Week 5: 1st Corinthians Bible Study

The Empowered Life from Heather Neese on Vimeo.

Hi Ladies!

I have attached the new video, as well as this week's reading guide and study questions. We will not have a video next Monday, December 27. You will have 2 weeks to complete Chapter 5's reading and studying. We will pick back up on Monday, January 3.

Here is the outline for this week's video:

The Empowered Life 

The 4 Truths God is asking us to commit to:
1 Corinthians 4

I. Recognizing His Position
II. Remembering our Possession
III. Removing all Pride
IV. Reclaiming our Purpose

Week 5 Reading Guide
Day 1 - 1 Corinthians 5:1-2
Day 2 - 1 Corinthians 5:3-5
Day 3 - 1 Corinthians 5:6-8
Day 4 - 1 Corinthians 5:9-10
Day 5 - 1 Corinthians 5:11-13

Don't forget your 3 Steps! Learn from the Word. Listen to the Word. Live out the Word.

Step One: Learn from the Word.
Simply list the facts from the Scripture you read. Do not paraphrase, using your own words. Simply list the important facts. 

Step Two: Listen to the Word.
What do you believe God is saying to His people through this Scripture? Is there a warning, a promise, a command, a challenge, an encouragement? Draw a spiritual truth out of this passage.

Step Three: Live out the Word.
Take the spiritual truth from Step Two and make it personal, by turning it into the form of a question -- a question directed at yourself, leaving time for personal reflection.

Additional Study Questions:
Day 1: Do I understand that as a believer my life is associated with the Name of Jesus, and because of that I am held to a higher standard than the world?
Day 2: Do I choose to ignore when other believers are walking against Truth, or do I have the boldness to speak the Truth in love?
Day 3: Am I making an intentional effort to keep my life pure, recognizing that if I do not, it will impact the body of Christ?
Day 4: Is ministering to an unsaved world a priority in my life?
Day 5: What in my life am I deeming acceptable that is really contrary to what the Bible says? 

May your study over the next two weeks be both challenging and encouraging!

Blessings to you, friends.

Week 4: 1st Corinthians Bible Study

Hi Fellow 1 Corinthians girls!

I hope your week of reading chapter 3 was encouraging and challenging. 

I have listed the reading guide below for you. 

I am typing this at 12:01 AM from the airport in DC.  Our plane is now 2 hours delayed due to snow in Charlotte??    This is way past my bad time – I am completely delirious at this point.  Absolutely nothing is open.  My friend Jenny is next to me playing with a puzzle on her phone (???) and I’m pretty sure my husband just plopped down beside a stranger and asked if he could read their magazine.  We’ve lost her husband.  We’re hoping he is not being arrested at this very moment because he asked TSA for a body scan.  Oh ok, he’s back and he just delivered great news: “They just took us (RDU) off the board all together.”  Perfect!  Maybe we’ll get to stay the night – That would be fabulous …

Needless to say, because I’m sitting in the airport at now 12:08 AM, the video will not be able to be uploaded this evening.  I will try to get it on here by Monday evening.  Thanks for being patient on this.  I did want you to have your reading guide so that you can get started on chapter 4.

Blessings to you as you dive into the Word!  Love you women. 

Week 4 Reading Guide

Day 1 - 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Day 2 - 1 Corinthians 4:6-9

Day 3 - 1 Corinthians 4:10-13

Day 4 - 1 Corinthians 4:14-17

Day 5 - 1 Corinthians 4:18-21

And again, here are the 3-steps for each day's reading:

Step One: Learn from the Word.

Simply list the facts from the Scripture you read. Do not paraphrase, using your own words. Simply list the important facts. 

Step Two: Listen to the Word.

What do you believe God is saying to His people through this Scripture? Is there a warning, a promise, a command, a challenge, an encouragement? Draw a spiritual truth out of this passage.

Step Three: Live out the Word.

Take the spiritual truth from Step Two and make it personal, by turning it into the form of a question -- a question directed at yourself, leaving time for personal reflection.  

Longing

"My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times."

(Psalm 119:20)

It's been a tough week for some people in my life.  Loss has been experienced in one way or another.  I received a call from a sweet younger friend one night this weekend and could hardly understand her amidst the crying.  It was one of those times I knew she needed me.  I went to her sorority house and laid on her bed with her, stroking her hair as she cried and told me of her broken heart.  The pain of losing a first love.  On the other end of the spectrum, someone else in my life was just told she is in the process of miscarrying.  Two different stages in life.  The same raw pain.  It's overwhelmingly real to both of them, at this very moment.  

And as I think about both situations -- both situations that I have personally experienced -- my heart aches for them.  It's different when you have personally experienced the type of pain someone else is feeling, don't you think?  Not that anyone's pain is exactly the same, but there seem to be various 'categories' for lack of a better term. 

