Tag: Love

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WEEK 4, DAY 4 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 39; James 1:2-18 (SOAP – James 1:12-13, 17)

The Crown of LIFE
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.  NLT
Observation:
The Genesis Saga: Joseph’s Story

After being sold by his brothers (chapter 37) Joseph was taken down to Egypt. Away from his father and all the “comforts of home” he now belonged to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officicals and the captain of the guard. Scripture makes it quite clear though that the LORD was with Joseph, so much so that Potiphar could see that the LORD made everything he was doing successful, so he appointed Joseph over all that he owned, and the LORD blessed it all.

the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. 6 So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned.

Genesis 39:5-6 NLT

Potiphar was not wrong to trust Joseph as he did. However, it does seem that he was wrong to trust his wife. I’m sure you’ve heard the story – she continually propositioned Joseph and while he faithfully turned her down, in the end he was forced to run away from her bold advances – unfortunately not before she grabbed his outer garment. She used this as a weapon against Joseph making Potiphar believe that Joseph had taken advantage of her. Potiphar, of course, was furious and threw Joseph in prison. Even there, the LORD was with Joseph, showing him kindness and granting him favor in the sight of the prison warden – so that he was put in charge of all the prisoner’s care.

If we watch and listen – even in the hardest times, we will see and hear God with us and around us.

Me-from the inside-out
TODAY’S FOCUS VERSE

James writes that the one who “endures testing”, or testing and temptation as the NLT translates it, is blessed. While most translations explain this blessing as happening because “he has stood the test”, I love the way the NET phrases James’ words of explanation: “because he has proven to be genuine in his faith.” Regardless of which translation you read, the result is the same – the one who endures receives the “crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” While there are differences of opinions among commentators as to whether the crown of life is equal to eternal life, I fall on the side of those that say they are different – in that, all believers are promised eternal life based on their faith in Christ, while the crown of life seems to be a distinct reward for loving God and enduring the testings of this life.

Other note worthy observations in these three verses would be ….
  • God cannot be tempted and does not tempt anyone.
  • Every good and perfect gift is from God.
  • God does not change.
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

Today’s application is, like most applications of God’s Word, challenging. I mean, let’s face it, enduring the trials and temptations of this life is rarely easy and can at times seem impossible. I have found a helpful key to this challenge is to remember Paul’s words to the Corinthians about temptations. He told them that when they are tempted God would show them the way out so that they could endure. We can and must TRUST GOD to show us that way of escape, actively looking for the escape in each struggle. We must purpose in our hearts and minds to endure, meaning we choose to press on to prove ourselves genuine and obtain the ‘crown of life’. We must guard against the mental and spiritual battle of questioning God’s motives in our troubles and trust that they are to strengthen our faith and produce endurance, (James 2:2-4, 13). We must also guard against trusting God less because of our trials and instead rely on Him even more. To paraphrase one commentator, if we don’t see Him as trustworthy we will move away from Him when trials come.

A Little Extra Insight from james

In light of today’s portion of the Genesis saga, I think we would be remiss to not make note of why we are tempted. Like Esau, Judah, Tamar, and so many others we have seen throughout our cast of characters, we are tempted when we are lured and entice by our own desires. Once the desire is born, it gives birth to sin and grows – and gives birth to death. James’ final warning here is a notable application for us – “Do not be led astray” or in other words – “choose God (life) instead of the world (death).

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13
PRAYER: RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

Father, when we remember that every good and perfect gift is from You – the enemy flees*! As we name the good gifts we defeat his use of the trial to move us away from You. He seeks to steal, and kill, and destroy – help us to constantly be in the habit of naming the gifts and blessings of Your generous hands. Alert us to the temptations of this world and help us to always choose You! – Your ways – Your power – Your love – and Your strength! To Your Glory and the promised reward of The Crown Of Life! – AMEN and AMEN – In Jesus’ Name!

