Jennifer is going to be appearing on the Dr Phil show this Thursday.
This is a re-airing of a previous show, but it's very inspirational if you haven't seen it.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Grateful for a Funeral Service
Note: Sorry, I meant to publish this Devotional by Michele this morning - my excuse is that I forgot that we switched the Devo day to Mondays instead of Tuesdays to accommodate the bi-weekly Bible study sessions! - Judi
Two weeks ago my husband and I attended the funeral service of a fellow believer that we had come to know from several years past. Now without sounding morbid, I must confess that I came away from the service realizing how much gratitude I've developed for the opportunity to attend such a service for a fellow pilgrim of whom God called home to be with Him. Of course, there is also much sorrow and pain for those of us who are left behind to grieve the loss of those we've come to know and love here on earth. Such sorrow is a huge part of our humanity and to be embraced openly and freely.
Yet amidst such sorrow, I've discovered that the funeral service of a fellow believer is truly a celebration of a life in Christ. This life in Christ is the same life to be celebrated every day by each one of us who have come to know and love Him personally.
My gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate this life in Christ at a funeral service can be expressed in three ways;
1. Gratitude for the reminder
2. Gratitude for the challenge
3. Gratitude for the encouragement
First, I'm grateful for the reminder a funeral service gives in that our life on earth is so short. Psalm 39:5 says; "Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths and my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapour." Although it is only God who knows and ordains the days given to us here on earth, He has made known to us that these earthly days are as handbreadths. The time of an earthly life we remember at a funeral service reminds us of this truth and it ought to lead us to the second way I'm grateful; which is the challenge to make my life on earth count for eternity.
2 Corinthians 5:14 says; "and He, (Christ), died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves but for Him who died and rose again." Is my life in Christ being lived utmost for Him? To be honest, I find the weights and sins in my own life so easily waste precious time and opportunity I've been given on earth to live the life I have in Christ. We need to be challenged continually to "...lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2a)
Third, I'm grateful for the encouragement I receive from a life in Christ celebrated at a funeral service. It is encouraging to reflect on the past days lives by a fellow believer who leaves us with memories of their own spiritual journey. A journey filled with joys and sorrows, struggles and blessings. All of which we are able to relate to some degree or another, and therefore draw encouragement from as we experience this thing called life together. It is also encouraging to reflect on the future glory days that have become reality for those whose lives we celebrate and one day too will be our own glorious reality!
And finally, this is the greatest encouragement of all found in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; 6:1a; "For we know that if our living earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens...always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him."
C.S. Lewis has said; "Those who have done most for the present world have been those who thought most of the next."
To be honest, I really don't want my gratitude to be based alone by the need to attend the funeral service of a fellow believer. Instead, my prayer is that this reminder, challenge and encouragement would be the truths that my life in Christ are being lived out day to day.
Living our lives with the perspective of eternity in mind will give us the strength for the challenges of today and the encouragement of hope for the eternal glory that yet awaits each of us! Now wouldn't you agree that this is alot to be grateful for?
Two weeks ago my husband and I attended the funeral service of a fellow believer that we had come to know from several years past. Now without sounding morbid, I must confess that I came away from the service realizing how much gratitude I've developed for the opportunity to attend such a service for a fellow pilgrim of whom God called home to be with Him. Of course, there is also much sorrow and pain for those of us who are left behind to grieve the loss of those we've come to know and love here on earth. Such sorrow is a huge part of our humanity and to be embraced openly and freely.
Yet amidst such sorrow, I've discovered that the funeral service of a fellow believer is truly a celebration of a life in Christ. This life in Christ is the same life to be celebrated every day by each one of us who have come to know and love Him personally.
My gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate this life in Christ at a funeral service can be expressed in three ways;
1. Gratitude for the reminder
2. Gratitude for the challenge
3. Gratitude for the encouragement
First, I'm grateful for the reminder a funeral service gives in that our life on earth is so short. Psalm 39:5 says; "Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths and my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapour." Although it is only God who knows and ordains the days given to us here on earth, He has made known to us that these earthly days are as handbreadths. The time of an earthly life we remember at a funeral service reminds us of this truth and it ought to lead us to the second way I'm grateful; which is the challenge to make my life on earth count for eternity.
