"What's the Scoop on.....the Bride of Christ?"

Tuesday was the final meeting of our regular year for Tuesday morning Bible Study.  If you have been keeping up with us, you know that we have been studying the women of the Bible since September. Arlene closed out this year’s study with The Bride of Christ followed by an awesome time of fellowship with our sisters in Christ.

I’m sorry to say, this is one of those lessons that you had to be physically present in order to get the full impact.  Blog notes for her teaching could not do justice to the lesson she taught. 

Many of you know that the Bride of Christ is the Church – the body of believers throughout the world that profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. To better understand the significance of this in our own lives, Arlene paralleled the Jewish marriage ceremony taken from the oral traditions handed down throughout their history and prevalent in the Old Testament, to what it means for us to be a part of the Bride of Christ.  It was a very powerful lesson.  Looking at the two, side by side, leaves you in awe of our Lord.

If you would like further information on what was taught or have any questions you can email us at teamblog429 @gmail.com.  Arlene would be blessed to answer them for you.

"What's the Scoop on....Esther?"

Tuesday in Bible Study Eva taught on Esther.  She pointed out that in this book of the Bible God isn’t specifically mentioned.  As Eva went through Esther’s story, she showed us how God’s hand was unmistakably present.  God’s enemies were destroyed and His people, the Jews, were delivered.

Esther lived in the country of Persia after the Jews had been taken to exile in Babylon.  After the death of her parents she was raised by a close relative, Mordecai. At the time that Esther was in her teens, King Xerxes of Persia banished the queen. In order to find a replacement, young virgins were brought to the palace to undergo a year-long regiment of preparation after which the King would choose one to be his queen. Esther was chosen.

Shortly after Esther became queen, one of King Xerxes closest advisors, Haman, initiated a plot to destroy all of the Jews in the Persian kingdom with the king’s permission.  (On the advice of Mordecai, Esther had not revealed to the King that she was Jewish.)  In the midst of God-ordained events, Esther acted courageously to intercede on behalf of her people, the Jews.  As a result of her actions, the Jews were  not only spared from destruction but they triumphed over their enemies.

Although we know Esther was Jewish it doesn’t seem that there was anything in her outward behavior or appearance that would have set her apart as being Jewish or overtly religious.  As I just mentioned, she was instructed to keep this a secret.  Reading about Esther brought to mind a passage in the Book of James. If you have a minute, please read James 2:14 – 2:26.  In this passage James teaches about the relationship between faith and works. Verse 2:26 sums it up well, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead”.  Esther was a woman who was able to walk out her faith despite the restrictions she faced.   I think we can see that her actions truly did spring from a solid faith in the Lord.

Esther walked in humility.  Reading through the entire book, there are many instances where Esther accepted the counsel of others. Prior to appearing before the king, “she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested” (Est. 2:15b).  It also says, “She continued to follow Mordecai's instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up” (Est. 2:20b).  In the same way, God desires for us to walk in humility.  It is something He esteems.  Walking in humility means being able to accept instruction, which is not always easy for us to do.  God has put people in all of our lives who are godly and wise.  The instruction they give to us is a gift, one which we should receive with gratitude. God tells us in Proverbs 16:20, “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers”.

Esther walked in the favor of God.   I think it may not surprise us too much that Esther found favor with the king.  As scripture states, Esther “was lovely in form and features” (Est. 2:7b).  We also know that she had undergone a full year of beauty treatments.  What I read in Esther 2:15 did surprise me, “And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her” (Est. 2:15c).  Imagine what the harem must have been like…countless young women, the most beautiful in the land, competing with one another for the ultimate prize – the king.  It doesn’t seem like a place where you would expect to find favor with the other women yet this is exactly what Esther did. It says in Psalm 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless”.

Esther walked in dependence.  After Esther became queen, a message was brought to her from Mordecai.  He told her of Haman’s evil plot to destroy the Jews.  Mordecai “urged her to go into the king's presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people” (Est. 4:8b).  Esther sent the following reply to Mordecai:  "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do.”  (Esther 4:16a).  