As I was thinking about both of these situations this evening, my mind went straight to the story of Hannah's struggle with infertility in 1 Samuel 1-2.  Isn't it absolutely beautiful how many real-life situations are in the Old Testament that we can relate to today? A little less than two years ago I along with some other girls planned a retreat for our church, where I spoke on the story of Hannah.  

In 1 Samuel chapter 1, we are introduced to Hannah.  Her husband is Elkanah and he happens to have two wives, the other named Peninnah.  In ancient society, the most important role for a wife was to bear children.  Men of financial and societal means needed to have a male heir to continue the line.  Barren wives suffered the embarrassment of having to watch another woman provide for their husband.  His lineage would carry on through another woman.  Despite Hannah's inability to bear children, Scripture says that Elkanah deeply loved Hannah.  

Hannah was burdened when faced with perpetual circumstances, that plagued and provoked her.  She was burdened with circumstances that just wouldn't let up.  Circumstances that she had no control over.  Her perpetual circumstances caused her to worry and to stress.  She was persistently annoyed over the fact that she was not able to have a baby.  Year after year, she continued to deal the same struggle.

Can anyone relate?  Has anyone been burdened by the same perpetual circumstance, for what seems like forever?  Perhaps for actual years?

Hannah was also provoked, year after year, by Peninnah's mocking.  Peninnah, who at this point had birthed multiple children with no problem at all.  Scripture tells us in 1 Samuel:6-7 that Hannah was provoked to the point of tears, of anger, of nausea.  To Hannah, Peninnah was sort of like the irritant that intensified the burden.  For Hannah, the burden was not being able to have a baby.  But Peninnah -- she was the intensifier.  She made things worse.  

Your child's gone astray ... That's the burden.  The idea that everyone else's children are living for the Lord and obeying their parents ... That's the intensifier.  Your marriage is in shambles ... That's the burden.  The idea that everyone else's marriages seem to be thriving ... That's the intensifier.  You want a baby and cannot get or stay pregnant ... That's the burden.  The idea that every time you turn around there's another baby shower you're invited to or someone else's latest "baby bump" photo posted on Facebook ... That's the intensifier.  

This is my point.  Our perpetual circumstances can provoke us to the point of tears, or even at times physical illness like Hannah experienced.  They leave lasting affects on our bodies and souls.  

Are you burdened?  Is there a perpetual circumstance that is causing you to worry?  To stress?  Is there a perpetual circumstance that has intensified to the point of making you angry? Causing you to feel physically exhausted?  

Hannah was also burdened by her isolated circumstances.  Isolated circumstances that pained and perplexed her.  1 Samuel 1:8 reads, "Her husband Elkanah would say to her, 'Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?'" The idiom used here in vs. 8 reflects anger, not sadness.  Hannah was mad!  She had had it! Often times in carrying our burdens, we become so isolated that it becomes painful and frustrating to even voice our burden out loud.  We have a fear that no one else will understand ... And we might just be right.  So what do we do? We bury it deep inside.  Talk about painful.  Her pain was real to her - just like my sweet friend experiencing heartbreak and like my family member experiencing a miscarriage.  It didn't matter that Hannah's pain was not real to anyone else, it was real to her.  

This is very important:  It is at the point of isolation where we will also be easily tricked into believing that God has forgotten us, that He does not hear us, and that He may never come through for us.  Are you feeling isolated? Alone? Depressed? Pained? Perplexed? Even ... forgotten? 

Let me share something absolutely precious with you today that God taught me as I prepared to speak on Hannah a few years ago.  He used Psalm 119:20 as a major focus along side of my study of 1 Samuel 1-2: "My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times."  

This is what He taught me through this Scripture: Longing is not a bad thing.  If you continue reading in 1 Samuel, you will see that God eventually answers Hannah's cry for a child and blesses her abundantly.  But here is the thing: God used the longing in her heart to deepen her relationship with Him.  Did you hear that?  God desires to do the same with us, friends.  I read somewhere that the most intimate communion takes place between us and our God during times of longing.  Because often times our prayer lives deepen and our faith is poked, prodded, and eventually empowered.  

"The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time.  You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." (Psalm 145:15-16)

"In spiritual things, when God has raised a desire, He always gratifies it; hence the longing is prophetic of the blessing.  In no case is the desire of the living thing excited to produce distress, but in order that it may seek and find satisfaction." (Charles Spurgeon) 

I could go on and on and on about Hannah.  She is so precious to me.  But this is my point tonight: Just as the above thought from Spurgeon says, distress is never comfortable or welcomed.  But adversity is often used to challenge us to go deeper in our relationship with Him.  To trust Him more fully.  To surrender our lives more humbly.  

God has a plan.  And just as He answered Hannah, He will answer you.  But don't throw the longing away.  You have it for a reason, as crazy as that may sound.  God often intensifies our longing in order that we will run to Him with more desperation. 