2 Corinthians 5:14 says; "and He, (Christ), died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves but for Him who died and rose again." Is my life in Christ being lived utmost for Him? To be honest, I find the weights and sins in my own life so easily waste precious time and opportunity I've been given on earth to live the life I have in Christ. We need to be challenged continually to "...lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2a)
Third, I'm grateful for the encouragement I receive from a life in Christ celebrated at a funeral service. It is encouraging to reflect on the past days lives by a fellow believer who leaves us with memories of their own spiritual journey. A journey filled with joys and sorrows, struggles and blessings. All of which we are able to relate to some degree or another, and therefore draw encouragement from as we experience this thing called life together. It is also encouraging to reflect on the future glory days that have become reality for those whose lives we celebrate and one day too will be our own glorious reality!
And finally, this is the greatest encouragement of all found in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; 6:1a; "For we know that if our living earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens...always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him."
C.S. Lewis has said; "Those who have done most for the present world have been those who thought most of the next."
To be honest, I really don't want my gratitude to be based alone by the need to attend the funeral service of a fellow believer. Instead, my prayer is that this reminder, challenge and encouragement would be the truths that my life in Christ are being lived out day to day.
Living our lives with the perspective of eternity in mind will give us the strength for the challenges of today and the encouragement of hope for the eternal glory that yet awaits each of us! Now wouldn't you agree that this is alot to be grateful for?
*** Week one – What’s In Your Thought Closet - COMMENTS & DISCUSSION
My workbook had not arrived but I found a link where I could download Week one homework. If you still need your workbook or the homework for week one you can download it here:
I am packing to move and finding stuff I did not even remember I had – stuffed away in drawers and boxes (from previous moves I might add). Wow, I was sailing through the study until I came to some thoughts I totally did not realize I was thinking. On page 12 of Day 1 we have an exercise and I could not think of any negative thoughts I had towards myself. BUT...I was so eager to do the homework I started Day two and was on page 14 whenI started finding things I did not remember I had said – SAY – to myself. I had to stop the study right there and determined to use today to actually listen to myself. I am going to try to note in a small notepad when and what negative words I actually say to myself. The enemy seems good at helping me hide these negative words in a back corner of my “thought closet” and forget they are there. I am really looking forward to this study!! It is going to be challenging for me but I am already excited at what Jesus can, and will do. Because I am recognizing how difficult this is going to be for me, I am purposing to pray for each one of you by name every morning. I know Jesus will help us to clean out our closets – He is able to do exceeding abundantly more than we can ever ask, dream or hope! Lets’ do this thang!! (that was not a typo even though my spellcheck just told me it was – I was hearing Beth Moore in my head!)
June
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Siesta Bible Study Kick-Off
Good Morning!
Well, I just finished watching Beth's 11 minute DVD for the Intro Session of "Me, Myself & Lies". If you haven't watched it yet, you can see it here:
Here's what we need to do (this is all from the video):
1. For an icebreaker, we need to each post what breed of dog we most resemble in our personality. If you don't know dog breeds, just describe your personality and the rest of us can make the decision!
2. Compose a text message (less than 160 characters) that starts with this: "Please pray for me. I..." This one will help us get know each others' priority needs.
3. Read Psalm 19 in The Message (Beth has the whole Psalm in her post or you can read it here from Bible Gateway.com). In your post, give one benefit of studying Scripture that is mentioned in the Psalm. If you have discovered that benfit personally, give us a short and specific testimony to encourage the rest of us.
So, in your comment, you can give your answers 1, 2, 3, or you can post a separate comment for each question - your choice!
Beth also asks for one person from each group to comment on her Blog and give a paragraph on some of what is discussed in our group. Let's take turns every 2 weeks! Who would like to do it for this session?
Oh, and if you're just getting here and would like to join in, please do! Add your name to our sign-up list by going to the post entitled "Sign Up Here for Summer Online Bible Study"
Judi
Well, I just finished watching Beth's 11 minute DVD for the Intro Session of "Me, Myself & Lies". If you haven't watched it yet, you can see it here:
Siesta Summer Bible Study (Introduction) from LPV on Vimeo.
