The Secret

Read Paul's secret to success in life, Philippians 4:11-13. Paul wrote Philippians while sitting in jail, yet he could say I'm content in all circumstances, because Christ strengthens me. Our entire society seems to be discontented. In fact, it feels like we are all becoming drama queens. Every little thing becomes major. Do you see that with your children as well? Yet Paul had this inner peace. He knew because Christ lived in him that even if the worst thing happened he would be okay, due to Christ power. Pretty convicting!! I would encourage you to read all of Philippians. Philippians is often called the Epistles of Joy. Paul repeatedly say his joy is not based on circumstances, but on Christ. Here are some questions to consider and please share if you are comfortable:

1. Is my contentment based on my circumstances or my relationship with Christ?

2. What or whom steals my contentment the most?

3. How can I start living in Christ strength instead of my own?

4. If the worst thing happens in my life that I can imagine, will God still be on his throne
and in control?

5. How can I daily rejoice in the Lord always?

One of the things in studying these verses that truly stood out to me was Paul said he had learned to be content in all circumstances. So, Paul didn't come by it automatically he grew to learn to be content. So, we may not get there over night, but we can daily work on being content in all circumstances, because Christ is our power and strength. Please share your thoughts on these verses.

What pleases God?

In the April 2009 CWM Issue we talked about some of the things that please God. Please go to this link http://www.biblestudies4u.info/please.html to find more verses that talk about pleasing God. After you complete the study, share some of the insights you learned from these verses.

Lesson 10 - Spiritual Depression

We all get down and sometimes feel God is not there or our prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. I found this excellent resource from John Piper about Spiritual Depression. Read this link and then answer the questions below.

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2008/2806_Spiritual_Depression_in_the_Psalms/

1. What have you found is the most helpful when you are depressed?


2. What have you found is the most helpful for others to do for you when depressed?


3. What did you think about the Psalmists' taking his why questions to God?


4. Are there things you are afraid to ask or tell God?


5. Can you share a time when God spoke to you mightily when you were depressed?


6. Any other thoughts you would like to share?

Lesson 9 - Do you faint for the Lord?

I love reading the Psalms. David pours out his heart to God. For this lesson we are going to look at Psalm 84. Read the whole Psalm and listen to David's heart cry. This psalm was originally written to celebrate God's presence in Jerusalem, where the temple was being built. Today we don't have to go to the temple to be in God's presence, but when this was written that was the case. The Psalm is divided into 6 sections:

1. The expression of the desire to be home, v. 1, 2.
I love verse 2, my soul longs, yes faints for the courts of the Lord. David with all his being wanted to be in the presence of the Lord. Do we long and cry out for all our being to be in God's presence. We truly take that for granted. Now, that we have the Holy Spirit, God is always with us. We need to delight, desire, and long to be with God. David desperately needed God. We do as well.

2. The blessings of being at home in Zion, v. 3,4
Do you think if the sparrow and swallow can find a nest at the altar of God, how much
more important we are? God provides for all our needs. I think of in the New Testament if God can take care of the birds and flowers, he can certainly take care of me.

3. The blessings of those who make pilgrimages to Zion, v. 5-7
People would walk long distances to the temple. In the beginning they would start out
with great joy. The Valley of Baca is often translated as the Valley of Weeping. So,during their pilgrimage their could be difficulties and then God would provide strength. Isn't that like our Christian walk, we start out with such hope and joy then trouble hits and we become sad. God is with us on the pilgrimage and he can provide strength for our darkest times.

4. A prayer for God's attention to Zion, v. 8,9
When v. 8 talks about God of hosts, that literally means God of armies. God has angelic armies and he controls all of earth. God is our shield and protector. If we could really see the battle that goes on between God's angels and the demonic forces I don't know if we would feel safe or threatened. Yet, there are battles going on and I'm glad God is on my side.

5. The joy of being home in Zion, v. 10,11
I love v. 10. David, a king, who had everything said he would rather be a doorkeeper
in God's house than live in wickedness. Can we be so excited about being in God's presence that even the most menial task is worship? We are in God's presence and we worship him when we do the billionth load of laundry, when we change stinky diapers, when we listen to hormonal teenagers, when our boss is angry, and the list can go on. Everything we do can be an act of worship.
v. 11 says No good does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. Chew on that verse for awhile.

6. The blessing of trusting in God, v. 12
Trusting in the Lord provides blessings. You can never go wrong when you trust
God.

