While each of us have had different experiences with religion growing up - one thing is certain: We all sought Truth. The "Sitting at the Feet of Jesus" Study Guide from Chapter 2 asks: What was your image of Christ growing up? We discussed our different experiences from childhood, good and bad, and discovered that after unpacking our foundational religious beginnings, we all experienced different sects of Christianity:
- Catholicisim
- Pentecostal
- Baptist
- Methodist
- Holiness
- Episcopal
- Non-Denominational
- "CSO" - Church on Special Occasions
At best, these religious groups, we found, shared a common denominator: We did not find Christ through it, but rather, He found us. To those who may be struggling with the rules of religion, working to feel good enough, waiting until the "right time" to give your life to Christ, or any other thing that keeps you from accepting Him, our recommendation is simply this: Focus on a relationship with Christ. That's it.
When you remove the rules, laws, policies, and self-inflicted ideologies about what it means to be a Christian, it's all about knowing Christ, and that is Truth. The authors said it succinctly in "Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus", "I realized a trip to Israel isn't necessary - wonderful insights are as close as your own bible". Knowing Jesus and developing your relationship with Him is as easy as studying the bible and seeking to know Him. As a matter of fact, in Chapter 2 of "Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus", the authors state that Rabbis thought that study and not prayer, was the highest form of worship, "They pointed out that when we pray, we speak to God, but that when we study the scriptures, God speaks to us."
Women of Grace, ask God to give you the grace to see beyond the religious activities and to simply experience Him. Having a relationship with Christ is far better than anything you can imagine. Today when we discussed what our image of Christ was "Then" (when we were growing up), and "Now" (today, as we reflected on where we came from), because religion influenced our perception, we found that He was not what we thought, He was so much more! His Goodness kept us close, even when we were not aware, and at the right time, He revealed Himself to each of us, in a way only He could. His friendship has proved to better than any riches, better than any fun we thought we were having, and better than any person who had our time and attention. It is only His Love that makes us want to do His Will, and even more, He will give us the Grace to do so.
"So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That's why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ's mighty power that works within me." Colossians 1:28-29
For more information on experiencing God, find Henry Blackaby's book "Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God" on Amazon.
Stacey
Women of Grace Member
Community Bible Church
Women of Grace:
This week's study guide for "Sitting At The Feet Of Rabbi Jesus" asked a very poignant question: If you were sitting at the feet of Rabbi Jesus, what would you ask?
The conversation among the Women of Grace Members sparked more thought-provoking questions:
- Why won't people believe You are the Son of God?
- What's next - How can I get more of you?
- How can I truly make You (Christ) a priority in my life amidst my other priorities?
Other comments were revelations from the Holy Spirit and changed the lens through which we view our lives:
- Christ was there from the beginning of my life - through all the tragedies and sufferings - and I would not change a thing.
- Asking for a change in others allows the Holy Spirit to work a change in you.
- Once you commit your life to Christ, your past has nothing to do with your future.
Women of Grace, thank you for committing to mini-challenges this week in an effort to focus more on Christ:
Mini-Challenges
- BE HUMBLE - Give an hour this week to Christ, giving up an hour of TV, Internet, or (your choice here) and study the Word during that hour. Psalm 25:9
- BE PURPOSEFUL - Start your day with Him. John 6:38
- BE GRATEFUL - Reflect on your life and see how God has been with you the whole time; see how His grace has carried you. Psalm 92:1-2
Our Prayer
Father God, this is our prayer for the Women of Grace everywhere:
"For this reason also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long suffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be the partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light." Colossians 1:9-12
In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen!