Because we are just beginning, today's session is a "get to know one another" session. It's going to be fun!!Here's what we need to do (this is all from the video):
1. For an icebreaker, we need to each post what breed of dog we most resemble in our personality. If you don't know dog breeds, just describe your personality and the rest of us can make the decision!
2. Compose a text message (less than 160 characters) that starts with this: "Please pray for me. I..." This one will help us get know each others' priority needs.
3. Read Psalm 19 in The Message (Beth has the whole Psalm in her post or you can read it here from Bible Gateway.com). In your post, give one benefit of studying Scripture that is mentioned in the Psalm. If you have discovered that benfit personally, give us a short and specific testimony to encourage the rest of us.
So, in your comment, you can give your answers 1, 2, 3, or you can post a separate comment for each question - your choice!
Beth also asks for one person from each group to comment on her Blog and give a paragraph on some of what is discussed in our group. Let's take turns every 2 weeks! Who would like to do it for this session?
Oh, and if you're just getting here and would like to join in, please do! Add your name to our sign-up list by going to the post entitled "Sign Up Here for Summer Online Bible Study"
Judi
Sunday, June 21, 2009
What are Your MOUNTAINS and HILLS?
Isaiah 54:10 “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will never be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed from you, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.”
One of the things that really impacted me when we were doing the Esther Bible Study in the spring was the verse where Esther said “If I perish, I perish”. Beth encouraged us to fill in first blank with something that we are facing that is a worst-case scenario, and fill in the second blank with something that God might do in and through it. “If I _______, then God ____________” It really helped me to put my fears into perspective.
Recently I've been having some health issues that have caused me to ask God: "Why God? Why me? Why now?" About 2 weeks into my illness, I came across the verse written above (Isaiah 54:10). I decided to commit the verse to memory. As I was reading it over and over, and meditating on it, I thought about God's chosen people, and what mountains and hills represented to them. I looked up some other passages where mountains or hills were talked about. In every one, it seemed that the mountains and hills represented something solid, sure, unshakeable, immovable. Something that could be depended on.
I thought about the things in my life that I consider unshakeable and sure: things like my family, my home, my financial stability, my marriage, even my health.
When I looked at Is. 54:10 again, I could see that it was a verse that could also be fill-in-the-blanks: “Though ________ be shaken and ________ be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will never be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed from you, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.”
I needed to hear that verse! Not because it answered my questions, but because it assured me that nothing can remove God's love and peace from me!
Now read the verse once more and fill in the blanks with the things that you have come to rely on. And this time, personalize it and read it back to God:
“Though my __________ be shaken, and my ______________ be removed, yet Your unfailing love for me will never be shaken, nor Your covenant of peace be removed. LORD, You this is Your promise to me, and You have compassion on me”
He is Faithful and He is Good!
One of the things that really impacted me when we were doing the Esther Bible Study in the spring was the verse where Esther said “If I perish, I perish”. Beth encouraged us to fill in first blank with something that we are facing that is a worst-case scenario, and fill in the second blank with something that God might do in and through it. “If I _______, then God ____________” It really helped me to put my fears into perspective.
Recently I've been having some health issues that have caused me to ask God: "Why God? Why me? Why now?" About 2 weeks into my illness, I came across the verse written above (Isaiah 54:10). I decided to commit the verse to memory. As I was reading it over and over, and meditating on it, I thought about God's chosen people, and what mountains and hills represented to them. I looked up some other passages where mountains or hills were talked about. In every one, it seemed that the mountains and hills represented something solid, sure, unshakeable, immovable. Something that could be depended on.
I thought about the things in my life that I consider unshakeable and sure: things like my family, my home, my financial stability, my marriage, even my health.
When I looked at Is. 54:10 again, I could see that it was a verse that could also be fill-in-the-blanks: “Though ________ be shaken and ________ be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will never be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed from you, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.”
I needed to hear that verse! Not because it answered my questions, but because it assured me that nothing can remove God's love and peace from me!