*2 Chronicles 20:22; Joshua 6:20; Acts 16:25-40

YOUR TURN:
  • How can you prepare today to resist temptation in the future?
WANT MORE?

Be sure and check out today’s LGG Blog Post

You can also dive deeper into James with these helpful commentaries from BibleRef.com

[James 1:12] makes the connection between our love for God and our ability to remain faithful to Him in hard times. Those who truly love God trust Him, and those who truly trust Him continue to obey even when life gets hard. https://www.bibleref.com/James/1/James-1-12.html

[James 1:13] The temptation attached to trials is to trust God less. We might decide He is not strong enough to provide for us, not faithful to meet our needs, not compassionate about our pain and heartbreak. Is God good? Is He loving? Is He powerful? James is talking about how we choose to answer those questions about God on our worst days. If we decide to tell ourselves God is not faithful, we may declare our independence from Him by choosing not to obey. If we decide He is trustworthy, we will move closer to Him looking for more help, more connection.

James makes clear that blaming God for tempting us to reject Him, by allowing trials into our lives, is not a valid response. God never orchestrates the events of our lives with an intent to lure us away from Himself. He always roots for us to move closer. That’s who He is. The purpose of trials is not to drive us away from God, but to draw us closer to Him.

https://www.bibleref.com/James/1/James-1-13.html

In the previous verse, James urged his readers not to be deceived. Emotions and sinful thinking can trick us into turning away from God. It’s important to cling to the truth, which is that every good thing in our lives is a gift from God. In the midst of our trials, we are tempted to change our opinion of the trustworthiness of our God. We start to make lists of all the things we think we are missing in our lives, of all of the things we have lost. If God were good, wouldn’t we have those things?

This attitude leads to even more temptation. We begin to look elsewhere for the good things we think we’re missing. “If God won’t provide them,” we think, “we’ll have to go and get them for ourselves.” We attempt to take control. We struggle to find our own satisfaction.

https://www.bibleref.com/James/1/James-1-17.html

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Choosing God Instead of the World – Recap of Week-2

A Love God Greatly Study

Reflections

This week, through the continuing saga of Jacob and his family we have learned the wisdom of setting our mind on Things Above instead of things on the earth that tend to draw us away from God. We have learned how God wants us to honor Him with what He’s given us, even when we aren’t completely satisfied with what that is. We’ve seen the difficulty and yet the benefits of loving others in the way we live and not just by the things we say. Without question, we have seen how we must trust God’s promises if we are going to choose His ways over the ways of the world, especially in times of fear and difficulty. On our final day – probably my favorite – and a great summation of the week – we witnessed God giving Jacob a new name and we learned that sometimes even when we walk away limping from a battle, prevailing can be determined by how long we stay in the battle. Those who hold on to God and don’t let go receive the blessing.

Preview

During our third week we will dive into Genesis 33 and wind up the week in Genesis 37 with the story of Joseph’s dream. , We will hear from authors of the New and Old Testaments along the way – as we continue to explore the ways and benefits of Choosing God Instead Of The World .

If you missed any of the posts you’ll find the links below.

Keep on seeking: https://mefromthensideout.wordpress.com/2022/08/14/7563/

Honor The LORD: https://mefromthensideout.wordpress.com/2022/08/15/7580/

Love Defines Us: https://mefromthensideout.wordpress.com/2022/08/16/7598/

Standing on the Promises: https://mefromthensideout.wordpress.com/2022/08/17/7607/

Israel, A New Name: https://mefromthensideout.wordpress.com/2022/08/18/7620/

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Love Defines Us

Week-2, Day-3 of Choosing God Instead Of The World, A Love God Greatly Study
Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:18-24 (SOAP: 23-24)
Now this is his commandment: that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he gave us the commandment. 24 And the person who keeps his commandments resides in God, and God in him. Now by this we know that God resides in us: by the Spirit he has given us. 1 John 3:23-24
Observation:
Jacob’s story ….

