I attend a Bible study on Tuesday nights. It’s a very special time for me because our group isn't like most; it’s filled with family and close friends. Presently, the twelve of us are doing a Disciple class that focuses on prophecy, the writings of John, and Revelation. [For those familiar with the Disciple courses, this is the fifth study in the series. For those who are not familiar with these studies, each one is a 32-week study focused on a specific theme of the Bible.]

Since we all attend different churches we come from various backgrounds. That’s the beauty of the group and its dynamics. Our focus is not on the differences of religion but on the one thing we all believe to be true...Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour. Do we have differences of opinion? Constantly! Do we sometimes debate topics based on religion? Absolutely! Do we agree to disagree? You bet!

When we begin our study, we start by forming one big circle in the 14 x 12 living room as we open in prayer. I already mentioned that our study includes family so you shouldn't be surprised to hear that we have two to eight little children in the house at the same time. When we pray, we also include them. We all bow our heads in prayer and wait in silence until the final “Amen” is spoken. The kids begin to jump up and down and clap their hands as they all chant, “Yea Jesus!” They leave the living room and go into another room to play. We usually don’t see them again until the closing prayer when we hear them go through the same celebrated closing. God…is amazing!

Can you imagine standing in the same room with your mother, dearest friend, children (with spouses), sister and brother-in-law, nieces, and nephews and grandchildren as you study the Word of God? I look at the four generations represented there and can’t help but feel blessed beyond words by the whole scene. The Spirit of Christ silently enters the room and takes His place amongst us. He smiles as we dive into the Bible and we learn about His life, death, resurrection, and promise to return for us again. He fills the room, our hearts, and minds with His presence and then gently speaks to each one of us in a way that can only be experienced through His saving grace.

Oh, and if we get a chance to break away from our own study, it’s always a blessing to walk into the children’s room. You can bet they are mimicking a Bible study of their own. “Yea Jesus!”

Written by Brenda Bates – March 2006

Scripture:
They remembered that God was their Rock, the God Most High was their Redeemer.
~Psalm 78:35~

Prayer to the Father:
Abba…Father, thank You for being a part of my life. Thank You for designing me to be a part of Yours. I thank You for each person who attends our Bible study and I thank You for the example of Christian love that we are able to demonstrate to others – especially to our own children. Father it’s all about You. It’s all about how we can glorify You and be reminded of Your promise to be with us even in the most difficult circumstances. We love YOU sweet Jesus and all that You stand for in our lives. You purify us in a way that goes beyond our comprehension or awareness. Thank You Lord for allowing us to witness our children as they mature in their faith. They will never know life without You and will one day look at their friends and be able to witness to them as well. All glory is Yours Father for the miracles that take place right before our eyes.

Father we ask that You continue to bless us with family and our extended families. We pray that You will place those in our path that need YOU so desperately they don’t know where to turn. May they turn to us so that we can teach them to focus on You. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Personal Thoughts:
It’s been such a blessing to watch my mother, children, and grandchildren pray in the same circle. I knew of the Trinity when I was young but never had a relationship with Jesus until I was much older. What a glorious day it was when I realized that my intimate relationship with Jesus was available for me from the day I was born. My joy now, is watching my two-year-old granddaughter as she prays to Jesus, learns about Jesus, and talks to Him when she doesn’t think anyone else is around. She will never know life without our wonderful Saviour.

Little Acts of Kindness:
You've heard the saying, "Make a friend, be a friend, introduce a friend to Jesus." It is the greatest gift you will ever give.