What are you longing for tonight? Will you run to your Father in your longing, allowing it to become an opportunity to grow deeper with Him? To trust Him more fully? To surrender your life more humbly?  

Love you all.  Go read 1 Samuel 1-2 if you have some time.  You will be blessed.

Week 3: 1st Corinthians Bible Study

1 Corinthians Message Two: Satisfied by our Savior from Heather Neese on Vimeo.

Good 'Monday' morning, sweet friends.

How exciting is this time of year?  Can you believe we had snow in Raleigh this weekend?!

Ok, so the key to not looking like you have two black eyes is to film videos on your MacBook Pro during daylight!  Clearly I just learned that lesson the hard way, as I was editing.  You would think that all the overhead lights and the lamps would suffice, but nope! P.S. I still feel like a giant weirdo on this camera -- in case you were wondering.  But I love you Hints of Hope-rs and I am so thankful for you -- So only for you!  Just remember that.

1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16 was such a great reminder to me that:

I. The wisdom of the world will forsake us.

BUT ... 

II. The wisdom of God will satisfy us.

That we truly can be Satisfied by our Savior.  Paul's message to the Corinthians serves as a warning to us - A warning to heed: To find satisfaction in our Savior, instead of the world. 

I'm having a difficult time narrowing down some of these Scripture passages on the summary video.  I just wish we could all meet in my living room and have a lengthy discussion each week about all the intricacies of Scripture.  I can dream, right? 

I am praying for you all as you embark upon your third week of study (really the fourth, but in order to not confuse my little pea brain we're going to refer to it as the third, k? K.).

Week 3 Reading Guide
Day 1 - 1 Corinthians 3:1-4
Day 2 - 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
Day 3 - 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Day 4 - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Day 5 - 1 Corinthians 3:18-23

And again, here are the 3-steps for each day's reading:


Step One: Learn from the Word.
Simply list the facts from the Scripture you read. Do not paraphrase, using your own words. Simply list the important facts. 


Step Two: Listen to the Word.
What do you believe God is saying to His people through this Scripture? Is there a warning, a promise, a command, a challenge, an encouragement? Draw a spiritual truth out of this passage.


Step Three: Live out the Word.
Take the spiritual truth from Step Two and make it personal, by turning it into the form of a question -- a question directed at yourself, leaving time for personal reflection.


Additional Study Questions:
Day 1: Am I ready to rise up to the next level in my walk with God?
Day 2: What opportunities is God entrusting me with currently in order to fulfill His purposes?
Day 3: Do I believe that God is the one responsible for changing lives?
Day 4: Do I believe that God views me as holy?  Do I realize I'm protected by Him?
Day 5: Am I living as though I am a child of God? 

1 Corinthians Bible Study: Week Three Update

Hi my friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I definitely did - Precious time with family, lots of great food, and a trip to the mountains with friends this weekend to chop down our Christmas tree.  Now I just have to find time to decorate it!  My husband actually allowed me the honor of picking out our tree this year and has already announced that I have lost the privilege of ever picking out another tree from this point forward.  I promise it didn't look that scrawny in that big ol' field!

Let me get to the important stuff: 1 Corinthians Bible Study.  I have heard from several people participating that this week has been extremely busy and they are not caught up on Week Two.  Due to the busy holiday weekend, I am going to give everyone an extra week to finish up Week Two's Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 1:18 - 2.  We will do this same thing the week of Christmas, but I will be sure to send out a reminder closer to that time.

For those of you who may be right on target with all of your reading and studying, I would like you to take this week to reflect on all you have read.  A friend suggested that this would be a good week to read through 1 Corinthians chapters 1 & 2 in another translation.  For example, if you are doing your study in the NIV Bible, then perhaps you will take your time this week reading through these chapters in The Message paraphrase or the New American Standard Bible or the New Living Translation.  I have included links here for 1 Corinthians 1 & 2 at the Bible Gateway website.

We will pick back up next Monday with the video summary and the new Reading Guide for Chapter 3.

Also, if you would take this week to leave a comment on last week's video session post regarding what the Lord showed you through your study of 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 (Week 1), that would be awesome.  Or you can comment on this particular post with what God has taught you so far through your study of the first 2 chapters of 1 Corinthians.

I love you all and am blessed by each one of you.  Praying each one of you will find time to rest in the Word this week.

"For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness,

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

(1 Corinthians 1:18, NASB, emphasis mine)

1 Corinthians Bible Study: Week Two

1 Corinthians Message One: Consider Our Calling from Heather Neese on Vimeo.

UPDATE: If you would like, comment on this particular post with one thing that God showed you, a favorite verse, or an application that God taught you through your Week 1 study of 1 Corinthians 1:1-17.


Hello my sweet friends [and family]!

