We have talked this week about the choices Christ made. Growing up under the subjection of His earthly parents. Spending time alone with God and constantly pointing us back to God and His glory. Today I would like to sum it up in two verses.
1. Look up and summarize John 3:16 & Mark 10:45.
Everything Christ did stemmed from the Father's love for us. He did not need to rescue Rahab. He did not need to get His house in order. He did not need to be restored as our sinful woman did. We are the ones who needed that. Our Father in Heaven desired for us to brought back into fellowship with Him. He desired His Son to be a willing sacrifice and His Son obeyed. WHY?
So that the Father would be glorified!
This is the ultimate call on our lives. To choose to be in such fellowship with the Lord God that we willingly do His bidding in order to bring Him glory. No pride or self-serving motives. Only desiring to please our heavenly Father and bring others to know Him as well.
2. Look up John 15:13 and write it down.
When we choose to follow after God, to be trained by Him, to glorify Him, to lay aside our selfish needs and desires, we are laying down our lives for our brothers. May we choose today to be living testimonies of that.
Close today by looking up John 15:15-17. Meditate on that word today.
Choose Christ!For He has surely chosen you.
Showing posts with label Deliberate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deliberate. Show all posts
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
GLORY
Yesterday we ended up by focusing on good or bad, God can and should be glorified.
In John chapter 8 verse 50, Christ tells us He is not seeking His own glory. He is seeking for the Father to be glorified in Him. The Lord's prayer ends with giving God the glory.
1. Please read John 12:28 & John 21:19. What was the purpose of Jesus going to the cross?
His very death was to bring glory to the Father.
2. Read John 11. Make note of verses 4 & 40.
One of saddest times in the life of Jesus. His dear friend has died and his siblings are distraught. Yet, even in the sorrow, Jesus points them back to the glory of God.
3. Look up Matthew 5:16. What is the two fold purpose of letting our light shine?
4, Please read John 15:8. Why is it desirable for us to bear much fruit?
5. Now read John 14:13. Why did Jesus say He would answer our prayers?
The point of our lives is to bring glory to the Father. When people see Jesus in us it points to His glory. In good or bad times, letting Christ reign in us will only draw people to Him.
Take a moment today and reflect on someone who pointed you to the glory of God. How did it impact your life? Feel free to leave a comment about it!
Then look for opportunities for you to be that to someone else today. Not only look, but be deliberate in acting upon them. Whether it is a child at home, a co-worker or a cashier, the light you shine has eternal ramifications.
Shine brightly, my friends, shine brightly!
In John chapter 8 verse 50, Christ tells us He is not seeking His own glory. He is seeking for the Father to be glorified in Him. The Lord's prayer ends with giving God the glory.
1. Please read John 12:28 & John 21:19. What was the purpose of Jesus going to the cross?
His very death was to bring glory to the Father.
2. Read John 11. Make note of verses 4 & 40.
One of saddest times in the life of Jesus. His dear friend has died and his siblings are distraught. Yet, even in the sorrow, Jesus points them back to the glory of God.
3. Look up Matthew 5:16. What is the two fold purpose of letting our light shine?
4, Please read John 15:8. Why is it desirable for us to bear much fruit?
5. Now read John 14:13. Why did Jesus say He would answer our prayers?
The point of our lives is to bring glory to the Father. When people see Jesus in us it points to His glory. In good or bad times, letting Christ reign in us will only draw people to Him.
Take a moment today and reflect on someone who pointed you to the glory of God. How did it impact your life? Feel free to leave a comment about it!
Then look for opportunities for you to be that to someone else today. Not only look, but be deliberate in acting upon them. Whether it is a child at home, a co-worker or a cashier, the light you shine has eternal ramifications.
Shine brightly, my friends, shine brightly!
Monday, August 31, 2009
ALONE WITH THE FATHER DAY 3
Hope you had a good weekend. Mine had an unexpected turn of events, but was blessed by the Lord the entire time! You can click here to read about it.
Now let's get back to the Word - for it is good & timely!
The third time in Scriptures Christ goes away to pray is found in Luke 6:1-16.
1. Go ahead and read that passage. Jot down a synopsis in your notes (aka the short version).
Christ had just healed a man and was about to name the apostles. Again, He goes to the Father. He does not call a group meeting and ask for input. He goes to the giver of all wisdom. I am asking myself now - how often do I go to God after I have done some part of His will? How often do I go to Him before I start to name people? Do I go before Him when I have finished something He wanted me to do? Do I go to Him BEFORE I make a decision about people? Christ did, why don't I?
I am sure you could ask yourself some of the same questions.
Christ took timeouts in His day and His life to be alone with God. Christ was alone with God when things were bad. Christ was alone with God when things were good. Christ was alone with God when important decisions needed to be made.
See by drawing away with God, we put the focus back on Him. If things are good, it is to His glory. If things are going badly, they can be turned to His glory. We will be unable to see that for ourselves unless we get alone with Him and talk one on one.
I challenge you today (and everyday) to make time to be alone with Christ Jesus. No structure, no time limit, no agenda.
Just you and Him.
One on one.
Have a blessed week!
Now let's get back to the Word - for it is good & timely!
The third time in Scriptures Christ goes away to pray is found in Luke 6:1-16.
1. Go ahead and read that passage. Jot down a synopsis in your notes (aka the short version).
Christ had just healed a man and was about to name the apostles. Again, He goes to the Father. He does not call a group meeting and ask for input. He goes to the giver of all wisdom. I am asking myself now - how often do I go to God after I have done some part of His will? How often do I go to Him before I start to name people? Do I go before Him when I have finished something He wanted me to do? Do I go to Him BEFORE I make a decision about people? Christ did, why don't I?
I am sure you could ask yourself some of the same questions.
Christ took timeouts in His day and His life to be alone with God. Christ was alone with God when things were bad. Christ was alone with God when things were good. Christ was alone with God when important decisions needed to be made.
See by drawing away with God, we put the focus back on Him. If things are good, it is to His glory. If things are going badly, they can be turned to His glory. We will be unable to see that for ourselves unless we get alone with Him and talk one on one.
I challenge you today (and everyday) to make time to be alone with Christ Jesus. No structure, no time limit, no agenda.
Just you and Him.
One on one.
Have a blessed week!
Friday, August 28, 2009
ALONE WITH THE FATHER DAY 2
I hope you had yourself a good long time out yesterday. If not, try again today! Today we are going to look at the second time Christ takes a retreat.
1. Please read either Mark 14:32-42 or Matthew 26:36-46.
Summarize what is about to happen in your notes.
Christ has just finished the Last Supper with His disciples. He and Peter had gone through the whole denial bit. Jesus knew what was coming. He most definitely noticed when Judas left the table (John 13:30). He knew the end was near and things were going to get tough.
