Overcoming a Critical Spirit

I found the best article on Crosswalk that fits in with our current study very well. One of my favorite parts reads: "Believe that you are valuable and loved. When we fully grasp that God’s love isn’t dependent on our ability to earn his favor, we can stop measuring ourselves against everyone around us and find our value and self-worth in Christ. Acknowledging that we are all works in process gives us room to extend grace to ourselves and to others when we fall short of some imagined standard."
 It's a short piece and I encourage you to read it. http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/5-ways-to-overcome-a-critical-spirit.html?utm_content=bufferab73b&utm_medium=fbpage&utm_source=cwpg&utm_campaign=cwupdate

Our Thought Closets

 

As we began our new study, Me, Myself and Lies by Jennifer Rothchild this week, I found this image on Pinterest. Talk about a "God Thing," a hanger is the illustration all over the book as we discussed our 'thought closets' this week. The introductory lesson was about how we talk to ourselves and how to make our thoughts more positive and centered on God. A couple days ago this came from a friend, and it fits right in with the whole concept of self talk. The author, Kelly O'Dell Stanley, reminds us that prayer is our primary means of communication with God. She says, "Pray always, let these short, simple prayers run through your mind as you go about your everday tasks - your conversation with God will become a soundtrack underscoring your ordinary days."  That just fits so well with our "thought closet" study doesn't it?


http://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/20-prayers-to-pray-throughout-a-busy-day.html


Wanna know a cool thing about Kelly O'Dell Stanley? She is from Crawfordsville, Indiana - which is just down the road from Sheridan and Indianapolis where I grew up! Well, then I had to check out Kelly's websute She has a free prayer prompt calendar available when you sign up for her email list, which I did of course! I highly recommend her website for wonderful Godly content. http://kellyostanley.com/

I love the slideshow Kelly did on Crosswalk, it's beautifully illustrated and so worth the time to see. However, for just a quick read that does not involve clicking through, here are her prayers:

1.     Thank you for this day.

        This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

2.     Be with me.

        The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid Psalm 118:6

3.     You are so good.

        Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

4.     Give me strength for this day.

        Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

5.     Protect me.

        I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:19

6.     Thank you for the work that keeps me busy.

        May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

7.     Lord, give me rest.

        Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give your rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

8.     Help me to love.

        Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10

9.     Let me see you.

        You will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all y our heart. I will be found by you, “declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:12-14

10.   Fill me with joy.

        I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11

11.   Show me how to glorify you.

        There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord, Nor are there any works like Yours. All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And they shall glorify Your name. For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God. Psalm 86:8-10

12.   Give me a generous heart.

        A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

13.   Erase my worries.

        Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

14.   Help Me.

        The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

15.   Let my words be uplifting.                    

        Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

16.   Forgive me and help me forgive others.

        If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

17.   Thank you for being in control.

        ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’. Jeremiah 29:11

18.   Teach me. Guide me. Show me what to do.

        Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me. Psalm 25:4-5

19.   Purify my mind.

        Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

20.   Thank you. Again. Always.

        Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

Prayer-Talk With God

The other day I prayed: "one of the reasons why its so hard not to stray is because God is not physically present so we can touch and see and hear him." Then the thought popped into my head, "I was there." Whoa! It finally sunk in my head! He was here, and people didn't belive Jesuse despite the nunberous miracles He performed. He raised Lazerous from the dead, healed the sick and even walked on water, but instead of believing Him, they crucified Him! He arose from the dead and many still did not believe. I finally "got it" the Holy Spirit is better because He can stay with us constantly. Just like in Star Wars when Obi Wan and Yoda died, their spirits offered constant advice to Luke. Ya Gotta love Star Wars right?

The best way to bolster our belief and keep ourselves on the right path, is to be with our community of believers - the Church. My Sisters in Christ, have been the BEST and most enjoyable influence on me!!

Hosea

Hosea

source: NIV Life Application Study Bible

Hosea highlights the parallels between his relationship with Gomer and God’s relationship with the nation of Israel. Although the people made a covenant with the one true God, they went after false gods. In the same way, Hosea married Gomer, knowing ahead of time that she would leave him. Hosea tenderly dealt with this wife ins spite of her sin. And God was merciful toward the people of Israel despite their sins. God has not changed: he is still merciful and forgiving.

Purpose: To illustrate God’s love for his sinful people

Setting: End of the prosperous but morally declining reign of Jeroboam II of Israel. Upper classes did well, but were oppressive to the poor.