Happy Monday! And Happy Thanksgiving week! I love this time of year more than any other. I want you to know that I have thanked my God for each one of you already this morning. What a privilege it is to serve the Lord along side of you. I am so blessed by your dedication to study the Bible together with me. I pray you were blessed by your personal study of Scripture this week.

I have listed our reading for this week below, as well as the outline for the message on the video today.  This outline is just for your reference.

"Consider Our Calling" Text: 1 Cor. 1:1-17

I. God is calling us to remember our identity ... (Verses 1-9)
    A. In the Person of Jesus.
    B. In the Promises of Jesus.

II. God is calling us to restore unity ... (Verses 10-13)
   A. In our relationships.
   B. With our Redeemer.

II. God is calling us to retain humility ... (Verses 14-17)
   A. As we serve the Lord.
   B. As we speak of the Lord.

Week 2 Reading Guide
Day 1 - 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Day 2 - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Day 3 - 1 Corinthians 2:1-9
Day 4 - 1 Corinthians 2:10-13
Day 5 - 1 Corinthians 2:14-16

And again, here are the 3-steps for each day's reading:

Step One: Learn from the Word.
Simply list the facts from the Scripture you read. Do not paraphrase, using your own words. Simply list the important facts.

Step Two: Listen to the Word.
What do you believe God is saying to His people through this Scripture? Is there a warning, a promise, a command, a challenge, an encouragement? Draw a spiritual truth out of this passage.

Step Three: Live out the Word.
Take the spiritual truth from Step Two and make it personal, by turning it into the form of a question -- a question directed at yourself, leaving time for personal reflection.

Additional Study Questions:
Day 1: Am I holding fast to the wisdom and power of God, as necessary components of my life?
Day 2: What inadequacies or weaknesses has God used in my life to display His greatness?
Day 3: Am I relying on the Spirit's power or my own ability?
Day 4: Do I believe that the wisdom I have in Christ far surpasses the wisdom of this world?
Day 5: Am I letting God be God, or do I become frustrated when His thoughts are not my own?

I tried to go a little lighter on the reading for Thursday and Friday of this week, but we're still going to get all the way through Chapter 2 this week. Notice that we end the week with 3 verses to read on Black Friday ... You're welcome. You know I'll be at the mall too! But, I believe it's best we start it out right and get in the Word. I believe people wake up with an extra dose of crazy on Black Friday, and it's best that we really tap into the Spirit of God before we hit the stores. Y'all know I'm serious! :)

Blessings to you as you dive into Week Two!

Video Update

Just an update.  The video is on it's way.  I had NO idea that it would take 4 whole hours to upload onto Vimeo!  My goal in the future will be to have it uploaded on Monday mornings by 8:00 a.m.

While we're waiting, I thought I would put a verse up that I read this morning.

"My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord; And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever." (Psalm 145:21)

With Thanksgiving this week, will our mouths speak the praises of the Lord?  Will we bless His name?

Just realizing this week how very much I personally have to be thankful for. 

What will you speak praises to the Lord for this year?? 



1 Corinthians Bible Study: Week One

Hints of Hope - 1 Corinthians Intro from Heather Neese on Vimeo.

Hi Friends!

We are beginning a Bible Study this week on 1 Corinthians, as this video explains [I feel so ridiculous doing this video, FYI ... ].  I would love for you to join in!  For this week, we will be reading the following Scripture together:

Week One Reading Guide

Day 1 - 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Day 2 - 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

Day 3 - 1 Corinthians 1:10-12

Day 4 - 1 Corinthians 1:13-16

Day 5 - 1 Corinthians 1:17

For each day, I would encourage you to follow this particular Bible Study format:

Step One: Learn from the Word.

Simply list the facts from the Scripture you read.  Do not paraphrase, using your own words.  Simply list the important facts. 

Step Two: Listen to the Word.

What do you believe God is saying to His people through this Scripture? Is there a warning, a promise, a command, a challenge, an encouragement?  Draw a spiritual truth out of this passage.

Step Three: Live out the Word.  

Take the spiritual truth from Step Two and make it personal, by turning it into the form of a question -- a question directed at yourself, leaving time for personal reflection.  

Additional Study Questions:

Day 1: Am I setting myself apart from the world?  Am I available for His work? 

Day 2: Is my life enriched by knowing God?  Do others see that?

Day 3: Am I following Christ or more concerned with following man?

Day 4: Is my service rooted in His ability or my own?

Day 5: Is sharing the Gospel a priority in my life?

On Mondays, we will have a summary of the previous week.


So: Read the Word, Do the 3-Step Study Method, then reflect on the Additional Study Questions.  Then, come back each Monday for a summary on the Scripture studied and the next week's reading guide.  

Please comment on this blog post or email hintsofhope@gmail.com if you are participating in this study!  

The Seriousness of Scripture

"For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness,

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

1 Corinthians 1:18

Disclaimer: This is me sharing my heart.  This post is rather ... Honest? I humbly submit to you as the reader, praying that you will not be offended with the harshness of my words, but rather encouraged by the Truth of Scripture. 