Now read the verse once more and fill in the blanks with the things that you have come to rely on. And this time, personalize it and read it back to God:
“Though my __________ be shaken, and my ______________ be removed, yet Your unfailing love for me will never be shaken, nor Your covenant of peace be removed. LORD, You this is Your promise to me, and You have compassion on me”
He is Faithful and He is Good!
Devo Tuesday is Now Devo Monday
Our weekly Devo is now going to be posted on Mondays, because of our Summer Bible Study "group" will be every other Tuesday, starting tomorrow, June 23rd.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Summer Siesta Schedule & Format
As we're gearing up to begin the Summer Siesta Bible Study on Tuesday, June 23rd, here is a schedule of the sessions as well as a few notes on the format of the study:
Beth is going to ask us to submit a photo of our group, so........please find a photo of yourself and email it to me (truevibe at rogers dot com) and I will try to Photoshop something together or all of us as a collage to post. Barring that, you could also post your individual photo on the LPL blog on sign-up day. But I would really like to get a picture of our group! I think it will be fun!
Here's Beth's description of how the format will work:
"On each of our meeting days (every other week starting Tuesday, June 23rd through Tuesday, August 4th), I will “facilitate” our summer study through a video mini-session about 15 minutes long. In it I’ll give you instructions for discussion questions or activities for your group meeting that day based on our previous two weeks of study. (THE VIDEOS ARE PITIFUL, ONE-TIME-TAKES, DONE IN-HOUSE WITHOUT PROFESSIONALS. AND IT’S PART OF WHAT MAKES IT FUN. LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS DRAMATICALLY. THEY’RE SO BAD THAT SOMETIMES SABRINA AND I GET SO TICKLED THAT WE CRY. BUT THE INFORMATION IS REAL AND THE STUDY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS.) You will then implement them into your gathering. If at all possible, try to watch them as a small group at the very beginning of your meeting time so that everybody’s on the same page. (Bar any unforeseen technical difficulties, I will make sure the post is up first thing on those Tuesday mornings.)
It's going to be so much fun! And, at the top of our list of priorities, it's going to be a joy to God, attract His wonderful favor, bring Him some substantial glory, and help keep us out of the ditch. "
Ok, so because we are an online group, here are some extra instructions:
1) Each "Meeting Day" (every other Tuesday) I'll post Beth's discussion questions &/or suggested activities.
Post your thoughts, comments, answers to any or all of the discussion questions in the comment box at the end of that post. We can keep the discussion going for the whole 2 weeks!
If you have any questions, this would be a good place to ask them!
I am really excited about getting to know each of you, and hearing what God is doing in your heart and life as a result of this study! Please pray that the books I've ordered arrive by Monday. If they don't we'll have to go to Plan B, whatever that is!
- Judi
- Tuesday, June 23, 2009 (1st Mini-Session/LAUNCH/Group instructions) (DO WEEKS ONE AND TWO OF HOMEWORK ON YOUR OWN.)
- Tuesday, July 7, 2009 (2nd Mini-Session/Group Instructions) (DO WEEKS THREE AND FOUR OF HOMEWORK ON YOUR OWN.)
- Tuesday, July 21, 2009 (3rd Mini-Session/Group Instructions) (DO WEEKS FIVE AND SIX OF HOMEWORK ON YOUR OWN.)
- Tuesday, August 4, 2009 (4th Mini-Session/Conclusion)
Beth is going to ask us to submit a photo of our group, so........please find a photo of yourself and email it to me (truevibe at rogers dot com) and I will try to Photoshop something together or all of us as a collage to post. Barring that, you could also post your individual photo on the LPL blog on sign-up day. But I would really like to get a picture of our group! I think it will be fun!
Here's Beth's description of how the format will work:
"On each of our meeting days (every other week starting Tuesday, June 23rd through Tuesday, August 4th), I will “facilitate” our summer study through a video mini-session about 15 minutes long. In it I’ll give you instructions for discussion questions or activities for your group meeting that day based on our previous two weeks of study. (THE VIDEOS ARE PITIFUL, ONE-TIME-TAKES, DONE IN-HOUSE WITHOUT PROFESSIONALS. AND IT’S PART OF WHAT MAKES IT FUN. LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS DRAMATICALLY. THEY’RE SO BAD THAT SOMETIMES SABRINA AND I GET SO TICKLED THAT WE CRY. BUT THE INFORMATION IS REAL AND THE STUDY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS.) You will then implement them into your gathering. If at all possible, try to watch them as a small group at the very beginning of your meeting time so that everybody’s on the same page. (Bar any unforeseen technical difficulties, I will make sure the post is up first thing on those Tuesday mornings.)
