If you didn’t read the “Next Level with Melissa” entitled, “James 5 & 2009” (on pages 182 and 183) this past week, grab your workbook and read it now.
With that in mind, let’s recall. What was it that James said in James 5:16? “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Do you believe it? I have a feeling Melissa does.
A couple of years ago, my good friend’s mother had a brain aneurysm. She almost died. Many people were offering words of encouragement to my friend on Facebook, and my mom was one of them. I remember it like yesterday; she quoted James 5:16. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” It stopped me cold.
Shortly thereafter, I was on my knees interceding for my friend’s mom. I started to pray, but was intimidated by James’ reference to “a righteous person.” I was trying my best to walk with the Lord, but I was not righteous. How could I be confident my prayer had any power or effect whatsoever?
Then it hit me. The Lord Jesus is Righteous. And by His Spirit, I suddenly understood. How is my prayer powerful? How is prayer effective? Because I come before the Throne of Grace - not according to my own unrighteousness - but according to the Righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is by that Name - the Name above all names - that I am justified before the Father and counted among the children of the Most High God. That’s right - I am righteous! And my prayers are not only heard - but also are also powerful! And effective!
***
If you have committed to posting a comment in response to our weekly lessons, feel free to post anything you like. If however you find it easier to respond to a specific question, our question of the week is this:
Give an example of a time when God answered a prayer in an obvious or amazing way.
***
This week, we’ll be watching video session SEVEN The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the video session) can be found on pages 184 and 185 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 7” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 7" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 7 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week 7 begins on page 187 of our workbooks and ends on page 211. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
Your friend, Amy
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
James Mercy Triumphs - Session 6
Yikes! Late again! So sorry if any of you were waiting on the video link. I’m pretty sure none of you are completely up to date on homework and videos but, even so, I like to get my posts up on Saturday. I apologize for any inconvenience.
As you probably know, I have had the privilege of going through this Bible study with an awesome group of women at my local church in Cherry Hill, NJ. Sadly, however, I was unable to study with those ladies this week because my youngest little miss wasn’t feeling well. I missed that time - it is usually a place where I reflect on the week and glean even more from what God has taught me through study. For me, it is a place where the rubber meets the road. A place where concepts become practical - as my friends and I work through how these truths are actually applied rather than merely considered.
Missing this week of personal interaction got me thinking about different stages of my life when I didn’t have a safe place to honestly and vulnerably work through what God was teaching me. Church, for me, was a place where I felt condemnation - not freedom. It was a place where I was afraid of being judged, and a place where I myself judged others.
While, I still work at being free from judging others and having personal feelings of condemnation, this is (all glory to God!) an area where I am beginning to see signs of victory.
Today in church it was said by our Assistant Pastor, “the safest place for anyone to walk into should be a church.” Oh, that this would be true in our churches!
***
If you have committed to posting a comment in response to our weekly lessons, feel free to post anything you like. If however you find it easier to respond to a specific question, our question of the week is this:
Beth taught meaningfully on the subject of judgment this week. In what ways did these truths challenge or encourage you?
***
This week, we’ll be watching video session SIX The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the video session) can be found on pages 154 and 155 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 6” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 6" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 6 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week six begins on page 157 of our workbooks and ends on page 183. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
Your friend, Amy
As you probably know, I have had the privilege of going through this Bible study with an awesome group of women at my local church in Cherry Hill, NJ. Sadly, however, I was unable to study with those ladies this week because my youngest little miss wasn’t feeling well. I missed that time - it is usually a place where I reflect on the week and glean even more from what God has taught me through study. For me, it is a place where the rubber meets the road. A place where concepts become practical - as my friends and I work through how these truths are actually applied rather than merely considered.
Missing this week of personal interaction got me thinking about different stages of my life when I didn’t have a safe place to honestly and vulnerably work through what God was teaching me. Church, for me, was a place where I felt condemnation - not freedom. It was a place where I was afraid of being judged, and a place where I myself judged others.
