40 Days in the Word

I love blogging.  But these days I just don't have the time for it or haven't really got anything interesting worth saying.

Until now.

I've started attending a 'Connect Group' at church.  It's just the same as the old-school bible study groups, held in someone's home yadda yadda....

But I've really missed Christian fellowship like this.

Our church is currently participating in a bible-reading exercise called '40 Days in the Word'.  The aim is to bring us closer together as christians but also so we can become habitual bible-readers.  To draw us in and be closer to God through his word and by applying it to our lives.

I have to say, the 'methods' we've learnt in one session, are kind of funny but more than anything else i just enjoy sharing what we're learning from God's word, rather than gaining any sort of new 'method'.

I do hope and pray that it draws me in and that i do take my bible more seriously and become more habitual about reading it but more than anything i think my soul just longs for Christian fellowship.  I've denied myself that luxury for a really long time and so on Monday night, it was nice to engage in that kind of environment.  I've honestly missed listening to other people's insight into the bible and about everyday Christian living.

Also, we're not talking about 5 or 6 people, there was about 20 or so peeps there. lol.....it was just really fun and relaxed and interesting and it was over before i knew it.  I love the mix of people, i love their stories.  The raw emotion of doing life with them in this supportive environment was just really refreshing for my soul and i loved it.  Honesty and vulnerability is an amazing place which Christians should embrace so that our relationships with people become deeper and less surface level.

I'm very excited for our next session next week.

I am still an outsider of this new church but it's definitely not due to the lack of warmth and friendliness which i've received from SO MANY people!!  I love this church.  I think i just lack the social skills to relax, which i'm sure will come over time.  The people are so lovely!

This is a long blog but i wanted to share one more thing that i took away from Monday night's first session.

We focused a lot on the scripture that we read together but what stood out for me was a comment that said, "If you don't do what scripture says, then you don't believe it."  It was kind of profound for where i'm up to in my walk with God and i think it sort of stopped me short in my tracks.  It was one of those statements that you just collide with.  It just really made me think.  If there is instruction in the bible that i don't follow, something that i purposely walk away from or disobey, then it's most likely because i'm not convinced of it or i don't believe in what it's telling me.  I just thought it was interesting.

But like i said, i'm looking forward to next week - such a great, diverse bunch of people and i can't wait to hear what our 'Champion' reports back with! *giggles*

More on that in another blog!