Did He stay in the company of His friends?
No.
He went to be alone with God.
I can think of a couple of times in my life when I have made that choice to physically isolate myself. To just be alone before the Father with literally no one else around. Before we had our oldest son, I miscarried a pregnancy. I remember telling my husband when I left the doctor's office I wanted to go to the church. I sat in the sanctuary all by myself. No one else around and just cried. I wanted to be alone with my Dad. Now, even with people around, I can be alone with the Father. This alone is different. This alone is gut wrenching, where you lay it all out. You don't care what people think or say, because no one is around to think or say.
When was a time you had an alone time like that?
Are you in need of one now?
Do you need to have yourself a good cry - a gut wrenching, cleansing cry?
Those tears are cleansing. Don't keep them bottled up.
Maybe you don't need to cry. Maybe you just need to withdraw from all the "good" you are doing and sit before the Good.
Perhaps you need to withdraw because you know the road ahead is going to be tough. Maybe you don't know the road at all, and that is the tough part.
Try to find time today to sit alone, not only before but with, the Lord Jesus. Sit with Him, fellowship with Him, talk with Him. He is waiting for you. He is longing to be with you. He will meet you where you are.
Have a blessed day.
1. Please read either Mark 14:32-42 or Matthew 26:36-46.
Summarize what is about to happen in your notes.
Christ has just finished the Last Supper with His disciples. He and Peter had gone through the whole denial bit. Jesus knew what was coming. He most definitely noticed when Judas left the table (John 13:30). He knew the end was near and things were going to get tough.
Did He stay in the company of His friends?
No.
He went to be alone with God.
I can think of a couple of times in my life when I have made that choice to physically isolate myself. To just be alone before the Father with literally no one else around. Before we had our oldest son, I miscarried a pregnancy. I remember telling my husband when I left the doctor's office I wanted to go to the church. I sat in the sanctuary all by myself. No one else around and just cried. I wanted to be alone with my Dad. Now, even with people around, I can be alone with the Father. This alone is different. This alone is gut wrenching, where you lay it all out. You don't care what people think or say, because no one is around to think or say.
When was a time you had an alone time like that?
Are you in need of one now?
Do you need to have yourself a good cry - a gut wrenching, cleansing cry?
Those tears are cleansing. Don't keep them bottled up.
Maybe you don't need to cry. Maybe you just need to withdraw from all the "good" you are doing and sit before the Good.
Perhaps you need to withdraw because you know the road ahead is going to be tough. Maybe you don't know the road at all, and that is the tough part.
Try to find time today to sit alone, not only before but with, the Lord Jesus. Sit with Him, fellowship with Him, talk with Him. He is waiting for you. He is longing to be with you. He will meet you where you are.
Have a blessed day.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
ALONE WITH THE FATHER
Hope you have had a good week so far. Sorry for the delay. We have had a few changes around here and that has caused some computer down time.
Let's dive in.
1. Look up John 1:1-2 and read it.
Imagine a time when you had to be separated from someone you loved very much. How hard was it not to talk to that person face to face? How hard was it to not be able to hug them or touch them or hold their hand?
Our Christ did the very same thing. He had been with God from the beginning. Him and His dad. Together. Inseparable. Then the Word became flesh (John 1:14). Jesus walked away from His home to dwell among us. I know He longed to be reunited with His Father. I am sure Jesus dialogued with God all day. However, like us, times to talk to God one on one were precious to Him.
In the gospels, I found three different times when Christ went off alone to pray. The first is buried in Matthew chapter 14 verses 23-26 and retold in Mark chapter 6 verses 30-52.
2. Choose either passage and read it. Write down a summary of it in your notes.
Christ had just performed a miracle and was about to do another. His prayer was kinda like a time out. How many times have you and I wished for a time out? I tend, and probably we tend, to go from one project to another, one meeting to the next, etc. How often do we stop to regroup? How often do we stop to get our bearings straight and our heads on right?
Christ made the decision right then to separate Himself from the multitude and His disciples to be with God. He removed Himself from the busy attention craving world to get before the throne one on one.
3. What do you need a time out from? When was the last time you took a time out with God?
Look at you answers and then put yourself in time out. Seek the silence of a time out that will allow the sweet voice of the Spirit to speak to you.
If you can, let us know what He says.
Let's dive in.
1. Look up John 1:1-2 and read it.
Imagine a time when you had to be separated from someone you loved very much. How hard was it not to talk to that person face to face? How hard was it to not be able to hug them or touch them or hold their hand?
Our Christ did the very same thing. He had been with God from the beginning. Him and His dad. Together. Inseparable. Then the Word became flesh (John 1:14). Jesus walked away from His home to dwell among us. I know He longed to be reunited with His Father. I am sure Jesus dialogued with God all day. However, like us, times to talk to God one on one were precious to Him.
In the gospels, I found three different times when Christ went off alone to pray. The first is buried in Matthew chapter 14 verses 23-26 and retold in Mark chapter 6 verses 30-52.
2. Choose either passage and read it. Write down a summary of it in your notes.
Christ had just performed a miracle and was about to do another. His prayer was kinda like a time out. How many times have you and I wished for a time out? I tend, and probably we tend, to go from one project to another, one meeting to the next, etc. How often do we stop to regroup? How often do we stop to get our bearings straight and our heads on right?
Christ made the decision right then to separate Himself from the multitude and His disciples to be with God. He removed Himself from the busy attention craving world to get before the throne one on one.
3. What do you need a time out from? When was the last time you took a time out with God?
Look at you answers and then put yourself in time out. Seek the silence of a time out that will allow the sweet voice of the Spirit to speak to you.
If you can, let us know what He says.
Friday, August 21, 2009
TEACHING AND TRAINING
Good Friday afternoon! Hope you all have had a good week! (Don't you get a kick out of how I talk to you as if there are hundreds. Seeing things as though they were!)
Grab your Bibles and let's get to lookin!
1. Look up the following three verses and read them. What is the topic of all three?
Matthew 4:19
Mark1:17
Luke 5:10
I am going to use the scripture from Mark for our study purposes. The main reason for this is because it says "become". I think if we look through the gospels, we can safely say that few of the disciples, if any of them, immediately became fishers of men.They were trained and taught. Every day, every opportunity, every parable was intended to teach them and us about the Lord Jesus Christ. The Sermon on the Mount, the Lord's Prayer, the Last Supper, all intended to teach and train us in the ways of God. One of the Holy Spirit's many jobs is to teach us (John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:13).
In week 2 we talked about training the children we have influence over. We also go through training. I think we can try to follow God and miss the training. My children can follow me but that does mean they are trained to do what I do when they are on their own. Training takes time and effort. Training is painful at times.