For the past month or so, I have had a heavy awareness on my heart regarding the seriousness of Scripture.  [Perhaps that is why I have not written in over a month.] Realizing how sacred the Scripture of God is, I have found myself almost reluctant to speak Truth without significant prayer and study.  What I am not saying is that I have dismissed sharing the Word of God with others out of fear that I do not know it all.  Because after all, when will we ever know it all while on this sin-cursed world? 

1 Corinthians 2:11: "For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God."

[Can you tell I've been studying 1 Corinthians??]   

What I am saying is that I have been overcome with an acute awareness of just how serious Scripture is, and just how often I am guilty of flippantly throwing passages and verses around without understanding the full knowledge behind those very words.

How very aware I have become that in our humanity we have the tendency to take a passage of Scripture and fashion it to our own circumstance, benefit, or liking, only to diminish the true meaning and seriousness of that particular word from the LORD.  I am in tears as I think of how self-absorbed I have become.  And at the demise of the seriousness of Scripture.  Ouch. 

Once again, I feel the need to defend my case here.  I am not saying that God does not use specific Scripture passages to teach us and to instruct us, to relate to our present circumstances - Of course He does!  I believe that God speaks to us primarily through His Word in this day, along with His Holy Spirit which resides in us through salvation.  But along those very same lines, I am suggesting that we must remain cautious, attentive, careful and reverent as we use His Word to relate to our circumstances. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 reads: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 

"All Scripture is inspired by God," as the New American Standard Bible puts it (emphasis mine).

Our actions and decisions MUST be in alignment with the Word of God in order for us to apply the Scripture directly to our circumstance.  Am I making sense??   Let me make an attempt at breaking this down.  

God is not OK [for lack of a better term] with us using His Word to justify our own self-made opinions or belief system.  Nor is God is OK with us using His Word to justify our personal sin or tolerance of evil.

These thoughts are all a work in progress, though a few recent happenings have spurred them:

Just yesterday I had a conversation with someone who was adamant in telling me that the writers of the Scripture -- the actual transcribers -- were mere humans and therefore Scripture is erred and is not the total inherent Word of God.  In that case, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is null and void.  Which needless to say, I do not believe is the case.  God's Word does not give us authority to pick and choose our Gospel.  God's Word is our Gospel as Christians.  Take it or leave it.  I'm annoyed with our own piousness. 

I have also been astonished by the number of believers who will justify one or another particular controversial action in the name of the Lord.  I'm talking stumbling block actions here, people.  I'm not divulging details.  Sorry.  What I will tell you however, is that I have personally been told that these actions are OK with God, as long as _____.  Newsflash: God's Word is not conditional.  If God's Word warns against a particular something, then it's not OK.  It's not just OK sometimes, or with some people.  It's not OK, ever.

To the first situation, my solution was for this particular individual to read the Bible.  All of it.  Then get back to me.  And to the latter, I called them out and told them they were wrong.  Probably not in the most merciful way possible, which I deeply regret. 

And as a caveat to that last comment ... I think it's important to note that I am fully aware that I have not always lived righteously, nor have I always had it all together.  Nor do I right now.  And perhaps that is why God's Word has become so very serious to me.  Because I have personally used God's Word to justify my own opinions and actions for far too long.  I have misinterpreted the Bible [at times, even purposely] to cater to my own benefit and comfortable lifestyle for far too long.  And it's the least freeing place to be.  

I want to know true freedom in Christ.  I want to die to myself and live for Him.  I want to know and love His Word.  His true Word.  With the best attempt I can make in my human flesh to put selfish ambition aside, I want to strive to know ...

The Seriousness of Scripture. 

Because in It's truest form, it really is ...

The Power of God.     

Thought of the Day

My love and I headed to breakfast this morning at one of our favorite little downtown spots.  And as I pondered over what to order, this little play on words handwritten at the bottom of the menu caught my attention:

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death. 

Absolutely remarkable what power is found within these simple words on a rugged Big Ed's menu this mornin'.  

This 'Thought of the Day' reminded me of something I recently read:

"And again: We fight by faith.  Ephesians, sixth chapter, verse sixteen: 'Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.'  Every dart Satan can fire at us we can quench by faith.  By faith we can overcome the Evil One.  To fear is to have more faith in your antagonist than in Christ" (D.L. Moody, The Overcoming Life, emphasis mine).  

Read that twice.  It's a powerful reminder of all that is ours in Christ Jesus.  

May this 'Thought of the Day' ... 

Be yours today.

Taking Possession

"I have inherited Thy testimonies forever, 

For they are the joy of my heart."

(Psalm 119:111, NASB)

This verse is so precious to me.  I love the idea of inheriting the Word of God, as the New American Standard Bible translates above.  