Our focus will be on 1 John 3:18-24 and letting our love define us, but first let’s look at a few observation’s from Jacob’s continuing saga. I particularly love the opening line, “Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were complaining …” For me these pop off the page as fingerprints of God. I often ask God, at the beginning of the day, to let me hear what He wants me to hear and to guard me from the thins I should not or do not need to hear. I believe he often allows us to hear things for a reason – which seems to be the case with Jacob, as it set in motion his return to his homeland. The passage is a tad long but I encourage you to read it. I know you won’t want to miss the drama stirred up by Rachel stealing from her father, Jacob deceiving Laban, the hot pursuit that followed, anger, and a heated argument, and the six ways God intervened, guided, and protected to ensure that all things worked together for the good of those who loved Him, those who were called according to His purpose.

Our Focus …

John writes instructions, in the first part of this particular letter, about being lights in the world. In the second portion he focuses on following the commandments of God, and here in the third part, while he continues to touch on keeping His commandments he also zeroes in on letting love define their behavior – both in “deed and truth”. The sincerity of our love can be expressed in words but it is seen and experienced through our actions. Jesus said it like this, “love each other, just as I have loved you, you should love one another.” John goes on to say that we will know that we are of the truth when we love in this way. I believe Paul said something similar that makes it even clearer when he told those in Rome to not make a pretense of love (don’t just say that you love) but truly love. He followed that with “hate what is evil, hold tightly to what is good.” When we make this choice and love is evident in us – we not only have assurance that we belong to Christ but both God and others will know that we are abiding in Christ.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another.”

If you love Me, you will obey my commandments.

Romans 12:9 NLT; John 13:34-35 NET; John 14:15 NET

Ok, so I chased a few ‘Scripture squirrels’ on my way to verses 23 and 24, but I think they will help us in our understanding of the His commandment to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and love one another – just as He commanded. Verse 24 is my favorite of the passage though, as it is even more reason for the confidence that we are in God and He is in us! When we hold tightly to this truth we will not be shaken, we will more likely choose God instead of the world, as the old song says – they (the world) will know that we are Christians by our love and we will bring God the glory He is due.

Application: How Then Should We Live?

Believe in (trust in) the name of Jesus tops the list here in 1 John 3:23 – and rightly so as it is the basis of our relationship with the Godhead and the only way we will truly love others – which is the second part of the commands listed by John. This part seems to be a reference to Jesus’s words in John 13:34, where He said to love others as He has loved us. The third application may be a bit obscure but I believe we are taught here to walk in confidence that we are His and have His Spirit in us.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, You have loved us in deed and in TRUTH – giving Your Son to die for us. Help us to love in this manner – as You have commanded. Help us to live by the Spirit You have given us – who enables us to love You with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength – and to love others as ourselves. When we love like this You will know that we love You, others will know that we love You, and we will know that “we are of the TRUTH”. Love truly does define us as Yours, God – even as Your love gives us confidence that You are our God! – May all the honor and glory be Yours as we display this love to the world around us in deed and in truth – AMEN!

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Our First Love

Day 6 of Jesus, I Need You – Part 1, a study of Thistlebend Ministries

Scripture Reading: Revelation 2:7

Anyone who has an ear to hear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in God’s paradise.

Revelation 2:7 HCSB
Observation: What’s the Message?

John is writing what Jesus has given him to say. This particular letter is being written to the Ephesian Church. So the word “anyone”, in verse 1, is referring to those who are part of the body of Christ. If they listen to the message being delivered they will be entitled to the “victor’s” prize, which is eating from the tree of life, located in heaven.