2. Look up Hebrews 12:11. Restate it in your own words.
Remember the other day when we were talking about the fruit? Fruit vines require training to grow in a manner that maximizes the yield. We raised watermelons every summer when I was a kid. We planted the seeds in rows. However, the plants tried to grow in a big circle, encompassing the whole area. We had to go back and place the watermelon vines within the row. Those vines had to be trained as to where to go. If they were out of the row, they would be damaged when my dad plowed around them or when we tried to harvest them.
We need to be trained as to the narrow way to walk (Matt. 7:13-14). When the ground around us gets stirred up a little we don't want to get torn up. When the harvest comes, we want to have yielded the most fruit we could have for the Kingdom.
So how do we do that?
3. List some ideas on your paper as to how we can be trained.
Christ trained Himself in the ways of the Father. He trained the twelve to know His methods and how to utilize them to draw others. From your list today, pick a couple of things you are going to do to up your training. Circle them and write out beside them your plan to implement them.
Have a great weekend and a great time in the Lord!
Grab your Bibles and let's get to lookin!
1. Look up the following three verses and read them. What is the topic of all three?
Matthew 4:19
Mark1:17
Luke 5:10
I am going to use the scripture from Mark for our study purposes. The main reason for this is because it says "become". I think if we look through the gospels, we can safely say that few of the disciples, if any of them, immediately became fishers of men.They were trained and taught. Every day, every opportunity, every parable was intended to teach them and us about the Lord Jesus Christ. The Sermon on the Mount, the Lord's Prayer, the Last Supper, all intended to teach and train us in the ways of God. One of the Holy Spirit's many jobs is to teach us (John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:13).
In week 2 we talked about training the children we have influence over. We also go through training. I think we can try to follow God and miss the training. My children can follow me but that does mean they are trained to do what I do when they are on their own. Training takes time and effort. Training is painful at times.
2. Look up Hebrews 12:11. Restate it in your own words.
Remember the other day when we were talking about the fruit? Fruit vines require training to grow in a manner that maximizes the yield. We raised watermelons every summer when I was a kid. We planted the seeds in rows. However, the plants tried to grow in a big circle, encompassing the whole area. We had to go back and place the watermelon vines within the row. Those vines had to be trained as to where to go. If they were out of the row, they would be damaged when my dad plowed around them or when we tried to harvest them.
We need to be trained as to the narrow way to walk (Matt. 7:13-14). When the ground around us gets stirred up a little we don't want to get torn up. When the harvest comes, we want to have yielded the most fruit we could have for the Kingdom.
So how do we do that?
3. List some ideas on your paper as to how we can be trained.
Christ trained Himself in the ways of the Father. He trained the twelve to know His methods and how to utilize them to draw others. From your list today, pick a couple of things you are going to do to up your training. Circle them and write out beside them your plan to implement them.
Have a great weekend and a great time in the Lord!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
DAY IN AND DAY OUT - Part 2
I hope you let who you are in Christ Jesus sink deep down into your soul. It is a battle to remember who we are in Him, but a battle well worth fighting.
Here we go for part 2.
1. Look up Hebrews 12:1. Summarize it on your paper.
Running with endurance. The term endurance implies a long race, not a sprint. A lifetime of choices, not just on Sunday or Wednesday, but every day and to the best of our ability.
I will tell you right now my ability won't get me very far. The Holy Spirit is here to help us (Ephesians 3:15). Am I drawing from that well to fill me up? Am I tending the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness. generosity, and self-control?
2. Look up Galatians 6:9. What are some things that are making you weary? What fruit are you most in need of harvesting today?
After you have answered those two questions, write out a short prayer asking the Lord to help you in those areas. At the end of the day write down ANY victories, big or small, He has provided today! Have a great one!
Here we go for part 2.
1. Look up Hebrews 12:1. Summarize it on your paper.
Running with endurance. The term endurance implies a long race, not a sprint. A lifetime of choices, not just on Sunday or Wednesday, but every day and to the best of our ability.
I will tell you right now my ability won't get me very far. The Holy Spirit is here to help us (Ephesians 3:15). Am I drawing from that well to fill me up? Am I tending the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness. generosity, and self-control?
2. Look up Galatians 6:9. What are some things that are making you weary? What fruit are you most in need of harvesting today?
After you have answered those two questions, write out a short prayer asking the Lord to help you in those areas. At the end of the day write down ANY victories, big or small, He has provided today! Have a great one!
Hebrews 12:3 (NKJV)
"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
THE HEIR
Day In and Day Out
* Okay before we even start, let me tell you upfront that this week is more for me than for anyone else. Knowing what is about and where I am right now and what I saw today on Life Today, I know He is about to deal with me and get me back on track.
So if at any point in time you feel it is too hard for you then know that is was probably meant just as much for me.
No condemnation .....Just conviction to get it straightened back out:o)
Okay here we go!
This week we are going to look at the life of Christ. What did He choose to do? How did He choose to live?
1. Look up Luke 2:51-52. What do these verses say about Jesus while He was growing up?
The Bible does not tell us a lot about the childhood of Jesus, very little to be truthful. These verses, however, give us a small glimpse. He submitted to His earthly parents. He must have respected authority - I don't know many disrespectful people who "increase in favor with God and men".
What I would like to present to you is that while Christ was growing up - He did what He was supposed to do-day in and day out. Christ obviously knew who He was. Verse 50 of the same chapter finds Him as a 12 year old, in the temple, both listening and asking questions. When Mary and Joseph found Him. He made the statement that He was "about His Father's business". At any point in time He could have called down the heavens to do His bidding, yet He chose to continue the path laid out for Him.
The question is two fold:
First, are we confident in who we are in Christ? Do we know who we are in the family of God?
Second, are we doing what we need to do both day in and day out?
We are going to address the first one today. I am going to give you some scriptures to look up. I want you to jot them down and meditate (think about them) today as you go through the day. As you go to bed tonight, pray them as a prayer.
Romans 8: 16-17
Romans 8:37-39
Enjoy your day thinking over these and solidifying in your heart who You are in Christ Jesus!
* Okay before we even start, let me tell you upfront that this week is more for me than for anyone else. Knowing what is about and where I am right now and what I saw today on Life Today, I know He is about to deal with me and get me back on track.
So if at any point in time you feel it is too hard for you then know that is was probably meant just as much for me.
No condemnation .....Just conviction to get it straightened back out:o)
Okay here we go!
This week we are going to look at the life of Christ. What did He choose to do? How did He choose to live?
