Good Morning Girlz!!! It's gonna be a good day, lots to be thankful for today! Praying for you all!
S - "For the Word of God...it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." vs. 12-13
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin." vs. 15
O - Well, I read vereses 12-13 and think OUCH! Everything laid bare!?! That's gotta stink! However, a few verse down the Lord cushions that blow with mercy and grace. He's been there too. He is perfect, and therefore did not sin, but He has felt what I have felt and has been tempted as I have been tempted.
A - Nothing is hidden from Christ. He knows my heart better than I know it myself. When I don't even know what to say or to pray for - He knows. He accepts me and all my faults with open arms.
P - Thank you Lord for your unconditional love. Help me as I extend that love to others down here on Earth.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Karlyn - Hebrews 4
S - 4:1 God's promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it.
O - TREMBLE WITH FEAR is not how you would describe how I have been praying for those who are still unbelievers in my life. This sheds a whole new light on what my attitude and spirit towards their hearts should be.
A - I hate to say this but I've become almost bored and stale with my prayers for those I know aren't believers. I definitely need a heart change and a trembling with fear for their eternity!
P - Lord I confess a lack of compassion for those who need you. Father I want to tremble for their souls. God show me how to pray for them today.
O - TREMBLE WITH FEAR is not how you would describe how I have been praying for those who are still unbelievers in my life. This sheds a whole new light on what my attitude and spirit towards their hearts should be.
A - I hate to say this but I've become almost bored and stale with my prayers for those I know aren't believers. I definitely need a heart change and a trembling with fear for their eternity!
P - Lord I confess a lack of compassion for those who need you. Father I want to tremble for their souls. God show me how to pray for them today.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Ruth week 3
Day 1- Unexpected Kindness
Ruth 2:10-12
This is the first time that Boaz and Ruth have a real conversation. Before this she was a gleaner in his field. She didn't even know that he knew that she existed.
Boaz approached and told her that she need not worry that he would look after.Ruth is shocked by his kindness. During this time a Moab was not respected and the Isralites were not to have any contact with them.
Boaz saw Ruth for what she was really like not her nationality. He saw her kindness, loyality and respect she had shown Naomi. She had left her old land and gods for the God of Israel and Bethlehem. He saw her character. I know many times, I only look at the outward appearance and prejudge someone. Its not until I get to know the persons character do I really know if that person is someone worth getting to know and develop and realtionship with. I need to take the time and get to know peoples insides more.
The word Hesed is brought up many times through the book of Ruth. Its a Hebrew word that basically means loyality, respect, giving of ones self for others. Ruth was all of this.
The rest of the lesson talks about how Ruth has truly found refuge in God. Boaz and Ruth both knew that they could only do so much on their. They realized God was the ultimate redeemer, constant and refuge in their lives. When we are His He will help us get through the tough times.
Prayer- Lord, help me to show kindness to others on a regular basis. Help it to be part of my daily activities. Help me seek refuge in You daily and come to you in the tough times instead of other people and things.Amen
Ruth 2:10-12
This is the first time that Boaz and Ruth have a real conversation. Before this she was a gleaner in his field. She didn't even know that he knew that she existed.
Boaz approached and told her that she need not worry that he would look after.Ruth is shocked by his kindness. During this time a Moab was not respected and the Isralites were not to have any contact with them.
Boaz saw Ruth for what she was really like not her nationality. He saw her kindness, loyality and respect she had shown Naomi. She had left her old land and gods for the God of Israel and Bethlehem. He saw her character. I know many times, I only look at the outward appearance and prejudge someone. Its not until I get to know the persons character do I really know if that person is someone worth getting to know and develop and realtionship with. I need to take the time and get to know peoples insides more.
The word Hesed is brought up many times through the book of Ruth. Its a Hebrew word that basically means loyality, respect, giving of ones self for others. Ruth was all of this.
The rest of the lesson talks about how Ruth has truly found refuge in God. Boaz and Ruth both knew that they could only do so much on their. They realized God was the ultimate redeemer, constant and refuge in their lives. When we are His He will help us get through the tough times.
Prayer- Lord, help me to show kindness to others on a regular basis. Help it to be part of my daily activities. Help me seek refuge in You daily and come to you in the tough times instead of other people and things.Amen
update
Hey, ladies. I'm still here. I've been having to deal with lots of personal issues lately.9Dan and I are great, it doesn't have anything to do with us) Alot of it I can't write on here since I can't figure out how to make the blog private. I'm not sure if anyone besides us read this blog. Right now I feel like I'm being placed on a stool and everyone is watching me waiting for me to fail and make a mistake. This storm that I am in has been good because there has been a cleansing taking place. It needed to happen. Healing is now taking place. Please pray that I will allow healing to take place. That I will fully grasp that contentment and peace comes from God alone and not anyone. Also my prayer through this storm to have wholesome talk, which is very challenging.
Ginny - Hebrews 3
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called, 'Today' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." vs 13
O - We need each other! The Lord did not create us to go through this journey down here all by ourselves. #1 He is with us, but He has also given us other Saints to walk with us. This blog is a perfect example! These past 7 weeks have been wonderful! Having y'all with me each morning has done me more good than y'all will ever know. God knew we were going to need a little girl time to get through this life ;)
A - I also love how vs 13 says "as long as it is called 'Today'" At the beginning of the year I read Luci Swindoll's I Married Adventure. It has nothing to do with being single, she just used the word "marriage" in the title to express the joining of her life to a life of adventure. The over arching theme of this book is to live in the present. To enjoy life for what it is right now. I am not 100% good at this all the time. I have to pick the book up and reread all the highlighted parts many days, but through this journey the Lord has opened my eyes to opportunities that previously I would have let pass me by. It is good to look at each day in the present and not worry about the past or future. He has given us lots to do right now.
P - Lord, I don't want to miss out on what you have planned for me. I don't want fear to stop me from trying new things. Please continue to help me live in the present and enjoy the adventure!
S - "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called, 'Today' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." vs 13
O - We need each other! The Lord did not create us to go through this journey down here all by ourselves. #1 He is with us, but He has also given us other Saints to walk with us. This blog is a perfect example! These past 7 weeks have been wonderful! Having y'all with me each morning has done me more good than y'all will ever know. God knew we were going to need a little girl time to get through this life ;)
A - I also love how vs 13 says "as long as it is called 'Today'" At the beginning of the year I read Luci Swindoll's I Married Adventure. It has nothing to do with being single, she just used the word "marriage" in the title to express the joining of her life to a life of adventure. The over arching theme of this book is to live in the present. To enjoy life for what it is right now. I am not 100% good at this all the time. I have to pick the book up and reread all the highlighted parts many days, but through this journey the Lord has opened my eyes to opportunities that previously I would have let pass me by. It is good to look at each day in the present and not worry about the past or future. He has given us lots to do right now.
P - Lord, I don't want to miss out on what you have planned for me. I don't want fear to stop me from trying new things. Please continue to help me live in the present and enjoy the adventure!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Ginny - Hebrews 2
Phew, it's been a morning! Complete with running to CVS to print pictures of a horse so I can apply for horse papers for one of our customers. Never a dull moment in Ag!
Hooray for rain Karlyn! So, so glad. I know the ground is saying thank you, thank you, thank you!
S - "We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." vs. 1
O - So much in this world will try to persuade us and try to look good and try to tempt us away from the solid truth. We must be on guard and pay "careful attention" to stand firm in the Word. We must know what we believe and why (something that's been brought up in this blog before).
A - If I may, I'd like to take a slight turn with verse 1...these past 3 weeks have been pretty difficult at work. There has been a situation come up that I have chosen not to be a part of, but in doing so I have had to endure the whispering and gossiping that is going on at the front of the office while I work at my desk. I have heard tidbits of information, but no truth. No confirmed facts. It has not been fun, but yesterday some light finally came. The water is not totally clear, but at least there was a small breakthrough. What we hear and what we allow to consume our thoughts and chose to believe determines whether we live a life of victory or defeat. I chose victory!
P - Lord help me be careful what I hear that I may not drift away, but yet stand firm in the truth.
Hooray for rain Karlyn! So, so glad. I know the ground is saying thank you, thank you, thank you!
S - "We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." vs. 1
O - So much in this world will try to persuade us and try to look good and try to tempt us away from the solid truth. We must be on guard and pay "careful attention" to stand firm in the Word. We must know what we believe and why (something that's been brought up in this blog before).
A - If I may, I'd like to take a slight turn with verse 1...these past 3 weeks have been pretty difficult at work. There has been a situation come up that I have chosen not to be a part of, but in doing so I have had to endure the whispering and gossiping that is going on at the front of the office while I work at my desk. I have heard tidbits of information, but no truth. No confirmed facts. It has not been fun, but yesterday some light finally came. The water is not totally clear, but at least there was a small breakthrough. What we hear and what we allow to consume our thoughts and chose to believe determines whether we live a life of victory or defeat. I chose victory!
P - Lord help me be careful what I hear that I may not drift away, but yet stand firm in the truth.
Karlyn - Hebrews 2
I'm sitting here listening and watching it RAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Praise God!
S - 2:17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.
O - It's so amazing to me that Jesus came as the holy son of God but was still human and susceptible to all sin here on earth/ tempted in every way and at any moment he could have chosen sin but never did. I forget what a challenge that must have been for him every day. Not complaining, not talking about people who annoy him, staying compassionate and full of mercy, and love. I blow all of that in the first 15 minutes of each day!
A - I need to relate to those who aren't believers what Jesus actually had to do to come here, live here, and die here, so they will understand he truly can relate to anything they deal with.
P - Jesus I praise you for being able to come here to earth and still be you, sinless. Thank you for the sacrifice of heaven you made for a short while so that I can be redeemed by you! I love you Lord. and THANK YOU FOR THE RAIN!!!!
S - 2:17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.
O - It's so amazing to me that Jesus came as the holy son of God but was still human and susceptible to all sin here on earth/ tempted in every way and at any moment he could have chosen sin but never did. I forget what a challenge that must have been for him every day. Not complaining, not talking about people who annoy him, staying compassionate and full of mercy, and love. I blow all of that in the first 15 minutes of each day!
A - I need to relate to those who aren't believers what Jesus actually had to do to come here, live here, and die here, so they will understand he truly can relate to anything they deal with.
P - Jesus I praise you for being able to come here to earth and still be you, sinless. Thank you for the sacrifice of heaven you made for a short while so that I can be redeemed by you! I love you Lord. and THANK YOU FOR THE RAIN!!!!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Karlyn - Hebrews 1
I love Hebrews, ver excited to learn something new this time!
S - 1:3 The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
O - Wow we serve a huge God! I read this verse and I got that feeling deep that reminded me of how blessed I am to have received grace and forgiveness from him. I don't deserve it or anything else good but he still loves enough to extend it to me!
A - I have in the margin of my Bible a note that says...take my eyes off of me and SEE who He is! That needs to be my mantra. I get so focused on myself that I get clouded by ME and don't SEE who God really is!
P - Lord I acknowledge your majesty, power, honor, glory, and grace. Thank you for being real and BIG!
S - 1:3 The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
O - Wow we serve a huge God! I read this verse and I got that feeling deep that reminded me of how blessed I am to have received grace and forgiveness from him. I don't deserve it or anything else good but he still loves enough to extend it to me!
A - I have in the margin of my Bible a note that says...take my eyes off of me and SEE who He is! That needs to be my mantra. I get so focused on myself that I get clouded by ME and don't SEE who God really is!
P - Lord I acknowledge your majesty, power, honor, glory, and grace. Thank you for being real and BIG!
Ginny - week 7
Good Morning Girlz!!!
Weekend was so great! Amy, Tim, and I had a blast! It was good to let loose and laugh, and laugh, and laugh. Hope all of y'all had a great weekend too!
S - "But about the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anoiting you with the oil of joy." vs. 8-9
O - God is on His throne! A-men! He is not up pacing the floor surprised by what is happening. He is in control. I love the picture that Hebrews 1:8-9 paints. I love the picture of the scepter. It brings me comfort to know He is ruler and King over all.