Fasting, along with prayer, are signs of dependence upon the Lord and trust in Him.  Esther knew that she would need God’s help in what He was calling her to do.  In Isaiah 58:6 it says, "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”  The fast Esther was calling for was in line with God’s will and His heart.   

Esther walked in courage. When Mordecai initially asked Esther to go before the king on behalf of the Jews she was understandably afraid. In Esther 4:11b we read, “for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to death.”  Mordecai had asked her the rhetorical question, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther had to make a very difficult choice. By faith she believed that after the fast was complete she would have the courage to act.  Esther made the courageous choice.

I end this post by asking you the same question that I am asking myself.  How are you walking out your faith?  If you don’t know the answer, ask God to show you.  He desires this more than you know. 

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:9-10).

"What's the Scoop on ........... Anna?"

On Tuesday Janet taught on Anna.  She showed us a woman who lived her life wholly devoted to the Lord.  Anna’s mention in scripture is relegated to a mere three verses.  As I looked at a few commentaries on this passage in Luke, I was able to glean some additional insight into this woman that I would like to share.  There is much we can learn from this Anna.

“There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38).

Anna was a prophetess. 

As we have gone through our study of the women of the bible, we studied two other prophets: Deborah and Huldah.  Like these women, Anna had a very special calling on her life that was characterized by a devout faith and an earnest prayer life. Because she did not leave the temple it follows that she was saturated with the word of God.  She was a woman who would have been highly respected and sought after by those seeking divine guidance. Anna’s years of faithfulness to her calling brought much blessing to her life. God used her to proclaim His divine message. Anna was rewarded with the revelation that the child she beheld in the temple was the son of God, the Redeemer of Israel!

Anna was of a great age.

We know very little about Anna’s life and what transpired from the time of her husband’s death until we meet her in this passage. We can only surmise what it must have been like for her – financial hardships, battles with bitterness or loneliness, questions of God’s purpose for her life.  Yet God did not share these details with us.  Perhaps because they don’t matter.  I am reminded of what we studied about Bathsheba, was she a victim or victor?  In the end, Arlene taught that it didn’t matter.  What mattered was how she ended. Could the same be true with Anna? No matter what had transpired in her past, well into her senior years her life is characterized by whole-hearted joyful, thankful devotion to the Lord.

Anna was a widow. 

It was traditional for a Hebrew girl to be married at a young age.  Anna probably became a widow in her early 20s, with no children.  This was not a set of circumstances anyone would wish for themselves. Many places in scripture give us a picture of the destitution that these women faced.  Yet God did allow this in Anna’s life. 

Some of us might find ourselves in circumstances similar to Anna’s - perhaps as a widow,  divorced, or single after many years of desiring marriage.  It is a place that bitterness can easily develop.  Looking at Anna, there is not a hint of bitterness in her life.  As I read this passage I was reminded of Paul’s words: “An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit” (1 Cor. 7:34b). Our circumstances my last a lifetime or only for a season, but is it possible that this time could be a gift from God? It affords the opportunity to draw close to Him free from the distractions that married women might face. Satan may have meant this for evil but God will use it for good as we focus on Him.

Anna was a missionary.

Anna’s role in scripture is intertwined with that of Simeon. Simeon was a devout man who had waited his whole life for the appearance of the Messiah.  He was moved by the Spirit as Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the temple in accordance with the Mosaic Law to consecrate their first born child to the Lord. Simeon proclaimed, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss  your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:29-30).  Anna recognized the Messiah as well but it did not end there for her.  What did she do? She….. ”spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38b). Her calling was that of a prophetess yet she did the work of a missionary as she proclaimed Jesus as Messiah, not just to some people but to “all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:28b, emphasis added).

 

“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.  We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 1:11-12).

Bible Memorization Project - The Sequel: Verse 10

I admit to being a little sad as I write this post.  Today we begin memorizing our tenth verse in the ‘Bible Memorization Project ~ The Sequel’.  So why am I sad?  It is a blessing and a joy to undertake a challenge with a group of sisters, knowing that we all have the same goal in mind.  It goes beyond just being accountable to each other as we commit God’s Word to memory.  I think we learn more about each other as we read the verses posted on the blog and on Facebook that speak to each of our own hearts.  I will miss it. 