Key Verse: “The Lord Said to me, ‘Go show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” 3:1

Special Features: Hosea employs many images form daily life: 

God is depicted as husband, lion, leopard, bear, dew, rain, moth, and others

Israel is pictured as wife sick person, vine, grapes, early fruit, olive tree, woman in childbirth, oven, morning mist chaff, and smoke etc.

 

MEGATHEMES 

THEME	EXPLANATION	IMPORTANCE
The Nation’s Sin	Just as Hosea’s wife, Gomer, was unfaithful to him, so the nation of Israel had been unfaithful to God. Israel’s idolatry was like adultery. They desired improper relationships with Assyria and Egypt in order to gain military power, and they mixed Baal worship with the worship of God.	Like Gomer, we can chase after other loves – love of power, pleasure, money, or recognition. The temptations in this world can be very seductive. Are we loyal to God, remaining completely faithful, or have other loves taken his rightful place?
God’s Judgment	Judah broke the covenant, turned away form God, and forgot her Maker, so she experienced a devastating invasion and exile.	The Lord is our only true refuge. If we harden our hearts against him, there is no safety or security anywhere else. We cannot escape God’s judgment.
God’s Love	Just as Hosea went after his unfaithful wife to bring her back, so the Lord pursues us with his love. His love is tender, loyal, unchanging, and undying. No matter what, God still loves us.	Have you forgotten God and become disloyal to him? Don’t let prosperity diminish your love for him or let success blind you to your need for his love.
Restoration	Although God will disciplines his people for sin, he encourages and restores those who have repented. True repentance opens the way to a new beginning. God forgives and restores.	Turn to the Lord while the offer is still good. No matter how far you have strayed, God is willing to forgive you.

Are You Helping to Unify the Body of Christ, the Church?

“Unity in Christ is not something to be achieved: it is something to be recognized.”

~A.W. Tozer

This morning I read John 17:20-23 where Jesus prayed for his disciples. He prayed not only for His disciples, but for those who would follow them in the future. He prayed for US. I love that! He prayed for our unity. Those of us who are lucky enough to experience a Church family with the love, fellowship, and support they provide, recognize this unity Christ prayed for. In looking at the Disciples, and thinking about their characteristics, we see different levels of education, various professions, and varying temperaments. Acts 4:32 tells us that after being filled with the Holy Spirit, they were “one in heart and mind.” So, what pulled them together? They didn’t have a common background. They had Him. His very real presence. This unity that we find unachievable due to our sinful nature, can only be recognized by our absolute dependence on HIM.

 

Unity with fellow Christians is imperative. We must fellowship with other believers. The NIV Study Bible notes on John 17:14 tells us that “the world hates Christians because Christians’ values differ from the world’s. Because Christ’s followers don’t cooperate with the world by joining in their sin, they are living accusations against the world’s immorality. The world follows Satan’s agenda, and Satan the avowed enemy of Jesus and his people.” This really struck a chord with me when I read it. I know that the world hates Christians, that is not a new thought to me, but that we are living accusations against the world’s immorality…. is one of those statements that when you hear it you kind of slap yourself upside the head, and say, “of course”!

I’m so grateful for the fellowship, support, and love that Sisters offers. This amazing group of women has had such an impact on my life. I can just picture the smile on Jesus' face as he looks down and feels the love and unity this group provides to one another.

Discipleship happens in flesh-and-blood relationships.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:34

We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
 1 John 4:19

In speaking about the burnout of pastors, J.D. Greear says, in every case he’s seen, there’s one thing in common —isolation. “The difference between those who persevere and those who fall often comes down to this: close community around them.” But it's not just pastors that need to be cautious of isolation, we all need godly community, and godly community near us. Solomon said, “Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away” Proverbs 27:10. “Your ‘brother’ may be your closest friend, the guy you can share anything with. He gives incredible counsel and always looks out for you. But if he’s 100 miles away, he’s actually not as valuable as a guy you met six months ago in your small group.” Rev. Greear says, that God never intended any of us to live alone. Deep friendships with people you live and work with, and go to church with, is a part of discipleship. Nothing can replace the insight of someone who knows you.

 The people in our sphere of influence are how Jesus reaches out to us. They give us love and wise counsel, and encouragement when we need it, and offer comfort when we’re hurting. These people who are close to us can apply the gospel like no other. Christian friends are so vitally important to our relationship with God.