Here’s the thing though, if we only read this verse we know that there’s an amazing prize and we know that we need to listen to the Spirit, but without looking back we would miss the content of the message. Which was basically an evaluation of the Ephesian Church. Jesus acknowledges that their conduct has basically been above reproach. He commends them for their work and endurance, their unwillingness to tolerate “evil people”, their faithfulness in examining and calling out false “apostles”, and enduring hardships for the name of Jesus – without growing weary. Awesome accolades for sure! BUT … He goes on to tell them what He has against them and why. Namely, that they have abandoned their ‘first love’ – meaning Him. In other words they were rule followers but their love for Jesus had grown cold. One commentary I read explained it like this, “Sound doctrine and service are important, but they should be grounded in a deep love for Jesus.” The charge or challenge that would draw the victor’s prize wasn’t just listening to the Spirit but considering the truth of the charge against them, then repenting and returning to their first love. To ignore the charge would be to invite punishment that would extinguish their light as a church and witness for Jesus.

Sound doctrine and service are important, but they should be grounded in a deep love for Jesus.

Bibleref.com
 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.  Revelations 2:1-5
Application: How Then Should We Live?

Through John’s writing, Jesus lays out the application very clearly. LOVE JESUS and follow His teachings. It’s not an either or proposition. When we love Him we will obey Him (John 14:15) and if we simply follow the rules without devotedly loving Him the acts of obedience mean very little.

Prayer: Response to The Word

Father, may we never abandon Jesus, our first Love. Where and when it dares to grow stale and cold, like the Church of Ephesus, please send a revival fire, keep our light burning strong, and renew a right Spirit within us. – Oh, let us listen to the Spirit that we might run the race with endurance and win the victor’s prize – and in this may You be glorified! – Amen

Want More?

Go Deeper with Thistlebend’s devotional post –

Your Turn:
  • What’s your take away from today’s Scripture reading?
  • What are some things we can do to keep our love for Jesus fresh and strong?
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Women of Nobel Character: Fearing the Lord

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31; SOAP: Proverbs 31:28-30

Her children have risen and called her blessed;

her husband also has praised her:

29 “Many daughters have done valiantly,

but you have surpassed them all!”

30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting.

A woman who fears the Lord—she makes herself praiseworthy.

Proverbs 31:28-30 NET

OBSERVATION: What’s the story?

Can i be honest? Ever since my divorce I have tuned this verse out. Once seeking to strive for it but now no longer feeling qualified because of lacking the title – “wife”. So when I saw it on this week’s schedule and sat down to reread it and then write a devotional – let me just say there was some resistance. However, God is good and His Spirit gentle and swiftly brought peace and gave wisdom to delve into the passage from a different angle. This involved some “Google Searches”, namely, “can an unmarried person have noble character?”. To my delight I wasn’t the only one that had googled such a question and I found a wonderful answer that pushed me to another look at the passage. The author, Lauren Oquist, wrote:

…if you read Proverbs 31 closely, none of the skills she has depend on her husband or kids. She has these skills because she exercises wisdom in everything she does.

The standards for a “virtuous wife” are the same standards for a virtuous woman — single or married.

Can I Be a Proverbs 31 Woman if I’m Single?
NOVEMBER 27, 2017 Lauren Oquist

She goes on to give a list of character traits that are seen in verse 13-25, including: trustworthy, hard worker, resourceful, Makes good use of her time, Good with money, generous, thinks ahead, and she’s wise. All worthy traits right, but here’s the quote that got me and freed me from the agony of hearing or coming across this passage again. (Don’t you just love the way the Spirit works?)

This is what will characterize us as a “Proverbs 31 Woman”: our fear of the Lord. Our genuine desire, from the core of who we are, to please Him.

Can I Be a Proverbs 31 Woman if I’m Single?
NOVEMBER 27, 2017, Lauren Oquist

I truly believe that even if I were still married this go-round with P31 and the beautiful devotion by Lauren Oquist would have still brought the relief and encouragement I now feel. Of course this means I will also be purposefully honing some of these traits again – so then there’s that – LOL!

Application: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

While fearing the LORD is the thing that characterizes us as being of ‘noble character’, or a Proverbs 31 woman, the character traits listed above are still important to our lifestyle. The good news is the stronger our “core desire to please Him” is, the easier – or perhaps I should say, the more natural, the traits will be.

