A passionate love: the relationship between God and you - The zeal of the Lord



Photo by JS Creatonzs.
Courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net

Welcome back to A Good Bible Study. We are passionate here - passionate about a passionate God!

This God of ours loves us with a love like no other. It never ends, it never dissipates, God never tells us "It's not you, it's me," is never too tired, too stressed, too angry to spend time with us, comfort us, listen to us, or advise us. He's passionate for us!

But, sometimes it seems like God is not listening to our prayers, not answering our prayers, not acting on our prayers. Sometimes we believe we are on our own and that we aren't even on God's radar.

This isn't some new phenomenon. People have been looking for the next sign since the beginning of time. Remember Adam and Eve? They had a unique relationship with God. God spent time with them physically in the Garden, walking, talking, and exchanging ideas. Can you imagine hanging out with God and having no doubt He is real? You would think that would make it easier to obey God, right?

God was cool. God was a lot of fun. Adam and God were good friends. In fact, God gave Adam only one rule, just one. Don't eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. He didn't say take a little bite. He didn't say eat it if you think you've got a better plan. He didn't say check with the serpent for permission to eat it. He didn't say let your wife get confused about what God said and go along with it. He said, "Don't eat it. Don't. Eat. It. Don't touch it, don't smell it, don't hang around under it's branches, DON'T EAT IT."

Pretty clear, right? So how come it took about 5 minutes for Satan to convince Adam and Eve that God really didn't have their back and they should just go ahead and do whatever seemed right in their eyes? Of anyone in history, Adam and Eve should have been the ones to say, "Uh, I don't think so." Or how about, "I'm gonna double check with God because I know He said don't eat that." Now, I guess it is possible that Adam and Eve had never been exposed to a liar (kind of like that movie The Invention of Lying) so may be they were kind of gullible.

I'd like to let them off the hook like that and say that God sure is harsh. After all, He made them. . . So it's really His fault, right?

God did make them and He doesn't make stupid. So sorry, no dice. Consider this: Adam and Eve were created with the original DNA, uncontaminated and unmutated by chemical damage, environmental pollution, and poor diets. They were the most intelligent beings in the universe second to God. A far second, but still, they rocked.

Let's be honest. They wanted that fruit.

Satan only shows us what is in our own hearts. He dangles the bait, it's called temptation, and we either run to God, or we start trying to justify why we should go ahead and do what we know in our hearts is wrong.

Adam and Eve started playing the justification game. They deserved that fruit. After all, they did all the work in the Garden, Adam named all the animals and he and Eve tended the plants and oversaw the animals. God obviously didn't want what was best for them or He would share His precious Knowledge, right?

They were on their own and they needed to take what they wanted because God was never going to share the good stuff anyway! Besides, God hadn't even been to the Garden that day to talk with them so He probably wasn't even coming back. What happens in Eden stays in Eden . . . wrong.

Like most of our mistakes, the minute that fruit touched their lips, Adam and Eve got a whole lot of knowledge they wish they hadn't. Ever done that? Wished you had minded your own business and found out something you wish you hadn't? Ever wanted to turn back time and take it back? You and me and Adam and Eve and all the rest of us.

So, let's not kid ourselves that we are the first ones to feel like God is ignoring us. Let's not pretend we can take a time out from God and like a little one year-old child say, "If I can't see You, You can't see me." Let's get honest. Let's be real.

Now, about now you might be thinking that since Adam and Eve couldn't cut it, we are all doomed to fail. Let me tell you a story with a different ending.

In the time of Isaiah the prophet of God, there was a King of Assyria, named Sennacherib, who had conquered much of the land around Israel and was after the Israelites next. "The Assyrian Empire extended from Ur of Chaldes, up the Tigress-Euphrates valley toward Baghdad then across to the Mediterranean, taking in modern day Syria. So Assyria in the Bible included modern day Iraq and Syria" (Pat Robertson)

This guy had a lot of reason to be confident. He sent word to the King of Israel, Hezekiah, that he was coming down there to take care of business. Read 2 Kings 18 for the whole speech.

Reading this I had an image of this King's emissary doing a rap before the King of Israel, bragging about his King and talking smack against the God of Israel. Then he goes out and starts rapping to the people outside the palace, telling them in other words, "Who's your daddy?"