Judging: the Balance Between Grace and Truth

I am currently reading Breaking the Islam Code by J.D. Greear, and WOW what a book! Greear is Pastor at The Summit Church of Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Greear completed his Ph.D. in Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary concentrating primarily on Christian and Islamic theology. He is also currently a faculty member there. He lived and served with the SBC’s International Mission Board among Muslims for two years, and he offers a profound insight into the way Muslims think and feel. His web site contains blog writings, sermons and videos. I wholeheartedly recommend spending some time reading and learning on this site http://www.jdgreear.com/

I spent a lot of time in the last year struggling to balance what the Bible teaches about some moral/social issues and how to recognize that without judging. After reading one of the sermon discussions on Greear’s website, I am finally clear about that balance.  The article is 7 Signs That You’re “Judging” Others and you can check it out at: http://www.jdgreear.com/?s=7+signs+that+you%27re+judging+others.

In it, Greear points out that ‘Judge not’ is one of the most popular Bible verses in our society. He says “people love ‘judge not’ because it seems to be a handy way of saying, ‘You can’t tell me I’m wrong.’” He points out that if you make a public assessment on just about any moral issue, your likely to see this verse used as a deflective weapon. Greear points out that in John 7:7 Jesus told his disciples that the world hates him “because I testify about it that its works are evil.” So, Greear explains, “Jesus couldn’t have meant that we’re all supposed to just throw up our hands and say, ‘Hey to each his own. Who am I to judge?’”  There is a balance between grace and truth Greear relates, “so don’t judge others by withholding the truth. But don’t judge them by speaking the truth without grace.” I totally get this. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004G6066W/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Today's To Do List

Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.

Today’s To Do List

1.      Practice kindess

2.      Let go of what I can’t control

3.      Count my blessings

4.      Listen to the Holy Spirit

5.      Walk with God

6.      Live like Jesus

7.      Pass this on to encourage someone else.

 

It is not fancy hair gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No your beauty should come from inside you – the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. That beauty will never disappear, and it is worth very much to God.

~1 Peter 3:3-4

29 Habits of Extremely Considerate People

This list of good habits from extremely considerate people reminds me so much of my Mom and my Grandma. They taught these things to us while we were growing up. I need to be reminded of them often. I'm not as good at being extremely considerate as Grandma and Mom were, but I keep trying to improve.

1. They put themselves in other people’s shoes.
2. They recognize their own imperfections—and embrace them!
3. They open the door for people instead of barging through it first.
4. They try to make people feel comfortable in awkward situations.
5. If someone looks great, they tell them! Why not?
6. They think first and speak second (and avoid plenty of foot-in-the-mouth situations because of this).
7. They perform small acts of kindness, just because they can, not because they feel they should.
8. They avoid judging other people.
9. They try to keep things positive, even (or especially) in difficult situations.
10. They’re good listeners.
11. They share what they have, even if it’s not much.
12. If someone is sad, they try to cheer them up.
13. They throw in a few extra dollars if the bill comes up short at a group meal.
14. They smile at everyone.
15. They try to leave people better than they found them—not the opposite!
16. They put other people first.
17. They are patient with other people, even if they’re frustrated.
18. They remember birthdays and special occasions.
19. They give up their seats on public transportation to people who clearly need them more—or maybe just to be nice!
20. They always say please, thank you, and you’re welcome.
21. They don’t interrupt or talk over people.
22. They do favors for people without expecting anything in return.
23. If someone skips them in line, they let it go. Maybe that person is just having a bad day!
24. They make a point to include everyone in the conversation.
25. They apologize when they mess up.
26. They’re on time for things.
27. They anticipate other people’s needs and wants.
28. They ask people about themselves.
29. They consider the “bigger picture” beyond themselves and their own lives.

This was originally posted on POPSUGAR.

Faith Hope Coffeebreak

My favorite devotional is One Year At His Feet by Chris Tiegreen. Rev. McClendon told me about this book and wow! was he ever right. I can not adequately express what an impact this book has had on me. Chris Tiegreen also has a free daily devotional that is emailed to you each morning. It’s called Faith Hope Coffeebreak. You can sign up to receive it here: https://www.chris-tiegreen.com/devo-subscribe They are short but very powerful. Here are a couple of snippets from recent coffebreak messages:

“He has made us in his image and is relentless in his desire to restore us to his image. He wants his people to be like him. That’s why he shares his authority, power, wisdom, and love with us.”