A - I also love how this verse is so straightforward: love righteousness, hate wickedness. Satan is very sneaky. He can make evil look O.K. How much simpler would life be if I always went back to love righteousness, hate wickedness. What are those things in my life that I teeter with on the line? Call it right or call it bad.
P - Lord mold my heart to love righteousness and hate wickedness. May I have clear eyes to see the difference and not get tricked by Satan's schemes.
Weekend was so great! Amy, Tim, and I had a blast! It was good to let loose and laugh, and laugh, and laugh. Hope all of y'all had a great weekend too!
S - "But about the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anoiting you with the oil of joy." vs. 8-9
O - God is on His throne! A-men! He is not up pacing the floor surprised by what is happening. He is in control. I love the picture that Hebrews 1:8-9 paints. I love the picture of the scepter. It brings me comfort to know He is ruler and King over all.
A - I also love how this verse is so straightforward: love righteousness, hate wickedness. Satan is very sneaky. He can make evil look O.K. How much simpler would life be if I always went back to love righteousness, hate wickedness. What are those things in my life that I teeter with on the line? Call it right or call it bad.
P - Lord mold my heart to love righteousness and hate wickedness. May I have clear eyes to see the difference and not get tricked by Satan's schemes.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
week 7 Hebrews
How would y'all like to start Hebrews? Hope the weekend was long and fun for everyone. I've tried to make our blog private where only we can read it but the settings aren't letting me in. Y'all can try by going to settings and then permissions. Looking forward to this next week! Have a great Monday!
-Karlyn
-Karlyn
Friday, June 24, 2011
Amber
So today is my last day at work! I have really been bad at writing this week. Like I have said before, I'm not sure how this will work without internet access at home. I can read it on my phone and maybe post a little, but probably not a full post. September 22-25 is as good a weekend as any in September! Oh yes, they called yesterday for a second interview on Monday. It was supposed to be two weeks when they contacted me and it was two days. Not sure what that means. Pray for clear discernment and direction. It is a full time job, but I would have summer off, Fall break, spring break, christmas break, etc. etc. I'm having a hard time discerning what I need to do at the moment.
Ginny - Galatians 5 & 6
Good Morning Girlz!!! It's FRIDAY!!! I get to meet up with Amy & Tim tomorrow evening for a belated 30th bday celebration for Tim. I am so excited! We are meeting in this little town 1/2 way between here in Dallas. Speaking of Tim, he has a final interview this morning with The Carlisle Hotel in New York City. Looks like he's gonna be making a career change. Exciting stuff!
Also, because my comment function doesn't work up here at the bank - I love Karlyn's idea of picking a date and going from there. I say the later the better, so September 22-25 would be my first choice. We got a lot of hail insurance written early, and crop inspections shouldn't take too much time this year (there's no crop to look at) so I think I can swing it with Jay to be out. I'll keep watching airfare prices. That will be a big deciding factor on doability.
O.K. on to the verses!...
S - Galatians 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
O - Salvation is not about rules but about love, and with love comes freedom. If we are bought by His blood, and claim Him as Father, then we have been set free. Live in that promise!
A - What do I allow myself to be enslaved by? Worry, fear, low self-esteem, pride, gluttony...and the list goes on and on and on. As Lysa says in Made to Crave, we are made for more. We are made for victory!
S - Galantians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
O - I have waited all week to write about this verse. It's one of my favorites! It touches every area of life. Stay strong and God will see you through. Put forth the effort and He will show you the results.
A - I love this verse b/c it gives me hope that all this waiting on whatever the issue at the time is is worth it. He has not forgotten about me, and if I continue to work and stay focussed and give my best, He will honor that.
P - I pray for this weekend that it will be a time of renewal and lots of laughs. Just a fresh touch from the Lord. I have dinner with friends tonight and then get to hang-out with Amy and Tim tomorrow. I want to live in His freedom!
Also, because my comment function doesn't work up here at the bank - I love Karlyn's idea of picking a date and going from there. I say the later the better, so September 22-25 would be my first choice. We got a lot of hail insurance written early, and crop inspections shouldn't take too much time this year (there's no crop to look at) so I think I can swing it with Jay to be out. I'll keep watching airfare prices. That will be a big deciding factor on doability.
O.K. on to the verses!...
S - Galatians 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
O - Salvation is not about rules but about love, and with love comes freedom. If we are bought by His blood, and claim Him as Father, then we have been set free. Live in that promise!
A - What do I allow myself to be enslaved by? Worry, fear, low self-esteem, pride, gluttony...and the list goes on and on and on. As Lysa says in Made to Crave, we are made for more. We are made for victory!
S - Galantians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
O - I have waited all week to write about this verse. It's one of my favorites! It touches every area of life. Stay strong and God will see you through. Put forth the effort and He will show you the results.
A - I love this verse b/c it gives me hope that all this waiting on whatever the issue at the time is is worth it. He has not forgotten about me, and if I continue to work and stay focussed and give my best, He will honor that.
P - I pray for this weekend that it will be a time of renewal and lots of laughs. Just a fresh touch from the Lord. I have dinner with friends tonight and then get to hang-out with Amy and Tim tomorrow. I want to live in His freedom!
Karlyn - Galatians 5-6
S - 5:26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
6:1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall intothe same temptation yourself.
6:10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone - especially to those in the family of faith.
O - I've been struggling with these teachings for about a year. It's not that I don't believe the principle, but the people in our church and community weren't taught this very clearly. Instead they were taught to stay out of people's business and don't "JUDGE". But these verses are contrary to that. Paul isn't saying to judge our fellow believers, he's saying that it is our responsibility as believers to help bring each other back when we are in sin - in love, gentleness, and humility. That's hard but not impossible with the right attitude and Holy Spirit!
A - There are two women in our church that are really struggling right now. Both different situations but they are using each other for misery loves company and to justify what is happening in their life. These are women who know the truth but are choosing to walk away from it and they don't want any of us in their "business". I need wisdom and boldness to be there for them in love and gentleness.
P - Say a prayer for these women and pray that the other women in our church will see the responsibility for praying for them and encouraging them instead of just staying out of their business.
Y'all have a great weekend and I'm praying for all of you! LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU!
6:1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall intothe same temptation yourself.
6:10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone - especially to those in the family of faith.
O - I've been struggling with these teachings for about a year. It's not that I don't believe the principle, but the people in our church and community weren't taught this very clearly. Instead they were taught to stay out of people's business and don't "JUDGE". But these verses are contrary to that. Paul isn't saying to judge our fellow believers, he's saying that it is our responsibility as believers to help bring each other back when we are in sin - in love, gentleness, and humility. That's hard but not impossible with the right attitude and Holy Spirit!
A - There are two women in our church that are really struggling right now. Both different situations but they are using each other for misery loves company and to justify what is happening in their life. These are women who know the truth but are choosing to walk away from it and they don't want any of us in their "business". I need wisdom and boldness to be there for them in love and gentleness.
P - Say a prayer for these women and pray that the other women in our church will see the responsibility for praying for them and encouraging them instead of just staying out of their business.
Y'all have a great weekend and I'm praying for all of you! LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Ginny - Galatians 4
Good Morning Girlz!!! Back at the bank today. It's good to be back.
S - "Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise." vs. 28
O - I know this verse is in reference to us being children of the Most High, but I want to focus on the word "promise" today. God fulfills His promises. He is never too late or too early. He is faithful to His Word, and what He says will come to fruition.
A - So I am totally preaching to myself here! The past 2 weeks I have struggled more with hope then I ever have in my life. To be honest, I've wanted to give up, to say it's not working and just forget it, but I know my Lord has never failed me and He never will. The waiting, the praying, the hoping can be hard at times, but I trust Him, I believe in Him, and I know He knows what is best.
P - Lord, Your ways are higher, and I chose to cling to You. I ask for strength and wisdom from above to walk this journey. Thank you for never leaving me.
S - "Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise." vs. 28
O - I know this verse is in reference to us being children of the Most High, but I want to focus on the word "promise" today. God fulfills His promises. He is never too late or too early. He is faithful to His Word, and what He says will come to fruition.
A - So I am totally preaching to myself here! The past 2 weeks I have struggled more with hope then I ever have in my life. To be honest, I've wanted to give up, to say it's not working and just forget it, but I know my Lord has never failed me and He never will. The waiting, the praying, the hoping can be hard at times, but I trust Him, I believe in Him, and I know He knows what is best.
P - Lord, Your ways are higher, and I chose to cling to You. I ask for strength and wisdom from above to walk this journey. Thank you for never leaving me.
Karlyn - Galatians 4
S - Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are God's own child, God has made you his heir.
O - I'm sure the Galatians were very familiar with slaves and heirs. I'm not very familiar with slaves but in the last few years I've seen what it means to people to be earthly heirs. I've watched families be torn apart by inheritance and I've watched families grow closer together because of their inheritance. How exciting it is to know that our inheritance in Christ is the same for everyone! No believer has to be worried about being left out or cheated out of what is theirs!
A - When people are watching me they need to see what being an heir of God really means so they will want the same inheritance.
P - Lord thank you that I don't have to fight for freedom and an inheritance in you. Thank you that you provided Jesus to make it possible. Help me in my words and actions today to represent your inheritance and freedom from slavery in sin!
O - I'm sure the Galatians were very familiar with slaves and heirs. I'm not very familiar with slaves but in the last few years I've seen what it means to people to be earthly heirs. I've watched families be torn apart by inheritance and I've watched families grow closer together because of their inheritance. How exciting it is to know that our inheritance in Christ is the same for everyone! No believer has to be worried about being left out or cheated out of what is theirs!
A - When people are watching me they need to see what being an heir of God really means so they will want the same inheritance.
P - Lord thank you that I don't have to fight for freedom and an inheritance in you. Thank you that you provided Jesus to make it possible. Help me in my words and actions today to represent your inheritance and freedom from slavery in sin!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Karlyn - Galatians 3
S - vs 3 How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?
O - This speaks loudly to me. I've begun Kelly Minter's book THE FITTING ROOM and in the first 5 chapters she explains that when we are saved we are immediately JUSTIFIED in Christ and are at that point HOLY CHOSEN and DEARLY LOVED. We didn't earn it, we didn't pay for it, it was a gift at salvation. Yet there are so many times when I think I still need to strive for God's approval by my own "human effort". I know that salvation doesn't come through works it's faith but I try to reverse it sometimes and try to earn holiness and righteousness. Now I can stop and say I am holy I am righteous in God's eyes because of Jesus. My human effort means nothing. Perfection comes through the daily sanctification of Christ working in me to look more like him. Perfection comes when I'm with him in heaven some day (soon I hope)!
A - No more striving to be accepted by God because I'm already chosen. Instead I will listen to the Holy Spirit's nudging on the virtues he wants me to grow to look more like Christ.
P - PLEASE pray a prayer for rain on all our crops and all the farmers everywhere that need moisture. This is not a good way to start the season! Pray that Ryan can rest in knowing that God is in control and will provide for us and he will give all his anxiousness to God!
Thank you FATHER that I can't earn perfection in you! Thank you for giving it to me when I trusted in you! Help me to see the ways you want me to grow and become more like Christ. When I don't feel good enough, Holy Spirit remind me that I'm holy, chosen, and dearly loved in you!
O - This speaks loudly to me. I've begun Kelly Minter's book THE FITTING ROOM and in the first 5 chapters she explains that when we are saved we are immediately JUSTIFIED in Christ and are at that point HOLY CHOSEN and DEARLY LOVED. We didn't earn it, we didn't pay for it, it was a gift at salvation. Yet there are so many times when I think I still need to strive for God's approval by my own "human effort". I know that salvation doesn't come through works it's faith but I try to reverse it sometimes and try to earn holiness and righteousness. Now I can stop and say I am holy I am righteous in God's eyes because of Jesus. My human effort means nothing. Perfection comes through the daily sanctification of Christ working in me to look more like him. Perfection comes when I'm with him in heaven some day (soon I hope)!