The word "inherited" in this particular verse means: A verb meaning to receive.  This term is used figuratively to indicate the acquiring of things other than real property, like testimonies.

The key point here in this verse is that you and I can make the choice to take possession of the testimonies of our God.  

Spurgeon says the following in reference to this Scripture: "The gladness which had come to him [the Israelite Psalmist] through the Word of the Lord had caused him to make an unalterable choice of it.  That which rejoices the heart is sure to be chosen and treasured.  It is not the head-knowledge but the heart experience which brings joy."  

God has given us His Word to be chosen and treasured ...

Will we take possession of it?  

And will we allow it to become the joy of our hearts? 

In exchange for Glory

"My people have committed two sins:

They have forsaken me, the spring of living water,

and have dug their own cisterns, 

broken cisterns that cannot hold water."

(Jeremiah 1:13)

In the second chapter of Jeremiah, God sends the young prophet to Judah with a warning: Let go of your worthless idols.

Idols.  Oh, we would know nothing about those, right?

Because we think of idols to be little clay statues, right?  When in reality, our world is flooded with idols of a different kind.  Except they are slightly different in form than clay.  They come in all shapes, sizes and substances.  Family, fame, fashion.  Weight, wealth, working out.  Government, gossip, grades.  Houses, happiness, human rights.  Cars, careers, Corporate America.  Popularity, people-pleasing, power of positive thinking.  Education, E-News, environment.  Social networking, substance abuse, societal equality.  

The list can go on and on and on.  And the truth about the examples above is that some of these things are good things.  Things that God desires us to have and enjoy and love.  He did not ever intend us, however, to worship these things.  

In Jeremiah 2, God has sent Jeremiah to the people of Judah to deliver a very hard yet important message.  He says in verse 13:

"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."

The people of Jerusalem made some major errors in how they treated their God:

1. They followed worthless idols ... which led to worthlessness.

2. They failed to be led by their God ... which led to wandering.

3. They forfeited God's best ... which led to lack of blessing.

In summary, they "exchanged their Glory for worthless idols" (Jeremiah 2:11).  How very, very sad.  And yet today, I wonder how many of our lives would look the same way when examined by the King of Kings. 

How many of us would admit that we too have exchanged our Glory for worthless idols?  (My hand is raised high, ashamedly.)

All too often we as believers are trapped into the lie that the world has something more gratifying to offer.  Or perhaps we just sometimes hold on too tightly to the things of this world, afraid to take our focus off those things for fear they will be taken from us.  Just like the people of Judah in Jeremiah's day. 

And yet, do we realize all the while we too could be: 

Following worthless idols ... Failing to be led by our God ... Forfeiting God's best ... ?

Oh Lord, that we would become a people who long for your Presence in our lives, more than than the "presents" of this world.  Because ... "For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light" (Psalm 26:9).  In You is our purpose, both on this earth and into eternity.  Oh God, that You would keep us from digging our own cisterns - cisterns which will not hold water.  Let us not put our worth in the things that will bear no fruit, the things that will eventually evaporate into dust.  May we not drink of the water that will lead to more and more thirst.  But instead Jesus, may we drink of Your living water - the water that will fill us up to overflowing.  

 "Jesus answered, 

'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 

but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.

Indeed the water I give him will become in him

a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

(John 4:13-14)

 And so I ask: What have you given in exchange for your Glory?

Take it back, sweet sister.

Your Glory - God Almighty Himself - is so worth the trade.

Faith in the dark

"We live by faith, not by sight."

~ 2 Corinthians 5:7 ~

About two months ago, I was faced with a situation in which I would choose to believe God or fall prey to doubt.  In the midst of this difficult time, I knew that God was just asking me to trust and believe Him - solely based on the Promises in His Word and on His character.  He was challenging me to walk by faith - regardless of the outcome.  The idea of walking by faith resembles to me the act of  walking through the dark -- don't know exactly where you're going, and not sure how it will all end up.    

The whole concept of walking in the dark can create such anxiety in one's soul.

But is it supposed to feel that way when we walk with God?

So often when faced with a difficulty, we long to see the end result.  We commonly use the phrase, "God only knows" as an attempt for comfort, yet I have found that all too much we find this truth to be rather annoying.  Do you know what I'm talking about?  At times, it perterbs us to know that God knows the result and we do not.  We feel as though He is holding out on us, playing a mind game with us  -- And if we could just get to a certain point in our faith life with Him, He would then reveal to us what we have asked of Him.  

God's intent is for us to be energized and freed as we walk through the dark.  Our faith in Him is intended to be strengthened during the times of complete uncertainty, not diminished.  In "The Overcoming Life" by D.L. Moody he challenges the audience with the following revelation:

"Second Corinthians 5:7: 'For we walk by faith, not by sight.' The most faulty Christians I know are those who want to walk by sight.  They want to see the end - how a thing is going to come out.  That isn't walking by faith at all - that is walking by sight.