This emissary tells the Israelites not to believe their God will save them, because no one else's gods have saved any of the people King Sennacherib has conquered. He literally starts mocking God, saying what is a real insult in that time, "haven't you gotten the news", or "did you not hear", basically meaning, what, you didn't know I'm the biggest stick in the land? He was boasting that he, the King of Assyria was the only one with any power and they better get in line or be destroyed.

As you can imagine, the people of Israel were pretty concerned. I mean, they hadn't had a word from God for a while. May be God was out of the office.

So, King Hezekiah sent for word from Isaiah, the prophet of God.

God says through Isaiah, "Don't be afraid." I got this, God says. Don't you wish we had a prophet nowadays?

King Hezekiah is pretty relieved, and begins praising God. 

¹⁵
And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: “LORD, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Give ear, LORD, and hear; open your eyes, LORD, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God.


17 “It is true, LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. 18 They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. 19 Now, LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, LORD, are God.”

God answers the King's prayer with a promise, first to King Sennacherib, then to King Hezekiah.

To Sennacherib he says, and I am paraphrasing here, "Who do you think you are talking to? Let me tell you a little bit about the Holy One of Israel, son."

God reminds Sennacherib of all the ways he "reproached the Lord," bragging about how he was going to cut down all the trees and dry up all the waters of defense. Then God uses Sennacherib's own words against him, saying (paraphrase) "Did you not hear that I made this world, and that I allowed you to conquer these lands and made the people defenseless against you?"

God is in Sennacherib's face now, and God tells him He knows alllll about the smack he has been talking.

In fact, God uses Sennacherib's own methods of dealing with prisoner's of war against him, saying in 2 Kings 19:28, "I will put My hook into your nose and My bridle into your lips, and I will turn you back by the way which you came." Oh yeah, Sennacherib knew exactly what God was talking about. I love it. Nothin can set you down like a word from the Lord!

See, sometimes we read the Old Testament without any cultural references and we think, jeepers, God was harsh! We've got to look deeper, search out a study bible (I use the Nelson Study Bible, NKJV) and get the "whys" behind the "whats."

After this, God gives a promise to the Israelites. He says you are going to be fine. You are going to have plenty to eat and drink. You are going to rebuild and it's going to be good. I am going to make sure of this because "the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."

Zeal, a synonym of passion.

See, the way in which Adam and Eve responded to temptation and the way in which King Hezekiah responded made all the difference. Adam and Eve assumed God wasn't looking and that God was keeping back something good from them. They went out on their own and we have been feeling alone ever since.

King Hezekiah was tempted to be afraid, to give in to the demands and the promises of the Assyrian King, but instead he went to the Lord. He prayed. He asked God to guide his decisions and believed God wanted the best for him. He waited for God's insight in the face of the taunting, demanding, ridiculing King.

What will you do today in the face of temptation? Will you seek God and believe He loves you passionately? Or will you hide your face and pretend He can't see you?

When I was at probably my lowest point in life, holding my son in my arms as he breathed out his last breath, I knew I had to make a decision. I was on the brink of temptation. My husband and I decided for our household, we would still serve the Lord.

I decided this in spite of the temptation to let my heart grow cold because He didn't answer my prayer to save my baby. I chose to believe God is good, even when my life seemed so bad; to believe in who He is, instead of what I could understand.

Soon after, I discovered I was pregnant again. I couldn't believe God would put me through this when I had just lost my boy. I prayed for a girl. I had a son. What was God thinking?

I will tell you. God is thinking about His zeal for you and me when we are only thinking about what we think we want and need. We are thinking about pain and He is thinking about restoration.

We named our son Joshua. I thank God for him every day. 

Joshua 24:15

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

God, help me keep straight who is God and who is not. Amen

Love, Karen









What is the zeal of the Lord?

When we don't understand the "whys" and "whens"

Welcome back to A Good Bible Study.

This week, many of us are going through circumstances that make us question the "whys" and the "whens."

For me, yesterday in particular, was both a sad day and a celebration, as our friend Pastor Todd MacDonell left those who love him, and was joyfully welcomed home where he will live forever in the presence of God, in the presence of complete love, grace, and joy!

It's what we all want, what we all crave without even knowing it, and for his sake, we are excited that Todd's time was now. For our own sake, we are saddened that his time was now.

