Tues. 6/29/10 - Seek Him Everywhere
You'd think by now that we'd have learned already to seek our Lord with all of hearts, minds and souls, in every place, in every thing, in ALL that we live. Yet we still get blinded by living in this time and place that we lose focus of Him with how busy we are, how much of a hurry we are in and instead of looking for Him everywhere, all the time, we just 'live'.
In Chapter 16 of Lysa Terkeurst's Book, "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl", she speaks of her season of seeking God to become published and the rejection and hard times that came before the blessings. On page 190, I have highlighted where she states, "Seeing the good come from hard times takes time" "Not getting those opportunities sooner were not God's way of keeping me from my calling; they were His way of Preparing me for it" "God used that preparation time to teach me how to be passionate about following only His plans."
In the same chapter Lysa tells us about a convention she went to where she found a notebook and felt led to leave a note with her contact information. Only by the Hand of God could it have been left at that moment for her to find and leave that message for the women it belonged to. Talk about Divine Intervention. I'll take that kind of Intervention every day thank you! :)
I decided to look up the word seek, yes, I'm trying to 'Seek' His Word more and truly get it and like we hear so often yet wonder if it is true, once you get a thirst and hunger for HIS Word, it's all you can do to not stay in it 24/7. Talk about exciting. The verses I've listed are only a small few that remind us to seek Him.
How often do I seek Him in all that I do or have patience to see HIS Hand upon the bad or hard times to know that HE is there and HE is in control? Not enough I'm sure. Like Pastor said, I know for me at least I have a closet full of unfinished clutter where I start something and it becomes to hard so instead of pushing through and seeing it thru I just stop.
For example, weight loss. A topic I know we all LOVE. But I know I MUST lose this weight and I'll start out on a good kick, eating well and working out even heck I even went 6 whole months of doing it and lost 30+pounds. But then instead of continuing at the point that would've been the catalyst, I stopped. I'm talking 100% stopped and said I'll never get there.
So guess what, oh yeah, I've gained at least 10+ pounds of the 30 I'd lost and can see how easily it could be to gain it all back, but I'm inspired with the messages the Lord has sent me not only thru the Pastor's sermons but thru Lysa's books, thru Beth Moore's Studies and more than anything because they all have the same purpose, Perservere, push through it, do not be afraid, Be strong in the Lord and HE will bless you.
So, here's to a new day, a new challenge and a new season in my life where I pray that I can seek HIM in ALL that I am, do, say, etc. and when I get to the point where I have to choose to be afraid of the next step which could be failure or success, I'm gonna choose to step out in faith and know that either way, GOD will be there to intervene and HE will receive all the Honor and Glory...which in the end is all I really want anyway.
Psalm 9:10
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Psalm 24:5-7 (King James Version)
5He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
7Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Psalm 34:9-11 (King James Version)
9O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
11Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Hosea 10:12 (King James Version)
12Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Becoming More that a Good Bible Study Girl in my Relationships.
When I read the title of the third unit, I thought to myself, “Oh good, I won’t need this chapter so much.” Wow, was I wrong. I may not have owned a copy of “The Official Preppy Handbook,” but I did eat and sleep everything the popular crowd did from elementary to high school. I desperately wanted to be one of those girls. I really didn’t understand why until recently. As God has begun to heal so many areas of my life, I have discovered the “whys” to many of the pains of childhood.
In this instance, acceptance by my peers drove me. The hunt to be accepted by the popular kids began at the tender age of eleven. I’ll never forget my first attempt and the humiliating failure that went with it. This popular boy in my class had discovered that my dad had bought me a set of NFL pencils. They were cool and very special to me. He devised a plan to swindle me out of them one by one. Does check “yes or no” ring any bells? Oh yes, that cute little note with the treasured words, “Will you be my girlfriend?” was passed to me in the hall by none other than one of the most popular and cutest boys of Tripp Middle School. But there was a catch, “don’t tell anyone.” I should have know right then! As each day passed he would ask for a pencil and I would willingly turn over my treasures to him. He was getting what he wanted, but I was not. No recognition, no affection, no nothing! I was frustrated and wanted to tell the whole school. He wanted nothing of the sort. So one day in class, someone asked him where he got the cool pencil. My best friend piped up and said, “From his girlfriend, Kimberly.” I puffed up, sat up straight and smiled so broad I thought my face would spilt! This would be the day he told all his popular friends about me! But instead he said, “Yea right, I only asked her to get the pencils. I would never date someone like her for real.” My world crashed around my feet. I can still feel the pain and humiliation to this day. I had been used.
