IT CAN BE SUCH A RICH TIME,
BRINGING LIFE FROM THE BARREN SOD
WINTER INTO SPRING
THE RICHEST TIMES ON THIS BLOG HAVE BEEN DURING LENT!
WHY?
IT’S THE UPSIDE DOWN THINKING OF GOD
FOR IN DYING, WE FIND LIFE
THE THING WE FEAR THE MOST
IS THE SECRET TO SETTING US FREE
WE ARE IN SLAVERY TO OURSELVES
TO OUR IDOLS
TO THE LIES OF THE ENEMY
BUT CHRIST LONGS TO SET US FREE
BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE
THERE WILL BE A BATTLE
AS JESUS BATTLED SATAN FOR FORTY DAYS
WE WILL BATTLE HIS LIES FOR FORTY DAYS
BUT AS JESUS CLUNG TO THE WORD
SO WILL WE, AND WHEN WE FAIL, WE WILL LOOK TO THE CROSS
ALLOWING THE GOSPEL TO TRANSFORM US FOR
LENT IS NOT SO MUCH ABOUT FORFEITING BUT ABOUT FORMATION
If you have never observed Lent, or if you observed it by giving up candy or meat on Fridays but never quite knew why, this will be a rich time for you. It begins on Ash Wednesday, which is Wednesday of this week, and continues to Easter. Not counting Sundays — that is forty days — paralleling the forty days Jesus was in the wilderness battling Satan. Often people do “give up” something for Lent, but the reason has often been lost. We turn away from something so that we will have the time to be with Jesus, or so that His life might bloom in us. We die that we might have life.
For those of you who have been sojourning with us for a while, or for those of you who have read my book Idol Lies or have studied “gospel transformation,” in a study, you know that what gets in our way of intimacy with the Lord is our heart idols. Instead of running to the Lord for comfort, approval, and security, we run to one of his gifts and turn it into a god. We may say, for example, that God is our refuge and we know He loves us, but in reality, when we are longing for refuge we run to friends, Facebook, or food. We are enslaved, as Galatians says, to “nongods.” This is not the gospel way of life. It is the opposite.
So the big goal this Lent will be to replace our heart idols with the Lord. But a smaller goal to help us move in that direction, is to replace the time we’ve spent feeding our idols with being in His presence. For example, you may choose any of these or another plan:
- Replace an hour or all of nightly television with this study and the supplemental reading
- Replace three lunches with three walks listening to mp-3 sermons
- Replace Facebook time with endeavoring to seek God’s face through worship music and praying the Word
- Replace staying up late and sleeping in with getting up and being with Him before your day begins
WE WANT TO KNOW HIM AND THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION. WE WANT TO EXPERIENCE HIS BEAUTY AND HIS BEAUTY IN US THIS LENT. THE ONLY WAY THAT CAN HAPPEN IS GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION — BEING CHANGED FROM THE INSIDE OUT.
This year I am so excited about where God is leading — we are going to consider how the gospel is not just the ABC’s of Christianity (the way in) but the A to Z of Christianity — (the way to live in victorious intimacy with Christ every day). As we apply the gospel to all of life and begin to plumb its depths, it will affect how we mother, how we face suffering, how we overcome our besetting sins, and most of all, our intimacy with God. I have only come to truly begin to grasp this in the last ten years. Before that, if you would have asked me if I understood the gospel, I would have been miffed. Of course! But now I so understand what Tim Keller means when he says:
If you think you understand the gospel, that proves you don’t, and if you say, “Oh I hardly understand it,” that means you are getting it.[1]
For some of you, especially in the first few weeks, much will be review, but that is good, for as Martin Luther says, “We must beat this into our heads every day.” The default mode of the human heart is idolatry, either trusting in His gifts or in ourselves — because we don’t really trust His love enough to fall into it. We must keep resetting our hearts to the gospel.
Together we are going to seek His presence, turning from our idols and running toward Him. We will share, on this blog, what we are learning, what we are questioning, and how He is meeting us.
HOW DOES THIS LENTEN STUDY WORK?
This Sunday through Tuesday, we’ll get ready. Beginnings are always a bit messy, and we have an enemy, but I and others are praying you will not only start but stay with it! You don’t have to stay with the suggested time line — in fact this week especially, you’d be wise to work ahead.
I would like you to watch two short (under seven minutes) testimonies from women who found victory over a besetting sin, and also read a post from Ann VosKamp about Lent. Prayerfully consider what you will give up so that you have the time to do this study diligently. You might, as Rebecca did, give up television after supper. Or you might, as Rachael did, give up most of her internet activities for Lent. (But not this one!) You may decide to skip Starbucks or a weekly lunch so you can buy the MP3 sermons I am going to suggest (some are free, but some are 2.50) and have the time to listen to them. (The Keller sermon money goes to help the suffering, who are many, in New York City. ) Idols cannot be removed, only replaced. So our purpose is always intimacy with God in our sacrifices during Lent. In these next three days pray about how you can carve out the time (or the possible 2.50 a week) to better understand how to apply the gospel to your life. By Ash Wednesday, you should have a plan.
