Monday, December 20, 2010

Week Six - WGPDUT

Wow. I cannot believe this is the final post for our Bible study. Doesn’t it feel like we started just a few weeks ago? Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed this study as much as I have. God is always faithful to teach us more about Himself and more about His word when we apply ourselves to learning. I love that.

This week, I particularly loved learning that God intends for us to live victoriously with a clear conscience. I am definitely someone who struggles with feelings of guilt and defeat - not so much over my past sins as much as I struggle with feelings of present failure in living up to a self-imposed standard of “righteousness.” Indeed, I am one who tends to waiver between self-loathing works-oriented failure and self-righteous works-oriented justification. For a while now, God has been working with me on simply hiding myself in the shadow of the cross, counting on the work of Christ (and not my own works) for a clear conscience before Him. It has not been an easy lesson for me to learn.

With about a month to go before baby girl number two arrives, I have been worried about how I will keep from feelings of guilt and defeat during those first few difficult months as a new mom. I know that during those first few months I will not be able to apply myself to intense, structured Bible study. So I have already been worrying about my spiritual growth during that time. I believe this week’s lessons spoke directly to me on this very issue. It is time that, once and for all, I embrace the saving grace of the cross of Jesus Christ. Justification by Jesus Christ alone. Sweet freedom!

Although I will not be committing to leading an intense Bible study format in the next few months, I do believe God has called me to participate in Beth’s “Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2011.” (See http://blog.lproof.org/2010/12/my-fun-little-siesta-surprise.html for details). The goal of the team is to memorize 24 verses, two verses a month within a year. I think it is the perfect commitment for me to make in 2011, and in preparation for the arrival of baby girl number two. Moreover, I believe the Lord has laid it on my heart to specifically memorize verses that all relate to the work of the cross of Jesus Christ and His faithfulness in keeping His covenant with us. I am so done with believing the lie that I am failing or, alternatively, that I am something more than I am. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14, NIV. I think that is definitely going to be my first verse! And I really cannot wait until January 1st.

What about you? As we wrap up our time studying together, what next step do you believe God is calling you to take in your walk with Him? I am learning that these steps of faith do not always look the same (based on the different seasons of our lives), but they always seem to require a deliberate response to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

If we have learned anything through this Bible study, we have learned that we are at war. Indeed, “We are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere” Ephesians 6:12, AMP. In defense, we are told to be strong in the Lord, to draw our strength from Him, and to put on the armor of the Lord that we may be able to resist the enemy. Ephesians 6:10-13.

If you have made a personal commitment to post on our discussion page each week, tell us two things this week. First, tell us something that you learned through study this week. Second, (as this Bible study wraps) tell us about your next step of faith. How do you plan to be deliberate in taking that next step of faith? Where is God directing you from here?

This week, we’ll be watching the final group session 6 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 148 of your workbook.

http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094030/?cs=1

You girls have made this my favorite online Bible study to date. Thank you so much for your friendship. Your active participation on the blog was a blessing to me.

Also, if anyone is interested in leading this group in another study while I am on “maternity leave” please send me an inbox. Catie, your post last week was so great (thanks again). It was really neat to see what the Lord is teaching my “little” sister. You might have to come out of the shadows and step into a leadership role yourself Miss C. The Lord is definitely speaking to you, and other people (like myself) want to hear more of what He’s saying. I love you very much.

Your friend, Amy

Week Six - WGPDUT

Wow. I cannot believe this is the final post for our Bible study. Doesn’t it feel like we started just a few weeks ago? Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed this study as much as I have. God is always faithful to teach us more about Himself and more about His word when we apply ourselves to learning. I love that.

This week, I particularly loved learning that God intends for us to live victoriously with a clear conscience. I am definitely someone who struggles with feelings of guilt and defeat - not so much over my past sins as much as I struggle with feelings of present failure in living up to a self-imposed standard of “righteousness.” Indeed, I am one who tends to waiver between self-loathing works-oriented failure and self-righteous works-oriented justification. For a while now, God has been working with me on simply hiding myself in the shadow of the cross, counting on the work of Christ (and not my own works) for a clear conscience before Him. It has not been an easy lesson for me to learn.

With about a month to go before baby girl number two arrives, I have been worried about how I will keep from feelings of guilt and defeat during those first few difficult months as a new mom. I know that during those first few months I will not be able to apply myself to intense, structured Bible study. So I have already been worrying about my spiritual growth during that time. I believe this week’s lessons spoke directly to me on this very issue. It is time that, once and for all, I embrace the saving grace of the cross of Jesus Christ. Justification by Jesus Christ alone. Sweet freedom!