A - No more striving to be accepted by God because I'm already chosen. Instead I will listen to the Holy Spirit's nudging on the virtues he wants me to grow to look more like Christ.
P - PLEASE pray a prayer for rain on all our crops and all the farmers everywhere that need moisture. This is not a good way to start the season! Pray that Ryan can rest in knowing that God is in control and will provide for us and he will give all his anxiousness to God!
Thank you FATHER that I can't earn perfection in you! Thank you for giving it to me when I trusted in you! Help me to see the ways you want me to grow and become more like Christ. When I don't feel good enough, Holy Spirit remind me that I'm holy, chosen, and dearly loved in you!
Ginny - Galatians 3
Good Morning Girlz!
I'm skipping work today, so I get to be in my pajamas and write today. I hope everyone has a great day in store!
S - "Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham" vs. 7
O - Faith is how we are saved not works.
A - I read a quote in my daily devotional today that is applicable to today's verse, "It's one of those great paradoxes of faith - you give up control and yet you feel so free." When we come before the Lord with nothing and make it all about Him instead of us we experience immeasurable freedom. How often I try, try, try to make all the pieces fit together and then bring it to Him to pray that it all works out. What if I just came? No preconceived ideas, no gameplan...just came.
P - Lord I want to come before You, just me. To give you the reins to figure this all out. I give You this day that I may hear from You and gain wisdom and understanding of Your plan for me.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Still Here
I'm still here. I think I'm still in my post vacation blues! I'm in this lazy funk right now. That all I want to do after spending and taking the boys different places is sit and do nothing! I promise to to do better about getting on here. I am still doing my Bible Study just haven't been taking the time to put it on here.
Ginny - Galatians 2
S - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." vs. 20
O - A-men! It's all about HIM! He died that I might live and because of that I am to live each moment for His glory.
A - Makes me want to shout hallelujiah! Christ is in me and my daily life is a reflection of Him. What is that reflection displaying? Is it a God of love and forgiveness or a selfish girl who only thinks about herself. I want to be like Jesus!
P - I no longer live. I no longer live. I no longer live. Lord let this be my battle cry as I go about my days. This life is for You, not how well I can control things. Teach me, mold me, change me so that others may see You when they look at me.
O - A-men! It's all about HIM! He died that I might live and because of that I am to live each moment for His glory.
A - Makes me want to shout hallelujiah! Christ is in me and my daily life is a reflection of Him. What is that reflection displaying? Is it a God of love and forgiveness or a selfish girl who only thinks about herself. I want to be like Jesus!
P - I no longer live. I no longer live. I no longer live. Lord let this be my battle cry as I go about my days. This life is for You, not how well I can control things. Teach me, mold me, change me so that others may see You when they look at me.
TRIP
O.K. girlz Southwest is running a 72 hour sale and there are some great prices! You have to buy the tickets by Thursday at midnight, but your travel dates can be anytime from August 23-Nov 16. Do we have any clue where we might want to fly into? I know Destin was mentioned. I think the closest Southwest gets to that is Panama City Beach. I know some don't even live close to a Southwest airport, but just wanted to let y'all know in case anyone had any thoughts.
Karlyn - Galatians 2
S - vs 16 & 21 Here's 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For is keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.
O - The end of this chapter echoes this truth several times. Paul was trying to make a huge point here. This is also a chapter I need to remember when I'm talking with someone about faith and not works gets you to heaven. I'm so glad that I don't have to live up to someones standards of "law" to get to Jesus! I'm so glad grace is the way. I'm also working on demonstrating more grace to my family and less law!
A - God's grace is everything and the more I show grace to those around me the more they will see Jesus and not depend on works!
P - Thank you Jesus for your grace. I don't deserve it but I'm so greatful you continue to give it to me all day long. Thank you for the opportunities to show grace to others. And thanks for the grace you give me when I'm not very willing to show it to others!
O - The end of this chapter echoes this truth several times. Paul was trying to make a huge point here. This is also a chapter I need to remember when I'm talking with someone about faith and not works gets you to heaven. I'm so glad that I don't have to live up to someones standards of "law" to get to Jesus! I'm so glad grace is the way. I'm also working on demonstrating more grace to my family and less law!
A - God's grace is everything and the more I show grace to those around me the more they will see Jesus and not depend on works!
P - Thank you Jesus for your grace. I don't deserve it but I'm so greatful you continue to give it to me all day long. Thank you for the opportunities to show grace to others. And thanks for the grace you give me when I'm not very willing to show it to others!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Amber- Galatians 1
I've Missed You!
S- Galatians 1:10 "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ?"
O- I love this whole chapter because it gives so many good reminders. One of which is a reminder that we can't please men and be a bondservant of Christ. Another, we should always be ready to give our testimony of what the Lord has done in our lives. Another is in v. 23-24 talks about the churches glorifying God because of Him. We should also receive those readily who the Lord has redeemed and changed.
A- Too often I am a people pleaser, good people, but people nonetheless. We cannot please people and be a bondservant of Christ. We must follow His will alone.
P- I did not get the part time job I applied for, but I have another job interview tomorrow for a full time position at the school with my church. The interview is at 1 and I would appreciate your prayers. Praying for God's will. This would allow me more time than I currently have with AB, but I'm not sure about a full time position. Praying that the Lord's will will be done in the whole job situation.
S- Galatians 1:10 "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ?"
O- I love this whole chapter because it gives so many good reminders. One of which is a reminder that we can't please men and be a bondservant of Christ. Another, we should always be ready to give our testimony of what the Lord has done in our lives. Another is in v. 23-24 talks about the churches glorifying God because of Him. We should also receive those readily who the Lord has redeemed and changed.
A- Too often I am a people pleaser, good people, but people nonetheless. We cannot please people and be a bondservant of Christ. We must follow His will alone.
P- I did not get the part time job I applied for, but I have another job interview tomorrow for a full time position at the school with my church. The interview is at 1 and I would appreciate your prayers. Praying for God's will. This would allow me more time than I currently have with AB, but I'm not sure about a full time position. Praying that the Lord's will will be done in the whole job situation.
Ginny - Galatians 1
Good Morning Girlz!!!
No, I can not believe it has been 6 weeks!!! And what a wonderful, uplifting 6 weeks it has been. Thank you Lord for good friends and Your Word!
S - "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." vs. 23
O - God changes people. Paul's life took a 180 degree turn after encountering the Lord. No one is out of the reach of His grace.
A - I want to be changed! My story may not be one of persecuting Christians, but there are many areas of my life that need a change.
P - Lord help me to change. Show me where I need an encounter with you and help me as I walk down a new path. Thank you for being a God that never gives up on me!
No, I can not believe it has been 6 weeks!!! And what a wonderful, uplifting 6 weeks it has been. Thank you Lord for good friends and Your Word!
S - "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." vs. 23
O - God changes people. Paul's life took a 180 degree turn after encountering the Lord. No one is out of the reach of His grace.
A - I want to be changed! My story may not be one of persecuting Christians, but there are many areas of my life that need a change.
P - Lord help me to change. Show me where I need an encounter with you and help me as I walk down a new path. Thank you for being a God that never gives up on me!
Karlyn - Galatians 1
S - 1:10 Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant.
O - Paul was so bold. I know his boldness comes through Christ but I long for boldness. I'm a huge wimp when it comes to being BOLD in my faith. I've always been a people pleaser. Too many times I let that take over and not allow boldness in Christ come through. Today I want to be bold and not shirk my love for Christ when confronted.
A - To be bold I've got to love God more than my air conditioner, my family, and myself
P - Lord help me to not desire other people's approval of my life but seek your approval only. Lord I ask for boldness to share my faith and not be afraid of their opinion of me.
O - Paul was so bold. I know his boldness comes through Christ but I long for boldness. I'm a huge wimp when it comes to being BOLD in my faith. I've always been a people pleaser. Too many times I let that take over and not allow boldness in Christ come through. Today I want to be bold and not shirk my love for Christ when confronted.
A - To be bold I've got to love God more than my air conditioner, my family, and myself
P - Lord help me to not desire other people's approval of my life but seek your approval only. Lord I ask for boldness to share my faith and not be afraid of their opinion of me.
Week 6
I can't believe we've been doing this for 6 weeks. How bout we go to Galatians this week. One chapter a day and 2 on Friday. Have a wonderful Monday!
Karlyn - Proverbs
S - 7:4 Love wisdom like a sister, make insight a beloved member.
16:3 Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed.
22:4 True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.
22:24-25 Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
23:17-18 Don't envy sinners but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this your hope will not be disappointed.
O - Since Thursday afternoon my attitude and faith have been tested big time. First our air conditioner went out on Thursday afternoon and all my family was coming in for Knox birthday. Lots of stress there. I've been struggling with some other stuff too and Friday was not a good day. Need less to say these verses above and 3:5-6 are words I needed constantly. I don't know how many times I cried out God I trust you I trust you. Well my attitude did get better and it was a fun weekend (my air is just now getting fixed as I type). I'm still struggling with the why me syndrome for other things.
A - So, practicing true humility and trusting the Lord is going to get me out of this funk!
P - I'm praying for you girls! I know many of you are busy but this blog has been a huge encouragement to me!
16:3 Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed.
22:4 True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.
22:24-25 Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
23:17-18 Don't envy sinners but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this your hope will not be disappointed.
O - Since Thursday afternoon my attitude and faith have been tested big time. First our air conditioner went out on Thursday afternoon and all my family was coming in for Knox birthday. Lots of stress there. I've been struggling with some other stuff too and Friday was not a good day. Need less to say these verses above and 3:5-6 are words I needed constantly. I don't know how many times I cried out God I trust you I trust you. Well my attitude did get better and it was a fun weekend (my air is just now getting fixed as I type). I'm still struggling with the why me syndrome for other things.
A - So, practicing true humility and trusting the Lord is going to get me out of this funk!
P - I'm praying for you girls! I know many of you are busy but this blog has been a huge encouragement to me!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Ginny - Proverbs 3
Hello! Rather crazy at work today, so I missed posting in the morning. Hope everyone is doing good and ready to start the weekend! I had an early dinner with a friend tonight, running club tomorrow, church and WW meeting Sunday. I've also been reading a lot lately, so hopefully I can get some of that in too this weekend :) I finished Kelly Minter's The Fitting Room. It was good. She had a lot of good thoughts. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!
S - So many verses I could have chosen for today's posting. As I was flipping through Proverbs and skimming over the underlined verses I came across Proverbs 3:26. It says, "For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught."
O - When I read this verse I am reminded how God is our protector. He wants us to succeed and prosper. Because of His love for us, He keeps us out of snares so that we may stay on the straight path, not turning to the left or to the right. We can have confidence in His plans.
A - How often I place my confidence in other things or people: acting right, looking right, knowing the right information, saying the right thing, and on and on and on. God is the confidence that never fades. He is the confidence that I can draw upon in every situation. He is constant and He looks out for me. He wants what is best for me. Sometimes I struggle with this b/c I really want what I desire to come true and what if what is best is not what I want?
P - Lord we know every Sunday School answer and every good Baptist cliche, but sometimes it just takes walking through. I trust you and I believe Your ways are higher. Please forgive my pride and selfish control.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Ginny - Col 4
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." vs. 6
O - I would love to know that every time I open my mouth that wisdom and grace would flow forth! Wouldn't it be great if after every conversation God high fived me and said, "Way to go Ace!" Whether that conversation is telling someone the Good News or just an everday conversation, I want my words to be brought forth in wisdom and love.
A - I have a specific situation at my work where I must chose my words very carefully when talking with a certain person. The drama that has surrounded this person I want know part of, and she would want nothing more than to draw me in. I don't want to back down, ignore, and say nothing at all (although there are times I just make sure I'm not at my desk when she comes by), but I do pray for extreme wisdom to take the higher road. To be able to high five God at the end of the conversation.
