Fretting Over Your Future?
Maybe you haven't thought about what your life will be like 10 years from now.
But what about in 5 years?
2 years?
Next year?
Do you fret or worry about what you may or may not have in the next few months? Does your list look something like this?
- What if I don't have enough credits to graduate?
- What if no one wants to hire me?
- Am I outgoing enough to get the attention of the "popular crowd?
- Will I ever get the funds I need for college?
The Bible has some encouraging words for us.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
What about when it comes to guys? Many girls fret and struggle over this area. It's a very hard thing to get over.
Have you been longing for a boyfriend because you're worried you'll be alone? Maybe you're afraid others will tease you or make fun of you because you don't have a boyfriend.
Or do you feel that you're unlovable?
Does your list include one or all of these?
- What if I'm the only one at school who has never had a boyfriend or gone on a date?
- Will I ever be pretty enough to get a guy's attention?
- I'm afraid I'll end up with a loser...
- I've made so many mistakes already. Will anyone even want me?
- Does God even care that I'm alone?
My friend, I'm here to tell you that you're not alone and God does care. I'm not the best example out there but I'll give you my short story...
I'll be 27 this year and I've never had a boyfriend. Never. I've never been kissed. Ever. Have I ever felt lonely? Oh yes.
But let me tell you what loneliness means to me. Loneliness is a call for me to draw closer to God and not to have a pity party. There have been many times that I've dumbed the "feelings" of loneliness at the feet of my Savior and asked Him to wrap me in His embrace.
Oh, what sweet assurance and tender love I felt!
I knew that if I went searching to receive that from a man I would be disappointed after a tie and left only with sorrow and regret.
But what about in 5 years?
2 years?
Next year?
Do you fret or worry about what you may or may not have in the next few months? Does your list look something like this?
- What if I don't have enough credits to graduate?
- What if no one wants to hire me?
- Am I outgoing enough to get the attention of the "popular crowd?
- Will I ever get the funds I need for college?
The Bible has some encouraging words for us.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
What about when it comes to guys? Many girls fret and struggle over this area. It's a very hard thing to get over.
Have you been longing for a boyfriend because you're worried you'll be alone? Maybe you're afraid others will tease you or make fun of you because you don't have a boyfriend.
Or do you feel that you're unlovable?
Does your list include one or all of these?
- What if I'm the only one at school who has never had a boyfriend or gone on a date?
- Will I ever be pretty enough to get a guy's attention?
- I'm afraid I'll end up with a loser...
- I've made so many mistakes already. Will anyone even want me?
- Does God even care that I'm alone?
My friend, I'm here to tell you that you're not alone and God does care. I'm not the best example out there but I'll give you my short story...
I'll be 27 this year and I've never had a boyfriend. Never. I've never been kissed. Ever. Have I ever felt lonely? Oh yes.
But let me tell you what loneliness means to me. Loneliness is a call for me to draw closer to God and not to have a pity party. There have been many times that I've dumbed the "feelings" of loneliness at the feet of my Savior and asked Him to wrap me in His embrace.
Oh, what sweet assurance and tender love I felt!
I knew that if I went searching to receive that from a man I would be disappointed after a tie and left only with sorrow and regret.
I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
Psalm 130:5
You see, love has become so cheap in our society. Appreciation for it's value has become so lost. It's hard to tell now when or if we truly love someone. We say things like:
- I love pizza!
- I'm in love with my new phone.
- I just love your outfit!
Then we long to hear a guy tell us, "I love you", and believe that all our hopes and dreams will forever be fulfilled!
Girls, there is a man out there for you that will truly mean those words but learn to fully trust God for contentment. Take your list of frets and worries before God.
Let Him handle it.
Let Him hold you and comfort you.
Fret no more.
Take notice of the regrets of those around you and older than you and strive to avoid them.
- I love pizza!
- I'm in love with my new phone.
- I just love your outfit!
Then we long to hear a guy tell us, "I love you", and believe that all our hopes and dreams will forever be fulfilled!
Girls, there is a man out there for you that will truly mean those words but learn to fully trust God for contentment. Take your list of frets and worries before God.
Let Him handle it.
Let Him hold you and comfort you.
Fret no more.
Take notice of the regrets of those around you and older than you and strive to avoid them.
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 37:5
What are YOU waiting for?
Often times, when we think of an active Christian, we think of titles like Evangelist, Missionary, Youth Leader, or Pastor, etc... but not every Christian falls into these categories. Does that mean that Christians who do not have a title do not have a purpose/ministry other than going to church and taking up space?
As Christians we are all automatically called to ministry. We normally associate ministry with titles but it is so much more than that. I want the Holy Ghost to ignite in each of us a fresh passion to do what we can right now where God has us.
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:6-8
God may have called you to a particular vocation but that does not mean you should be inactive while you wait.
But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 1:7-8
God will lead you through different places in your life to prepare you and mold you for what He wants you to do and be. Sometimes He alters your plans to bring about His perfect plan.
Remember... Joseph was a slave before he became second in command in Egypt, Moses had to learn to lead a flock before He could lead God's chosen people out of bondage, and David had to learn to care for his father's sheep before he could rule as king of Israel.
As Christians we are all automatically called to ministry. We normally associate ministry with titles but it is so much more than that. I want the Holy Ghost to ignite in each of us a fresh passion to do what we can right now where God has us.
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:6-8
God may have called you to a particular vocation but that does not mean you should be inactive while you wait.
But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 1:7-8
God will lead you through different places in your life to prepare you and mold you for what He wants you to do and be. Sometimes He alters your plans to bring about His perfect plan.
Remember... Joseph was a slave before he became second in command in Egypt, Moses had to learn to lead a flock before He could lead God's chosen people out of bondage, and David had to learn to care for his father's sheep before he could rule as king of Israel.
The reality is that the Lord never calls the qualified; he qualifies the called.
- Henry T. blackaby
Some questions to ask yourself...
Conclusion:
Missed opportunities often happen when we fill our mind with so much of the world that we do not give any thought for the Great Commission. If you want to do something for God but you are too afraid, make it your prayer that God would move you with so much compassion for the lost that you cannot help but do something!
Lesson given by Kristyn Johnson
- Where am I now?
- What people do I come in contact with on a regular basis, especially people I see that others do not?
- What does the Bible say I need to do/be as a Christian?
- Acts 22:15 - Witness
- John 13:35 - Show love
- Matthew 5:13 - Be salt
- Matthew 5:14 - Be a light
- Matthew 19:19 - Honor parents
- Ephesians 4:29 - Edify
- How can I put some of these things to practice with the people I see on a regular basis? (Be creative)
Conclusion:
Missed opportunities often happen when we fill our mind with so much of the world that we do not give any thought for the Great Commission. If you want to do something for God but you are too afraid, make it your prayer that God would move you with so much compassion for the lost that you cannot help but do something!
Lesson given by Kristyn Johnson
Teach Jesus
I'm a teacher. I taught Children's Church and Preschool. I teach young women. I teach Bible classes. With topics ranging from the ABC's to the character of the heart; my sole, most important purpose must be to teach JESUS. When my lesson may not be on the person of Christ, I pray that Who He is is being taught by my attitude, my character, my reponses... by my entire being.
At this point, I am not a mother but I understand that the ministry of motherhood is to teach their offspring true godliness and commitment to the ways of God.
At this point, I am not a mother but I understand that the ministry of motherhood is to teach their offspring true godliness and commitment to the ways of God.
Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
The moral decay of our country proves that perverted curriculum, opinionated ideas and teaching of immorality have proven ineffective for future generations.
In the name of tolerance, we have taught children they can be what they want and do whatever they want as long as it makes them happy.
In the name of happiness, immorality has the stamp of approval but in the end the individual realizes that they are the most miserable.
In the name of tolerance, we have taught children they can be what they want and do whatever they want as long as it makes them happy.
In the name of happiness, immorality has the stamp of approval but in the end the individual realizes that they are the most miserable.
Psalms 78:8 - And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
They would seek to become like this generation of Israelites, who followed after their own desires and cursed God in spite of his miraculous care of them. How many then seek to take out their own life as misery seems to overtake them?
How often does the "Pursuit of Happiness" lead to self-destruction? What will it take to truly be content?
In an age that teaches that love is the key to happiness and contentment, the source of love is being snuffed out. The Book that teaches to love our enemies and to do good to those that hate us is being disregarded and condemned. Why then do we shake our fist at God when the unthinkable happens and circumstances shake us to the core of our being, yet we refuse to acknowledge His presence?
Let's teach JESUS. The Biblical Jesus. The Savior Who came down from Heaven to minister to the hurting and humble the self-righteous.
Teach Jesus daily. Demonstrate His character and attitudes through YOUR life.
Written By: Sonia E. Vargas
How often does the "Pursuit of Happiness" lead to self-destruction? What will it take to truly be content?
In an age that teaches that love is the key to happiness and contentment, the source of love is being snuffed out. The Book that teaches to love our enemies and to do good to those that hate us is being disregarded and condemned. Why then do we shake our fist at God when the unthinkable happens and circumstances shake us to the core of our being, yet we refuse to acknowledge His presence?
Let's teach JESUS. The Biblical Jesus. The Savior Who came down from Heaven to minister to the hurting and humble the self-righteous.
Teach Jesus daily. Demonstrate His character and attitudes through YOUR life.
Written By: Sonia E. Vargas
lady of patience
Introduction:
1. Impatience motivates us to manipulate situations to bring about our desired results.
2. Patience spares us from bad choices and mistakes.
3. Patience is God’s protection.
A Lady of Patience does not allow fear to cause us to rush God’s timing. Fear targets our ability to wait. Scripture reminds us that “God hath no given us the spirit of fear; but of…” what? Read 2 Timothy 1:7. Power. Love. A sound mind.
"I think Christians fail so often to get answers to their prayers because they do not wait long enough on God."
- E.M. Bounds
What fears do you currently face in your life? List them. Keep the list with you and as you go through the next few weeks, pray about and search for verses to write down next to your different fears.
A Lady of Patience overcomes her fears by recognizing that God is working behind the scenes. But our “waiting” must be active. “Waiting” does not mean it’s ok to sit around and do nothing! Waiting is NOT laziness but it is diligently doing what God has called you to do and being who God has called you to be, while trusting God for your future and your life now.
DON’T FORGET! God is powerfully working behind the scenes, divinely orchestrating your life, your future, your relationships, your connections, your footsteps. He’s ordering. He’s shaping. He’s working on your heart.
Patience is not received as a gift that falls from the sky but is a result of your walk with God.
In the same way that patience protects you for God’s best, impatience can position you for disastrous consequences.
"To wait is not to sit with folded hands, but to learn to do what we are told."
- Oswald Chambers
You may be asking yourself, "What can I do while I wait?”
There are people God wants you to reach, things He wants you to do, and promises He wants to fulfill in and through you. As David “waited” to be king, he established a relationship with God.
Read Ps. 27:14
Practical things to do during the “wait”. Meet with an older, married woman and ask her to share the realities of her daily life with you. Plan activities with good, godly friends. That’s why we have GEM Night! Have fun, but also make a difference. Become involved with children, teens, or adults. Work in your church.
Find a need and decide that you are going to be the one to meet that need. Start somewhere!
The vision of this series, Lady in Waiting, is to get us so stirred up about God’s plan and purpose for our lives that He alone becomes our primary purpose.
*Notes derived from Lady in Waiting Study Guide by Jackie Kendall with personal input from Sonia E. Vargas
1. Impatience motivates us to manipulate situations to bring about our desired results.
2. Patience spares us from bad choices and mistakes.
3. Patience is God’s protection.
A Lady of Patience does not allow fear to cause us to rush God’s timing. Fear targets our ability to wait. Scripture reminds us that “God hath no given us the spirit of fear; but of…” what? Read 2 Timothy 1:7. Power. Love. A sound mind.
"I think Christians fail so often to get answers to their prayers because they do not wait long enough on God."
- E.M. Bounds
What fears do you currently face in your life? List them. Keep the list with you and as you go through the next few weeks, pray about and search for verses to write down next to your different fears.
A Lady of Patience overcomes her fears by recognizing that God is working behind the scenes. But our “waiting” must be active. “Waiting” does not mean it’s ok to sit around and do nothing! Waiting is NOT laziness but it is diligently doing what God has called you to do and being who God has called you to be, while trusting God for your future and your life now.
DON’T FORGET! God is powerfully working behind the scenes, divinely orchestrating your life, your future, your relationships, your connections, your footsteps. He’s ordering. He’s shaping. He’s working on your heart.
Patience is not received as a gift that falls from the sky but is a result of your walk with God.
In the same way that patience protects you for God’s best, impatience can position you for disastrous consequences.
"To wait is not to sit with folded hands, but to learn to do what we are told."
- Oswald Chambers
You may be asking yourself, "What can I do while I wait?”
There are people God wants you to reach, things He wants you to do, and promises He wants to fulfill in and through you. As David “waited” to be king, he established a relationship with God.
Read Ps. 27:14
Practical things to do during the “wait”. Meet with an older, married woman and ask her to share the realities of her daily life with you. Plan activities with good, godly friends. That’s why we have GEM Night! Have fun, but also make a difference. Become involved with children, teens, or adults. Work in your church.
Find a need and decide that you are going to be the one to meet that need. Start somewhere!
The vision of this series, Lady in Waiting, is to get us so stirred up about God’s plan and purpose for our lives that He alone becomes our primary purpose.
*Notes derived from Lady in Waiting Study Guide by Jackie Kendall with personal input from Sonia E. Vargas
lady of conviction
Introduction:
1. Conviction is making sure our lifestyle is in agreement with what we say we believe.
2. Convictions help us live in agreement with our identity in Christ.
3. Convictions protect you during the tsunami of feelings.
A Lady of Conviction’s destiny has little to do with chance, and a lot to do with choice. Every choice you make is evaluated in light of what your convictions are. You cannot afford to live with unknown or undecided convictions.
They are not rules to prevent you,
but standards to protect you.
Commandments, standards, and convictions are not a killjoy; they are God’s invitation to a beautiful life where you make choices in light of who you are in Christ.
Why do many Christian women end up living just like the world – and end up regretting it so deeply later on in life? They never built a foundation of conviction that helped direct their choices. They lived by their feelings. As a result? They continue to live unfulfilled and purposeless – like everybody else.
Does anyone come to mind? Think of their choices, then think of their convictions. Did they have any convictions? Did they live by their feelings only?
Your willingness to say “No” to compromise reveals what’s truly on the inside.
1. Conviction is making sure our lifestyle is in agreement with what we say we believe.
2. Convictions help us live in agreement with our identity in Christ.
3. Convictions protect you during the tsunami of feelings.
A Lady of Conviction’s destiny has little to do with chance, and a lot to do with choice. Every choice you make is evaluated in light of what your convictions are. You cannot afford to live with unknown or undecided convictions.
They are not rules to prevent you,
but standards to protect you.
Commandments, standards, and convictions are not a killjoy; they are God’s invitation to a beautiful life where you make choices in light of who you are in Christ.
Why do many Christian women end up living just like the world – and end up regretting it so deeply later on in life? They never built a foundation of conviction that helped direct their choices. They lived by their feelings. As a result? They continue to live unfulfilled and purposeless – like everybody else.
Does anyone come to mind? Think of their choices, then think of their convictions. Did they have any convictions? Did they live by their feelings only?
Your willingness to say “No” to compromise reveals what’s truly on the inside.