I think the characters that best represent this difference are Joseph and Jacob.  Jacob was a man who walked with God by sight.  You remember his vow at Bethel: 'If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God.' And you remember how his heart revived when he saw the wagons Joseph sent him from Egypt.  He sought after signs.  He never could have gone through the temptations and trials that his son Joseph did.  Joseph represents a higher type of Christian.  He could walk in the dark.  He could survive thirteen years of misfortune, in spite of his dreams, and then ascribe it all to the goodness and providence of God."  

So what about you, my friend?  Are you finding yourself at a crossroads in life?  Perhaps not knowing how a particular situation will end up?   

Will you trust your God to take your hand and lead you through the dark?  Will you allow the darkness to create in you a reliance upon your God that wasn't there before?  Will you ask Jesus to energize and free you during your time of waiting?  

Will you live by faith ... Even in the dark?        

The Abundant Life

"As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul thirsts for God, for the living God."

(Psalm 42:1-2)

I heard a story yesterday in church that just compelled me to write.  Our pastor shared that he sat next to a gentleman on a recent flight who had just experienced the death of a son.  The father, who happened to be a believer, shared the story of how the devastating death occurred.  He also shared with our pastor that many had come to their home to comfort their family, sharing similar stories of distressful pain and loss.  Finally, the father remarked, he just longed to hear the Word of God shared.  So he suggested that they open up the Bible and just read ... and read ... and read.  And that's what they did.    

The only comfort he found during this deep time of need, was the comfort from the Word of God.

So often we fail to turn to the Word of God during our times of despair.  And I won't stop at despair.  So often we fail to turn to the Bible when we feel we are failing in life.  When we are struggling in our relationships.  What about when we are seeking a new direction in life?  When we cannot find our purpose?  

Once we grab a hold of this resource given to us by our God, we will begin to see transformation in every area of our lives -- our prayer life, our relationships, our minds, our actions.  I would bet my life on it.  I've experienced it and it proves true.  

A.W. Tozer says the following regarding this topic in his book entitled "The Pursuit of God":

"The doctrine of justification by faith - a biblical truth, and a blessed relief from sterile legalism and unavailing self effort - has in our time fallen into evil company and been interpreted by many in such a manner as actually to bar men from the knowledge of God. The whole transaction of religious conversion has been made mechanical and spiritless.  Faith may now be exercised without a jar to the moral life and without embarrassment to the Adamic ego.  Christ may be 'received' without creating any special love for Him in the soul of the receiver.  The man is 'saved,' but he is not hungry nor thirsty after God.  In fact, he is specifically taught to be satisfied and is encouraged to be content with little."

Can I just say something?  Many of us are not living the abundant life.  Sure, we have our stuff - our cars, our houses, our clothes, our kids, our jobs.  But the abundant life God planned for us was not void of daily meditation on the Word of God.  Without it, we absolutely will not experience the abundance God has planned for us.  We do not have to be content in our relationship with God!  We can constantly thirst for more of Him.    

So today, I pray dear friend, that you would open up the Bible.  Pick a passage of Scripture that is familiar to you (or unfamiliar), and meditate on the Word.  Even with reading just a few verses each day, you will start to experience transformation.  Your reliance will become heavily rooted in Jesus.  He will teach you through His Word all that He is all you've been longing for.  

Abundant Life is available to you through His Word!  

For those of you who would like to try a new method of studying the Word of God - of breaking down Scripture - take a look at this previous post: The 3 Question Method.  And if you have another study tip that you feel is particularly effective, please feel free to share!

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life,

and have it to the full."

(John 10:10)

Life Verse

I was at an event about a month ago and the speaker shared her life verse with us.  I loved the concept.  One verse in Scripture that completely summed up the beginning of her soul craving for her God. 

This really got me thinking about my own life verse.  Now, I will preface this post by saying that there is nothing in Scripture that speaks of a life verse - It is not a necessity to the Christian life, and it is by no means a requirement of any sort.  I just found it a really thrilling concept.  And here are my reasons:

1. How cool to have a verse to apply to your life that sums up your experience of knowing Christ.  Think about how this could be a great transition into sharing your testimony of who God is to you and all that He has done in your life, with others!

2. I believe that our life verse may change during different seasons of our lives.  And how awesome to be able to look back on those various life verses - markers in our faith walk with Christ - to recall all the many good things God has done, and to see all the many trials He has carried us through, all the while taking the focus back to His Word.

3. The Word of God is meant to seep into every area of our lives as believing women.  We want to see Hebrews 4:12 pronounced true in our lives: "For the Word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  God's Word is alive and active, meant to influence our daily lives.  How amazing that we have the opportunity to apply certain verses in Scripture to our very human lives.  Why wouldn't we want a life verse?!