Please continue to keep his family in your prayers, as they adjust to life on earth without his presence, guidance, tender touch, and voice. I know from losing our child 6 years ago, that the joy of knowing the one you love is safe, is happy, estatic even, and is waiting for your eventual arrival, doesn't make it suck less that they are gone. (Sorry if you hate the word "suck" sometimes it just fits.)

I was thankful for the incredible peace God gave my husband and I during the months of praying for both a healing, and realizing at the end, that Matthew's time was now. His life, however brief, was a blessing to everyone who walked with us during that time. Our faith was both strengthened and stretched.

When I was at my weakest, God was at His strongest. When I gave way to anger, He allowed my moments of rage and literally held me in His love and comfort. He brought me to mountaintops of praising Him when I should have been in the valley of despair. Through it all, His peace was constant.

I knew that no matter what, we all have a time to live and a time to die. I knew no matter what, Jesus paid the price for Matthew, and my child would be whole, healthy, and happy in heaven, waiting for me to join him.

I knew, and I know, that one day, my earthly life will end and others will miss me just as I miss Matthew, and I will take my own place alongside my son, and my grandparents, who are all believers, and we will not be separated ever again.

God makes that possible. Jesus' sacrifice makes that possible.

There is no illness in heaven, no pain, no disease or injury. There is love, peace, joy, praise, majesty, power, and when we face His honor and glory, we will know not just in our reason, but in our entire being, that His will is Good.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 (New Living Translation)
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever."


Let's pray:

Father, thank you for being with us when we don't understand the "whys or whens." Help us live in the balance between belief in miracles, and acceptance of Your timing. Help us see the good that You always bring out of any pain, any suffering, any disappointment.

Love, Karen

Photo by Dan, courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

The second step in overcoming depression and reducing stress

Hello again. It's good to see you here in A Good Bible Study.

Did you enjoy your weekend break? It's good to take that time off for the Sabbath, or the "rest" and just re-charge. Let's get started with prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we bow our heads before You and thank You for providing us with Your Word. Please clear our thoughts, Lord, so we can spend this time with You, instead of our distractions. Open your Word to us and fill our minds with Your wisdom, and our hearts with Your love. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Let's read Proverbs 3:6 together. "________ Him and He will make your paths __________."

Last time we met, I told you about my becoming so downtrodden and depressed, I started giving up on myself and just making it through the day for my family's sake. A couple of things sparked hope in me, or at least a desire to help myself.

One was my sister's visit and her observations about the way I did not treat myself with value. I realized no one else would treat me with value, if I didn't show them how. I had to do it first.

After that, I went out and hit some sales and bought myself some clothes that fit me right then, not for when I lost weight. I also got a good haircut and bought some new makeup. You know what, it might seem unimportant to some, but it made a big difference in how I felt.

I also began telling myself I was valuable, good, and loveable. It wasn't easy at first, but after a few days, it felt more comfortable. Today, I can look myself in the mirror and say, " I love you. You are a great person and worth loving," and mean it.

Try that today. I hope it is an easy task, but I think for a lot of us, if not most, it will be harder than you expect. You might be suprised to find you don't love yourself, really.

But, even if it feels false, do it. I'll tell you the truth, the first time I did this exercise, I broke down and sobbed, because I needed to hear those words so badly.

Some of you think you are not loveable, that you have to do something special for God to favor you.

Read the following verses about how God loves:

Deuteronomy 1:17 Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.

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Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.

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2 Chronicles 19:7 Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery."

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Job 34:19 who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?

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Acts 15:9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

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Romans 2:11 For God does not show favoritism.

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Romans 3:29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,

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Galatians 2:6 As for those who seemed to be important--whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance--those men added nothing to my message.

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Ephesians 6:9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

See, God created each of us and loves each of us equally, wants the best for each of us, equally, works in each of our lives, equally. Does this mean we can expect as Christians that our life circumstances will measure equally to all others? Well, in some ways, yes. Read Matthew 5:45

It means that we all may seem different in social status, wealth, opportunities, outer appearance, etc., but each of our lives are marked by joy and pain, blessing and curse, rest and work.

Think about it, you might have thought my life is only marked by blessing, because your only knowledge of me was through my "bio" as a writer, which only talks about the successes, the exterior. Now you know differently. Until this study, you didn't know some of my pain, and I still don't know yours. But, I do know we are joined by the fact that we will both experience sunshine and rain, and we are both created, and loved, by God.