"It’s bad enough for me to make choices that hurt my own relationship with God. How much more serious is it to be the cause of someone else deciding to sin? Not only must I choose the pathway of holiness for God’s sake and for my sake; I must do it for the sake of others."
- Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Convictions protect you! Feelings are deceiving.
We have convictions because our feelings cannot be trusted. Convictions help us navigate through the feeling fog and make godly choices.
Ask yourself: Am I strong in my convictions? Is it difficult for me to say “No” when I am asked to compromise?
*Notes derived from Lady in Waiting Study Guide by Jackie Kendall with personal input from Sonia E. Vargas
We have convictions because our feelings cannot be trusted. Convictions help us navigate through the feeling fog and make godly choices.
Ask yourself: Am I strong in my convictions? Is it difficult for me to say “No” when I am asked to compromise?
*Notes derived from Lady in Waiting Study Guide by Jackie Kendall with personal input from Sonia E. Vargas
Lady of Virtue
First, what is the meaning of virtue?
Definition of virtue: behavior showing high moral standards, moral excellence.
Virtue is Essential, Irresistible, and Beautiful.
Exterior vs. Interior.
Exterior - the outward appearance. This is the outer part of you, which will reflect the inner.
Interior - the inside, the heart, the true and all revealing.
It does NOT take a relationship to find out who you are. Who better to look to than the Creator? He has known you since before you were born. (Psalm 139:14)
If you put your trust in man, he is sure to disappoint but God NEVER disappoints!
Now is the time where you can find that special, close relationship with the Lord. You need to be sure of your interior before you try to "complete" yourself with another human being.
"To be so close to God that my future husband will have to seek God to find me." - Unknown
THINK! What you "catch a guy" with is what you will need to keep him with.
Delivered by: Andrea Johnson
Definition of virtue: behavior showing high moral standards, moral excellence.
Virtue is Essential, Irresistible, and Beautiful.
Exterior vs. Interior.
Exterior - the outward appearance. This is the outer part of you, which will reflect the inner.
Interior - the inside, the heart, the true and all revealing.
It does NOT take a relationship to find out who you are. Who better to look to than the Creator? He has known you since before you were born. (Psalm 139:14)
If you put your trust in man, he is sure to disappoint but God NEVER disappoints!
Now is the time where you can find that special, close relationship with the Lord. You need to be sure of your interior before you try to "complete" yourself with another human being.
"To be so close to God that my future husband will have to seek God to find me." - Unknown
THINK! What you "catch a guy" with is what you will need to keep him with.
Delivered by: Andrea Johnson
Lady of Faith (Part 2)
Divine Encounters
It was God that directed Ruth to the field of Boaz. This was nothing short of a divine encounter, orchestrated by God Himself. Ruth did not change lands in order to find her man, she moved out of commitment to her mother-in-law.
Ladies, move as God directs. Your life will be a series of movements. Seasons change. Opportunities knock. As a believer and lover of Christ, your steps are being ordered by a sovereign, and in-control God.
Look at what happened to Ruth. She was flowing in sync with God's ordered plan for her life. Ruth 2:3
This wasn't a coincidence. God had set her up to meet Boaz! Who's to say He can't do the same for you? When doubt comes in and produces fear it leads us to start trying to orchestrate the encounters, the opportunities, the meetings, and the moments rather than trusting the Master Author to write our story.
Affirmation: I trust the divine encounters and appointments to God. I cannot make them happen. Lord, help me to keep my eyes on you and focus on the things you have called me to do during this season of life.
Rest in His Faithfulness
"True faith rests upon the character of God and asks no further proof than the moral perfections of the One who cannot lie. It is enough that God has said it." - A.W. Tozer
Faith and rest go hand in hand; faith actually produces rest. On the other hand, doubt = restlessness. Faith involves resting in God's character and His promises. When we believe that God is faithful, every promise in Scripture has deeper meaning to us.
Let's take 1 Peter 5:7 for instance. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
You ARE able to cast your cares upon God because of your faith in His faithfulness. By the end of this lesson I want all of us, myself included, to get stirred up about the faithfulness of our God. If He is not faithful, what are we placing our faith in?
God's faithfulness fuels our faith. When we stop considering His faithfulness, it is easy to wander into doubt, fear, and worry. The result? We start trying to make things happen by ourselves and that's a big mistake!
So what's the solution to your anxiety over dating, relationships, marriage, the future and all that good stuff?
"The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety." - George Mueller
Hebrews 12:2 - Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…
So many things in this life compete for your complete attention and focus. Culture and media tell us to focus on finding the right guy. Faith invites you to focus higher and bigger.
Keep your eyes on Jesus; the Faithful One will never fail you!
Affirmation: My eyes are fixed on Jesus, the Faithful One. I will not let all of the competing messages in culture, in media, or even from my friends distract me from trusting Jesus with everything I have. I rest in His faithfulness and completely trust His good plan and divine timing.
Conclusion:
*Notes derived from Lady in Waiting Study Guide by Jackie Kendall with personal input from Sonia E. Vargas
It was God that directed Ruth to the field of Boaz. This was nothing short of a divine encounter, orchestrated by God Himself. Ruth did not change lands in order to find her man, she moved out of commitment to her mother-in-law.
Ladies, move as God directs. Your life will be a series of movements. Seasons change. Opportunities knock. As a believer and lover of Christ, your steps are being ordered by a sovereign, and in-control God.
Look at what happened to Ruth. She was flowing in sync with God's ordered plan for her life. Ruth 2:3
This wasn't a coincidence. God had set her up to meet Boaz! Who's to say He can't do the same for you? When doubt comes in and produces fear it leads us to start trying to orchestrate the encounters, the opportunities, the meetings, and the moments rather than trusting the Master Author to write our story.
Affirmation: I trust the divine encounters and appointments to God. I cannot make them happen. Lord, help me to keep my eyes on you and focus on the things you have called me to do during this season of life.
Rest in His Faithfulness
"True faith rests upon the character of God and asks no further proof than the moral perfections of the One who cannot lie. It is enough that God has said it." - A.W. Tozer
Faith and rest go hand in hand; faith actually produces rest. On the other hand, doubt = restlessness. Faith involves resting in God's character and His promises. When we believe that God is faithful, every promise in Scripture has deeper meaning to us.
Let's take 1 Peter 5:7 for instance. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
You ARE able to cast your cares upon God because of your faith in His faithfulness. By the end of this lesson I want all of us, myself included, to get stirred up about the faithfulness of our God. If He is not faithful, what are we placing our faith in?
God's faithfulness fuels our faith. When we stop considering His faithfulness, it is easy to wander into doubt, fear, and worry. The result? We start trying to make things happen by ourselves and that's a big mistake!
So what's the solution to your anxiety over dating, relationships, marriage, the future and all that good stuff?
"The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety." - George Mueller
Hebrews 12:2 - Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…
So many things in this life compete for your complete attention and focus. Culture and media tell us to focus on finding the right guy. Faith invites you to focus higher and bigger.
Keep your eyes on Jesus; the Faithful One will never fail you!
Affirmation: My eyes are fixed on Jesus, the Faithful One. I will not let all of the competing messages in culture, in media, or even from my friends distract me from trusting Jesus with everything I have. I rest in His faithfulness and completely trust His good plan and divine timing.
Conclusion:
- How has God revealed His faithfulness to you in the past? List 3 testimonies of God's faithfulness in your life.
- Keep a Book of Remembrance, like a journal or a list to remind yourself of God's faithfulness. Remembering His past faithfulness gives you strength to stand against whatever you may be dealing with in your life today.
- What has God called you to be focused on right now?
*Notes derived from Lady in Waiting Study Guide by Jackie Kendall with personal input from Sonia E. Vargas
Lady of Faith (Part 1)
Introduction:
What is faith?
Faith = strong belief or trust in someone or something.
Read: Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17
A Lady of Faith:
Beyond Your Logic
So, in this chapter the emphasis is shifted. In the first 2 chapters, it was focused on us, but now it's focusing on God, for He is the object of our faith and ought to be the source of our trust.
When we focus on God without distraction, our faith is increased and strengthened.
How many of you have, or know someone that has, imagined a certain "way" of how your meeting with Mr. Right is supposed to happen? It's amazing how far some girls will go to position themselves to try and meet a prospective husband! It could be safe to say that many girls, especially in Christian circles, enter college (even BIBLE college) with an expectation to graduate with the infamous MRS. Degree. There's a HUGE problem with that. God is taken out of the equation and we try to do His job for Him. When we do this then that shows that we are not trusting God to orchestrate the best relationship in His best time. As I've said several times before, I'm not trying to discourage your desire to be married but I refuse to see you settle for less than God's best. That's why we are doing this study.
How many of you know or have learned the hard way that we do a horrible job trying to do God's job?!
We end up with regrets and disappointment all because we try to do things our way. Let's face it, we can't do it. We don't have the wisdom.
We don't have the strength.
We don't have all the knowledge.
AND we are NOT God!
It's very likely that YOUR expectations will be smashed and then exceeded by a God who does things abundantly beyond your wildest dreams. (Ephesians 3:20) Mine were! But you know what I've learned and what I want to teach you, is that it is so much better to have faith in God and in His ability than to try to orchestrate your circumstances. Now, looking back, even though my expectations were smashed, my life holds so much more excitement and opportunities than if I had things my way.
"Refuse to be limited by what your natural eyes see or what your natural mind can wrap itself around." - Jackie Kendall
Affirmation: My faith is in the God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, beyond anything I can hope, dream, or imagine. Lord, I trust You to lead me and guide me. Where You tell me to go, I will go. Where You tell me to stay, I will stay. You have my best interests at heart.
Your Solution for Every Situation
Impossible is not a word in God's vocabulary! The Bible is a record keeper of countless times that our mighty God has turned situations around that appeared hopeless. His track record is pretty impressive. Just look at Psalm 78. It only lists some of the miracles done when the children of Israel were on their way to the Promised Land, but those are some pretty amazing works!
Have you heard of Buddha, Gandhi, Krishna, or Muhammed parting the Red Sea, causing the sun to stand completely still, or bringing down the walls of Jericho? Ha!
So, with that in mind, I want to ask you, if God can do all these incredible, amazing, miraculous things, what prevents Him from being totally in control of your future?
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Before you actively trust God through faith, you need to have a knowing in your heart that He can and He will.
Psalm 37:23 - The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
He can and will lead you to the right person at the right time. When we believe that He can it shows our belief in God's ability to do something. How many of you truly, truly believe that God is able and fully capable of doing not only something, but anything? This ought to stir our hope. Once you do believe that God is capable of doing something, anything, then you can personally and actively trust Him to do that in your life. This is the essence of faith.
Some of the greatest moments in our Christian lives include the instances where God comes onto the scene and turns around a situation. This includes His powerful presence being with you while walking through dark, difficult times. He's there to transform you. He's there in the midst of it to walk with you.
This is what breaks my heart, why then would a beautiful young woman who has been masterfully, and wonderfully created by God walk away from such an experience to pursue a future with a man who can never, ever truly satisfy us? Ok, back to our notes.
Faith is basically seeing from God's perspective, which takes the limits off of what you are expecting or imagining will happen. The key is trusting His character and resting in His timing. Don't try to take over the wheel!
Faith trusts, faith rests, and finally,
"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible" - Corrie Ten Boom.
Affirmation: My focus is not on trying to order my steps or plan out how I am going to find the perfect relationship. My heart trusts a faithful God and rests in His timing. He is good, so I trust His plan to be good and His timing to be perfect! Nothing is impossible for Him!
Faith that Drowns Doubts
Faith serves as an anchor in the midst of our doubts. Satan has been relentlessly trying to contaminate our minds with fears, doubts, and uncertainty since the Garden of Eden. He wants you to doubt whether or not God will do what He says.
Will God come through? Will He deliver? Or will you end up 98 years old and alone?
Listen up girls. If for whatever reason you do not end up marrying, then God will give you something that exceeds marriage. You may not be able to comprehend that now, but trust me, that is our God.
Nothing is more rewarding than trusting God and obeying Him.
"Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them." - Elisabeth Elliot
You must feed your faith in order to starve out doubt. Look up Romans 10:17.
What are some practical ways you can feed or build up your faith through God's Word? Feel free to reply with your response or your thoughts about this lesson.
*Notes derived from Lady in Waiting Study Guide by Jackie Kendall with personal input from Sonia E. Vargas
What is faith?
Faith = strong belief or trust in someone or something.
Read: Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17
A Lady of Faith:
- Is a faithful student of the Word of God.
- You must place yourself under it's scrutiny
- Search it out for yourself
- Be sure of your salvation, your beliefs, God's promises
- Develops a holy habit of spending time in God’s Word. (Psalm 119:11)
- Develops standards based on God’s Word.
- Builds interior strength through consistent, daily time in God’s Word.
- Protects herself from making destructive choices.
- How is this possible through faith?
- She is trusting in God's leading and guidance
- She will not go astray when she places her complete trust on God
- How is this possible through faith?
Beyond Your Logic
So, in this chapter the emphasis is shifted. In the first 2 chapters, it was focused on us, but now it's focusing on God, for He is the object of our faith and ought to be the source of our trust.
When we focus on God without distraction, our faith is increased and strengthened.
How many of you have, or know someone that has, imagined a certain "way" of how your meeting with Mr. Right is supposed to happen? It's amazing how far some girls will go to position themselves to try and meet a prospective husband! It could be safe to say that many girls, especially in Christian circles, enter college (even BIBLE college) with an expectation to graduate with the infamous MRS. Degree. There's a HUGE problem with that. God is taken out of the equation and we try to do His job for Him. When we do this then that shows that we are not trusting God to orchestrate the best relationship in His best time. As I've said several times before, I'm not trying to discourage your desire to be married but I refuse to see you settle for less than God's best. That's why we are doing this study.
How many of you know or have learned the hard way that we do a horrible job trying to do God's job?!
We end up with regrets and disappointment all because we try to do things our way. Let's face it, we can't do it. We don't have the wisdom.
We don't have the strength.
We don't have all the knowledge.
AND we are NOT God!
It's very likely that YOUR expectations will be smashed and then exceeded by a God who does things abundantly beyond your wildest dreams. (Ephesians 3:20) Mine were! But you know what I've learned and what I want to teach you, is that it is so much better to have faith in God and in His ability than to try to orchestrate your circumstances. Now, looking back, even though my expectations were smashed, my life holds so much more excitement and opportunities than if I had things my way.
"Refuse to be limited by what your natural eyes see or what your natural mind can wrap itself around." - Jackie Kendall
Affirmation: My faith is in the God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, beyond anything I can hope, dream, or imagine. Lord, I trust You to lead me and guide me. Where You tell me to go, I will go. Where You tell me to stay, I will stay. You have my best interests at heart.
Your Solution for Every Situation
Impossible is not a word in God's vocabulary! The Bible is a record keeper of countless times that our mighty God has turned situations around that appeared hopeless. His track record is pretty impressive. Just look at Psalm 78. It only lists some of the miracles done when the children of Israel were on their way to the Promised Land, but those are some pretty amazing works!
Have you heard of Buddha, Gandhi, Krishna, or Muhammed parting the Red Sea, causing the sun to stand completely still, or bringing down the walls of Jericho? Ha!
So, with that in mind, I want to ask you, if God can do all these incredible, amazing, miraculous things, what prevents Him from being totally in control of your future?
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Before you actively trust God through faith, you need to have a knowing in your heart that He can and He will.