P - I pray again for concrete answer regarding the situation above. I am seeking His Word and praying my heart out trying to figure out exactly what to do. Right now all the Lord has told me is "cling to Him" (Joshua 23:8). I'm clinging so much I think I have fingernail marks in His arm! How thankful I am for God's faithfulness.
Love you gals!
S - "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." vs. 6
O - I would love to know that every time I open my mouth that wisdom and grace would flow forth! Wouldn't it be great if after every conversation God high fived me and said, "Way to go Ace!" Whether that conversation is telling someone the Good News or just an everday conversation, I want my words to be brought forth in wisdom and love.
A - I have a specific situation at my work where I must chose my words very carefully when talking with a certain person. The drama that has surrounded this person I want know part of, and she would want nothing more than to draw me in. I don't want to back down, ignore, and say nothing at all (although there are times I just make sure I'm not at my desk when she comes by), but I do pray for extreme wisdom to take the higher road. To be able to high five God at the end of the conversation.
P - I pray again for concrete answer regarding the situation above. I am seeking His Word and praying my heart out trying to figure out exactly what to do. Right now all the Lord has told me is "cling to Him" (Joshua 23:8). I'm clinging so much I think I have fingernail marks in His arm! How thankful I am for God's faithfulness.
Love you gals!
Karlyn - Colossians 4
S - vs 2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart
O - I have a hard time with devoting myself to prayer. I do pray through out the day but I need to do more consistent serious prayer. I get so distracted when I pray and rarely do I have an alert mind. Having a thankful heart while a pray needs to be my focus. So many times I'm complaining to God instead of thanking and praising.
A -I need to figure out how to have a more alert and specific prayer time in my day. This is probably going to mean getting up earlier.
P - Lord show me how to have a better prayer life and how to be alert and have a thankful heart when I'm praying. God take away the distractors!
O - I have a hard time with devoting myself to prayer. I do pray through out the day but I need to do more consistent serious prayer. I get so distracted when I pray and rarely do I have an alert mind. Having a thankful heart while a pray needs to be my focus. So many times I'm complaining to God instead of thanking and praising.
A -I need to figure out how to have a more alert and specific prayer time in my day. This is probably going to mean getting up earlier.
P - Lord show me how to have a better prayer life and how to be alert and have a thankful heart when I'm praying. God take away the distractors!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Ginny - Col 3
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "set your hearts on things above" vs.1
O - Search Him, know Him, learn from Him. This world will pass and the things in it will not matter one day. Spend your time on the things that really do last.
A - Man did I need this today!!! Set my heart on things above. So much gets in the way. So much I want to analyze and worry about, yet that is not what is true. I want my heart in tune with Jesus, not the world.
P - Lord I pray that as I seek you and make myself available to hear from you, that you will answer. Please speak to me and instruct me in concrete ways as I try to obey.
S - "set your hearts on things above" vs.1
O - Search Him, know Him, learn from Him. This world will pass and the things in it will not matter one day. Spend your time on the things that really do last.
A - Man did I need this today!!! Set my heart on things above. So much gets in the way. So much I want to analyze and worry about, yet that is not what is true. I want my heart in tune with Jesus, not the world.
P - Lord I pray that as I seek you and make myself available to hear from you, that you will answer. Please speak to me and instruct me in concrete ways as I try to obey.
Karlyn - Colossians 3
Mornin'! I'm so tired I can't pick my arms up! Why does Bible School wear you out so much:)
S - Some of these are parts of verses:
vs 1 ...set your sights on the realities of heaven...
vs 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth
vs 3...your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
vs 10 Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
vs 12...clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience
vs 13...forgive...
vs 14 Above all clothe yourselves with love
vs 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts
vs17 Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the
Father.
O - Wow what a list! It's encouraging to see "Learn to know your Creator". If I'm going to be heavenly minded, hidden in God, and clothed in Christs virtues - I have to learn to do this. It's not natural and I can't get so upset with myself when I fall short. This is a learning experience, but I have to learn I can't just keep making the same errors and sins over and over. I'm being clothed in these virtues when I grow and walk away from earthly desires and learn to be focused on the realities of heaven!
A - Keep pushing on. I need to not get frustrated with this process of learning but really be present and aware of God's work in me through every stage of learning. I miss so much because I'm always trying to skip forward instead of really focusing on the realities he's presently showing me.
P - God this learning process is hard but thank you that I don't have to be perfect and that you are my perfection and I can hide in you. Show me where to grow in you today and help me to above all show love to my family, friends, neighbors, and church. I love you Lord!
S - Some of these are parts of verses:
vs 1 ...set your sights on the realities of heaven...
vs 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth
vs 3...your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
vs 10 Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
vs 12...clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience
vs 13...forgive...
vs 14 Above all clothe yourselves with love
vs 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts
vs17 Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the
Father.
O - Wow what a list! It's encouraging to see "Learn to know your Creator". If I'm going to be heavenly minded, hidden in God, and clothed in Christs virtues - I have to learn to do this. It's not natural and I can't get so upset with myself when I fall short. This is a learning experience, but I have to learn I can't just keep making the same errors and sins over and over. I'm being clothed in these virtues when I grow and walk away from earthly desires and learn to be focused on the realities of heaven!
A - Keep pushing on. I need to not get frustrated with this process of learning but really be present and aware of God's work in me through every stage of learning. I miss so much because I'm always trying to skip forward instead of really focusing on the realities he's presently showing me.
P - God this learning process is hard but thank you that I don't have to be perfect and that you are my perfection and I can hide in you. Show me where to grow in you today and help me to above all show love to my family, friends, neighbors, and church. I love you Lord!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Amber
Hey Girls! Just an update!
My parents are in town and I am not working therefore I will not have internet access. Next week is my last week at Smithwood and the future is unclear from there. I will be staying home with AB for five weeks and then???? Anyway, all that to say, we do not have internet at home right now except on my phone. I don't think I will be able to type my SOAP all by phone. So, I will keep up with you and send messages as I can.
My parents are in town and I am not working therefore I will not have internet access. Next week is my last week at Smithwood and the future is unclear from there. I will be staying home with AB for five weeks and then???? Anyway, all that to say, we do not have internet at home right now except on my phone. I don't think I will be able to type my SOAP all by phone. So, I will keep up with you and send messages as I can.
Jen- LRS-Ruth Week 2 Day 2
Today's lesson was titled A Hopefully Glimmer. The focus was on Ruth 1:22. This verse talks about the time period that Naomi and Ruth arrived. The beinging of the barley harvest.
* This verse offers up hope. Just when Naomi thought God didn't care for her and she was at her lowest. He provided food. This can be applied in my life as well. Just when I get frusrated and upset and feel like God doesn't real care about what I'm going through I start to see a flicker of change, an open door.
* Harvesting is a very important part of our spiritually journey. Its a sign of His assurance of provision for us. For me today it might not literally be food, but it could be realtionships, circumstances and needs being met.
* Harvesting should be going on all the time. It just depends on what stage we are at, reaping or sowing.
*She referenced "Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don't give up." Gal.6:9
Weeping doesn't cause the harvest its the sowing. So for me this means that in times of struggle I can cry and yell out but if I stand still and wait for it to blow over it won't. I need to cry and DO. I need to move forward through the tough times. God is still with me than and honestly it is during those times that I grow the most because I need Him. I'm so bad about calling and begging out to the Lord in the tough times. I need to also praise His name when the harvest is done. If he hadn't been with me through the reaping and sowing there would be no harvest.
*Another thing that stood out to me, is that I'm example. People are watching me especially nonchristians are watching and waiting to see how I handle the rough times. They may be part of my harvest. I think that is one of the many reasons why Ruth followed Naomi. She saw how she weeped but moved on. She saw how she was mad and upset at God, but still worshiped and loved Him. Naomi was a showing Christ's love to Ruth which to her was probably a foreign concept.
Lord, help to weep and sow at the same time. Help me to see the big picture in the rough times. There is always hope in you. Help to praise you and the end of the harvest.
* This verse offers up hope. Just when Naomi thought God didn't care for her and she was at her lowest. He provided food. This can be applied in my life as well. Just when I get frusrated and upset and feel like God doesn't real care about what I'm going through I start to see a flicker of change, an open door.
* Harvesting is a very important part of our spiritually journey. Its a sign of His assurance of provision for us. For me today it might not literally be food, but it could be realtionships, circumstances and needs being met.
* Harvesting should be going on all the time. It just depends on what stage we are at, reaping or sowing.
*She referenced "Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don't give up." Gal.6:9
Weeping doesn't cause the harvest its the sowing. So for me this means that in times of struggle I can cry and yell out but if I stand still and wait for it to blow over it won't. I need to cry and DO. I need to move forward through the tough times. God is still with me than and honestly it is during those times that I grow the most because I need Him. I'm so bad about calling and begging out to the Lord in the tough times. I need to also praise His name when the harvest is done. If he hadn't been with me through the reaping and sowing there would be no harvest.
*Another thing that stood out to me, is that I'm example. People are watching me especially nonchristians are watching and waiting to see how I handle the rough times. They may be part of my harvest. I think that is one of the many reasons why Ruth followed Naomi. She saw how she weeped but moved on. She saw how she was mad and upset at God, but still worshiped and loved Him. Naomi was a showing Christ's love to Ruth which to her was probably a foreign concept.
Lord, help to weep and sow at the same time. Help me to see the big picture in the rough times. There is always hope in you. Help to praise you and the end of the harvest.
Ginny - Col 2
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." vs 2-3
O - I chose this verse not b/c I necessarily understood it, but it intrigued me. Complete understanding of the mystery of God. A charge that leads me right back to His Word. In order to know Him and His ways, I must know His heart, and to know His heart I must be in His Word.
A - Why do things have to be a mystery and hidden? Why can't it be so obvious what I should do and how I should think? Why does it have to be so tricky? Although, most of that I truly don't understand part of me would venture to say it has more to do with my sin than with God trying to be sneaky. Growing up my mom use to always say, "God is not a God of confusion." So in other words, if things are running around in your head and you have no idea what to do, it's not of God. Give the anxiety over to Him and He will help you through it. God is simple: love. United in love as verse 2 says. How much confusion would be solved in my life if I just loved and kept it at that.
P - Lord please continue to chisel away that which does not belong in my life. I ask for united love with those around me, that they may see You in me. Give me patience to clear the muddy water and return to Your truth when situations get sticky. Lord I don't want to be mediocre. I want to see things and others through Your eyes. Teach me Your ways.
S - "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." vs 2-3
O - I chose this verse not b/c I necessarily understood it, but it intrigued me. Complete understanding of the mystery of God. A charge that leads me right back to His Word. In order to know Him and His ways, I must know His heart, and to know His heart I must be in His Word.
A - Why do things have to be a mystery and hidden? Why can't it be so obvious what I should do and how I should think? Why does it have to be so tricky? Although, most of that I truly don't understand part of me would venture to say it has more to do with my sin than with God trying to be sneaky. Growing up my mom use to always say, "God is not a God of confusion." So in other words, if things are running around in your head and you have no idea what to do, it's not of God. Give the anxiety over to Him and He will help you through it. God is simple: love. United in love as verse 2 says. How much confusion would be solved in my life if I just loved and kept it at that.
P - Lord please continue to chisel away that which does not belong in my life. I ask for united love with those around me, that they may see You in me. Give me patience to clear the muddy water and return to Your truth when situations get sticky. Lord I don't want to be mediocre. I want to see things and others through Your eyes. Teach me Your ways.
Karlyn - Colossians 2
S - vs 11 When you came to Christ you were circumcised but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision - the cutting away of your sinful nature.
O - This is a verse that was highlighted in my FITTING ROOM reading yesterday. Circumcision kind of grosses me out but I know Paul used this because the Jews would get this comparison!