While, I still work at being free from judging others and having personal feelings of condemnation, this is (all glory to God!) an area where I am beginning to see signs of victory.
Today in church it was said by our Assistant Pastor, “the safest place for anyone to walk into should be a church.” Oh, that this would be true in our churches!
***
If you have committed to posting a comment in response to our weekly lessons, feel free to post anything you like. If however you find it easier to respond to a specific question, our question of the week is this:
Beth taught meaningfully on the subject of judgment this week. In what ways did these truths challenge or encourage you?
***
This week, we’ll be watching video session SIX The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the video session) can be found on pages 154 and 155 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 6” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 6" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 6 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week six begins on page 157 of our workbooks and ends on page 183. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
Your friend, Amy
Saturday, February 4, 2012
James Mercy Triumphs - Session 5
The taming of the tongue... ouch! Anyone else feel more than a little convicted on this issue? If so, be encouraged. I am going to keep this post brief tonight, but I want you to consider this:
In the third week of our homework, Beth told us to, “keep in mind that God gave us mouths on purpose so the point is not to cease talking.” Shortly after having read this, I was reading a chapter of Francis Chan’s book, “Forgotten God.” In it, he mentions that the most Spirit-filled christian he knows is a woman by the name of Joni Eareckson Tada. If you are not familiar with Joni, she has a really amazing testimony, and I encourage you to google her or check out her website: http://www.joniandfriends.org/ In any case, Francis Chan listed the MANY charitable organizations Joni founded and accolades Joni has received, and then concluded by saying something like this, “I do not think Joni is the most Spirit-filled christian I know because of any of the things I have mentioned. I think she is the most Spirit-filled christian I know because every time I talk to her, she encourages me with Scripture, or she sings a hymn, or she testifies to a work God is doing in her life or the lives of others.”
Think about that. Joni uses her mouth to give glory to the Lord, and that is what marks Joni (in Francis Chan’s mind) as the most Spirit-filled christian Francis Chan knows. Her mouth!
So what do you say? Do you want to use your mouth with me?
***
If you have committed to posting a comment in response to our weekly lessons, feel free to post anything you like. If however you find it easier to respond to a specific question, our question of the week is this:
Share some of your childhood family’s happy or annoying quirks :)
***
This week, we’ll be watching video session FIVE The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the video session) can be found on pages 126 and 127 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 5” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 5" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 5 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week three begins on page 129 of our workbooks and ends on page 153. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
Your friend, Amy
In the third week of our homework, Beth told us to, “keep in mind that God gave us mouths on purpose so the point is not to cease talking.” Shortly after having read this, I was reading a chapter of Francis Chan’s book, “Forgotten God.” In it, he mentions that the most Spirit-filled christian he knows is a woman by the name of Joni Eareckson Tada. If you are not familiar with Joni, she has a really amazing testimony, and I encourage you to google her or check out her website: http://www.joniandfriends.org/ In any case, Francis Chan listed the MANY charitable organizations Joni founded and accolades Joni has received, and then concluded by saying something like this, “I do not think Joni is the most Spirit-filled christian I know because of any of the things I have mentioned. I think she is the most Spirit-filled christian I know because every time I talk to her, she encourages me with Scripture, or she sings a hymn, or she testifies to a work God is doing in her life or the lives of others.”
Think about that. Joni uses her mouth to give glory to the Lord, and that is what marks Joni (in Francis Chan’s mind) as the most Spirit-filled christian Francis Chan knows. Her mouth!
So what do you say? Do you want to use your mouth with me?
***
If you have committed to posting a comment in response to our weekly lessons, feel free to post anything you like. If however you find it easier to respond to a specific question, our question of the week is this:
Share some of your childhood family’s happy or annoying quirks :)
***
This week, we’ll be watching video session FIVE The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the video session) can be found on pages 126 and 127 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 5” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 5" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 5 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week three begins on page 129 of our workbooks and ends on page 153. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
Your friend, Amy
Sunday, January 29, 2012
James Mercy Triumphs - Session 4
What happened? At about 10:30 last night I realized it was Saturday and I had not posted a link to our current video session. If anyone out there was waiting on it, I’m very sorry about that.