Psalm 37:23 - The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
He can and will lead you to the right person at the right time. When we believe that He can it shows our belief in God's ability to do something. How many of you truly, truly believe that God is able and fully capable of doing not only something, but anything? This ought to stir our hope. Once you do believe that God is capable of doing something, anything, then you can personally and actively trust Him to do that in your life. This is the essence of faith.
Some of the greatest moments in our Christian lives include the instances where God comes onto the scene and turns around a situation. This includes His powerful presence being with you while walking through dark, difficult times. He's there to transform you. He's there in the midst of it to walk with you.
This is what breaks my heart, why then would a beautiful young woman who has been masterfully, and wonderfully created by God walk away from such an experience to pursue a future with a man who can never, ever truly satisfy us? Ok, back to our notes.
Faith is basically seeing from God's perspective, which takes the limits off of what you are expecting or imagining will happen. The key is trusting His character and resting in His timing. Don't try to take over the wheel!
Faith trusts, faith rests, and finally,
"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible" - Corrie Ten Boom.
Affirmation: My focus is not on trying to order my steps or plan out how I am going to find the perfect relationship. My heart trusts a faithful God and rests in His timing. He is good, so I trust His plan to be good and His timing to be perfect! Nothing is impossible for Him!
Faith that Drowns Doubts
Faith serves as an anchor in the midst of our doubts. Satan has been relentlessly trying to contaminate our minds with fears, doubts, and uncertainty since the Garden of Eden. He wants you to doubt whether or not God will do what He says.
Will God come through? Will He deliver? Or will you end up 98 years old and alone?
Listen up girls. If for whatever reason you do not end up marrying, then God will give you something that exceeds marriage. You may not be able to comprehend that now, but trust me, that is our God.
Nothing is more rewarding than trusting God and obeying Him.
"Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them." - Elisabeth Elliot
You must feed your faith in order to starve out doubt. Look up Romans 10:17.
What are some practical ways you can feed or build up your faith through God's Word? Feel free to reply with your response or your thoughts about this lesson.
*Notes derived from Lady in Waiting Study Guide by Jackie Kendall with personal input from Sonia E. Vargas
How can YOU be involved?
Read the information flyer below to see how you can be involved in GEM Ministry and make a difference to other young women of our generation.
Roaring Lion
In preparing for our GEM lesson the lyrics to a particular song that has become quite popular among the Christian ranks were ringing in my ear. A part of that song wasn't ringing quite clear with my knowledge of the Bible so I decided to do a little bit of digging and research.
The lyrics go like this… "My God's not dead, He's surely alive. He's living on the inside, roaring like a lion." To the common listener the phrase is catchy and sounds pretty good. The assurance that God is not dead is wonderful and even more so to know that He lives inside of us, but is He really "roaring like a lion"?
Curious? Read on... Offended? Read on... :)
That phrase reminded me of a verse, so I looked it up and was intrigued as to why those words would be used in that particular way. Let's look at 1 Peter 5:8 and see who is described here.
1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Hmmm....
Now, who is described as a "roaring lion" in that verse? I think you can see the answer in the verse above.
Is there anyplace in Scripture where we find God described as a "roaring lion"?
No.... but Jesus is described in many places throughout the Bible as the "Lamb of God". However, there is one place that mentions Jesus with a reference to a lion.
Revelation 5:5 - And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
Jesus, Lion of the tribe of Judah
Here, when Christ is pictured as a lion, it is describing His position. I'll explain. The lion is the king of beasts. The lion is often referred to as "king of the jungle".
Jesus is the King of all. This name describes Him as the One who will rule as King of all the earth But nowhere, NOWHERE, is Jesus mentioned as a "roaring lion"!
When you think of the roar of a lion, what enters your mind? What emotions would you feel? Fear? Intimidation? Do you think the mention of Jesus ought to fill us with fear? I believe when Jesus is described in this portion of Scripture as both Lion and Lamb, it tells us of His character
He is tame, not roaring, yet powerful.
He is gentle, but strong.
Bold As A Lion
Proverbs 28:1 - "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion."
Here we see that the righteous are described as being "bold as a lion". If you are a believer in Christ, that's YOU. What are some characteristics that could be described when speaking about a lion being "bold"?
Standing firm. Solid. Strong faith. Fearless. Not easily turned back.
The Roaring Lion
So who is the "Roaring Lion"? Obviously, from the text above we know that it is Lucifer, Satan, the Devil, the Evil One, Destroyer. Just as 1 Peter mentions, he's roaming about to destroy.
Who or what is he seeking to destroy?
YOU and me! He is seeking to destroy all mankind, but especially the believer. This he does many times through suffering.
How many of you know that it's hard to have strong faith when we suffer? We may not know suffering like others know suffering but there are ways you know suffering - the loss of a loved one, loss of a friendship, hurts caused by others, sickness or disease, and many other ways.
Know this, he WILL destroy you when you abandon the protection of God. That is why we have ministries like GEM's, Sunday School, Apologetics Class, etc. so that you stay under the protection, love, and knowledge of God.
I can't force you to stay. It's your choice. But never forget this, if you chose to leave God's protection, the Destroyer will grab hold of you. He may not take your life, but will use sin to destroy you because with sin you have no hope of eternal life.
Think of the Biblical character, Job.
He was a righteous man and had everything going for him. The devil took notice of him. Read Job 1:7 and you will notice that Satan has been roaming the earth and seeks a way to destroy him by turning him away from God. God tells him, "Do want you want but don't touch him, He's mine"
By the end of that chapter Job has lost all of his children, his animals (his wealth), his employees, but the last verse says, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." meaning he didn't turn away. Satan was ready at a moment's notice to pounce on him the moment he cursed God and turned away from him. He wanted nothing better than to take another one righteous person from the protection of God the Father.
The Destroyer wanted nothing better than to destroy him but to no avail. Hallelujah! What a testimony!
The Roar of Destruction
The stories of evil and wickedness sounds like the roar of an angry lion to the ears of a Christian
Examples:
- Teenage boy turned girl demands rights to use girl's restroom.
- Police men are being targeted and killed
- Babies are not only being aborted but are being sold by pieces
- Christians are being accused of hatred
No matter how loud or fearful the roar of destruction sounds you can stand strong!
The time is come for us to KNOW what we believe in and why
What's happening around the world, in our own cities, schools, or even homes may frighten us just like the roar of an angry lion, but always remember that when you continue to trust and believe in the Lamb of God you will be safe from destruction.
September GEM Lesson
The lyrics go like this… "My God's not dead, He's surely alive. He's living on the inside, roaring like a lion." To the common listener the phrase is catchy and sounds pretty good. The assurance that God is not dead is wonderful and even more so to know that He lives inside of us, but is He really "roaring like a lion"?
Curious? Read on... Offended? Read on... :)
That phrase reminded me of a verse, so I looked it up and was intrigued as to why those words would be used in that particular way. Let's look at 1 Peter 5:8 and see who is described here.
1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Hmmm....
Now, who is described as a "roaring lion" in that verse? I think you can see the answer in the verse above.
Is there anyplace in Scripture where we find God described as a "roaring lion"?
No.... but Jesus is described in many places throughout the Bible as the "Lamb of God". However, there is one place that mentions Jesus with a reference to a lion.
Revelation 5:5 - And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
Jesus, Lion of the tribe of Judah
Here, when Christ is pictured as a lion, it is describing His position. I'll explain. The lion is the king of beasts. The lion is often referred to as "king of the jungle".
Jesus is the King of all. This name describes Him as the One who will rule as King of all the earth But nowhere, NOWHERE, is Jesus mentioned as a "roaring lion"!
When you think of the roar of a lion, what enters your mind? What emotions would you feel? Fear? Intimidation? Do you think the mention of Jesus ought to fill us with fear? I believe when Jesus is described in this portion of Scripture as both Lion and Lamb, it tells us of His character
He is tame, not roaring, yet powerful.
He is gentle, but strong.
Bold As A Lion
Proverbs 28:1 - "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion."
Here we see that the righteous are described as being "bold as a lion". If you are a believer in Christ, that's YOU. What are some characteristics that could be described when speaking about a lion being "bold"?
Standing firm. Solid. Strong faith. Fearless. Not easily turned back.
The Roaring Lion
So who is the "Roaring Lion"? Obviously, from the text above we know that it is Lucifer, Satan, the Devil, the Evil One, Destroyer. Just as 1 Peter mentions, he's roaming about to destroy.
Who or what is he seeking to destroy?
YOU and me! He is seeking to destroy all mankind, but especially the believer. This he does many times through suffering.
How many of you know that it's hard to have strong faith when we suffer? We may not know suffering like others know suffering but there are ways you know suffering - the loss of a loved one, loss of a friendship, hurts caused by others, sickness or disease, and many other ways.
Know this, he WILL destroy you when you abandon the protection of God. That is why we have ministries like GEM's, Sunday School, Apologetics Class, etc. so that you stay under the protection, love, and knowledge of God.
I can't force you to stay. It's your choice. But never forget this, if you chose to leave God's protection, the Destroyer will grab hold of you. He may not take your life, but will use sin to destroy you because with sin you have no hope of eternal life.
Think of the Biblical character, Job.
He was a righteous man and had everything going for him. The devil took notice of him. Read Job 1:7 and you will notice that Satan has been roaming the earth and seeks a way to destroy him by turning him away from God. God tells him, "Do want you want but don't touch him, He's mine"
By the end of that chapter Job has lost all of his children, his animals (his wealth), his employees, but the last verse says, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." meaning he didn't turn away. Satan was ready at a moment's notice to pounce on him the moment he cursed God and turned away from him. He wanted nothing better than to take another one righteous person from the protection of God the Father.
The Destroyer wanted nothing better than to destroy him but to no avail. Hallelujah! What a testimony!
The Roar of Destruction
The stories of evil and wickedness sounds like the roar of an angry lion to the ears of a Christian
Examples:
- Teenage boy turned girl demands rights to use girl's restroom.
- Police men are being targeted and killed
- Babies are not only being aborted but are being sold by pieces
- Christians are being accused of hatred
No matter how loud or fearful the roar of destruction sounds you can stand strong!
The time is come for us to KNOW what we believe in and why
What's happening around the world, in our own cities, schools, or even homes may frighten us just like the roar of an angry lion, but always remember that when you continue to trust and believe in the Lamb of God you will be safe from destruction.
September GEM Lesson
Lady of Diligence
"Becoming a Lady of Diligence happens one small change at a time, not all at once." - Jackie Kendall
Introduction:
Diligence = Long obedience in the same direction.
A lady of diligence:
Make the Most of Singleness
Ephesians 5:17
Life is precious, and yet how many of us are guilty of wishing it away? We “can’t wait” until… fill in the blanks. In many cases, the until involves “Mr. Right.” We must trust God with the timing of relationships and marriage.
In the meantime, we must make the most of our singleness, as we can accomplish things in this season that we cannot in any other season of life.
This doesn’t make one status better than the other. It just means we are able to do different things as single women than we can as married women.
John Fischer noted:
I have a strange feeling that the single person who is always wishing he were married will probably get married, discover all that is involved, and wish he were single again! He will ask himself, “Why didn’t I use that time for the Lord when I didn’t have so many other obligations? Why didn’t I give myself totally to Him when I was single?
In the midst of being single, dateless, and even feeling the pain of watching your friends going out while you are at home – steward this season. Make the most of the unique opportunities that come with singleness.
Diligence = Long obedience in the same direction.
A lady of diligence:
- Does not serve for recognition, but she serves in obedience to God. (Hebrews 11:6)
- Brings God’s blessing into existence because of her diligence. (1 Corinthians 7:34-35)
- Serves God without distraction.
- Is wholly devoted to God when she is single so she can remain disciplined when she is married.
- Always asks God for what He prefers.
- Does not let her life circumstances determine whether or not she serves God.
- Thrives in her free time.
- Keeps hope alive.
- Serves because she honors and loves God, not out of ulterior motive.
Make the Most of Singleness
Ephesians 5:17
Life is precious, and yet how many of us are guilty of wishing it away? We “can’t wait” until… fill in the blanks. In many cases, the until involves “Mr. Right.” We must trust God with the timing of relationships and marriage.
In the meantime, we must make the most of our singleness, as we can accomplish things in this season that we cannot in any other season of life.
This doesn’t make one status better than the other. It just means we are able to do different things as single women than we can as married women.
John Fischer noted:
I have a strange feeling that the single person who is always wishing he were married will probably get married, discover all that is involved, and wish he were single again! He will ask himself, “Why didn’t I use that time for the Lord when I didn’t have so many other obligations? Why didn’t I give myself totally to Him when I was single?
In the midst of being single, dateless, and even feeling the pain of watching your friends going out while you are at home – steward this season. Make the most of the unique opportunities that come with singleness.
AFFIRMATION: I don’t need to be dating or in a relationship to be happy, satisfied, and content. I am going to diligently make the most of this season in life. I am going to embrace and actually celebrate singleness as a precious, unique time of life – and pursue God like never before.
Not Denied
Singleness is not God’s denial. This is a season where you have something that, once you are married, you will have significantly less of - free time.
To believe that singleness is God’s denial of an essential blessing is a deception. Worth does not come in the form of a boyfriend, fiancé, or husband. You are already so precious to God. He wants to overflow you with Himself in this season of your life. Start maximizing your time by seeking God with a greater passion and intensity than ever before.
The more we focus on our apparent lack, the more dissatisfied we become.
Singleness is not God’s denial. This is a season where you have something that, once you are married, you will have significantly less of - free time.
To believe that singleness is God’s denial of an essential blessing is a deception. Worth does not come in the form of a boyfriend, fiancé, or husband. You are already so precious to God. He wants to overflow you with Himself in this season of your life. Start maximizing your time by seeking God with a greater passion and intensity than ever before.
The more we focus on our apparent lack, the more dissatisfied we become.
AFFIRMATION: Being single is not God’s denial – if anything, it is His blessing on this special time of my life. While others are dating and pursuing boyfriends, help me, Lord, to pursue You in a greater, more passionate way than ever before. I trust Your timing.
Abundant Life
John 10:10
The “abundant” or “satisfying” life that Jesus promises in this verse does not begin when you say “I do”. Jesus gave us a crystal clear definition of abundant life.
Life does not begin with a man; it begins with the Messiah!
Let’s look at Jesus’ definition of real life in John 17:3. What does it say? And what about John 10:10? It speaks of a life that is rich and satisfying. You are not waiting for life to begin. Life begins now.
God wants to create a divine collision of two people actively pursuing Jesus and enjoying abundant life now. When two people, both satisfied in Jesus’ abundant life, come together, something really good is in the making, Jesus must be the center of both of your worlds.
John 10:10
The “abundant” or “satisfying” life that Jesus promises in this verse does not begin when you say “I do”. Jesus gave us a crystal clear definition of abundant life.
Life does not begin with a man; it begins with the Messiah!
Let’s look at Jesus’ definition of real life in John 17:3. What does it say? And what about John 10:10? It speaks of a life that is rich and satisfying. You are not waiting for life to begin. Life begins now.
God wants to create a divine collision of two people actively pursuing Jesus and enjoying abundant life now. When two people, both satisfied in Jesus’ abundant life, come together, something really good is in the making, Jesus must be the center of both of your worlds.
AFFIRMATION: Abundant life does not start with a person – not a boyfriend, fiancé, or husband. I am not waiting around for abundant life; I have it now in Christ Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for paying such a high price for me to know and enjoy the Father.
