Is Proud the Right Word?

There is this friend I have known since early elementary school. This friend has been through ups and downs. They have had it rough they have tried their best. They have wanted to quit but never gave up.

This friend of mine is a very awesome person and they want to grow in their faith but they struggle. This friend and I have had many talks about religion and faith. I have sent him bible verses or thoughts and each time I hesitate but I do it none the less.

Bible Time

This past week at Women’s Evening Bible Study (or WEBS as us ladies call it) we were talking about time and wisdom with God.

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” 

While we were going through the Bible study and we were reading this verse and talking about it I could not stop thinking about my friend.

A few weeks earlier this friend and I had a discussion about them not liking that God knows all. They say they don’t like feeling equivalent to a “Sim” or doll. They say they don’t like someone else knowing everything they are going to do. This friend and I have talked a lot about this because this particular thought has been in their head for years.

They don’t go to church weekly, they go on holiday’s with their family. Since our last conversation, I had been trying to think of a way to get them to go to church, to find a church family. One sad and challenge about all of this is they say I am the only person they talk to about this sort of thing, religion and their thoughts of God.

So after Monday’s Bible study, I sent them a video message reading through this passage and talking about what we had discussed in Bible Study. Then at the end of the chat, I invited them to church with me. They choose the weekend, either they come here or I go to them. I said each of us will do a sermon study and discuss them after the service.

Sermon Studies

You may be asking, “what do you mean by sermon study?” Great question! This year I have decided that I am tired of zoning out and having my mind wander during sermons. I bought a notebook specifically to be my sermon study notebook. My sermon studies involve writing down repeating words. Writing down phrases or words that are emphasized. I write down things that catch my eye or things I relate to and the comments on them. If there is a diagram or picture that comes to mind, I write that down. I write down the book, chapter and verse(s) the sermon is based on as well as the sermon title if there is one. If I have questions I also write those down.

I have found that after almost two months of doing this I have had one Sunday that my mind wandered. I found it was a sermon that had dragged on a bit and lost me in the middle. In the end, I found it much greater. I can’t tell you what lost me because I wasn’t paying attention. The end of the sermon was about grace. About the unconditional love we don’t deserve. It has stuck in my mind since that day.

My friend responded to my notes of the passage and the Bible study thoughts and going to church together, sermon studies and discussing great! Their response was very enthusiastic and seemingly wanting to do these things. I am going to keep on their behind about finding a day that works best for them. I do trust them but I also know many people who have trouble committing or making a decision. I love this friend very much and I would very much appreciate it if you would add them to your prayers. 

Thank you, May God bless you all greatly.