I came to give you Abundant Life

Welcome again to A Good Bible Study, where we are learning and growing together in God's Word. You do not need anything but a Bible to follow this study. You can print off the pages and write in them, copy into a notepad and type in your answers, or answer them in a journal of your own.

The inspiration for the current study is The Love Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, by Joyce Meyer. You can get your own copy, if you wish, at the Joyce Meyer website. Let's start out with prayer and get our hearts ready to receive a good dose of the Holy Spirit today!

Lord, whatever you have for me is good, and I want it! Prepare my heart to be changed by Your Word today. Make me a blessing to everyone who encounters me today. In the name of Jesus, amen.

I can hardly believe we are on the fourth chapter already. Each day I feel God is working in me, changing me for the better, and making me more of what He wants. I'm excited about what's ahead!

We have shared quite a bit about the effect we can have on others. Most of the time, our good intentions will be received with joy and appreciation. Other times, not so much. I've run into some people who have been so hurt by others in their past they just don't trust anyone. These are the folks who are going to assume if you are kind, you must be up to something.

Joyce Meyer says, "Hurting people hurt people." Do you have any experience in that? Tell me about it:
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Jesus said there is no glory in loving people you like, and who like you back. Real love is being able to separate your action from the response, and love even when you are attacked and criticized for your efforts.

How do we handle it when we suffer because we are trying to serve God?
Read 1 Peter 2:21.
Whose example are we to follow when we are suffering the backlash of someone else's past?
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Would you like me to be more specific? Read John 10:10.

Satan wants nothing more than to distract you from God's mercy and love, by convincing you that helping others is a waste of your time, thankless, even dangerous. He wants to steal your joy, kill your future, and destroy every hope you have in your heart. He is your enemy, make no mistake.

What did Jesus come for?
I came that (your name) may have ________, and that (your name) may have it more _____________!

Satan wants to destroy your life, and the lives of anyone you care about. Jesus came to give you Life, so that you may enjoy it with abundance!

My Nelson Study Bible commentary says that Abundant Life includes salvation, nourishment, healing, and much more. "Life here refers to eternal life . . . It speaks not only of endlessness, but of quality of life. With Christ, life on earth can reach much higher quality, and then in heaven it will be complete and perfect."

If Jesus is the example we are to follow, what do we need to give ourselves permission to have? Yes, abundant, joyful, LIFE!

What are you called then to share with others: ____________________
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Does that mean to stalk people who have rejected our friendship and insist they let you "help" them? 

Jesus didn't force His kindness on anyone. When people rejected His message or His disciples He said to shake the dust off your feet and move on. I recall Joyce Meyer saying once that God showed her that she needed to lovingly stop trying to help those who were not ready, or did not want it, to make room for those that did. Leave the door open, pray for the Holy Spirit to do the work you cannot, and kindly move on and get out of the way.

The way to show love to someone who rejects or speaks harshly to us, or about us, is to avoid being hurtful in return. Some good ways to respond to hurtful comments are:

"I'm sorry you feel that way. That wasn't my intention."
"Well, I guess I can't make you like me, but the door is open."
"I'm sorry I hurt you. I didn't mean to and now that I understand how you feel I will try not to do that again."

Another good tool is to repeat what you heard back to them in a question. It will simply sound like you are taking the time to understand their feelings.

"You're saying that I _____ you and it made you really upset?"
"Well, I'm sorry, I didn't know that."

Practice in before you come into contact with someone you know is going to be difficult, and you will feel more confident. Believe me, this will help if you use it.

Pray with me and let the words be from your own heart and intention:

Lord, I know you will empower me to live an abundant life, and to help others live abundantly as well. Give me everything I need to overcome evil with good, everywhere I encounter it. Anger, strife, and resentment cannot stand up against genuine love, forgiveness and humble giving. I will follow your lead! In Jesus' name, amen.

Love, Karen

Who's your neighbor?

Hello. Welcome back to A Good Bible Study. Let's dive right in!

Father, we want to love what You love, and want what You want. Sometimes it is so hard to know when to help and when to wait; how much is too much, and how much is not enough. Help us to remember to ask You when we are unsure, to read enough of Your Word to know Your thoughts, and to have courage to step up when we are needed. In the name of Jesus, amen.

I'm so glad you have come back to the study today. I know this section has been difficult at times, because we are being challenged at some level to do what does not come naturally, most of the time, and that is to set aside our own plans and do something for someone else.

Does this mean never setting limits or boundaries; never getting rested; never being able to do something just for me? Absolutely not. We can't help anyone else if we exhaust ourselves. This is more about examining our motives for helping and overcoming our selfish nature more often.

Think about what your motives for helping others have been up to this point: has it been to look good and gain friends, serve some misguided notion that kindness is a prerequisite to God's love or to earn entrance into heaven, to show everyone what a giving, tread-upon kind soul you are . . .or is it to spread the love that God has shown you to someone else?

We are told at least eight times in the Bible, to love our neighbor as ourselves. So, what does that look like?

If you make sure that you get time to rest and relax, do you also watch your friend's kids so she can catch a break now and then? If you enjoy heading up to the cabin every summer, have you ever invited a less privileged family for a weekend at your cabin when its unused? As you are harvesting that luscious garden, do you bag up some of the excess and donate it to your local food shelf? Or . . . do you just complain about how much you already do for others without any appreciation in return?

The best way to find out if you are showing love, is to check your motives. What are you expecting in return for your good favor? List some people you help, but with an attitude of resentment for not getting back thanks, appreciation, or a good deed in turn: _________________________________________
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My top people would include my own family. Sometimes we need to stop helping people so that they can learn to help themselves. This is one of those times when you might get a thank you later, much later.

For instance, when I find myself screeching that I am SICK of picking up after you people (my husband and kids) with NO thanks, whatsoever(!), I realize I need to stop picking up after them and give them the gift of self-reliance. If your motive behind cleaning up your house is the appreciation of your kids . . . it's not gonna happen, get over it.

A better motive is the intention to raise children who are prepared to live independently once they leave my home. The best way I can help my kids is to lovingly and kindly teach them how to do that along the way, and let them practice right here and now. You try it once:

"No clean clothes? Oh, that's a bummer. Would you like me to show you how to use the washing machine, again?" Smile.

