Faith Filled Friday

1st and 2nd Samuel Bible Journals:

Can I share with you a little about what God taught me in 1st Samuel? With the 1st Samuel Journal (found in the Missional Women Store) I have been studying the Bible like I never have before. For the first time in my life, I feel like I am not just reading it but remembering it. I think it has to do with the way that the 1st Samuel Journal makes me slow down and process. 

December was one of those months where it seems like there was a magnifying glass to my failures, weaknesses and shortcomings. Maybe it's just in my eyes, but at times it feels like I'm standing under a billboard with flashing lights that says "Surprise! Jacque messed up AGAIN!" 

Then, as I was spending time with the Lord in 1st Samuel writing in my journal. God reminded me that He doesn't use perfect people... 

"One day Eli, whose eyesight was failing, was lying in his room."
~1st Samuel 3:2

Eli served as a judge for 40 years, had two sons, and was used by God to teach and raise Samuel. Yet, Eli had a major flaw in his abilities--he was going blind. A weakness. A shortcoming. How comforting is that? I think that sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking that I need to be perfect to be used by God--to check off all the things on the to-do list.

-Spend time in prayer✓
-Be the nice neighbor lady✓
-Share that post on Facebook✓
-Do the laundry✓
-Make the meal✓
-Call that person✓
-Finish that book✓

No wonder I feel like a failure sometimes. This isn't meant to be a check list. I can take comfort that 2 Corinthians 12:9 is perfectly illustrated through Eli's life. In Eli's weakness, God's strength and perfection shone all the more. That holds true for you and I too. 

I know that God can speak to us wether we use a certain journal or not, but I am not sure I would have slowed down enough to let God remind me that it's okay to not be perfect. Ironic, huh? The 1st Samuel Journal gave me great guidelines to an effective quiet time again...and I love it. 

Want to give it a shot? The 2nd Samuel Journals are now available in theMissional Women Store. 

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Here's how it works.
1. Link up as many blog posts as you want below by clicking the link below and following the prompts. (Perhaps think of old posts you want more exposure to as well as new ones.)

2. Let your readers know by including a link at the bottom of your post (or somewhere on your side bar) or paste my button code (found below and on the side bar).

3. Take a minute to visit and comment on another sweet lady or two's post. You're encouragement might be just what she needs to keep pressing on in being a voice in the darkness.

Who is Jesus? What is the Bible actually about? Watch this video.
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About Jacque

Jacque is the Missional Women Intern and a  college student in Denver, CO who balances her time between trying to go to class and learning about His saving grace and perfect love as much as she can.  She is a twenty something, DIY attempting, Jesus loving, Denver living, small town rooted, Colorado sports fan.  She loves black coffee, long conversations and watching people do what God created them for. You can find her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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