1. Look up Luke 2:51-52. What do these verses say about Jesus while He was growing up?
The Bible does not tell us a lot about the childhood of Jesus, very little to be truthful. These verses, however, give us a small glimpse. He submitted to His earthly parents. He must have respected authority - I don't know many disrespectful people who "increase in favor with God and men".
What I would like to present to you is that while Christ was growing up - He did what He was supposed to do-day in and day out. Christ obviously knew who He was. Verse 50 of the same chapter finds Him as a 12 year old, in the temple, both listening and asking questions. When Mary and Joseph found Him. He made the statement that He was "about His Father's business". At any point in time He could have called down the heavens to do His bidding, yet He chose to continue the path laid out for Him.
The question is two fold:
First, are we confident in who we are in Christ? Do we know who we are in the family of God?
Second, are we doing what we need to do both day in and day out?
We are going to address the first one today. I am going to give you some scriptures to look up. I want you to jot them down and meditate (think about them) today as you go through the day. As you go to bed tonight, pray them as a prayer.
Romans 8: 16-17
Romans 8:37-39
Enjoy your day thinking over these and solidifying in your heart who You are in Christ Jesus!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
THE SINFUL WOMAN WRAP UP
Just a few points for you to meditate on today.
1. Look up the definition of restore.
2. With that definition in mind please look up Job 33:26. Knowing the definition of restore, what does this verse mean to you?
3. I am going to help you on this one.
Soul - soul, self, person, mind, personality, inner desires & feelings.
(That covers a lot of territory!)
4. Look up Psalm 23:3. Knowing both the definition for restore and soul, how does the verse apply to your life today?
5. What one thing did you take from this week, if anything? I would love to hear from you in the comments.
He is in the business of restoration. Let Him do His job:o)
1. Look up the definition of restore.
2. With that definition in mind please look up Job 33:26. Knowing the definition of restore, what does this verse mean to you?
3. I am going to help you on this one.
Soul - soul, self, person, mind, personality, inner desires & feelings.
(That covers a lot of territory!)
4. Look up Psalm 23:3. Knowing both the definition for restore and soul, how does the verse apply to your life today?
5. What one thing did you take from this week, if anything? I would love to hear from you in the comments.
He is in the business of restoration. Let Him do His job:o)
Monday, August 17, 2009
RESTORED
You have just humiliated yourself in front of a large crowd. Instead of anyone addressing you, they begin to talk as if you are not even in the room.
1. Read Luke 7:39-50
Imagine that is you. Lying on the floor, kissing the feet of a stranger, crying your eyes out, and the two main party guests are talking about you. I bet no one spoke during that time. I bet her sobs echoed throughout that room. I'll bet nobody moved and nobody spoke.
I am going to make the stretch that this conversation has overtones of the one that is spoken over our lives.
2. Reread verse 39 and jot down what Simon thinks to himself.
3. Now look up Revelation 12:10. Who has been cast down? How is he referred to in this verse?
Day and night our accuser brings up our sin, shame, and humiliation before the throne of God.
4. Reread verses 48-50 of Luke chapter 7. What did Christ tell her?
5. Now look up the following verses and summarize them on you paper:
Our God is the God of restoration. Christ came to restore us. He lives even now to restore us (Hebrews 7:25). If tears come, they fall on the feet of a Savior who catches them (Psalm 56:8). If sobs come, they fall not on deaf ears (2 Chronicles 7:14). Just as in the restoration process of a house or a car, we have to be stripped down to the bare bones. Our woman cut through all the religious stuff and knelt her bare bones before Christ. He told her to arise and go in peace. We have that same opportunity. Do this so you may arise RESTORED!
It is your choice.
It is my choice.
Let us stand before Christ after out tears, empty handed, holding on to nothing, ready to follow His calling.
1. Read Luke 7:39-50
Imagine that is you. Lying on the floor, kissing the feet of a stranger, crying your eyes out, and the two main party guests are talking about you. I bet no one spoke during that time. I bet her sobs echoed throughout that room. I'll bet nobody moved and nobody spoke.
I am going to make the stretch that this conversation has overtones of the one that is spoken over our lives.
2. Reread verse 39 and jot down what Simon thinks to himself.
3. Now look up Revelation 12:10. Who has been cast down? How is he referred to in this verse?
Day and night our accuser brings up our sin, shame, and humiliation before the throne of God.
4. Reread verses 48-50 of Luke chapter 7. What did Christ tell her?
5. Now look up the following verses and summarize them on you paper:
Ruth 4:15
Jeremiah 30:17
Joel 2:25
Our God is the God of restoration. Christ came to restore us. He lives even now to restore us (Hebrews 7:25). If tears come, they fall on the feet of a Savior who catches them (Psalm 56:8). If sobs come, they fall not on deaf ears (2 Chronicles 7:14). Just as in the restoration process of a house or a car, we have to be stripped down to the bare bones. Our woman cut through all the religious stuff and knelt her bare bones before Christ. He told her to arise and go in peace. We have that same opportunity. Do this so you may arise RESTORED!
It is your choice.
It is my choice.
Let us stand before Christ after out tears, empty handed, holding on to nothing, ready to follow His calling.
Friday, August 14, 2009
SHOWTIME - day 2
Good Friday morning! Hope this finds you well. Isn't God good? He really, really is! Jesus Christ is King and we are co-heirs with Him! Only a good God would do that for us!
Okay back to our study...
1. Read Luke 7:38 as a refresher. Jot down or draw out what you see in your mind's eye.
Utter humility. No regard as to what people thought or said. Focused on the one and only man in the room who could change her life forever. She chose to lay her past, present and future at the feet of the man she had heard so much about. The one man who could be and would be the lifter of her head.
How about us? How about you? Have you chosen to lay it all down? Have you chosen to allow Christ to be the lifter of your head?
For me, the past is a whole lot easier than the future. The present I pickup often, try to fix it, and then lay it down as past when I have messed it up.
2. Look up Revelation 1:4. Summarize it on your paper.
I think that pretty well covers it all. Again, it is our choice. Christ has been where we were, He is where we are, and He has gone where we have yet to go. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). We just need to hand the luggage we have been dragging around with us over to Him.
3. On you paper, draw 3 good sized boxes and label them past, present and future. In the boxes write down things from your past, things you are dealing with now, and things you are worried about in the future.
4. Now give those boxes to Jesus. Refuse to pick them up again. Walk in the freedom that is the yoke of Christ and find rest for your soul.
Okay back to our study...
1. Read Luke 7:38 as a refresher. Jot down or draw out what you see in your mind's eye.
Utter humility. No regard as to what people thought or said. Focused on the one and only man in the room who could change her life forever. She chose to lay her past, present and future at the feet of the man she had heard so much about. The one man who could be and would be the lifter of her head.
