tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870999706346979422024-02-08T09:31:07.310-05:00Christian Working Mom Bible StudyWelcome to the Christian Working Mom Bible Study. The most recent lesson is posted first. If you are new, scroll down to the first lesson. Please post your comments.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-76457525878336688802010-04-29T10:50:00.003-04:002010-05-03T13:31:22.752-04:00What would you like your Obituary to Read?I know this is a really depressing title. As Christian Working Moms are main focus has to be on being followers of Christ. I read the most depressing obituary in the my Bible reading this morning. Listen to 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, "Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse."<br /><br /><br /><br />Saul started out following God and obeying God's commands, but he didn't end His life that way. The Christian walk is about being faithful over time. Not starting off with a burst of energy and finishing with a fizzle. We need to faithfully follow God's commands over our entire life.<br /><br /><br /><br />Listen to this verse that tells us how we are to live, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8.<br /><br /><br /><br />Saul violated the verse in Micah by believing his own press. What I mean is Saul often got the big head and didn't think he needed to consult God. Saul decided he could do things his own way. Didn't turn out well at all for Saul.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now it is your turn. What does God's word lived out mean when it says to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God? How do we live that out in our daily lives?<br /><br /><br /><br />May we as Christians have an obituary that reflects Micah 6:8 much more than 1 Chronicles 10:13. May our entire life reflect back on God and for His glory.<br /><br /><br /><br />Please share your thoughts and living out Micah 6:8.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-73056101112636847512010-04-05T13:33:00.004-04:002010-04-05T14:09:02.578-04:00What we can learn from the Israelites?Right now in my own Bible study I'm reading through the book of Judges. I'm struck by the same type of verse I see over and over. Often, the verse says: "The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of ____________. "<br />The people of Israel were given into the hands of various enemies due to their idol worship and many other sins. Another thing I noticed as I read Judges is the time of being in the hands of their enemy increased over time. Also, in chapter 4 of Judges you will read about a woman warrior named Deborah and Jael a woman who put a tent peg in a man's head with a hammer and killed him. Talk about tough women!!<br /><br />Judges is actually very hard and sad to read. There is this continual rebellion of God's people, repentance, following God for awhile, rebellion again pattern. The Israelites don't seem to get it. They reject God's holiness and His ways. Also, we see God's anger for their rebellion. Judges 2:12 says,"And they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them. And they provoked the LORD to anger."<br /><br />The Israelites would cry out to God and God would deliver them most of the time. Read these most disturbing verses in Judges 10:10-16. God eventually delivers Israel once again but at first God says go to your other gods you worship and get help from them.<br /><br />So, what does all of this have to do with us, today? As a child reading about the Israelites I remember saying, "Why don't they get it? Just serve God and everything will be okay?" Yet, they continued to sin. Today we do not have Baal or Asheroth poles that we worship, but we do have our idols. Idols can be anything we put above God including, children, spouse, etc. Do we spend more time on the computer than we do with God?<br /><br />God waits for us patiently to return to Him, but his patience is not limitless. What I observed in Judges is the Israelites began to rebel for longer and longer periods of time before repentance. They indulged in their sin and became callous to the things of God. In some places they didn't even know it was a sin anymore to worship idols. <br /><br />We can never take our sin and rebellion lightly. God does not. He is a Holy God and requires perfection. The only way we can be in His presence is through Christ work on the cross and Christ righteousness. We need to be serious about catching our sin early and not letting it continue to where we have a hard heart towards sin and we wink at our own sin.<br /><br />Here are some things to consider:<br /><br />1. What people or things in my life do I put above God?<br /><br />2. What sin in my life have I been ignoring and unwilling to deal with? <br /><br />3. Ask God to show you your sin and repent of your sin. Repent means to turn away from sin and to be different. Walk in the other direction.<br /><br />4. Is there a pattern in my life of walking closely with God and then rebelling? Is the rebelling time starting to last longer than the walking close with God time? Then, there needs to be a change.<br /><br />5. Another big error of the Israelites was forgetting what God had done for them in Egypt and many other things. Do you forget what God has done for you in the past? Do you doubt His goodness? Take time to thank him for He has done for you over the years and His faithfulness in spite of your walk with Him.<br /><br />6. Can we strive to not be like the Israelites of the Old Testament and walk closely with God, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and leave the rebellion behind. <br /><br />God is our deliverer. Yet, He expects obedience. When we are being disobedient and unrepentant how can we expect God to deliver us?<br /><br />May we all learn from the mistakes of the Israelites. Please share your feedback and comments on this study.