Now, I promised to tell you what the next thing was that helped spark my recovery from depression. What I didn't tell you was that during this time I began experiencing severe anxiety. In addition to the problems with my ex-husband and children, we were simultaneously going through a major financial crisis.

Like so many people, we felt the economic crunch. In 2006 my husband bought another truck and leased it to a friend who was a driver and needed a boost up, and we bought what we thought would be our dream home. Things were good, we thought.

Within three months, our trucking income was cut in half as rates fell to the basement in response to the financial climate. Stores put the brakes on ordering items, manufacturers cut way back, and all this affected the trucking industry. There is a saying, "If you've got it, a truck brought it."

Well, if no one is buying, making, or distributing products, truck's aren't bringing it and we weren't making the money we planned on making before we bought this house!

During this time, I woke up feeling my heart pound in my chest every morning. I felt a strange energy that wouldn't go away, and I just couldn't relax and enjoy anything about my day. Sure, I handled my daily responsibilities and kept a smile on my face for my kids, but inside I was a nervous wreck.

I talked to my son (the one living with his dad) about wanting to get in better shape and he told me, "Mom, just do 10 situps, 10 pushups, and 10 squats everyday. You''ll start to get stronger."

Well, I wanted to please my son, and I did want to get stronger, but 10 of each? I wasn't sure at that time that I could do 1!

I hung up the phone, and I got down on the floor and I did a push-up. Barely. So I rolled over and did 3 sit-ups, and then I stood up and did 5 squats. You know what? I felt just a tiny bit proud of myself.

The next day, and every day after that, I did 5 each of those exercises, and I kept building up until I could do 10, then 15, then 20, and finally I was doing 30 situps, push-ups and squats every day. It wasn't the cure to my anxiety, I will tell you about that tomorrow, but it was the next step in caring for myself that made all the difference.

As a former clinical therapist, I knew that exercise is one of the most effective ways we can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and a host of physical ailments. I knew it, but I still needed someone else to encourage me to do it. Let me encourage you now.

God says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Loving yourself is active, remember? He gave us bodies to use, not abuse.

Today I want you to start adding things into your day that will cut down on your feelings of stress.

1. Read this bible study every week-day and look up the verses, and pray aloud the prayers.
2. Do 1, or 3, or 5 or how ever many you can do, each of a pushup, a crunch or a plank, and a squat. For proper form see here http://exercise.about.com/cs/weightlifting/a/bestexercises.htm
3. Buy yourself one new thing, an item of clothing, a new lipstick, a pair of shoes.

Promise yourself you will do this. I guarantee you will feel better this week if you keep your word. Comment to me and let's all be accountability partners to love ourselves this week, with ACTION!

Lord, as we begin a new week, help us to have thankful hearts. Help us to see the small moments of joy instead of the long stretches of anticipation, or struggle. Motivate us to get up and move this week, starting with today. Help us to see anxiety and depression as a message from our hearts that we need to help ourselves, and help us to take action now. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Love, Karen

Photo by .Shock, courtesy of http://www.photoxpress.com/

Don't show your . . . what?!

Welcome back to A Good Bible Study!

Let's pray and get prepared for God to speak to our hearts:

Lord, thank you for helping us make time for you even though we feel there is so little time to be had. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who continually ministers to our hearts when we are not even aware of our need. And thank you for the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, who makes it possible for us to have this wonderful relationship with You. Please help us to give you back just a portion of the time You give to us. In the name of Jesus, amen.

What's the toughest part of being you? _______________________________

I started out with a blunt question because I don't want you to think about it, just answer.

If you are under stress, I bet one of the toughest things you have to deal with is ingratitude. I bet most people don't have a clue how much you do for them, or sacrifice for their needs. There are some days when it sure gets tempting to let someone know a thing or two, am I right?

We'd all like a little gratitude now and again. How do you respond when you are bending over backwards to help someone out and they treat like they are doing you a favor breathing the same air? ________________________________________________________
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Read Matthew 5:43-48

What does it say to your situation?__________________________
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Read Proverbs 19:11

What is to your glory?___________________________________

Read Luke 23:34. How did Jesus respond to those who were literally killing him? These same men actually mocked Jesus while He was laying down His life to save their souls, if only they'd ask Him. _______
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Would anyone one of us have greater reason to take offense and act on it, than Jesus?