It's going to be so much fun! And, at the top of our list of priorities, it's going to be a joy to God, attract His wonderful favor, bring Him some substantial glory, and help keep us out of the ditch. "
Ok, so because we are an online group, here are some extra instructions:
1) Each "Meeting Day" (every other Tuesday) I'll post Beth's discussion questions &/or suggested activities.
Post your thoughts, comments, answers to any or all of the discussion questions in the comment box at the end of that post. We can keep the discussion going for the whole 2 weeks!
If you have any questions, this would be a good place to ask them!
I am really excited about getting to know each of you, and hearing what God is doing in your heart and life as a result of this study! Please pray that the books I've ordered arrive by Monday. If they don't we'll have to go to Plan B, whatever that is!
- Judi
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Go Take a Hike
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” started to play on my cell phone and I could not answer it fast enough! You see, that is my daughter’s ring tone and she left on June 8th
for California with her two friends, Patti and Kelsey. There were so excited this year. They are always excited every year about what the LORD will do in and through them as they travel around the USA and Canada ministering His word at camps, but this year they had built in a few extra days to hike the Grand Canyon. They usually stop and marvel at God’s handiwork, but this time they were going to see it up close and personal and they just could not wait! She has been gone nearly a week now, with only a couple of text messages home – one of which simply said “Glory!” so I was anxious to hear her voice and the God stories I just knew she would have.
When I answered the phone, her voice seemed to be in awe. She explained they had been down the Canyon and were back up again (they camped at the bottom). She explained how they were going to camp a second night half way up but, since it seemed early enough, they decided to push on so they would only have two mornings waking up in pain instead of three! She described how they were hiking, Patti in front and Kelsey behind and she was in the middle. As the sun set the darkness set in as well – blackness may be a more appropriate term. The only lights they had were the little headlamps they wore. They could not even see the trail beside them or in front of them. They could only see the ground around them that was directly in the beam of those little lights. They could not have moved had it not been for those little lights because they might have stepped off of the trail and fallen! They HAD to follow the light – one step at a time. As they moved forward the light moved forward.
This gave me new meaning to the verse “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet”. God tells us that His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path – Psalm 119:105. In the “daylight” we do not need flashlights or lanterns because we can see the path. When we are enjoying good times life is sweet and we don’t “need” a lamp; however, when the storms come and darkness settles in, we desperately need something (or Someone) to guide us and quickly grasp for the lamp – the Word – the LORD. The amazing part is that we can leave His Word on the shelf in the good times, but when things get rough and we seek His light and direction, He is ALWAYS there, never leaving us or forsaking us; never reprimanding us. He longs for us to be in His Word during the easy times also, so that we are not so desperate for Him but have known His presence all along. He is so patient with us, understanding our frame because He made us.
In Psalm 119 the psalmist is referencing the LORD – Jehovah; the great I AM; the self-existent One. When we need assurance that God is there, that He will keep His promises without changing even though I waver in my promises to Him – we just have to call upon the name of Jehovah – the great I AM. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. When the questions come – He is the answer....Jesus said – “Before Abraham was I AM”. So, when we ask...(whatever), Jesus responds...I AM!!
- The world is spinning out of control, who can make sense of it all? I AM
- What’s the point? I AM
- I’m taking care of everyone else, who’s taking care of me? I AM
- I don’t think I can make ends meet. I AM
- Who can put all these pieces back together again? I AM
- Who can I trust? I AM
- I need a rush! I AM!
- I need a fix! I AM
- I need a drink! I AM!
- I need hope! I AM!
- Nobody’s listening to me. I AM!
- I just need a second chance. I AM!
- I want security for my family. I AM!
- I don’t have anything to live for. I AM!
- I’ve done all I can and it seems like it is never enough. I AM!
- I Can’t! I AM!