Although I will not be committing to leading an intense Bible study format in the next few months, I do believe God has called me to participate in Beth’s “Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2011.” (See http://blog.lproof.org/2010/12/my-fun-little-siesta-surprise.html for details). The goal of the team is to memorize 24 verses, two verses a month within a year. I think it is the perfect commitment for me to make in 2011, and in preparation for the arrival of baby girl number two. Moreover, I believe the Lord has laid it on my heart to specifically memorize verses that all relate to the work of the cross of Jesus Christ and His faithfulness in keeping His covenant with us. I am so done with believing the lie that I am failing or, alternatively, that I am something more than I am. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14, NIV. I think that is definitely going to be my first verse! And I really cannot wait until January 1st.

What about you? As we wrap up our time studying together, what next step do you believe God is calling you to take in your walk with Him? I am learning that these steps of faith do not always look the same (based on the different seasons of our lives), but they always seem to require a deliberate response to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

If we have learned anything through this Bible study, we have learned that we are at war. Indeed, “We are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere” Ephesians 6:12, AMP. In defense, we are told to be strong in the Lord, to draw our strength from Him, and to put on the armor of the Lord that we may be able to resist the enemy. Ephesians 6:10-13.

If you have made a personal commitment to post on our discussion page each week, tell us two things this week. First, tell us something that you learned through study this week. Second, (as this Bible study wraps) tell us about your next step of faith. How do you plan to be deliberate in taking that next step of faith? Where is God directing you from here?

This week, we’ll be watching the final group session 6 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 148 of your workbook.

http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094030/?cs=1

You girls have made this my favorite online Bible study to date. Thank you so much for your friendship. Your active participation on the blog was a blessing to me.

Also, if anyone is interested in leading this group in another study while I am on “maternity leave” please send me an inbox. Catie, your post last week was so great (thanks again). It was really neat to see what the Lord is teaching my “little” sister. You might have to come out of the shadows and step into a leadership role yourself Miss C. The Lord is definitely speaking to you, and other people (like myself) want to hear more of what He’s saying. I love you very much.

Your friend, Amy

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Week Five - WGPDUT

Hi Everyone!

I am posting this week because Amy seems to be having some internet trouble and isn’t able to get on here until Thursday. She wanted to make sure the post was up in time for those of you who are on track so you can watch the video session 5 this week! I’ll have to go ahead and admit that I am in fact a little bit behind but would still love to share where I’m at and what I’ve been learning.

I just finished week four and some key points really hit home for me. Much like Beth, I am also a very visual learner. The stick figure diagram, I thought, was brilliant. Just to see two people intertwined like the drawing depicted, truly does signify how unhealthy relationships can feel. Suffocating. I love how Hebrews 12:1 actually uses the word “entangles.”

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Entanglement doesn’t necessarily have to be between two people. Some of you may have found this picture more meaningful if your stick figure was wrapped up in an object, a dollar sign, career … etc. Hebrews 12:1 clearly states that whatever the sin is, it entangles us and we need to throw it off in order to run the race marked out for us.

The second drawing was of two stick figures that were connected with a cross between them. I just loved this. Christ doesn’t want us to disconnect in every relationship we have, in fact, we are called to do just the opposite. However, this second picture shows the proper way to maintain these relationships: with God centered in the middle.
This far in the study, what key points/lessons/or verses have really stuck with you and have impacted your daily routine?

Did this drawing hit home for any of you? If so, I hope you were as grateful as I was to know that no rope is tied too tight for God. And with Him centered in our relationships, we can live with a sigh of relief, knowing that He is the one managing our relationships.

If you have made a personal commitment to make a post on our group page each week, let us know what you thought. If you are a little bit behind (as I am) feel free to post where you’re at and what you’re learning at this point in your study!

This week, we’ll be watching the group session 5 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 123 of your workbook.

http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094029/

Have a great week!!

Your friend,
Catie

Week Five - WGPDUT

Hi Everyone!

I am posting this week because Amy seems to be having some internet trouble and isn’t able to get on here until Thursday. She wanted to make sure the post was up in time for those of you who are on track so you can watch the video session 5 this week! I’ll have to go ahead and admit that I am in fact a little bit behind but would still love to share where I’m at and what I’ve been learning.

I just finished week four and some key points really hit home for me. Much like Beth, I am also a very visual learner. The stick figure diagram, I thought, was brilliant. Just to see two people intertwined like the drawing depicted, truly does signify how unhealthy relationships can feel. Suffocating. I love how Hebrews 12:1 actually uses the word “entangles.”

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Entanglement doesn’t necessarily have to be between two people. Some of you may have found this picture more meaningful if your stick figure was wrapped up in an object, a dollar sign, career … etc. Hebrews 12:1 clearly states that whatever the sin is, it entangles us and we need to throw it off in order to run the race marked out for us.

