Psalm 119:18 - Jeannie Waters, Writer & Speaker

Incorporate Four P’s into a New Season of Learning with God

August 9, 2022Jeannie Waters24 Comments

Although I chuckled at my kindergarten students’ responses, I counted their eagerness to listen as a predictor of learner success.

Years ago, I’d designed a lesson on evaporation. The five-year-olds noticed the water level in our uncovered classroom aquarium was lower than usual. I asked, “What do you think happened to the water?”

Stacey guessed I’d scooped some out, and Adrian asked if the aquarium had leaked. Then Brian bounced up and down and yelled, “I know, I know. The fish drank it.”

Stephanie folded her arms and said, “No, they didn’t, Brian. Mrs. Waters, tell us what really happened to the water.” Twenty-five little wiggly bodies paused, tilted their faces toward mine, and waited for an answer.

What if we began each day, hearts tilted toward Jesus, our Teacher, with the enthusiasm of my kindergarten students?

At this time of year, students and teachers prepare to meet new challenges. Each season of learning requires an eager mind set and determination to discover truth.

You and I may not enroll in a class this month, but when the sun rises each morning, new opportunities unfurl to delight in God’s presence and marvel at His lessons. Filled with enthusiasm for learning, we can ask God to transform our hearts as we study the Bible.

When the sun rises each morning, new opportunities unfurl to delight in God’s presence and marvel at His lessons. Share on X

Let’s pray each morning with the psalmist,

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
Psalm 119:18 NKJV*

Are you ready for a new season of learning with God? Sharpen your pencils and note any verses or ideas below that resonate with you.

Four P’s for Eager Students of God’s Word

1. Pray.

We can ask God to teach us what we need to learn. He may remind us of a lesson we’ve forgotten, lead us into deeper study of a familiar passage, or show us verses we haven’t studied before. I like to pray words of Scripture like these:

Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation. On You I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:4-5

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8

2. Prepare your heart.

Receptive students who understand the relevance of a lesson learn best. When we humble ourselves and admit our need for God’s daily guidance, our hearts open to His teaching. He promises to forgive confessed sin and instruct us.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
Psalm 32:8

3. Position yourself to listen.

Jesus’ followers and curious bystanders gathered to listen when He taught on the hillsides. Surely, their homes and occupations held numerous tasks, but they paused and positioned themselves to hear Jesus speak.

When Jesus visited the home of Lazarus, Martha complained about Mary’s failure to help with meal preparation. Jesus honored Mary’s choice to sit at His feet and listen to His teaching (Luke 10:38-42).

Mary, the disciples, and the hillside crowd shouldered daily responsibilities like we do. The stance or location matters not, but we each need time to meet with God. What’s the best time and place for you?

4. Ponder biblical lessons you learn.

Meditate on the verses or passages you study and record in a journal what God teaches you. Ask Him to transform your heart with His Word.

James 1:22 reminds us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

Ponder these questions:

How will I obey His words and honor Him today?
How will my walk with Jesus change because of this passage?
In what ways will my study lead to a more victorious life with Christ?
Armed with Truth, how will the Light of Jesus shine from my life this week?
How will the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word, help me fight spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:11-17)?

Are you ready for a new season of learning with God?

Let us hear from you

Won’t you contribute to our “class discussion?” The Bible says, “Iron sharpens iron,” to remind us we need each other.

What makes you eager to learn from God? How do you tune your ears and position yourself to hear from Him each day? We’re eager to hear your answers.

*All verses are taken from the NKJV.

Would you like to pray for students and teachers as they begin a new school year? Here’s a former blog post on the topic: https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/three-ways-you-can-influence-the-lives-of-hundreds-pray-for-schools-in-your-community/

A Picture Window View: Notice God’s Blessings

February 22, 2022Jeannie Waters26 Comments

If you could select any location to visit today, would it be the endodontist’s office? It certainly wouldn’t be mine, but there I was a few weeks ago. I’d prayed for peace because complications with a back tooth’s root canal made the prior visit less than pleasant.

Although I sensed God’s presence and knew I could trust Him, anxiety perched on my shoulder and accompanied me into the room. I reluctantly settled into the reclining leather chair which faced a huge window with a view of a grassy courtyard.