So, now that we are done thinking being a help means always doing things for others, we can focus on knowing when it's time to take action. Who is your neighbor anyway?

Read Luke 10:30-37

In Jesus' day, priests and Levites served God, and should have been the first to stop and help. Samaritans, on the other hand, were despised by the Jews, because they intermarried with foreigners. No one would expect anything good from a Samaritan. Who helped the injured man?
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Name all the things the Samaritan did for the man:
When he saw him, he had _________. He ______ to him,
and __________ his wounds, pouring on _____ and _______ (to disinfect and salve); and set him on his own _________, brought him to an _______ and took _______ of him.
On the next day, when he departed, he took out two ____ and ______ them to the
innkeeper, and said to him, "______ care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will ________ you."

Who is your neighbor?
a. Someone who lives next door to you
b. Someone in your church
c. Anyone near where you presently are
d. Anyone you become aware of that is in need

How do we know when it is right to help, and when to wait? I think it is safe to say that if someone is in danger, hurt, lost, confused, hungry, thirsty, etc., we can and should do something. Call 911 if you don't feel safe going out to help, shout out the window that the police have been called, go buy a sandwich for someone you are afraid will spend money on drugs, alert a Pastor if you think someone in your church might be a victim, there is always something that can be done to be a help. If you are not sure if you can do anything, ask.

Finally, read Proverbs 3:5-6.

What will happen if everyone who says they love God, begins to love others as we do ourselves?
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In what way have you been challenged as a result of this study?
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What is the most important truth you have taken away?
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What is one thing you can do today, to live that truth?
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Lord, I seek You now and acknowledge You in all of my ways. I want You to guide my thoughts and my actions from now on. Father, show me someone I can reach out to intentionally. Help me to see my neighbors, even those who live far away from me. I ask You to fill my heart with compassion, and to cause me to be sensitive to the true needs of those around me. Give me wisdom to know what to do and how to do it. In Jesus' name, amen.

Please come back, and also tell me in the comments what about The Love Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, by Joyce Meyer, the inspiration for this study, has inspired you!

Go ahead, be the first!

Love, Karen

Photo by dabobabo, courtesy of photoxpress.com

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

Love one another as I have loved you

Hello, I am so glad you have come back to A Good Bible Study!

Things always go better if we begin with prayer, so let's get the most out of our time together:

Lord, thank you for Your Bible. I am so glad we don't have to go through life wondering what is the right decision, worrying that we don't have all the answers, or expecting to enjoy our lives only when everything is going our way. Please give us the ability to love and to love well, today. If any of us is unsure of Your love, give it to us abundantly and let there be NO uncertainty about Your passion for our hearts! In Jesus' name, amen.

In The Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, by Joyce Meyer, which inspired this study, we are asked to compare our lives with that of Jesus'. Now, I know, no one is going to measure up, so what's the point, right?

Jesus is not the standard by which God judges our worthiness. If that were so, we would all fail. Jesus led a perfect life and was completely blameless when He went to the cross. He did this for our benefit, not for His own. He did this knowing a sacrifice had to be made for all the sin, pain, anger, revenge and murder in our thoughts and actions and He knew none of us, not one, was capable.

Who else could be held accountable for all the ways we hurt each other and ourselves every single day, no matter what our good intentions? Only a perfect God who was free of sin. But think about it: If we cannot save ourselves, and cannot even spend more than a few seconds without in some way harboring selfish thoughts or resentments, then how in the world are supposed to ever deserve salvation (heaven)?

We don't deserve it. We can't. But, I'm so glad God does not judge us by our imperfect lives or expect us to live in perfection. Instead, He considers our hearts.

Let's be clear: we can't even get one foot in the door unless we first understand we are granted entrance because of His love, His worthiness, His payment of the price, not our own. People-focused religions tell us we must sacrifice and earn salvation, but God tells us it is His to give, not ours to earn.

So, ask yourself: am I even aware of my need for a Savior, since on my own I know I do not deserve salvation (living with God in heaven for eternity after an earthly life)?

And equally important: Have I accepted the gift of Jesus' sacrifice on my behalf? In other words, do I accept God's love? Read John 3:16; Galatians 2:19-21; 1 John 4:9-11; and John 15:12-13.

If you haven't been aware, until now, of your need for a perfect Savior and you haven't accepted Jesus' gift of His earthly death in exchange for your heavenly life, do it now:

"Jesus, thank you for paying the price that I deserve. I am so sorry that I have been living my life as if You were unimportant. You promise to forgive me when I ask, and I am asking. I want You to take over my life and fill me up with your Love. I accept your gift of salvation and I want to live in heaven when this earthly life is over. I know that you alone made it possible for me. In Jesus' name, amen."

If you prayed this prayer, the bible says that angels in heaven are rejoicing right now!! There is a party with your name on it in heaven - isn't that cool? If you want to find out more about being a Christian, follow this link to the Joyce Meyer website for scripture and resources. Welcome to the family!

Now, the question is, if we love God, does our life reflect that love by the way we treat others?

It's hard to know how to love, especially when most of the people we come across aren't always loveable. Luckily, we have a model. Pick one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) and find some examples of Jesus responding with love. Record the verses that spoke to you, below:
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When Jesus was attacked and criticized, He took his time to respond. He was thoughtful, using wise and kind words. He realized many people hurt others when they are scared, feel their beliefs or lifestyles are being criticized, have been hurt by others, or don't understand our good intentions. He responded based on His own integrity, not in reaction to the integrity of others.

When He was struck, He refused to strike back, instead telling His attackers that they didn't know any better, even praying for God to forgive. When asked for help, He found a way to do so, even if it meant traveling out of His way or changing His plans.

Jesus was kind to everyone, even those with whom He disagreed or meant Him harm. When others were hungry, He didn't evaluate their political beliefs before feeding them, or making sure they had warm clothing and shelter.

How does your daily behavior compare?
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One thing I was reminded of by Joyce Meyer in The Revolution, was that in our society we are taught to value financial success, popularity, doing nothing unless it is great and powerful, seeking public praise for anything we accomplish, and being well-known and well-liked in our schools, community, and churches.

