Easily Fascinated

I have always been fascinated by things that I can't understand. Growing up it was simple things like fire, chipmunks, and building forts. I used to spend hours in my backyard chasing chipmunks around; I don't mean like them running and me following behind, I was far to clever for that. Instead I would shove the garden hose as deep as I could into the hole in the ground and sit by another hole waiting for the little critters to come out spitting up water. I never caught a chipmunk.

I think my stories about fire will have to wait for another time, there is a fine line between sharing and giving out good ideas.

Growing up I also found myself fascinated with building things. For a full summer my friends and I worked on a fort in my backyard. I took every nail I could find and drove it into my parents fence in hopes of building the greatest fort anyone had ever seen.

There was something about these simple tasks, watching chipmunks run and hide and learning how to pound nail and how many of them I needed to support my own weight, that captivated my young mind.

Now as I have grown older I know that it isn't about the number of nails used but where you put them; I also know that you can't fill a chipmunk hole up with water because they can dig to China. I am now fascinated by different things. The other day I was sitting in my backyard and I noticed a bird fly up to the feeder we have set up. I was fascinated by this bird, something about it caught my attention. As I watched it eat I wondered what it would be like to take off and fly like a bird. What would the world look like from a bird? How far has this bird flown in his life?

As I continued to watch this bird work quickly to eat the seeds I had set out I realized that this bird has the same job that I do. Both of us were created by God, both of us were made to praise the One who made us. If a tiny bird can captivate me and fill me with wondering about where it has been and what life must be like; how much more should I be fascinated with God?

I will always be held captive by the things I can't understand. I never want to stop exploring the world God has created around me. The most I discover about what He has created the more I learn about him.

If you get a chance this week go outside and read Psalm 19. David seems to be amazed by all that God has created.

Just for fun!

Hey guys,

I have sort of a fun discussion question for us as we start the new year. What brings you the most joy during Christmas? I will give you an example: Growing up I used to love opening presents, by far my favorite part of Christmas because to me it meant that I was loved and felt important. Now I don't take as much joy in opening my presents, in fact some times I get stuff that isn't even wrapped. I do take joy in giving, but still not the same way as I used like getting gifts. So I am trying to help figure out what gives me the most joy, I have some ideas but I would really love to hear what some of you think.

Thanks for your thoughts,
Matt

Is it fair?

Throughout our study of the Old Testament so far, we have noticed that God's handling of people during this time is very different from the way we see him in our lives today. In 1 Samuel 15 we read the story of Saul losing his kingdom because he failed to carry out the orders God gave to him. Is it fair that God took Saul's kingdom away from him for disobeying, and our punishment for disobeying is much less? Feel free to explain the answers you come up with.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Matt

God's Soveriegnty

This week we touched on the idea of God being sovereign, meaning He has complete and total control over everything. We looked at 3 examples of God being sovereign and exercising His control in order to work out His greater plan.

The final example that we looked at was taken from Exodus 9:12 and God hardening the heart of Pharaoh in order to work His greater plan of getting Israel out of Egypt.

Was it fair of God to harden Pharaoh's heart?

Try and explain your answer as best you can because I think we can have a really good discussion about this!

September 28

We looked at the life of four very important men in the Old Testament this week. I stated at the beginning of class that I wanted you to think about the bigger picture. What is going on behind the scenese? I would love to hear your thoughts about what you see as the bigger picture in the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph?

Looking forward to chatting with you!

Matt