How about us? How about you? Have you chosen to lay it all down? Have you chosen to allow Christ to be the lifter of your head?
For me, the past is a whole lot easier than the future. The present I pickup often, try to fix it, and then lay it down as past when I have messed it up.
2. Look up Revelation 1:4. Summarize it on your paper.
I think that pretty well covers it all. Again, it is our choice. Christ has been where we were, He is where we are, and He has gone where we have yet to go. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). We just need to hand the luggage we have been dragging around with us over to Him.
3. On you paper, draw 3 good sized boxes and label them past, present and future. In the boxes write down things from your past, things you are dealing with now, and things you are worried about in the future.
4. Now give those boxes to Jesus. Refuse to pick them up again. Walk in the freedom that is the yoke of Christ and find rest for your soul.
" Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. "
Matthew 11:29-30 (NKJV)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
SHOWTIME
Yesterday we visited our woman preparing to bring her gift to Jesus. Today we are going to try to experience walking in the room with her.
1. Read Luke 7:36-38
She has heard Jesus is in town. She knew He was dining with the Pharisee. She has gone home, gathered her flask and her nerve. Now she is outside the door to the Pharisee's house waiting to go in.
Have you ever been in a school production? A band concert, a play or an athletic event? Remember what it felt like waiting to come out? Anxious, nervous, and excited are the tip of the iceberg. We talked yesterday about her emotions while deciding what she would do. I would like to believe that as she walked toward the Pharisee's house she became more confident in her decision. Each step gave her more confidence in this Jesus. Boldness to walk through those doors welled up within her.
I have felt like that at times with Christ. When I have chosen to follow what I believed God was calling me to do, I got a little bolder on His behalf with each step I took (writing this is a prime example).
2. Write down a description of a time when you experienced a boldness coming upon you as a result of walking in faith?
The curtain is up, the stage lights are on, and you have run through the tunnel. Now you stand exposed to all who came to see. This is our girl. She made her move. Although no one came to see her, you can bet the saw her! They took notice of her the moment she moved.
Now according to Christ, she moved when He arrived (verse 45). She had a one track mind. I know if it were me I'd be telling myself:
1. Read Luke 7:36-38
She has heard Jesus is in town. She knew He was dining with the Pharisee. She has gone home, gathered her flask and her nerve. Now she is outside the door to the Pharisee's house waiting to go in.
Have you ever been in a school production? A band concert, a play or an athletic event? Remember what it felt like waiting to come out? Anxious, nervous, and excited are the tip of the iceberg. We talked yesterday about her emotions while deciding what she would do. I would like to believe that as she walked toward the Pharisee's house she became more confident in her decision. Each step gave her more confidence in this Jesus. Boldness to walk through those doors welled up within her.
I have felt like that at times with Christ. When I have chosen to follow what I believed God was calling me to do, I got a little bolder on His behalf with each step I took (writing this is a prime example).
2. Write down a description of a time when you experienced a boldness coming upon you as a result of walking in faith?
The curtain is up, the stage lights are on, and you have run through the tunnel. Now you stand exposed to all who came to see. This is our girl. She made her move. Although no one came to see her, you can bet the saw her! They took notice of her the moment she moved.
Now according to Christ, she moved when He arrived (verse 45). She had a one track mind. I know if it were me I'd be telling myself:
just look at Him
just look at Him
I know if I looked at anyone else my nerve would be shot! Their condemning glances would drive me right back to the darkness I was trying to escape. These were, after all, the religious leaders of the day, important people that knew what was right and proper.
Praise God she never backed down. She walked right up to Christ, and then the floodgates opened.
* Because of the length of today's section, I am going to break it up into two parts. Just let your mind dance around the picture we have so far.
See you tomorrow:)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
SACRIFICE
Many of us have a savings account, a retirement plan, even insurance policies, all in hopes of securing our future. Those items are a sense of security and safety for many of us. Not things we would discard of very easily. We have seen in recent years the anguish brought on by the sudden loos of those items and how people's lives have been devastated.
1. Read Luke 7:37. What did the woman bring to Jesus?
An alabaster box filled with fragrant oils was a precious little item. It was often used as a dowry for a woman when she married. It could be traded for anything you could need. It, in essence, secured her future. I can just picture her looking at it on the shelf. Her ticket out, her future, all bottled up in a tiny little package.
The Bible does not tell us if she had a family, but I bet if she did, they thought she was nuts.
"You are going to throw your future away on Jesus?"
"You have worked so hard for that - why give it away?"
"You'll never get out now. You will stuck in this life forever!"
The devil has said those very words to us for generations.
Why waste you time and effort on someone you can't even see? You have worked hard to achieve your worldly status, you financial status, even your church status. If you follow Christ you will lose all of that. If you give your life to Jesus or if you follow His calling in this or that area, you will always be poor, shamed, humiliated. You apologize and they will think you are weak. You confess you sins and struggles and they will no longer respect you. The enemy uses friends and foes, family members and coworkers alike. We may even join him in our thoughts.
I have heard it said many times, perhaps you have too, that life with Christ is the freest gift in the world that will cost you everything.Our woman gave her past (her sin), her present (her shame), and her future (her alabaster box). She willingly laid these before Christ.
She restated with her life what David said in 1 Chronicles 21.
2. Look up this passage and read verse 18-24. Why did David insist he pay for the land and the offerings?
Both the woman in our story and David had the same heart. They were not going to bring to the Lord God something that cost them nothing. They chose to make a sacrifice. May we be as willing to pay whatever costs are required of us to draw into Jesus.
End today by asking the Lord in prayer what sacrifices, if any, He is asking of you. Maybe it is of your time, your pride, or your priorities. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you identify and make these sacrifices. Write out a short prayer describing these things.
Be blessed today! Thanks for studying. I do love ya to pieces:)
1. Read Luke 7:37. What did the woman bring to Jesus?
An alabaster box filled with fragrant oils was a precious little item. It was often used as a dowry for a woman when she married. It could be traded for anything you could need. It, in essence, secured her future. I can just picture her looking at it on the shelf. Her ticket out, her future, all bottled up in a tiny little package.
The Bible does not tell us if she had a family, but I bet if she did, they thought she was nuts.
"You are going to throw your future away on Jesus?"
"You have worked so hard for that - why give it away?"
"You'll never get out now. You will stuck in this life forever!"
The devil has said those very words to us for generations.
Why waste you time and effort on someone you can't even see? You have worked hard to achieve your worldly status, you financial status, even your church status. If you follow Christ you will lose all of that. If you give your life to Jesus or if you follow His calling in this or that area, you will always be poor, shamed, humiliated. You apologize and they will think you are weak. You confess you sins and struggles and they will no longer respect you. The enemy uses friends and foes, family members and coworkers alike. We may even join him in our thoughts.