That being said, I had a great week of study this past week, and I hope you did too. Specifically, I hope each of us took our time to especially consider the homework on Day Two - where we looked at James 1:22-25, verses Beth said were “the keys to flourishing life, bone-deep transformation, and divine blessing.” I don’t know about you, but when someone in like Beth Moore tells me that something is a “key,” I pay attention. Remember what I said about Zelda?
On Day 2, Beth warned us that, “there is no lie so sly as the one we tell ourselves.” Though we attend church services, participate in church activities, and even study the Bible, we can deceive ourselves with regard to the actual application of God’s word to our lives. Though I’m sure you read this in your homework, indulge me in considering another of Beth’s warnings:
“We can underline our Bibles till our pens run dry without a drop of ink splattering our lives. The self-deception slithers in when we mistake appreciation for application or being touched with being changed. The tricky part is that hearing all by itself really does lend a certain satisfaction. Think about the last time you closed your eyes and listened to an instrument that nearly brought you to tears. Something similar can happen when we listen to Scripture being read or a message being taught. The hearing itself can be satisfying, ‘Deep calls to deep’ (Ps. 42:7), and we nod our heads with genuine resonance.”
In considering this, I wondered, in what ways or for what reasons are we prone to deceiving ourselves? One of the ways that occurred to me was that we use our christian friends as a barometer to gauge our devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. Though we are surrounded by many well-meaning, sincere believers, we are prone to adjusting our lifestyles to look more like the people around us than a Biblical portrayal of Jesus Christ.
Throughout the New Testament, Paul repeatedly admonished believers to follow his example as he followed the example of Christ. Take a minute and look up the following verses: Philippians 3:17, Philippians 4:9, 1 Corinthians 4:15-16, and 1 Corinthians 11:1.
You will see in reading these verses that Paul did not tell the Philippians or the Corinthians, “look to each other to determine what is required of you or how you should live your life as Christ.” No. Rather, he said something more like, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).
Therefore, when somebody like Beth Moore tells us that certain verses are “the keys to flourishing life, bone-deep transformation, and divine blessing,” I hope she has our full attention. Let’s not write this lesson off as applying to other people. Instead, let us look carefully into the perfect law that sets us free, do what it says (not forgetting what we heard), and thus receive blessing from the Lord for DOING IT (Jas. 1:25, NLT).
***
If you have committed to posting a comment in response to our weekly lessons, feel free to post anything you like. If however you find it easier to respond to a specific question, our question of the week is this:
What are some other ways or reasons we are prone to deceiving ourselves?
***
This week, we’ll be watching video session FOUR. The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the video session) can be found on pages 96 and 97 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 4” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 4" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 4 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week three begins on page 99 of our workbooks and ends on page 125. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
Your friend, Amy
That being said, I had a great week of study this past week, and I hope you did too. Specifically, I hope each of us took our time to especially consider the homework on Day Two - where we looked at James 1:22-25, verses Beth said were “the keys to flourishing life, bone-deep transformation, and divine blessing.” I don’t know about you, but when someone in like Beth Moore tells me that something is a “key,” I pay attention. Remember what I said about Zelda?
On Day 2, Beth warned us that, “there is no lie so sly as the one we tell ourselves.” Though we attend church services, participate in church activities, and even study the Bible, we can deceive ourselves with regard to the actual application of God’s word to our lives. Though I’m sure you read this in your homework, indulge me in considering another of Beth’s warnings:
“We can underline our Bibles till our pens run dry without a drop of ink splattering our lives. The self-deception slithers in when we mistake appreciation for application or being touched with being changed. The tricky part is that hearing all by itself really does lend a certain satisfaction. Think about the last time you closed your eyes and listened to an instrument that nearly brought you to tears. Something similar can happen when we listen to Scripture being read or a message being taught. The hearing itself can be satisfying, ‘Deep calls to deep’ (Ps. 42:7), and we nod our heads with genuine resonance.”