Now, I'm not Jesus and I am not saying any of us are going to have His patience, or His ability to see into one another's hearts. But, it is good to know that whatever we have felt, whatever we are enduring, He has felt it, and endured it, first. And He forgave.

He recognized our ignorance, our insecurities, our need for grace, and though none of us deserve it, He gave it freely and with a full heart. He asks us to love each other, give each other the benefit of the doubt, and do it for Him. Not because that snarly teen or huffy customer will appreciate it (may be), but because He will.

"Dear brothers, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humble help him back onto the right path, remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong." Galatians 6: 1 The Living Bible

"The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' Matthew 25:40 New American Standard Bible

If all else fails, you can silently recite my mantra when I am really tempted to just let someone have it (verbally). It's a southern term that all Mamas tell their kids when they are getting ready to throw a good old fashioned fit. She'll give them the look and say, "Don't show your butt."

Believe me, you'll feel better if you just smile and say "Praise Jesus, this is for you Lord," and go on your way, lip buttoned up. See if I'm not right.

Lord, help us not to show our butts today (and help anyone who took offense at my butt comment to forgive me.) In Your name, amen.

Love, Karen
 
Photo by Hunta, courtesy of http://www.photoxpress.com/

Jesus in disguise

Hello! Welcome again to A Good Bible Study - let's get right to it!

Father, thank You for the person who is reading these words. Bless them Lord. You know their heart's desire, and their greatest need. You know what will make a difference today for them. I thank You for opening their eyes to Your love, and hearts to Your message. In the name of Jesus, amen.

I'm going to point you to the Word first thing today. Please read Matthew 25:31-40. I want you to hear the whole context of the message. I think it is important when we are given a scripture, that we read the verses before and also after, and if there are study notes under the passages, read those as well. That way you know for yourself what the verse is about.

Jesus said that in as much as we ______ the hungry, and give water to the ________, and _______ those who need covering, or _____________ the sick, and also those who are in ____________, we have done it to __________.

He also says further on that if we turn our backs on those who are hungry, thirsty, without proper clothing, sick or in prison, we have in essence, turned our backs on Him.

Puts things in a new light, doesn't it.

Does Jesus ask us to question how people got into their predicament to decide whether or not they deserve help? ___________

Does Jesus ask us to follow them around and see if they please us with their use of our gifts? ________

Does Jesus ask us to give them help only if we can spare the time, or are exceptionally wealthy, or know for certain people are innocent of the crime for which they are imprisoned? ________

Can you and I make a pact? Let's choose from today onward to just give value to every person we come into contact with. That's all. Treat them as if they are of value. Treat them as if they are Jesus in disguise.

How are some ways you can treat even strangers with value?
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Revolutions are dangerous. What are the spiritual implications of being kind to those who are in need, or ignoring them? Read Matthew 25:41-46

So, does God want you to help people out of fear of His retribution? Absolutely not.

He simply wants us to understand that love is action, not words. God knows if you have a heart to help those in need, it is a reflection of your love for Him; of the fact you truly value Jesus and follow Him in sincerity. If you do not care about hurting people, you cannot sincerely care about Jesus.

If you say you believe that Jesus is God; that you believe God came to earth in a human form for the sole purpose of sacrificing Himself to buy our freedom; that you believe He loves all of us, not just the ones who do everything right, then how in the world could you not care about what He cares for?

Does that mean you give your whole life over to going to the jail in the morning, to the hospital in the afternoon, the homeless shelter before dinner, and the food shelf each evening? Getting out of balance is not loving yourself and we are to love others as well as ourselves, not instead of ourselves.

Give it some thought and tell me what you come up with.

Lord, these are difficult concepts for many of us. All we ask is that you soften our hearts so we can see how giving to those in need, no matter the cause or circumstance, is the same as giving to You. "We do this in remembrance of You." We say those words as we take communion in church. Let us say those words whenever we give to one of your children on earth. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Looking for Jesus in disguise, Karen

Photo by Ann Triling, courtesy of Photoxpress.cm

Be transformed

Hello. Welcome again to A Good Bible Study! Get ready to be transformed.

By the way, I am so excited to hear how your day went after yesterday's session. It was a moving, meaningful lesson for me, one of those good crying, praying, loving God loving me kind of moments.

