6/2/12 During my working years,
Saturdays were routinely my time to soak up the scriptures---about the only
“me” time I had. Nowadays, Saturdays have taken on a new slant with the same
intent. Now I “mull” questions and see how scripture answers the questions or
how I measure up with scripture in the “questioned” action? If latter part is
negative, I look for the solution, i.e. God’s answer. Still requires some
scripture saturation for me.
Past weeks’ sermons from Cole’s series
on “The gravitational pull of small orbits” define small orbits as “any action or
attitude, any intention or idea, that tilts our axis away from God----such that
a vibrant spiritual life becomes unsustainable.”
It’s his way of metaphorically asking,
“How do we get off kilter with God?”
Thus, this weeks questions:
- What’s pulling me off balance in my spiritual walk?
- Which has greater pull in my life, self or God?
- My small orbits seem to change? Does God ever change?
- Am I dull toward God and excited toward everything else?
- Is my spiritual life vibrant?
- What eclipses God’s light from shining through me?
Answers to these questions for us, as
well as the Israelites of days gone by, are found in the Old Testament book of
Malachi. As Cole suggests, for those who have a book Bible (as opposed to an
app) go to the first New Testament book of Matthew and hang a left.
Answers gleaned from rereading (taking
heed and beholding) Malachi and my notes: - Self is my “biggest” small orbit.
- God does NOT change (4:6) on the sinfulness of sin (chap. 2) and the graciousness of grace. (4:7)
- Judgment of God is both punitive and purifying. Behold---“the Sun of Righteousness will arise with healing in his wings,” those wings that carry us to freedom and joy because we love God (4:2).
Those who fear the Lord will love Him, serve Him and serve
others. Now there’s a measuring stick for your spiritual life.