The good news is that we do have one more verse.  Even if you haven’t memorized a single verse, I challenge you – just do this one! What do you have to loose? In all my days I don’t think I have ever heard anyone express regret over memorizing scripture!

It says in Hebrew’s 4:12 “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”.  I want His living Word in me! I know you do too!

For those of you who have completed the challenge of ten verses or more, Arlene and I are ready to hear you recite them.  You have two weeks to do this.  We will be available on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings and on Tuesdays, of course.  The last day to recite will be Tuesday, May 29^th.  The Bible Memorization Brunch will be the following Tuesday, June 5^th. (For the mother’s, there will be childcare.)

You guys are awesome!! Let’s hear those verses!!

Summer 2012 Bible Study

So now what?  Perhaps you have been asking yourself that question as you sense the inevitable winding down of the calendar for this years Women’s Bible Study.  Maybe you have grown accustomed to gathering together around God’s Word each week and are starting to ask the question “What is life this summer going to be like without my peeps?” 

Rest assured, your Bible study leader feels the same way.  I have been spoiled rotten by the exhilaration, love and devotion that you women bring to each other every week and realize that fasting from that kind of fellowship over a summer interlude is going to be the kind of fast that won’t be pretty.  I need that weekly dose of energy and excitement in the Lord that we bring to each other just the same as you do.

Last year about this time, I confess I was feeling the same way.  I thought that maybe I could find a handful of women who were sensing the need to keep the momentum going also.  I pitched out a Bible study that would be purely homework driven in the hopes that I might be able to find a small group who would enjoy that kind of thing with me.  I was believing God for about five to ten women.  Nothing could have prepared me for what God had going on.  We sold forty books to that study with twenty-five women turning out with each group discussion.  God definitely had something up His sleeve last year and we were excited to be a part of it. 

So guess what?  This year, I am anticipating an encore work of what transpired last summer.  We have selected another purely homework driven Bible study to do together as a group again this year.  Are you feeling interested? The study is called Duty or Delight – Knowing where you stand with God  by Tammie Head.  Read this description written on the back cover or watch this promo .

“Is your relationship to God more like a duty or a delight?  God didn’t save you keep Him happy.  God saved you to be your absolute delight.  Join Tammie Head on the six stops along the way to free yourself from spiritual insecurities and ignite your faith.  Christ means more than keeping all the boxes checked.  You can stop living in guilt, confusion, and duty.  You can delight in the God who delights in you.”

Anyone feeling the need to trade in the crushing sense of duty that seems to permeate our lives as women for the extraordinary delight that we can have in our relationship with God?  Anyone game for a spiritual breath of fresh air?  I am!  For some of us, this study will bring a solid reminder of the foundation of our beliefs and for others it will be the tearing down of old worldly foundations and replacing them with the truth that is found in God’s Word.  When I first completed this study, I confess it was a bit of both for me.  Either way, there is something for everyone. 

If you are confused about the particulars of how this study will work let me explain. 

Our study consists of a workbook with six weeks worth of homework.  We will complete two weeks of homework then meet together.  Then we will complete another two weeks of homework and then meet and so on.  When we do meet there will be no teaching.  We will gather together and fellowship around the Word by journeying through the homework together.  We will also be enjoying some kind of early morning menu item. 

You can order the workbook for a cost of $10 until May 29^th.  

The homework and meeting schedule will run as follow:

June 26^th – start week one homework

July 3^rd – start week two homework

July 10^th – meet at church to go over weeks one and two

           - start week three homework

July 17^{th -} start week four homework

July 24^th – meet at church to go over weeks three and four

             - start week five homework

July 31^st – start week six homework

August 7^th – meet at church to go over five and six

            

Now the beauty of this schedule is if you miss a meeting you can still come to the next one since you will be doing all the work at home.  When we meet, we will be discussing what God has taught us personally through our one on one time with Him while completing the homework. 

If the calendar seems confusing, there is no need to worry because we will be posting on the blog and on facebook what week we will be working on every Tuesday so no one will get lost. 

How I hope you join us the summer as we embark on this season of study with God.  I just know He has something intentionally planned for us and I don’t want to miss it.  How about you?

Loved, loved, loved doing Bible Study with you this year! 