Let's pray for more of those:

Father, I thank you for opening  my heart more fully to you. I pray for a soul-searching, heart-wrenching, love-fest kind of session today in your Word, for each person reading this. You know what we each need, Lord. We want it and we want it abundantly! In the name of Jesus, amen.

God has so much for us. The great thing is He does 99% of the work. All we have to do is be willing to be renewed. Are you willing?

If not, what is holding you back?
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Say a prayer on your own right now, asking God to remove any obstacles in your heart or mind.

When you're done, begin by reading Romans 12:2 to see what God can do with a willing heart.

"And do not be ____________ to this world, but be ________ by the renewing of your mind, that you  prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God." New King James Version

The Message translation says it this way: "Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."

Conformed means to mold or form yourself to the world, which is defined as the current age or era. The Nelson Study Bible New King James version emphasizes that spiritual transformation starts in the heart and mind.

If you are dedicated to following your culture's concerns and values, you will be tossed back and forth by the current of popular opinion. But those who are dedicated to God's truth can stand the test of time. "We can resist the temptation of our culture by meditating (thinking about it frequently and studying what it means) on God's truth and letting the Holy Spirit shape our thoughts and behaviors."

Joyce Meyer, the author of the study I'm in the midst of, The Love Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, calls this verse a "revolutionary war verse."

She says, "Love is the power of the Gospel . . . Jesus died for all, that all those who live might no longer live those selfish, self-centered - me,me,me - lives, but they might live to and for Him. He died so that you would not have to live a life that you are in all alone. Love is the highest form of spiritual warfare." p. 53

Read 2 Corinthians 5:15

Understand?

Joyce recommends we write this verse down, and take it out throughout the day and read it. Let it sink into your spirit, and commit it to memory. It is why He gave his earthly life, and why He rose from the dead, to demonstrate to all of us who will not believe without seeing, that He is the Christ, the Son of God, able to take the punishment we deserve, and yet have the Authority to transform Himself from death to eternal life.

You know, the historical evidence, aside from the Bible even, is so overwhelming that Jesus lived as a human being, was crucified just as described in the Word, and was raised from the dead to resume His ministry on earth for another 40 days, to demonstrate He did what He said He would do . . . is remarkable. Read books like The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel (for one) that research and document the historical evidence.

Not one writing of the day, not even from His enemies, not one religion (even the Muslim religion) refutes the fact that He lived, was crucified, and rose again on the third day, performed all the miracles in Scripture, and ascended into heaven in full view of the people (Acts 1:3). It would take more faith to disbelieve Jesus, than to believe.

He is real, and you would not be here today if some part of you did not believe that already. He wants to renew you from the inside out. He is renewing me even now. If you have not already, join the revolution!

Lord, thank you for every moment you took on human form and lived as us, and for us. You took the pain that was mine, you accepted the blame that rightly belongs to me. Change me Lord, every day do the work for me so I know it wasn't my effort that made this new creation, it was Your love! In the name of Jesus, amen.

Stay still, read 2 Corinthians 5:15 again, and be transformed.

Love, Karen

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The secret to happiness

Hello and welcome to A Good Bible Study!

Let's pray: Lord, we all want to be happy. You came to give us abundant life and we want what you have to offer. Show us how, Lord, and we will follow. In Jesus' name, amen.

What's the secret to happiness? If it was available, would you buy it? How far would you go to find it? People kill their futures every day selling their souls for cheap counterfeits: Drugs, pornography, sexual conquests . . . what's your poison?

The secret of happiness is the focus of this bible study. What is it? _____
Did you say love? You are right! True, compasssionate, action-driven, love is an open door to real, fulfilling joy.

Read Romans 12:16-21 It's in a whole chapter on the how-to's of behaving like a Christian, walking the walk.

Sounds great on the page, right? How about in real life?

We've talked before about needing His strength to do all things, remember. Love is a gift from God, and He is the only source of the pure stuff. There are no guarantees that your love will be received or appreciated by your fellow humans, but your acts of kindness are seen by the Creator of Heaven and Earth. All that you do, Jesus says, for the least of your fellow humans, you do for me.

Do you get that? It's not about them. It's about Him.

