N.O.T.E.

N.O.T.E. An acrostic follow-up as I pay attention and consider His ways.

Studying God's Word is more than a "plop and drop" experience. Although at times I have done that as well. God can always meet me right where I am. 

When really studying God's word and searching and finding a  scripture for further understanding.....I read, mark, sometimes highlight, chew on it and inwardly digest it (Jeremiah 15:16) 

I need to read through a scripture for context. Prayer follows and continues. I notice words or phrases jumping out. I observe around me ways God is leading me; I talk to the Lord. I embrace and respond accordingly. 

Notice

Observe

Talk

Embrace glory (Joyce Ann Evans) as we respond to what God has taught us

To God be the glory as I take n.o.t.e. and live it out.

CHOOSE: MVP

Last night the Houston Astro’s became the World Series champs for the first time! What an uplifting moment for that Texas city which has endured so much hardship since hurricane Harvey. Hubby even came to bed late because he wanted to see who won the MVP. In the baseball world a World Series MVP is pretty important! Of course, can I even remember the name of the person who was awarded MVP last night? No.

But God reminded me how important “MVP” is in one’s spiritual life, especially concerning Scripture meditation.

I know, because  my Joshua 1:8 marginalia showed Robert Morgan‘s three necessary steps in Bible study from that one verse.
1) Read it. 2) Keep on reading God's Word aloud. 3) Don't stop reading and repeating it.

Reading, reading aloud and meditation are all on-going.
Meditate on it day and night. As Morgan states in All to Jesus, “Meditation is the missing link in getting the words from the page of the Bible into her bloodstream.” (Day 302)

The Bill Gothard seminar (1975) emphasized the MVP method of meditation; Memorizing, Visualizing and Personalizing. 

 It’s when one personalizes scripture that they bring in obedience that leads to applying truth to their own lives.  Just knowing more scripture is worthless unless it is applied to one's spiritual walk. 

Memorizing and visualizing are both good but personalizing is key.
When you choose MVP, choose the whole package. 

Purpose of Meditation

3/18/13 Putting God's words in my mind is the purpose of meditation for me. When I have His words  at the forefront of my "thinking," spiritual understanding begins to not only take root but begins to dispel those other thoughts. The inappropriate ones.

In my January BSF notes I had jotted down Charlie Brown's resolution, 'to only "dread"one day at a time.' I can relate to good ole Charlie Brown, because throughout my life, I have had to fight that ugly monster of dread. It used to rear its ugly head way too often. Being retired has helped me as retirement has provided more time for meditation. In the book of Joshua (verse 8) "meditating day and night" on the book of the law is encouraged. That is not without reason. Meditation helps quell the "dread."----at least for me it does. 

Discouragement can be a seedbed for dread. Thus, this weeks verse is a reminder for my thoughts not to linger there. I don't want any new "dread" popping up.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”(Joshua 1:9)

That's my purpose for this week's meditation. What's yours?