I took deep breaths and once again asked God to calm me and help the endodontist do well. (I reasoned if she did well, I’d do well.) After the x-rays and numbing shots, I waited alone while the staff cared for patients in adjoining rooms.

More prayer. More deep breaths.

Then I gazed out the picture window because God’s creation usually calms me. I concentrated on the clouds, the trees, and a huge bird feeder suspended from a pole.

My mother was always so brave. She trusted You. Why can’t I simply trust you, God? You are worthy of my trust, and I know You’re with me.

As I prayed, a black-capped chickadee landed on the bird feeder. I watched him through teary eyes and thanked God for the pretty bird—my mother’s favorite species.

A little tufted titmouse soon joined the chickadee. I remembered my dad teaching me how to identify them. God’s providing entertainment while I wait. He knows I’m a fan of nature.

Next, a red cardinal added color to the scene, and then a sweet little brown and white sparrow flitted in to join the party. Oh, heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that You care for the little sparrow—this very one—and you care for me.

As if the visits of these feathered friends weren’t enough, guess which species showed up next. Doves. A pair of doves. They gleaned the seeds that fell on the ground from the activity at the feeder. Father God, how generous You are to send me this symbol of Your peace, a peace that passes all understanding.

I thought about a familiar passage with a command and a promise:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

When I released the anxiety, God’s peace filled my soul. No more deep breaths and clenched teeth.

His peace surrounded me as I noticed a new party attendee. A squirrel joined the doves for a seed fest under the feeder.

All was well until a party crasher disturbed the peace. A huge orange cat darted into the outdoor dining room and caused quite a ruckus while seeds scattered and birds flew. The squirrel raced up a nearby tree. The bird feeder slowly stopped swaying.

By the time the endodontist re-entered the room, the courtyard was as still as it had been when I entered the room. I felt like the outdoor entertainment with its symbolism was for me alone–at the exact time I needed it.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_1777.png

How often do I miss God’s provision? How often do I ignore His gifts on the table He prepares before me (Psalm 23:5) because I’m too focused on the problem I’m facing or the fear of something unseen?

What I notice easily are signs of spring. Bright green leaf buds on a tree that’s looked dead all winter. The yellow flowers on my forsythia bush. Tiny wildflower blossoms in still-brown grass. More hours of sunlight.

What if we noticed the signs of God’s care like we notice early signs of spring? He will surely help us if we make that request. He can open our physical and spiritual eyes.

What if we noticed the signs of God’s care like we notice early signs of spring? Share on X

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_1776.png

As we notice signs of spring, let’s ask God to show us what He wants us to see. We can watch for signs that He cares for us and for others. We can ask the Holy Spirit to guide us toward those who need our help. And most importantly, we can look through the picture window of His Word and ask Him to teach us, to open our eyes so we can see what He wants us to learn.

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
Psalm 119:18 ESV

God speaks through His Word. He offers signs of His care, convicts us of sin, gives us wisdom, and provides guidance.

As the earth warms and displays signs of growth, let’s notice signs of God’s love and care and learn lessons from Him as new as baby birds and crocus blossoms.

As the earth warms and displays signs of growth, let’s notice signs of God’s love and care and learn lessons from Him as new as baby birds and crocus blossoms. Share on X

Let me hear from you:

What signs of God’s care and goodness have you noticed lately?

By the way, the endodontist did a great job! 😉

What Blocks Your View of God?

June 30, 2021Jeannie Waters22 Comments

Weather permitting, my best mornings begin like this:

My coffee and I walk out to the deck. I turn on the stone fountain and let caffeine percolate in my brain. I place my Bible, journal, and coffee mug on the table, then raise the umbrella.

Seated in my outdoor sanctuary, I pray and study God’s Word—unless distracting thoughts and unwise choices obstruct my view.

Did you notice I said, “my best mornings?” True confession: They don’t all start that way. Even when the weather and my decisions allow deck time, stray thoughts surface. What time is that appointment? What should I cook for dinner? The shrubbery needs trimming.

To minimize distractions, I pull my chair closer to the table, start a conversation with God, and read Scripture. Time spent with my heavenly Father opens my spiritual eyes to see Him at work and my ears to hear His instruction throughout each day.

