My community bible study teaching director encouraged all to be still and know God the week before our 1-week Spring Break.  Not having any other spring break plans, I decided to take a chapter-a-day of the writings of Paul and study them using my inductive study bible. Bring on the colored pencils and thought provoking questions!  I quickly found myself jumping out of bed by 4am to go upstairs to study God’s Word – a chapter at a time.  Now 9+ weeks later, I’m still studying.  Today I finished the last book Paul wrote, II Timothy.  When I started the book, I was chatting with the Lord about what could be next.  I studied all the letters of Paul except the big 3 and not even thinking about Hebrews….

I suggested John.  He suggested 1 Corinthians.

I suggested Esther.  He suggested 1 & 2 Corinthians.

I suggested Nehemiah.  He suggested 1 & 2 Corinthians and Romans.

Sigh…The thing is – those 3 books are more than a few chapters!  

So I go back to thinking about 2nd Timothy and especially Paul’s words to Timothy…’Bring me my coat.’ (2 Tim 4:13)  I laughed at how sometimes we like to place Paul and the disciples up on a pedestal, but here we see a man not so unlike us.  It’s cold.  Timothy, can you stop by Troas on your way and get my coat… Reminds me of the trips to Wisconsin where my mom would pick her TX family up with winter jackets and/or gloves or boots for the kids, or you name it…

I have treasured this time with Paul. I feel like I know him a bit better.  But do I have to do the big books of Paul?

I turned on the Village in Baldwin, WI’s service not only because I know most of the praise team but also because their pastor, Stu, is a character who loves the Lord.   He began to speak from his garage and low and behold, on his sweatshirt…. I Cor. 6:19-20. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit … You are not your own…glorify God in your body.  (But….)

Thru Stu’s message, I began to realize that I am indeed on a sabbatical right now. God has drawn me to Himself by waking me early for time with Him.  The time in God’s word has strengthened my beliefs and drawn me closer to Him.  In short – I feel like I have been experiencing a revival of sorts.   Isn’t that exactly why we need sabbaticals?  To be refreshed?

But being in the Word has kept me away from things of this world. I haven’t spent hours in Netflix binges or Amazon Prime watching. I haven’t craved things of this world and more than anything, I have a peace that passes all understanding guarding my heart. (Phil. 4:7)

I am not anxious but instead give my worries to the Lord (Phil. 4:6.)

I am not fearful because I have God’s Holy Spirit in me and He is NOT a spirit of fear but of POWER, LOVE and a SOUND MIND/DISCIPLINE/SELF-CONTROL. (2 Tim. 1:7)

I am not growing weary from doing good but instead rejoice in the ability to bring joy to others by using my gifts given to me from God for encouragement – to build up.  I am part of the body – trying to do my part for unity.  (Eph. 4:8-16)

God’s Word in me is protecting me by letting me focus not on the world but on Him.   It is giving me life, joy, love, and building my faith. 

I am in no rush to gather in groups.  I have no problem wearing a mask in public places when I go.  I show my love for my neighbor by doing my part to keep others safe. It may not be perfect, but I do what I can.

Tomorrow is a new day and a day of new beginnings, namely delving into I Corinthians.   I do long to see friends – just as Paul longed to see so many.  Perhaps I could put out the plea, bring me an iced latte when you come.  Coats aren’t needed now in Austin, TX.  

Amy