What does Jesus say is greatness? Read Mark 9:35
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Commit to some ways you will seek to be "the greatest" in the Kingdom of God, as defined by Jesus:
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How much of a struggle is this going to be? How will you respond when the opportunity to LOVE comes along and you really don't want to be inconvenienced?

Some good options are to pray and ask God to help you respond in love; be silent until you can respond in love; and apologize when you haven't responded in love (remembering you are really making an apology to God to whom you have committed to change, not to the person to whom you feel deserves no apology.)

Tell me how this message affected your life in the comments section. If you became a new Christian today, please share about that in the comments, as well! Love, Karen

Photo by Dan, courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

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?
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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

Photo by Marzanna Syncerz, courtesy of Photoxpress.com

Faith in action

Hello, I'm glad you are back with me - it's so good to know we are on this journey together.

Let's begin with prayer so the Holy Spirit can move powerfully in this study, giving us insight and gentle nudges in the right direction: Lord, thank you for bringing us together to study Your Word and Your ways. We ask that Your Holy Spirit direct us in this study. Let each time we meet and seek You in this way, be a life-changing spark of joy, wisdom, and change! In the name of Jesus, amen.

Have you made changes in the way you treat others as a result of this study? I really want to hear about it. There is a comment form at the end of each post, please share with me and if you like, with all of us!

 Today we are going to put our growing faith and knowledge into action. Galatians 5:6 says that it is faith that enables us to put love into action! Sure, anyone can do a good deed, but often it is done in the expectation of getting something in return. Many Christians are kind to others and give to the church and the needy in expectation of a heavenly reward, or earthly blessing. God is very clear that these are "works of the flesh," meaning for ourselves, not for him (no matter our good intentions) and that we are not saved as a result of good works.

Read Ephesians 2:8-9.

Doing good to please God might seem like a tight-rope walk. On the one hand, we know God desires us to help people and it pleases Him for us to do so. However, God strongly warns us that He is most concerned with our motives behind the help, not with the act itself. It is about who we are, not what we do.
Read 1Corinthians 13:1-3.

Look, God can end poverty on His own, in fact, He promises to do so for all eternity when He brings His plan for humanity to fruition with the return of His Son, Jesus Christ. In the meantime, He is not without compassion, but works in each of us to desire to help others out of love.

So, is the good you have done out of selfish motives wasted? Well, no, someone still got helped. But like any good parent, God loves us and is training us to mature in our motives, to have compassion as a function of love for others, not for ourselves.

Look at it this way: if your spouse, child, or friend is always doing great things for you then expecting or demanding you do something in return, do you appreciate (or even want) their good works in the future? No, because no one likes to be manipulated. But, when someone calls you up and says, "I was thinking about you today and I really want to spend some time with you. Can I take you out to lunch and just pamper you today? It would really make me happy to show you some appreciation!" That would just make your day, I bet.

So you say, but I want to obey God and do good things (works) to help other people! If that is your true motivation, great - God loves obedience just like parents love obedience. But, He wants you to obey out of love and respect for Him, not only because He is our authority and we do what we are told.

What about helping other people because it is the "right" thing to do? That's fine but you are doing it to obey a "law" not out of love.

What about doing good works because I can't stand to see other people suffering? Also good but done to make yourself feel better, not out of love.

What about doing good works because God says in His Word that we need to support those who are "feeding" us the Word of God , and making their life work be preaching, teaching, and acting as a "storehouse" to distribute resources to the poor, the orphans and the widows? Also good, important, and necessary, but God says good acts done without love certainly help people, but do not earn favor with Him.

Lastly, what about promises that our financial gifts, our tithes, will be re-payed us ten-fold? I spend a lot of years giving every extra cent to good churches and charities because I not only wanted to please God, but also believed this "prosperity preaching" that was popular until recently. There's more to it, but it leads us to assume God is obligated to reward us financially for any financial gifts we make to a ministry.

Now, who doesn't want to be prosperous? The problem is that I am aware of nowhere in His Word  that God promises financial reward in exchange for every financial gift. Scripture is sometimes, I fear, taken out of context.

Yes, God instructs us to "lay something aside" for the support of ministers and the church work (1Corinthians 16:2 and Romans 12:13); to give to the poor (many verses including Luke 3:11 and Matthew 5:41-42); to visit orphans and widows (the original meaning of this Greek word is "oversee," meaning to look after - James 1:27).

Yes, historically God has prospered multiple people who have obeyed his instructions and followed His ways. However it is important to remember that we were created for God; God was not created for us, or to serve us, or bless us in the way we demand. What we can depend on is that God promises to all of us rewards of His choosing; blessings of His definition; prosperity (financially or spiritually) in His timing. We get into trouble when we think we can manipulate God, even with the best intentions.

Read 1 Samuel 16:7b "For the Lord does not ___ as man sees, for man looks at the __________ appearance, but the Lord looks at the __________."

So, does that mean we are not supposed to try and please God? No, dear heart, it means faith must fuel our desire to be loving, not a desire to get anything in return from people or from God. I want my husband to help me because he loves me, and it pleases him to see me happy, not because he wants me to be obligated to him. Do you feel the same in your relationships and friendship?

Has anyone ever been nice to you in order to manipulate you? Tell me how that felt:
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Are you getting yet that God wants your heart, your love, and your passion, not just cold obedience?

In The Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, Joyce Meyer asks us to consider what we would do if we had that kind of intensity in our love for God, which then cannot help but be translated into a pure love for other people. I completed this portion of the study a while back, and here is some of what I wrote:

The creative things I'd do to accomplish my goal of being passionate about helping:

1. Create a bible study for others based on my own study of God's Word, in easy to understand terms and personal transparency - this is it!

2. Include my family in bible study, welcome their questions and interruptions, so they can see being in God's Word is a joyful, family activity, not something I do alone. It feels good to know I am building their love bank with my kindness, and allowing them to see bible study does not take me away from them, it gives them a nicer me.

