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
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
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
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
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
Monday, November 29, 2010
Week Three - WGPDUT
Hey there! I hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. As usual, we had dinner with my husband’s side of the family and then stopped by my grandmother’s house for dessert. It was a nice day for sure. That night, I insanely decided to hit Toys R Us for their Black Friday sales. I didn’t end up getting home until 2:00 in the morning, but I have to admit I had fun. I also saved a lot of money and I actually got a lot of my Christmas shopping done. The day after Thanksgiving, my little family went to get our Christmas tree and a few Christmas decorations from Lowes. We decorated all day and (if I do say so myself) the house looks great! The day after that, my mother-in-law came over to stay with my daughter so my husband and I could head off to Cape May, NJ. It was our 6th wedding anniversary this past Saturday so we celebrated with a night down the shore. We really had a lot of fun. The entire weekend was great; it really could not have been better.
This week, however, has gotten off to an entirely different kind of start. Not feeling so well, I decided to sleep in a little later than usual this morning. When my daughter and I woke up, we went downstairs to find that one of my two dogs had pooped all over the rug. I couldn’t determine which dog it was (because they were both acting guilty) and, like a complete jerk, I attempted to kick one of my dogs in the backside with my barefoot as he ran out the back door. He dodged my kick and instead my barefoot went straight through a glass pane in the bottom of my door. Glass shattered everywhere. My foot was bleeding. There was, of course, still poop on the floor. The whole scene was very lovely indeed. Thankfully, my injuries were minor, the door needed to be replaced anyway, the dogs are fine and the poop has been cleaned. Still, isn’t it funny how quickly life changes pace? To make matters worse, one of our cars is acting up and is now sitting at the mechanic. Gotta love it.
In light of life’s ups and down (which in many instances are much more serious than the turn of events I just described), I can’t help but stop and again reflect on day one of our homework this past week. Specifically, I am struck by the first few verses Beth described as the verses of a “seduce-proofed believer.”
Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will] (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18, AMP).
On Thanksgiving morning, I ended up coming to the part of our homework where we were directed to pause and make a list of things for which we are thankful. I couldn’t help but smile. I love when God so perfectly coordinates life with what He is teaching us through the study of His word. The timing of this question couldn’t have been better. Moreover, the lesson that came along with the teaching was powerful:
Seduce-proofed people live in active gratitude . . . dissatisfaction is a stronghold waiting to happen. An unsatisfied soul should never be ignored. Ongoing or chronic feelings of dissatisfaction are waving red flags that need to be well inspected. Such feelings may mean something vital is missing, and we need to seek God without delay (WGPDUT, pg. 58).
In my homework I wrote that I am thankful for God’s love and mercy and unbreakable covenant. I am thankful for my sweet husband, my daughter, and my daughter-to-be. I am thankful for the privilege of serving the Lord. And I am thankful for the many provisions God has given me that I do not deserve.
Everything I wrote in my homework is true. I am thankful for all of it. But in my frustration this morning, I clearly was not living in active gratitude. Therefore, adding to the list I made in my homework, I want to thank the Lord for loving me enough to continually show me my own hypocrisy. I clearly need to find joy in and surrender even more of my life to the power of the Spirit.
Lord, in keeping with 1 Thessalonians 5:24, I know You have called me, You are faithful, and You will do it. Please change me by the power of Your Spirit. Help my soul to be fully satisfied in You that I might continually live in active gratitude. I pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen.
If you have made a personal commitment to make a post on our group page each week, please either post something for which you are thankful or post an area of dissatisfaction for which you would like the group to pray. We are all in this together, and that is definitely another thing for which I am thankful!
This week, we’ll be watching the group session 3 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 77 of your workbook.
http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094027/?cs=1
Finally, please feel free to post any other comments, questions, 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
This week, however, has gotten off to an entirely different kind of start. Not feeling so well, I decided to sleep in a little later than usual this morning. When my daughter and I woke up, we went downstairs to find that one of my two dogs had pooped all over the rug. I couldn’t determine which dog it was (because they were both acting guilty) and, like a complete jerk, I attempted to kick one of my dogs in the backside with my barefoot as he ran out the back door. He dodged my kick and instead my barefoot went straight through a glass pane in the bottom of my door. Glass shattered everywhere. My foot was bleeding. There was, of course, still poop on the floor. The whole scene was very lovely indeed. Thankfully, my injuries were minor, the door needed to be replaced anyway, the dogs are fine and the poop has been cleaned. Still, isn’t it funny how quickly life changes pace? To make matters worse, one of our cars is acting up and is now sitting at the mechanic. Gotta love it.