Impacting Lives
John Piper invites singles to ask themselves this question:
“For this chapter in my life, while I am single, what is it about my singleness that could make me especially fruitful for Christ?”
This is the best time to learn skills, take up hobbies, go on a mission trip, and really dream with God and start receiving glimpses of who you are and what you are called to do. 1 Corinthians 15:58 should describe your attitude and approach to “free time”. Here are a few different ministry opportunities you can give yourself fully to as a single:
Teaching – mentor girls who are younger in the Lord. Lead a Bible study, volunteer in a Sunday School class, etc.
Encouragement – putting courage into others. (Is. 50:4)
Prayer – diligently pursue God, hear His voice, discern His will, and discover His purposes.
Service – being other-oriented. Serving in church, community outreach, helping other believers in their work.
Listening – some people just need to be heard. Wise is the woman who not only knows how to listen, but ask key questions.
Hospitality – consider the power and possibility of bringing people into your world (dinner, game night).
John Piper invites singles to ask themselves this question:
“For this chapter in my life, while I am single, what is it about my singleness that could make me especially fruitful for Christ?”
This is the best time to learn skills, take up hobbies, go on a mission trip, and really dream with God and start receiving glimpses of who you are and what you are called to do. 1 Corinthians 15:58 should describe your attitude and approach to “free time”. Here are a few different ministry opportunities you can give yourself fully to as a single:
Teaching – mentor girls who are younger in the Lord. Lead a Bible study, volunteer in a Sunday School class, etc.
Encouragement – putting courage into others. (Is. 50:4)
Prayer – diligently pursue God, hear His voice, discern His will, and discover His purposes.
Service – being other-oriented. Serving in church, community outreach, helping other believers in their work.
Listening – some people just need to be heard. Wise is the woman who not only knows how to listen, but ask key questions.
Hospitality – consider the power and possibility of bringing people into your world (dinner, game night).
AFFIRMATION: Singleness is not an excuse for laziness. I will not sit around and thin about how I am single and feel bad about it. I pursue opportunities, service, and ministry that helps other people and improves their lives. I have incredible opportunities every day to pray for people, encourage them, and show them a greater glimpse of Christ in me.
Lady of Reckless Abandon
Note: The following lesson is a part of a series following the book, Lady in Waiting, by Jackie Kendall. The notes were made to be used as study material for GEM's Bible Study. We do not take any credit for the material used but hope you enjoy the lesson just as much as we did.
All-Sufficient Savior
Nothing that this world offers (good or bad) was designed to satisfy you.
It absolutely cannot.
The results only bring dissatisfaction with sorrow.
Your Father in Heaven is the only One capable of satisfying the longing in your spirit. Why? He actually put it there to begin with. God created you with a void that only He could fill.
Scripture reveals these truths about God:
Psalm 145:16 - Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
Psalm 16:11 - Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in they presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Now, an invitation to YOU! Don't settle for anything less than God's everlasting, unchanging, and unconditional love! Jesus was never meant to simply be words on a page, a church service, or a Bible Study.
Above all, your Savior is a Living Person who burns with love for you.
All-Sufficient Savior
Nothing that this world offers (good or bad) was designed to satisfy you.
It absolutely cannot.
The results only bring dissatisfaction with sorrow.
Your Father in Heaven is the only One capable of satisfying the longing in your spirit. Why? He actually put it there to begin with. God created you with a void that only He could fill.
Scripture reveals these truths about God:
Psalm 145:16 - Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
Psalm 16:11 - Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in they presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Now, an invitation to YOU! Don't settle for anything less than God's everlasting, unchanging, and unconditional love! Jesus was never meant to simply be words on a page, a church service, or a Bible Study.
Above all, your Savior is a Living Person who burns with love for you.
AFFIRMATION: I am fully satisfied in Christ and Christ alone! He loves me with an everlasting love, and I refuse to settle for anything or anyone who offers less than what has been modeled by my Savior.
Fulfilled in Jesus
1 John 5:1-3
We must realize that God's commandments are not burdensome. When we get this, our understanding of His lordship changes radically.
ATTENTION!
It is so important that you recognize that submitting every area of your life to Jesus - this includes boys, dating, marriage - is for your best.
His Lordship protects you.
His standards, His rules, His commandments are for our protection! It's very important that we understand that.
The great problem is when we try to do life with Jesus without Him being our Lord.
It does not work. This creates "nominal" Christians. We read about this kind of "believer" in Revelation and they are described as "lukewarm". (Rev. 3:16)
A lukewarm church (or believer) is one that compromises with the world and resembles its surrounding society. It professes Christ, yet in reality does not know Him and is in a spiritually wretched state.
It is only in the place of His love that you will discover your identity and purpose.
Making Jesus your lord is the first step to walking in a lifestyle of obedience that yields extraordinary miracles. Think of Mary, the teenaged mother of Jesus. Her "Yes" to God, despite her inability to fully grasp what was happening to her, ultimately made it possible for the world to experience salvation.
Remember, Jesus' lordship does not restrain you from anything, but instead, it preserves you for everything He has prepared for your life.
1 John 5:1-3
We must realize that God's commandments are not burdensome. When we get this, our understanding of His lordship changes radically.
ATTENTION!
It is so important that you recognize that submitting every area of your life to Jesus - this includes boys, dating, marriage - is for your best.
His Lordship protects you.
His standards, His rules, His commandments are for our protection! It's very important that we understand that.
The great problem is when we try to do life with Jesus without Him being our Lord.
It does not work. This creates "nominal" Christians. We read about this kind of "believer" in Revelation and they are described as "lukewarm". (Rev. 3:16)
A lukewarm church (or believer) is one that compromises with the world and resembles its surrounding society. It professes Christ, yet in reality does not know Him and is in a spiritually wretched state.
It is only in the place of His love that you will discover your identity and purpose.
Making Jesus your lord is the first step to walking in a lifestyle of obedience that yields extraordinary miracles. Think of Mary, the teenaged mother of Jesus. Her "Yes" to God, despite her inability to fully grasp what was happening to her, ultimately made it possible for the world to experience salvation.
Remember, Jesus' lordship does not restrain you from anything, but instead, it preserves you for everything He has prepared for your life.
AFFIRMATION: Jesus is not only my Savior; He is also my Lord. His commandments are not a burden. He is not out to restrain me and prevent me from enjoying my life. Instead, He is preserving me for the incredible future and blessings He has prepared for me. He has my unqualified "Yes" and complete abandon because He is good, and because He is worthy!
Complete in Christ
Human beings do not and cannot complete one another - only God satisfies the void.
Your heart was never meant to be completed by a man, but rather, eternity. We obsess about relationships, dating, and ultimately marriage because, "God and his Son don't have the place in our hearts that they should have." Our hearts were created to be filled with and consumed by Him alone!
The absence of a husband or boyfriend or fiancé does not mean you are lacking completion. You do NOT complete a man, nor does he complete you. Rather, you complement him and likewise he complements you.
Incompleteness is not the result of being single, but it is the byproduct of not being full of Jesus.
Human beings do not and cannot complete one another - only God satisfies the void.
Your heart was never meant to be completed by a man, but rather, eternity. We obsess about relationships, dating, and ultimately marriage because, "God and his Son don't have the place in our hearts that they should have." Our hearts were created to be filled with and consumed by Him alone!
The absence of a husband or boyfriend or fiancé does not mean you are lacking completion. You do NOT complete a man, nor does he complete you. Rather, you complement him and likewise he complements you.
Incompleteness is not the result of being single, but it is the byproduct of not being full of Jesus.
AFFIRMATION: I am complete in Christ alone. I do not look to another person or a career or anything else in the world to fill the void in my spirit. Only God can truly satisfy it because He put it there to begin with. Father, You alone complete me.
Group Discussion:
Any woman who does not understand that she is complete in Jesus is susceptible to idolatry.
What does that mean to you?
Reserved for Jesus
This study is not to try to discourage you from one day enjoying the biblical covenant of marriage. I want you to prepare yourself for the one God has waiting for you. There are so many boys and men out there who are completely unworthy of you, of your destiny, of your identity, and of the plans and purposes of God on your life.
It is sickening what a man will do to get a woman to surrender the most precious, valuable areas of her life to him. And for what? For his selfish, physical pleasure. The man worthy of you is the man who cherishes you enough to protect your alabaster box. (Mark 14:3-9)
So, what is your alabaster box? Dreams? Desires? Ambitions? Goals?
If you have already broken your box at the feet of some man or a potential relationship, King Jesus is your restorer. He redeems broken dreams and smashed hopes just as easily as anything else. Regardless of what you broke, gave away, wasted, or whatever, your Savior is the One who makes all things new.
Any woman who does not understand that she is complete in Jesus is susceptible to idolatry.
What does that mean to you?
Reserved for Jesus
This study is not to try to discourage you from one day enjoying the biblical covenant of marriage. I want you to prepare yourself for the one God has waiting for you. There are so many boys and men out there who are completely unworthy of you, of your destiny, of your identity, and of the plans and purposes of God on your life.
It is sickening what a man will do to get a woman to surrender the most precious, valuable areas of her life to him. And for what? For his selfish, physical pleasure. The man worthy of you is the man who cherishes you enough to protect your alabaster box. (Mark 14:3-9)
So, what is your alabaster box? Dreams? Desires? Ambitions? Goals?
If you have already broken your box at the feet of some man or a potential relationship, King Jesus is your restorer. He redeems broken dreams and smashed hopes just as easily as anything else. Regardless of what you broke, gave away, wasted, or whatever, your Savior is the One who makes all things new.
AFFIRMATION: I will not waste my dreams, my hopes, and my visions on someone who has no regard for my value. Jesus is the only One worthy of my everything. I see Him as valuable and, in turn, deserving of everything valuable in my life. I thank You Jesus that You restore everything that has been broken and You make all things new.
GEM Exercises
Read 1 Cor. 13:2-8. Write down how God, Your Father and Savior, will satisfy you with His love.
How does keeping God's commandments and following Jesus' instructions actually protect you?
Is your relationship with Jesus one of sacrifice or convenience? (Read 2 Samuel 24:24)
What is your alabaster box?
Have you broken your "alabaster box" at the feet of Jesus? (Mark 14:3-9 and Luke 7:36-39) Are you afraid to break your box at His feet? Why?
Read Colossians 2:6-10. What does being complete in Jesus mean to you?
GEM June Lesson
Read 1 Cor. 13:2-8. Write down how God, Your Father and Savior, will satisfy you with His love.
How does keeping God's commandments and following Jesus' instructions actually protect you?
Is your relationship with Jesus one of sacrifice or convenience? (Read 2 Samuel 24:24)
What is your alabaster box?
Have you broken your "alabaster box" at the feet of Jesus? (Mark 14:3-9 and Luke 7:36-39) Are you afraid to break your box at His feet? Why?
Read Colossians 2:6-10. What does being complete in Jesus mean to you?
GEM June Lesson
Pursuing Guys. . . Is it our position?
As women, we ALL have a longing to be cherished. There's a desire in all of us to be considered lovely, important, and especially... desired. Yet, many times we let that overwhelming desire lead us into circumstances that give way to heartbreaking consequences.
What can you do to keep that from happening?
There is one question that is being asked a particular blogger more than any other: Are crushes okay? I know we've all been there so I thought it'd be interesting to see the answer.
The following are excerpts from the afore mentioned blog that was used in the lesson.
"It seems that many girls are serious about a commitment to remain physically pure until their wedding day, but that doesn't stop one's heart from racing when a certain fella walks into the room. And you're wondering, Are these feelings okay?
But even before you are ready to fall head over heels with your future husband, you will probably experience butterflies in your stomach for some of the other guys from your school or church. For your sake, I hope those feelings are targeted at a guy who is a Christian. Otherwise, there's no opportunity for them to blossom into a God-honoring relationship. But what if you happen to have a crush on the totally awesome guy at youth camp who loves Jesus, has spiritual depth, and even volunteers his time to the church? What do you do with the feelings you have toward him?"
Here are some guidelines that were given that are based on truth from God's Word so I wanted to make sure that you have these guidelines close to you as well.
Lust is NOT okay. (Mathew 5:28)
In this passage, Jesus gives a strong warning against lust. Read the verse and describe what Christ says about it. He compares it to committing adultery! That's serious business. We should not take it lightly.
But what is lust exactly?
Dictionary.com gave 5 applicable definitions for lust.
1. Intense sexual desire or appetite
2. Uncontrolled or illicit sexual desire or appetite;
3. A passionate or overmastering desire or craving
4. Ardent enthusiasm; zest; relish
5. To have a yearning or desire; have a strong or excessive craving
The first few seem like common sense. If your thoughts toward your crush have turned sexual, you've got a problem. If you find yourself fantasizing about a romantic, physical encounter with this guy, Jesus says it is the same as actually committing the act of adultery. This is not a gray area; if your crush has turned into lust, it's time to steer your thoughts in a different direction.
Self-Control (Galatians 5:22-24)
Self-control seems particularly applicable to crushes. You may be having some very strong feelings toward a certain guy, and it's necessary to practice self-control in order to keep those feelings from bursting into flames. Vs. 24 tells us that those who are Christ's have "crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." So we ought to do our best to keep those kinds of feelings at bay.
2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us that we have the ability to "bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." That includes our thoughts about that cute boy in school, at work, or across the nation!
Your thought life may seem like a raging forest fire that is totally beyond your control, but that's not what Scripture tells us. God helps us to be self-controlled even in the way that we think.
Time
There is another important principle that is rarely applied toward this topic - stewardship of time. Stewardship is a word we throw around in the church a lot in regard to money, but God really encourages us to be wise stewards (or to make good choices) about all of our resources, including our time.
When we apply this to crushes, it is important to realize that if you are spending too much time thinking about, talking about, or interacting with your crush, you've probably crossed over the line into an area that isn't so God-honoring.
*Derived from http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/are-crushes-okay/
Identity
Many of those that have been raised in church have heard multiple messages and teachings on purity, modesty, and standards. They may even have left thinking, "He/she is just trying to tell me what to do or not to do. Again!" To be honest, some of us have heard it so often that it has become only good information to us. As we go through this series of lessons let us receive it not only as "good information", but as a means to check our hearts and attitudes.
This series is not just about purity (although we will definitely be touching on that subject) but about identity!
It's not about WHAT you are (single, engaged, married, etc) but about WHOSE you are!
An excerpt on the radio was talking about the current surge of young people joining ISIS. It was stated that many of them are joining because they want a sense of identity. Did you catch that? They want a sense of identity! They desire to belong to a cause. Even if it requires loss of loved ones, murder, and even death. Why do they have to turn to such a spiteful, and hate-filled cause?! Out of desperation? Because of a lack of love and compassion?
Can you show the world that you belong to something greater? To a life-giving cause.
For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. Psalm 38:15
As an exercise, why don't you grab a piece of paper and write a list of things that the "world" claims are satisfying. Then in a column next to each item, consider and write the consequences of each one.
Heart Checklist:
Am I satisfied with my current relationship status?
If not, why not?
Am I patiently waiting for God's will or do I pray for Him to hurry and bring my man to me?
What is the purpose of a romantic relationship and why do I desire to be in one?
Answer each one honestly and prayerfully.
Lady of Character
GEM'S Ministry will soon be doing a series using Jackie Kendall's book, "Lady In Waiting". This lesson was an introduction to our beginning of that series. It is a quick overview of the Biblical character of Ruth, who is the model of study in the book we will be using. If you would like to know more about joining us for this series, please contact us.