3. Submit (willingly give) myself daily to be helpful first to my own husband and children, and then also to others. It is so easy to forget that our loved ones should have our most loving behavior - not our most inconsiderate expectations - and I want to show my love first to those I love most.

For me, this means intentionally being kind to my husband, even when I feel aggravated by his requests. I honestly don't have the same love language as my husband so some of the things he enjoys from me I find silly. But, that is only because I value different acts of love. God has led me to realize that if I love my husband, I will learn to get pleasure from doing things that make him happy, not just those that are easy for me to do.

God has also prompted me to take an attitude of "why not" towards my kids. In other words, unless I have a really good reason to say no, then "why not?!" For example, "Mom, can we move the swing set to the front yard where there is shade and out of the hot, sunny backyard? Why not." "Mom, can we paint (making a mess on the kitchen table and floor that I will probably have to help clean up)? Why not." "Mom, can we invite friends over? Why not." Get the point?

4. Call or write people I care about, and be less "busy" when they want to talk to me. If someone needs help, and I can help, do it. This doesn't mean getting out of balance and never saying no, it means for me being less self-centered and seeking to show my love by being able to be inconvenienced more often.

5. Be kind and focus on my relationships when I am getting things done. I really need God's prompting here, because I am a task-oriented person, not a relationship-oriented person. Because of my upbringing, and my personality, I feel worth and validation from accomplishing tasks. Cross it off my list, survey all of my completed work, and sigh with satisfaction, that's me!


Sometimes that leads me to be less-sensitive to the feelings of others than I could be. It's not about being mean, I say please and thank you. It's just that when I get into task-mode, I make a plan, and let everyone know how to proceed to accomplish things in the most productive way (my husband calls it "barking orders"). I just want to get it done and get on with it! It's frustrating for me when others hold up the train with petty disagreements, balking at having to help out, or in other ways have to talk about their feelings about it all. Argh - can't we just get it done and talk about it later???

Some of you are right on that train with me, am I right? Well, the problem is that my way can really step on the feelings of people like my husband, who are relationship-oriented, and for whom resolving the conflicts about a situation is necessary before they are ready to take action. It's about believing someone else's needs are just as important as my own. Does he ever step on my toes? Don't get me started. But, the more I focus on love, the less I get offended.

What will you do now? If you don't have a Field Journal, write it here and share it in the comments if you'd like:
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Remember that I told you that of the 10% of people who achieve their goals, 90% of them wrote them down? Don't be surprised if you take a look back in a week or two and find you have most of your list accomplished!

Let's say goodbye for now with prayer:

Father, I am so excited about the changes you are making in me and in the lives of everyone in this study! It feels so good to do things that make the people I love, feel loved. I see more and more that I am being blessed ten-fold, in far better ways than just financially. In fact, I feel like I have more money now because I am able to give to others without counting my possible return!

Lord, You do promise that if we seek You instead of worrying about having enough money, enough food, and enough clothing to satisfy our desires, that not only will we find You, but lo and behold, You will make sure we have all those other things as well. Lord, give each of us the faith to stop worrying about the future, and instead seek a deeper relationship with You. Give us the ability to trust You to take care of our needs here on earth. Help us to value what You value: love. In Jesus' name, amen.

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.

Getting excited about giving!

Welcome to A Good Bible Study! Let's pray and get right into the Word:

Father, thank you for family, for husbands and wives, children, sisters and brothers, parents, aunties and uncles. Thank you for anyone in our lives who has treated us like a member of their family. I am so grateful that when even our natural family disappoints, we have our spiritual family and you are our Father! What a joy to know that you always accept, always love, always seek our best, always are honest, dependable, and true. Lord, let us be to someone else today, what you are to me every day. We ask you to open our hearts Lord, and let us be blessed by your Word. In Jesus' name, amen.

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. In this passage, Paul describes the church in Macedonia, which was in great poverty at the time. The members of the church were poor and suffering a great trial of affliction (what in particular is not known) and yet they were such a joy-filled community! Paul was amazed at their excitement to give to his mission. Paul says they were insistent that they be allowed to give, even though Paul did not want them to feel obligated because of their desperate situation. Paul says they put themselves "at the disposal of Paul, to be directed by God, giving not only financially, but with their time and expertise as well. Paul was amazed at the depth of their love for God.

Have you ever felt an overwhelming joy and insistent desire to give to a cause, despite being in a difficult situation yourself?
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If so, what made you feel so blessed by giving to others?
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Joyce Meyer asks an important question in this section of The Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal: Can you be saved, but never really give yourself to Jesus?
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What have you held back from Him? ________________
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If Christians were truly giving ourselves to Jesus, what
would our lives and world look like?
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That's a lot to think about, so I will leave you to do that. Let's pray:

Lord, thank you for each seeking heart that is spending time studying Your Word with me today. We give ourselves to you, Lord, and we want every bit of joy that you have to offer! I'm sorry for the parts of my life that I have held back from you. I ask you to fill me with desire to love you and give you my whole life. I ask you to show me anything I have kept back, and any parts of my heart that I have not allowed you to heal and to love, today. In Jesus' name, amen

The root of the problem: selfishness

Welcome back to a good bible study! Let's get to the root of the problem today: selfishness.

It's only been a few hours since I shared the last lesson with you, but I awoke to the symphony of thunder, lightening, and the loud patter of rain coming in windows. As long we're up, we might as well praise Him who makes the storms that are watering our gardens!

My dear Lord, thank you for the rain and the sun. The grass is bejeweled with wet diamonds and glittering flowers today, reminding me of your love of beauty and new growth! Help us to grow in Your Word, today, Lord. Give us wisdom and let us love what You love. In Jesus' name, amen.

We've made it to the second chapter of The Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, by Joyce Meyer. So far we have discussed that change only comes when we cannot stay the same one moment longer! We talked about common hindrances to prayer. Next we determined the need to get involved in one thing, one cause or problem, and commited to do just one thing each day to help someone else. We also shared hurtful habits that we must let go of in order to move forward, and ways to make love action-oriented.

Finally, we were reminded that anytime we are learning something new, we will be tested. But after the test, comes the promotion! And since at the end of each chapter, we are invited to journal in what ways God is speaking to our hearts and changing our minds, I shared with you my own journal entry. At any time, I welcome your insight and questions - use the comment form at the end of each post and let me know how God is affecting you through this study.

