The day before Devon headed on his “Mexico Adventure” I started writing Letter’s to God. The timing couldn’t have been any better.
My first letter
I had heard about this idea from my online friend *Kelly and was excited to try it out.
So after praying and meditating one morning, I got a fresh notebook and wrote a letter to God in purple (because that is my favorite color.) In the letter I asked 2 very specific questions.
Then I paused and got out a blue pen and waited. After a bit, I heard a response from God and wrote it down as quickly as it came. It was awesome and powerful and not in my normal way of speaking or writing. It was from God. I was sort of awestruck by the experience.
My 2 questions were clearly answered.
Perfect time to start
Over the next few days I was SO grateful that I had this powerful tool to help guide and direct me as I dealt with Devon being kidnapped in Mexico. I was able to pour my heart out to my Heavenly Father and ask for guidance and then receive answers to my specific questions.
For instance the one weighing heavily on me.
I felt that something was up with Devon’s trip. Should I have pressed harder, asked more questions?
No. It was a teaching experience. If he hadn’t gone now, he would have done it later. I orchestrated things to teach him what he needed to learn.
Incorporating Scripture Study
In a blessing I received on the 11th, the day he was Kidnapped, I was told that we would know how to parent Devon by studying the scriptures. So I started incorporating in scriptures with my Letter’s to God. I would pause in my writing a letter, or getting a response and ask if there was a scripture that would help teach me. Almost always there was.
The very first scripture he led me to was Ezekiel chapter 2. Here were the notes I took.
Ezekiel was called to be a prophet. He was sent to a rebellious nation. They were impudent and stiffhearted, but that didn’t matter. He was to go and speak God’s word to them. Whether they choose to listen or not, they will know God has sent someone to speak to them. God tells Ezekiel,
be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks Ezekiel 2:6
It is pretty applicable. If you are a parent of a teenager can you relate to this? Wow, it was humbling. It is hard to teach Devon. He is so fiercely independent and wants to be an adult. So I had felt it was hopeless to try and teach him. It is still my job, even if he doesn’t like it. I have been called to be his mother and teach him.
(I like to do my scripture study notes in green in my journal. I love having the different colors to help me as I go back to find different things. But it isn’t necessary.)
Great blend of mediation, prayer, journaling and scripture study
I have been doing this for a solid 6 weeks and I can’t imagine ever turning back. I LOVE it. The answers I get. The pondering I do. I think it is the combination of it all makes it so powerful.
I challenge you to write letters to God this week and see what happens.
(Step by step instructions below) But do it your own way, make it yours. For instance Kelly doesn’t use different colors, I added that for me.
I have had a few friends try it. Some took a few letters to God/a few days, until God answered back. So be patient. It is well worth the wait.
*My online friend Kelly King Anderson taught me about this tool on her amazing Facebook Page Creating with God. She also has a great e-book
She also created a word Document which she said I could freely share with her step by step on Writing Letters to God.
Enjoy!!
This is such an inspired idea – just what I need right now. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
(Cont)So, here’s the point. Okay two points. First, I like trtailansons that stick with ‘God Breathed’ because we read back in our definition of “inspired” when we look at that verse. The word ‘inspired’ makes people think that the Bible authors were inspired the same way musicians are inspired. Conversely, it makes people think that when they “feel inspired” by God, or when “God speaks through me” that it has the same level authority of that of the Scripture, and it just doesn’t. Second, when Paul uses that word he is acknowledging that God did something special and unique to bring about what we call the Old Testament. Not just the prophetic works, or the Theological works, or the poetic works but all of it. He is claiming that, knowing or not, what was written down was what the Holy Spirit intended to be written down. The prophets heard from God directly so it’s easy to say “inspired.” But the guy who recorded all the boring lineage stuff inspired too- or rather, God-breathed. So, back to the original question did Paul know that what he was writing was inspired? Based on the above, can I change the question to, “Did Paul know that what he was writing was God-Breathed?” I think saying it that way differentiates it from when we say things like, “I was prompted by the Holy Spirit”, or “God was speaking through me.” My opinion, is No, but I don’t really have a problem with Yes either. In the same way the lineage guy was merely writing “so-and-so begat so-and-so” I think Paul was merely (!!) writing letters of encouragement and instruction and explanation to people who believe that Jesus is the Messiah. In both cases the words in those letters also happened to be the words that the Holy Spirit “super-intended” to be written down.
I love this Sheridan! I too enjoy writing letter to God. I usually type them because I can say and write so much more that way, since I am much faster at typing than writing… but hand-writing does access a different part of your brain. I type my thoughts and questions and then I put all of God’s responses is italics. I love you friend! Thanks for letting your light shine!