Childcare is available and we will continue to meet at 9:30 am.

"What's the Scoop on..........Ruth?"

Tuesday in bible study Jan taught on Ruth.  Her lesson  was set against the backdrop of a picture of an onion to give us a powerful visualization.  She compared the story of the Book of Ruth to the layers of an onion, drawing us deeper into a greater understanding of our God.

Layer 1: God’s hated land of Moab. The Book of Ruth opens with the story of a Jewish man, Elimelech, and his family. They Had left their home in Bethlehem during a time of famine to live in Moab. Throughout the history of Israel, Moab had been a source of conflict and affliction for the Jewish people.  In Deu. 23:3 the Lord commands “No Ammonite or Moabite or any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation”.  Not only did Elimelech move his family to this land, but both of his sons married Moabite women.

Layer 2: God sees a light in the darkness. After a time in Moab, Elimelech and his two sons die.  Left behind are his wife Naomi and his two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpha.  Jan pointed out that when tragedy strikes, very often we want to go home. That is exactly what Naomi wanted to do.  She was filled with bitterness over the circumstances of her life.  

As Naomi was leaving Moab she told Orpha and Ruth to stay in Moab; she had nothing to offer them in the way of a future.  Despite Naomi’s insistence, Ruth chose to accompany Naomi to Bethlehem.  In the darkness there was a glimmer of light. “But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me” (Ruth 1:16-17).

Layer 3: God looks at the heart.  Ruth, the glimmer of light, was a Moabitess. In the last few weeks of Bible study we have seen how God differentiates between the judgment on a nation and the judgment of an individual.  The land of Moab was evil but Ruth chose to make the Lord her God. As it says in 1 Sam. 16:7c  “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart”.

Layer 4: God sets up situations. In you read through the book of Ruth from beginning to end you will clearly see the hand of God at work.  Upon returning to Bethlehem Ruth must go out to the fields to gather grain so that she and Naomi will not starve.  She happens upon the field of Boaz.  Boaz knows of Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi and grants her favor, providing both protection and abundant provisions. Boaz also happens to be a family relative of Elimelech.  "That man is our close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers” (Ruth 2:20b).  This is significant, as Jan pointed out, to the 5^th layer of the story.

 

Layer 5: The Kinsmen Redeemer. The kinsman redeemer played an important role in ancient Israelite society.  This man would avenge the deaths of family members, claim inheritances for poor family members, and marry the widow of a dead male relative. In the story of Ruth the closest male relative had forfeited this position which put Boaz in the position of the kinsman redeemer of Naomi’s family.   Boaz acted in integrity and honored his position and responsibility.  

While the kinsman redeemer is important in the Book of Ruth, it points to something even more amazing in our own lives.  Jesus is our Kinsman Redeemer! He has rescued us, paid the debt for our sin, and redeemed us. Because of what he has done we have “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4b).

God is the Core: At the very center of the story of Ruth is the Lord.  God’s hand is on the events from the beginning to the end.  This is a story about a single family but it is a far greater story about the redemption of mankind.  The fruit of Boaz’s and Ruth’s union is a son.  This son goes on to become the grandfather of King David, the human ancestor of Jesus Christ!

Jan reminded us in Proverbs 3: 5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight”.  In our own lives God is always at work even when we don’t realize it.  Our circumstances may be far from ideal but God uses these things even when we don’t understand.  It is His desire that our faith and compassion grow.  The core of the Book of Ruth is God.  Our relationship with God needs to be at the very core of our own lives!

“This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go” (Isaiah 48:17).

Bible Memorization Project - Week 9

Hello Everyone!!

Is it my imagination or has the time been flying by? We started our first verse back on January 10th. If you are like me, life has been happening to you in these last months..good things, bad things, and just everyday ordinary life kind of things.  One day can flow into another and before you know it, its four months later.

If you have been taking part in the bible memorization project, what you can say for yourself, is that you have more of God's Word in you than you did on January 10th and that is a very good thing.  Some of us have memorized eight verses so far, some of us many more.  Just think, if you continue on, how much of God's Word you could have hidden in your heart by the end of the year. Its amazing!!

But I won't get ahead of myself for now.  What I want to know  - what is your ninth verse?