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-20184918247600900232010-03-08T12:11:00.007-05:002010-03-08T16:08:03.337-05:00Are you settling for less than the best from God?My church is involved in a Read your Bible through in a year plan. Right now I'm in Numbers. I'll be honest the book of Numbers is at times hard to get through. Yet, I found an important nugget in Numbers during my study this morning. Please read Numbers chapter 32.<br /><br /><br /><br />A little background this time period is right before the Hebrews are to go in and conquer the Promised Land. We have two tribes Reuben and Gad that are looking with earthly eyes. They see the land they just conquered from Midian and it looks pretty good to them. So, they ask Moses can we have this land it looks great. Now these people had not yet seen the Promised Land so they didn't even know what could be their land.<br /><br /><br /><br />Several important things we can learn from this chapter.<br /><br /><br /><br />1. The tribes of Reuben and Gad were pretty selfish. They wanted the land and at first were not going to join the fight to take the promised land.<br /><br />2. They have a limited vision. In other words, they weren't willing to wait to see what they would get in the future; they wanted what they could see right now.<br /><br />3. The tribes were repeating the sins of their fathers. They wanted to take a known and not wait for an unknown.<br /><br />4. Moses makes them promise they will fight and then says they can have the land that they want. So, Moses with God's direction gives them what they want. God often gave them Hebrews what they wanted even when it wasnt best for them. The Hebrews would then realize they made a mistake and repent.<br /><br /><br /><br />So, what does all of this have to say to us? The tribes of Reuben and Gad settled for land they could see instead of the Promised Land that was in the future that could have been so much better. They were not willing to wait for the best land. As CWMs how many times do we stop early before God's complete plan is revealed? We settle for something that is good enough, but not best. I want to make it clear that I'm not talking prosperity gospel here. Prosperity gospel means you pray God will bless you financially. What I'm talking about is you may have been struggling for some time in an issue and you give up trusting God right before His solution is provided. The Hebrews had been wandering for 40 years and they are just about to cross into the Promised Land filled with everything they would need and these tribes stop just short and settle for what is seen and good enough.<br /><br /><br /><br />Also, these tribes did not learn from the past. How many times does God have to teach you a lesson more than once before you get it? These tribes still did not get it.<br /><br /><br /><br />Another important lesson from this chapter for us today is these tribes were interested in worldly possessions and wealth. They thought that was the best land and wanted to get "first dibs". They got their wish, but the Promised Land could have been greater in so many ways.<br /><br /><br /><br />Here are some questions for all of us to consider:<br /><br />1. Am I settling on certain issues right now instead of trusting God for a greater plan that He has?<br /><br />2. Do I try to get ahead of God and figure it out for myself? (The tribes of Reuben and Gad thought they knew better than God).<br /><br />3. Are my eyes focused on treasures of earth instead of laying up treasures in heaven?<br /><br />4. Am I trusting God and His plan for my life?<br /><br />5. Am I a woman of my word? Moses made sure the tribes kept their oaths.<br /><br /><br /><br />There are even more lessons we could learn from this important passage of Scripture. For me I see clearly in this Scripture that if we wait on God's plan it will surprise and astound us in so many ways. When the world sees how Christians "do" things often we look like fools, because it makes no sense. The Reuben and Gad tribe found some really good land so they snapped it up. I'm sure it could have looked "foolish" to wait to see what was behind Door B. Our world wants instant answers and fixes. God most often doesn't work that way. In our waiting we grow by leaps and bounds. So, are we settling for less than best from God? May we all wait on His plan for us and not try to jump ahead of Him.<br /><br /><br /><br />Please share what you learned from this study as well. We can all learn from one another.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-92115816404635269662010-02-05T16:20:00.003-05:002010-02-05T16:31:28.175-05:00Be Quiet Before MeI am learning a very difficult lesson. God is teaching me in my devotion times with Him to be quiet before Him! That is extremely hard for me. It is hard for me to quiet my mind. Hard to stop sharing prayer requests. Hard to listen to God. Once I wrote in an article I think the scripture for today is "Be harried and know that I am God." Actually read Psalm 46. Verse 10 says Be still and know that I am God. When we are truly still before God we can be at peace. If you read all of Psalm 46 you see the power of God. Verse 6 says he (God) utters his voice, the earth melts. God is all powerful and I am not. Trusting in Him and his purposes is a lesson I have to learn over and over. I'm definitely a remedial learner in this area. <br /><br />So, how do we be still and be quiet before God? One suggestion is praying in the Holy Spirit. Asking that any distractions be taken away. That your mind only focus on the things of God. Praising God before you start gets us in the right mindset.<br /><br />Second, we have to learn to be comfortable with quiet. We live in a very noisy world. Since, we have children we often live in very noisy houses. Quiet can sometimes be scary. When are children are "too" quiet often we know there is trouble. Yet, being quiet before God is a precious, holy quiet. We can hear His voice much better when we quiet our hearts, minds, and mouths.