Many times in trying to put on all of the Christian virtues I think I've got to have it altogether at once. And yesterday I was reminded that getting rid of my sinful nature is a process and takes time to cut it away. There's gonna be times when I finally start doing better with patience forgiveness and kindness and then pride will slip in and he'll have to start cutting away again.
Galatians 6:9 is encouraging to me: "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up!" So I can keep practicing and keep practicing and I will mess up but if I persevere the Christian virtues I'm practicing will come out at the right time!
A - I've got to stop feeling like I have to have it all together. Instead let God cut away all the unnecessary and the sin and keep practicing because I will get better at the virtues I need to be like Christ.
P - Rec Camp was great last night. We had 9 new kids come for a whopping total of 29!!! We were very excited. Please pray that those who need to come to know Jesus will and those who need more time will not get pulled away and we can keep ministering to them!
God I praise you for being so powerful that you can take my sin and mold it into something beautiful for you. Help me today to be aware of sin I'm holding on to and help me to walk away from it!
O - This is a verse that was highlighted in my FITTING ROOM reading yesterday. Circumcision kind of grosses me out but I know Paul used this because the Jews would get this comparison!
Many times in trying to put on all of the Christian virtues I think I've got to have it altogether at once. And yesterday I was reminded that getting rid of my sinful nature is a process and takes time to cut it away. There's gonna be times when I finally start doing better with patience forgiveness and kindness and then pride will slip in and he'll have to start cutting away again.
Galatians 6:9 is encouraging to me: "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up!" So I can keep practicing and keep practicing and I will mess up but if I persevere the Christian virtues I'm practicing will come out at the right time!
A - I've got to stop feeling like I have to have it all together. Instead let God cut away all the unnecessary and the sin and keep practicing because I will get better at the virtues I need to be like Christ.
P - Rec Camp was great last night. We had 9 new kids come for a whopping total of 29!!! We were very excited. Please pray that those who need to come to know Jesus will and those who need more time will not get pulled away and we can keep ministering to them!
God I praise you for being so powerful that you can take my sin and mold it into something beautiful for you. Help me today to be aware of sin I'm holding on to and help me to walk away from it!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Jen- The Living Room Series- Ruth
I'm on session 2. I'm thinking I'm going to just note what stood out to me each day during the lesson. Our group is meeting every 2 weeks during the summer. So I'll do this for a week and then read whatever ya'll are reading.
Session 2- Day 1 Coming Home
Ruth 1:19-21- I really like this study because she goes really slow through the verses. In the past, I've quickly read through the couple of chapters and thought more about Ruth than Naomi. But this study, especially last week and this puts a lot of focus on her. I never really thought about Naomi and her personally struggles she had to deal with in going back to Bethelhem.
*"The whole town was stirred"v.19- Ten years had passed,but people had not forgotten Naomi. They couldn't believe that she was back and they probably had lots of questions as to why Ruth (a Moabite) was with her. I never knew and if I did I had forgotten that the Isralites were basically forbidden to marry or have anything to do with Moabites since they worshipped gods. If I was Naomi I would have been a nervous wreck and would be wondering if people were talking behind my back!
* v.20 She told them not to call her Naomi, but Mara. She is know a bitter women, She is in a lot pain as she comes back to her hometown. She left with her life in tack and full. She comes back still hungry, no husband or sons. Plus she has a Moabite in her care. She is mad at God. She knows she belongs to him, but she feels forgotten and holds him responsible for what has happened in her life.
* Kelly compared Job and David as other Godly people who also felt forsaken, forgotten, dismissed and destoryed by God. She also stated that many of us have felt the same way but have never addresed these feelings out loud to God. I know there have been times, I have yelled out at God and cried out why and where are you!
* My favorite qoute this today was "God doesn't want our "right answers"; He wants our hearts
Father, thank you for the place that I'm in right now. Things are going well and feel your presence. I ask for your help in the times when I feel down and forgotten that I will be real and honest. That I would pour out my heart to you and that you will give me strength to carry on.
Session 2- Day 1 Coming Home
Ruth 1:19-21- I really like this study because she goes really slow through the verses. In the past, I've quickly read through the couple of chapters and thought more about Ruth than Naomi. But this study, especially last week and this puts a lot of focus on her. I never really thought about Naomi and her personally struggles she had to deal with in going back to Bethelhem.
*"The whole town was stirred"v.19- Ten years had passed,but people had not forgotten Naomi. They couldn't believe that she was back and they probably had lots of questions as to why Ruth (a Moabite) was with her. I never knew and if I did I had forgotten that the Isralites were basically forbidden to marry or have anything to do with Moabites since they worshipped gods. If I was Naomi I would have been a nervous wreck and would be wondering if people were talking behind my back!
* v.20 She told them not to call her Naomi, but Mara. She is know a bitter women, She is in a lot pain as she comes back to her hometown. She left with her life in tack and full. She comes back still hungry, no husband or sons. Plus she has a Moabite in her care. She is mad at God. She knows she belongs to him, but she feels forgotten and holds him responsible for what has happened in her life.
* Kelly compared Job and David as other Godly people who also felt forsaken, forgotten, dismissed and destoryed by God. She also stated that many of us have felt the same way but have never addresed these feelings out loud to God. I know there have been times, I have yelled out at God and cried out why and where are you!
* My favorite qoute this today was "God doesn't want our "right answers"; He wants our hearts
Father, thank you for the place that I'm in right now. Things are going well and feel your presence. I ask for your help in the times when I feel down and forgotten that I will be real and honest. That I would pour out my heart to you and that you will give me strength to carry on.
Ginny - Col 1
Hello!!!
S - "so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience" vs. 10-11
O - I don't know if y'all are ever like me, but there are days, weeks, months, years that I wonder who it is I really am and want to be. Verses 10-11 hit the nail on the head. I want to be a person like that! "Worthy of the Lord" "pleasing Him in every way." Doesn't that sound wonderful?!
A - After reading those verses, my next thought is "Well, how do I do that? How do I become a person like verses 10-11 describe?" I've started reading Kelly Minter's The Fitting Room. The one thought that has really struck me is that it's not a matter of attaining such virtues; it's a matter of removing that which hides those Godly characteristics from coming out. Kelly uses the analogy of a sculpture. We start as a big rock, but as we chisel away on what is not needed the real picture comes forth. I believe that in my own life it is what I take away that will bring me to a position worthy and pleasing to the Lord.
P - Lord I pray you reveal to me that which needs to be chiseled first. What do I need to remove? Is it a thought? A priority? A desire? A dream? A stereotype? Please remove what isn't needed, so that the finished product is just how You want it.
***My comment function is still not working at work. I think it's a computer problem b/c it works great at the house. Anyway, in reference to Karlyn's post...I think Colossians is a great idea! I hope y'all have a wonderful time at REC camp and give Knox a big Happy Birthday hug from me!!! This week for me should be a fun one! WW meeting tonight and running, tomorrow is a house show for a friend and then running. Last week was our last choir practice for the summer so none of that, but I am running in a Lunar Lope 5K Wednesday night. It's very fun. We start at 10pm and they pass out glow bracelets!!!! Thursday is just running and this weekend will hopefully be lake and meeting my brother in Abilene to celebrate his 30th bday. Hope you gals have an awesome week! Love you all!!!!
S - "so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience" vs. 10-11
O - I don't know if y'all are ever like me, but there are days, weeks, months, years that I wonder who it is I really am and want to be. Verses 10-11 hit the nail on the head. I want to be a person like that! "Worthy of the Lord" "pleasing Him in every way." Doesn't that sound wonderful?!
A - After reading those verses, my next thought is "Well, how do I do that? How do I become a person like verses 10-11 describe?" I've started reading Kelly Minter's The Fitting Room. The one thought that has really struck me is that it's not a matter of attaining such virtues; it's a matter of removing that which hides those Godly characteristics from coming out. Kelly uses the analogy of a sculpture. We start as a big rock, but as we chisel away on what is not needed the real picture comes forth. I believe that in my own life it is what I take away that will bring me to a position worthy and pleasing to the Lord.
P - Lord I pray you reveal to me that which needs to be chiseled first. What do I need to remove? Is it a thought? A priority? A desire? A dream? A stereotype? Please remove what isn't needed, so that the finished product is just how You want it.
***My comment function is still not working at work. I think it's a computer problem b/c it works great at the house. Anyway, in reference to Karlyn's post...I think Colossians is a great idea! I hope y'all have a wonderful time at REC camp and give Knox a big Happy Birthday hug from me!!! This week for me should be a fun one! WW meeting tonight and running, tomorrow is a house show for a friend and then running. Last week was our last choir practice for the summer so none of that, but I am running in a Lunar Lope 5K Wednesday night. It's very fun. We start at 10pm and they pass out glow bracelets!!!! Thursday is just running and this weekend will hopefully be lake and meeting my brother in Abilene to celebrate his 30th bday. Hope you gals have an awesome week! Love you all!!!!
Karlyn - Colossians 1
S - Vs 11, 22 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.
22 - Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result he has brought you into his own presence and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
O - If I were to get up every morning and say to myself I get to be strengthened by God's glorious power and given endurance, patience, and joy - WOW what a different attittude to have! Instead I dread most days the night before I go to bed.
Holy and blameless without a single fault...God sees ALL believers in this light. I've been redeemed, he's already taken the sin, now I stand holy and blameless without fault because of Christ.
A - Attitude change this am - I get to live in God's Glorious Power and the endurance patience and joy I need to get through the day is in that power! And as I daily confess my sins to him I realize and live out that I'm already holy and blameless I can't be better or be good to win his favor, it's already done.
P - Thank you God that I don't have to rely on my own endurance and patience. I choose JOY today in you. Please help me to stop all negative thoughts and replace it with your JOY. Help me to show unbelievers around me that we can't do anything to be holy or sinless except give our lives to you. Thank you for a new day!
22 - Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result he has brought you into his own presence and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
O - If I were to get up every morning and say to myself I get to be strengthened by God's glorious power and given endurance, patience, and joy - WOW what a different attittude to have! Instead I dread most days the night before I go to bed.
Holy and blameless without a single fault...God sees ALL believers in this light. I've been redeemed, he's already taken the sin, now I stand holy and blameless without fault because of Christ.
A - Attitude change this am - I get to live in God's Glorious Power and the endurance patience and joy I need to get through the day is in that power! And as I daily confess my sins to him I realize and live out that I'm already holy and blameless I can't be better or be good to win his favor, it's already done.
P - Thank you God that I don't have to rely on my own endurance and patience. I choose JOY today in you. Please help me to stop all negative thoughts and replace it with your JOY. Help me to show unbelievers around me that we can't do anything to be holy or sinless except give our lives to you. Thank you for a new day!
Week 5
Good Morning Everyone! Let's Do Colossians Monday -Thursday and favorite Proverbs on Friday. Jen I know you're doing your Ruth study and I look forward to hearing about that! What's going on in everyone's week? We have REC CAMP ( our version of VBS) yesterday through Wednesday and Knox first birthday is Saturday! Looking forward to hearing from everyone.
-K
-K
Friday, June 10, 2011
Amber 1 Peter 3
S- 1 Peter 3:1 and 4 "In the same way, you wives be submissive to your own husbands..."
"But let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God."
O-"But let it be the hidden person of the heart." Paul is referring to our adornment as women not being from outward appearance, but that which is in the inside, the heart. Paul talks a lot about mystery and this "hidden person of the heart" gives me that same feeling. Perhaps this is streching it a bit, but I remember someone telling me when I was younger that guys like a girl of mystery that they can discover. That's kind of how I feel with this verse. Someone with a gentle and quiet spirit doesn't always say what they are thinking. They keep things within their heart that don't need to be said right away. I guess I've never realized that this verse referred to "gentle and quiet spirit" being "precious in the sight of God." That speaks volumes of the importance of this characteristic.
