2013 will go down as a not-so-stellar blogging year.
2013 went so fast and I suspect 2014 will fly by at the same speed.
We ended this year going to see Ray Vander Laan in Midland, Texas. We had so much fun and learned so much. He really reignited the flame to be in God's word and dig in deep, to ask myself as I read God's story, what does it reveal to me from God. To know that God wants us to intimately not just know the story, but to join His story. Be the message, not just bring the message.
Our friends Becky and Shawn rode with us and stayed in the same hotel as we did. It was so nice to catch up with them and then to talk about all of the stuff we learned while at the conference.
We had some other friends who went along as well and it was so encouraging. I love the people God has put in our lives; the ones who stretch you and make you try to understand just a little deeper; the ones who ask you why you believe that or where do you get your information from; the ones who encourage and help to fan the flame of digging into God's word AND applying it life.
Lisa and Katie had a great time also. I was wondering if they would be bored, but they were not. In fact, we had to sit in the first row for the entire conference.
The front row. The entire time.
Katie was in line to ask questions during every break there was. RVL is sending them a couple of tassels for them to wear. They are very excited for those to come in the mail. He said that he takes seniors who just graduated from high school to Israel every summer and both girls could come along when they graduate. How awesome would that be?
We learned that Christians treat the Bible like it is two stories: Old Testament and New Testament. But it is really one continuous story. We learned to ask ourselves as we did deeper: why do I need to know this, where does it link, is there a connection?
RVL compared Mark 4:35-41 to the story of Jonah. Jonah was asleep, Jesus was asleep, guys get Jonah up, disciples get Jesus up, Jonah was running away from his mission, Jesus was going towards His-Decapolis. Then Jesus calmed the storm. The disciples must have thought of Psalm 107:28-29 "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed." Of course, RVL does a much better job and had lots of insight to add, so this is just a feeble attempt to get my notes more organized :-)
There are so many more....to be continued.
Showing posts with label Bible Study. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible Study. Show all posts
Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Stress and Philippians 4
Today at church we started a new sermon series. Actually they started it last week but that was Easter and we went to the sunrise service, so we missed out on the actual first sermon for this series. I may go back and listen to it. Anyway, yesterday I posted that I may write out Philippians when I finish the Psalms because I felt like I was lacking in the joy department.
Well today's sermon was just for me. Funny how God does things like that!
Philippian 4:4-13
Well today's sermon was just for me. Funny how God does things like that!
Philippian 4:4-13
English Standard Version (ESV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
(As a side note: Biblegateway.com does not have the NIV 1984 version anymore. Mike sent a note to them for which they have not yet replied.) The following are notes from our sermon and ABC class.
Our sermon series is: Illusion: The Devil's Deceptions Revealed. Today's topic-Stress
Stress affects us mentally, physically, spiritually. Two illusions of stress is that all stress is bad and there is nothing you can do about stress. There is good stress (eustress). It is the zone where stress causes good performance. Too little and we slack, too much and we get distressed.
Background: Paul is in Caesar's jail, which was like maximum security prison. He was waiting for his trial to be in front of Emperor Nero. Paul was under stress. The Philippian's at this time were not under stress. They were experiencing an economic boom, there was lots of agriculture, they were living the easy life. Why would Paul want to write them a letter about stress? Because a day would come and they would be stressed.
Seven stress relievers from Philippians 4:
1. It begins with attitude. "Rejoice". It is a command--it is about perspective. We could lose everything here on earth, but we still have the Lord--and eternal life. Rejoice is also present tense in the greek language--rejoice right now. In the greek, rejoice is plural--it is like us saying "y'all rejoice".
2. Slow down. Let your gentleness be evident (in the NIV 1984 it does say gentleness). Pastor had us touch our eye. He noted that nobody went at it full force, but did it gently. The faster we go, the less gentle we become. I do like the word reasonableness in ESV.
3. Pray. That is the antidote for stress. Prayer is a gift from God. "Present" our requests to God. In ABC the illustration was about re-gifting--present.
4. Take control of your thoughts. "guard your hearts and minds" Guard-phroureo-a detachment of Roman soldiers. The Philippians had soldiers stationed around the city. They felt safe. Be in God's Word.
5. Solve problems, don't marinate in them. In verse 8-9 Paul list's some gifts: whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy...think about such things. It was brought to my attention that this list is not stress free. In our culture standing up for truth can be stressful. Living a pure lifestyle goes against our cultural beliefs. Who are we going to stand up before on the final judgment day? The world or God? (uhmm....that would be God).
6. Practice contentment. The Philippian's were people who cared and prayed for Paul. V18 states that he received the gifts they sent and was amply supplied. When I am stressed, is there someone who helps? Yes, my husband, my sister, my friends, my church family, even counselors if need be.
7. I belong to God. I need Christ's strength. There is this philosophy called Stoic Philosophy that people believe "I can do it on my own". Been there, done that. It never ends up pretty.