<br /><br />Here are some questions for you to consider and please share:<br /><br />1. Are you able to be quiet before God? If not, what is the biggest obstacle?<br /><br />2. In reading Psalm 46 what stood out most to you?<br /><br />3. Can you share examples from scripture of when people were quiet before God? My first thought is Jesus getting alone to pray to His heavenly Father. What other examples?<br /><br />4. Here is a hard question. How can we teach our children to be quiet before God?<br /><br />5. What is one thing you could change or implement in your own devotional time in order to learn to be quiet before Him?<br /><br />Maybe I'm the only one who needs to hear Be Quiet, but somehow I doubt it. There is power in the quiet and there is enormous strength in being quiet before God. I really look forward to hearing what you have to say. Please share your thoughts.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-64473577263921885432009-09-07T15:03:00.002-04:002009-09-07T15:24:33.410-04:00How do you Worship?Worship is such an important part of our lives as Christians. Yet, sometimes we think worship is for Sunday morning only or when we are at church. Nothing could be farther from the truth. For this lesson I would like for us to look at Psalm 95 and 96. Read both of those Psalms and look at how the psalmist worshipped God. <br /><br />In Psalm 95 in the first 5 verses we see that the psalmist cannot seem to think of enough ways to praise the Lord. The psalmist shares that we are to make a joyful noise before the Lord when we sing. I had a choir director from my youth who often made the statement about making a joyful noise. It doesn't necessarily say sing on key, but a joyful noise. <br /><br />A very important clue is in verses 6 and 7 of Psalm 95. We are told to bow down, kneel and worship. The first few verse are about making a joyful noise. These verses are about being quiet, reflective and reverent in our worship.<br /><br />Why is this contrast so important to us? There are many ways to worship God. Some people are comfortable singing, dancing, and having their hands in the air. Others feel extremely uncomfortable with such outward emotion. So, some enjoy worshipping quietly and listening to God. The wonderful thing about this for us is both styles of worship are described in the Bible. One is not right and one is not wrong. Worship is a time to thank and praise God for all his mighty works. When we worship we remember God's faithfulness to us no matter our style.<br /><br />In verses 8-11 of Psalm 95 we see a troubling lack of worship. These verses talk about the Israelites in the wilderness and how they did not trust God. They often were in rebellion and complained. Their punishment was a entire generation that did not enter the promised land.<br /><br />So we see a contrast between a worshipper and a rebellious complaining people.<br /><br />God takes worship of Him very seriously. It is not an after thought. It is not even a once a week event. Worship should be in our hearts daily. We should find as many opportunities as possible to praise God.<br /><br />Read Psalm 96 and see all the many different ways God can be praised and worshipped.<br /><br />Why is worship important? When we get our eyes off ourselves and on to God we often get a right perspective of our situations. After all God has done for us how can we not worship Him?<br />We literally could thank Him non-stop and not run out of things to say to Him.<br /><br />Let me ask you a few questions and if you are comfortable, please share your answers:<br /><br />1. In your quiet time how much time do you spend time praising God and how much time do you spend telling Him your wants and needs?<br /><br />2. Can I encourage you to spend one whole quiet time worshipping God and nothing else?<br /><br />3. What is your favorite way to worship? Sing praise songs, be in nature, listen to God's voice, etc.?<br /><br />4. Do you have a hard time getting still or quiet enough to worship?<br /><br />5. Do you take opportunities to worship God throughout the day?<br /><br />Praising God should always be on the tip of our tongues. Worship is a gift we give to God to celebrate Him and all of His goodness to us. May we not be lack the Israelites and be in rebellion and be complainers.<br /><br />I look forward to hearing how you worship and any ideas you may have.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-10045069856735534692009-05-04T10:38:00.002-04:002009-05-04T10:53:51.646-04:00The SecretRead 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:<br /><br />1. Is my contentment based on my circumstances or my relationship with Christ?<br /><br />2. What or whom steals my contentment the most?<br /><br />3. How can I start living in Christ strength instead of my own?<br /><br />4. If the worst thing happens in my life that I can imagine, will God still be on his throne<br /> and in control?<br /><br />5. How can I daily rejoice in the Lord always?<br /><br />One of the things in studying these verses that truly stood out to me was Paul said he had <strong>learned </strong>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.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-55073754725729690692009-04-03T14:21:00.001-04:002009-04-03T14:23:52.601-04:00What pleases God?In the April 2009 CWM Issue we talked about some of the things that please God. Please go to this link <a href="http://www.biblestudies4u.info/please.html">http://www.biblestudies4u.info/please.html</a> to find more verses that talk about pleasing God. After you complete the study, share some of the insights you learned from these verses.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-9476179281637409252008-06-23T15:03:00.002-04:002008-06-23T15:06:32.445-04:00Lesson 10 - Spiritual DepressionWe 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.