- I’m weary. I AM!
- I’m looking for Mr. Right. I AM!
- My children need a daddy. I AM!
- Somebody hold me. I AM!
I AM the sustainer
I AM the life giver
I AM the rescuer
I AM the provider
I AM the hold-it-together guy
I AM the Lord and there is no other
I AM God and there is none beside me
At the end of the conversation with Jodi, she said they were going back to look down at the part of the trail that they covered in the darkness. I thought that was interesting. When we go through hard times and come out in victory, it is good to “look back” and see just exactly what our “I AM” brought us through – to review His Faithfulness.
I thanked Jodi for calling and sharing with me. I told her that I could not wait to answer the phone as soon as I heard the familiar ring tone “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. She laughed SO loud and asked me “what did you just say!?” We both laughed! There simply is NO mountain high enough that our “I AM” cannot help us over, around or, sometimes, through!!
Remember – I am not, BUT...I know I AM!
Grace and Peace,
June
(The above questions, answers and the "I AM the..." are from a DVD by Louie Giglio.)
Monday, June 15, 2009
June 15th Scripture Memory Workout Verse
Wow! It's hard to believe that we're in the middle of June already! I don't know if I've got my verse from June 1st down pat, but I'll keep plugging away with it while I start on my June 15th verse.
You are going to be really tickled when you read tomorrow's weekly devo. (I got a sneak peek at it) It will confirm to you just why it is so important that you are memorizing scripture!
If you are just stumbling upon this blog, or if you've missed some of the previous "memory workout" posts, don't worry, just jump right in today.
Choose a verse to memorize and then let us know what it is by clicking on the title above and posting it in the comment box that appears at the end of this paragraph. For more instructions, click here
Who wants that Starbucks gift card? Every verse posted gives you a chance to win it!!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Sign up Here for Summer Online Bible Study
Anybody up for a Summer online Bible Study?
Through her blog, (http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/) Beth Moore is organizing a 6 week online Bible study, based on Jennifer Rothchild’s newest Bible study, “Me, Myself and Lies: A Thought Closet Makeover”. This study for women will encourage us to clean out the junk in our thoughts and replace these hidden negative thoughts and failures with positive truths from God’s word.
Words are powerful. Especially the words women speak to themselves. All too often, what they say to themselves when they lie in bed at night or look in the mirror in the morning is not even close to the words God wants them to speak to their souls.
If you’re interested in joining the online summer Bible study, here’s how we will do it:
1) Visit Beth’s blog post where she gives instructions: click here
2) The study begins on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Between now and then, you need to get yourself a copy of the workbook, “Me, Myself and Lies”. You can get it from The Treasure House, or order it directly from Lifeway’s website.
3) The group will “meet” every 2 weeks on Beth’s blog, where she will also facilitate our discussion via video. Then, throughout the next 2 weeks, (till the next session), here on the True Vibe Blog, we’ll discuss our answers to the study guide questions, as well as any other comments or questions we want to post. Watch for a new post every 2 weeks that we can all add our discussion to.
If you’d like to see a video clip of Jennifer talking about her Bible study, click here.
Through her blog, (http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/) Beth Moore is organizing a 6 week online Bible study, based on Jennifer Rothchild’s newest Bible study, “Me, Myself and Lies: A Thought Closet Makeover”. This study for women will encourage us to clean out the junk in our thoughts and replace these hidden negative thoughts and failures with positive truths from God’s word.
Words are powerful. Especially the words women speak to themselves. All too often, what they say to themselves when they lie in bed at night or look in the mirror in the morning is not even close to the words God wants them to speak to their souls.
If you’re interested in joining the online summer Bible study, here’s how we will do it:
1) Visit Beth’s blog post where she gives instructions: click here
2) The study begins on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Between now and then, you need to get yourself a copy of the workbook, “Me, Myself and Lies”. You can get it from The Treasure House, or order it directly from Lifeway’s website.
3) The group will “meet” every 2 weeks on Beth’s blog, where she will also facilitate our discussion via video. Then, throughout the next 2 weeks, (till the next session), here on the True Vibe Blog, we’ll discuss our answers to the study guide questions, as well as any other comments or questions we want to post. Watch for a new post every 2 weeks that we can all add our discussion to.