PRAYER: RESPONSE to the Word

Father, thank You for hearing by prayer to guide me through this last and dreaded lesson. Your Spirit graciously did not let me lay it aside nor did He fail to open my eyes and mind to understand it better. Strengthen my core desire to please You and to be characterized as a “woman who fears the LORD – and makes herself praiseworthy.”

YOUR TURN:

What’s your take away from the Proverb 31 passage?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
  • Why is it important to live our lives focused on Jesus?
  • How does this one simple choice impact all areas of our lives?
Want More?

Don’t miss the Love God Greatly Blog Post

You’ll also want to read this

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Lois and Eunice: Passing on the Faith

Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 1:3-7; SOAP: 2 Timothy 1:5

I recall your sincere faith that was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you.

2 Timothy 1:5 NET
OBSERVATION: What’s the Story?

This story has many facets we can learn from, all of which revolve around “the faith”. That is, the faith we place in Jesus Christ which cleanses us from sin, unites us with the Father, and fills us with His Spirit. First and foremost we read in verse five that Paul confirms Timothy’s faith as genuine, meaning Timothy is connected to God through faith in Christ and the Spirit God gave him (5). Paul and Timothy are connected through the faith, which is made clear by Paul’s reference to Timothy as his son. A term most likely used because Paul led Timothy to faith in Christ (2), Then we see that Timothy is connected to the faith through his relationship with his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, through their living faith (5). This is the facet that is the focus of our study today as we continue to look at living beautifully surrendered to God. Lois and Eunice, grandmother and mother, planted seeds of faith as Timothy grew up. I believe that it’s important to note again the importance of Paul’s confirmation that Timothy’s faith was sincere – in other words it isn’t just a family thing but a transformation of His own heart. While Timothy’s faith was greatly impacted by his mother and grandmother, relying on their faith would not be enough to save him.

HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

First of all, we must make sure our faith is genuine and not reliant upon someone else’s faith. Once this is settled, from our focus verse (5) it is clear to see that we are to live in such a way that our faith is obvious and active, like Lois and Eunice. This kind of faith passes on to our children and others for generations to come. However, we would be remiss to not also note and learn from the other facets in the passage. Namely, that we should not only encourage others in the faith as Paul is here with Timothy, to “rekindle” or “fan the flame” (6), but also we should stay in the habit of ‘fanning the flame” of our own faith. In other words to do things that strengthen our faith. In Timothy’s case it will be to serve others and preach the Word (2 Timothy). What about you? What has God called you to do with His gift of salvation? Whatever it is, step into it without fear for He has given you His Spirit of power, love, and self-control.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
PRAYER: RESPONSe to the word

Father, thank You for my own heritage of faith – passed on to me through my parents, my grandparents, and their parents before them. Thank you that You have, by Your Spirit – through Christ – made my faith genuine. Thank You for all the “Paul’s” You have placed in my life to encourage me to grow in my faith and to keep it burning bright. Thank You for the example of Lois and Eunice to live an active life of faith that is passed on from one generation to the next. I know of no greater desire of my heart than for my children and their children and all the children to come after them to know You and serve You all the days of their life. Let me live in such a way that my life fans the flames. – All glory and praise to You!

YOUR TURN:

What’s your take away from the story about Lois and Eunice?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Lois and Eunice were a grandmother and mother who had a great impact on the next generation as they passed their faith on to Timothy

  • Why is it important to be intentional about passing on our faith to the next generation?
What’s Next?

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Mary Magdalene: The First Woman

Day 3, Week 6 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly Study

Today’s Reading: John 20:11-18 SOAP – John 20:18

 Mary Magdalene came and informed the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what Jesus had said to her.

John 20:18 NLT
Observation: The Story
Who is this Mary?

Mary Magdalene is the woman from whom Jesus drove out seven demons. After this she became of His followers, and like many others she supported Him from her resource.