In light of life’s ups and down (which in many instances are much more serious than the turn of events I just described), I can’t help but stop and again reflect on day one of our homework this past week. Specifically, I am struck by the first few verses Beth described as the verses of a “seduce-proofed believer.”
Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will] (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18, AMP).
On Thanksgiving morning, I ended up coming to the part of our homework where we were directed to pause and make a list of things for which we are thankful. I couldn’t help but smile. I love when God so perfectly coordinates life with what He is teaching us through the study of His word. The timing of this question couldn’t have been better. Moreover, the lesson that came along with the teaching was powerful:
Seduce-proofed people live in active gratitude . . . dissatisfaction is a stronghold waiting to happen. An unsatisfied soul should never be ignored. Ongoing or chronic feelings of dissatisfaction are waving red flags that need to be well inspected. Such feelings may mean something vital is missing, and we need to seek God without delay (WGPDUT, pg. 58).
In my homework I wrote that I am thankful for God’s love and mercy and unbreakable covenant. I am thankful for my sweet husband, my daughter, and my daughter-to-be. I am thankful for the privilege of serving the Lord. And I am thankful for the many provisions God has given me that I do not deserve.
Everything I wrote in my homework is true. I am thankful for all of it. But in my frustration this morning, I clearly was not living in active gratitude. Therefore, adding to the list I made in my homework, I want to thank the Lord for loving me enough to continually show me my own hypocrisy. I clearly need to find joy in and surrender even more of my life to the power of the Spirit.
Lord, in keeping with 1 Thessalonians 5:24, I know You have called me, You are faithful, and You will do it. Please change me by the power of Your Spirit. Help my soul to be fully satisfied in You that I might continually live in active gratitude. I pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen.
If you have made a personal commitment to make a post on our group page each week, please either post something for which you are thankful or post an area of dissatisfaction for which you would like the group to pray. We are all in this together, and that is definitely another thing for which I am thankful!
This week, we’ll be watching the group session 3 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 77 of your workbook.
http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094027/?cs=1
Finally, please feel free to post any other comments, questions, 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
Week Three - WGPDUT
Hey there! I hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. As usual, we had dinner with my husband’s side of the family and then stopped by my grandmother’s house for dessert. It was a nice day for sure. That night, I insanely decided to hit Toys R Us for their Black Friday sales. I didn’t end up getting home until 2:00 in the morning, but I have to admit I had fun. I also saved a lot of money and I actually got a lot of my Christmas shopping done. The day after Thanksgiving, my little family went to get our Christmas tree and a few Christmas decorations from Lowes. We decorated all day and (if I do say so myself) the house looks great! The day after that, my mother-in-law came over to stay with my daughter so my husband and I could head off to Cape May, NJ. It was our 6th wedding anniversary this past Saturday so we celebrated with a night down the shore. We really had a lot of fun. The entire weekend was great; it really could not have been better.
This week, however, has gotten off to an entirely different kind of start. Not feeling so well, I decided to sleep in a little later than usual this morning. When my daughter and I woke up, we went downstairs to find that one of my two dogs had pooped all over the rug. I couldn’t determine which dog it was (because they were both acting guilty) and, like a complete jerk, I attempted to kick one of my dogs in the backside with my barefoot as he ran out the back door. He dodged my kick and instead my barefoot went straight through a glass pane in the bottom of my door. Glass shattered everywhere. My foot was bleeding. There was, of course, still poop on the floor. The whole scene was very lovely indeed. Thankfully, my injuries were minor, the door needed to be replaced anyway, the dogs are fine and the poop has been cleaned. Still, isn’t it funny how quickly life changes pace? To make matters worse, one of our cars is acting up and is now sitting at the mechanic. Gotta love it.
In light of life’s ups and down (which in many instances are much more serious than the turn of events I just described), I can’t help but stop and again reflect on day one of our homework this past week. Specifically, I am struck by the first few verses Beth described as the verses of a “seduce-proofed believer.”
Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will] (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18, AMP).
On Thanksgiving morning, I ended up coming to the part of our homework where we were directed to pause and make a list of things for which we are thankful. I couldn’t help but smile. I love when God so perfectly coordinates life with what He is teaching us through the study of His word. The timing of this question couldn’t have been better. Moreover, the lesson that came along with the teaching was powerful:
Seduce-proofed people live in active gratitude . . . dissatisfaction is a stronghold waiting to happen. An unsatisfied soul should never be ignored. Ongoing or chronic feelings of dissatisfaction are waving red flags that need to be well inspected. Such feelings may mean something vital is missing, and we need to seek God without delay (WGPDUT, pg. 58).
In my homework I wrote that I am thankful for God’s love and mercy and unbreakable covenant. I am thankful for my sweet husband, my daughter, and my daughter-to-be. I am thankful for the privilege of serving the Lord. And I am thankful for the many provisions God has given me that I do not deserve.
Everything I wrote in my homework is true. I am thankful for all of it. But in my frustration this morning, I clearly was not living in active gratitude. Therefore, adding to the list I made in my homework, I want to thank the Lord for loving me enough to continually show me my own hypocrisy. I clearly need to find joy in and surrender even more of my life to the power of the Spirit.
Lord, in keeping with 1 Thessalonians 5:24, I know You have called me, You are faithful, and You will do it. Please change me by the power of Your Spirit. Help my soul to be fully satisfied in You that I might continually live in active gratitude. I pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen.
If you have made a personal commitment to make a post on our group page each week, please either post something for which you are thankful or post an area of dissatisfaction for which you would like the group to pray. We are all in this together, and that is definitely another thing for which I am thankful!
This week, we’ll be watching the group session 3 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 77 of your workbook.
http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094027/?cs=1
Finally, please feel free to post any other comments, questions, 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
This week, however, has gotten off to an entirely different kind of start. Not feeling so well, I decided to sleep in a little later than usual this morning. When my daughter and I woke up, we went downstairs to find that one of my two dogs had pooped all over the rug. I couldn’t determine which dog it was (because they were both acting guilty) and, like a complete jerk, I attempted to kick one of my dogs in the backside with my barefoot as he ran out the back door. He dodged my kick and instead my barefoot went straight through a glass pane in the bottom of my door. Glass shattered everywhere. My foot was bleeding. There was, of course, still poop on the floor. The whole scene was very lovely indeed. Thankfully, my injuries were minor, the door needed to be replaced anyway, the dogs are fine and the poop has been cleaned. Still, isn’t it funny how quickly life changes pace? To make matters worse, one of our cars is acting up and is now sitting at the mechanic. Gotta love it.
In light of life’s ups and down (which in many instances are much more serious than the turn of events I just described), I can’t help but stop and again reflect on day one of our homework this past week. Specifically, I am struck by the first few verses Beth described as the verses of a “seduce-proofed believer.”
Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will] (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18, AMP).
On Thanksgiving morning, I ended up coming to the part of our homework where we were directed to pause and make a list of things for which we are thankful. I couldn’t help but smile. I love when God so perfectly coordinates life with what He is teaching us through the study of His word. The timing of this question couldn’t have been better. Moreover, the lesson that came along with the teaching was powerful:
Seduce-proofed people live in active gratitude . . . dissatisfaction is a stronghold waiting to happen. An unsatisfied soul should never be ignored. Ongoing or chronic feelings of dissatisfaction are waving red flags that need to be well inspected. Such feelings may mean something vital is missing, and we need to seek God without delay (WGPDUT, pg. 58).
In my homework I wrote that I am thankful for God’s love and mercy and unbreakable covenant. I am thankful for my sweet husband, my daughter, and my daughter-to-be. I am thankful for the privilege of serving the Lord. And I am thankful for the many provisions God has given me that I do not deserve.
Everything I wrote in my homework is true. I am thankful for all of it. But in my frustration this morning, I clearly was not living in active gratitude. Therefore, adding to the list I made in my homework, I want to thank the Lord for loving me enough to continually show me my own hypocrisy. I clearly need to find joy in and surrender even more of my life to the power of the Spirit.