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
(As a side note: Biblegateway.com does not have the NIV 1984 version anymore. Mike sent a note to them for which they have not yet replied.) The following are notes from our sermon and ABC class.
Our sermon series is: Illusion: The Devil's Deceptions Revealed. Today's topic-Stress
Stress affects us mentally, physically, spiritually. Two illusions of stress is that all stress is bad and there is nothing you can do about stress. There is good stress (eustress). It is the zone where stress causes good performance. Too little and we slack, too much and we get distressed.
Background: Paul is in Caesar's jail, which was like maximum security prison. He was waiting for his trial to be in front of Emperor Nero. Paul was under stress. The Philippian's at this time were not under stress. They were experiencing an economic boom, there was lots of agriculture, they were living the easy life. Why would Paul want to write them a letter about stress? Because a day would come and they would be stressed.
Seven stress relievers from Philippians 4:
1. It begins with attitude. "Rejoice". It is a command--it is about perspective. We could lose everything here on earth, but we still have the Lord--and eternal life. Rejoice is also present tense in the greek language--rejoice right now. In the greek, rejoice is plural--it is like us saying "y'all rejoice".
2. Slow down. Let your gentleness be evident (in the NIV 1984 it does say gentleness). Pastor had us touch our eye. He noted that nobody went at it full force, but did it gently. The faster we go, the less gentle we become. I do like the word reasonableness in ESV.
3. Pray. That is the antidote for stress. Prayer is a gift from God. "Present" our requests to God. In ABC the illustration was about re-gifting--present.
4. Take control of your thoughts. "guard your hearts and minds" Guard-phroureo-a detachment of Roman soldiers. The Philippians had soldiers stationed around the city. They felt safe. Be in God's Word.
5. Solve problems, don't marinate in them. In verse 8-9 Paul list's some gifts: whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy...think about such things. It was brought to my attention that this list is not stress free. In our culture standing up for truth can be stressful. Living a pure lifestyle goes against our cultural beliefs. Who are we going to stand up before on the final judgment day? The world or God? (uhmm....that would be God).
6. Practice contentment. The Philippian's were people who cared and prayed for Paul. V18 states that he received the gifts they sent and was amply supplied. When I am stressed, is there someone who helps? Yes, my husband, my sister, my friends, my church family, even counselors if need be.
7. I belong to God. I need Christ's strength. There is this philosophy called Stoic Philosophy that people believe "I can do it on my own". Been there, done that. It never ends up pretty.
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Delighting in God
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Delight yourself.
In our society that means to do what makes you feel good, indulge yourself, do not deny yourself, get what you want.
But what does it mean to God?
Delight yourself- (Hebrew word Pa'ar)-beautify, adorn, embellish, give honor, boast
Boast in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Does that mean if I say "God you are awesome and I desire a new car" that He will give it to me?
Hardly.
What if delighting myself in the Lord means changing what I desire to be aligned with what He desires for me? What if delighting myself in the Lord means wanting what He wants for me, even when it may not be something I really want at the time. What if I trust that He knows what is best for me and honored Him with that?
In the past I really wanted to be a flight nurse. That was my goal since nursing school and I worked hard to get the experience and the credentials needed to do that. My prayer was always "God if this is not your will, please take the desire away." My desire grew and grew. I had everything I needed to fulfill my goal. I had studied for the test, had doctor references and they were hiring.
Then came our darkest hour. I was at a crossroad and knew it. Marriage/Family or Career/Flight Nurse. The decision was not hard to make. In an instant I knew it was my marriage and family. A few months later I saw one of the flight nurses I used to work with in the ED and she said that they had hired 9 nurses and had been looking for me. I went home and cried. Partly because of the dream that was gone, but mainly because I knew I had made the right decision. I would not have changed my decision if I had the choice again.
I wish we never had to go through what we did, but honestly, it may have been the only thing that made me get what God's definition of "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" means.
Because my hearts desire is exactly what God has graciously and mercifully given us--a marriage built on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
We honor You, Jesus.
Delight yourself.
In our society that means to do what makes you feel good, indulge yourself, do not deny yourself, get what you want.
But what does it mean to God?
Delight yourself- (Hebrew word Pa'ar)-beautify, adorn, embellish, give honor, boast
Boast in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Does that mean if I say "God you are awesome and I desire a new car" that He will give it to me?
Hardly.
What if delighting myself in the Lord means changing what I desire to be aligned with what He desires for me? What if delighting myself in the Lord means wanting what He wants for me, even when it may not be something I really want at the time. What if I trust that He knows what is best for me and honored Him with that?
In the past I really wanted to be a flight nurse. That was my goal since nursing school and I worked hard to get the experience and the credentials needed to do that. My prayer was always "God if this is not your will, please take the desire away." My desire grew and grew. I had everything I needed to fulfill my goal. I had studied for the test, had doctor references and they were hiring.