A- First, I need to continue to learn to be submissive in my marriage. Not that I try to not be, but sometimes I just talk and talk and talk about the same thing trying to get my way. Perhaps a little manipulative. I didn't realize I was even doing this until recently. There was a certain situation where I was trying to plead my case over and over. It didn't seem to be working. Finally, I was convicted and decided I needed to drop the whole thing. Wouldn't you know it, two weeks later, Jeremy came to me and had made a decision and it happened to be the one I wanted. I realize it won't always turn out this way, but I learned my lesson. I should tell him what I'm thinking, but I definitely need to be submissive in the decision making. Let God work in Him.
Gentle and Quiet Spirit...I definitely think at one point I had more of this than I do now. Perhaps there are remnants left, but I have always wanted to have a gentle and quiet spirit. I just love being around women who do posess this because I feel like when they say something it is God ordained and full of wisdom. I listen when they speak.
P- Lord, continue to help me learn to be a submissive wife. Too many times I try to manipulate to get my way. Help me to respect Jeremy and ultimately you in this way. Lord, help me to have a gentle and quiet spirit because it is precious in your sight. Help me to be a woman whose speech is ordained by you and full of wisdom. Help me to watch my tongue and only say things that are acceptable in your sight.
"But let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God."
O-"But let it be the hidden person of the heart." Paul is referring to our adornment as women not being from outward appearance, but that which is in the inside, the heart. Paul talks a lot about mystery and this "hidden person of the heart" gives me that same feeling. Perhaps this is streching it a bit, but I remember someone telling me when I was younger that guys like a girl of mystery that they can discover. That's kind of how I feel with this verse. Someone with a gentle and quiet spirit doesn't always say what they are thinking. They keep things within their heart that don't need to be said right away. I guess I've never realized that this verse referred to "gentle and quiet spirit" being "precious in the sight of God." That speaks volumes of the importance of this characteristic.
A- First, I need to continue to learn to be submissive in my marriage. Not that I try to not be, but sometimes I just talk and talk and talk about the same thing trying to get my way. Perhaps a little manipulative. I didn't realize I was even doing this until recently. There was a certain situation where I was trying to plead my case over and over. It didn't seem to be working. Finally, I was convicted and decided I needed to drop the whole thing. Wouldn't you know it, two weeks later, Jeremy came to me and had made a decision and it happened to be the one I wanted. I realize it won't always turn out this way, but I learned my lesson. I should tell him what I'm thinking, but I definitely need to be submissive in the decision making. Let God work in Him.
Gentle and Quiet Spirit...I definitely think at one point I had more of this than I do now. Perhaps there are remnants left, but I have always wanted to have a gentle and quiet spirit. I just love being around women who do posess this because I feel like when they say something it is God ordained and full of wisdom. I listen when they speak.
P- Lord, continue to help me learn to be a submissive wife. Too many times I try to manipulate to get my way. Help me to respect Jeremy and ultimately you in this way. Lord, help me to have a gentle and quiet spirit because it is precious in your sight. Help me to be a woman whose speech is ordained by you and full of wisdom. Help me to watch my tongue and only say things that are acceptable in your sight.
Ginny - 1 Peter 5
Good Morning Girlz!!!
Any fun plans this weekend? Hope all is going well for everybody!
S - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." vs 6-7
O - Our job is to stay under His hand. He takes care of all the rest. God did not create us to take care of it all. He wants us to depend on Him to take care of it all.
A - How often I get caught up in doing it all. I want to cover all my bases and make sure everything is thought of. I do this at the expense of resting in the Lord. How nice it sounds just to sit under His hand and not worry, yet how easy it is to stick my head out and make sure it's all going just how I have planned.
P - Lord may I joyfully sit under your hand, trusting in You to take care of it all. You know best!
Any fun plans this weekend? Hope all is going well for everybody!
S - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." vs 6-7
O - Our job is to stay under His hand. He takes care of all the rest. God did not create us to take care of it all. He wants us to depend on Him to take care of it all.
A - How often I get caught up in doing it all. I want to cover all my bases and make sure everything is thought of. I do this at the expense of resting in the Lord. How nice it sounds just to sit under His hand and not worry, yet how easy it is to stick my head out and make sure it's all going just how I have planned.
P - Lord may I joyfully sit under your hand, trusting in You to take care of it all. You know best!
Karlyn - I Peter 5
S - vs 2 & 7 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly, not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
O - I'm not sure who Peter is talking to in verse 2 but I think he's talking to the men in leadership of the church. However, I think we all can apply it to our positions in our churches. Too many times I focus more on who isn't helping and just a small group of us are doing all the work when I should really be more focused on who needs help or encouragement.
Verse 7 needs no explanation from me:)
A - When I begin to complain about the lack of help I will stop and see who I can serve first, who needs help, who needs encouragement, who needs prayer. We may not get more help but at least I will be constructive instead of destructive!
P - Lord thank you that we don't have to worry. So today I won't worry about rain or our crops, I will trust that you will provide the moisture we need at the right time. I pray for the members of our church. Lord help me see who I can serve and keep me mouth and mind from complaining!
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
O - I'm not sure who Peter is talking to in verse 2 but I think he's talking to the men in leadership of the church. However, I think we all can apply it to our positions in our churches. Too many times I focus more on who isn't helping and just a small group of us are doing all the work when I should really be more focused on who needs help or encouragement.
Verse 7 needs no explanation from me:)
A - When I begin to complain about the lack of help I will stop and see who I can serve first, who needs help, who needs encouragement, who needs prayer. We may not get more help but at least I will be constructive instead of destructive!
P - Lord thank you that we don't have to worry. So today I won't worry about rain or our crops, I will trust that you will provide the moisture we need at the right time. I pray for the members of our church. Lord help me see who I can serve and keep me mouth and mind from complaining!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Still Around
Hey Ladies!
This is the first time that I've been able to get on the internet from my computer. We are in Destin on vacation. I get back late Saturday, so I'll be back at it on Monday. However, I'm going to be updating with my daily Bible Study that the girls in my Sunday school class are starting this Sunday. We are going through the Ruth Bible study by Kelly Minter.
This is the first time that I've been able to get on the internet from my computer. We are in Destin on vacation. I get back late Saturday, so I'll be back at it on Monday. However, I'm going to be updating with my daily Bible Study that the girls in my Sunday school class are starting this Sunday. We are going through the Ruth Bible study by Kelly Minter.
Amber- 1 Peter 4
S- v.8- "Be fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins"
O- Oh how I wish I could love better! It doesn't say love those who are easy to love, who you agree with, you have not wronged you, etc. etc. Love covers a multitude of sins.
A- I need to be fervent in loving others even when I think the person has treated me wrong or is not being lovable. After all, Christ loved me when I was unlovable and still does. Being fervent means enthusiastic or intense emotion, which is the kind of love Christ has for me. This isn't a passive kind of love, but one that is passionate.
P-"Lord help me to love fervantly even when I don't feel like it or truly don't want to. Help me to learn to love like you."
O- Oh how I wish I could love better! It doesn't say love those who are easy to love, who you agree with, you have not wronged you, etc. etc. Love covers a multitude of sins.
A- I need to be fervent in loving others even when I think the person has treated me wrong or is not being lovable. After all, Christ loved me when I was unlovable and still does. Being fervent means enthusiastic or intense emotion, which is the kind of love Christ has for me. This isn't a passive kind of love, but one that is passionate.
P-"Lord help me to love fervantly even when I don't feel like it or truly don't want to. Help me to learn to love like you."
Ginny - 1 Peter 4
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins." vs. 8
"If anyone speaks, they should do as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. ToHim be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." vs. 11
O - Isn't it amazing how it all comes back to love. Love, love, love. I love how Peter says to love deeply. It's more than a casual kindness, it is a wanting the best for someone else type of love.
vs. 11 is my prayer. In all that I do and say I want the Lord to receive glory. Not my strength but His.
A - There are certain people in my life that I could be more loving to. I also want to grasp with a fresh awareness that it is by God's strength that I make it through. Not of my own might, but His.
P - Please pray that the walls fall down and I am more loving towards 2 specific ladies at work. Also, please pray that I rely completely on the Lord's strength in all that I do.
Love you girlz!!!
S - "Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins." vs. 8
"If anyone speaks, they should do as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. ToHim be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." vs. 11
O - Isn't it amazing how it all comes back to love. Love, love, love. I love how Peter says to love deeply. It's more than a casual kindness, it is a wanting the best for someone else type of love.
vs. 11 is my prayer. In all that I do and say I want the Lord to receive glory. Not my strength but His.
A - There are certain people in my life that I could be more loving to. I also want to grasp with a fresh awareness that it is by God's strength that I make it through. Not of my own might, but His.
P - Please pray that the walls fall down and I am more loving towards 2 specific ladies at work. Also, please pray that I rely completely on the Lord's strength in all that I do.
Love you girlz!!!
Karlyn - I Peter 4
Well...the trip didn't happen:(
Happy bday Ginny!
S - end of vs 1-2 ...For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won't spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.
O - I know that I've never suffered physically for Christ. The only suffering I've had has been very minor. So is this why sin is still so binding to me? Do I need to experience true physical suffering for him to be done with chasing my own desires. Because I WANT to be anxious to do his will! Guess I need to do some more studying on this.
A - If I'm not suffering for Christ I need to check my life and see what needs to be removed so that people do see him before the see me and because I'm a Christian I will be different from the world and hated by the world = anxious to do his will.
P - Like you Ginny we are still praying for rain, and equipment to quit breaking down! We have REC CAMP at church next week that I'm preparing for, pray for the kids of Almyra. Amber Cindy and Jenn I hope y'all are doing OK.
Lord thank you for giving us strength to be different from the world and for suffering the most to make a way for us! Lord help me to release my sinful desires and be anxious to do your will today!
Happy bday Ginny!
S - end of vs 1-2 ...For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won't spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.
O - I know that I've never suffered physically for Christ. The only suffering I've had has been very minor. So is this why sin is still so binding to me? Do I need to experience true physical suffering for him to be done with chasing my own desires. Because I WANT to be anxious to do his will! Guess I need to do some more studying on this.
A - If I'm not suffering for Christ I need to check my life and see what needs to be removed so that people do see him before the see me and because I'm a Christian I will be different from the world and hated by the world = anxious to do his will.
P - Like you Ginny we are still praying for rain, and equipment to quit breaking down! We have REC CAMP at church next week that I'm preparing for, pray for the kids of Almyra. Amber Cindy and Jenn I hope y'all are doing OK.
Lord thank you for giving us strength to be different from the world and for suffering the most to make a way for us! Lord help me to release my sinful desires and be anxious to do your will today!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Karlyn - I Peter 3
I'm going to be gone on a 2 day trip for my anniversary and don't kow if I'll have internet for Thursday and Friday! At least I hope I still am, it's 8:30 Wednesday and still waiting to leave. Gotta love farm life:) PRAY FOR RAIN PLEASE for you too Ginny. We're afraid soybeans won't come up if we don't get moisture soon. Happy Early bday Ginny!!
S - Vs 15-16 Instead you must worship Christ as the Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way....
O - I've been keeping in mind all of the points you all have made over our past readings and working on worshiping Christ as Lord of all of my life, whether it's a good day frustrating day or great day. So it was good to see this verse and reminded again to be ready at all times. I'm learning more and more with Sawyer that I have to understand what I believe and why I believe. Otherwise it's not effective in my life!
A - I'm continuing to memorize scripture and being ready to answer what I believe.
P - Thank you Lord for giving us the Bible so that we have your word and know the plan. I pray for people around the world who still haven't seen a Bible in their own language. Send scripture to them and reveal yourself to them by what they see around them.
S - Vs 15-16 Instead you must worship Christ as the Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way....
O - I've been keeping in mind all of the points you all have made over our past readings and working on worshiping Christ as Lord of all of my life, whether it's a good day frustrating day or great day. So it was good to see this verse and reminded again to be ready at all times. I'm learning more and more with Sawyer that I have to understand what I believe and why I believe. Otherwise it's not effective in my life!
A - I'm continuing to memorize scripture and being ready to answer what I believe.