The second drawing was of two stick figures that were connected with a cross between them. I just loved this. Christ doesn’t want us to disconnect in every relationship we have, in fact, we are called to do just the opposite. However, this second picture shows the proper way to maintain these relationships: with God centered in the middle.
This far in the study, what key points/lessons/or verses have really stuck with you and have impacted your daily routine?

Did this drawing hit home for any of you? If so, I hope you were as grateful as I was to know that no rope is tied too tight for God. And with Him centered in our relationships, we can live with a sigh of relief, knowing that He is the one managing our relationships.

If you have made a personal commitment to make a post on our group page each week, let us know what you thought. If you are a little bit behind (as I am) feel free to post where you’re at and what you’re learning at this point in your study!

This week, we’ll be watching the group session 5 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 123 of your workbook.

http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094029/

Have a great week!!

Your friend,
Catie

Monday, December 6, 2010

Week Four - WGPDUT

Late again! I hope you will forgive me for being a little late in making our weekly post again this week. I generally like to get a new post up on the page before lunch time, but I have had tough Mondays for the past two weeks. We had a slight family crisis this weekend (I’ll spare you the details because it still breaks my heart too much to blog about), but I will say that my family certainly would appreciate your prayers.

In any case, I am happy to get back into study mode with you now. We definitely have a lot to discuss from this past week of homework. Our focus this week was guarding against relational seductions. Or in other words, we studied how to maintain healthy relationships. Right off we learned that disconnecting from others in order to avoid be relationally seduced is not a viable option. Beth rightly noted that we have been left on this earth for the unapologetic purposes of connecting: (1) with a lost world through the gospel of Jesus Christ; (2) with people in need (people who need food, shelter, medical care, etc.) in the name of Jesus Christ; and (3) with the body of Christ for the love of Christ. Moreover, we discussed what it means to have unity with other believers, the snare of sexually seductive relationships, the snare of nonsexually seductive relationships, and the need we have for discernment and accountability.

Personally, I was encouraged by the topic this week in many ways. Generally speaking, I am a people person. I love my friends, my family, and even most strangers in a weird way. But, without a doubt, I have definitely had some unhealthy relationships in my life. It was interesting to be able to reflect on these relationships from a godly perspective. I’d like to think that, when it comes to my relationships today, I am much older and wiser (in part, due to my experiences in previous relationships and the hard lessons I’ve learned). But I also appreciated the valuable reminders this week of study had to offer. After all, I never want to get caught in seductive relational webs again.

What about you? What did you appreciate most from the lessons and/or video this past week? If you have made a personal commitment to make a post on our group page each week, let us know what you thought. It is always encouraging to hear from other members in the group!


This week, we’ll be watching the group session 4 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 101 of your workbook.

http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094028/?cs=1

I so love studying with each of you.

Your friend, Amy

Week Four - WGPDUT

Late again! I hope you will forgive me for being a little late in making our weekly post again this week. I generally like to get a new post up on the page before lunch time, but I have had tough Mondays for the past two weeks. We had a slight family crisis this weekend (I’ll spare you the details because it still breaks my heart too much to blog about), but I will say that my family certainly would appreciate your prayers.

In any case, I am happy to get back into study mode with you now. We definitely have a lot to discuss from this past week of homework. Our focus this week was guarding against relational seductions. Or in other words, we studied how to maintain healthy relationships. Right off we learned that disconnecting from others in order to avoid be relationally seduced is not a viable option. Beth rightly noted that we have been left on this earth for the unapologetic purposes of connecting: (1) with a lost world through the gospel of Jesus Christ; (2) with people in need (people who need food, shelter, medical care, etc.) in the name of Jesus Christ; and (3) with the body of Christ for the love of Christ. Moreover, we discussed what it means to have unity with other believers, the snare of sexually seductive relationships, the snare of nonsexually seductive relationships, and the need we have for discernment and accountability.

Personally, I was encouraged by the topic this week in many ways. Generally speaking, I am a people person. I love my friends, my family, and even most strangers in a weird way. But, without a doubt, I have definitely had some unhealthy relationships in my life. It was interesting to be able to reflect on these relationships from a godly perspective. I’d like to think that, when it comes to my relationships today, I am much older and wiser (in part, due to my experiences in previous relationships and the hard lessons I’ve learned). But I also appreciated the valuable reminders this week of study had to offer. After all, I never want to get caught in seductive relational webs again.

What about you? What did you appreciate most from the lessons and/or video this past week? If you have made a personal commitment to make a post on our group page each week, let us know what you thought. It is always encouraging to hear from other members in the group!


This week, we’ll be watching the group session 4 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 101 of your workbook.

http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094028/?cs=1

I so love studying with each of you.

Your friend, Amy