Tonight's Blog for Monday night, May 6, 2013

"3-Deep" as a reason for writing my prayers? I have been trying to write some of my prayers for a few years, so

I could come back later. Why? One reason is to see how I can improve my communication with GOD. Another is to see if they are being answered… (Remember, yes, or no, or later are all answers!) A third reason is to see if they have influenced me for the better. For instance, how much am I whining? Have I been saying, "Thank you" enough? What am I asking for? Who am I praying for? What am I asking for God to do for them? 

Sometimes I will start at the back of my prayer journal, and write observations or quotes or Scriptures that I have re-discovered. I have been sticking envelopes or "post-it notes" for the same purpose. During my writing of some of those scriptures, I noticed a habit of trying to combine scriptures "3-Deep" meaning that any scripture that I wrote, would be better understood If I found a "cross-reference" for it, and then a second one. It is tempting to want to do a full study of any word at that time, but 3-deep is a great way to prepare for future or deeper studies in the future. 

This method came in part from reading through John's Gospel. Did you know that John had a tendency to record his memories of the time he was with Jesus this way? John mentions Andrew, Nicodemus, Thomas, and others this way. If you take a few days to read this wonderful Gospel, you will see what I mean. 

Today's "gentlemen's class" at MCC for our homeschool Co-op men reminded me that I was reminded of another way that this has been a part of my time. We talked today about relationships, promises kept and maintaining integrity. All tough areas, but made manageable by my desire to live my love for Christ in my walk with Marge and others who have known me. When we were married, the bulletin cover had a scripture quote, "A cord of three strands is not easily broken." From Ecclesiastes 4:12, written by Solomon. It is not exactly a happy book. Not about marriage, much either. But we saw in it a promise of "3 deep strength" for our marriage. You see, one husband, far from perfect bringing to one wife the best that he can. A formula for failure? Not if the third strand in our marriage is our Father, who holds us together, and who completes us as we lean on Him. 

That is what I wanted to let my friends know today, LORD, You make us stronger. If we fail it isn't because YOU don't care, LORD. We love you and will trust you and grow together with you. 3-Deep makes sense in Marriage, in Discipling, in accountability and in life. I am glad John the apostle got me started thinking this way.. GOD, bless us tonight! big marv