I have heard it said many times, perhaps you have too, that life with Christ is the freest gift in the world that will cost you everything.Our woman gave her past (her sin), her present (her shame), and her future (her alabaster box). She willingly laid these before Christ.
She restated with her life what David said in 1 Chronicles 21.
2. Look up this passage and read verse 18-24. Why did David insist he pay for the land and the offerings?
Both the woman in our story and David had the same heart. They were not going to bring to the Lord God something that cost them nothing. They chose to make a sacrifice. May we be as willing to pay whatever costs are required of us to draw into Jesus.
End today by asking the Lord in prayer what sacrifices, if any, He is asking of you. Maybe it is of your time, your pride, or your priorities. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you identify and make these sacrifices. Write out a short prayer describing these things.
Be blessed today! Thanks for studying. I do love ya to pieces:)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
DO OR DIE
Today we are going to take a little field trip. I tread cautiously here because I want to take you where the Bible doesn't - into the home of the sinful woman.
Have you ever gotten ready for a big event? Maybe a prom in high school, a first date, a dinner with a new friend, or a meeting with an old one you have not seen in a while.
1. Think back to how your nerves felt. Jot down the emotions that come to mind.
Most of us would be excited, a tad nervous. We would want to make a good impression, people to see us at our very best. Now imagine how you would feel if you knew the upcoming meeting would be confrontational at best. You know it can go bad and go there in a hurry, but it is something you have to do.
2.How would your nerves change?
I would venture that our woman felt the full range of this emotional scale. She felt compelled to go to Christ; I am sure wanting Him to accept her. She was also aware of the fact that the Pharisee knew who she was. He could have her dragged out of the house and thrown in to the street. He could publicly shame her in front of the very One she was coming to see.
Can you hear her arguing with herself?
3. Read Philippians 3:8. How does this verse apply to our story?
"that I may gain Christ".
No one took her pride this time.
This time she would deliberately lay it down to reach the only One who could give it back.
Have you ever gotten ready for a big event? Maybe a prom in high school, a first date, a dinner with a new friend, or a meeting with an old one you have not seen in a while.
1. Think back to how your nerves felt. Jot down the emotions that come to mind.
Most of us would be excited, a tad nervous. We would want to make a good impression, people to see us at our very best. Now imagine how you would feel if you knew the upcoming meeting would be confrontational at best. You know it can go bad and go there in a hurry, but it is something you have to do.
2.How would your nerves change?
I would venture that our woman felt the full range of this emotional scale. She felt compelled to go to Christ; I am sure wanting Him to accept her. She was also aware of the fact that the Pharisee knew who she was. He could have her dragged out of the house and thrown in to the street. He could publicly shame her in front of the very One she was coming to see.
Can you hear her arguing with herself?
This is the only way.
They know who you are.
They won't let you in.
This is what I have to do.
She was well aware of the costs. However, they were ones she was willing to pay.3. Read Philippians 3:8. How does this verse apply to our story?
"that I may gain Christ".
No one took her pride this time.
This time she would deliberately lay it down to reach the only One who could give it back.
Monday, August 10, 2009
THE HUMILIATED - Small Towns
I have lived in small towns almost my entire life. There are many things about small towns that I love: the sense of community, people helping others in times of need, and the sense of pride taken in each other's achievements. However, there is one aspect of the small towns that I have never liked- people knowing my business.
1. Read Luke 7:36-37. How was the woman described?
A sinner, as if that even needed to be stated. What woman in the town, or man for that matter, wasn't a sinner? Yet she is deliberately pointed out as a sinner. I am curious as to what sin she committed that merited such as obvious label.
I can imagine her life. As she walks about town people stare. People whisper as she goes by. Every story told about her includes "Oh you know her she's the girl that..."
The American Heritage dictionary defines humiliated as the following:
"I am such an idiot"
"I am the worst mom"
blah blah blah
2.Reflect on a time when you were humiliated (big or small). How did it make you feel emotionally & spiritually?
3. Go back to Luke 7 and read verse 39.
Whatever she had done, it was public knowledge. The Pharisee knew "who and what manner of woman" she was.
4. Read Romans 3:23. What does it tell us?
We have all sinned. However, we tend to get caught up in naming the sin. We, as a society, have a list of minor sins, big sins, and then the REALLY BIG ones. We tend to keep count and as long as we don't have very many of the "really big" ones we are okay. However, sin is sin, all the same to God. Luke could not have made her more relative to us today if he had tried. To say she was a sinner encompasses us all. Had he named her sin (adultery, gossip, murder, or whatever), it would have been easy for us who had not committed that particular sin to glaze over the story and miss the point.
5. Read Isaiah 53:11-12. Who was Isaiah talking about?
Christ was numbered with us, regardless of our sin, for our sin. Yes, we have all experienced sin and humiliation in our lives, but those were both taken care of at the cross. This week we are going to look at a woman who refused to let her humiliation keep her from the One who could restore her dignity.
1. Read Luke 7:36-37. How was the woman described?
A sinner, as if that even needed to be stated. What woman in the town, or man for that matter, wasn't a sinner? Yet she is deliberately pointed out as a sinner. I am curious as to what sin she committed that merited such as obvious label.
I can imagine her life. As she walks about town people stare. People whisper as she goes by. Every story told about her includes "Oh you know her she's the girl that..."
The American Heritage dictionary defines humiliated as the following:
to lower the pride or dignity of;mortify
I am going to bet those words aptly described her. I doubt she held her head high as she walked around. I am sure she was mortified when her sin was found out. I know those words have described many of us. One of my most recent humiliations was at the mall. For some reason, I decided that I could carry my toddler, purse, bags, and stroller down the escalator and let my other child go ahead. Well, he went ahead, and I got stuck at the top. He fell and security was quick on him. He was okay, but I was trying to get him to come back up to me (you know climb the stairs). The security guard quickly corrected me and directed me to the elevator. Now I am a grown woman and should have known better. I have absolutely no explanation as to why I thought it was a good idea. I don't think I have felt that, well stupid, in a long time. Even now, I visualize them watching me on the cameras when I go tot the mall saying, " Here comes that lady who lost her kid on the escalator." I teared up, held it together til I got to the car and then I bawled. I was embarrassed and mad at myself for hours. "I am such an idiot"
"I am the worst mom"
blah blah blah
2.Reflect on a time when you were humiliated (big or small). How did it make you feel emotionally & spiritually?
3. Go back to Luke 7 and read verse 39.
Whatever she had done, it was public knowledge. The Pharisee knew "who and what manner of woman" she was.