Now, in this section, Joyce leads us to question Selfishness: adj., devoted to or caring only for oneself, concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.

In what ways are you selfish? ____________________________
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Read James 3:13-17. Two things come from the devil, and cause confusion, and evil, in our lives. They are _____ and self-______, or selfishness. In comparison, wisdom from God is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

How many problems in your life have been caused by reacting from feelings of envy and self-seeking? Name some: __________________________________________
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In looking at every problem I've ever had with others, envy or self-seeking has always been at the core. Why do we spend so much time worrying about what others are blessed with, instead of enjoying what we've got ourselves?

In what ways can you see your life improving if you sought God's wisdom, and all that comes with it, as listed above? _______________________________________
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Do you think you would be easier to get along with, and have more joy? Read Matthew 22:37-40 again and write what you find Jesus tells us to do:
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The only thing we have to do to fulfill all the commandments at once, is to _____ God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind, and then to ____ others as well as we do ourselves. If we are loving God wholeheartedly, we can't help loving others and there is nothing that brings more joy and contentment in our lives, no matter our external circumstances, than living in the activity of love.

Share with me in the comments below how this message affects you this week. May God bless this time you spend here in His Word, today and always. Let's end in prayer:

Father, thank you for loving us, even when we don't see it or even want it. Help us to see others through Your eyes this week. Help us to see ourselves through Your eyes. Give us a powerful desire to see selfishness for what it is and cast it as far away from our hearts as the east is to the west! In Jesus' name, amen.

Thank you for meeting with me today, love, Karen

Your love walk

Hello again and welcome back to A Good Bible Study. Currently, our main focus is the Joyce Meyer study titled, The Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal. You don't need to purchase the workbook to follow along, but if you'd like to, click the title for a link to the Joyce Meyer website.

Let's pray as we prepare to receive God's Word:

Father, thank you for this time to come together and share your Word. Thank you for giving each of us the insight we need to experience you more. I pray for each person participating in this study, that each day the burning desire of our hearts is "More, Lord, more of You!" In Jesus' name, amen.

By now you are probably getting some thoughts that just seem to come up over and over regarding ways you can show love. Please share in the comments box below what things God is asking you to do, or in what ways you have responded to the call to love. I can't wait to hear what you've been up to!

In this section of the study, Joyce asks us to journal our "Love Revolution." I'll share what I've written:

I realize that while I might want a "mutually satisfying" marriage, there really is no such thing. We have this concept in modern times, that we are making a bargain with our spouse, a bargain that ensures we will each get enough from the other, to make us happy in the marriage.

That's what I want out of marriage now, mutual satisfaction, but that isn't what I agreed to when I got married. When I married my husband, we talked about the various things we each wanted from the other, and we married in agreement of giving those things to each other. So, what happens when what I want changes? Is he obligated to fulfill my new desires, or am I bound to ask for no more than he committed to in the beginning?

My husband and I recently went through a period of time in which we realized we had each, in our own way, been operating under assumptions about each other, and as a result, neither of us was being really honest about our needs. It's difficult to make changes, and the first response is usually to blame the other person for not meeting our needs, instead of accepting the responsibility to first discover our needs, then share that information, and ultimately, do what needs to be done to meet the needs of . . no, not each other so much, but ourselves.

I can blame my husband for putting too much on my plate, but at the end of the day the only person who makes my schedule is me. He can be angry with me for not affirming him in his "love language," but if he hasn't let me know what's important to him, I'm going to keep on doing what I think is right. 

What God has been whispering into my heart, is that I can only fulfill my end. If my husband is not loving me the way I want him to, all I can do is be honest with him, and then let God work out what needs to be changed. If I know I have, with kindness and firmness, let my needs be known, then I have done all I can at that point. I can get out of the way and let God work, or I can keep bringing it up over and over until my husband is determined not to change just to show me who's the boss of him. God reminded me that I am only in charge of my portion: my behavior.

This mutually satisfying relationship is a myth. Sometimes he's satisfied, sometimes I'm satisfied, sometimes we hit a sweet spot and we're both pleased as punch, but that's more often than not, few and far between. If I am looking for my husband to keep me happy I am going to be a disappointed woman a lot of the time, and vice/versa.

God told me this is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let's be clear: I'm not talking about tolerating abuse. I'm not talking about being a miserable doormat. I'm talking about being able to be loving to someone without waiting for them to satisfy us, first.

God tells us to submit to one another in love. That means willingly putting aside your own desires and thinking of how you can make your spouse's day with kindness, taking pleasure in letting your husband or wife have their way, this time. It doesn't mean "you first."

Think on that; I am! And please, share your own journey with us. After all, we are in this together. With love till tomorrow, Karen

Photo by Digimist523, courtesy of photoxpress.com

I want YOU to join the Revolution

Welcome back! Let's get right into prayer so we can share how God is working in us through this bible study.

Father, we are so thankful for your Living Word. What a delight it is to read the same passage on different days, and get a fresh insight each time. Open our minds to understand what you would have us know, Lord, and soften our hearts so we can be molded with your love into willing, obedient, love warriors! In Jesus' name, amen.

Are you beginning to sense God's desire to equip you to be an ambassador in His love revolution? I am. What opportunities have you discovered in order to make love an action:
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If you helped someone with the goal of simply showing them kindness, I can bet you got the same giddy, happy, sensation of joy after doing so, as I do. Am I right? If you are still struggling, pray now for God to release an attitude (or spirit) of love in you today. Ask Him to reveal anything blocking or hindering that spirit.

The workbook on which I am basing this study, The Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, by Joyce Meyer, points us to 2 Corinthians 5:20. Read it now.

In this passage, God tells us we are his a_________________s, and that He uses us to make His appeal to the rest of the world. When you see someone poor, diseased, homeless, or in need, do you have an instant desire to help, or do you look the other way? Be honest.