When I look upward from my Bible and journal, I see only the brown and white floral pattern of the umbrella’s lining and a sliver of the sky. The umbrella blocks further view, so I either close it, or walk in the yard for a few minutes to enjoy a panoramic view of God’s creation.

This morning, after removing the visual hindrance, I gazed at a vibrant blue sky filled with jumbo-sized cotton ball clouds. If I’d remained hidden in the umbrella’s shadow, I would have missed signs of God’s glory and majesty.

Our thought patterns can obscure our view of God like the deck umbrella limits my view of the sky. The enemy of our souls is a master deceiver. He devises a mental umbrella and weaves onto its lining a design of distractions, fear, worry, and doubt that can block our view of God’s peace, love, and hope.

My morning view of God can be hindered by late bedtimes, cell phone dings, and misplaced priorities.

People who find an evening time with God more suitable for their lives may discover fatigue, frustration, or the lure of technology sways them to postpone or even miss evening visits with God.

Whatever our situation or stage in life, our thoughts and choices can thwart the full biblical view of God we need to learn more about His character, to enjoy fellowship with Him, and to discern how He guides our steps.

Whatever our situation or stage in life, our thoughts and choices can thwart the full biblical view of God we need to learn more about His character, to enjoy fellowship with Him, and to discern how He guides our steps. Share on X

Three Ways to Close the Umbrellas that Block Our View of God

1.Trust God and His Word, not our own thoughts.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV

Our preconceived interpretation of truth can skew our comprehension of actual truth. (Truth is what God says about an issue.)

As a teenage driver, I once transported my friends for a downtown shopping spree. I ignored the speed limit sign on a bridge that read “15 mph” because I believed my speed of 45 mph speed was safe. Imagine my surprise when all four tires left the pavement after hitting a hump in the pavement. Five girls screamed as the Chevy station wagon became airborne and thudded down on the opposite side of the bridge.

My decision to trust my own opinion instead of the speed limit sign could have ended in disaster. When we cling to our own stubborn beliefs about the Bible instead of adopting a teachable spirit, we can restrict God’s work in our hearts and land in disobedience.

God illuminates the signs we need to heed on the road ahead. Our responsibility is to close the umbrella of stubborn pride and insistence on our own beliefs and accept God’s teaching.

Some people embrace the verses that prove God is love but ignore the passages that teach He is also a just judge. Some teach that “good people” will go to heaven, while God’s Word teaches us Jesus is the only way to eternal salvation.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 ESV

2. Set a high priority on prayer and Bible study by choosing a consistent daily time.

Close the umbrella of procrastination and beliefs that other activities are more important than spending time with God. Erase the thought that someday you’ll study the Bible when you aren’t so busy. As a friend once said, “There’s no day of the week called Someday.”

Determine to go to bed earlier, forego a television show, or limit social media engagement to allow time for prayer and study. You might track the way you spend time for a week to reveal pockets of times you hadn’t considered.

Listen to podcasts or praise music while you complete other tasks, and set aside another daily time to read the Bible.

If we devote ourselves to reading and studying the Bible, we’ll be rewarded with marvelous Truths few ever witness because most aren’t willing to gaze long and deep into the Scriptures.
Jean Wilund, “It Takes a Whole Bible to Make a Whole Christian” post and video, March 10, 2021, www.jeanwilund.com

For Jean’s complete post and video: https://jeanwilund.com/it-takes-the-whole-bible-to-make-a-whole-christian/

3. Pray for guidance as you study God’s Word daily.

Close the umbrella of self-dependence when studying God’s Word. The Holy Spirit teaches us and applies scriptural truths to our hearts (John 15:26, 1 John 2:27).

Pray with the psalmist:

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
Psalm 119:18 ESV

The psalmist doesn’t depend on his own ability to see with spiritual eyes. Rather, he asks God to open his eyes. Only the Holy Spirit can provide an accurate lens for seeing truth.

Our heavenly Father will show us wondrous things from His Word we may not have considered before. Instead of rereading the same familiar passages and books, why not read from different sections or study books of the Bible you haven’t read before.

Lori Hatcher’s devotional, Refresh Your Faith: Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible, offers memorable stories and wise perspectives on passages you may not have considered before. Here’s the link:

Refresh Your Faith: Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible

Tag: Psalm 119:18