Let that sink in and let's pray:

Father, keep Your face in front of me whenever anyone rejects my pure acts of love. Let me rejoice even when I am rejected because even if others reject my love, You receive it! In Jesus name, amen.

Love, Karen

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Do not disturb?

Hello and welcome back to A Good Bible Study! This is a short lesson, but powerful. Let's be sure and prepare our hearts to receive whatever the Holy Spirit has for us today.

Lord, thank you for able bodies, seeking minds, and willing spirits, today. We pray You will fill us with the insight we need to grow in love. We're ready to take the next step. In Jesus' name, amen.

Are you ready?

Do you have a DO NOT DISTURB sign around your neck when it comes to Jesus?
_________

Have you wanted to stay comfortable in your nice, religious (or non-religious) zone? Explain.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________

If you met you today, what would be your impression of whether you are someone who reaches out to others, or not? Why, or why not?
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We have reached the point in our study of The Love Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, by Joyce Meyer, in which questions must be asked, and answers must be revealed.

How do you feel about how you answered the above questions?
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Take some time to think about your answers. Do you sense God is ready to take you to another level?

Lord, we want to serve you but we don't always know how to begin. Give us a strong sense of the next step. We pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Till tomorrow, love, Karen

Photo by Susanne Guttler, courtesy of photoxpress.com

The price of love

Welcome to the Good Bible Study!

We pray that God will bless us with minds open to His wisdom. Lord, we all desire love. Some of us are so lonely today and wondering when You will bring love into our lives. Prepare our hearts for what is needed to receive, and give, love. In Jesus' name, amen.

When we watch television and movies, what is the message we receive about love? It seems to me that the media portrays love as only true and valid when it is easy, when it is reciprocated equally, and when it requires nothing from us. "Love is immediate, love is always passionate, love is easy and has no faults, love always affirms me, always makes me happy and pleased, love is until I grow bored, tired, or am asked to give, grow, forgive or sacrifice." Is that what love is?

What does the bible tell us about love?

Read 1 John 4:7-8. From whom comes love? __________

Read Matthew 22:36-40 What is the greatest and second greatest commandments?
To _______ God, with all your ________, _________ and _________
and then to ___________ others as _______________________.

Read John 13:34-35. How do others know we are followers of Jesus? _____________________

Read 1 John 4:20-21. Is love a feeling shown by words, or a commitment demonstrated by our actions?
____________________________________

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Based on this verse and the ones above, how important do you think having a loving attitude and being loving in the choices we make in dealing with others, is to God?
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God describes for us very clearly His definition of love. Since love comes from God, and is our greatest commandment, it's obviously very important to understand what love looks like in action - do you agree?

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Write below what you have learned love is:

If I love, I need to make a decision to be _________ and kind with God's timing, with myself and my own failings, and with others. I do not need to be __________ of what others have, or to ___________ about my own blessings and successes. I will be happy when good things happen to others, we all need some joy in our lives! There is no need to make anyone else feel inferior, or puff myself up to feel O.K. I am God's precious child no matter what my circumstances!

I don't need to be ____________ about my gifts or _______ to others who are not living up to my expectations. I don't have to have my ______ way all the time. Being __________ and grumpy all the time is just immaturity making itself known. Instead of being _________ when others let me down, I can remember that I have my bad days, too.

When others get caught in wrongdoing, I am not going to ________ in their shame, instead I am going to be thankful for the ___________ coming out, so others can make a new choice. If I have committed to love others, that means I will have to ________ a lot of emotionally painful or uncomfortable interactions and situations along the way, but I can also believe the best of my future, hope for the most from others, and endure anything necessary to act in the most loving manner at all times.

Loving is not easy. Loving is a sacrifice. In fact, most of the time being loving is next to impossible! Thankfully, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Philippians 4:13.

Father, we ask you to strengthen us with Love. Let love come to our mind when we are faced with unlovable people. Let us serve You with love, when we feel those around us don't deserve it! Let us remember that You love us first, when we were unlovable. 1 John 4:19 In Jesus' name, amen

Love, Karen

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (5) or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; (6) it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. (7) Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
English Standard Version

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Feelings first, solutions second

Welcome back to a Good Bible Study! We are here because we are supposed to receive exactly this message today. What have your discovered about yourself since yesterday? Have you already gotten excited and put any steps into action? Before we go further, let's begin with power, through prayer:

Thank you Lord for bringing us exactly the people we need to be in relationship with at this time, exactly the opportunities that we need to grow and to develop, and exactly the message today that we need to hear. Give us hearts to love you, Lord! In Jesus' name, amen.