Joyce Meyer has found that common attitudes toward the needy are disdain, fear, or misunderstanding. We may feel their condition has been brought upon by themselves due to sinfulness, laziness, or inferiority. I'll admit I have a hard time watching those commercials showing emaciated, fly-ridden, dirt-encrusted children, without changing the channel, not because I have no compassion, but because beyond sending a small donation each month, I can't do anything to help them. It's overwhelming and depressing to watch. Can any of you relate to what I'm saying?

How do you feel when you see people near the freeway with signs asking for food, or walking down the street in dirty rags, pushing a shopping cart? Share a comment if you'd like, or write it down for yourself:
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In what ways do you insulate yourself from the poor?
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How is God leading you to let down some of those defenses and attitudes and reach out?
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In what ways have you been challenged during this study?
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What are some truths you now believe about love, even when people don't seem like us, or worth helping?
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What are some actions you will take this week with this new truth?
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When I finished this section, I committed myself to writing this bible study. I also choose two places to give financially in addition to my church, with a small monthly donation, and did so. (Your gift of love does not have to be financial, these were two ministries I felt called to be involved in.)

If you've committed to see hurting people as worth showing kindness and love, then you have joined the Love Revolution! Let's proclaim together this prayer from The Revolution:

"God, I've made my decision to become a love revolutionary! I look to you to help me sustain it. I'm finished with business as usual. I'm finished with church as usual. I'm finished with being just a 'normal,' quiet, complacent Christian. I'm going to start my own personal revolution. God, I want You to turn my world upside down, and every day of my life, I want to make a difference for somebody else. By Your grace, mercy, power, and wisdom, things are going to change in the way I live my life! God, help me to really learn what love is and to begin to love other people the way You love them, Lord. I take up The Love Revolution creed and ask You to bring it to pass in my daily life:

I take up compassion and surrender my excuses. I stand against injustice and commit to live out simple acts of God's love. I refuse to do nothing. This is my resolve. I am the Love Revolution. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus' name!"

May God bless this start you've made, love, Karen

Letting go of hurtful habits

Hello friends. I'm glad we are spending this time together seeking God's Word.
Let's pray before we begin:

“Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us access to You through this great love letter we call the bible. Open our hearts, Lord, and change us from the inside out today. We want nothing more than to be in your presence and feel your Holy Spirit guiding our way today. Lord, forgive me for the way I have lived my life selfishly and for my own comfort. Help me to see others as you do, and desire to help them as you do. Amen”

We are mid-way through the first chapter of The Revoluton Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, by Joyce Meyer. Some of you are doing this journal along with the Joyce Meyer video; others are working through the journal on your own, then meeting here for more discussion. Many more are simply following along with us online and writing insights and verses in a notebook. I am thankful for each of you! It is not so important how we get into God's Word, but that we do get into it.

However you got here, I am so glad you made it. Get your coffee and let's get started!

Let's read Mark 8:34.

Jesus said in order to follow Him, we must _______ ourselves, take up the ______ and follow Him. To deny ourselves means to forget, disown, and lose sight of our own interests. This in no way means we are to stop caring about our daily needs or hygeine, it means to stop thinking about ourselves first and foremost, and start devoloping a heart of compassion for others.

What is the hardest cross to carry, meaning the most difficult thing to deny in ourselves? _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________.

I wrote: to stop thinking about my own comfort and every day start out praying for the ability to give myself over to God's will and God's desires for my day.

For example, when I am sitting comfy on my bed, laptop just right, cup of tea or coffee all cozy, the last thing I want to hear is “Can you help me with something?”

Normally, my first reaction is irritation. OK, that's still my first reaction. But, I've decided to become a person who can be interuppted with grace. I used to act so put upon when anyone interuppted my writing time. I'd start out with a dramatic sigh, then an irritated stare. If that didn't shame the offender into backing out the door, I'd start in complaining and grumbling as I pushed everything off my lap and got up, demanding to know if there was an emergency or not.

I'm sure my family's favorite reaction was for me to attend to their needs in the midst of a long dialogue about “How come the minute I sit down to write is when someone in this house has to have blah, blah, blah. . .” Sound familiar to anyone? Come on, I know I'm not alone.

Now, I am not suggesting we allow our children to be rude, consistently interuppt others, or accept inconsiderate treatment on a regular basis from our spouses, but I do think we can get out of balance by thinking we should never be interuppted or inconvenienced by our family.

God showed me that although I wanted to carve out time for my own needs (a good thing) and to teach my kids to develop patience and consideration, I was teaching them more about having a spoiled attitude and an unwillingness to be kind when we are inconvenienced. Ouch.

When God revealed to me how I was hurting the people I love the most, I was broken. I was utterly ashamed of my self-centered attitude. I sobbed till my t-shirt was wet and moved on to my husband's.

I'll tell you, it didn't feel good at first, but the thing about repenting, which is realizing you've been wrong and being truly sorry, and wanting nothing more desperately than to change, is that it's really pleasing to God. Think about the times when your kids really understand and feel remorsful about their bad behavior, or when they flat-out go out of their way to be kind to a sibling. Don't you just hug them up and feel so proud?

The second I've confessed my sin to God and asked for His forgiveness, I experience a wave of what I can only describe as a tingling, uplifting sensation of absolute joy! It feels just like a hug from the Holy Spirit. It's like God is speaking right into my spirit words I can only feel, not hear, words that say, “Well done, daughter, I am pleased and I love you.”

If you've experienced what I am talking about, write down what happened:
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and if you feel comfortable, share it with us in the comments section. I love to see how God is working in the lives of my friends, it inspires me and reminds me that He is working all around me, even when I'm struggling to see it myself.


Homework: Choose one hurtful or negative habit you will give to God this week. Are you like me, too important to be interuppted? Or are you the one who interuppts others, always wanting everything to be done now, now, now?

I'm giving my habit of _______________________________________ to God and asking Him to change my heart in this area.

It won't be easy at first, but I promise if you confess what you're doing to God every morning, and ask Him to change your heart in this area, He will. By the way, don't be surprised if the first couple of days seem overwhelmingly full of temptation. After all, Satan has enjoyed ruining your day in this fashion for quite some time. He's not going to just let you leave the game without a fight.