Looking back on that horrible event in my life is not as painful as it once was. God has healed my broken heart. He also has taught me several things from it. First, I need only seek the approval of God to be truly happy. Second, when a relationship seems too good to be true, it probably is. When someone only wants something from you and gives nothing in return it’s time to “cut bait” and move on. Third, slipping into sin happens little by little. Each day I would let go of something I treasured. Not realizing that by the end of the whole mess he had most of my pencils. Satan uses this clever tactic with us. It’s just one drink, just one kiss, just one lie, just one....whatever. Soon you’ll discovery “your treasure” has been stolen from you too. And the kicker, you gave it away willingly.
In this instance, acceptance by my peers drove me. The hunt to be accepted by the popular kids began at the tender age of eleven. I’ll never forget my first attempt and the humiliating failure that went with it. This popular boy in my class had discovered that my dad had bought me a set of NFL pencils. They were cool and very special to me. He devised a plan to swindle me out of them one by one. Does check “yes or no” ring any bells? Oh yes, that cute little note with the treasured words, “Will you be my girlfriend?” was passed to me in the hall by none other than one of the most popular and cutest boys of Tripp Middle School. But there was a catch, “don’t tell anyone.” I should have know right then! As each day passed he would ask for a pencil and I would willingly turn over my treasures to him. He was getting what he wanted, but I was not. No recognition, no affection, no nothing! I was frustrated and wanted to tell the whole school. He wanted nothing of the sort. So one day in class, someone asked him where he got the cool pencil. My best friend piped up and said, “From his girlfriend, Kimberly.” I puffed up, sat up straight and smiled so broad I thought my face would spilt! This would be the day he told all his popular friends about me! But instead he said, “Yea right, I only asked her to get the pencils. I would never date someone like her for real.” My world crashed around my feet. I can still feel the pain and humiliation to this day. I had been used.
Looking back on that horrible event in my life is not as painful as it once was. God has healed my broken heart. He also has taught me several things from it. First, I need only seek the approval of God to be truly happy. Second, when a relationship seems too good to be true, it probably is. When someone only wants something from you and gives nothing in return it’s time to “cut bait” and move on. Third, slipping into sin happens little by little. Each day I would let go of something I treasured. Not realizing that by the end of the whole mess he had most of my pencils. Satan uses this clever tactic with us. It’s just one drink, just one kiss, just one lie, just one....whatever. Soon you’ll discovery “your treasure” has been stolen from you too. And the kicker, you gave it away willingly.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Deeper Connection with Christ
previously posted on 6/18/10 - my path ~ Christy T
How often do we truly pray with sincerity to our Lord? I know I like to believe I pray without ceasing but too often I know this isn't true especially at work or when our minds are running wild. In reading Lysa Terkeurst's book for the book club (don't be surprised if you see me talk about this a lot because it's a great book and one I'm enjoying going back thru), in her first chapter one of her prayer's is listed as follows (pg 26)
"God, will You help me to have a deeper connection with You and find truer fulfillment as You transform every area of my life. That is my cry and desire of my heart."
Then she also adds four requests to add to it:
"God, I want to see You.
God, I want to hear You.
God, I want to know You.
So that I can follow hard after You every day."
For several years before finding WOBC and our great family in Christ, I knew HE was calling to me to restore my relationship with Him. In living in the world, it's easy to get swayed and slide back especially without being surrounded by fellow Christians to encourage and lift you up. And once my mom passed, I felt like there was an empty space again which I hadn't felt in a long time...like before I was saved.
Not a good feeling but even being a Christian, our hearts can become hard against the Word (Mark 8:17 "And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?").
Which is why it is so important to ask God for forgiveness constantly. In the small things, in the big things, in the thoughts before the sin, in the sin itself, it doesn't matter. In the Esther Bible Study this week, on pg 78, Beth stated the following, "Let's learn to be thankful every time we feel sorry for even our smallest offense toward someone. God designed conviction to be uncomfortable so that we'd hurry to repentance and find relief in restoration."
Thankfully our God is a Loving and Forgiving Father that will accept with His arms wide open when we fail and fall short...cause we always will. We should strive more and more to seek His Presence and fill our minds with His Wisdom, His Words, His Truth and let that be what is filling our hearts.
The best news is that God can soften a harden heart if we listen and obey when HE calls. Which is why it is so important to spend time with Him, to cry out to Him and to desire that our lives be for HIM 24/7. It won't always be easy but every second will be worth it when we are with Jesus in Heaven, and one way we can get a touch of that future life, is by living for Him so others see HIM in us. It is when we are living for HIM and being obedient to His Will that HE will reveal a glimpse of what is to come. Yahoo!!!
So today my friends, I pray that you revisit Lysa's prayer and ask yourself how soft or hard is your heart. Don't let people or this world determine it because it would be hard as stone, instead, let our Lord, Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ free it from breaking and fill it with the unbreakable Truth, Light and Way...which HE IS.