Introduction:
When a woman is making the decision to get involved in a relationship, many times she is encouraged to read about or study the story of Ruth. Why is that? How can a simple woman, a HEATHEN woman at that, be elevated as such a godly example? She was a young woman whose character shone bright in one of the darkest times in Israel’s history.
Her Origin
Ruth was born in Moab, the nation that was despised by the Isrealites. That hatred was rooted from the birth and conception of Moab himself. For this story, we would have to go back in history. Genesis 19:30-37 tells of this dark spot in Israel's history.
Introduction:
When a woman is making the decision to get involved in a relationship, many times she is encouraged to read about or study the story of Ruth. Why is that? How can a simple woman, a HEATHEN woman at that, be elevated as such a godly example? She was a young woman whose character shone bright in one of the darkest times in Israel’s history.
Her Origin
Ruth was born in Moab, the nation that was despised by the Isrealites. That hatred was rooted from the birth and conception of Moab himself. For this story, we would have to go back in history. Genesis 19:30-37 tells of this dark spot in Israel's history.
30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him;
for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.
31 And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth
to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth:
32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him,
that we may preserve seed of our father.
33 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father;
and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.
34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger,
Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also;
and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
35 And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose,
and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.
36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.
37 And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab:
the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day.
I think it's safe to say that these girls had been influenced by the sin-filled culture they had just escaped from - Sodom and Gomorrah. It was a disgusting act through which Moab was born, therefore, it explains the disgust the Israelites had for Moab.
The Time Period
This was the time of the Judges (Judges 21:25). It was a time of disorder because everyone did whatever they wanted.
That sounds a little familiar, doesn't it? Have you ever heard any of these phrases?
"Don't judge me! I can do whatever I want!" or, "I am my own boss." or even, "No one tells ME what to do!"
The Result
We see a very interesting result - Israel's disobedience led to famine, Ruth's obedience led to fame. Not the Hollywood kind of fame that glamorizes looks, money, and popularity but the kind of fame that still goes on for centuries.
Ruth's character, her faith, her obedience is what makes the difference. Even thousands of years later as she is an example to study for generations of women, young and old alike.
Note:
This study will not be about finding the right man, but about being the right woman.
The Time Period
This was the time of the Judges (Judges 21:25). It was a time of disorder because everyone did whatever they wanted.
That sounds a little familiar, doesn't it? Have you ever heard any of these phrases?
"Don't judge me! I can do whatever I want!" or, "I am my own boss." or even, "No one tells ME what to do!"
The Result
We see a very interesting result - Israel's disobedience led to famine, Ruth's obedience led to fame. Not the Hollywood kind of fame that glamorizes looks, money, and popularity but the kind of fame that still goes on for centuries.
Ruth's character, her faith, her obedience is what makes the difference. Even thousands of years later as she is an example to study for generations of women, young and old alike.
Note:
This study will not be about finding the right man, but about being the right woman.
Apologetics Introduction
There is a cultural war being fought in America. It is a battle for the mind and heart of men and women.
The education of America today is not education; it is indoctrination.
America is coming back to a 1st century saying: "Popular opinion is lord!" We can certainly see that when it comes to issues, such as: abortion, homosexuality, tolerance for sin, intolerance for Christianity, euthanasia, and the list goes on and on.
It is increasingly necessary not to say what you believe but to be able to answer and prove about what you believe.
That is where apologetics comes in.
So, what is apologetics, what is it's goal, and why do we need it?
Definition: a reasoned defense of Christian beliefs
The Biblical basis of apologetics:
1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Jude 3 - Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Do you have an idea of what was going on here? Does this sound familiar? This is still happening today!
2 Timothy 2:24-26 - And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
- The meaning of that word "strive" is: to fight; those who engage in a war of words, to quarrel or dispute
But what does the second part of vs. 24 say the servant of the Lord must be? "... gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient"
The education of America today is not education; it is indoctrination.
America is coming back to a 1st century saying: "Popular opinion is lord!" We can certainly see that when it comes to issues, such as: abortion, homosexuality, tolerance for sin, intolerance for Christianity, euthanasia, and the list goes on and on.
It is increasingly necessary not to say what you believe but to be able to answer and prove about what you believe.
That is where apologetics comes in.
So, what is apologetics, what is it's goal, and why do we need it?
Definition: a reasoned defense of Christian beliefs
The Biblical basis of apologetics:
1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
- But being ready is not just a matter of having the right information available; it is also an attitude of readiness and eagerness to share with others the truth of what we believe.
Jude 3 - Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
- What phrase in that verse sounds like the use of apologetics?
- "earnestly contend for the faith..."
- He then gives a reason why they are to defend their faith
Do you have an idea of what was going on here? Does this sound familiar? This is still happening today!
2 Timothy 2:24-26 - And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
- The meaning of that word "strive" is: to fight; those who engage in a war of words, to quarrel or dispute
But what does the second part of vs. 24 say the servant of the Lord must be? "... gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient"
"Before we can share the Gospel, we sometimes have to smooth the road, remove the obstacles, and answer the questions that are keeping that person from accepting the Lord." - When Skeptics Ask by Norman Geisler & Ron Brooks
In his book, When Skeptics Ask, Norman Geisler gives 3 reasons why we should be involved:
1) Unbelievers have good questions
2) We have good answers
Because we have the Bible as a source and God's Word is always the final authority
3) God Commands us to give them the answer
Once again, 1 Peter 3:15. That word "answer" is translated into the Greek "apologia", which means: a verbal defence; a reasoned statement or argument. It does not have the same meaning as our word "apology" does. It is not an excuse but a defence.
Biblical examples of Apologetics
Moses - In writing the book of Genesis, he was confronting the mythical accounts of Creation that was known even way back in his day. *side note: People have sought to explain an answer for their own existence since the Fall.
Elijah - During the scene on Mt. Carmel with the prophets of Baal, which was designed to show the superiority of God.
Jesus - In his meeting with the woman at the well. It was a good example of confronting social, moral, religious barriers to faith.
Stephen - In Acts 6:8-10, we see 4 qualities that Stephen possessed, which made his apologetics irresistible. 1) Faith, 2) Power, 3) Wisdom, 4) The Holy Spirit.
Paul - The apostle makes his case before unbelievers from different religious backgrounds. (Acts 17:16)
We need apologetics because it helps Christians know their faith.
This is something that is sadly lacking among believers.
You will eventually run into a situation where you will need to give an answer, take a stand, be defeated, or leave doubtful.
Do NOT fall for a lie because you failed to be grounded in the truth!!!
What would your response be is you were asked questions such as:
- Why are there over 30,000 Christian denominations all claiming to be the "true Christians"? Which one should I follow and why?
- Does God exist? If so, where did He come from?
- How did we get here?
- Why does God demand death of so many innocent people in the Bible?
- Why do bad things happen to good people?
How would YOU answer?
Well, the reason we started this class is so that we can study together and be prepared to give an answer to any and every man or woman.
For more info on when to join GEM's or REALmen on our joint sessions of Apologetics, click here.
1) Unbelievers have good questions
2) We have good answers
Because we have the Bible as a source and God's Word is always the final authority
3) God Commands us to give them the answer
Once again, 1 Peter 3:15. That word "answer" is translated into the Greek "apologia", which means: a verbal defence; a reasoned statement or argument. It does not have the same meaning as our word "apology" does. It is not an excuse but a defence.
Biblical examples of Apologetics
Moses - In writing the book of Genesis, he was confronting the mythical accounts of Creation that was known even way back in his day. *side note: People have sought to explain an answer for their own existence since the Fall.
Elijah - During the scene on Mt. Carmel with the prophets of Baal, which was designed to show the superiority of God.
Jesus - In his meeting with the woman at the well. It was a good example of confronting social, moral, religious barriers to faith.
Stephen - In Acts 6:8-10, we see 4 qualities that Stephen possessed, which made his apologetics irresistible. 1) Faith, 2) Power, 3) Wisdom, 4) The Holy Spirit.
Paul - The apostle makes his case before unbelievers from different religious backgrounds. (Acts 17:16)
We need apologetics because it helps Christians know their faith.
This is something that is sadly lacking among believers.
You will eventually run into a situation where you will need to give an answer, take a stand, be defeated, or leave doubtful.
Do NOT fall for a lie because you failed to be grounded in the truth!!!
What would your response be is you were asked questions such as:
- Why are there over 30,000 Christian denominations all claiming to be the "true Christians"? Which one should I follow and why?
- Does God exist? If so, where did He come from?
- How did we get here?
- Why does God demand death of so many innocent people in the Bible?
- Why do bad things happen to good people?
How would YOU answer?
Well, the reason we started this class is so that we can study together and be prepared to give an answer to any and every man or woman.
For more info on when to join GEM's or REALmen on our joint sessions of Apologetics, click here.
Subscribe to our e-Newsletter
YOU are Cherished!
Introduction:
As we continue our lesson on Pursuing God, let's not forget that He first pursued us.
He sought us out. He came looking for us.
Tonight, as we take a look of God's pursuit of us, I want you to leave with the assurance that you are never alone, you're never forgotten, and that you are a treasure.
Text: John 4:3-5
Let's have a little Bible history lesson:
* Does the name, Shechem, ring a bell in your memory of Bible history (Gen 34:1-27)
2. The prince, Shechem, had defiled Jacob's daughter, Dinah
* A slaughter took place as a result as her brothers sought vengeance
4. The Posture of Christ (Vs. 6a)
1. Here we see another picture of God's love for us as we think of the Almighty becoming flesh and experiencing what we experience. He knew pain, He knew suffering, and He knew weariness.
2. He identifies with us - we recognize that when we read that Christ was weary from his journey.
* He walked, instead of using the means of transportation for a king, which is what He deserved. He didn't take a donkey or a chariot
5. The Time (Vs. 6b)
1. Here, the 6th hour means noon in our time
* It was the hottest part of the day. Typically, most women went earlier in the day to avoid the heat
6. The Purpose (Review Vs. 4)
1. Instead of seeking a crowd of people to preach or minister to, Jesus sought out one person. One woman. A Samaritan woman. A miserable woman. A lonely woman.
2. All her life she sought for fulfillment in the love of men, yet Christ recognized her need and described his necessity to meet her.
* Verse 5 - "... I must needs go"
- He's not talking about convenience, about what he must receive. He's talking about necessity, about what he must do; what he must give. It is as if He was saying,
"I have to go." "I can't not go."
She was alone
As we continue our lesson on Pursuing God, let's not forget that He first pursued us.
He sought us out. He came looking for us.
Tonight, as we take a look of God's pursuit of us, I want you to leave with the assurance that you are never alone, you're never forgotten, and that you are a treasure.
Text: John 4:3-5
Let's have a little Bible history lesson:
- The Journey
- In those times, going through Samaria was rarely an option for a Jew
- Let's check our maps in the back of our Bibles
- Let's find Judea (where Jesus departs from), then search for Galilee (Christ's destination)
- Wouldn't it save time and money to go through?!
- Yet many refused. Why?
- The Mortal Feud
- In short, they hated the Samaritans. Why?
- Stick with me as we go over some ancient history:
- Hatred between Jews and Samaritans was fierce and long-standing. In some ways, it dated all the way back to the days of the patriarchs. Jacob (or Israel) had twelve sons, whose descendants became twelve tribes. Joseph, his favorite, was despised by the other brothers (Gen. 37:3-4), and they attempted to do away with him.
- But God intervened and not only preserved Joseph’s life, but used him to preserve the lives of the entire clan. Before his death, Jacob gave Joseph a blessing in which he called him a “fruitful bough by a well” (Gen. 49:22). The blessing was fulfilled, as the territory allotted to the tribes of Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim (“doubly fruitful”) and Manasseh, was the fertile land that eventually became Samaria.
- Later, Israel divided into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom, called Israel, established its capital first at Shechem, a revered site in Jewish history, and later at the hilltop city of Samaria.
- In 722 B.C. Assyria conquered Israel and took most of its people into captivity. The invaders then brought in Gentile colonists “from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and from Sepharvaim” (2 Kin. 17:24) to resettle the land. The foreigners brought with them their pagan idols, which the remaining Jews began to worship alongside the God of Israel (2 Kin. 17:29-41). Intermarriages also took place (Ezra 9:1-10:44;Neh. 13:23-28 ).
- Meanwhile, the southern kingdom of Judah fell to Babylon in 600 B.C. Its people, too, were carried off into captivity. But 70 years later, a remnant of 43,000 was permitted to return and rebuild Jerusalem. The people who now inhabited the former northern kingdom—the Samaritans—vigorously opposed the repatriation and tried to undermine the attempt to reestablish the nation. For their part, the full-blooded, monotheistic Jews detested the mixed marriages and worship of their northern cousins. So walls of bitterness were erected on both sides and did nothing but harden for the next 550 years. *
- The Place (Vs. 5)
* Does the name, Shechem, ring a bell in your memory of Bible history (Gen 34:1-27)
2. The prince, Shechem, had defiled Jacob's daughter, Dinah
* A slaughter took place as a result as her brothers sought vengeance
4. The Posture of Christ (Vs. 6a)
1. Here we see another picture of God's love for us as we think of the Almighty becoming flesh and experiencing what we experience. He knew pain, He knew suffering, and He knew weariness.
2. He identifies with us - we recognize that when we read that Christ was weary from his journey.
* He walked, instead of using the means of transportation for a king, which is what He deserved. He didn't take a donkey or a chariot
5. The Time (Vs. 6b)
1. Here, the 6th hour means noon in our time
* It was the hottest part of the day. Typically, most women went earlier in the day to avoid the heat
6. The Purpose (Review Vs. 4)
1. Instead of seeking a crowd of people to preach or minister to, Jesus sought out one person. One woman. A Samaritan woman. A miserable woman. A lonely woman.
2. All her life she sought for fulfillment in the love of men, yet Christ recognized her need and described his necessity to meet her.
* Verse 5 - "... I must needs go"
- He's not talking about convenience, about what he must receive. He's talking about necessity, about what he must do; what he must give. It is as if He was saying,
"I have to go." "I can't not go."
She was alone
- A woman who struggled with hurt, rejection and loneliness.
- The weight of the water-filled jar in the heat must have been almost unbearable, but the weight of her neighbors’ words, reminding her of her failed marriages, was more than she could take.
- - Renee Swope
She was sought after
"When Jesus met her, Sam was running an errand and running from those who knew of her failures, shame and imperfections. Pursuing her with His perfect love, Jesus timed it so she would run into Him.
He initiated conversation and asked her for the one thing she had to offer: water. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
Sam stopped and listened. She let Him speak words of assurance and acceptance into the broken, insecure, empty places of her heart.
In the same way Jesus intentionally pursued Sam in one of the loneliest parts of her day, He is there in the midst of your sometimes lonely, imperfect life. He is there when your disappointments and failures leave you empty and make you doubt your worth and purpose.
He is there when you’re criticizing yourself and questioning whether you have what it takes to be a godly woman.
He sees you. He notices all you do, and He knows what you long for. In fact, Jesus is the only One who can meet your deepest need to be known, accepted and pursued simply because of who you are.
Today He is pursuing you with His gift of perfect love — love that is patient and kind, love that keeps no record of your wrongs, love that won’t give up on you or me."
**Notes derived from proverbs31.org
7. The Pursuit
If you are still not convinced, let's hear it from God's lips to our hearts:
You are NOT an accident!
God created you for a purpose and has not forgotten you.