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2008/2806_Spiritual_Depression_in_the_Psalms/">http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2008/2806_Spiritual_Depression_in_the_Psalms/</a><br /><br />1. What have you found is the most helpful when you are depressed?<br /><br /><br />2. What have you found is the most helpful for others to do for you when depressed?<br /><br /><br />3. What did you think about the Psalmists' taking his why questions to God?<br /><br /><br />4. Are there things you are afraid to ask or tell God?<br /><br /><br />5. Can you share a time when God spoke to you mightily when you were depressed?<br /><br /><br />6. Any other thoughts you would like to share?Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-27050440138088713782008-01-29T11:24:00.000-05:002008-01-29T12:03:10.338-05:00Lesson 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:<br /><br />1. The expression of the desire to be home, v. 1, 2.<br />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.<br /><br />2. The blessings of being at home in Zion, v. 3,4<br />Do you think if the sparrow and swallow can find a nest at the altar of God, how much<br />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.<br /><br />3. The blessings of those who make pilgrimages to Zion, v. 5-7<br />People would walk long distances to the temple. In the beginning they would start out<br />with great joy. The Valley of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Baca</span> is often translated as the Valley of Weeping. So,during their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pilgrimage</span> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pilgrimage</span> and he can provide strength for our darkest times.<br /><br />4. A prayer for God's attention to Zion, v. 8,9<br />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.<br /><br />5. The joy of being home in Zion, v. 10,11<br />I love v. 10. David, a king, who had everything said he would rather be a doorkeeper<br />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.<br />v. 11 says No good does he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">withhold</span> from those who walk uprightly. Chew on that verse for awhile.<br /><br />6. The blessing of trusting in God, v. 12<br />Trusting in the Lord provides blessings. You can never go wrong when you trust<br />God.<br /><br />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).<br /><br />Please share your thoughts and other comments.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-65842199730791568442007-11-05T09:29:00.001-05:002007-11-05T09:45:54.366-05:00Lesson 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!!<br /><br />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 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">perseverance</span>."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />So, here are some questions for you to ponder and feel free to share on the blog:<br /><br />1. How do I perceive trials? Do I want quick relief or am I seeking God's purpose?<br /><br />2. Do I want to learn <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">perseverance</span>?<br /><br />3. Do I ask God for wisdom for every day things going on in my life and the big things<br /> as well?<br /><br />4. Do I really trust that God will do what he says he will do?<br /><br />5. Can I really experience joy in the midst of trials, especially if it means I am<br /> growing in my faith?<br /><br />6. Is my ultimate goal to grow in my faith or to prevent going through hard times?<br /><br />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.<br />God will never leave us and we have to trust that he knows best.<br /><br />Please share your thoughts after completing this Bible Study.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-73488313923695984112007-08-28T10:18:00.000-04:002007-08-28T10:21:04.191-04:00Lesson 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.<br /><br />Let’s look more closely at this passage. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Abraham knew three important facts for his faith:<br />Isaac was to be the vehicle of God’s promises.<br />God always keeps his promises.<br />God’s power is absolute, even over the power of death.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />Look at verses 6-8.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Look at verse 9.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Read verses 10-12.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />God in effect was saying to Abraham you love the Giver more than the gift. You have demonstrated your faithfulness. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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?<br /><br />God the Son showed us how to die when he released Himself to the<br />Father. Isaac’s quiet obedience to his father illustrates this and points<br />us to Christ. Jesus did not fight when he went to the cross, he did it<br />willingly. Isaac didn’t fear death, we should not as well.<br /><br />God the Spirit will show us how to live and die as we learn how to<br />release what we hold so tightly. What do we need to let go of?<br /><br />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?<br /><br />Some things for us to think about:<br /><br />Spend some time thinking about what you are holding to tightly and won’t let go.<br /><br />Spend time listening to God’s voice so you recognize him.<br /><br />Look over your life and the many times God has been faithful. Can you<br />trust that he will continue to be faithful?<br /> <br />When you read the Scripture look for God’s covenant promises.<br /><br />Do you love the giver or the gift more?<br /><br />Please share any thoughts or comments you have about this Bible Study.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-75371871807053803402007-07-18T14:38:00.001-04:002007-07-18T14:38:35.223-04:00Lesson 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.<br /><br />Please read Ephesians 6:10-20.