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17. “We can live in a lightness of spirit and without the pressure of conforming to unreachable standards. Our hearts can be at rest.”

Patience

“Our willingness to wait reveals the value we place on what we are waiting for.”

~Charles Stanley

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.

~Isaiah 64:4

God is working in your life, right now in ways you cannot understand.

 

7 Keys to Life

The other day, I wrote about doors and windows.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

~Ephesians 4:32

7 Keys to Life

1. God first
2. Love one another
3. Never hate
4. Give generously
5. Live simply
6. Forgive quickly
7. Be kind always

Asking and Receiving

In Mark 10: 46-52 The blind man asks for Jesus to have mercy on him. Did you ever wonder why Jesus asked him what the man wanted, when He already knew he was blind?  It was important to the blind man, and is to us to ask for His help. By asking, we take the time to be in relationship with God. He doesn’t just want to be our Savior and Provider, he wants more. Because he loves us so much, He wants an intimate relationship with us.

In Matthew 7:8 Jesus says, “Everyone who asks receives.” Jesus tells us to be persistent in pursuing God. Knowing God takes faith, focus and follow-through, because it is the process of being in relationship with Him. Many of Jesus’ parables are about bold, specific asking. Even though He already knows our needs before we ask, He insists on specific requests. Why?

• Maybe it is so that when the answer comes we will recognize it.
• Perhaps it is so that when the answer comes we will see how it is different from our own limited view.
• Maybe it is so that we will better remember having voiced our request.
• Or perhaps it is so we will give thanks when our request is answered.
• Maybe the asking and receiving is a way to better witness to others in our world than by simply granting unspoken requests.

Koinonia

I recently learned a Greek word, Koinonia.  Because the word has a multitude of meanings, no single English word is adequate to express its depth and richness. It is a derivative of "koinos," the word for "common." Koinonia is a complex, rich, and thoroughly fascinating Greek approach to building community or teamwork. It identifies the idealized state of fellowship and unity that should exist within the Christian church, the Body of Christ. There is a special New Testament application of the word koinonia that describes the Communion that exists at the celebration of the Lord's Supper. I think that it is such a lovely word for those of us in the family of Christ, like Sisters.

It appears 19 times in most editions of the Greek New Testament.

Acts 2:42
Philippians 2:1-2

First John 1:6-7
Romans 12:10

Romans 12:10

Romans 12:16

1 Peter 3:8)

Romans 15:7

Galatians 5:13

Ephesians 4:32

Colossians 3:16

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Hebrews 3:13

Hebrews 10:24

1 Peter 4:9

1 Peter 1:22

1 John 3:11; 3:23; 4:7 ; 4:11-12

Does Our Behavior Indicate a Welcoming Door?

I love beautiful old doors. There's just something so appealing about them. A lovely door is so welcoming. I hope the door to my soul is welcoming to God as these beautiful old doors. As a Christian, my personality and behavior should indicate a welcoming door to others.

 There are endless possibilities awaiting on the other side of a door. God opens doors for us all the time. Do we always open them?  How do we use the possibilities awaiting on the other side? There are several verses of scripture that refer to doors, and the symbolism they contain is so meaningful. 

When I think of a welcoming door, this quote comes to mind. Although I don't know who said it, I think it is worth sharing.

Prayers should be the key in the morning and the lock at night.

 Scripture

When God closes a door He opens a window.

Malachi 3:10

When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.

Acts 14:27

Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord,

2 Corinthians 2:12

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Matthew 7:7-8

So, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.

Matthew 24:33

Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in!

Psalm 24:7

"You shall take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and apply some of the blood that is in the basin to the lintel and the two doorposts; and none of you shall go outside the door of his house until morning. "For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you. 

Exodus 12:22-23

So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

John 10:7

But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 

1 Corinthians 16:8-9

"If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it."

Genesis 4:7

Praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;

Colossians 4:3

Card made to go with this theme: http://scmagnolia.blogspot.com/2016/07/cards-with-scripture.html

Praying For Your Husband

I found two of the nicest ways to pray for your husband and I'd like to share them. The second one I found on Pinterest and it links to an Indulgy site with no way to determine the source. It was hard for me to read, but I squinted and typed it out, so that I read it more easily in the future. I did not write it, and I have no way of finding it's author. If anyone does, please let me know.