How often do we truly pray with sincerity to our Lord? I know I like to believe I pray without ceasing but too often I know this isn't true especially at work or when our minds are running wild. In reading Lysa Terkeurst's book for the book club (don't be surprised if you see me talk about this a lot because it's a great book and one I'm enjoying going back thru), in her first chapter one of her prayer's is listed as follows (pg 26)
"God, will You help me to have a deeper connection with You and find truer fulfillment as You transform every area of my life. That is my cry and desire of my heart."
Then she also adds four requests to add to it:
"God, I want to see You.
God, I want to hear You.
God, I want to know You.
So that I can follow hard after You every day."
For several years before finding WOBC and our great family in Christ, I knew HE was calling to me to restore my relationship with Him. In living in the world, it's easy to get swayed and slide back especially without being surrounded by fellow Christians to encourage and lift you up. And once my mom passed, I felt like there was an empty space again which I hadn't felt in a long time...like before I was saved.
Not a good feeling but even being a Christian, our hearts can become hard against the Word (Mark 8:17 "And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?").
Which is why it is so important to ask God for forgiveness constantly. In the small things, in the big things, in the thoughts before the sin, in the sin itself, it doesn't matter. In the Esther Bible Study this week, on pg 78, Beth stated the following, "Let's learn to be thankful every time we feel sorry for even our smallest offense toward someone. God designed conviction to be uncomfortable so that we'd hurry to repentance and find relief in restoration."
Thankfully our God is a Loving and Forgiving Father that will accept with His arms wide open when we fail and fall short...cause we always will. We should strive more and more to seek His Presence and fill our minds with His Wisdom, His Words, His Truth and let that be what is filling our hearts.
The best news is that God can soften a harden heart if we listen and obey when HE calls. Which is why it is so important to spend time with Him, to cry out to Him and to desire that our lives be for HIM 24/7. It won't always be easy but every second will be worth it when we are with Jesus in Heaven, and one way we can get a touch of that future life, is by living for Him so others see HIM in us. It is when we are living for HIM and being obedient to His Will that HE will reveal a glimpse of what is to come. Yahoo!!!
So today my friends, I pray that you revisit Lysa's prayer and ask yourself how soft or hard is your heart. Don't let people or this world determine it because it would be hard as stone, instead, let our Lord, Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ free it from breaking and fill it with the unbreakable Truth, Light and Way...which HE IS.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The Pineapple Principle
Don’t you just love this book!?! I know I will learn something new with every page I turn. Chapter six is no exception.
I enjoy the way Lysa uses everyday things as illustrations. The pineapple example is a wonderful analogy of how we struggle to attempt something when we don’t know much about it. The Pineapple Principle really got me thinking.
“For years, I took the same approach with studying the Bible as I did with the pineapple. I looked at biblical truth from afar. I didn’t feel equipped to open it and attempt to study it on my own. Instead of reading the fresh truth for myself, I only read books that talked about the Bible.”(page 73) Lysa’s words were sobering to me. The last sentence resounded in my heart all morning.
You girls know I love to study God’s Word. I have no less than 2-3 Bible studies going at one time. Pouring over them for hours is relaxing and exhilarating. The way God uses them in conjunction with each other just blows my mind. I just love it! However, I did feel a convicting tug on my heart about how much time I spend studying the Bible on my own. I read it daily, but I’ll admit I don’t pour over it like I do my Bible studies.
“Becoming more that a good Bible study girl means pursuing God’s truth so passionately that it actually becomes part of our nature.” (page 74) That’s my goal. After reading Lysa’s example of David and Goliath: The Back Story, I took a deeper look at the scripture I was reading that morning. I applied the five steps I found in Lysa’s example. 1. Look at the content around the story. 2. Do word studies on the words that jump out. 3. Examine yourself. Look at the character’s dilemma and see how it applies to you. 4. Learn to ask why if something seems off. 5. Look for biblical principles that apply to your life.
I was encouraged with the results. I felt I knew more about Moses when I finished studying Exodus 33-34. And as a result something exciting jumped off the page. Moses interceded for millions of people. He found grace in the sight of the Lord and God granted his request for the people of Israel. All of them. That’s millions of people. WOW. That truth gives me a ton of encouragement about praying for others. “And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.” Exodus 33:17
“For years, I took the same approach with studying the Bible as I did with the pineapple. I looked at biblical truth from afar. I didn’t feel equipped to open it and attempt to study it on my own. Instead of reading the fresh truth for myself, I only read books that talked about the Bible.”(page 73) Lysa’s words were sobering to me. The last sentence resounded in my heart all morning.
You girls know I love to study God’s Word. I have no less than 2-3 Bible studies going at one time. Pouring over them for hours is relaxing and exhilarating. The way God uses them in conjunction with each other just blows my mind. I just love it! However, I did feel a convicting tug on my heart about how much time I spend studying the Bible on my own. I read it daily, but I’ll admit I don’t pour over it like I do my Bible studies.
