Tag: God

I am currently enrolled in Opened Bible Academy, spending two and a half years drawing closer to God and better understanding His Word. I learned that the period between the last writings of the Old Testament and the arrival of Christ, known as the “intertestamental” period, serves as a bridge of waiting, hope, and anticipation. It stretches from when the prophet Malachi ended the Old Testament to the powerful preaching of John the Baptist, marking a transformative phase in spiritual history.

I am in a transformative period, feeling God shift and shape me. The Holy Spirit is empowering me with strong discernment for my nonprofit ministry. I am experiencing a profound closeness to God, even as I navigate feelings of distance from others.

I truly feel God’s presence in my life, and during this time of deep reflection, I find myself wanting to create some space from others. It’s a challenging balance, as I know what’s best for my nonprofit through divine guidance, yet I also recognize the need for human support in this journey.

God was silent for 400 years, but why was He silent? He was working. God orchestrated conquests, victories, and defeats. He established trade routes that would be used in the future during Jesus’s ministry to move from region to region. God also coordinated the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Everything was aligned for His purpose and plan. He was putting everything in its proper place for when John the Bapitizer arrived to prepare others for the arrival of the Messiah.

I know that my “intertestamental” period, marked by its unique challenges and experiences, will not extend for 400 years. I do know God is at work as I sit here, waiting for His next step. Silence from God is not absence or forgetfulness; it is preparation happening behind the scenes. Over the past seven years of working in this nonprofit, I have learned the value of patience and the importance of not pushing my own agenda. I know the Holy Spirit well and can discern His guidance, understanding that others do not personally receive God’s message for me.

I genuinely value the kindness and support I receive from others as I journey through the complexities of growing my nonprofit. However, I often find myself grappling with how to articulate my needs in a way that resonates. It can be disheartening when their interpretations seem so distant from my original intentions, leaving me feeling misunderstood and, at times, even isolated in my vision.

I recognize that this journey can often feel lonely, yet I find solace in believing that God is guiding me every step of the way. Even in solitude, His presence is a constant source of strength. He understands my heart’s depth and my unwavering commitment to Him. This connection fills me with hope and reassurance, reminding me that I am never truly alone.

I will continue to move forward, embracing the journey and recognizing that everything unfolds in its own time. This is a comforting reminder that God’s timing truly matters, not the ticking of my watch.

My love and gratitude for each of you, LoLo

2 Peter 3:8
But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.

I was recently accepted into The Open Bible Academy, a two-and-a-half-year program designed for laypeople who want to study seminary without pursuing a ministry position. Although I’ve wanted to apply for several years, I felt called by God to complete my application only last fall. I’ve included this link for you to learn more. https://www.the-oba.org/

I began this journey feeling insecure and inadequate, as I had been out of school for over forty years. I was not the best student during my school years; I was often disinterested and mediocre, prioritizing my social life over my studies. I was never one to think of the future but only of the present.

Since starting this class three weeks ago, I’ve realized that I struggle with studying and understanding my reading assignments. I also didn’t fully grasp what a rubric is. I was aware of my lack of knowledge regarding college and academic terminology, and it’s clear that I need additional support to improve. It was time for me to reassess and adopt a new approach to traditional college course studying. I had to bow my head and kneel to pray for guidance.

“God,” I prayed, “You have placed me here to draw closer to You and to better understand Your words. I need You desperately. I feel like I am sinking fast and must come up for air to grasp what I am meant to do. Please provide me with Your guidance and the resources to fulfill my purpose in my class. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

I sent my SOS to Heaven, hoping that God would find favor in me and grant my prayer. As I had hoped, He was there for me. The next day, I sat with my textbook open, staring at the words, and I felt His presence lifting me. “Listen to My words as you read,” I felt Him say. I took God’s guidance by buying an audiobook that corresponds with my Bible, which would be a good idea so I could hear His words as I read them. It is like God speaking to me directly.

This blog post is brief, but I must focus on my first writing assignment: my perspective on Creation and humanity’s relationship with God. Even though I now understand a rubric and have a step-by-step example of how to structure this paper and the expected flow, I still bow my head, seeking God’s guidance to complete this assignment. I hope you will join me on this journey as I explore my weaknesses and witness how God will develop my faith and devotion to Him.

With love and gratitude, LoLo

Isaiah 43:19
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”