Lucky for us – God promises if we seek Him first, all we have to do is resist the devil, and he will flee! James 4:7

Let's prayer together:

“Father, I am sorry for the way my selfish attitudes have led people around me to feel less important and less worthy of love. Give me a desire to love with my attitude and actions, instead of merely my words. Thank for always helping me to become a more compassionate and wise friend to all those I encounter, at home and in the world. In Jesus' name, amen.

Back to beginning of bible study posts

Photo by Jaimie Duplass, courtesy of photoxpress.com

What's your problem?

Hello brothers and sisters of the Revolution! If this is your first visit to A Good Bible Study, welcome!

We currently are reading The Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, by Joyce Meyer. You can visit the Joyce Meyer site for the workbook, or just follow along with me here. Catch up to us in the first chapter.

And for those of you who have been following along, welcome back! I'm so glad you are with me as we seek God's presence. We'll get much more out of this time together if we begin in prayer:

"Father, I thank you for every eye on this page, for every heart seeking your love, and your wisdom. We ask you to open our eyes so we may see the truth, open our ears so we may hear Your Word, and open our hearts so that we may receive all the love we so deeply need from you.

Let us show love today to at least on other person. Give us patience with those who frustrate us. Give us understanding for those who don't meet our expectations. Above all, let us reflect Your Son, Jesus, in every encounter we have because we are all hurting, all imperfect, all looking for hope. In Jesus' name, amen."

I love knowing I am about to be blessed by the Holy Spirit when I open the Bible with a desire to be changed, don't you? Let me ask you something. Think about how many times you have said the phrase, "What's your problem?" Usually it's said in response to someone who got out of bed on the wrong side. My answer would be, "I haven't had my coffee or bible time yet, give me a minute."

What if we meant it? What if we said it with a real intention of helping, like "What's the problem you're having today? I'd like to help."

A key phrase of The Revolution is "We must aggressively, intentionally, and on purpose reach out to others daily." What does that mean to you?
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There are so many people in need of help in this world, sometimes it is so hard to choose where to give our time or resources, that we end up not doing anything at all. Our workbook states there are an estimated 143 million orphans worldwide; The US alone has over 15,000 certified nursing homes, often understaffed and filled with lonely elderly persons; our prisons are overflowing with hurting people; every few seconds a child is abducted into the sex trade; most of the world's population is living on less than $730 a year; and since 1981 AIDS has killed more than 25 million people worldwide.

The early Christians were faced with a similar dilemma. Paul wanted the followers of Christ to be sincere in their motives and use wisdom in how they dealt with situations. He wrote to the church in Philippi: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ," Philippians 1:9-10 (New International Version).

The Message says it this way, "So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush" Philippians 1:9-10 (The Message)


God wants us to be thoughtful in our giving, but to give, to help, to do something more than offer our condolences. Perhaps you give to your church and allow your giving to help hurting people under your church leader's guidance. That's a very good place to start. As Joyce Meyers says, we need to give into where we are getting fed the Word of God.

But what about people in your neighborhood, or your city, that you come across in the course of your day? What if you saw a child without proper clothes and daily food. Would you do something now? Would you say a silent prayer and walk on? Would you even notice? Please turn with me to James 2:15-6. Does this verse change your decision, or reinforce it? _________________________


1 John 3:16-18 says, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

Unfortunately, more than a few of us in this study are suffering from the effects of the economy. May be you are among the needy right now. I want to suggest that there is so much more of value in you, than simply money. Let's come up with some ideas together, alright?

Make a list of things you can give to a shelter or to a friend in need; a list of talents you can share with someone trying to build job skills; a list of tools or skills you can use to solve a problem in a neighbor's home, or in your church building; perhaps a charity for which you can make phone calls or write letters.

I've always had small children at home (my kids ages range from 22 to 5, currently) so I've tried to volunteer in ways I can either work from home or take my kids along. Some worthy organizations I've enjoyed being involved with are my local church,  MOPS, Home Delivered Meals, 4H , and The Compassionate Friends.  Spark any ideas? Brainstorm some thoughts below:

 God says, "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have (2 Corinthians 8:12). In other words, do what you can with an attitude of love, and that is more than enough.

I can give or use:_________________________________________
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Sometimes we get blocked by feeling inadequate, like our contribution is just a drop in the bucket of need. In The Revolution, Joyce talks about the power of one. One person, Adam, made a very poor choice that brought all mankind into a fallen state of sin, pain, unhappiness and suffering. One man affected the whole of humanity. Well, I can't affect the whole of humanity, you might say. You're right. But you can affect one area: one problem.

Joyce points out that in the 1700's up to 50,000 Africans per year were captured and sold into English slavery. Like in the US at one time, and as is still practiced in parts of Africa and the modern world (can you believe that?!), slavery was seen as a financial necessity. One man, William Wilberforce, worked over the course of 14 years to continually introduce legislation to Parliament to end slavery. Despite government and social opposition, threats against his life, personal sickness, and repeated failures, he believed so strongly in the need for change that he did not give up until he succeeded. In 1807 Parliament abolished the slave trade in the British Empire! The only difference between William Wilberforce and any number of people who agreed with him in silence, was that every day he did something, no matter how small, towards his goal until he succeeded.

What I am suggesting, is that instead of focusing on all we can't do, focus on one thing we can do. One thing today, something else tomorrow, repeat all week long. The only person who is in charge of choosing your "thing" is you. This is not about competing with each other, getting our Pastor's approval, or trying to earn God's love with our good works. This is about deciding we can do one thing to ease one other person's pain in some way today, and doing it.

Homework: Pick a problem to solve or a cause from your list above and take one action. Out of the many worthy causes, pray and ask God to reveal where you are most needed and pay attention over the course of the day or week as to what comes up over and over, or what really tugs on your heart. You don't have to, and cannot, solve every problem. But you can solve one piece of one problem.

Write in the comment section and tell me, "What's your problem?"

Dear Father, thank you for quickening our hearts and giving us strength to take action when you give us the opportunity to see a need. Give us both compassionate natures, and wisdom to know when and how much, and in what way. Above all, remind us that it is you that knows the hearts of those to whom we give, and it is our job to help, trusting you to bless our giving no matter if the gift is used wisely or not by the recipient. After all, when we give to least of us, we are giving to You, Lord Jesus. (Matthew 25:40) Amen.