"When Jesus met her, Sam was running an errand and running from those who knew of her failures, shame and imperfections. Pursuing her with His perfect love, Jesus timed it so she would run into Him.
He initiated conversation and asked her for the one thing she had to offer: water. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
Sam stopped and listened. She let Him speak words of assurance and acceptance into the broken, insecure, empty places of her heart.
In the same way Jesus intentionally pursued Sam in one of the loneliest parts of her day, He is there in the midst of your sometimes lonely, imperfect life. He is there when your disappointments and failures leave you empty and make you doubt your worth and purpose.
He is there when you’re criticizing yourself and questioning whether you have what it takes to be a godly woman.
He sees you. He notices all you do, and He knows what you long for. In fact, Jesus is the only One who can meet your deepest need to be known, accepted and pursued simply because of who you are.
Today He is pursuing you with His gift of perfect love — love that is patient and kind, love that keeps no record of your wrongs, love that won’t give up on you or me."
**Notes derived from proverbs31.org
7. The Pursuit
- In all this, God wants us to realize that we're cherished. We are cherished because we are sought after. We are sought after because He has not forgotten us
- If you don't remember anything else in this lesson, I want you to remember this.
If you are still not convinced, let's hear it from God's lips to our hearts:
- Psalm 18:19 - "...he delivered me, because he delighted in me."
- Psalm 18:30 - "As for God, his way is perfect."
- Who are you to say that how, when, and the purpose He created you for is less than perfect?!
- Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
- Luke 12:7 - But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
- Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
- Jeremiah 31:3 - The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
You are NOT an accident!
God created you for a purpose and has not forgotten you.
Purity Conference 2014!
Those of us at GEM's and Trinity Holiness Tabernacle are gearing up for our upcoming Purity Conference on September 19 & 20! Below is a downloadable file of the registration forms as well as the schedule.
Plan now to attend!
Plan now to attend!
| purity_conference_forms_2014.pdf |
August GEM's Meeting
Our next GEM's Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 21 at 6:30 pm. We will have a great time of fun and fellowship, as well as a mini devotion. We will prepare for a quiz of our Pursue lessons. All those that participate by taking the time to study and prepare for the quiz will be placed in a drawing to receive a $25 reward!
Let's take the chance to dig deep into God's Word and allow Him to place a passion for His will in our hearts.
Let's take the chance to dig deep into God's Word and allow Him to place a passion for His will in our hearts.
A Passion Identified
Review:
What is the definition of pursue?
1.Responsibility
2. Routine
3. Assumptions
4. Guilt
5. Failure
6. Fear
What is it you want?
Read Nehemiah 2:4
This question asked by the king of Babylon gets to the heart of passion
Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
- Psalm 37:4
When we delight ourselves in the Lord, new desires are conceived within us.
Identify your passions
If you’ve never identified your God-ordained passions...
Pray like it depends on God
Work like it depends on you
What is the definition of pursue?
- To follow close upon; to follow hard after; to devote oneself to
1.Responsibility
2. Routine
3. Assumptions
4. Guilt
5. Failure
6. Fear
What is it you want?
Read Nehemiah 2:4
This question asked by the king of Babylon gets to the heart of passion
- We are out of touch with our hearts’ desires because we’ve never defined our goals or values or passions.
- A passion had been conceived in his spirit
- He decided to come out of the cage and pursue a passion that burned in his heart.
Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
- Psalm 37:4
When we delight ourselves in the Lord, new desires are conceived within us.
- Those divine desires become an internal compass that guides us as we embark on a Wild Goose chase.
- It might happen during a casual conversation or a mission trip.
- Sometimes it happens while sitting in class or reading a book.
- The catalyst might even be a death or accident.
- Once he heard about the state of Jerusalem and the walls, his heart was stirred.
Identify your passions
If you’ve never identified your God-ordained passions...
- Start praying
- Our convictions grow stronger, and our dreams grow bigger. Prayer is half of pursuing your passions
Pray like it depends on God
Work like it depends on you
Our problem is not so much that we don’t know what we should do.
We know perfectly well, but we don’t want to do it.
- Peter Marshall
Christianity in ACTION
Christianity was always intended to be an action verb, not a noun.
It’s the book of Acts!
Some of us live as if we expect to hear God say,
“Well thought, good and faithful servant!”
or
“Well said, good and faithful servant!”
What will He say to the one He grants entrance into Heaven?
"Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Sometimes when we read the stories of Biblical characters, we underestimate how long it took for them to accomplish what they accomplished. And we underestimate how hard it was.
We can read their stories in a matter of minutes, so we tend to overlook the fact that, in most instances, their passions were unpursued or unfulfilled for years on end.
The Holy Ghost doesn’t take shortcuts. He loves leading us down the scenic route because that is where we learn our most valuable lessons.
What is keeping you?
What is keeping you from pursuing your God-ordained passions?
Do you lack the courage to come out of whatever cage you feel you are trapped in?
Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu felt called to ministry when she was a teenager. She did her ministerial training in Ireland and India. And one day she approached her superiors with a God-ordained passion. She said, “I have 3 pennies and a dream from God to build an orphanage.” Her superiors said, “You can’t build an orphanage with three pennies. With three pennies you can’t do anything.”
Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu said, “...with God and three pennies I can do anything.”
For 50 years Agnes worked among the poor in the slums of Calcutta, India. In 1979 the woman we know as Mother Teresa won the Nobel Peace Prize.
How did a woman with so little do so much?
Never underestimate someone who has the courage to come out of the cage and pursue a God-ordained passion.
Christianity was always intended to be an action verb, not a noun.
- The title of the book of Acts says it all
It’s the book of Acts!
Some of us live as if we expect to hear God say,
“Well thought, good and faithful servant!”
or
“Well said, good and faithful servant!”
What will He say to the one He grants entrance into Heaven?
"Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Sometimes when we read the stories of Biblical characters, we underestimate how long it took for them to accomplish what they accomplished. And we underestimate how hard it was.
We can read their stories in a matter of minutes, so we tend to overlook the fact that, in most instances, their passions were unpursued or unfulfilled for years on end.
The Holy Ghost doesn’t take shortcuts. He loves leading us down the scenic route because that is where we learn our most valuable lessons.
What is keeping you?
What is keeping you from pursuing your God-ordained passions?
Do you lack the courage to come out of whatever cage you feel you are trapped in?
Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu felt called to ministry when she was a teenager. She did her ministerial training in Ireland and India. And one day she approached her superiors with a God-ordained passion. She said, “I have 3 pennies and a dream from God to build an orphanage.” Her superiors said, “You can’t build an orphanage with three pennies. With three pennies you can’t do anything.”
Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu said, “...with God and three pennies I can do anything.”
For 50 years Agnes worked among the poor in the slums of Calcutta, India. In 1979 the woman we know as Mother Teresa won the Nobel Peace Prize.
How did a woman with so little do so much?
Never underestimate someone who has the courage to come out of the cage and pursue a God-ordained passion.
What little things do you need to be doing now that will prepare you for the big things God wants to do down the road?
*Notes derived from Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson
June GEM Lesson
June GEM Lesson
Beautiful Feminism
Womanhood has been cheapened in our society. The equal rights movement advanced by ungodly feminists has done a great injustice to women of every class and race. This hellish crusade pushed the extremes equality and pulled women out of the safe confines of home and into the open and vulnerable streets of the workplace. The sweet, feminine spirit which is of immeasurable value has been replaced by the rude, the crude, and the indelicate. The selfish “It’s MY body” mantra has fueled the fires of anger, hatred and gross immorality.
Motherhood has been practically debased to a dreadful disease to be avoided at all costs.
The Scriptures teach,
“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.”
- Proverbs 14:1
The church should counter the culture that has degraded and disgraced that which God created to be lovely.
Ladies, be ladies… and girls, be girls! And men, lets treat our ladies with purity (1 Tim. 5:2), understanding (1 Pet. 3:7), honor (Rom. 12:10) and love (Eph. 5:25-33).
- Pastor Michael Johnson
Motherhood has been practically debased to a dreadful disease to be avoided at all costs.
The Scriptures teach,
“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.”
- Proverbs 14:1
The church should counter the culture that has degraded and disgraced that which God created to be lovely.
Ladies, be ladies… and girls, be girls! And men, lets treat our ladies with purity (1 Tim. 5:2), understanding (1 Pet. 3:7), honor (Rom. 12:10) and love (Eph. 5:25-33).
- Pastor Michael Johnson
A Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
What is sacrifice?
Through research and study one would find plenty of descriptions and definitions of the word sacrifice.
A few that stuck out to me when I searched the word were these:
Although all three of these apply, furthermore, what does it mean to be a "living" sacrifice?
We are all familiar with sacrifice in terms of death, whether it be a person or an animal. We read a lot about this in the Old Testament. It is a Biblical fact that innocent blood had to be shed for the remission of sin. Before the days of Jesus Christ innocent blood came from animal sacrifices until God sent his only begotten Son.
Jesus took the place of those innocent animals, which only temporarily covered sin.
Jesus came to earth to become the ultimate sacrifice by laying down his very own life, opening doors of opportunity for all, and making it easier than ever before to be forgiven of sin. Now we no longer need to go to an altar somewhere out back every time we sin and slay and animal to cover our sins. All we need to do is accept Christ into our heart, believe that he lived, died, and resurrected for our transgressions, and ask him to forgive for our sins allowing his blood to wash away our iniquity.
Just as Jesus was an example of a "living sacrifice", so also we should live our lives as Christ.
Even though sin deserves death, we don't have to go to the extremes of crucifixion.
It may mean we lay down other things in our life, beyond the physical but rather the flesh. Dying to self, meaning; to sacrifice things that appease the flesh. Some of these "things" may include: our favorite movies, music, video games, time, food, and money. Although these things aren't necessarily bad, if they are hindering your relationship with the Lord, its time to surrender those things for something of far greater value. It may affect your reputation in the worlds eyes, but in the end you will develop favor in Gods eyes.
When I think of a living sacrifice, I think of something that continues with life which is a constant thing. When we are willing to give up the little things, we are ultimately giving our lives for the cause of Christ, allowing him to bless us with greater things. It may not be physical as a result of death but rather sacrificed, yet alive. After all, the scripture does refer to us presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service.
Our Savior died a brutal, bloody death. He's not asking too much of us to make sacrifices on a daily basis, but if it were to get to the point were your life was on the line, would you still be willing to make that sacrifice?
Even if it cost you your life?
Matthew 16:25
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
In the end to be a "living sacrifice" is far more then just words and definitions.
It's a lifestyle, a choice, and a commitment to please Christ.
Will you present your life as a living sacrifice to the Lord or will you live a
half-hearted life when God deserves your all?
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
What is sacrifice?
Through research and study one would find plenty of descriptions and definitions of the word sacrifice.
A few that stuck out to me when I searched the word were these:
- An act of offering to a deity something precious - Merriam-Webster Dictionary
- A destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else -Merriam-Webster Online
- An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important
Although all three of these apply, furthermore, what does it mean to be a "living" sacrifice?
We are all familiar with sacrifice in terms of death, whether it be a person or an animal. We read a lot about this in the Old Testament. It is a Biblical fact that innocent blood had to be shed for the remission of sin. Before the days of Jesus Christ innocent blood came from animal sacrifices until God sent his only begotten Son.
Jesus took the place of those innocent animals, which only temporarily covered sin.
Jesus came to earth to become the ultimate sacrifice by laying down his very own life, opening doors of opportunity for all, and making it easier than ever before to be forgiven of sin. Now we no longer need to go to an altar somewhere out back every time we sin and slay and animal to cover our sins. All we need to do is accept Christ into our heart, believe that he lived, died, and resurrected for our transgressions, and ask him to forgive for our sins allowing his blood to wash away our iniquity.
Just as Jesus was an example of a "living sacrifice", so also we should live our lives as Christ.
Even though sin deserves death, we don't have to go to the extremes of crucifixion.
It may mean we lay down other things in our life, beyond the physical but rather the flesh. Dying to self, meaning; to sacrifice things that appease the flesh. Some of these "things" may include: our favorite movies, music, video games, time, food, and money. Although these things aren't necessarily bad, if they are hindering your relationship with the Lord, its time to surrender those things for something of far greater value. It may affect your reputation in the worlds eyes, but in the end you will develop favor in Gods eyes.
When I think of a living sacrifice, I think of something that continues with life which is a constant thing. When we are willing to give up the little things, we are ultimately giving our lives for the cause of Christ, allowing him to bless us with greater things. It may not be physical as a result of death but rather sacrificed, yet alive. After all, the scripture does refer to us presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service.
Our Savior died a brutal, bloody death. He's not asking too much of us to make sacrifices on a daily basis, but if it were to get to the point were your life was on the line, would you still be willing to make that sacrifice?
Even if it cost you your life?
Matthew 16:25
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
In the end to be a "living sacrifice" is far more then just words and definitions.
It's a lifestyle, a choice, and a commitment to please Christ.
Will you present your life as a living sacrifice to the Lord or will you live a
half-hearted life when God deserves your all?
Pursuing God #2
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. - Hebrews 11:6
Observation:
Identification:
Identifying 6 cages that keep us from roaming free with the “Wild Goose” and living the spiritual adventure God destined us to.
1. Cage of Responsibility
3. Cage of Assumptions
4. Cage of Guilt
Divine detours and divine delays are the ways God gets us where He wants us to go.
6. Cage of Fear
Observation:
- According to Hebrews 11:6, what are we to do to be rewarded by God?
- According to Galatians 1:6, what was it about the Galatians that “marveled” Paul?
Identification:
Identifying 6 cages that keep us from roaming free with the “Wild Goose” and living the spiritual adventure God destined us to.
1. Cage of Responsibility
- Over the course of our lifetime, God-ordained passions tend to get buried beneath day-to-day responsibilities.
- Sometimes our responsibilities become spiritual excuses that keep us from the adventure God has destined for us.
- The Wild Goose chase begins when we come to terms with our greatest responsibility: pursuing the passions God has put in our heart
- At some point in our spiritual journey, most of us trade adventure for routine.
- The key to spiritual growth is developing healthy and holy routines known as spiritual disciplines .
- Once a routine becomes routine, we need to disrupt the routine.
- Sacred routines become empty rituals that keep us caged.
3. Cage of Assumptions
- I'm too old; I'm too young; I'm overqualified; I'm underqualified; It's too soon; It's too late
4. Cage of Guilt
- As long as you are focused on what you've done wrong in the past, you won't have energy left to dream kingdom dreams.
- Sometimes our plans fail in order for God's plans to succeed.
Divine detours and divine delays are the ways God gets us where He wants us to go.
6. Cage of Fear
- We need to quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.
- The world needs more daring people with daring plans.
Mark Batterson:
I'm not convinced that your date of death is the date carved on your tombstone.
Most people die long before that.
- We start dying when we have nothing worth living for.
- And we don't really start living until we find something worth dying for.
- Discovering something worth dying for is what makes life worth living.
Evaluation:
Christ followers ought to be the most passionate people on the planet.
The mistake so many make is that they start out pursuing a passion and end up settling for a paycheck.
Unqualified:
Here’s a quick Bible History lesson:
In 586 BC, King Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah, captured Jerusalem, and took many of the Jewish survivors back to Babylon. Nearly fifty years later, a Jew named Zerubbabel led the first remnant back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city. The temple was rebuilt in 516 BC, but the wall of Jerusalem was still in ruins by 445 BC. So Jerusalem was defenseless against her enemies. That is when a Jewish cupbearer, living a world away in Babylon, got a crazy idea. (Nehemiah 1:1-4)
A cupbearer rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem is pretty laughable when you think about it.