4. Read Romans 3:23. What does it tell us?
We have all sinned. However, we tend to get caught up in naming the sin. We, as a society, have a list of minor sins, big sins, and then the REALLY BIG ones. We tend to keep count and as long as we don't have very many of the "really big" ones we are okay. However, sin is sin, all the same to God. Luke could not have made her more relative to us today if he had tried. To say she was a sinner encompasses us all. Had he named her sin (adultery, gossip, murder, or whatever), it would have been easy for us who had not committed that particular sin to glaze over the story and miss the point.
5. Read Isaiah 53:11-12. Who was Isaiah talking about?
Christ was numbered with us, regardless of our sin, for our sin. Yes, we have all experienced sin and humiliation in our lives, but those were both taken care of at the cross. This week we are going to look at a woman who refused to let her humiliation keep her from the One who could restore her dignity.
Psalm 3:3
"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head"
Friday, August 7, 2009
WEEKEND HOMEWORK
I am going to wait until next week to start the next section of study. I really want to do this part consecutively because it is my favorite section. So I have some homework for you. This weekend, when you get the time, read Luke 7: 36-50. Study over it. Jot down anything that the Lord impresses on your heart. I would really love your feedback:) Have a great weekend!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
WEEK 2 REVEIW
Believe it or not we just finished up week 2 of Deliberately Delivered. We have looked at people who deliberately chose to seek after God in their lives and their homes. In closing out this section, I would like to look at the other choice.
1. Please read Job 2:7-10.
What was Job's wife encouraging him to do?
Now before we get all upset and question how she could do that, remember she lost her children and property as well. She is watching her husband being destroyed by his own body. How many of us have gotten so caught up in our circumstances that we lose sight of the Lord, if even for the briefest of seconds?
However, she, like us, had a choice to make. Sadly, she chose the wrong response.
Today, I would like you to meditate on Psalm 78 versus 1-8. Let them sink in to the marrow of your being. Let them speak hope that things can change in your family if they need to. Things can change in you if they need to. By God's grace, Christ's power, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, we can start to change the tide of our generations.
We can start today. We can start this morning.
We can start now.
1. Please read Job 2:7-10.
What was Job's wife encouraging him to do?
Now before we get all upset and question how she could do that, remember she lost her children and property as well. She is watching her husband being destroyed by his own body. How many of us have gotten so caught up in our circumstances that we lose sight of the Lord, if even for the briefest of seconds?
However, she, like us, had a choice to make. Sadly, she chose the wrong response.
Today, I would like you to meditate on Psalm 78 versus 1-8. Let them sink in to the marrow of your being. Let them speak hope that things can change in your family if they need to. Things can change in you if they need to. By God's grace, Christ's power, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, we can start to change the tide of our generations.
We can start today. We can start this morning.
We can start now.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
GENERATIONAL
Generations- a term found over 100x in the Bible. Blessing and curses carried out for generations. The stuff we have been talking about is carried out for generations. How you treat yourself, your family and friends, the children you influence, and how you respond to the enemy's attacks will reverberate throughout the generations.
1. Look up the following verses and summarize them on your paper.
Genesis 9:9
Genesis 15:5
2 Samuel 7:16
Noah, Abraham and David all promised generations. Now I think we can safely say these men were deliberate in their pursuit of God. Their life choices, good and bad, affected their families for generations to come. Think back to Rahab and the choices she made. She is the mother-in-law of Ruth. RUTH! Think her stories had any impact on her son and daughter-in- law? Job, Joshua, Moses - families impacted for years and years.
All these people were seed sowers. As they told and retold their stories, their children and their children's children were witnesses to the workings of God.
2. Look up the following passages.
Psalm 145:4
Psalm 102:18
The latter blows my mind. The idea that sharing my testimony, whether in word or in print, can cause "a people yet to be created" to worship and praise the Lord - mind boggling! People yet to be created- what a responsibility.
So what kind of seed sower am I? What kind of seed sower are you? Do we plant seeds that will grow and flourish, deep in the soil of the Word, or am I planting them in shallow dirt so that any storm of life can cause them to be blown or washed away?
The brevity of those thoughts sends me to only one place for encouragement - the Word! (Otherwise we might make a run for the hills)
3. Look up 1 Peter 2:9. What are we called? Why are we called this?
In Christ we can plant good seeds, seeds of life with deep roots that will weather the storms that come our way. End today by thinking of some of the seeds you can plant into the lives of people around you. Jot down three or four ideas and begin to pray over them.
Done? Alright get out there and start planting. The harvest is near and way too prescious to lose.
1. Look up the following verses and summarize them on your paper.
Genesis 9:9
Genesis 15:5
2 Samuel 7:16
Noah, Abraham and David all promised generations. Now I think we can safely say these men were deliberate in their pursuit of God. Their life choices, good and bad, affected their families for generations to come. Think back to Rahab and the choices she made. She is the mother-in-law of Ruth. RUTH! Think her stories had any impact on her son and daughter-in- law? Job, Joshua, Moses - families impacted for years and years.
All these people were seed sowers. As they told and retold their stories, their children and their children's children were witnesses to the workings of God.
2. Look up the following passages.
Psalm 145:4
Psalm 102:18
The latter blows my mind. The idea that sharing my testimony, whether in word or in print, can cause "a people yet to be created" to worship and praise the Lord - mind boggling! People yet to be created- what a responsibility.
So what kind of seed sower am I? What kind of seed sower are you? Do we plant seeds that will grow and flourish, deep in the soil of the Word, or am I planting them in shallow dirt so that any storm of life can cause them to be blown or washed away?
The brevity of those thoughts sends me to only one place for encouragement - the Word! (Otherwise we might make a run for the hills)
3. Look up 1 Peter 2:9. What are we called? Why are we called this?
In Christ we can plant good seeds, seeds of life with deep roots that will weather the storms that come our way. End today by thinking of some of the seeds you can plant into the lives of people around you. Jot down three or four ideas and begin to pray over them.
Done? Alright get out there and start planting. The harvest is near and way too prescious to lose.
Monday, August 3, 2009
UNDER ATTACK DAY 2
Last week we ended looking at what fears we deal with and ways we were battling them. Let's carry on with this today.
1. What are some things you came up with to help battle your fears?
I know for me two things work the best (and they are not anything new)
1. Prayer
2. Being in the word
The times when I feel my anxieties begin to creep up, and believe me I do, are usually times when I have neglected one of those two areas. My mind will wander, badly, if given half the chance. It is necessary for me to be diligent in guarding it.
It is also helpful to find a confidant to share those fears you face with. Satan loves to separate us and make us believe we are the only ones. However, there is a word of caution.