What did you think of this Psalm? Was it convicting, inspiring? I do want to long and thirst for God. When we thirst for him we won't long for the world's fake water. Being in his presence every moment of every day is a precious gift we had that David did not. Let's not take it for granted. (I talking to myself as well).

Please share your thoughts and other comments.

Lesson 8 - How do you handle trials?

Do any of us want trials? I would dare say we would all say No. None of us like to suffer. The Bible gives us clear direction on what to do in trials. Read James 1:2-8. James tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials. I'm sure some of you maybe saying you have got to be kidding!!

First, of all we need to look at some background information about James. James was the first of the New Testament books that was written. James was talking to new Christians who were often poor and facing all kinds of persecution. Often the new Christians had been dispersed and were all over the world, as they knew it at that time. So, often these Christians were in small groups and had little support. Can you imagine moving to a far off country and receiving a letter from your current pastor with these words, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

What is James saying and what does he mean? Often when we experience trials we grow in our faith. We learn that God is ultimately the only person we can truly depend on. You may have met people and I have said this myself, "I wouldn't change the trial I went through for anything, because I grew so much in my faith and learned more about God." I have been there and I can truly testify that trials strengthen our faith.

Verse 5 is a great verse. If we lack wisdom ask God and he will give generously. How many time have you been in a situation and don't know what to do. We are to clearly ask God for direction and wisdom and he will give it. God holds and knows our future, why shouldn't we ask him.

Verse 6 warns us about how we ask for wisdom. We must have faith and believe that God will answer us. We cannot be double minded. Either we trust God to do what he says or we don't.
I often find it helpful to look back over my life and see all the times that God has been faithful. Count my blessings. If God has been faithful once, why won't he be faithful again. God can be trusted. He will never leave us or forsake us.

So, what is ultimately the purpose of trials. Often, God is teaching us something through our trials. Are you listening? Are you asking him what he has for you to learn so you can mature and grow in your faith? Let's be honest. Most of the time when we experience trials our first reaction is God get me out of this and quick. I don't want to learn I just want relief? Am I correct on that? Sometimes we need to slow down and ask God what he is trying to show us during a difficult time.

So, here are some questions for you to ponder and feel free to share on the blog:

1. How do I perceive trials? Do I want quick relief or am I seeking God's purpose?

2. Do I want to learn perseverance?

3. Do I ask God for wisdom for every day things going on in my life and the big things
as well?

4. Do I really trust that God will do what he says he will do?

5. Can I really experience joy in the midst of trials, especially if it means I am
growing in my faith?

6. Is my ultimate goal to grow in my faith or to prevent going through hard times?

I have to admit most of don't want to sign up for trials, but we all experience them. The next time you are going through a trial. Seek God's presence and ask him what he wants you to learn. I think if we don't try to learn and grow through a trial, then often the trial is wasted.
God will never leave us and we have to trust that he knows best.

Please share your thoughts after completing this Bible Study.

Lesson 7 - Do you love the Giver more than the gift?

One of the most troubling accounts to understand in the Bible is the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham. One of the very important points in this is whether Abraham loved the giver more than the gift. Read Genesis 22:1-19.

Let’s look more closely at this passage.

Let’s look for some important truths in those first few verses. How old do you think Isaac was at this time? He was actually an adolescent. He had to be old enough and big enough to carry the wood for the sacrifice. From pictures I remember as a child Isaac always looked young, but he was at least a teenager possibly a young adult.

What do you think God tested Abraham means? God wanted to prove the authenticity of Abraham’s faith. God and Abraham had all ready been through many things together. God knew how desperately Abraham wanted a son by Sarah. God wanted to know if Abraham worshipped the gift – Isaac, or the giver – God.

This is a troubling question for us. Do I adore the gifts God gives me more than I adore the giver? How does it show in my time? Do I assign more worth to my child than God? My job? God is a jealous God and he wants us to worship him alone.

When we look at this specific burnt offering, it was one where the whole sacrifice had to be consumed. Some sacrifices in the Old Testament were not wholly consumed; sometimes the priest would eat a part of the sacrifice. This one was to be consumed.

We don’t see anything about what Abraham was thinking. We see simple obedience. We don’t see questioning, weeping or gnashing of teeth. I’m not sure it is clear if he told Sarah. I would venture a guess if he had told Sarah; she may have tried to stop him. Abraham did as he was told.