P - Thank you Lord for giving us the Bible so that we have your word and know the plan. I pray for people around the world who still haven't seen a Bible in their own language. Send scripture to them and reveal yourself to them by what they see around them.
Ginny - 1 Peter 3
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "But let it be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable quality of a quiet and gentle spirit which is precious in the sight of God." vs. 4
O - Ponder is the word that comes to mind when I read this verse. A person who thinks things through, who values all perspectives and then discerns with wisdom. Much wisdom is found in being quiet. Strength is also found in silence.
A - This has always been one of my favorite verses! It is so inspiring. I read it and think "I want to be like that!" In a world where loud and boistrous and talkative and busy-body tends to get more attention, I would rather be quiet.
P - Lord help me to be that hidden person of the heart. May I listen to You and yield my spirit to Your will.
S - "But let it be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable quality of a quiet and gentle spirit which is precious in the sight of God." vs. 4
O - Ponder is the word that comes to mind when I read this verse. A person who thinks things through, who values all perspectives and then discerns with wisdom. Much wisdom is found in being quiet. Strength is also found in silence.
A - This has always been one of my favorite verses! It is so inspiring. I read it and think "I want to be like that!" In a world where loud and boistrous and talkative and busy-body tends to get more attention, I would rather be quiet.
P - Lord help me to be that hidden person of the heart. May I listen to You and yield my spirit to Your will.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Karlyn - I Peter 2
I hope everyone's week has been good so far. Mine feels like 6 days packed into 3!!!
S - Vs 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. YOu are a royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result you can show others the goodness of God for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light!
O - I'm so thankful that God chose to increase his chosen people from the Jews to any that will receive salvation!!! Even more thankful that I don't have to live in darkness
A - I'm going to start the discipline of telling people on a daily basis about the goodness og God. Instead of just assuming they know!
P - Thank you for adopting me into your family Lord! You are so good!
S - Vs 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. YOu are a royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result you can show others the goodness of God for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light!
O - I'm so thankful that God chose to increase his chosen people from the Jews to any that will receive salvation!!! Even more thankful that I don't have to live in darkness
A - I'm going to start the discipline of telling people on a daily basis about the goodness og God. Instead of just assuming they know!
P - Thank you for adopting me into your family Lord! You are so good!
Ginny - 1 Peter 2
Good Morning Girlz!!! Hope everyone is doing well. It is h-o-t here. Hot and windy. Gotta love West Texas!
S - "For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 19-21
O - Jesus never said life would be fair. His time here on earth certainly wasn't. We will be called to endure ridicule for the sake of obedience to our Lord.
A - I wouldn't say I have ever been beaten for doing what is good, but enduring hardtimes for the sake of doing good; I have experienced. Never fun. Never seems fair in the moment. Thank goodness we have The Word to show us examples of Christ doing good even when others didn't get it.
P - I pray for perseverance to continue keeping on. When struggles come, I want to be strong to stick to the straight and narrow. I pray I do good even in the face of sufferings.
S - "For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 19-21
O - Jesus never said life would be fair. His time here on earth certainly wasn't. We will be called to endure ridicule for the sake of obedience to our Lord.
A - I wouldn't say I have ever been beaten for doing what is good, but enduring hardtimes for the sake of doing good; I have experienced. Never fun. Never seems fair in the moment. Thank goodness we have The Word to show us examples of Christ doing good even when others didn't get it.
P - I pray for perseverance to continue keeping on. When struggles come, I want to be strong to stick to the straight and narrow. I pray I do good even in the face of sufferings.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Amber- 1 Peter 1
S- 1 Peter 1:13 "Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
O- I love once again how Paul gives us all the reasons why we should believe something or who we are in Christ before he tells us what we need to do. Because of all these things, these are the things that the Lord calls you to do.
A- "Prepare your minds for action"- Timely for me...I started an evangelism class last night, not your typical one. I was very apprehensive about starting it, but I know it will challenge and push me out of my comfort zone. I need to prepare my mind to be ready for action at any moment.
Also, "fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." I hope for a lot of things in life continually. This verse says the only thing I need to put my complete hope in is Jesus Christ. My hope in Him is the only hope that will not disappoint, that will come to pass, and will surely surpass all my expectations.
P- Pray for the evangelism class called TELL. It meets Sunday nights at 6:00 and then we will be going out for on the job training around 7:30 each week. Pray for peace and boldness.
Also, our life, like everyone else's, is continually changing. Pray for the changes that will be coming our way. It's very exciting, but once again adjustment to a new schedule.
Love you girls!
O- I love once again how Paul gives us all the reasons why we should believe something or who we are in Christ before he tells us what we need to do. Because of all these things, these are the things that the Lord calls you to do.
A- "Prepare your minds for action"- Timely for me...I started an evangelism class last night, not your typical one. I was very apprehensive about starting it, but I know it will challenge and push me out of my comfort zone. I need to prepare my mind to be ready for action at any moment.
Also, "fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." I hope for a lot of things in life continually. This verse says the only thing I need to put my complete hope in is Jesus Christ. My hope in Him is the only hope that will not disappoint, that will come to pass, and will surely surpass all my expectations.
P- Pray for the evangelism class called TELL. It meets Sunday nights at 6:00 and then we will be going out for on the job training around 7:30 each week. Pray for peace and boldness.
Also, our life, like everyone else's, is continually changing. Pray for the changes that will be coming our way. It's very exciting, but once again adjustment to a new schedule.
Love you girls!
Ginny - 1 Peter 1
S - "Therefore with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." vs. 13
O - We make a choice where we put our hope. With sound minds we decide whether to hope in Christ or in something/someone else. We don't half-hazardly decide to place our hope in the Lord when it is convenient and only when we see the results we want. We determine to put all our hope in His hands no matter if it turns out the way we want or not.
A - I must admit it can be easy to lose heart when it comes to hope. Sometimes I feel like all I do is hope and hope and hope and I see no results. The problem is there is still too much of me in all that. My thoughts, my efforts, my ideas, my, my, my.
P - Lord I take myself out of the equation. I chose to place my hope in You and trust You to produce the results you deem best. Lord please continue to teach me and show me through Your Word exactly what it means to hope in You.
P.S. I've been trying to post comments and it won't let me publish. Just wanted y'all to know I have been reading and have had stuff to say, but my computer is being crazy.
O - We make a choice where we put our hope. With sound minds we decide whether to hope in Christ or in something/someone else. We don't half-hazardly decide to place our hope in the Lord when it is convenient and only when we see the results we want. We determine to put all our hope in His hands no matter if it turns out the way we want or not.
A - I must admit it can be easy to lose heart when it comes to hope. Sometimes I feel like all I do is hope and hope and hope and I see no results. The problem is there is still too much of me in all that. My thoughts, my efforts, my ideas, my, my, my.
P - Lord I take myself out of the equation. I chose to place my hope in You and trust You to produce the results you deem best. Lord please continue to teach me and show me through Your Word exactly what it means to hope in You.
P.S. I've been trying to post comments and it won't let me publish. Just wanted y'all to know I have been reading and have had stuff to say, but my computer is being crazy.
Karlyn - I Peter 1
S - V 18-19.... For you know God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver.
It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless, Lamb of God.
O - empty life inherited from my ancestors....I need to remind myself in bold letters every day that this is exactly what I would be without CHRIST...EMPTY. Ransom - Precious blood of Christ, sinless spotless. God is all powerful and to give his son who was not deserving of the punishment should inspire me to live a holy life.
A - Every minute of the day I need to remind myself in bold letters of the HUGENESS of God's sacrificing Jesus. I'm big on "fairness", even though I'm trying to teach my kids that things aren't always fair:) And for God to let Jesus come here and be treated so terribly and ultimately killed for me and you was not FAIR. As a human I would not be able to do that. THANK YOU GOD THAT YOU AREN"T HUMAN!
P - Lord thank you that I don't live an empty life. God I praise you through all my frustrations I have in this life right now that I can still get up and say I"m full, full of you. Father let those around me today see that fullness and want to know you! Thank you thank you thank you for sacrificing Jesus, even though it wasn't fair to you or him!
It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless, Lamb of God.
O - empty life inherited from my ancestors....I need to remind myself in bold letters every day that this is exactly what I would be without CHRIST...EMPTY. Ransom - Precious blood of Christ, sinless spotless. God is all powerful and to give his son who was not deserving of the punishment should inspire me to live a holy life.
A - Every minute of the day I need to remind myself in bold letters of the HUGENESS of God's sacrificing Jesus. I'm big on "fairness", even though I'm trying to teach my kids that things aren't always fair:) And for God to let Jesus come here and be treated so terribly and ultimately killed for me and you was not FAIR. As a human I would not be able to do that. THANK YOU GOD THAT YOU AREN"T HUMAN!
P - Lord thank you that I don't live an empty life. God I praise you through all my frustrations I have in this life right now that I can still get up and say I"m full, full of you. Father let those around me today see that fullness and want to know you! Thank you thank you thank you for sacrificing Jesus, even though it wasn't fair to you or him!
WEEk 4 I Peter
Hope everyone had a great weekend. Let's read I Peter. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Ginny - Ephesians 6
Good Morning Girlz!!!
It's Friday - woohoo!!!
S - verses 10-17 the armor of God (I'm too lazy to type it all out)
verse 18: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."
O - Paul must have heard my complaining yesterday b/c today it is like he says, "Yes, it is hard to be set apart and therefore you must gear up and be ready for battle." Living a holy life is not easy. We must be prepared and ready to fight opposition to our obedience. I also love that after all the the armor talk in the very next paragraph Paul says, "pray always." When it all comes down to it, if you don't remember anything else - PRAY!
A - I can not pray enough. The world is not a game we skip our way through. It is rough and there are challenges that take strength from above. Prayer puts that hedge of protection around me, it grows me in wisdom, it changes my heart. I can not make it without prayer.
P - Lord, thank you that the veil was torn and I may come into your presence and talk to you whenever I want. Thank you for being concerned with what is heavy on my heart. Thank you for teaching and changing me through prayer. Lord forgive me when I don't call upon your name and try to handle it on my own strength. Lord I pray for these precious gals I get to learn from and share with each day. Thank you for the goodness you bestow upon me.
It's Friday - woohoo!!!
S - verses 10-17 the armor of God (I'm too lazy to type it all out)
verse 18: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."
O - Paul must have heard my complaining yesterday b/c today it is like he says, "Yes, it is hard to be set apart and therefore you must gear up and be ready for battle." Living a holy life is not easy. We must be prepared and ready to fight opposition to our obedience. I also love that after all the the armor talk in the very next paragraph Paul says, "pray always." When it all comes down to it, if you don't remember anything else - PRAY!
A - I can not pray enough. The world is not a game we skip our way through. It is rough and there are challenges that take strength from above. Prayer puts that hedge of protection around me, it grows me in wisdom, it changes my heart. I can not make it without prayer.
P - Lord, thank you that the veil was torn and I may come into your presence and talk to you whenever I want. Thank you for being concerned with what is heavy on my heart. Thank you for teaching and changing me through prayer. Lord forgive me when I don't call upon your name and try to handle it on my own strength. Lord I pray for these precious gals I get to learn from and share with each day. Thank you for the goodness you bestow upon me.
Karlyn - Ephesians 6
GOOOD Morning!
S - 6: 10-11 Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Vs 13-17 is the full armor.
O - Paul says the FULL armor. I think that's part of my issue. I can't get all my pieces on at one time! -truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, Spirit = standing FIRM.
A - To stand firm against temptation I need to keep this armor active in my mind. Using scripture as my script the rest will fall into place.
P - Father help me to be more active at memorizing and using your Word so I can stand firm when needed, which is usually all day long!
Have a great weekend! What do you want to begin reading next week?
S - 6: 10-11 Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Vs 13-17 is the full armor.
O - Paul says the FULL armor. I think that's part of my issue. I can't get all my pieces on at one time! -truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, Spirit = standing FIRM.
A - To stand firm against temptation I need to keep this armor active in my mind. Using scripture as my script the rest will fall into place.