At this point in The Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, Joyce Meyers suggests we think about what things we have prayed over and asked for a solution, for which we can actually be the solution? Is there anyone in your life that needs help, and you just haven't wanted to get involved, or be inconvenienced by? Sometimes God brings us people in need not just to pray, but because we are the help He intends to provide.

Who are some people that you have prayed over, that you can physically help right now?
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_______________________________________________________

What do you now plan to do about it?
_______________________________________________________
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If you can't think of anyone, ask God to reveal who He has put in place for you to help, and for you to bless, and ask Him for wisdom in discerning how to best do that. Sometimes it's an obvious answer. If someone is hungry, buy them some groceries; if someone needs help with repairs, get your hammer out and do what you can; you can fill in the blank. Sometimes it's less obvious, but if we spend some time talking it starts to become clear why we are in the path at this particular time.

We often get caught up in not wanting to enable someone with a history of dependence. That's why it's always good to pray first. Listening to someone talk is never a risk. Often, people can come up with their own solutions if we stop trying to fix it and forget it, and just give them a chance to work it out, out loud. Most of us just want to be heard. I always try to remember: feelings first, solutions second.

Lord, if you have given us the opportunity to help others this week, help us to be sensitive to the urging of your Holy Spirit. Help us to help in wisdom and discernment, and most importantly, with generosity. You bless all that we do with a sincere motive of showing love. In the name of Your Son and our Savior, Jesus, amen.

Till tomorrow, love, Karen

Seek, and you will find Me

Hello again! Let’s get our coffee or tea and settle in for some time in God’s presence.


Lord, thank you for every soul seeking You today. We want to know you are real and that you care about our problems and our dreams. I ask that today be a day of miracles in each of our lives. I ask you to reveal yourself in an unmistakable way today. Father, give us cause to marvel at Your work in our lives, today. Someone in this study needs you to disturb their calm, meager, relationship with you. Someone needs You to take them off of the fringe of knowing You. Take us out of the frying pan of bland existence and thrust us into the fire of a passionate, spirit-filled, purpose-driven life! In Jesus’ name, amen!

Get ready for God to wake you up! Are you tired of just going through the motions of your routine? Are you wondering what some people are so excited about in their relationship with God? Are some people just over emotional or dramatic? Is there something to their faith that you just don’t understand?

Today we are going to talk about the difference between dating Jesus, and be married to Jesus. Joyce Meyer brought this up during the 2010 St. Paul, Minnesota conference and it struck me as a key element to having a passionate, committed relationship with God.

When you are dating, you’re not quite sure yet of what you want out of the relationship, and you’re not quite sure of what you can expect from your partner, or even what you want to give. Marriage is a whole ‘nother ball game. Ideally, marriage means you are “all in.” You’ve given yourself body, mind, and spirit to another. Your heart is committed for the long haul and you want everything your spouse has to offer. You want it all: passion, trust, team-work, family, support, the list can go on and on. You know what to expect, and you know this is the one to whom you want to give.

So, are you dating Jesus, or are you married and committed? Either way, you can only go deeper in your relationship if you seek intimacy.

Seek; verb; to crave, pursue, and go after with all of your might.

When is the last time you craved, pursued and went after something with all of your might? Was it solving a problem; getting a date; finding a special purpose; or something else? Tell me about it below and in the comments if you like:
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Do you remember the intensity of your drive to find what you sought? If you used that same intensity to seek God, what would you do?
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Commit to seeking everything you want from God with intensity this week! Make sure you come back and share in the comments what you’ve noticed as a result. We prayed earlier for God to show up powerfully in our lives this week, and He always answers prayers that are within His Will. Expect Him. I can’t wait to hear all about it!

Read the following verses: Deuteronomy 4:29; 2 Chronicles 7:14; and Matthew 7:7.

Father, I am going to seek you with all of my heart, mind, body, and soul this week. You promise if we seek you, we will find you, and I can’t wait to see You so clearly this week that I cannot deny Your existence, Your love, and Your importance in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you would like your own copy of The Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, by Joyce Meyer, which is inspiration for this study, click on the title to go to Joyce's website to order.