictures by the Salt River out East. It was fun. The weather was perfect for February–high 70’s and sunny. And my little Nikon took awesome pictures–I’ll post some in the coming weeks. But I digress.
My point is–we haven’t hiked in quite some time and I am sore because of it. I felt miserable on Sunday. Every bone in my body ached. I thought I was coming down with the flu, since everyone else was sick at the office last week . It didn’t hit me until Monday morning that I was just sore. I am out of shape – Yikes! We only hiked for an hour, but I guess even that my body couldn’t take…
Now you are probably wondering what our little hiking trip/photo session has to do with today’s quote. A lot. You see, if we don’t train our bodies to go hiking, we get out of shape–get sore. The same applies to God’s Word. We need to stay fit. We need to know what is written…Sometimes going to church, hearing the Word on Saturday/Sunday is not enough.
For years I have tried to read the entire Bible in one year. I know that many of you have accomplished it. I just could not do it. This year I am on track, because I chose a different reading plan for myself. One that will work for me. I even have time to memorize Scripture–no skimming here this year. I read something really alarming this past week: fewer than half of all adults can name the four gospels–double Yikes!!
I want to know Scripture from the heart. I want to know where to find which Scripture passage. I want to be able to answer questions–questions my sisters in faith might have; or even people who do not know Him yet! AND I want to withstand the attacks of the evil one…No skimming allowed for me this year…
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:13-18 (ESV)
Please visit my dear friend Laurel at Laurel Wreath to meet up with other Christian women to exchange your thoughts on this week’s IOW quote. Thank you Laurel for hosting this week…
Blessings on your day and as always…
I love your analogy to hiking. So very true, we can get out of shape so quickly and we don’t even realize it is happening!!!
Mathew, Mark, Luke & John =)
That was perfect. I’m reminded of how thankful I am that my parents were involved in church by the time I was about 11. I learned so much scripture in Sunday School that always somes to mind now. I marvel at how much I soaked in back then. Can’t wait to see the photos.
By the way, it was -40 out here. Michael says that -40 is the same celcius or ferenheit. My sister is so lucky that she’s out your way this week.
This line, Iris: “I want to know Scripture from the heart.”
From my heart.
In my heart.
Change my heart.
Oh, make it so, Father.
This week, our family is to recite to our partner memorizing family 1 Jn 1 and 2… and I am shaking in my boots ~weak smile~… but do I really want to hide His word in my heart? You are right, Iris! That takes spiritual exercise and spiritually staying in shape!
You know that goal you have for blogging? To encourage sisters in pursuing hard after Jesus? You surely reached the finish line with this post!
Humble gratitude, Iris, for spurring us all on!
All’s grace,
Ann
Very good thoughts, I really enjoyed reading them. My dad told me several years back that we have to feed our spirit, just like we feed our body if we want to be strong and healthy. No food = death. I remember this lesson very clearly, and also remember him saying that whichever we feed more (our spirit or our body), that one will be the strongest. Talk about conviction!
I too, want to know the scriptures in my heart. I really enjoyed your take on this weeks quote! You are an encouragement to me! Blessings!
I really enjoyed reading your thoughts, well said.
This post was such a great reminder that I need to keep consistent with my Bible reading and study. I let things slide too often, I think.
Camy
I love this analogy. I am trying to memorize Scripture this year as well. I am (beginning) to discover that as I retrain my mind to memorize, it is getting a little easier. I don’t want to be out of shape when it comes to devotional time. Thanks for sharing.
Great analogy and I love that scripture. I’m terrible about memorizing scripture. I’ve never gotten around to making it a daily part of my routine. There’s always room for improvement and “getting in shape”!
Great analogy! My dad always said when we get spiritually sick we lose our appetite for the Bible, just like when we get physically sick and lose our appetite for food. We must force feed ourselves little by little until the appetite returns and we begin to, once again. long for the meat of the word. Thanks for a great post.
I want to know Scripture from the heart. I want to know where to find which Scripture passage. I want to be able to answer questions–questions my sisters in faith might have; or even people who do not know Him yet! AND I want to withstand the attacks of the evil one…
Amen Iris. I am reading through the Bible and it is taking me a lot longer than I anticipated. I read a chapter and then out comes the study bible and I’m gone for 1/2 an hour, lol. I remember hearing about the reading the bible in 30 days plan!! Oh my, I wouldn’t be able to do that, it takes me far too long.
Not sure what happened to my HTML, it was your quote supposed to be in italic. Opps.
This is so good Iris. This week in my devotions, I’ve been reading how God wants us to take care of our bodies as well as our spirits. After all, it is the temple of the Holy Spirit!
Blessings!
Hi Iris,
I was wondering if you have your new reading plan laid out somewhere?
Thanks-
Jennifer
P.S. I look forward to seeing the pictures you took with your husband.
THank you for sharing this Iris. I certainly could relate. What great encouragements here. 🙂 ~~Loni
Great job! The biking analogy was very fitting. I love everyone’s various angles on the quote!
Oh, I love hiking! I think I must be out of shape right now too. I can’t believe this: “…fewer than half of all adults can name the four gospels–double Yikes!!” I applaud your Bible reading plan. (Um, can you name the four Gospels?) You must be so full of the Word. What a blessing. I’m looking forward to your new photos!
BTW Iris, we’re officially empty-nesters. We helped our daughter move out last Sat. It sure is quiet around here!!! :~)
Ya know, Iris, the more I work out, the more I enjoy it (yes, enjoy).
And I’ve found the same true for spending time in the Word…the more I’m “there”, the more I wanna be “there”.
Sounds like you’re “feeding” body and soul! Delicious!! 🙂
I’ve always been a slow reader, partly because I don’t have the kind of speed reading skills that allow me to skip through an entire book in an evening the way some people do, and partly because I ENJOY reading slowly and truly savoring the words (and the Word). Taking my time allows it to seep into my brain better, I think. It allows ideas to percolate. It causes me to THINK instead of just letting the verses run by in a blur.
I have NEVER managed to read the Bible in a year; I wish I could! And I’d love it if you’d share your reading plan, Iris!