Engaged Minds Want to Know

Years ago, when I was involved in the nursing home ministry, I learned how to prepare and share a brief message with the folks who lived there. This was a tool I would later learn to use to my own benefit. Having to choose a Bible text and share a few thoughts on those words and provide some application at the same time, grew me in so many ways.

I was speaking to the residents one day and a question was asked of me. I don't remember the question or my response, but what I do remember was my ability to use a scripture to respond. The words God gave me were found in Psalm 119:11, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

It was the perfect response to the question asked and it provided opportunity for me to share my faith with these folks, and in turn, ask questions about their faith journey. I realized that day how God would use me for that season of my ministry. I always felt a connection to older people; my comfort level was not with the kids, but with their grandparents. What a revelation!

Once Satan recognized that Jesus knew scripture and that He could not be tempted because His mind was engaged with the Father's, "...the devil left Jesus. And heavenly messengers came and ministered to Him."(Matthew 4:11)

This was the beginning of my love for God's Word. It set me off on a journey to seek out passages in the Bible to help answer questions, get direction and find guidance. What a blessing it has been to discover how to engage my mind in this fashion.

 John 15:18-25 

 John 15:18-25