2. Read Job 2:11-13
Job's friends surround him initially. They sit with him and mourn with him for seven days. However, when they do speak, they try to figure out why these things are happening. They attempt to make some explanation for it. Job must have sinned, Job was being chastened, Job needed to repent. I am sure they meant well, but they were still trying to put man's ways on God's ways. By trying to rationalize the events, Job's friends did not help the situation. If anything they pulled him down more.
We must be aware of what we bring into others lives and what we allow them to bring into ours. We can choose to be encouraging with them, but not flippant. We can choose to speak the word of God over them as statements of faith, not quick fixes. Job's friends did sit with him in silence for seven days. Perhaps that was the best thing they did. Sometimes that is all the hurting need.
Take a few moments to reflect where you are. Are you in the shadow of darkness? Are you under attack physically? Are you attacked mentally? Do you have someone in your life who is being attacked?
In closing I am going to ask that you write two prayers. One for yourself and one for the person the Lord brings to mind. Be honest with God where you are emotionally and physically, He already knows. Then quote back to Him His word over you and the person you are praying for. You may want to use the scripture you have memorized. After you have written your prayers, pray them out loud. Let your flesh and your enemy hear you and declare the words of you God on purpose!
1. What are some things you came up with to help battle your fears?
I know for me two things work the best (and they are not anything new)
1. Prayer
2. Being in the word
The times when I feel my anxieties begin to creep up, and believe me I do, are usually times when I have neglected one of those two areas. My mind will wander, badly, if given half the chance. It is necessary for me to be diligent in guarding it.
It is also helpful to find a confidant to share those fears you face with. Satan loves to separate us and make us believe we are the only ones. However, there is a word of caution.
2. Read Job 2:11-13
Job's friends surround him initially. They sit with him and mourn with him for seven days. However, when they do speak, they try to figure out why these things are happening. They attempt to make some explanation for it. Job must have sinned, Job was being chastened, Job needed to repent. I am sure they meant well, but they were still trying to put man's ways on God's ways. By trying to rationalize the events, Job's friends did not help the situation. If anything they pulled him down more.
We must be aware of what we bring into others lives and what we allow them to bring into ours. We can choose to be encouraging with them, but not flippant. We can choose to speak the word of God over them as statements of faith, not quick fixes. Job's friends did sit with him in silence for seven days. Perhaps that was the best thing they did. Sometimes that is all the hurting need.
Take a few moments to reflect where you are. Are you in the shadow of darkness? Are you under attack physically? Are you attacked mentally? Do you have someone in your life who is being attacked?
In closing I am going to ask that you write two prayers. One for yourself and one for the person the Lord brings to mind. Be honest with God where you are emotionally and physically, He already knows. Then quote back to Him His word over you and the person you are praying for. You may want to use the scripture you have memorized. After you have written your prayers, pray them out loud. Let your flesh and your enemy hear you and declare the words of you God on purpose!
Psalm 60:12
"Through God we will do valiantly,
For it is He who shall tread down our enemies."
Friday, July 31, 2009
UNDER ATTACK
We all know it will come. To what degree we are not sure. In what area we do not know. It is coming though, sure as the world. Christ Himself told us trails will come (John 16:33). Today we will look at Job and how he decidedly dealt with his time of tribulation.
1. Read Job 1:1. What are we told about the character of Job?
Job was a good guy. Serving God, loving his family, doing what he was supposed to do day in and day out. Satan picks him out to test him and God allows it. That is an important point to note, God allowed it. Nothing happened to Job that God had not allowed and nothing caught God by surprise.
2. Read versus 13-20 and summarize what happens.
3. What is Job's response in verse 21?
Job had a choice. He could blame God, be angry and bitter, and turn away. However, he chose to honor and bless the name of the Lord. If you have lost your home and property of any form, you know how devastating it can be. Let me tread gently here. If you have lost a child, it can down right wipe you out. Having suffered a miscarriage after seeing a viable baby, I know this one first hand. Some of you know it at a much deeper level. To not give into the darkness that attempts to surround at that time is work. It takes conscious choices on your part, deliberately deciding that you will live, you will get out of bed, and you will get dressed. Yes, you will mourn and cry out, but you will ultimately choose for yourself if you surrender and stay in the darkness, or if you will honor and bless the name of the Lord. It will not be easy. It will take time, but you can choose today to get up, put one foot in front of the other, and to start chasing the Father.
In the second chapter of Job, his body is attacked. Not only has he lost everyone but his wife, now his body is ravaged. Many of you know this experience. You battle daily to get out of bed and go through your daily routine. You battle to not give into the fears of the "what ifs" (your and others).
In areas other than health, people often bring in the "what ifs". I don't know about you but I really don't need any help in that area. I have a ton of "what ifs" at my own disposal. As
Jennifer Rothschild would say my thought closet is full. How about you? Let's end today by taking a good look at ourselves in the mirror.
What fears do you battle and how?
If you are not battling them, what are some things you think you could do to start fighting back?
Fear is paralyzing, and it is from the enemy! It can be defeated in the name of Jesus Christ.
1. Read Job 1:1. What are we told about the character of Job?
Job was a good guy. Serving God, loving his family, doing what he was supposed to do day in and day out. Satan picks him out to test him and God allows it. That is an important point to note, God allowed it. Nothing happened to Job that God had not allowed and nothing caught God by surprise.
2. Read versus 13-20 and summarize what happens.
3. What is Job's response in verse 21?
Job had a choice. He could blame God, be angry and bitter, and turn away. However, he chose to honor and bless the name of the Lord. If you have lost your home and property of any form, you know how devastating it can be. Let me tread gently here. If you have lost a child, it can down right wipe you out. Having suffered a miscarriage after seeing a viable baby, I know this one first hand. Some of you know it at a much deeper level. To not give into the darkness that attempts to surround at that time is work. It takes conscious choices on your part, deliberately deciding that you will live, you will get out of bed, and you will get dressed. Yes, you will mourn and cry out, but you will ultimately choose for yourself if you surrender and stay in the darkness, or if you will honor and bless the name of the Lord. It will not be easy. It will take time, but you can choose today to get up, put one foot in front of the other, and to start chasing the Father.
In the second chapter of Job, his body is attacked. Not only has he lost everyone but his wife, now his body is ravaged. Many of you know this experience. You battle daily to get out of bed and go through your daily routine. You battle to not give into the fears of the "what ifs" (your and others).
In areas other than health, people often bring in the "what ifs". I don't know about you but I really don't need any help in that area. I have a ton of "what ifs" at my own disposal. As
Jennifer Rothschild would say my thought closet is full. How about you? Let's end today by taking a good look at ourselves in the mirror.
What fears do you battle and how?
If you are not battling them, what are some things you think you could do to start fighting back?
Fear is paralyzing, and it is from the enemy! It can be defeated in the name of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
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