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />When you think of the word stand, what do you think?<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />What area in your life right now do you need to stand for truth?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Are you showing others in your life Christ righteousness? Do they see you are different on Monday not just Sunday?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?<br />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?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />What flaming arrows is the devil sending your way right now?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Share your thoughts about this lesson and some of the ways you answered the questions.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-41634047895033542012007-07-18T14:37:00.001-04:002007-07-18T14:37:24.234-04:00Lesson 5 - Are You Putting On New Clothes Each Day?Are you putting on new clothes each day? No, I didn’t just give your permission to go shopping ever day for new clothes. We wish!!! Are you putting on your new clothes of righteousness as a new creature in Christ?<br /><br />Read with me Ephesians 4:20-32.<br /><br />Paul talks in these earlier verses of putting on our new selves in Christ. Have you worked really hard in the yard or exercised and you are really sweaty? You can’t wait to get a shower and get some clean clothes on.<br /><br />Our old life is like that before we meet Christ. We have sin and darkness. When we become a Christian we are new in Christ and we put on Christ righteousness every day. The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit is in us and we are to be intentional to live out Christ righteousness.<br /><br />So, how are we intentional about wearing our new clothing and not leaving it in the back of the closet?<br /><br />We have to choose to obey the Holy Spirit that is within us and allow<br />Christ to direct our lives.<br /> <br />When we wake up in the morning we can yield our day and our will<br />to God’s leading.<br /><br /><br />Are you thoughts of how God would have you handle a situation<br />or are they the world’s view?<br /><br />Are you dying to self and seeking God’s will for every part of your life<br />or do you want your will.<br /><br />When we look at the rest of the verses in this chapter Paul list even more examples of how we should live as new creatures in Christ.<br /><br />Read through verses 25-33 and list all the characteristics of new<br />creatures in Christ.<br /><br /><br />What on that list is personally the hardest for you to do?<br /><br />Who in your life right now to you need to be kind and compassionate<br />to even though you don’t feel like it?<br /><br />What can you do each day to put on your new clothes? What reminder<br />can you give yourself?<br /><br />Are you reading God’s instruction manual, the Bible, to see how God’s<br />wisdom for every area of our lives?<br /><br />In reading these scriptures, what spoke most to you?<br /><br /><br />As always, if you feel comfortable, please share your answers to the questions or any other comments you may have.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-20099554042152942562007-07-18T14:35:00.000-04:002007-07-18T14:36:13.865-04:00Lesson 4 - I Choose JoyHow would you define joy? Joy is very different from happiness. Let’s look at a Biblical definition of joy. Joy is defined as the happy state that results from knowing and serving God. The words joy, joyous, and rejoicing are found over 200 times in the Bible. How can we choose joy? I have to share a funny story with you. I had been convicted that I purposely need to choose joy in any and all situations. I can choose to rejoice in who God is and what he has done. So, the very next morning after I decided to choose joy, my son comes in my room and says I threw up last night in my bed and didn’t know it. I go to his room and the throw up is not just in his bed, but in a huge pile on the floor. Absolutely disgusting! Now you may ask how my son could sleep through throwing up, I have no idea. I think a tornado could strike our house and he would still be sleeping. So, as I’m cleaning this up and trying not to throw up myself, I keep saying to myself I choose joy and this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. My kids looked at me like I was nuts and I began laughing. Once committed to choosing joy, God gave me a good test to see if I was serious. This story isn’t about me or my son, but allowing God to be actively involved in every area of our lives. Let’s look at some interesting scripture about joy.<br /><br />Read Psalm 118:22-24.<br /><br />Since I was a young child, I have sung the chorus, “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Absolutely, love the song to this day.<br />I never really understood the origins of the song. If you look at v. 22 – the stone the builders rejected become the capstone. This is referring to Jesus and his death. Jesus is the cornerstone and he was being rejected. Now, the very next verse is about rejoicing about the day. Do you realize my sister in Christ that the rejoicing is about the day Christ will be crucified? When I discovered the true meaning of this verse, it totally changed my perspective on the verse and song.<br /><br />How have you understood this verse in the past?<br /><br /> <br />How does your perspective change when you hear the context of the<br />verse and how it deals with Christ’s crucifixion?<br /><br /><br />Read John 16:20-22.<br /><br />There are several things that stand out to me in these verses. One is that before the disciples great joy there was grief and sorrow. Sometimes we have to experience grief to know true joy. Not always, but the joy is sometimes sweeter.<br />Secondly, we can relate to the pangs of childbirth and the joy of seeing your child being born. We know that a difficult childbirth is worth it when you see your precious child. Also, if you have adopted a child, you know the difficulty of waiting to make sure the adoption is final and the whole process can be difficult.