A Special Moment

It is my usual practice to have my devotional time and study time on my veranda in the morning. It is especially nice this time of year because of the much cooler morning temperatures. I can wrap myself up in my prayer shawl, a cup of tea close at hand and my basket of books by my side. All is well. And, all is quiet. Unitil, "Maakum! Maakum!" It is Boniface. "Good morning, Bone (pronounced "Bonnie")Did you come to read the Bible?" I already had a Children's Bible out on the extra chair...just in case.

So, Bone come onto the veranda and settles in the chair. "I want to read the story about Joseph." "Which Joseph? Jesus' Father?" "Yes, that one." We look for the Christmas story and continue where we left off, the story of the Three Kings. Boniface reads the easy words, as he is in first grade and can read some, and I read the hard words.

Boniface loves the picture of Jesus as a small boy. He called to toddler Jesus and Mary, His mother. They didn't answer Boniface. He watched the saying "Good-bye" to the Kings. Boniface really liked this portion of the Bible. He stared and stared at that picture. And, talked to it, too!

Boniface had enough of Bible study. He was ready to play. Before he left, we held hands and I prayed for my small friend. I thanked God for his excitement over Bible stories I take for granted. I prayed for his safety as he played. And, I prayed for the man that he would one day become. I treasure these few one on one moments. I pray that they would become more available with other children in the neighborhood. And, I pray I would be Jesus to them, when they do become available. 

Bible Study

I have been involved in a Bible study with a friend since last August or September. Even though I try to glean from it whatever God has for me, I often miss the point. Sometimes, it is because many parts of Scripture are so familiar, I miss the message of it for me today. Sometimes I'm not quite awake. And, unfortunately, sometimes, it is just the one thing I need to do before I attack the other stuff that needs to be accomplished that day. I don't always take the time I need to in order to have a close relationship with my Abba, my Daddy.

I have found that asking a few simple questions can help me immensely in my study of od's word. I would like to share them with you:

• Is there an example to follow?
• Is there a sin to avoid?
• Is there a promise to claim?
• Is there a prayer to repeat?
• Is there a command to obey?
• Is there a condition to meet?
• Is there a verst to memorize?
• Is there an error to mark?
• Is there a challenge to face?

I know that asking these questions will give more insight to Scripture. Try it yourself!