Let’s read verses 4-5: I have read these verses many times and never saw this verse before. What does Abraham tell the young men? We will worship and we will return to you. How can he say we? When Isaac is going to be sacrificed. This makes no sense. Let’s read Hebrews 11:17-19 for some hints.

Abraham knew three important facts for his faith:
Isaac was to be the vehicle of God’s promises.
God always keeps his promises.
God’s power is absolute, even over the power of death.

Abraham’s only logical conclusion was God will do what he says, so even if my son if burned up in death, God would restore his life. To my knowledge no one had been resurrected from the dead at this point. Didn’t make a difference to Abraham. He knew God would keep his promise to have descendents through Isaac and that couldn’t happen if he was dead.

Doesn’t that just blow you away? Total faith. Abraham just had to be obedient and he left the rest in God’s care. When I say “just” be obedient, it still wasn’t easy.

Look at verses 6-8.

Abraham as a loving father did not tell Isaac everything. Then, Abraham tells Isaac God will provide, that is up to God. We are doing his will and the rest is up to God.

Oh, how I need to hear that. How many times do I do it all in my own strength and don’t realize it is my job to obey and the rest is up to God. We are to trust him and get out of the way.

Look at verse 9.

We are focusing on Abraham, but what about Isaac? Isaac was old enough to run away or even over power his father, but he didn’t. He was willingly bound and placed on the altar. Abraham had been teaching Isaac about faith and what it meant. Isaac did learn to trust God through his own earthly father. Can you imagine what it was like to be Isaac?

What do we hold so tightly that we are not willing to give it up to God? Children, possessions, jobs, homes, you fill in the blank. This is radical obedience and it is difficult.

Read verses 10-12.

Again, God speaks and calls Abraham by name. Also, Abraham knows God’s voice. He knew who was speaking. Do we know God’s voice? Can we recognize him speaking to us? God and Abraham were on a first name basis and had a relationship.

God in effect was saying to Abraham you love the Giver more than the gift. You have demonstrated your faithfulness.

Something that is often missed in this passage is how this whole story points us to Christ. Look at verses 13-14 and let’s see how we can see the foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice.

First of all why do you think it was a ram and not a lamb? Most sacrifices were spotless lambs. The ram represents Jesus Christ as a man. When we see Abraham saying the Lord will provide, he is pointing us to a ram became Isaac’s substitute and Christ became ours.

There is another important point. The sacrifice was done on Mount Moriah. Do you remember how many days it took to get there, 3 days? Any significance about 3 days? Jesus was resurrected after 3 days in the tomb. Also, Moriah is where Jerusalem was built and the temple. Today, the Dome of the Rock is there with an altar of rocks that are thought to be where Isaac was sacrificed. Years later Christ would be sacrificed for us in the very same place. Doesn’t it give you goose bumps?

We are also painted a picture of the covenant God made with Abraham and how Jesus ultimately becomes the mediator of the covenant for us. What are the similarities between Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac and Jesus sacrifice for us?

God the Father showed us how to live when he released his dear Son to us. He willingly gave his perfect son for sinners and placed him on the altar. If God was willing to release his Son for us, how can we withhold anything from him?

God the Son showed us how to die when he released Himself to the
Father. Isaac’s quiet obedience to his father illustrates this and points
us to Christ. Jesus did not fight when he went to the cross, he did it
willingly. Isaac didn’t fear death, we should not as well.

God the Spirit will show us how to live and die as we learn how to
release what we hold so tightly. What do we need to let go of?

Isaac is a picture of Christ willingly being bound to die for us. Also, that we need a sacrifice. Abraham is teaching us we need to give it all to God, we need to die to self. Abraham trusted God’s promises enough to know God would provide a way. Do we? or do we second guess God?

Some things for us to think about:

Spend some time thinking about what you are holding to tightly and won’t let go.

Spend time listening to God’s voice so you recognize him.

Look over your life and the many times God has been faithful. Can you
trust that he will continue to be faithful?

When you read the Scripture look for God’s covenant promises.

Do you love the giver or the gift more?

Please share any thoughts or comments you have about this Bible Study.

Lesson 6 - Are You Ready for Battle?

We are in a battle daily against Satan and we need to be prepared to fight. I don’t think most of us see ourselves as warriors, but we are. We need to put our armor on daily. God gives us the tools to fight the battle, but we have to access those tools and willingly put on the armor.