If you’d like to see a video clip of Jennifer talking about her Bible study, click here.
If you'd like to sign up for this online Bible Study, please enter your name & location in a comment below. Also, please feel free to tell us a little bit about yourself.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
WHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING
So many of us have struggled with this issue. Why did God give me cancer? Why are children being abused by adults? Does God see this? Why is God allowing people in war torn countries to be oppressed and tortured? Why did God take my ill child from me?
My heart mourns for the world sometimes and all the pain and suffering of this world. BUT MY FRIENDS, WE NEED TO TRIUMPH OVER THIS SUFFERING.
Jesus was tortured and suffered a horrible death on the cross for EACH AND EVERYONE OF US, BUT HE TRIUMPHED OVER DEATH BY CONQUERING IT THROUGH HIS RESURRECTION.
How are we going to be strong Christian soldiers fighting the good fight if we haven’t experienced a few tough battles.
Now, I believe God does not intend for us to be ill and suffer, but we live in a world that is working against God. John 5:17 Jesus says: “My Father is working still and I am working”. God wanted humans to work with him and we have not been cooperating very well with God. He gives us clean air and what do we do; pollute it. Pollution causes health problems and so we get ill and we blame it on God. I blame it on Satan. I blame it on sin in this world on Earth.
Listen, God wants us to turn our illness and suffering into an experience of triumph. If God allows suffering, it means he can use it for our ultimate good rather than letting it defeat His purpose.
John 9:1-3 “As he went along he saw a blind man from birth. His disciples asked him: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind.” In verse 3 Jesus says: “neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life”.
I honestly believe the work of God was displayed in my life through my illnesses. When I had to be still, I sought God and meditated on His word like my life depended on it…which it does! And so I have grown so much as a Christian and experienced much blessing.
Lastly, take a look at the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and prepare to be in awe:
“To keep me from being conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
God is in control of your life, so we need to trust in him whether or not we are cured. He works out everything for good. Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
God bless,
Tammy B.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Meek or Weak?
This week's devo is by Jennifer Rothschild, author of the Bible study we did in the fall, called "Walking by Faith: Lessons Learned in the Dark".And instead of having the devotional in written form, we're going to watch it in video format.
Click 'play' to watch the 3 1/2 minute video:
Can you think of an example of meekness in action? Post your thoughts in a comment! Remember, to post a comment, you need to click on the title (Meek or Weak?) above, and then you'll see the comment box at the bottom of the page.
Monday, June 1, 2009
June 1st Scripture Memory Workout
It's June 1st, which means it's time for another memory verse.
How have you been doing with your memory verses? Are you keeping your spiral index cards in the car with you? By the kitchen sink? On your bedside table?
Have you had a chance to use your verses to renew your mind?
If you are just joining us, it's not too late. Welcome!
Have you chosen a verse to memorize over the next 2 weeks? If so, just click the title at the top of this post, and type your verse (as well as what translation it came from, e.g. NIV or The Message) in the comment box that shows at the bottom of the page, along with your name.
For more instructions, click here
If you want see Beth Moore's tutorial on how to memorize scripture, click here.
My verse is 1 Corinthians 13:12 from the NASB:
"For now we see in a mirror dimly,
but then face to face;
now I know in part,
but then I will know fully
just as I also have been fully known."
Okay, let's hear your verse!
Judi
How have you been doing with your memory verses? Are you keeping your spiral index cards in the car with you? By the kitchen sink? On your bedside table?
Have you had a chance to use your verses to renew your mind?
If you are just joining us, it's not too late. Welcome!
Have you chosen a verse to memorize over the next 2 weeks? If so, just click the title at the top of this post, and type your verse (as well as what translation it came from, e.g. NIV or The Message) in the comment box that shows at the bottom of the page, along with your name.
For more instructions, click here
If you want see Beth Moore's tutorial on how to memorize scripture, click here.
My verse is 1 Corinthians 13:12 from the NASB:
"For now we see in a mirror dimly,
but then face to face;
now I know in part,
but then I will know fully
just as I also have been fully known."
Okay, let's hear your verse!
Judi
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