Thirty One Days of Praying For Your Husband

http://www.raisinggodlychildren.org/2011/11/31-days-of-praying-for-your-husband.html?mid=5275409

Two Weeks of Prayer For Your Husband

http://indulgy.com/post/oCe9dvKFV1/prayer

MONDAY (Jer. 29:11 and 1 Cor. 10:31)

Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks.

TUESDAY (Rom. 12:1-2 and 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)

Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body – the temple of the Holy Spirit – for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient sleep and exercise to stay healthy.

WEDNESDAY (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)

Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quite times.

THURSDAY  (Eph. 6:4;Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2)

Pray that your husband will be a good father - disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. Pray that will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord.

FRIDAY (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)

Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord.

SATURDAY (Eph. 3:16, 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor: 10:11)

Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength.

SUNDAY (Jer. 29:11 and 1 Cor. 10:31)

Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring god glory and count for eternity.

MONDAY ( Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)

Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses.

TUESDAY (john 8:14 and 2 Cor. 10:4-5)

Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the word of God.

WEDNESDAY (Prov. 27:12 and 2 Cor. 10:5)

Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts and that he will resist the temptation in indulge in pornography.

THURSDAY (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11, Luke 2:52)

Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to Him, balancing work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church.

FRIDAY (Ep. 5:15-16 and 1 Cor. 12: 4, 7)

Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church and in your home.

SATURDAY (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7: 17-18; Col. 3:23-24)

Pray that your husband will serve God and Others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything.

SUNDAY (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)

Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective – living in light of eternity. Pray that will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life.

Be his greatest ally, fighting beside him in the battle…

 

Interesting Research

I recently read about a new online survey of 2,000 unchurched Americans from Nashville-based LifeWay Research. The survey,  found more than half of Americans who don’t go to church identify as Christians. I choose to see that as encouraging. The results of this survey indicate that talking about faith is not taboo. I am very encouraged by that. According to the survey, Americans who don’t go to church are happy to talk about religion and often think about the meaning of life. They are open to taking part in community service events hosted at churches or even going to a church concert. About one third said they'd to to a worship service if invited by a friend. One third of 2,000 is 666.6, which is kind of a creepy number so let's just round up to 675. I know that is less than half, but I choose to look at 675 as a lot of people that could be reached if we just extend an invitation.

"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? Matthew 18:12


Christ was happy to save the one sheep, there are 675 people out there who indicated they would come to a worship service if invited by a friend. You know what? I'm going to invite some people to church!

New Look and New Purpose

I'm back, with a new look and a new purpose. The goal will be to KISS the blog. Keep It Simple Silly. Short and sweet.

Edited 7/21/16

7/21	Ultimate Survival (Bettencourt) 1 Peter 5:8 Ephesians 6:10-18	The Christ Must Die Matthew 16:13-28
7/28	No Bible Study this week
8/4	Soul Sisters (Bettencourt) 1 Samuel 18:1	Parable of The Lost (Prodigal) Son Luke 15:11-32
8/11	Provisions (Bettencourt) Romans 13:14 Corinthians 10:5 2 Samuel 11:15 2 Samuel 2-27 Galations 5:21-25 Philippians 4:6-7 Proverbs 11:2 Ephesians 5:15-16	Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand Mark 6:30-44
8/18	Pursuing Character (Bettencourt) Matthew 14:14 John 13:34 Mark 9:35 John 13:12-17 Philippians 2:3-8 Luke 23:34 Matthew 18:21,22	Jesus Clears the Temple Mark 11:12-19
8/25	Flower Language (Bettencourt) Proverbs 21:23 Proverbs 15:1 Proverbs 4:24 Psalm 12:2 Proverbs 10:19 Proverbs 11:13 1 Timothy 5:13 Proverbs 16:28 Proverbs 26:24 Titus 3:2 Psalm 140:3 Proverbs 26:22 Ephesians 4:29 Proverbs 12:22 Proverbs 26:28	Jesus is the Way to the Father John 14:1-14
9/1	How Bright Is Your Light? (Bettencourt) Proverbs 12:22 Proverbs 26:28 Proverbs 12:22 Proverbs 26:28 Proverbs 12:22 Proverbs 26:28 Proverbs 12:22 Proverbs 26:28	Wise and Foolish Builders Matthew 7:24-29
9/8	No Bible Study this week
9/15	Fall Study begins Hosea: Unfailing Love Changes Everything by Jennifer Rothschild