As I read through a few Psalms this morning, a verse that I had underlined jumped off the page and spoke to my heart.  And here it is:

"You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." (Psalm 16:11, NIV)

I also love The Message paraphrase of this verse:

"Now you've got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face.  Ever since you took my hand, I'm on the right way." (Psalm 16:11, The Message)

Throughout the past year and a half, I have been on a journey to finding satisfaction in my God.  This verse speaks volume to me.  I think it's my current life verse for this season! He has used His Word to make known to me the path of life!  And that life is in Him!

So, what about you, friend? 

Do you have a life verse? 

If so, what is it?!

I Must Become Less

Wow.  I'm ashamed.  It's been way too long since I have visited blog-world.  There have been several times throughout the past month when I've thought, "Now that would be a great post!" only to lose the energy later to make it all punch out on this screen.  It's been an unusual month - Really the only way I know to describe it.  It's been a little tiring, slightly draining, and yet spiritually invigorating. 

Isn't that interesting when that happens?

That in our trials, God's strength can be supernaturally revealed to the point where we literally feel carried right through the difficult circumstances?

Now, I will announce that there have been several times in my life when I have faced a difficulty and I have had to fight with everything in me just to experience a glimpse of God's peace and presence.  And after all my energy was sapped from the battle, God's tender presence became known to me and I felt as though I could just fall asleep in His arms out of complete and utter exhaustion.  

This time has (glory to God!) been much different.  A trial was set before me, and I immediately was convicted of my circumstantial faith.  At that point, I made a conscious decision that I would believe my God regardless of the outcome.  I cannot explain to you the immense satisfaction of soul that followed that decision.    

My God has been so good to me, friends.  Without a shadow of doubt, I can say: He is good.  Over and over again, my heart has recited the following verse: "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you" (Psalm 116:7).  And I ask you today - Have you taken time to just reflect on the goodness of your God?

We live in a culture that is so hyper-focused on personal satisfaction.  How sad it is to me what is happening to our generation.  It's all about us.  Our happiness, our wealth, our opinions, our feelings.  In third chapter of the book of John, John's disciples come to him telling him that Jesus - the one John has testified about - is baptizing others.  John's response to this knowledge is so powerful.  He says, "A man can only receive what is given him from heaven.  You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of Him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom.  The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice.  That joy is mine, and it is now complete.  He must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:27-30).  

John's joy was complete because he had experienced the presence of his Savior.  And John was then satisfied to step down and take a position of inferiority, out of his desire to make Jesus high and lifted up.  So many times in life, I am unwilling to step down from my personal throne.  I resist becoming ... less.  I feel entitled that things should go my way.  I regretfully fail to realize that my feelings of entitlement are pitiful in light of the Cross of Christ.  My mindset is at times so self-centered that I get lost in my own circumstances, and my prayers often reflect this frame of mind.  It's when I finally get a glimpse of the perfection of Jesus - when I experience the presence of my Savior - that I realize that this is life of mine would be nothing without Him.  He must become greater; I must become less.

Whatever weakness you are experiencing right now - whatever trial - God can still use you.  Most of the time, He can use you more.  Because there's something about the trial process that creates in us the humility we've long been lacking.  The humility that God so treasures.  The kind that says: He must become greater; I must become less.

So in light of your present circumstances, sweet friend, may you personally experience the powerful presence of your Savior.  And like John, may your joy be complete in the person of Jesus.  It is yours to claim.

Blessings to you,
Heather    

Attributes of God

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, 

because when he has stood the test, he will receive

the crown of life that God has promised to 

those who love Him."

(James 1:12)

How do we get through such trials?

I sat and listened intently as a great mentor of mine spoke to a group of women on Tuesday afternoon. She shared about all the many ways God is carrying her through the most difficult season of her life. Knowing all that she has experienced throughout the past few short years, I was astounded at her testimony of how the Lord has given her such peace amidst the storms of life. Over and over again, she claimed God as her rest and her refuge.

Attributes of God.

It seems as though every day I am being made aware of another trial someone I know - or know of - is undergoing. Financial distress, illness, failing marriages, abuse, miscarriage, loss ... The list could go on and on. I often, much like you, scratch my head and ask God questions such as, "Why is this happening?" and "When will this ever end?"

Psalm 9:9-10 says, "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your Name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have have never forsaken those who seek You."

Who is the Lord to you personally, my friend? Is He your refuge and your strength, as the Psalmist above proclaims? Is He your comforter, your redeemer, your rest? Is He your sustainer, provider, and friend? Your satisfier, defender, and protector?

These attributes of God are anchors to keep our soul from drifting.

So today, if you are caught up in the difficulties of life, may you find rest in clinging to the attributes of your God.  Just recalling all the many ways He has carried you through the hardships up to this point, will act as a catalyst for your soul to continue trusting Him for the future.

Attributes of God.

Anchors for our soul.