P - Father help me to be more active at memorizing and using your Word so I can stand firm when needed, which is usually all day long!
Have a great weekend! What do you want to begin reading next week?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Amber- Ephesians 5
So, I had this really great post that took me awhile to write and when I went to publish it, it didn't publish...AHHH! It was about "making the most of my time." It's rather ironic, that I just feel like I wasted 30 minutes. :) I'll try again tomorrow.
Cindy - Ephesians 4
S – From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:16
Ephesians 4:16
O – The body of Christ fitted, knit, bound, unified together is a great mental picture. It is only through Christ that the whole body is unified and growing. If only everyone in the church would see their importance in the body of Christ. It is when the church is unified that growth in Christ happens.
A – It is vital that each person in the body is pursuing Christ and growing in their relationship in Him. I am consistently challenged to be actively growing in Christ. I want to help promote unity in the church. To be fitted and knit together requires relationships to go beyond the surface.
P – Lord thank you for wanting more for my life than I could possibly ever understand or know. I pray that I would be faithful in pursing You, becoming more like You. Help me not become complacent but always seeking You and helping others in the church to grow in their relationship with You. Lord, help me to go beyond the surface with others, to build friendships within the church that are deep, that matter.
Ginny - Ephesians 5
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them." 5:6-7
O - Ephesians 5 continues to press upon me the need to be set apart. To be in the world, but not of it. Verse 6 warns us to not be drawn into deceptive words. What slippery ground this can be! Stand strong and be wise.
A - Sometimes I think this is too hard! There are so many restrictions and do and don'ts that it is just too hard to be obedient. Why can't I just go with the flow, have fun, make it easy, and not have to be different??? Then I calm down and I realize that there is a purpose and a reason in all of God's counsel. His design of how it should work is infinitly better than any immediate gratification I want in the moment. I chose to trust Him.
P - Lord I want to be strong. I want to say no to temptation and I want to be obedient to you in all areas. You know best. Help me embrace this not in defeat, but in freedom. Thank you for protecting me, even when my fingers are leary to let go of the very thing bringing me down. May my heart desire what You desire for me. Help me to see that and to walk away from that which is not in Your plan.
S - "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them." 5:6-7
O - Ephesians 5 continues to press upon me the need to be set apart. To be in the world, but not of it. Verse 6 warns us to not be drawn into deceptive words. What slippery ground this can be! Stand strong and be wise.
A - Sometimes I think this is too hard! There are so many restrictions and do and don'ts that it is just too hard to be obedient. Why can't I just go with the flow, have fun, make it easy, and not have to be different??? Then I calm down and I realize that there is a purpose and a reason in all of God's counsel. His design of how it should work is infinitly better than any immediate gratification I want in the moment. I chose to trust Him.
P - Lord I want to be strong. I want to say no to temptation and I want to be obedient to you in all areas. You know best. Help me embrace this not in defeat, but in freedom. Thank you for protecting me, even when my fingers are leary to let go of the very thing bringing me down. May my heart desire what You desire for me. Help me to see that and to walk away from that which is not in Your plan.
Karlyn - Ephesians 5
S - 5:13, 15- 17
But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise. Making the most of your time because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
O - Things that are invisible to others in my life, when Christ's light is shined on them are they attractive or unattractive.
When I'm in God's Word consistently I don't have to guess what his will is, everything is laid out for me in Scripture. Which in turn makes me wise and I won't waste my time on unwise things.
A - If anyone is good at wasting time it's me. I have perfected the art of Procrastination! Not only procrastination but I can use good things to waste time too. Making the most of my time is something I crave. These verses remind me not to be foolish with my time but spend it on wise things (there's a lot of foolish I need to get rid of). So when the invisible is exposed I need to make sure that it's wise choices and not foolish. I would probably be less stressed out if I got rid of the foolish things that waste my time.
P- God you know how I struggle with my time and how easily it is for me to waste time. Help me to fill my time with wise things so when your light exposes the invisible it will be worthwhile things in my heart.
But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise. Making the most of your time because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
O - Things that are invisible to others in my life, when Christ's light is shined on them are they attractive or unattractive.
When I'm in God's Word consistently I don't have to guess what his will is, everything is laid out for me in Scripture. Which in turn makes me wise and I won't waste my time on unwise things.
A - If anyone is good at wasting time it's me. I have perfected the art of Procrastination! Not only procrastination but I can use good things to waste time too. Making the most of my time is something I crave. These verses remind me not to be foolish with my time but spend it on wise things (there's a lot of foolish I need to get rid of). So when the invisible is exposed I need to make sure that it's wise choices and not foolish. I would probably be less stressed out if I got rid of the foolish things that waste my time.
P- God you know how I struggle with my time and how easily it is for me to waste time. Help me to fill my time with wise things so when your light exposes the invisible it will be worthwhile things in my heart.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Amber-- Ephesians 4
S- Ephesians 4:1-2 "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love."
O- "A manner worthy of the calling"...that is a challenge. When I really sit and think about it, that is very intimidating, something I can not do on my own. I must have God's help. I'm a big fan of Paul and how many times he gives specific examples, not just a blanket statement. He says to live in a manner worthy of the calling I need to live with all humility, gentleness, patience, showing tolerance for one another in love (that's a hard one sometimes...the older I get the more I want to tell people like it is ) and perserving unity in the bond of peace. Those are sounding a whole lot like the fruit of the spirit.
A- Sometimes I really like to be independent and do things on my own, but I know I can not live a life that is in a manner worthy of the calling on my own. I HAVE to have God's help with this.
P- Lord, I know I need your help to live the kind of life "worthy of the calling." Help me to be humble enough to ask you for help. Help me to think before I say or act.
O- "A manner worthy of the calling"...that is a challenge. When I really sit and think about it, that is very intimidating, something I can not do on my own. I must have God's help. I'm a big fan of Paul and how many times he gives specific examples, not just a blanket statement. He says to live in a manner worthy of the calling I need to live with all humility, gentleness, patience, showing tolerance for one another in love (that's a hard one sometimes...the older I get the more I want to tell people like it is ) and perserving unity in the bond of peace. Those are sounding a whole lot like the fruit of the spirit.
A- Sometimes I really like to be independent and do things on my own, but I know I can not live a life that is in a manner worthy of the calling on my own. I HAVE to have God's help with this.
P- Lord, I know I need your help to live the kind of life "worthy of the calling." Help me to be humble enough to ask you for help. Help me to think before I say or act.
Ginny - Ephesians 4
S - "So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed." 4:17-19
O - There was so much in this chapter that I needed to hear! So many reminders of the life we as Christians are called to lead. Overall what I got out of Ephesians 4 is that we as God's children are called to a higher standard. We are to be set apart. We are to take the higher road. We are not to go with the flow.
A - For me that difference between my life and the world's norm is found in the little things. It's not a billboard with flashing lights saying look what I did or didn't do. It is found in the quiet, everyday routines of life that others will notice Christ in me. Ephesians 4 mentions a few: humility, gentle, patient, loving, unified, peace, have hope, respected, mature, disciplined, honest, wise, compassionate, kind, forgiving. The three that jump out at me are loving, have hope, and wise. I know the Lord is working on these with me because Satan has certainly been attacking me in all 3 of these areas. I need to be more loving to others. I get discouraged when I feel like all I do is hope, yet nothing happens, and in recent days have been reminded how much I need wisdom to make it through the trying times.
P - Lord I want to be set apart for You in all areas of my life. Lord please help me as I strive to be loving, not give up on hope, and grow in wisdom. It is through your strength that love, hope, and wisdom are possible. Thank you for Your Word that teaches and changes me.
O - There was so much in this chapter that I needed to hear! So many reminders of the life we as Christians are called to lead. Overall what I got out of Ephesians 4 is that we as God's children are called to a higher standard. We are to be set apart. We are to take the higher road. We are not to go with the flow.
A - For me that difference between my life and the world's norm is found in the little things. It's not a billboard with flashing lights saying look what I did or didn't do. It is found in the quiet, everyday routines of life that others will notice Christ in me. Ephesians 4 mentions a few: humility, gentle, patient, loving, unified, peace, have hope, respected, mature, disciplined, honest, wise, compassionate, kind, forgiving. The three that jump out at me are loving, have hope, and wise. I know the Lord is working on these with me because Satan has certainly been attacking me in all 3 of these areas. I need to be more loving to others. I get discouraged when I feel like all I do is hope, yet nothing happens, and in recent days have been reminded how much I need wisdom to make it through the trying times.
P - Lord I want to be set apart for You in all areas of my life. Lord please help me as I strive to be loving, not give up on hope, and grow in wisdom. It is through your strength that love, hope, and wisdom are possible. Thank you for Your Word that teaches and changes me.
Ephesians Chapter 4
S-v.7-8 However, he has given each one of us a special gift according to the generosity of Christ. That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people."
O-Each of has a gift. Our gifts has a church body makes our church stronger. Everyone has a different gift and role they were given. He gave each of us the right gift for our personality. No gift is to small or big. Many gifts work hand in hand.
A- Sometimes I struggle with my gifts. I also think they have changed through the years. I used to have the teacher gift, I still think that is mine but other gifts have now take center stage. I need to learn to use my gifts where they are needed and not let someone else who I think is more qualified to take over. I think many problems in the church could be solved by people looking at their gifts. There are so people out there who do not have the gift of teaching but are teachers.
P- Lord, help me to use my gifts the way You want me too. Help all Christians figure out what gift you have blessed them with. Help to the church body to work hand and hand with each other.
O-Each of has a gift. Our gifts has a church body makes our church stronger. Everyone has a different gift and role they were given. He gave each of us the right gift for our personality. No gift is to small or big. Many gifts work hand in hand.
A- Sometimes I struggle with my gifts. I also think they have changed through the years. I used to have the teacher gift, I still think that is mine but other gifts have now take center stage. I need to learn to use my gifts where they are needed and not let someone else who I think is more qualified to take over. I think many problems in the church could be solved by people looking at their gifts. There are so people out there who do not have the gift of teaching but are teachers.
P- Lord, help me to use my gifts the way You want me too. Help all Christians figure out what gift you have blessed them with. Help to the church body to work hand and hand with each other.
Karlyn - Ephesians 4
GOOOD Mornin' Everybody!!
S - parts of 3:1-3 (The Message) I want you to get out there and walk - better yet, RUN on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands....and mark that you do this with humility and discipline - not in fits or starts but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
3:30 Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.
O - My Christian life is required to be active like my body requires me to be active!!! What things are active...humility, discipline, being consistent/steady, pouring out acts of love, mending fences. Man this is the type of person I want to be around and become!
A - I tend to look around and complain about what I don't see other Christians doing that they should be doing. That means I'm sitting on my hands and not out being ACTIVE. Because if I was active I wouldn't have time to complain! Instead I would be building humility, discipline, etc.
P - God give me an unquenchable desire to be this active Christian that Paul describes. Help me to run this road and stop sitting on my hands. Thank you for challenging me and continually showing me where I need to grow. Thank you for Paul and for using him in a way that he never would have imagined possible! Use me too Father!
S - parts of 3:1-3 (The Message) I want you to get out there and walk - better yet, RUN on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands....and mark that you do this with humility and discipline - not in fits or starts but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
3:30 Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.
O - My Christian life is required to be active like my body requires me to be active!!! What things are active...humility, discipline, being consistent/steady, pouring out acts of love, mending fences. Man this is the type of person I want to be around and become!
A - I tend to look around and complain about what I don't see other Christians doing that they should be doing. That means I'm sitting on my hands and not out being ACTIVE. Because if I was active I wouldn't have time to complain! Instead I would be building humility, discipline, etc.
P - God give me an unquenchable desire to be this active Christian that Paul describes. Help me to run this road and stop sitting on my hands. Thank you for challenging me and continually showing me where I need to grow. Thank you for Paul and for using him in a way that he never would have imagined possible! Use me too Father!
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