“Becoming more that a good Bible study girl means pursuing God’s truth so passionately that it actually becomes part of our nature.” (page 74) That’s my goal. After reading Lysa’s example of David and Goliath: The Back Story, I took a deeper look at the scripture I was reading that morning. I applied the five steps I found in Lysa’s example. 1. Look at the content around the story. 2. Do word studies on the words that jump out. 3. Examine yourself. Look at the character’s dilemma and see how it applies to you. 4. Learn to ask why if something seems off. 5. Look for biblical principles that apply to your life.
I was encouraged with the results. I felt I knew more about Moses when I finished studying Exodus 33-34. And as a result something exciting jumped off the page. Moses interceded for millions of people. He found grace in the sight of the Lord and God granted his request for the people of Israel. All of them. That’s millions of people. WOW. That truth gives me a ton of encouragement about praying for others. “And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.” Exodus 33:17
Summer Bible Study with Beth Moore
Hey Girls,
On Beth's blog today, she introducted her Summer Bible Study. It seems like a neat way to do a Bible study so I'm going to try it. If you would like to join me, let me know! Just watch the video for all the details. I'm going to Lifeway this Saturday to get the book so if you want me to pick one up for you, let me know Wednesday night. They are $12.95 each.
http://vimeo.com/12751191
On Beth's blog today, she introducted her Summer Bible Study. It seems like a neat way to do a Bible study so I'm going to try it. If you would like to join me, let me know! Just watch the video for all the details. I'm going to Lifeway this Saturday to get the book so if you want me to pick one up for you, let me know Wednesday night. They are $12.95 each.
http://vimeo.com/12751191
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Difference in Knowing
Do you know who Meg Ryan is? What can you tell me about her? I can tell you she an actress. She’s famous. She’s a mother and wife. She’s met some very famous people.
Do you know who Barack Obama is? What can you tell me about him? Obviously, he’s the president of the United States. He’s married to Michelle Obama. He has two daughters and a dog. He lives in the White House. He’s a democrat.
Do you know who Beth Moore is? What can you tell me about her? She is a Bible Study teacher. She lives in Texas. She’s married to Keith Moore and has two grown daughters, Amanda and Melissa. She has a grandson named Jackson and the first granddaughter is on the way. She loves women’s ministry. She loves to study God’s word. She travels extensively to speak. She runs Living Proof Ministry. She loves Starbucks. For her last birthday, her staff took her to a painting class.
Do you know who Carol is? What can you tell me about her? I can tell you she’s married to Rick. She and Rick were high school sweethearts. She has two children. Tiffany and T.J. are both adults. She has three sisters. Her dad has passed away. She loves pastel colors. She knows every actor and actress on the planet and what they have played in. She teaches in Awana. She goes to WOBC. She lived in Chicago as a child. She knows Orlando like the back of her hand. She loves old movies. She enjoys hot tea. She enjoys people and loves to go out to eat. She can talk for hours. She’s a great friend.
Now of all the people above which one do I really know? I’ve never met or even seen Meg in person. I know who she is, but I don't really know her. I’ve never met the president or even seen him in person. I know who he is, but I don't really know him. I have seen Beth in person. I’ve watched her teach many times, but I’ve never shook her hand. I know who she is, but I don't really know her. Which one do I sit and talk for hours with? Which one has been in my home, hugged my neck, laughed and cried with me? You guessed it! Carol. She and I have been friends for many years. I love her and trust her with my heart. She’s a true friend.
You may be thinking, that’s great, but what’s it got to do with the book we’re reading? In chapter five, Lysa makes a statement that I can’t get out of my head. It’s had a profound affected on me for weeks. She says, “I want to see Him (Jesus) in me, around me, and through me. I want to hear His voice so clearly that I won’t doubt when He asks for my obedience. I want to know Him-not just facts about Him- but really know Him personally and intimately.” I got to thinking about my relationship with Christ. Do I know Him or do I just know facts about Him? Do I know Him like I do Meg, President Obama or Beth? Or do I know Him like I do Carol?
Psalms 46:10a tells me to “Be still and know that I am God...” In Psalm 100:3a God instructs me to “Know ye that the LORD he is God...” God desires a close personal relationship with each of us. One in which when He speaks to us, we will know it’s Him. One that allows us to talk to Him about anything. A relationship that expects daily communication. The difference in knowing just the facts about God and knowing Him is vastly different. I like this quote by Tim Hansel. “There is a difference between memorizing Scripture and thinking biblically. There’s a difference between knowing the words and experiencing their meaning. There is a difference between having sentences embedded in your head and having their impact embedded in your heart. There is a difference between “doing Christianity” and being a Christian.” It’s my prayer that I will seek to “know God” in a deep and intimate way.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Beyond Sunday Morning
Part two of our book would have to be my favorite. Reading through it for a second time has been such a treat. Lysa has so many pearls of wisdom on every page of these chapters. I will have to say that I love the way she writes. She gives practical advice and then goes the extra mile to follow up with examples. I love that about her.