In considering this, I wondered, in what ways or for what reasons are we prone to deceiving ourselves? One of the ways that occurred to me was that we use our christian friends as a barometer to gauge our devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. Though we are surrounded by many well-meaning, sincere believers, we are prone to adjusting our lifestyles to look more like the people around us than a Biblical portrayal of Jesus Christ.
Throughout the New Testament, Paul repeatedly admonished believers to follow his example as he followed the example of Christ. Take a minute and look up the following verses: Philippians 3:17, Philippians 4:9, 1 Corinthians 4:15-16, and 1 Corinthians 11:1.
You will see in reading these verses that Paul did not tell the Philippians or the Corinthians, “look to each other to determine what is required of you or how you should live your life as Christ.” No. Rather, he said something more like, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).
Therefore, when somebody like Beth Moore tells us that certain verses are “the keys to flourishing life, bone-deep transformation, and divine blessing,” I hope she has our full attention. Let’s not write this lesson off as applying to other people. Instead, let us look carefully into the perfect law that sets us free, do what it says (not forgetting what we heard), and thus receive blessing from the Lord for DOING IT (Jas. 1:25, NLT).
***
If you have committed to posting a comment in response to our weekly lessons, feel free to post anything you like. If however you find it easier to respond to a specific question, our question of the week is this:
What are some other ways or reasons we are prone to deceiving ourselves?
***
This week, we’ll be watching video session FOUR. The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the video session) can be found on pages 96 and 97 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 4” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 4" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 4 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week three begins on page 99 of our workbooks and ends on page 125. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
Your friend, Amy
Saturday, January 21, 2012
James Mercy Triumphs - Session 3
The Greek transliteration of James’ name is Jacobus. In other words, his name is Jacob. All I can say to this is, “WOW.”
If you would have told me this little factiod 3 years ago, I probably would have just nodded my head politely and smiled, while thinking something like, “that’s interesting, but so what?” So if that IS what you happen to be thinking to yourself at this very moment, don’t worry. In fact, be encouraged! You are on the treasure hunt of your life sister! And the more you dig, the more wonderful the gems you will find.
My husband Matt laughed at me when I said this to him recently. Studying God’s word reminds of that old video game Zelda. If I remember the game correctly (I probably only played it a total of 10 times), you (Zelda) would journey around on the video game board looking for keys that you might need to unlock unknown rooms or treasures. You basically didn’t even know why you were collecting these keys or what you would use them to unlock. Such is the study of God’s word.
Let me try to explain with a specific example. About 3 years ago, I worked through Beth Moore’s study of the Tabernacle entitled, “A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place.” While I did enjoy that study in the midst of doing it, I didn’t begin to fully appreciate its worth until much later. To this day, I am using keys I found on that journey through God’s word to unlock treasures I come upon today.
And here we have another treasure. To be honest, I’m not sure exactly where I collected my keys to appreciate and understand the significance of Jacob as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel (it may have been through “A Woman’s Heart” or elsewhere), but those little keys continue to blow my mind with the treasures they unlock.
While it may be just another fact to someone else, it sincerely BLOWS MY MIND that the book of James may very well have been the first book of the New Testament written, and that James essentially opens his letter saying, “This letter is from Jacob, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: joy to you!” Talk about coming FULL CIRCLE. Wow.
What is my point? Okay, I’m getting to it. Try to catch my enthusiasm (because an exclamation point will not do this sentence justice): Bible study is so incredibly amazing! Keep collecting your keys! If this one went right over your head, I get that. It still happens to me all the time. But we should never dare stop or think that we’re missing the point. Because when we “get it” (and we will), there is nothing like it- Nothing. I know, because I “got” this one. And all I can say to this is, “WOW.”