Then came our darkest hour. I was at a crossroad and knew it. Marriage/Family or Career/Flight Nurse. The decision was not hard to make. In an instant I knew it was my marriage and family. A few months later I saw one of the flight nurses I used to work with in the ED and she said that they had hired 9 nurses and had been looking for me. I went home and cried. Partly because of the dream that was gone, but mainly because I knew I had made the right decision. I would not have changed my decision if I had the choice again.
I wish we never had to go through what we did, but honestly, it may have been the only thing that made me get what God's definition of "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" means.
Because my hearts desire is exactly what God has graciously and mercifully given us--a marriage built on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
We honor You, Jesus.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Waiting on God
We know many people who are waiting on God for direction, for clear answers to questions, for things to happen. We know 2 couples waiting for their adopted babies to enter into their homes; a friend whose mom just entered hospice; a friend whose prayer is for clear direction on private vs public school for their children; another friend who needs clear direction on whether to home school or continue private school education for their 4 children; a friend whose daughter married a Muslim whom they are witnessing to.
Waiting for marriages to mend, children to return to the Lord, healing from sickness, jobs and the list goes on and on.
I have waited in the past for my husband to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. For 12 years I prayed for him. For 7 of those years he was on a prayer list at church. Then I got tired of waiting and decided God's answer was no, even though that was not His answer. Hardest lesson EVER. We were married 10 years and it seemed like God's answer was no. But the issue was not that He was saying no to my prayer for Mike to come to know Him and be saved. The issue was also my heart.
He had to change my heart. He had to humble me. I had some pride and unbelief that had to be removed and dealt with.
He had to change me.
He had to change me.
It was in His timing, using what He knew would change both of us. And it hurt. It pains me to think of it. It also keeps me humble. One lesson I learned (of the many) was that it is much better to humble myself before God humbles me. I NEVER want to repeat what we went through. I would rather die than go through that again.
Waiting on God.
Why is it I forget that He is in control? Do I forget this when I want control?
Why is it I forget that He is omnipotent? Do I forget this when I think He doesn't know me?
Why is it I forget that He not only wants what is best for me, but He knows what is best for me? Do I forget this when I think I know myself better than anybody else--my sinful self?
Waiting on God.
Wait-(verb)-to remain inactive or in a state of repose until something expected happens; to be available or in readiness; to postpone; to look forward to eagerly. (From dictionary.com)
Wait-(Hebrew) Qavah- literally means to bind together like a cord or twisted rope--think woven together; it also means to wait, to hope, to expect, look patiently. (From Hebrew dictionary)
How do we wait for the Lord in obedience and patience?
Why should we wait?
What happens when we take matters into our own hands?
Lamentations 3:24-25 I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him.
Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him...
Something cool I just picked up from Psalm 37 is that verse 4 says to "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" verse 5 says "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this..." We have to delight ourselves in the Lord while we are waiting patiently.
What does that mean?
To be continued....
Waiting for marriages to mend, children to return to the Lord, healing from sickness, jobs and the list goes on and on.
I have waited in the past for my husband to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. For 12 years I prayed for him. For 7 of those years he was on a prayer list at church. Then I got tired of waiting and decided God's answer was no, even though that was not His answer. Hardest lesson EVER. We were married 10 years and it seemed like God's answer was no. But the issue was not that He was saying no to my prayer for Mike to come to know Him and be saved. The issue was also my heart.
He had to change my heart. He had to humble me. I had some pride and unbelief that had to be removed and dealt with.
He had to change me.
He had to change me.
It was in His timing, using what He knew would change both of us. And it hurt. It pains me to think of it. It also keeps me humble. One lesson I learned (of the many) was that it is much better to humble myself before God humbles me. I NEVER want to repeat what we went through. I would rather die than go through that again.
Waiting on God.
Why is it I forget that He is in control? Do I forget this when I want control?
Why is it I forget that He is omnipotent? Do I forget this when I think He doesn't know me?
Why is it I forget that He not only wants what is best for me, but He knows what is best for me? Do I forget this when I think I know myself better than anybody else--my sinful self?
Waiting on God.
Wait-(verb)-to remain inactive or in a state of repose until something expected happens; to be available or in readiness; to postpone; to look forward to eagerly. (From dictionary.com)
Wait-(Hebrew) Qavah- literally means to bind together like a cord or twisted rope--think woven together; it also means to wait, to hope, to expect, look patiently. (From Hebrew dictionary)
How do we wait for the Lord in obedience and patience?
Why should we wait?
What happens when we take matters into our own hands?
Lamentations 3:24-25 I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him.
Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him...
Something cool I just picked up from Psalm 37 is that verse 4 says to "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" verse 5 says "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this..." We have to delight ourselves in the Lord while we are waiting patiently.
What does that mean?
To be continued....
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