Lysa opens this unit with a story from her childhood. For many years I went to a church that made me feel like Lysa did as a little girl sitting in church. How sad is that? But it’s true. I would sit through service after service bored and frustrated. Looking back on it I will have to admit it was as much my fault as it was the pastors. I wasn’t a self-feeder. I was relying on the church to feed me spiritually, but with all the problems our church was having it was difficult.
At that time I wasn’t reading and studying the word of God for myself. To be honest, other then reading it from time to time, I wouldn’t have known how to really “study” it. Since then, I’ve learned how to dig deeper into the Scriptures. It has been such a wonderful enlightenment.
Lysa's “formula” for studying the Bible is one I’ve heard many times. Pray, study the content and read the passage phrase by phrase is Lysa’s advice. (and she gives an example of how to do it! Love it!)
This morning I used the “formula” to study the temptation of Christ in Luke 4:1-13 in my KJV Life Application Study Bible and Spirit Filled Life Bible. The opening words are, “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost..” In both Bibles they gave the references of Isaiah 11:2 and 61:1 next to Jesus’ name. There is so much to discover about Jesus in the Old Testament!
Here’s what I learned. In Isaiah 11:2 is says, “And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;” So from this we learn that the spirit of the Lord is upon Jesus. He has the spirit of wisdom and understanding. The same thing Paul asked for in Ephesians 1:17! Jesus also has the spirit of counsel and might. So we can go to Him for counsel. And he has the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. What wonderful things we can ask for, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might and knowledge, all because Jesus has them.
Isaiah 61:1 tells us what Jesus’ mission was on earth. “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;” Praise the Lord! I love this verse. Jesus was sent to bind up my broken heart and set me free! Glory to His name! It’s time for hands to be raised girls! Thank you Lord!
Just in the first line of the passage from Luke I’ve learned so much. The Bible truly is amazing. I went on to finish studying the rest of the account of Jesus’ temptation and reveled in taking the verse apart and looking at them phrase by phrase.
I am looking forward to talking to each of you in our next group session about this chapter, but until then…. Blog on!
Lysa opens this unit with a story from her childhood. For many years I went to a church that made me feel like Lysa did as a little girl sitting in church. How sad is that? But it’s true. I would sit through service after service bored and frustrated. Looking back on it I will have to admit it was as much my fault as it was the pastors. I wasn’t a self-feeder. I was relying on the church to feed me spiritually, but with all the problems our church was having it was difficult.
At that time I wasn’t reading and studying the word of God for myself. To be honest, other then reading it from time to time, I wouldn’t have known how to really “study” it. Since then, I’ve learned how to dig deeper into the Scriptures. It has been such a wonderful enlightenment.
Lysa's “formula” for studying the Bible is one I’ve heard many times. Pray, study the content and read the passage phrase by phrase is Lysa’s advice. (and she gives an example of how to do it! Love it!)
This morning I used the “formula” to study the temptation of Christ in Luke 4:1-13 in my KJV Life Application Study Bible and Spirit Filled Life Bible. The opening words are, “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost..” In both Bibles they gave the references of Isaiah 11:2 and 61:1 next to Jesus’ name. There is so much to discover about Jesus in the Old Testament!
Here’s what I learned. In Isaiah 11:2 is says, “And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;” So from this we learn that the spirit of the Lord is upon Jesus. He has the spirit of wisdom and understanding. The same thing Paul asked for in Ephesians 1:17! Jesus also has the spirit of counsel and might. So we can go to Him for counsel. And he has the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. What wonderful things we can ask for, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might and knowledge, all because Jesus has them.
Isaiah 61:1 tells us what Jesus’ mission was on earth. “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;” Praise the Lord! I love this verse. Jesus was sent to bind up my broken heart and set me free! Glory to His name! It’s time for hands to be raised girls! Thank you Lord!
Just in the first line of the passage from Luke I’ve learned so much. The Bible truly is amazing. I went on to finish studying the rest of the account of Jesus’ temptation and reveled in taking the verse apart and looking at them phrase by phrase.
I am looking forward to talking to each of you in our next group session about this chapter, but until then…. Blog on!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
When I Feel Like I Don’t Measure Up
Day three of our blog and the excitement is still so fresh. I can’t help but wonder if girls like Lysa and Beth felt this way as they published their first blogs. Not that I am anywhere close to being in their league, but it does make me wonder! I can’t wait for all of you to start posting too!
As I’ve told you before, this book has had such an effect on me. Chapter three has jumped up and down on my toes! I’m going to need steel-toed shoes by the end of this book!
