This journey through the Bible in 90 days, my current reading list, and our current Bible study with Exemplify Ministries are stirring much thought about His Word and how He brings things full circle. While listening to the various stories of the Israelites, their kings, their sin—compiled upon even more ridiculous sin, their deliverance, His provision and the continuous web; I find myself falling on the side of judgment. Then, He brings me in where I can see His mercy a little deeper.
I look back on where He has brought me, and I am reminded of how I, too, have relinquished His mercy. I try to put His Word into perspective. I make it my own like you would a children’s story. I move beyond face value and what is black and white. I see His people, and I embrace His ministry.
Then I dig into the writing of John Eldredge in his book Beautiful Outlaw. Chapter by chapter he causes me to meet the man of Jesus as though we were strangers. We greet each other, we become friends, and then we get to know one another just as the best of girlfriends would.
Add my reading on The Circle Maker , and I am learning the importance of knowing what I want from God and truly circling that need in committed prayer.
Finally, close with my reading on Eden Derailed, and I see man’s separation at the fall and the importance of responsibility in relationship. There is so much to unfold within each of these writings, yet I am reminded of something so profound. I am reminded that if I truly want to see people, I have to be willing to see myself.
I see Him most through the eyes of His people. I see His people in greater light when I am willing to take a closer look at myself. All of these lessons, along with our current Storm series, point to asking the hard questions and lifting the veil of our own understanding.
If I want to know myself as He does, if I want to have greater understanding of the work He’s doing in my life, I have to see Him. His walk must become tangible. Like any strong writer, His picture penned throughout the gospels. This is where the true story unfolds and the reverse becomes reality, I relinquish myself, and I mirror His mercy.