<br /><br />Thirdly, verse 22 spoke volumes to me. No one will take away your joy. What do you think that means? Joy comes from God and our walk with him. Once, we have asked Jesus into our heart our joy comes from our salvation and forgiveness of sins. No one can take away the joy of our salvation.<br /><br />Even though the Bible says no one can take away our joy. Is someone<br />or something stealing your joy?<br /><br />If so, how can you reclaim your joy?<br /><br />If you are willing to share, has there been a deep sorrow in your life<br />that has made the joy that much sweeter?<br /><br /><br /><br />Joy is not happiness. Happiness to me is a momentary feeling. I felt happy when I had a good day or a good time with my family, etc. Joy is much more deep and abiding. You can have joy even in the darkest moments. I would say it is similar to peace. One commentary I read said, “Joy in the Christian life is in direct proportion as believers walk with the Lord.”<br /><br />I entitled this lesson, “I Choose Joy”. Sometimes joy has to be a willful commitment or choice. Lord, I’m choosing to rejoice in you, because of what you done. Joy is an act of praise. When we think of all the things God has done for us, how can we not rejoice!! Praising God is the best antidote for depression and anxiety. When we recount our blessings we experience a renewing of our faith and trust in whom God is and what he has done.<br /><br />One final verse to look up, Philippians 4:4.<br /><br />If you notice this verse does not say sometimes or when you feel like it. Another commentary I read stated this, “The joy of Christian is not based on agreeable<br />circumstances, instead it is based on their relationship to God.” I can rejoice, because of who God is, not who I am or what is going on in my life.<br /><br />What area in your life right now could you choose to rejoice in?<br /><br /><br />How would you define the difference between happiness and joy? Which<br />do you want in your life?<br /><br />Is there anything else you would like to share?<br /><br /><br />Can I encourage all of us to choose joy, not because of who we are, but because of the God we serve.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-37757635291978182662007-07-18T14:34:00.000-04:002007-07-18T14:35:10.144-04:00Lesson 3 - When God is Silent is He really working in my life?I think the hardest times in our lives are when it feels God is silent. We see no visible work in our life. We feel like our prayers our bouncing off the ceiling. We may feel God is working in everyone’s life but our own. We fall at his feet and want relief. Is God still working in those times? You bet he is and there is so much evidence in Scripture to prove that point. <br /><br />In a particularly difficult time in my life, when it seemed God was not working, I wrote in my journal after a prayer time these words that God spoke to me, “The road will be long, but I will prevail. You will need to be patient and trust me.” Those were difficult words to hear and difficult words to live out, but God was faithful and he did prevail. I have often heard people say after going through a difficult time they would not trade the experience for an easier time due to how close they became to God. I always found that statement a little difficult to hear and believe. You can count me in now. I would not trade my difficult times for the precious time I had diving into God’s word and seeing his promises and claiming them. I would look forward to my time with God and what he had to show me in his Word. God would show me time and time again that the promises in the Bible were for me as well and I clung to them and to him.<br /><br />Ultimately, I think God wants us to give it all to him and trust him even when it seems he is silent.<br /><br />Let’s look to the Scripture and look at one example of many in the Bible when God was silent, yet still working. I would love to do a whole Bible Study series on this one issue, because the Bible is full of examples.<br /><br />Read the entire book of Ruth, it only has four chapters.<br /><br />Answer the following questions:<br /><br />Look in Ruth 1:1-4, list all the changes that occurred to Ruth and Naomi in<br />a 10 year period. What do you think their stress level was?<br /><br />Read the famous verse, used in wedding ceremonies, Ruth 1:16. Let’s<br />look at it with a different eye. What do you see about Ruth and her faith?<br />From her experience so far, how do you think she viewed God?<br /><br />As you read Ruth, list the times when Ruth and Naomi had no one to<br />depend on, but God.<br /><br />If you were Ruth or Naomi, what would you be feeling when you had lost<br />your husband? Would you feel God is silent?<br /><br />God is mentioned indirectly in Ruth, yet list how God is working behind<br />the scenes of this story.<br /><br /><br />There is so much more we could see and look for in Ruth. Ruth and Naomi were in abject poverty, gleaning wheat from the edges of the field. Was God there in their distress? Yes. Did he provide? Yes, even more than they could imagine.<br />Were they faithful even during God’s silence? Yes. What a lesson for us to learn.<br />We can be faithful, in spite of not hearing or seeing God work.<br /><br />My concern, especially for women, is we are so emotional (a good thing) and in touch with our feelings. Often we may not “feel” God is working in our lives, but we have to trust that he is working whether we feel it or not. Faith is a fact not a feeling. We can have faith in God whether we “feel” like we want to or not. Faith is a volitional commitment.<br /><br />We can learn from Ruth’s very young faith, remember she wasn’t even a Jew, but a Gentile, that God will take care of us, provide for us, and protect us. Ruth, being a young widow was in a very vulnerable position in a country that was not her home. She had so many reasons to feel uncomfortable on so many different levels and so many reasons not to trust. Yet, she chose to trust even when she could not see the outcome.