Lysa opens the chapter with her account of the “great brownie failure of 2008.” Ever been there? I know I have! So many times I have tried to accomplish something great for my kids and totallt failed! Each time I find myself letting Satan use that failure to make me feel inadequacy. “Satan delights in our feelings of inadequacy,” Lysa states. Girls, I don’t want any part of my life to be a delight to Satan! How about you? Here's a verse from Psalm 119:71 that wowed me this morning, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn thy statutes." So there ya go. I have seen that my affliction has been good because now I can learn that God does not want me to feel this way any longer!
So I’m going to take Lysa's advice and learn to separate my shortcomings from my identity. Praise God! I am a child of the King! Redeemed and loved. Not a total failure! "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm 139:14
As I’ve told you before, this book has had such an effect on me. Chapter three has jumped up and down on my toes! I’m going to need steel-toed shoes by the end of this book!
Lysa opens the chapter with her account of the “great brownie failure of 2008.” Ever been there? I know I have! So many times I have tried to accomplish something great for my kids and totallt failed! Each time I find myself letting Satan use that failure to make me feel inadequacy. “Satan delights in our feelings of inadequacy,” Lysa states. Girls, I don’t want any part of my life to be a delight to Satan! How about you? Here's a verse from Psalm 119:71 that wowed me this morning, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn thy statutes." So there ya go. I have seen that my affliction has been good because now I can learn that God does not want me to feel this way any longer!
So I’m going to take Lysa's advice and learn to separate my shortcomings from my identity. Praise God! I am a child of the King! Redeemed and loved. Not a total failure! "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm 139:14
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Quote of the Week
Hey Girls, I thought it would be fun to add our favorite quotes from the book during the week. I hope you'll join me.
Mine comes from page 34. "When God's Word gets inside of us, it becomes the new way we process life. It rearranges our thoughts, our motives, our needs, and our desires."
Looking forward to reading yours!
Kimberly
Mine comes from page 34. "When God's Word gets inside of us, it becomes the new way we process life. It rearranges our thoughts, our motives, our needs, and our desires."
Looking forward to reading yours!
Kimberly
Video for You
Hey Girls,
I found some great videos on Lysa's site. I've created a Links to Video List so you can watch them too. One is a promo about the book we are reading. The other is from a speaking engagement where she is teaching from her book. Enjoy!
I found some great videos on Lysa's site. I've created a Links to Video List so you can watch them too. One is a promo about the book we are reading. The other is from a speaking engagement where she is teaching from her book. Enjoy!
Flitting To and Fro
In reading chapter two I learned what I’ve been doing to find fulfillment for so long hasn’t been working. For many years I've had that empty feeling in my heart. I had everything the world said you needed, a amazing husband, two wonderful children, a nice home, a super job, a great car (many in fact!) good friends, and a church home. I never truly realized I was trying to force these people and things to supply fullfillment in my life. My eyes have been opened!
God is the only source of complete fulfillment. The Bible says, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13 Joy and peace are amazing, but when we rely on people and things to supply them, we will be let down every time. My husband brings me great joy daily, but to hang all my hope on him being able to fulfill my need for joy is unrealistic. He’s going to have days that aren’t going to bring me joy. The same applies for things. I love my job, but to demand that it give me peace is going to be a let down. Only Christ can do that.
Lysa said some tough things in this chapter. Comparing the people and things that we look to for fulfillment to false gods was hard for me to hear. On page 31 she used the account of Elijah’s and King Ahab’s battle to prove who was the ‘one true God’ as an example. (I Kings 18:26-29) She had this to say, “’But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention’, It’s a vivid picture and a strong warning, and the same response we’ll get whenever we try to get our fulfillment from a false god-from anyone or anything apart for the one true God.” Ouch! That one stung.
As I pondered this I was shocked at how Satan uses this human tendency against us. All it takes to see it is to watch a few commercials, read the cover of woman’s magazine or listen to today’s popular music. They are all saying, do “this” and life will be more fulfilling. Go on this vacation, take this medicine, buy this product and all will be right in your world. I’m ashamed to say I have bought into that lie so many times.
Freedom comes from knowing the truth. Thank you Lord for your truth! So now I am on a quest to find my true fulfillment in Jesus. How? Well, I’ll start by doing what Romans 15:13 says, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” By believing in God’s promise to fulfill me with joy and peace I’ll abound in hope through the power of God’s Holy Spirit living in me!
God is the only source of complete fulfillment. The Bible says, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13 Joy and peace are amazing, but when we rely on people and things to supply them, we will be let down every time. My husband brings me great joy daily, but to hang all my hope on him being able to fulfill my need for joy is unrealistic. He’s going to have days that aren’t going to bring me joy. The same applies for things. I love my job, but to demand that it give me peace is going to be a let down. Only Christ can do that.
