I'm Ready...finally.

Today is the start of a new "day" for me. I have been considering this idea for a while, even though I knew I should just go ahead and take the plunge. I'm finding that I have somewhat neglected my time with God since I started my blog, Common Ground. In the past, time would fly as I journaled and studied the Word. Now I sit at a computer screen more hours a day than I would like to confess. So, I've been thinking of an online Bible Study. I'm not exactly sure how this will play out, but I know the time is here. No more putting it off.

I will say, if you want to comment, please do. I want this to be interactive. Questions, thoughts, ideas, opinions, they are all valuable to me. I'm not going to get into any doctrinal or theological debates here. This is just my "quiet time" opened up. So if you'd like to comment please just keep it non-confrontational.

I am a born-again Christian. Spirit filled, 10 years ago. To those who may not be familiar with that terminology I'll just say at that point my life took on a new dimension. I totally laid it all down for God.  I ceased to be the center of my existence and God became my top priority and focus. I believe in not only the "fruit of the Spirit", but also the "Gifts of the Spirit". All of them. God doesn't change. Man changes. I won't argue this, or debate this. I do not argue with my experience with my Father. Believe me, when I was still going to a Baptist Church, God had plans for me that totally rocked my world.

I was raised Southern Baptist. I've attended Methodist, Presbyterian, non-denominational, Assemblies of God, Word of Faith, and Four Square churches. To me, the criteria for a church should be preaching and teaching of the Word of God, Praise, Worship, and not being confined to a "plan". God likes order, but He prefers that we let Him lead the service. So having said that, my husband and I are not in an "organized" church at this time. We consider our "relationship" with God the priority. That does not mean that tomorrow things might not change. We are open to whatever and wherever God leads us. "Lead" is the operative word here. We follow. He leads.
This is totally so NOT about "denominations". There are no "denominations" in the Bible. I want to be open, open to what God is doing. I hope you do also. So let's leave "denominations" at the door. We can state what we are for reference sake, I'm not saying no to that, but I want us to be, as I like to say.... on Common Ground.

I want to keep these posts the appropriate length. So I'll let the Holy Spirit write them. There probably won't be any pictures unless God impresses me to find one. I love a good picture, but this is about something else.
I'm also going to try to set up a prayer request link. I'll try to accomplish this soon.
I may not follow what we think of as a set Bible Study. I'm going to share with you what God is sharing with me. It may skip around, it may stay on topic for awhile. Honestly, I'm not sure. I don't have the plan. So we'll see where this leads. I'm setting up a followers connect. If you're interested, please sign up. Let me know you're out there. I use a NIV Bible, New International Version. It is translated word for word from the original Hebrew and Greek, and I'm most comfortable with this. This may be daily, maybe not. It may be once a week. It may be a verse, or a chapter. So here goes...

October 15, 2009

"A Samaritan Woman's  Encounter with Jesus"

If you'd like to read John 4 this will be my first subject to read and consider. This is a chapter that I have spent alot of time in. God has given me alot of spiritual insight through this encounter with the Samaritan woman. So I will leave you with this.

John 4: 4-6  "Now He had to go through Samaria,...tired as He was from the journey, he sat down by the well."

I'll be back soon.
love, Debra