I'll meet you here tomorrow, love, Karen

Back to first day of Bible Study


Photo by Simon Howden, courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

Something can and must change!

Welcome fellow seeker,

We are studying The Revolution Devotional Workbook and Field Journal, by Joyce Meyer. My day goes best when I start with prayer: Lord, bless this time we spend with you today. I thank you for going before me and smoothing out the bumps before I get there, for giving me the strength to face any temptation in my path, and to show me in Your Word, what You know I need, today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Now, a revolution does not happen until we are no longer willing to live as we have. An upwelling of desire and determination occurs inside of us and we reach the point where change is no longer something we dream of, but something we will  have.

In The Revolution, Joyce is referring to a change in our hearts; to no longer think all day about ourselves and we we want, or don't want, or who is doing what to whom, or that we will be happy when ____ happens and not one minute before, by golly! Instead, we crave an explosion of genuine desire to see what someone else needs, and give it to them, do it for them, or point them to it.

It does not have to be someone a continent away; there are people around us right now in desperate need of an act of kindness: spouses, children, extended family, co-workers, fellow church-members, strangers in the coffee line, even those who are homeless, or hopeless, at home and abroad. When was the last time you really saw someone else, saw their pain, their secret wish, their situation, and showed them an act of love?

The last time I did something kind for someone was ______________________________________________________________________________.

How did you feel afterwards? _______________________________________________________________________________.

When I talk about kindness, I'm not talking about prayer, although prayer is good, prayer is powerful. But too often, we excuse ourselves from taking action by offering to pray, and do nothing more, nothing tangible that is a help right now.  Would it surprise you to know that Christians are seen as hypocrites by many unbelievers? Those who talk a good game but don't back it up with much. Granted, those who do not believe will not understand much of what Christians value, but how often do we act on the core of our faith?

Turn with me to Matthew 22:37. What did Jesus say are the two commandments on which our faith and values depend?
________________________________________________________________________ and

________________________________________________________________________.

How do these commandments affect your belief about what is most important in life?
________________________________________________________________________________?

Do you think God's command to "love," means a feeling or an action? _______________

So often we turn wise words into flippant sayings with no power behind them. Take for example the phrase, "What would Jesus do?" It's on a key chain, a bumper sticker, a t-shirt and a bracelet. What does it mean? Should we make water out of wine, heal the sick, raise the dead, or turn over the tables at a church bazaar? Jesus did all those things in response to the needs of those around Him. Most of us don't have supernatural gifts to heal, and wouldn't consider replenishing the wine at someone else's wedding, much less get arrested at a church fundraiser. So, what if we instead asked, "What can I do?"

We need to stop dwelling on how much we can't do, how big the problems are, and how ineffective we think we are. Everything great was accomplished by one small act at a time. Can you think of one small gesture someone in your life made, that was nothing big to that someone, but made a tremendous difference for you?

When ___________ helped my by _____________________________________________, it made a difference in my life by _________________________________________________________.

My fifth grade teacher, Mr. Reitz, at Dry Creek Elementary in Clovis, California liked to celebrate the talents of his students. As far as he was concerned, we each were talented. George drew pictures of the rock band, "KISS" and Mr. Reitz made a huge show of hanging each piece on the wall; Shelly beat everyone in arm wrestling (including me and I was really fit) and there was a loud party to celebrate her victory that day. Me? I wrote stories. I still remember how special I felt when Mr. Reitz called me to the front of the class to read my latest thriller, "There's  a Shark in my Shower!" Like many of you, I didn't feel special at home but I sure felt special during the two grades I spent in Mr. Reitz's homeroom. Years went by before I felt the call to write again, but the encouragement I received as a child planted a seed that would blossom more than 30 years later. Little things make a difference to a lifetime.

The call of The Revolution is to "declare a war on selfishness, injustice, and oppression" - one small act at a time. A challenge I received from Joyce during her Conference in St. Paul was to find one person each day to bless. Not just with prayer, but with action. I really want to start at home, with the people I love most.

Now, like a lot of you, I grew up in a very frugal household. My family raised almost all of our food, baked our own whole wheat bread and even churned butter from our cow and goats. I never saw my mother buy herself something just because it was pretty, or treat herself in any way. Whenever we wanted to do something special, we stopped by McDonalds or Taco Bell (hence my natural tendency to cook for others to show my love) but always got something cheap on the menu. Cheap was important. We only got one set of clothes for school each year, and to show you how ingrained frugality became, it never occurred to me to ask for another pair of pants till the following August, not even when mine were up to my shins. Nope, not even when I blinked back tears of embarrassment when other kids called me "high-waters."

Now that's certainly not the worst thing to happen to a kid (nor the worst thing that ever happened to this  kid) but it gave me a mindset that has been hard to break. It's still difficult for me to spend money on anything except groceries, but I realize I am operating by a set of unconscious rules that don't always serve the best interests of our family. It hit home when I began to hear my kids refuse some offers of necessary purchases, saying, "Mom, I don't need that, it's o.k." I realized that while I still want to be frugal, I need to show my kids that they deserve more than cheap all the time.

Will this solve world hunger? No, but it goes far towards helping my kids develop of mindset of value, that I value them enough to splurge on the "Blizzard" instead of the small single cone, once in a while. It's what? A difference of a couple of bucks and a world of difference in a child feeling special. I know there are far greater ways to make a difference in a child's life, the point it doesn't have to always be dramatic to be important.

Homework: Today, do something, no matter how small, to be helpful to each person you meet. It might be a smile to a stranger passing by, helping a mom struggling to load her kids and  her groceries, or going out of your way to take a friend to the store. You will know what to do when the time is right. After you've said, "Hello." Ask yourself, "What can I do?

Let's pray: Father, thank you for the seeking hearts on this journey with me. May your Holy Spirit whisper small acts we can do for someone else today. Lord, fill us up so much with your love, that we cannot help but share it with everyone we meet! In the name of Jesus, amen. Love, Karen

Photo by Graur Razvan Ionut, courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net.