Lysa said some tough things in this chapter. Comparing the people and things that we look to for fulfillment to false gods was hard for me to hear. On page 31 she used the account of Elijah’s and King Ahab’s battle to prove who was the ‘one true God’ as an example. (I Kings 18:26-29) She had this to say, “’But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention’, It’s a vivid picture and a strong warning, and the same response we’ll get whenever we try to get our fulfillment from a false god-from anyone or anything apart for the one true God.” Ouch! That one stung.
As I pondered this I was shocked at how Satan uses this human tendency against us. All it takes to see it is to watch a few commercials, read the cover of woman’s magazine or listen to today’s popular music. They are all saying, do “this” and life will be more fulfilling. Go on this vacation, take this medicine, buy this product and all will be right in your world. I’m ashamed to say I have bought into that lie so many times.
Freedom comes from knowing the truth. Thank you Lord for your truth! So now I am on a quest to find my true fulfillment in Jesus. How? Well, I’ll start by doing what Romans 15:13 says, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” By believing in God’s promise to fulfill me with joy and peace I’ll abound in hope through the power of God’s Holy Spirit living in me!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A Desire to Know God More
So here we go... our first post about the book. This month we're reading Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa Terkeurst. I choose this book because of the impact it made on me within just the first few pages. I pray it will have the same effect on all of you. So in the spirit of blogging about the book here goes…
Lysa talks about her desire to become more than just a good Bible study girl. You know the type. One who fulfills all the “requirements” for being a good Christian. Pray, read the Bible, do a Bible study, go to church, be nice… you know the drill. But if you’re like me, doing these things wasn’t really fulfilling what my soul wanted. Lysa says, “I want my life with Jesus to be fulfilling. I want to be so certain of God’s presence that I never feel like I have to face anything in my own strength or rely on my own perspectives. My perspectives get skewed by my emotions.”(page 25)
Oh, how true is that last statement! Just recently I experienced it in an emotional way. It’s amazing how we see things one way based on our pasted experiences and others see something total different.
Lysa goes on to remind us that all those things on the list are good things. Things we are commanded to do, but just going through the motions won’t lead you to a closer walk with God. “They must be done with the great expectation and heart cry for God to lead us into a deeper and more life-changing connection with Him.”(page 25) I love Lysa’s reason for writing this book. First, to help us find a meaningful connection with God and second to have truer fulfillment from God by letting Him transform every area of life.(page 26)
It’s my prayer that God will accomplish those two things in my life. I am on a new Quest for God. I hope you’ll be taking the journey with me!
Lysa talks about her desire to become more than just a good Bible study girl. You know the type. One who fulfills all the “requirements” for being a good Christian. Pray, read the Bible, do a Bible study, go to church, be nice… you know the drill. But if you’re like me, doing these things wasn’t really fulfilling what my soul wanted. Lysa says, “I want my life with Jesus to be fulfilling. I want to be so certain of God’s presence that I never feel like I have to face anything in my own strength or rely on my own perspectives. My perspectives get skewed by my emotions.”(page 25)
Oh, how true is that last statement! Just recently I experienced it in an emotional way. It’s amazing how we see things one way based on our pasted experiences and others see something total different.
Lysa goes on to remind us that all those things on the list are good things. Things we are commanded to do, but just going through the motions won’t lead you to a closer walk with God. “They must be done with the great expectation and heart cry for God to lead us into a deeper and more life-changing connection with Him.”(page 25) I love Lysa’s reason for writing this book. First, to help us find a meaningful connection with God and second to have truer fulfillment from God by letting Him transform every area of life.(page 26)
It’s my prayer that God will accomplish those two things in my life. I am on a new Quest for God. I hope you’ll be taking the journey with me!
Max Lucado's "A Love Worth Giving" By Christy
I’d like to thank the lovely ladies from Thursday night for the enlightening discussion. It was an honor and a blessing and I look forward to being as excited for the next one. And I’m sure as ya’ll read this you’ll know just how touched HE wanted to make sure I was.
We all know that we have a lot of power when we want to use it and even sometimes when we know we have such power we tend to abuse it if it isn’t harnessed correctly. God has given each of us different abilities, skills, talents and gifts but HE expects us to use it for HIS Good, for HIS Will and for HIS Kingdom to be lifted up.
It’s when we use it to hurt, cause pain, or tear others down that we are abusing the power that HE gives us. We have to control what we put in our minds and hearts because it does come out. We do reap what we sow eventually and I don’t know about anyone else but I’ve worked in gardens before and I’d rather reap blessings for our King than spoils for the enemy.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (King James Version) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
As HIS Children, we have to remember how easy it is to go either way so we can stop ourselves if we are doing harm and instead edify and lift others up…even ourselves. Thanks to my Sister for the next very valid way to think before speaking.
Is what I’m getting ready to say going to a)hurt someone, b)help someone c)not even need to be said? Maybe not exactly like that ;) but the point is that we need to know when to say something (only to lift up not tear down) and when not to say anything (avoid gossip).
