Mid-Year Thoughts

It's hard to believe, but it is mid-year already.  There are some changes in the air; I have some goals for the upcoming months; and I've been evaluating the future.  So, I thought I'd make note a few of the things that have surfaced:

• I've been praying about and contemplating what my class should study after Luke, and the book that I'm leaning towards is 1 Kings or 1 Chronicles.   It's funny, that the two series will be quite "unrelated"; but, the reason that I'm drawn to the OT book on the Kings in Israel and Judah is because those stood out during my reading through the Bible for devotions this year.   It's been sad to see that there were no kings who were "good" throughout their reign.   Some started well, but ended badly; a few even started badly but ended better.  And for several, comparisons were made to David where they fell short.   Even though David sinned, he was always a "man after God's own heart", and would confess and repent of his failings.  But, many of the Kings in contrast would willfully do evil in the eyes of the LORD.  My hope is that as we study the Kings, that we will recognize the importance of remaining faithful to the end, and also that we will see the influence of leadership.
• Since I've been focusing on "Loving God" this year, it occurred to me that a good follow-on focus for next year would be "Loving Others".   This will help me to grow in obedience to the two greatest commandments.
• After about two years of talking about going with my friend on a cruise to Hawaii, it looks like this will finally happen.  The cruise is now booked, and I'm excited for this trip.  It would be great if God not only strengthened our bonds of friendship on this cruise and blessed our time of fellowshipping and sharing together; but, that He may work in other wondrous ways as well :-)   I'm looking forward to it all!
• Lately, I've been motivated to spend more time reading in areas that will help me grow spiritually - books that have been piling up that I've wanted to read but haven't gotten around to; even devotional guides, etc.   I'm excited to be learning and growing through these.
• I even already know what I want to use next year for devotions - Charles Stanley's devotional Bible with the Life Principles.