***
If you have committed to posting a comment in response to our weekly lessons, feel free to post anything you like. If however you find it easier to respond to a specific question, our question of the week is this:
What did you write in response to the question posed on page 46?
***
This week, we’ll be watching video session THREE. The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the video session) can be found on pages 68 and 69 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 3” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 3" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 3 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week three begins on page 71 of our workbooks and ends on page 95. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
Your friend, Amy
If you would have told me this little factiod 3 years ago, I probably would have just nodded my head politely and smiled, while thinking something like, “that’s interesting, but so what?” So if that IS what you happen to be thinking to yourself at this very moment, don’t worry. In fact, be encouraged! You are on the treasure hunt of your life sister! And the more you dig, the more wonderful the gems you will find.
My husband Matt laughed at me when I said this to him recently. Studying God’s word reminds of that old video game Zelda. If I remember the game correctly (I probably only played it a total of 10 times), you (Zelda) would journey around on the video game board looking for keys that you might need to unlock unknown rooms or treasures. You basically didn’t even know why you were collecting these keys or what you would use them to unlock. Such is the study of God’s word.
Let me try to explain with a specific example. About 3 years ago, I worked through Beth Moore’s study of the Tabernacle entitled, “A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place.” While I did enjoy that study in the midst of doing it, I didn’t begin to fully appreciate its worth until much later. To this day, I am using keys I found on that journey through God’s word to unlock treasures I come upon today.
And here we have another treasure. To be honest, I’m not sure exactly where I collected my keys to appreciate and understand the significance of Jacob as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel (it may have been through “A Woman’s Heart” or elsewhere), but those little keys continue to blow my mind with the treasures they unlock.
While it may be just another fact to someone else, it sincerely BLOWS MY MIND that the book of James may very well have been the first book of the New Testament written, and that James essentially opens his letter saying, “This letter is from Jacob, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: joy to you!” Talk about coming FULL CIRCLE. Wow.
What is my point? Okay, I’m getting to it. Try to catch my enthusiasm (because an exclamation point will not do this sentence justice): Bible study is so incredibly amazing! Keep collecting your keys! If this one went right over your head, I get that. It still happens to me all the time. But we should never dare stop or think that we’re missing the point. Because when we “get it” (and we will), there is nothing like it- Nothing. I know, because I “got” this one. And all I can say to this is, “WOW.”
***
If you have committed to posting a comment in response to our weekly lessons, feel free to post anything you like. If however you find it easier to respond to a specific question, our question of the week is this:
What did you write in response to the question posed on page 46?
***
This week, we’ll be watching video session THREE. The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the video session) can be found on pages 68 and 69 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 3” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 3" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 3 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week three begins on page 71 of our workbooks and ends on page 95. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
Your friend, Amy
Saturday, January 14, 2012
James Mercy Triumphs - Session 2
So... James! Who knew, right? It was such an interesting week getting to know the person of James: Jesus' half-brother, one of the pillars of the church, the primary speaker at the Jerusalem Council... the list goes on.
I learned so much I never knew about James this week, but I can't help thinking- so what? Does this really make a difference? How does this affect the way I live my life in the year 2012- when I am bombarded with 800 thousand other things to do on a daily basis? Why take time to study the person of James, the book of James, any of it? Do you have an answer?
I believe the answer to this question is found is John 15:5. Please look it up. Seriously. I'll wait... :)
Listen to me, because this verse has been KEY in helping me to understand HOW to grow as a Christian. Are you ready for this? Because this is CLUTCH: you cannot change yourself in your own strength. Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." Did you catch that? Whoever ABIDES in Christ will bear much fruit, but apart from him we can do - NOTHING. Why study James or anything else in the Bible? Why spend time in prayer and in the service of the Lord? Because it is our hope - our ONLY hope - to be changed - to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we can prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Rom 12:2).