When we can start doing that, man, what a blessing it is.
Quote from Max Lucado’s ‘A Love Worth Giving’
pg 136 - You have the power to change someone’s life simply by the words that you speak.
Pg 137 – There is a test for the tongue. Before you speak, ask: Will what I’m about to say help others become stronger? You have the ability, with your words, to make a person stronger.
1 Corinthians 8: 1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Ephesians 4:29 (King James Version) Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Proverbs 18:21 (King James Version) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Proverbs 4:20-25 (King James Version) My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
These verses are only a few but reiterate the fact that we need to know how powerful our heart & tongue really are for ourselves and for others. We need to know that Christ’s desire for us is to desire and seek to fill our minds and hearts with HIS Word and His Love so that we can share it with others.
Even if you aren’t an evangelist (yet) eventually we all kind of turn into one just on different levels lol, your actions and reactions can speak on many levels to people. Yet we also have to remember that yes, we have to be aware that there will always be people watching our every move to see how we react, how we respond etc., but even more importantly, we have to remember that the Father, the Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit ALWAYS see our actions, reactions, thoughts, words (spoken and unspoken) when no one else is around. How do we act then? Is His Kingdom being Glorified by what we are thinking or saying to ourselves, about ourselves, about others, sometimes even about HIM?
If not, we need to become more aware of it and before we know it, we will become more aware of it and our actions will change.
I pray that wherever you are today, whomever you come into contact with even for a brief moment, that somehow, someway, they get a glimpse of our Lord and Savior in you so that it blesses them to be in HIS Presence. Give it a try and don’t be surprised by the reaction. Remember you are HIS Shining Light so it’s not your reflection that they should see, it is HIS.
I love ya’ll and hope you have a GREAT and Glorious Friday!!! God bless!
Christy
We all know that we have a lot of power when we want to use it and even sometimes when we know we have such power we tend to abuse it if it isn’t harnessed correctly. God has given each of us different abilities, skills, talents and gifts but HE expects us to use it for HIS Good, for HIS Will and for HIS Kingdom to be lifted up.
It’s when we use it to hurt, cause pain, or tear others down that we are abusing the power that HE gives us. We have to control what we put in our minds and hearts because it does come out. We do reap what we sow eventually and I don’t know about anyone else but I’ve worked in gardens before and I’d rather reap blessings for our King than spoils for the enemy.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (King James Version) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
As HIS Children, we have to remember how easy it is to go either way so we can stop ourselves if we are doing harm and instead edify and lift others up…even ourselves. Thanks to my Sister for the next very valid way to think before speaking.
Is what I’m getting ready to say going to a)hurt someone, b)help someone c)not even need to be said? Maybe not exactly like that ;) but the point is that we need to know when to say something (only to lift up not tear down) and when not to say anything (avoid gossip).
When we can start doing that, man, what a blessing it is.
Quote from Max Lucado’s ‘A Love Worth Giving’
pg 136 - You have the power to change someone’s life simply by the words that you speak.
Pg 137 – There is a test for the tongue. Before you speak, ask: Will what I’m about to say help others become stronger? You have the ability, with your words, to make a person stronger.
1 Corinthians 8: 1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Ephesians 4:29 (King James Version) Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Proverbs 18:21 (King James Version) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Proverbs 4:20-25 (King James Version) My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
These verses are only a few but reiterate the fact that we need to know how powerful our heart & tongue really are for ourselves and for others. We need to know that Christ’s desire for us is to desire and seek to fill our minds and hearts with HIS Word and His Love so that we can share it with others.
Even if you aren’t an evangelist (yet) eventually we all kind of turn into one just on different levels lol, your actions and reactions can speak on many levels to people. Yet we also have to remember that yes, we have to be aware that there will always be people watching our every move to see how we react, how we respond etc., but even more importantly, we have to remember that the Father, the Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit ALWAYS see our actions, reactions, thoughts, words (spoken and unspoken) when no one else is around. How do we act then? Is His Kingdom being Glorified by what we are thinking or saying to ourselves, about ourselves, about others, sometimes even about HIM?
If not, we need to become more aware of it and before we know it, we will become more aware of it and our actions will change.
I pray that wherever you are today, whomever you come into contact with even for a brief moment, that somehow, someway, they get a glimpse of our Lord and Savior in you so that it blesses them to be in HIS Presence. Give it a try and don’t be surprised by the reaction. Remember you are HIS Shining Light so it’s not your reflection that they should see, it is HIS.
I love ya’ll and hope you have a GREAT and Glorious Friday!!! God bless!
Christy
Welcome to the Quest!
Hello Ladies! I am so thrilled to have you join The Quest Book Club. As we begin our journey I want to encourage you to read and apply the principles from the Word of God that we discovery in each book we read. Our first meeting was a blast! I'm looking forward to discussing our next book in July! See you there!
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