Lord, in keeping with 1 Thessalonians 5:24, I know You have called me, You are faithful, and You will do it. Please change me by the power of Your Spirit. Help my soul to be fully satisfied in You that I might continually live in active gratitude. I pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen.
If you have made a personal commitment to make a post on our group page each week, please either post something for which you are thankful or post an area of dissatisfaction for which you would like the group to pray. We are all in this together, and that is definitely another thing for which I am thankful!
This week, we’ll be watching the group session 3 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 77 of your workbook.
http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094027/?cs=1
Finally, please feel free to post any other comments, questions, 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
Monday, November 22, 2010
Week Two - WGPDUT
Welcome back! This week we studied what makes us targets for seduction and how Satan must seek permission from God before he can attack a believer.
While I found all of this week’s study material to be very interesting and helpful, I was probably most impacted by the material on day one. Here, Beth alerted us to the reality that the enemy will often target believers where they are most vulnerable or weak. She then listed four common weaknesses amongst christians: ignorance; spiritual passion that exceeds biblical knowledge; lack of discernment; and a lack of self-discernment. I think I was most fascinated by this part of our study because I have personally struggled with each of these weaknesses to different degrees at different times in my spiritual walk. It was interesting to see a list that broke these issues down in such a basic, straightforward way.
Looking back, I am acutely aware of God’s hedge of protection around my life through serious periods of ignorance, lack of biblical knowledge, lack of discernment, and a lack of self-discernment. However, at certain points, I can also see where God clearly lifted that hedge and allowed the enemy some access. It was through these times of tribulation that I matured in my faith and my areas of weakness were strengthened. Indeed, I wonder if I ever would have grown in my faith if the Lord hadn’t allowed me to skin my knees. He knew exactly where I needed to be refined, and He lovingly allowed me to endure that process (all while keeping a watchful eye and a protective hand upon me). Praise Him!
Do not get me wrong. I do not think I am entirely in the clear with regard to any of these areas of weakness. But I am on the lookout now and I know (on a basic level at least) what I need to do. On page 38 of our homework Beth noted, “We are so quick to acknowledge the errors of others, but one of our best defenses is to recognize where we’ve each gone wrong and where our personal weak places are.” I hope we are all starting to recognize these things in ourselves.
If you have made a personal commitment to make a post on our group page each week, please feel free to share something you learned from this past week’s homework.
This week, we’ll be watching the group session 2 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 53 of your workbook.
http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094026/?cs=1
Finally, please feel free to post any other comments, questions, 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
While I found all of this week’s study material to be very interesting and helpful, I was probably most impacted by the material on day one. Here, Beth alerted us to the reality that the enemy will often target believers where they are most vulnerable or weak. She then listed four common weaknesses amongst christians: ignorance; spiritual passion that exceeds biblical knowledge; lack of discernment; and a lack of self-discernment. I think I was most fascinated by this part of our study because I have personally struggled with each of these weaknesses to different degrees at different times in my spiritual walk. It was interesting to see a list that broke these issues down in such a basic, straightforward way.
Looking back, I am acutely aware of God’s hedge of protection around my life through serious periods of ignorance, lack of biblical knowledge, lack of discernment, and a lack of self-discernment. However, at certain points, I can also see where God clearly lifted that hedge and allowed the enemy some access. It was through these times of tribulation that I matured in my faith and my areas of weakness were strengthened. Indeed, I wonder if I ever would have grown in my faith if the Lord hadn’t allowed me to skin my knees. He knew exactly where I needed to be refined, and He lovingly allowed me to endure that process (all while keeping a watchful eye and a protective hand upon me). Praise Him!
Do not get me wrong. I do not think I am entirely in the clear with regard to any of these areas of weakness. But I am on the lookout now and I know (on a basic level at least) what I need to do. On page 38 of our homework Beth noted, “We are so quick to acknowledge the errors of others, but one of our best defenses is to recognize where we’ve each gone wrong and where our personal weak places are.” I hope we are all starting to recognize these things in ourselves.
If you have made a personal commitment to make a post on our group page each week, please feel free to share something you learned from this past week’s homework.
This week, we’ll be watching the group session 2 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 53 of your workbook.
http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094026/?cs=1
Finally, please feel free to post any other comments, questions, 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
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