<br /><br />Answer the following questions and please share them with the Discussion Board:<br /><br />What one or more than one thing can you learn from Ruth’s story that<br />applies to you directly?<br /><br /><br />Can you share a time that God seemed silent in your life, but he was<br />working mightily behind the scenes?<br /><br /><br />Do you have a hard time with feelings getting in the way when it<br />comes to faith?<br /><br /><br />What encouragement could you give to a friend or a woman here<br />about when God is silent in their lives?<br /><br /> <br /> 5. Anything else you would like to share?Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-65341405033458220932007-07-18T14:31:00.000-04:002007-07-18T14:33:27.305-04:00Lesson 2 - Is God Really in Control?There are so many verses in the Bible that tell us God is in control and he is sovereign. God knew you would be doing this online Bible Study before the world began. He knew what feelings you would be having right now. If we really take time to think about this it truly can blow our minds. Truthfully, I don’t think our feeble human minds can wrap around this idea. We will try.<br /><br />Many times I get emails from women stating they wished they could stay home and don’t want to be working. I know that must be hard and frustrating. I would like to reassure you whatever tough time you are experiencing right now does not come as a surprise to God. He is in control of your life.<br /><br />Let’s look at some scriptures to support the above statements:<br /><br />Isaiah 46:9-10<br /><br />What does that verse say to you?<br /><br />Does this verse give you comfort?<br /><br />The part that stands out to me is “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” If God wants something to happen, it will happen. Nothing can stand in his way. Even my own sin cannot thwart God’s plan. We find many examples in the Bible where people tried to take matters into their own hands, but God’s plan still worked. Think of Sarah. She thought there was no way she could become pregnant and so she had Hagar have a baby for her, but that was not God’s plan. Eventually, Sarah did become pregnant and had Isaac. God’s plan happened, in spite of Sarah’s “help”.<br /><br />Read Jeremiah 29:11<br /><br />This has been my life verse recently. My life verse changes from time to time.<br />When you read this verse, I will ask you to put your name in the you spot.<br /><br />How does that read to you, when you place in your name?<br /><br />Also, I want you to notice in this verse the focus is on what God is going to do in my life, not what I’m going to do. <br /><br />Who is making the plans? Who is prospering? Who is giving hope?<br /><br />God is doing all of that. Oh dear sister, in Christ if we could ever consistently realize it is about what God is doing in our lives and not us, we would be so much happier. See when I realize God is control and he is the one who is implementing the plan I know it will not fail. God keeps his promises, I don’t. God is always faithful, I’m not.<br /><br />Read Psalm 139<br /><br />I love this Psalm, it is so personal. David is crying out to God. David also clearly realizes in this Psalm who is in control of his life.<br /><br />Which verses stand out for you in this chapter?<br /><br />Why do they stand out?<br /><br /><br />There are so many verses that I truly love in this chapter. One that gives me pause is verse 16. “All the days were ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” God knew the day I would be born and the day I will die. He also knows about all the days in between.<br /><br />Often when we get in difficult times, we get so stuck in the here and now. Often people have given me the advice to look from 1,000 feet above. You will hear astronauts talk about when they are in space and see the earth; they see no specific countries, just the outline of countries. Earth looks as one planet, but oh the strife on earth. Sometimes we need to step away from a situation and get a birds eye view or higher. It helps us think about how this is situation is fitting God’s plan. It helps us not make impulsive decisions that can be wrong.<br /><br />Let’s look at one more verse, there are so many.<br /><br />Romans 8:28<br /><br />This is one of the verses in the Bible that has been misused through the centuries. Often, after a tragic death that cannot be explained someone will use this verse and say it was God’s will for someone to die. That could not be more untrue. There is still evil in this world and God still gave us freedom to make our own decisions.<br /><br />What this verse does mean is God can use all things for his glory and purpose. God can use the most tragic situation still for his glory. Unfortunately, we live in an area where it seems at least one teen and often many teens die each year in car accidents. The situation is so unbelievably tragic for everyone involved. Yet,<br />after these accidents you will see teens who thought they were invincible and they would come to Jesus when they were old, begin realizing life is short. Often, you will see many teens coming to Christ or renew their faith after a tragic accident. So, even in tragedy God can work.<br /><br />Now, I know some of you may have been raised in abusive homes or had a tragic experience. You maybe saying did God want that to happen to me, did he allow that to happen to me?<br /><br />No, an emphatic No. God is angry at the abuser and the abuse. God shows compassion to the abused and hurt. Can God even use abuse for his glory? Yes, one can learn even through tragedies that God is our ultimate Father and he loves us, even if our earthly families do not. We can bear testimony to how God has helped us through difficult situations. <br /><br />Please do not hear me for one moment minimizing abuse. Abuse is painful and leaves lasting scars. God is the ultimate physician and he can work to lovingly repair all of those hurts and scars. He can still use the most awful times in our life for his glory.