Renewing God’s House Together Through Growing and Learning:  Philippians 4:8-9 Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Things do not always go well in my life.  It is easy to be discouraged or downhearted or angry, so where should I look for answers…inside myself who created the situation, outside at the world which can be confused and confusing, or up to God?  Over the years as we have moved from town to town, I have joined church circles. I define a circle as a group of women who meet monthly to study scripture, using a published guide. There are 3 circles at Salem.  My Rebecca Circle uses Gather, an ELCA publication written by pastors and lay people. There are also articles related to the Bible study about life today. Along with the study we have fellowship, a brief business meeting, and prayer for any concerns and needs.

What comes to me over the years from Rebecca’s study (though this could be any Bible study) is that these are seemingly ordinary women, talking in everyday language about how aspects of scripture apply to our lives.  It turns out that our situations are challenging and modern, yet the scripture we study applies now. The situations do not always end as we wish, but our members face their challenges often armed with extraordinary faith.  It happens time after time after time. The witness of these women telling their stories is such a blessing to me, and helps me look in the right direction to arm myself for life’s challenges.

Dear Lord, thank you for your word and the opportunity to study together, and for your witnesses who speak in ordinary, everyday language of what you do in everyday lives.  Direct my heart for your purpose in Salem’s renewal of God’s house so we may continue to tell your story. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.