When it comes to doing the will of God, God-ordained passions are far more important than any human qualification we can bring to the table.
Your Passion:
When God puts a passion in your heart, whether it be relieving starvation in Africa or educating children in the inner city or starting a girls' Bible study, that God-ordained passion becomes your responsibility.
*Notes derived from "Wild Goose Chase" by Mark Batterson
April GEM Lesson
Christ followers ought to be the most passionate people on the planet.
The mistake so many make is that they start out pursuing a passion and end up settling for a paycheck.
- Instead of making a life, all we do is make a living.
Unqualified:
Here’s a quick Bible History lesson:
In 586 BC, King Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah, captured Jerusalem, and took many of the Jewish survivors back to Babylon. Nearly fifty years later, a Jew named Zerubbabel led the first remnant back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city. The temple was rebuilt in 516 BC, but the wall of Jerusalem was still in ruins by 445 BC. So Jerusalem was defenseless against her enemies. That is when a Jewish cupbearer, living a world away in Babylon, got a crazy idea. (Nehemiah 1:1-4)
- Nehemiah had no architectural training on his transcript and no construction experience on his resume.
- He was severely unqualified to pursue this passion.
A cupbearer rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem is pretty laughable when you think about it.
- It was about as laughable as a farmer named Noah building an ark, a shepherd named David fighting a Philistine giant, or a murderer named Paul writing half of the New Testament.
- God often uses us at our point of greatest incompetence. That way He gets all the credit.
When it comes to doing the will of God, God-ordained passions are far more important than any human qualification we can bring to the table.
Your Passion:
When God puts a passion in your heart, whether it be relieving starvation in Africa or educating children in the inner city or starting a girls' Bible study, that God-ordained passion becomes your responsibility.
*Notes derived from "Wild Goose Chase" by Mark Batterson
April GEM Lesson
Pursuing God
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15
Evaluation:
1. What does God think of me?
2. What do I think of God?
3. Name some character traits of yourself
4. Name some character traits of God
5. How do I show my love for God?
6. How must I pursue God?
7. Describe your relationship with God
"Too many of us end up asking for spiritual mediocrity instead of striving for spiritual maturity"
- Mark Batterson
Definition of pursue
What is your passion?
People are known by what they pursue passionately in life. Their passion is that which takes their time and effort. Many times, after a person's death, they are described by their passion.
Example:
How would others describe yours?
By passion, I mean that which has you completely overtaken. It has your time, thought, and effort absorbed in it.
By starting this series, I want us to work on making GOD our passion, if He is not already.
- to follow close upon; to follow hard after
- To devote oneself to
What is your passion?
People are known by what they pursue passionately in life. Their passion is that which takes their time and effort. Many times, after a person's death, they are described by their passion.
Example:
- "He was a powerful evangelist"
- "She dedicated her life to writing books"
- "He loved to travel the world as a photographer"
- "She was obsessed with music"
How would others describe yours?
By passion, I mean that which has you completely overtaken. It has your time, thought, and effort absorbed in it.
By starting this series, I want us to work on making GOD our passion, if He is not already.
"Either you are totally dedicated to Christ, or by default, Satan controls your mind, will, and emotions."
- Bro. Dollas Messer
Pursuing:
1. What is our first act of pursuit? (John 3:15)
2. What is the cause of God's pursuit of us? (John 3:16)
3. How are we not redeemed? (1 Peter 1:18)
4. How are we redeemed? (1 Peter 1:19)
5. What did Christ suffer for our sake? (Isaiah 53) List 10
6. What was Christ's challenge to those who became His disciples? (Mark 4:19)
7. What was Paul determined to know? (1 Cor. 2:2)
8. What is the greatest hindrance of our pursuit of God? (Proverbs 5:21-22)
9. What does Psalm 69:32 say of the heart that seeks God?
March GEM Lesson: Sonia E. Vargas
1. What is our first act of pursuit? (John 3:15)
2. What is the cause of God's pursuit of us? (John 3:16)
3. How are we not redeemed? (1 Peter 1:18)
4. How are we redeemed? (1 Peter 1:19)
5. What did Christ suffer for our sake? (Isaiah 53) List 10
6. What was Christ's challenge to those who became His disciples? (Mark 4:19)
7. What was Paul determined to know? (1 Cor. 2:2)
8. What is the greatest hindrance of our pursuit of God? (Proverbs 5:21-22)
9. What does Psalm 69:32 say of the heart that seeks God?
March GEM Lesson: Sonia E. Vargas
Spiritual Fitness
… and let us run with patience the race that is set before us…
Hebrews 12:1
Do you take care of your body so it can work properly?
If you were going to run a race, what would you do to prepare for it?
You would probably sit around, eat junk food, and watch TV or stare at an Ipod/Iphone screen all the time, right? No! If you were going to run in a race you would prepare and eat the right foods, drink lots of water, and exercise to stay fit.
In Hebrews 12:1, we read about a very important race; a spiritual race.
Now most people do not even take very good care of their bodies and even less care of their spiritual bodies! But which body is more important? Think about it.
One will last for eternity and the other is just a shell until God comes back and gives us a new one.
I hope you are running with patience the race that is set before you and that this simple devotion has encouraged you.
Written By: Kristyn Johnson
Hebrews 12:1
Do you take care of your body so it can work properly?
If you were going to run a race, what would you do to prepare for it?
You would probably sit around, eat junk food, and watch TV or stare at an Ipod/Iphone screen all the time, right? No! If you were going to run in a race you would prepare and eat the right foods, drink lots of water, and exercise to stay fit.
In Hebrews 12:1, we read about a very important race; a spiritual race.
- This race is so important that our entire eternity counts on it!
- If we are to be running this race, our spiritual bodies need to exercise and stay nourished by eating the right kinds of “foods”.
- By reading God’s Word and staying in tune with God we can be spiritually nourished or fed.
- We can pray and exercise our faith by trusting in God.
- We can spoil our appetite for God’s Word and His Spirit by “eating junk food”, like spending too much time on social network, watching too much TV or movies, or texting all the time.
Now most people do not even take very good care of their bodies and even less care of their spiritual bodies! But which body is more important? Think about it.
One will last for eternity and the other is just a shell until God comes back and gives us a new one.
I hope you are running with patience the race that is set before you and that this simple devotion has encouraged you.
Written By: Kristyn Johnson
Ladies, It's Your Glory - February GEM Lesson
By: Sis. Ande Johnson
“But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: …”
- 1 Corinthians 11:15a
Introduction:
“My hair is so ugly!” cried the young girl as she was talking to her Mother.
“I am the ugliest girl in the world. My hair is frizzy. It refuses to grow, and I have split ends galore!”
Her mother listened to her as she went on about her appearance. She was sad to hear her daughter so unhappy with herself. Her Mother stopped her by asking her this question,
“Do you think that God makes mistakes?”
The girl was startled “No Mom, God doesn’t make mistakes.” Then her mother asked another, “Does the Bible say He makes ALL things beautiful?” The girl thought for a moment and replied “Yes, it does” Her Mother smiled “He made you, didn’t He?”
The girl realized what her mom was saying. Her Mom continued “He made you beautiful Honey. He wants you to take care of yourself, so let’s see what we can do to help your hair.” With a warm embrace they, together, began the process of taking care of their glory.
There is Spiritual, physical and practical aspect to our hair. It is a serious thing to God and it should be a serious thing to His children.
“But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: …”
- 1 Corinthians 11:15a
Introduction:
“My hair is so ugly!” cried the young girl as she was talking to her Mother.
“I am the ugliest girl in the world. My hair is frizzy. It refuses to grow, and I have split ends galore!”
Her mother listened to her as she went on about her appearance. She was sad to hear her daughter so unhappy with herself. Her Mother stopped her by asking her this question,
“Do you think that God makes mistakes?”
The girl was startled “No Mom, God doesn’t make mistakes.” Then her mother asked another, “Does the Bible say He makes ALL things beautiful?” The girl thought for a moment and replied “Yes, it does” Her Mother smiled “He made you, didn’t He?”
The girl realized what her mom was saying. Her Mom continued “He made you beautiful Honey. He wants you to take care of yourself, so let’s see what we can do to help your hair.” With a warm embrace they, together, began the process of taking care of their glory.
There is Spiritual, physical and practical aspect to our hair. It is a serious thing to God and it should be a serious thing to His children.
“…because God designed nature to give women long hair to distinguish her sex it is not a sign of shame to her, but rather a sign of glory to her for it increases her femininity and womanliness.”
~Bro. Jayme Carter
FACT: Did you know that statistically women that have longer and/or well-kept hair get more compliments than those with shortly cut or bobbed hair?
1) A Lady’s Adversary - The devil knows that the hair is a very spiritual matter and will try to trap you unaware. He sets snares for you to fall in. We as young ladies need to be aware of our weaknesses.
FACT: Some women in the world do their hair in a sensual way to get a man’s attention.
We, as young women of God, need to beware of the trends of the world, and be cautious of the way we do our hair; Being careful with the reasons why we do our hair certain ways. Be sure you have the right motives.
2) A Lady’s Advantage - We are NOT men! We ARE women.
“Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?”
- 1 Corinthians 11:14
FACT: Men are more likely to go bald when they get older than women.
1) A Lady’s Adversary - The devil knows that the hair is a very spiritual matter and will try to trap you unaware. He sets snares for you to fall in. We as young ladies need to be aware of our weaknesses.
- The Fad & Fashion – The fad of the world is to have the coolest and latest style or cut for your hair. There is a seductive spirit behind a lot of the hairstyles that the world presents.
FACT: Some women in the world do their hair in a sensual way to get a man’s attention.
We, as young women of God, need to beware of the trends of the world, and be cautious of the way we do our hair; Being careful with the reasons why we do our hair certain ways. Be sure you have the right motives.
2) A Lady’s Advantage - We are NOT men! We ARE women.
“Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?”
- 1 Corinthians 11:14
FACT: Men are more likely to go bald when they get older than women.
“It is true that God beholds our inner beauty, inner motives, inner thoughts and dreams, but man has nowhere else to look but on the outward appearance! Remember that.
Then, if a woman has those marvelous inner qualities that are of God, the man will see the shining reflection of God."
~Joyce Landorf
FACT: Did you know that one of the first things a guy will notice about a girl is how she takes care of herself, specifically her hair.
Ladies, God has given us a gracefulness and beauty that He designed. Let us be sure to walk pleasing in HIS sight and He will direct our path.
3) A Lady’s Awesomeness
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's”.
- 1 Corinthians 6:20
“And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment." - Luke 7:38
Ladies, God has given us a gracefulness and beauty that He designed. Let us be sure to walk pleasing in HIS sight and He will direct our path.
3) A Lady’s Awesomeness
- We are Beautiful! We have the ability to glorify God by taking care of ourselves. When we take care of ourselves others notice us. If we have a beautiful spirit it will show on the outside.
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's”.
- 1 Corinthians 6:20
- Biblical Example: Mary’s Fragrance.
“And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment." - Luke 7:38
“I can imagine that even after the Saviour was crucified, this woman, saved from a life of sin, would brush her long hair happily and remember that with it she had had the joy of wiping the feet of the Saviour the day her sins were forgiven.”
~John R. Rice
“Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.” - John 12:3
She no doubt had long beautiful and healthy hair to be able to wipe Jesus’ feet with it. What an honor! Imagine with me the beautiful smell that her hair would have had when she left that place.
What type of fragrance do others experience when you walk into a room?
Suggested Reading
1. “Proverbs 31” KJV Bible
2. “The Hype About Hair” by Rev. Jayme Carter
3. “Becoming a Women of Beauty and Strength” by Elizabeth George
She no doubt had long beautiful and healthy hair to be able to wipe Jesus’ feet with it. What an honor! Imagine with me the beautiful smell that her hair would have had when she left that place.
- Our desire should be to use our glory to glorify God.
What type of fragrance do others experience when you walk into a room?
Suggested Reading
1. “Proverbs 31” KJV Bible
2. “The Hype About Hair” by Rev. Jayme Carter
3. “Becoming a Women of Beauty and Strength” by Elizabeth George
“Reputation vs. Character”
The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation;
The truth you believe determines your character.
Reputation is what you are supposed to be;
Character is what you are.
Reputation is the photograph;
Character is the face.
Reputation comes over one from without;
Character comes from within.
Reputation is what you have when you come into a new community;
Character is what you have when you go away.
Your reputation is learned in an hour;
Your character does not come to light for a year.
Reputation is made in a moment;
Character is built in a lifetime.
Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone;
Character is what angels say about you before the throne of God.
~Author unknown
Princess Conference - March 1st
What a wonderful time we had at the Princess Conference! We had about 33 registered girls in attendance, as well as several mothers and older ladies that joined us. The presence of God was felt so powerfully during the opening service as Paula Vargas and Ande Johnson led in worship. Joanna Martin is a wonderful young lady, who is very sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and encouraged the young ladies to worship and use the designated time to search our hearts.
It was a day full of great fellowship and inspiring teaching.
Below are several pictures of the event.
It was a day full of great fellowship and inspiring teaching.
Below are several pictures of the event.
Overcome
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:21
What this verse means to me is that we need to overcome sin and trials in our life. I just love to hear when people overcome sin and certain things in their life. We cannot let the devil overcome us and take control of our lives but with God we can overcome all the things in our life. Just have faith and believe in God and you will overcome for sure.
So why not be an overcomer today?!
Something that spoke to me was what Hannah Johnson shared in her devotions at our last GEM meeting (January GEM lesson) that really touched me and made me think. I really want to try to witness to people because we have received the free gift of salvation and there are souls so valuable that we should not waste time. Her devotion really encouraged me and I hope this will encourage you as well.
Written by: Alexis Johnson
What this verse means to me is that we need to overcome sin and trials in our life. I just love to hear when people overcome sin and certain things in their life. We cannot let the devil overcome us and take control of our lives but with God we can overcome all the things in our life. Just have faith and believe in God and you will overcome for sure.
So why not be an overcomer today?!
Something that spoke to me was what Hannah Johnson shared in her devotions at our last GEM meeting (January GEM lesson) that really touched me and made me think. I really want to try to witness to people because we have received the free gift of salvation and there are souls so valuable that we should not waste time. Her devotion really encouraged me and I hope this will encourage you as well.
Written by: Alexis Johnson
Your Gift
Introduction:
Who still has an un-wrapped gift that's never been opened and is still sitting up in your closet?
This message is going to be about gifts... or the word "gift" in general. I will use 2 definitions.
Some of us have artistic abilities, or are musically talented. Some can sing, others have public speaking abilities. The point is that if we've been given such gifts then why don't we open them up, get them out, and develop them?! You never know what the Lord could do if we put our gifts to use for him. (James 1:17)
How many of you enjoy getting gifts from others? Now, when you get a gift from someone who took the time to wrap it up nice and pretty, you open it and you're so happy. You love that someone took the time to make it look special just for you. Doesn't that want to make you show it off and tell everyone what you got? Well, the special gift I want to tie into this definition is - the gift of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. He was the ultimate gift, no other gift can compare.
Jesus Christ was given as a perfect sacrifice to bring us salvation. (Romans 6:23) He came willingly to us without payment. Even now, He offers the gift to each and every one of us. All we have to do is accept it. For those of us who have accepted this gift, this salvation, what are we going to do with it? Are we going to hide it away and tuck it in a closet to collect dust, or are we going to tell others about it?