Bible study girls. It may seem like just another thing to do on your list of many things to do, but oh... it is SO much more. Things you're learning today, tucking away, praying over - every last seed of righteousness that you plant in your life holds the promise of growth with eternal consequences.
I wish I could do a double back handspring and four cartwheels to set off a fire of excitement for the word in your life. But that is the kind of thing only God can give. So my advice? Ask for it. Luke 11:13 on your face before God and ask. And if you're already running- run harder and run faster. Enlist a few others to run with you.
James was just a man. Apart from Christ, his life had little significance. The same is true for us. Let's make it count!
***
To keep yourself on track and accountable to the group, I recommend that you commit to posting a comment in response to our weekly lessons. You can post anything you like, but if you find it easier to respond to a specific question, our question of the week is this:
What was the most interesting thing you learned about the person of James this week and why?
***
This week, we’ll be watching video session TWO. The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the video session) can be found on pages 40 and 41 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 2” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 2" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 2 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week one begins on page 43 of our workbooks and ends on page 67. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
Your friend, Amy
I learned so much I never knew about James this week, but I can't help thinking- so what? Does this really make a difference? How does this affect the way I live my life in the year 2012- when I am bombarded with 800 thousand other things to do on a daily basis? Why take time to study the person of James, the book of James, any of it? Do you have an answer?
I believe the answer to this question is found is John 15:5. Please look it up. Seriously. I'll wait... :)
Listen to me, because this verse has been KEY in helping me to understand HOW to grow as a Christian. Are you ready for this? Because this is CLUTCH: you cannot change yourself in your own strength. Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." Did you catch that? Whoever ABIDES in Christ will bear much fruit, but apart from him we can do - NOTHING. Why study James or anything else in the Bible? Why spend time in prayer and in the service of the Lord? Because it is our hope - our ONLY hope - to be changed - to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we can prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Rom 12:2).
Bible study girls. It may seem like just another thing to do on your list of many things to do, but oh... it is SO much more. Things you're learning today, tucking away, praying over - every last seed of righteousness that you plant in your life holds the promise of growth with eternal consequences.
I wish I could do a double back handspring and four cartwheels to set off a fire of excitement for the word in your life. But that is the kind of thing only God can give. So my advice? Ask for it. Luke 11:13 on your face before God and ask. And if you're already running- run harder and run faster. Enlist a few others to run with you.
James was just a man. Apart from Christ, his life had little significance. The same is true for us. Let's make it count!
***
To keep yourself on track and accountable to the group, I recommend that you commit to posting a comment in response to our weekly lessons. You can post anything you like, but if you find it easier to respond to a specific question, our question of the week is this:
What was the most interesting thing you learned about the person of James this week and why?
***
This week, we’ll be watching video session TWO. The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the video session) can be found on pages 40 and 41 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 2” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 2" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 2 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week one begins on page 43 of our workbooks and ends on page 67. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
Your friend, Amy
Saturday, January 7, 2012
James Mercy Triumphs - Session 1
Welcome to the introduction week of our latest online Bible study, "James: Mercy Triumps" by Beth Moore. I am so sincerely happy you have decided to participate. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: time in the Word of God is truly an eternal investment. You know the saying, “you can’t take it with you when you go.” Well this is the exception to that rule. This is the stuff that matters both here on earth and eternally. So welcome.
Before we begin, I want to lovingly caution you (or remind you, if you have studied in an online format before) that ONLINE Bible Study can be very difficult to see through to completion. It is one of those things that begin with the best of intentions and end without much thought at all. One of the reasons for this is because there is very little accountability in an online setting. Indeed, I (as the facilitator) am really the only person accountable to make regular posts and stay on schedule with our study. Thus some participants in past studies have gotten behind or altogether lost in their coursework.