Please read Ephesians 6:10-20.

When Paul was writing this he was imprisoned and being guarded by a Roman solider. So, as he writes these verses he has a visual object lesson standing in front of him.

Let’s look at v. 11, we are told to put on the armor of God so we can take a stand. Look at how many times stand is mentioned in this group of verses.

When you think of the word stand, what do you think?

Looking at v. 12, do you often think your struggles are against humans or earthly situations? Does is change your perspective at all to see your struggle is against Satan? If it does change your perspective, how does it?

Verse 15 begins describing the armor. The first mentioned is the belt of truth buckled around your waist. I don’t know if you know this, but Roman soldiers wore something that looked like a dress. I know that is weird, just remember any old movies you have seen. When they had the buckle around their waist they were keeping “the dress” out of their way to fight. It had to be strong. What does that mean for us? We are to have absolute truth surrounding our waist. In this world, truth is not absolute and depends on how you define truth. We have to stand (there is that word again) for truth when the world says otherwise. Also, we have to know the truth in order to stand for it. This means studying God’s word to know the truth.

What area in your life right now do you need to stand for truth?

The second piece of armor is the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate would protect vital organ in the upper body. This righteousness is not about Christ righteousness that is imputed to us it is about moral righteousness and the transformation that accompanies saving faith in Christ. We are looking at our witness to others. Do we do what we say, do we practice what we preach. A commitment to always do the right thing in every situation provides powerful armor against the temptation to gain personal advantage by cutting moral corners.

Are you showing others in your life Christ righteousness? Do they see you are different on Monday not just Sunday?

The third piece of armor or equipment is footwear and that we are reading to spread the peace of the gospel. Roman soldiers wore heavy sandals with thick leather soles. Also, they would wrap around their calf. They were to protect their feet on long marches. Often they were fitted with nails to provide secure footing in the midst of hand to hand combat.

What does that mean to us? This verse has been interpreted two ways. One is to be ready to go and share the gospel. That would fit with the Great Commission in Matthew. The second one is that the gospel readies believers for a Christian walk in the world. We have that inner peace when we are involved in conflict and opposition. The most important point is readiness. Are we ready at a moments notice to obey God’s commands? Are we ready to share the gospel?
Also, the nail image of the soldier’s reminds me of standing firm in what we believe and not backing down? Are there times when you have backed down or decided not to say something that needed to be said?

The fourth piece of armor is the shield. The shield was for heavy infantry. The shield was oblong in shape, four by 2 ½ feet. The soldier would crouch behind it or hold it over his head to protect for flaming arrows. How does the devil aim flaming arrows at us? He takes advantage of every negative life situation to hurl flaming arrows of doubt at us. He wants us to question God’s goodness, God’s power, and God’s love. The devil attacks us most when we are fatigued. He throws arrows of discouragement when we think we are being ineffective as Christians, when Christian brothers or sisters disappoint us. We need to use our shield to trust the God who saved us and that his love for us is never failing.

What flaming arrows is the devil sending your way right now?

The fifth piece of armor is the helmet to protect our head. The helmet of salvation is affirming our salvation, living with the assurance and confidence that we are saved. No matter how severe the battle becomes we have no fear, because we know we are in God’s family. We know how the story ends. We know we have the power of the Holy Spirit in us.

The last piece of armor is the sword of the Spirit. This is the Bible, God’s word. The sword Paul is describing is a short sword and it is used as an offensive and defensive weapon. We need to know and love God’s word. Paul would probably be appalled at the lack of sincerity modern day Christians take God’s word. We say God’s word so much that is loses its meaning. All scripture is God breathed. God wrote it and gave it to men inspired by him and the Holy Spirit. I often like to think of it as God’s love letter to us. Do you remember how powerful Christ was when he quoted Scripture against Satan? God’s word is extremely powerful and we need to use it as a weapon against Satan.

Why do you think there is no armor for our backs? We need to fight Satan head on. I like to think God has our back and our front for that matter. In some ways Satan is not a coward. He is waiting to pounce on us like a lion. So, it is a full frontal attack.

One thing I cannot stress enough is visually, mentally, and emotionally putting on the armor of God every day. On your way to work, see yourself putting on the various pieces of armor. Satan loves it when we neglect putting on the armor of God, because it makes us so vulnerable. God gives us the armor it is our responsibility to put it on.

Share your thoughts about this lesson and some of the ways you answered the questions.