Is it not a very kind thing to do for somebody you don't even know? The good Samaritan story relates to sinners we come in contact with on a daily basis. They're hurting, wounded, lost in their own sins. Left to die. What are we doing about it?! Are we simply just gonna pass them by or stop, take the time to tell them about the gift they can receive that can set them free, bring them back to health give them new life.
Everything you do speaks volumes to those around you. It takes a step after step to make progress. We're all working for the same purpose, trying to achieve the same goal, just doing it in our own unique ways. Let's share this gift with others. They need to know and be able to accept this gift, then in return they can share it with others and tell them about it and so on...
Share the story of your precious gift today! Don't keep it hidden away.
Lesson from GEM's January Bible Study by Hannah Johnson
Who still has an un-wrapped gift that's never been opened and is still sitting up in your closet?
This message is going to be about gifts... or the word "gift" in general. I will use 2 definitions.
- A natural ability or talent
Some of us have artistic abilities, or are musically talented. Some can sing, others have public speaking abilities. The point is that if we've been given such gifts then why don't we open them up, get them out, and develop them?! You never know what the Lord could do if we put our gifts to use for him. (James 1:17)
- A thing given willingly to someone without payment
How many of you enjoy getting gifts from others? Now, when you get a gift from someone who took the time to wrap it up nice and pretty, you open it and you're so happy. You love that someone took the time to make it look special just for you. Doesn't that want to make you show it off and tell everyone what you got? Well, the special gift I want to tie into this definition is - the gift of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. He was the ultimate gift, no other gift can compare.
Jesus Christ was given as a perfect sacrifice to bring us salvation. (Romans 6:23) He came willingly to us without payment. Even now, He offers the gift to each and every one of us. All we have to do is accept it. For those of us who have accepted this gift, this salvation, what are we going to do with it? Are we going to hide it away and tuck it in a closet to collect dust, or are we going to tell others about it?
- The good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37
Is it not a very kind thing to do for somebody you don't even know? The good Samaritan story relates to sinners we come in contact with on a daily basis. They're hurting, wounded, lost in their own sins. Left to die. What are we doing about it?! Are we simply just gonna pass them by or stop, take the time to tell them about the gift they can receive that can set them free, bring them back to health give them new life.
Everything you do speaks volumes to those around you. It takes a step after step to make progress. We're all working for the same purpose, trying to achieve the same goal, just doing it in our own unique ways. Let's share this gift with others. They need to know and be able to accept this gift, then in return they can share it with others and tell them about it and so on...
Share the story of your precious gift today! Don't keep it hidden away.
Lesson from GEM's January Bible Study by Hannah Johnson
From Victim to Victor
Why do I feel like there's no way out?
All this pain, desperation, and doubt
Will there ever be an end?
Any time for me to mend?
I have hit the deck
My life is a wreck
As I drown in the memories of past regret
Will there ever be a victory for me to get?
Can anyone hear my simple cry?
Or will I be left alone to die?
My hope and faith is almost gone
But wait, something tells me to hold on
As I look to the left and to the right
There is no hope for me in sight
But I life my head up to the sky
And realize there is One on high
I begin to cry, and then to pray
And I know that He is there to stay
As I think back to my past
I wonder why I put Him last
He was with me all along
But I was doing it all wrong
I chose to do it my way
And not let Him lead the way
Through being wrong
I suffered long
But now in victory I will rise
And follow God, for He is wise!!
A poem written by Esther Johnson, a GEM member and a youth of Trinity Holiness Tabernacle.
What Really matters
Introduction: In this study we will learn that what really matters in this life is how you prepare yourself for the life hereafter. How you live your life now matters because it will determine your eternal destiny. There are 4 different lifelong relationships, which will be discussed, that really matter in life. How you handle them will decide which path you take to eternity.
Relationship means; a connection; association; involvement with something or someone.
#1. Your Relationship with God.
Scriptures: Mark 12:30; John 15:1-11
- The reason why Jesus said that He must be first and that we ought to love Him more than anything is because without Him we can't do anything that really matters in life. We don't know how to live or love right without Him.
- Colossians 1:16-18 says that Christ created all things for Himself. "...by Him all things consist."
- Therefore, God ought to have the preeminence (to put first; superior; someone above or before others) over anything and everything in our lives.
#2. Your Relationship with Others.
Scriptures: 1 John 4: 7-11; John 15:12-13
- Jesus said we are to love each other the same way He loves us. God demonstrated His love for us by laying down His life. And we're supposed to love each other in the same way!
#3. Your Relationship with Yourself.
Scriptures: Matthew 16: 24-26
- Jesus said what He did because we're not created to live for ourselves. YOUR LIFE IS NOT ABOUT YOU! No one likes a self-centered person, not even God. Selfishness is a sin. Sin can only be cured by the blood of Jesus Christ and can only be conquered by the power of the Holy Spirit. To NOT live for yourself is a daily choice. To live for God is a daily decision.
- If God wants to change something or be rid of something, we should do it just because we love Him. He knows what's best and the bottom line is... it's not about YOU!
#4. Your Relationship with the World.
Scriptures: 1 John 1:15-17
- The world has everything and is everything that is opposite of Who God is. (James 4:4; Matthew 6:24)
- A love for the world will lead to Hell.
- A love for God will lead to eternal life with Him.
Conclusion: The only way we can maintain a close relationship with God, a loving relationship with others, a dead relationship with yourself, and a loathsome relationship with the world is by daily walking and talking with Jesus. Remember, without Him we can do nothing.
A truly beautiful person is one who has mastered these 4 relationships.
Lesson from GEM's November Study
Spread the LOVe, not the Gossip
What is gossip?
Gossip is defined as... idle talk or rumors, especially about the personal or private affairs of others
Who is a gossiper?
A gossiper is a person given to tattling or idle talk; someone who spreads gossip
A gossiper is a person who has privileged information about people and proceeds to reveal that information to those who have no business knowing it
Gossipers
The Hebrew word translated “gossip” in the Old Testament is defined as “one who reveals secrets, one who goes about as a talebearer or scandal-monger.”
Those who gossip are often trying to build themselves up to make others look bad.
They are trying to magnify others' problems to make theirs look smaller.
What happens to the person that is gossiped about?
What happens to the person who spreads rumors or stories that are not necessarily true?
How do we spread love?
In order to show someone kindness and love, you have to seek the face of God. No one can truly be a Christian without first seeking the face of God, and cleaning out their heart first.
Quotes:
"When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.”
“Love is always open arms. If you close your arms about love you will find that you are left holding only yourself.”
Bible verses
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Romans 13:10 “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
This world had enough people who spread rumors so be the rare, godly person that spreads Christ’s love, and make a difference in someone’s life.
Gossip is defined as... idle talk or rumors, especially about the personal or private affairs of others
Who is a gossiper?
A gossiper is a person given to tattling or idle talk; someone who spreads gossip
A gossiper is a person who has privileged information about people and proceeds to reveal that information to those who have no business knowing it
Gossipers
The Hebrew word translated “gossip” in the Old Testament is defined as “one who reveals secrets, one who goes about as a talebearer or scandal-monger.”
Those who gossip are often trying to build themselves up to make others look bad.
They are trying to magnify others' problems to make theirs look smaller.
What happens to the person that is gossiped about?
- They usually get hurt - Proverbs 18:8
- They lose friends - Proverbs 16:28
- They lose confidence in the person they had once trusted - Proverbs 11:12-13
- They look worse than they really are
What happens to the person who spreads rumors or stories that are not necessarily true?
- When the truth is revealed, they look like a person who cannot be trusted with anyone’s deepest darkest secrets
- They end up being talked about as well
- Sometimes- nothing
- Really, that person may grow old without anything happening to them that is terrible wrong, but maybe their children will reap the consequences of their sin and thoughtlessness.
How do we spread love?
- Smile
- Maybe someone is having a bad day; a smile may be just what they need to cheer up
- Give a compliment
- Instead of focusing on the one bad thing about someone, or the one bad thing they have done-focus on the good things they have done and praise them for it
- Tell them they look lovely (handsome) today, and its not just because of what they are wearing
- Tell them you are praying for them; and actually do it!
- You don’t have to make it all awkward like “I have been praying that God would touch your heart and bless you abundantly”, just a simple “Hey, I’ve been praying for you” will suffice.
- Leave a little note of encouragement for them
In order to show someone kindness and love, you have to seek the face of God. No one can truly be a Christian without first seeking the face of God, and cleaning out their heart first.
Quotes:
"When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.”
“Love is always open arms. If you close your arms about love you will find that you are left holding only yourself.”
Bible verses
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Romans 13:10 “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
This world had enough people who spread rumors so be the rare, godly person that spreads Christ’s love, and make a difference in someone’s life.
To know Him
To know Christ
"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" - Philippians 3:10
We as Christians or children of God always say we want to know him more than what we do. That is our desire... or it should be. So, in order to get to know Him more like we say we want to there are some things that we must do that we should be reminded of.
That should be how it is with the Lord. We should be willing to lay aside other things that take up our time, like Facebook, music, phone, etc. If we truly want to know Him personally then we will start laying other things down and take more time to pray and read our Bibles. They are our means of communication with our Savior. So, in order to know Him we must communicate with Him through prayer and His Word.
When we get to know Him then we begin to understand what He hates, what He loves, and live accordingly. When we know Him then we will find numerous reasons to love Him further. The more we know and love Him the more we will understand that the Bible is not just a list of do's and don'ts, but a precious Book filled with Words of love, wisdom, and grace.
To fear the Lord
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." - Proverbs 31:30
What does it mean to "fear the Lord"?
Many people respond by saying it means, "to have a reverence for God", "the fear of judgment", or "to obey God".
Rev. Dollas Messer put it this way:
"Living continuously with the awareness that God sees, evaluates everything we do, say and think and will judge us accordingly. It (the fear of the Lord) is a deterrent to doing evil and a motivator for doing good. The absence of the fear of God is the primary reason for the increase in sin and perversion."
So, if we truly love Christ then the fear of Him will be in us; so much so that we will hate sin because we want to please Him. This verse is not talking about a woman that is afraid of God but instead portrays a picture of a woman who is aware that He sees everything she does, says, and thinks. She wishes to please Him in ALL that she does.
The fear of the Lord completes the character of the woman of God. This woman does not lack this one needful thing, but rather it excels her beauty. It doesn't mean that she is not beautiful but that her character further enhances her beauty.
The fear of God reigning in the heart is the beauty of the soul. God does not praise her looks but rather that she fears Him because in the end that is all that matters. Beauty fades but having the fear of God in our hearts will dictate the way we live, act, talk, think, and dress.
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him to find her"
Lesson from G.E.M.'s July Bible Study
"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" - Philippians 3:10
We as Christians or children of God always say we want to know him more than what we do. That is our desire... or it should be. So, in order to get to know Him more like we say we want to there are some things that we must do that we should be reminded of.
- When we want to know about someone more we get to know who they are, what they like, and what they don't like.
- Once we get to know them more we love them more. Just like any friendship, when we want to know who they are we desire to learn their favorite things, hobbies, likes, and dislikes.
- The more we know and love someone the more time we want to spend with them.
That should be how it is with the Lord. We should be willing to lay aside other things that take up our time, like Facebook, music, phone, etc. If we truly want to know Him personally then we will start laying other things down and take more time to pray and read our Bibles. They are our means of communication with our Savior. So, in order to know Him we must communicate with Him through prayer and His Word.
When we get to know Him then we begin to understand what He hates, what He loves, and live accordingly. When we know Him then we will find numerous reasons to love Him further. The more we know and love Him the more we will understand that the Bible is not just a list of do's and don'ts, but a precious Book filled with Words of love, wisdom, and grace.
To fear the Lord
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." - Proverbs 31:30
What does it mean to "fear the Lord"?
Many people respond by saying it means, "to have a reverence for God", "the fear of judgment", or "to obey God".
Rev. Dollas Messer put it this way:
"Living continuously with the awareness that God sees, evaluates everything we do, say and think and will judge us accordingly. It (the fear of the Lord) is a deterrent to doing evil and a motivator for doing good. The absence of the fear of God is the primary reason for the increase in sin and perversion."
So, if we truly love Christ then the fear of Him will be in us; so much so that we will hate sin because we want to please Him. This verse is not talking about a woman that is afraid of God but instead portrays a picture of a woman who is aware that He sees everything she does, says, and thinks. She wishes to please Him in ALL that she does.
The fear of the Lord completes the character of the woman of God. This woman does not lack this one needful thing, but rather it excels her beauty. It doesn't mean that she is not beautiful but that her character further enhances her beauty.
The fear of God reigning in the heart is the beauty of the soul. God does not praise her looks but rather that she fears Him because in the end that is all that matters. Beauty fades but having the fear of God in our hearts will dictate the way we live, act, talk, think, and dress.
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him to find her"
Lesson from G.E.M.'s July Bible Study
The Value of a Lady
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." - Proverbs 31:10
Our Plan vs. God's Plan
Our Plan: This is what I want to be.
Here are several examples:
God hand-picked you to be who you are.
Ex: He gave you brown hair and brown eyes or blonde hair and blue eyes, etc.
You are the most beautiful thing in His eyes. He hath made everything beautiful in his time... - Ecclesiastes 3:11
God's Plan: This is what He wants us to be.
God has a plan for us in His Word. (Read Titus 2:4-7)
Conclusion: God values a virtuous woman far greater than rubies. You will please the Lord if you desire to be like His Word tells you. Challenge yourself to be virtuous in God's eyes and you will find His favor.
Do you long to please the Lord more than you long to please a man? Only when you truly seek to please your Father wholeheartedly will you find favor in the eyes of a man worthy of your heart.
Lesson from G.E.M.'s June Bible Study
Our Plan vs. God's Plan
Our Plan: This is what I want to be.
- God has a plan for each of us individually. He does not rank anyone higher than the other. We as young ladies find this hard to believe.
Here are several examples:
- The girl next door is always prettier.
- The boys don't like me.
- I can't do anything special.
- I'm simply not good enough.
- God has a plan for each of us personally. How do we know this?
God hand-picked you to be who you are.
Ex: He gave you brown hair and brown eyes or blonde hair and blue eyes, etc.
You are the most beautiful thing in His eyes. He hath made everything beautiful in his time... - Ecclesiastes 3:11
God's Plan: This is what He wants us to be.
God has a plan for us in His Word. (Read Titus 2:4-7)
- Love your husband (someday)
- Love your children (when that time comes)
- Be discreet (modest)
- Be chaste (pure)
- Keepers at home
- Be good
- Be obedient - to your husbands, to authority, etc
Conclusion: God values a virtuous woman far greater than rubies. You will please the Lord if you desire to be like His Word tells you. Challenge yourself to be virtuous in God's eyes and you will find His favor.
Do you long to please the Lord more than you long to please a man? Only when you truly seek to please your Father wholeheartedly will you find favor in the eyes of a man worthy of your heart.
Lesson from G.E.M.'s June Bible Study
Will YOU leave a Legacy?
|
The fear of every person, young and old, is that they might be forgotten. Doubts and regrets rush to the surface when one stares death in the face. However, that need not be the case, especially for the believer.
"How you die marks a moment in the present; how you live makes a mark in history for all eternity." Our desire is not that you live in regret of what you should have or could have been but that you live to the greatest potential of what God created you to be. |
|