Of course, my intention is not to discourage anyone from online study, but to encourage each of you to set your own personal goals that will enable you (with the Lord's help) to succeed. Consider committing to post a comment on our group page about what you learn in study each week. And, of course, sincerely pray and ask the Lord to give you the supernatural ability (ability none of us have in our own strength) to meet the goals you've set. I hope it is coming through my typing how desperately I want each of you to succeed - primarily because the Lord has completely changed my own life through the study of His word. So if there is anything I can do to help you to do that, please do not hesitate to ask. I will be sure to pray for you regularly, and would very much appreciate your prayers for me as well.
That being said, let me give you a quick overview of what this online Bible study will entail. I challenge each of you to start each week of study by watching a video of our teacher, Beth Moore. The videos are approximately one hour in length. After viewing the video, we will have five days of homework to complete in our workbooks. Each day of homework will take about 45 minutes to complete. If you are new to Bible study, this may seem like a lot of work. But again, I encourage you to persevere. I have never found the study of God’s word to be a waste of time. To the contrary, it has always proven to be one of the most valuable uses of my time. I am sure that once you get started, you will feel the same.
Moreover, if you are interested in taking your study of James to even greater heights, Beth gives 5 levels of study in which you can participate. Indeed, before watching the first video this week, please read the introduction beginning on page 8 and ending on page 11 of our workbooks. In case you are wondering, I have committed to participate in Level 4, and I am very much enjoying the exercise of writing the book of James in the back of the workbook, as well as reading Beth's daughter's very insightful articles. You should commit to whatever level you think you can handle, but in the words of Beth on page 11 girls, "Don't wimp out!"
This week, we’ll be watching the introductory video session. The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the introductory video session) can be found on pages 12 and 13 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 1” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 1" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 1 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week one begins on page 15 of our workbooks and ends on page 39. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
I can’t wait to get started! Let’s get to it!
Your friend, Amy
Before we begin, I want to lovingly caution you (or remind you, if you have studied in an online format before) that ONLINE Bible Study can be very difficult to see through to completion. It is one of those things that begin with the best of intentions and end without much thought at all. One of the reasons for this is because there is very little accountability in an online setting. Indeed, I (as the facilitator) am really the only person accountable to make regular posts and stay on schedule with our study. Thus some participants in past studies have gotten behind or altogether lost in their coursework.
Of course, my intention is not to discourage anyone from online study, but to encourage each of you to set your own personal goals that will enable you (with the Lord's help) to succeed. Consider committing to post a comment on our group page about what you learn in study each week. And, of course, sincerely pray and ask the Lord to give you the supernatural ability (ability none of us have in our own strength) to meet the goals you've set. I hope it is coming through my typing how desperately I want each of you to succeed - primarily because the Lord has completely changed my own life through the study of His word. So if there is anything I can do to help you to do that, please do not hesitate to ask. I will be sure to pray for you regularly, and would very much appreciate your prayers for me as well.
That being said, let me give you a quick overview of what this online Bible study will entail. I challenge each of you to start each week of study by watching a video of our teacher, Beth Moore. The videos are approximately one hour in length. After viewing the video, we will have five days of homework to complete in our workbooks. Each day of homework will take about 45 minutes to complete. If you are new to Bible study, this may seem like a lot of work. But again, I encourage you to persevere. I have never found the study of God’s word to be a waste of time. To the contrary, it has always proven to be one of the most valuable uses of my time. I am sure that once you get started, you will feel the same.
Moreover, if you are interested in taking your study of James to even greater heights, Beth gives 5 levels of study in which you can participate. Indeed, before watching the first video this week, please read the introduction beginning on page 8 and ending on page 11 of our workbooks. In case you are wondering, I have committed to participate in Level 4, and I am very much enjoying the exercise of writing the book of James in the back of the workbook, as well as reading Beth's daughter's very insightful articles. You should commit to whatever level you think you can handle, but in the words of Beth on page 11 girls, "Don't wimp out!"
This week, we’ll be watching the introductory video session. The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the introductory video session) can be found on pages 12 and 13 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 1” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 1" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 1 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week one begins on page 15 of our workbooks and ends on page 39. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
I can’t wait to get started! Let’s get to it!
Your friend, Amy
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