Since January 2nd I’ve had congestion, coughing, and lethargy.  It’s been over a week now and while it’s better, I’m still not 100%. It’s annoying and frustrating to not have the energy to do what you normally do.  So, what’s my specific and repeated prayer during this time?  “Apart from you, LORD, I can do nothing.  Please guide me and lead me.”  This is my return to John 15:5.

I’ve mentioned this in previous weeks that while I’m not sure exactly when it happened, I am now more aware of the fact that I seem to hear God quicker.  It’s like I am blessed to have a God’s radio station on pre-set so that when I enter Solitude during my Sabbath and begin to Pray, I have my journal at the ready to write down anything.  This week it was simply, “Be ready.” (My thoughts began to race.  Be ready for what?  Personally? Church?  World?  I got a strong sense that it is a call to action for something important.  I will know when it’s time.  So, maybe not a comforting word this time, but it certainly got my attention.)

If you want to experience God’s nearness, for me, it’s simply, getting into His Word.  To this end, I recommend following a Bible Reading Plan.  There are many good ones. BibleGateway.com has ones that go through Old/New Testament, chronologically, historically, and so on.  Since we’re watching the BibleProject Sermon on the Mount videos I found an interesting Reading Plan that links reading the Bible with videos that the BibleProject has produced. I’m going to try this one.