Again
The snow is quickly melting here in Fort Collins. At the end of the day it is almost melted off the grass. It was somewhat ironic that on the day we are recovering from a May snow storm that my riding lawn mower was delivered. I thought I might be mowing the lawn today to try it out. Instead I will need to wait a few days.
I ran through some of my exercise program this morning. I have therapy coming up on Wednesday and I am sure my PT will ask me how my home exercise program has been going, so I thought I had better get more disciplined and consistent on my daily routines!
This weekend the Colfax Charity 5K takes place. It will be Saturday, May 17 at 9 a.m. at Denver’s City Park. The race and charity village will be near the lake with the large pavilion.
I appreciate all those who have been supportive and have donated to Teen Challenge on my behalf.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name,  Lord God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. Psalm 19:9,10
I was thinking today how little kids enjoy something time and again; the same story, the same song. At the same it is interesting how quickly adults get bored and are ready to move on to the next item on the list, the news story, etc.
Last time our granddaughter Eliana was with us, we were watching a news video of something that I really can’t
Eliana with her Bible
remember. As soon as it was over, Ellie, said with enthusiasm, “again!”  Stephanie (our daughter) recently sent a picture of McKenzie listening to an audio book that we had sent them with my voice reading the story. (see picture above) Even though she just turned one, she enjoys listening over and over. I’m not sure how many times a one, two or three year old would listen to the same story or view the same video before getting tired of it. All I know is that they can drive a mom or dad “crazy” at that time with that tendency.
I began to think about how that applies to our attention and consistent commitment to God’s Word. The verses above from Jeremiah and David reveal a heart for God’s Word that was a priority in their life and a joy to them; something that was desirable and precious.
When we hear God’s Word are we willing to respond with a “child-like faith and eagerness and say, “again!” Hearing God’s Word builds faith, but our eagerness to hear, read and meditate on God’s Word is a matter of heart and attitude.
I am concerned that our reaction is more of an “adult” approach to God’s Word and say, “I’ve heard that, I’ve read that, I’m ready to move on, tell me something don’t know, share something that I haven’t heard.
At the end of my pastoral ministry, I began to feel the more simple and basic my teaching the better. After years of seeking to share something “insightful” and “deep” or “unique” I found some of the best insights came from the straightforward message of God’s Word.
For a number of years I have made a practice of reading through the Bible using the same Bible reading plan. I like to read a different translation each year and now with online Bible versions the options are greater than they have been in the past. I have found that when I read the Bible the Bible reads me and I constantly see different verses standing out. Even though the beginning of the process may seem like a big undertaking I try to echo the words of my granddaughter in my mind and spirit and say “again!”