Hey that’s not weird that’s neat! I like that kind of thinking!! Thanks Charmaine!

Love the vertical thinking. Also brings to my mind when I lay down I am horizontal and sometimes when I am horizontal I lay down on my walk with the Lord. But if I walk upright then I am vertical and more in line with Him. I know, I’m weird but God made me this way and for that I thank him.

Pam,

Thanks so much for your encouraging words. I will continue to post and stay involved. I am not giving up! I pray everyday that God reveals more to me and that I am open to receive His message. I think I am making progress, even if only a little.

Thanks so much Christine. I appreciate your wisdom and experience. I am learning a lot through you.

Horizontal and vertical thinking! That is so interesting, I have never heard that before, and I love the way of looking at things. We either look out and see things from world’s viewpoint, or we look up! That is like a lightbulb for me and it helps me to ask, am I looking out, or up? when I come to a question…Thanks! and Desiree, hang in there you are very special, and all your sharing has really endeared you to me. So keep writing, ok?! I am learning through your struggles as well.

Good encouraging spirit, thanks Charmaine! Especially like “it is through that learning that we will be victorious overcoming disciples of Christ”…a child stumbles many times before learning to walk, and we may stumble through this learning, but eventually we get stronger in our walk and become that victorious disciple…

Yes Christine, it’s ok to share your frustration because it allows us to be frustrated as well….guess that’s an ok thing, cuz it sure gets great discussions going, and I think we are learning in a new way, but new is hard. Easier to have Beth spoon feed us and shareher great wisdom, but this gets us to really delve in and question, so dont’ be upset, you’re doing a great job!! I think we all need to vent our struggles and you doing that helps us.

Good information Charmaine, you put much thought into the words. Thank you for sharing the devotions too!

Thanks for sharing this Debra. One benefit to the study is that we are having more open discussions and interaction as a group-because we’re frustrated with the workbook.

I agree that this is difficult for a first time study. Beth Moore studies are easier to follow and understand.

Your question about developing a relationship with God reflects your expectations for the study. In our society, we expect instant gratification, including our relationship with God. Why should we wait to feel close, to hear Him speak, to understand his word. Why! If we read the Bible, go to church and study scripture-we’ve performed and we expect our reward. That is what author Debbie Alsdorf calls “Horizontal Thinking.” We expect what the world expects and we align out thoughts with world expectations. When you look across the room, your view is in alignment with worldly expectations. Take this question to the world and you get a worldly answer: you didn’t try hard enough, the study was too difficult, etc.

Another perspective is “Vertical thinking” where our thoughts are in alignment with God. “More of Him and less of me.” If you turn your eyes up, toward God’s view and seek your answer, you’ll get a different response. He sees you, and from his view, you do have a relationship with Him. He knows you are learning, exploring, and growing in faith. In God’s timing, He will reveal the relationship to you. Developing a relationship with God is one of trust, patience, obedience and faith-Yours!

What does a relationship with God look like to you? What are your expectations for yourself, or for God? Once you answer this, then consider where these ideas came from, and are they in alignment with the Bible.

Interesting conversation as usual, Desiree, thank you for sharing your heart.