Sketchy Details

While John sketches details rather than elaborates, his details though lacking do match up with those of the other Gospel writers, Matthew 28:1–10, Mark 16:1–8, and Luke 24:1–12. One difference worth noting is the other writers all mention other women being with Mary when she went to the tomb, though in all accounts Mary Magdalene is mentioned first. It has been suggested that John leaves the other women unmentioned because Mary was the one who went to find Peter and the “beloved disciple”.

John’s sketch includes the following details about Mary:

She was at the tomb before daybreak and was the first to see that the stone had been rolled away.

She ran to tell Peter and the ‘beloved disciple’.

She stayed when the others left

She saw, and talked with, two angels who were in the tomb

She saw, and talked with, Jesus (though she did not recognize Him by His appearance)

She recognized who He was when He called her by name

She was given a message from Jesus to deliver to His disciples

She announced that she “had seen the Lord”

She didn’t tell her story but what He told her to say

I’m a detailed writer, clearly John wasn’t. His rendering is lacking in details or embellishments but what we know for certain is that Mary was focused on Jesus, so she went to the tomb. Finding the tomb empty did not shake her focus but she zeroed in on finding Him, according to John she was even fearful that someone had taken the body. We also see her unwavering focus kick-in when the Lord’s use of her name revealed to her who He really was.

How Then Should We live?

We should live focused on and passionate about Jesus, alert to where He is in our life, seeking Him if He “seems” distant, listening for His voice, and telling others what we have seen and heard.

Prayer Response:

Father, I can only imagine how Mary must have felt to find the tomb empty – to think someone had taken Him – her Savior and teacher … She needed and wanted Him back. Thank you that the tomb is empty and that we know where He is!

YOUR TURN:

What’s your take away from the story about Mary Magdalene?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Mary Magdalene proclaimed to the disciples what she had seen, our risen Lord.

  • Why is it important to tell others the incredible work we have witnessed Jesus do in our lives as well as the live of others?
WANT MORE?

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Shiphrah and Puah: Saving Hebrew Boys

Day 1, Week 6 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly Study

Today’s Reading: exodus 1:1-21; SOAP: verses 17 and 21

17 But the midwives feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.

 21 And because the midwives feared God, he made households for them.

Exodus 1:17 and 21 NLT
The story:

In a time when the land of Egypt was full of Israelites the King became concerned that they would overtake the Egyptians if a war should break out. So, in order to stop the increasing number of Israelites he ordered all newborn baby boys to be killed by the midwives. Shiphrah and Puah were two of the Hebrew midwives under orders from the King to kill all boys at birth. However, the midwives feared God rather than man, so they defied the King’s order and chose to let the boys live. Because they chose God’s way over man’s they were blessed by God with families of their own.

How Then Should We live?

Luke wrote of “Peter and the other Apostles” in the book of Acts, chapter five, verse 29 – that they should obey God rather than man. This is exactly what Shiphrah and Puah chose to do when the King had instructed the midwives We too should fear/obey God rather than man and consider carefully our response to orders that are contradictory to His will. We would also be wise to watch for ways God asks or allows us to use our gifts or profession for Him, as He did in the case of the midwives.

Prayer Response:

Father,You are the Great Orchestrator, placing us where we need to be, when we need to be there, and giving us peace to combat our fears of man. Than you for the encouragement that when we choose well You will bless us. For Your Gory –

YOUR TURN:

What’s your take away from the story of Shiphrah and Puah?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Shiphrah and Puah feared God more than they feared the king of Egypt.

  • What lesson can we learn from these brave women?
  • What was the result of their obedience?
WANT MORE?

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Beautifully Surrendered: Looking Ahead to Week 6

A Love God Greatly Bible Study about God’s Heart for His Daughters

In the final week of our study (week 6), we will look at what it means to be “Women Leaving a Legacy”. We will build on knowing that God loves, sees, and cherishes women, and continue to focus on the fact that the acts of faith, prayer, and choosing praise and joy in all circumstances play a huge part in the surrender and sacrifice that are required of those who follow Jesus.

