Somewhere along the line, I discovered I had lost fun reading in my life. I know where it started over 11 years ago when I stepped into the Course of Study to be better equipped to serve as a local pastor.
At that time, I was working full time in a public school alternative program, trying to take the required courses, preparing for Sunday worship services, and so forth. Time to read? Only for the course work or the sermon.
Reading opened the world to me as an elementary student. Raised in a small rural school setting, the books available usually lined a couple of shelves in the classroom. Going to the library helped, but one book led to another book. At that time, teachers expected us to read and to make book reports. I did.
I could not get enough. I read everything I could from my classroom’s library. In the summers I read from the local library. And I learned so much.
Thank goodness Mom and Dad approved, in fact I learned that if I had a book report to do, the chores took a back seat—now if that did not encourage me to read.
Quite a memory, I know, but when I left fun reading about a decade ago, I left out an important piece of my learning. Therefore, I am reading again: fun reading; not required for a class or a sermon.
I had picked up a book several years ago, The Yada Yada Prayer Groupby Neta Jackson. I thought it sounded like fun to read with my college girlfriends—and it was on sale. But I did not get it read.
Over the next few years, I found the book had spun out into a series, so I started collecting them—always on sale. After reading the book, Talking with God, I knew I needed to read.
The first book I picked up was The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling. I thought it was number one, but in reality it turned out to be number 6.
The point I am making is that I read. And the reading is still connected to my faith journey. The books share all the real life experiences that the members of the diverse prayer group deal with and how the prayer group keeps the focus on God. I needed that reminder.
Therefore I am fun reading with a recharged sense of faith. The inner thoughts of the main character sound terribly familiar. The experiences of the women are just the same as so many I have experienced or know of others who have experienced them somewhere along their lives.
The amazing thing, though, is that through scripture, shared prayer, and worship—especially praise worship, one grows in faith. I know that John Wesley struggled to understand whether or not he had enough faith, but I remember that his brother Charles told him to live like he did.
Sometimes we make Christian living sound so difficult, but in reality it is simple. Love one another in the same way you want to be loved. Accept that bad things happen, but God never leaves your side.
Just stay the course (pardon the cliché), because as long as you continue to follow the scriptures, practice, practice, practice living the Golden Rule and praying.
Those inner nudges that you hear really are instructions from God. Listen to them and check them against the scripture you know. Check them with others in a small group—yes, a small group setting is Wesleyan and is proven to be a key part of one’s spiritual practices.
I may be in a season of recharging, but I have to say that reading for fun is fuel for the future. I am finding rest as I sit and read. I am finding confirmation in understanding the Holy Spirit. I am encouraged that there is so much more to do.
Sunday morning’s sermon at Sedalia’s First UMC with Rev. Jim Downing reminded us that Paul told us to put on our armor. That armor, outlined in Ephesians 6:10-20, may sound old fashioned, but continues to defend us from evil:
The Whole Armor of God
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[b] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.[d]
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.[e] 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. [NLT accessed at biblegateway.com]
Thank you to Rev. Downing for reminding us how important it is to read, to pray, and to worship in order to defend ourselves from the challenges of living in our secular world.
He provided the following prayer starter for this week:
Lord, I want to know what it means to be overtaken by your promises. Grant me the grace to remain obedient and faithful to you, never wavering in my faith in what you have promised.
We all need recharging in order to live in a world filled with evil and unexpected challenges or temptations. We need to read—scripture, yes, but sometimes messages come in other forms such as The Yada Yada Prayer Group.
If you are unsure what to read, maybe the reading from this week’s lectionary will help:
- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 or 2 Kings 4:42-44
- Psalms 14 or Psalms 145:10-18
- Ephesians 3:14-21
- John 6:1-21
Whatever you do, find what arms you the best for your spiritual journey. There is no telling what words God is speaking to you. Just know that he is with you and wanting to talk to you.
Here is my prayer:
Dear God, The Word,
Thank you for speaking to me through words
even when I am reading for fun.
Thank you for all that I can learn through words
whether in scripture, in studies, or in fun.
Let my words help others in their faith journeys
so they may experience your words in their lives.
Words of armor, words of guidance, words of fun
are your words speaking to us. –Amen
P.S. I finished book one and started book 2 in the series. Sure is fun.
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