<br /><br />Often, I see God’s sovereignty after I am through a situation and looking back. I can see God’s fingerprints all over the situation, but when I was in the middle of it I could not. That is why trusting God is a commitment by faith and not feeling. Often, I do not “feel” God is working, but I have to trust he is in control of my life.<br /><br />Discussion Questions to answer on the forum:<br /><br />Do you really believe God is control of your life?<br /><br /><br />Are you willing to share a time when you thought God was not in control,<br />but you looked back and saw God’s hand.<br /><br /><br />What Bible verse or passage spoke to you the most?<br /><br /><br />When is it hardest for you to trust that God is in control?<br /><br /><br />Feel free to share any other comments you may have or if you disagree<br />with anything I said?Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687099970634697942.post-57883033056401492482007-07-18T14:29:00.000-04:002007-07-18T14:31:18.554-04:00Lesson 1 - Your Identity In ChristOne of the things I think as Christian women, or really just women, is we often see or think about ourselves differently every day. Sometimes we look in the mirror and like who we see and sometimes we don’t like that woman. Our self-esteem can also fluctuate with our monthly cycle. Also, I would say Satan also wants us to put ourselves down as well.<br /><br />I would like to encourage us to begin to see our identity in Christ and not in the usual way we define ourselves. Even the name of this site, Christian Working Mom is a way of identifying ourselves. We are a special group (personally I think extraordinary) of women set apart by the fact that we are Christians and working Moms. We need to truly focus on what it means to be a Christian and who we are in Christ. I think if we were to meditate everyday on our identity in Christ we would be different women. We would love that face we see in the mirror; no matter what size we are this week.<br /><br />Let’s look at what the Bible says about our Identity in Christ:<br /><br />I want to break this into three parts:<br /><br />I am accepted in Christ.<br /><br />Read the following verses and write down how they show you are accepted in Christ.<br /><br />John 1:12<br /><br />1 Corinthians 6:19-20<br /><br />Ephesians 1:3-8<br /><br />Colossians 2:9-10<br /><br />I am secure in Christ.<br /><br />Read the following verses and what do they mean to you.<br /><br />Romans 8:1-2<br /><br />Romans 8:28<br /><br />Philippians 1:6<br />1 John 5:18<br /><br />I am significant in Christ.<br /><br />Read the following verses as they were written to you specifically. Replace the you in the verse with your name. How does that sound different?<br /><br />John 15:16<br /><br />1 Corinthians 3:16<br /><br />Ephesians 2:6<br /><br />Ephesians 3:12<br /><br />Philippians 4:13<br /><br />When I allow myself to dwell on my identity in Christ I am overwhelmed and moved to tears. First, of all I am chosen. God before the world began chose me, little Kimberly Chastain, to be his child. How honored and special that makes me feel and humble as well. God the Father knew me and loved me before the world began. Colossians 2:9-10 says I’m complete in Christ. Complete meaning I don’t need anyone or anything else. Christ is sufficient. I really need to soak that in. What does that have to say about many self-help programs? In Christ, I am complete and I’m becoming more and more like him each day till I go home to be with him.<br /><br />Security in Christ means more and more each day due to this scary world we live in. I love Romans 8:1-2, there is no condemnation in those who are in Christ Jesus. The world can condemn me or hurt me, but in Christ I am loved no matter what. I am safe in Him no matter what the world throws at me. Also, that God will work out his plan in my life even in the most difficult circumstances. I have to trust that he is in control and knows what is best for me.<br /><br />The last point about my identity in Christ is I am significant. The world tries to tell me I’m just a number, but God says otherwise. God has chosen me to be a witness to the world and shine his image through me. Does God need me to work out his plan? No! Does he choose to use many anyway? Yes!! Wow, that God would use you and me to fulfill and carry out his plan for others. Sinners such as us. What does that say about who you are in Christ? Christ loves me and wants to use me to reach others for him and show his light. He will give me strength to do all things. God just doesn’t use me, he give me all the strength I need to do his Will.<br /><br />I praise God for him choosing me and loving me no matter what. The God of the universe is pursuing me and wants me to spend time with him. He wants to love and protect me. When God loves me that much I have to realize I am wonderfully and fearfully made. Not because of who I am, but because of whose I am. I am special and you are too in the deepest of meanings and terms.<br /><br />Here are some questions to consider for discussion and post your answers or other comments on the discussion board.<br /><br />What does the world say about my identity?<br /><br /><br />What does God say about who I am?<br /><br /><br />What verse or verses spoke to you the most or you read them again with<br />a fresh eye?<br /><br /><br />What is hardest point for you to believe or accept about your identity in<br />Christ?<br /><br />What could you do to remind yourself and others about your and their<br />identity in Christ?<br /><br /><br />Any other comments you would like to share.Coach Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745754071595279271noreply@blogger.com14