Our focus/memory verse is found in Psalm 145:4 – “One generation will praise Your deeds to another and tell about Your mighty acts!” Doing this should be part of our legacy as daughters of God. If we fail to praise Him for what He’s done or fail to tell others about His mighty acts – generations will rise up who do not know Him or what He can do and has promised to do. (see Judges chapter two).

This Week’s Challenge from the team at Love God Greatly:

We must pass our faith on to our children and the next generation, leaving a godly legacy for those who come behind us. Who in your life has lived out her faith well and inspired you to do the same? This week, make sure to share the difference she has made in your life. Who can you intentionally reach out to and invest in? There are many ways to leave a godly legacy behind, but they all start the same: choosing to take the first step.

Announcing Our Next Study!

by Melissa Fuller | Jul 5, 2022 |LGG Team Member

Our lives are a series of choices. We are constantly making choices, both good and bad, and all of our choices have consequences and outcomes. It can be overwhelming to question our choices or wonder if we are doing the right thing.

“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” – Colossians 3:1

Our choices can be simplified into two categories: the things of God and the things of the world. Choosing the things of God is often challenging, but it yields the best long-term results. Choosing the world can be much easier and can appear to be the best way to avoid pain, but these choices often lead to our destruction.  Check back on Wednesday for more details .

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study
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Reflections of Week 5, Beautifully Surrendered

Beautifully Surrendered, God’s Heart for His Daughters is a Love God Greatly Study

The women we’ve studied this week showed us that joy and praise can be part of our lives when we live surrendered to God through every situation. Actually, praise can be a catalyst for surrendering to God and being filled with His joy as ‘it’ [praise] keeps God at the forefront of our minds and hearts. Miriam led others to praise Him on the other side of the Red Sea and Leah praised Him despite her loveless marriage. Praise can also be the catalyst for others to praise God. This is what happened when the ‘women of Bethlehem’ saw how God had blessed Naomi with a grandson. When we live surrendered and follow God into battle for His people, as in the story of Deborah, praise will flow and joy will follow. When this happens others will see, as we did in the life of Mary of Bethany, who despite cultural norms and heartache chose to sit or fall or give her best in praise and adoration to the Lord – her Savior. There is much that can be learned from these beautiful stories. There is much we would do well to mimic. As with the others that we have read they are certainly worthy of reading and sharing again and again. If for no other reason they will undoubtedly spark praise and joy in our own hearts as they refocus us on the greatness of our God.

Life isn’t always easy so praising God isn’t always easy. Likewise, being joyful in all circumstances, as James suggested, is at best a challenge and at worst seemingly impossible. However, when we realize the key is maintaining a focus fixed on Him – past (what we’ve witnessed in the Scriptures or in our own lives), present (His fingerprints in our own lives and those we know), and future (His promises of His presence with us, constantly new mercies, and eternal life …) – we feed both praise and joy.

My dear brothers and sisters, consider it an opportunity for pure joy when you face trials of many kinds. For you know when your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James 1:2-4

I have made this statement in previous weeks, but it bears repeating. Consider these stories and their truths often so that you do not grow weary and lose heart. Fix your eyes on Him and not the circumstances of Your life – only then will we truly surrender and say as Leah did, still in the midst of her loveless marriage, “Now I will praise the Lord!” As we saw again and again this week, the choice is ours. May we choose well – so that Jesus may say of us, “they chose the best part”.

“Mary has chosen the best part; it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:42 NET

If you missed any of this week’s devotions from me you’ll find them at this link

If you missed any of the Love God Greatly Blogs for week 5 you’ll find them at these links:

https://lovegodgreatly.com/sing-to-the-lord/

https://lovegodgreatly.com/held-by-gods-hand/

https://lovegodgreatly.com/wholehearted-worship/