If you are new, on my homepage on the right click on the Getting Started and follow those directions. Identify yourself by more than just a first name. You may want to be April from Baltimore or, as some women from my Kansas City church might be joining us, you may want to be Melissa@GPC. (Gashland Presbyterian Church) Some women don’t comment on the blog at all, but keep their answers in a notebook. There are wonderful women on this blog and you are free to have discussions with one another, pray for one another, or not. I am diligently trying to read all the comments, particularly when I see questions about the text or misunderstandings — and there are a few women who have been with us a long time, are grounded in the Word, who help me. And all of you are free to jump in and encourage one another. We see better together than we do alone. Together we find warmth, like many logs on a fire, instead of a lonely log dying. That is the beauty of Christian fellowship — and yes, it can happen on a blog. We are experiencing God here. Idols have been demolished, sins overcome, and grief subdued. You are also free to disagree here. This is a very loving group.
Beginning this Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, we will start our study by looking at some basics on the gospel way of life. Then next Sunday, and every Sunday, there will be a new post that will help you peer into the gospel and see how it might be applied to every problem you face. Please pray for God’s quickening on us all!
Sunday: Icebreakers
1. Tell us a sentence about yourself and why you have come.
2. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Monday: Testimonies from Rebecca and Rachael:
If you haven’t seen these testimonies (They are from the Idol Lies video curriculum) please watch them and comment on them. If you already have seen them, then you don’t need to watch, but answer the questions. (However, I think they are profound and worth re-watching.)
Rebecca’s story: (This is our Rebecca!)
3. How was Rebecca feeding her comfort idol? How is she replacing her comfort idol? What did God do in her life?
Rachael’s story (This Rachael has been a silent blogger, but will be joining us on the blog during Lent.)
4. How was Rachael feeding her control idol? How is she replacing her control idol? What did God do in her life?
Be praying about what you will “give up” and how you will be replacing it with God. Think about when and where you will do your study, come up with an occasional 2.50 to spend on sermons that are not free, and how you can get the most from this study. I’ll ask you to share your plan on Ash Wednesday.
Skip ahead to Tuesday if you have time.
Tuesday: What’s Lent All About?
Read Ann Voskamp’s discussion about Lent up to her “book list”: Link
5. Ann said Lent isn’t so much about forfeiting but about formation. One needs to be dispossessed of the possessions that possess — before one can be possessed of God. What possesses — obsesses you? Food? Facebook? Television? Texting? (This will help you decide what to give up that you might replace it with God.)
6. Ann failed the very first night, showing her her depravity, and leading her to the cross.She said: A failing lent? It is a good Lent because this Lenten Lament of my sin — it is preparing me for the Easter Joy of my Savior. How will you respond when you fail?
7. What else stood out to you from Ann’s post?
Lenten Book List
I am suggesting you also read, during Lent, one of the following books which will give additional support to living a gospel-transformed life. If you act now, you can probably get them through inter-library loan within a few weeks. The first is basic — if you haven’t read it, then this is your book during Lent:
THE PRODIGAL GOD by Tim Keller:
Watch this two minute trailer to whet your taste:
This is a small book, but a paradigm changing book on the gospel-centered life. You can also listen to eight free sermons on The Prodigal God by going to this link and finding the sermons on Luke 15.
If you have already read or listened to The Prodigal God, then choose one of these books as supplemental Lenten reading:
Bread and Wine Readings for Easter with selections from C. S. Lewis, Luther, Bonhoeffer, John Donne…
WHAT’S SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE? by Philip Yancey.
In Yancey’s classic he says, “Grace is amazing because it’s not natural.” Gospel-transformed living is not natural — it’s supernatural. The natural default of the human heart is idolatry. This is what keeps us from forgiving, from loving well, from the peace God longs for us to have. Grace is another way to describe the gospel – and the gospel is the only remedy to our heart idols.
IDOL LIES by Dee Brestin
We are essentially going on from the concepts in Idol Lies, though we will review — but if you haven’t read it, you will find it helpful to do so. I am indebted to Tim Keller, Martin Luther, David Powlison, and so many others who have helped me understand idols of the heart.
ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp
When God changes us, He moves us from guilt, to grace, to gratitude. A transformed heart is a grateful heart. A gospel transformed heart is no longer trying to earn God’s approval, for it is resting in His grace (another way to describe the gospel) and responding with gratitude. But since the default of the human heart is idolatry, then continually being aware of His presence through His blessings, or as Ann calls it, “living eucharisto” can help switch that default mode of idolatry back to gospel transformation.
If you have read all of the above, I also recommend these excellent books that are related to gospel transformation:
Soul Idolatry: What Keeps Men Out of Heaven (David Clarkson)
Spiritual Depression (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Grace-Based Parenting (Elyse Fitzpatrick)
A Grace Disguised (Jerry Sittser)
The Gospel in Life (Tim Keller)
Go see the movie Les Miserables while it is still in the theatres!
And an easy reading extra:
Pearl in the Sand (Tessa Afshar — light historical fiction in which the author demonstrates an understanding of gospel transformation) Our own Nanci recommended it and I think you’ll like it. But this is not to be your main supplemental reading book!
8. What book will you get for your supplemental reading — and why?
Skip ahead to Wednesday if you have time.
ASH WEDNESDAY — WE OFFICIALLY BEGIN!
Many churches will have a service tonight in which ashes are placed on the foreheads of believers to remind them that they are dust and to dust they will return. This life is so short and we tend to be so earthbound in our perspective. When we are earthbound, we become enslaved to our idols. During Lent we want to set our affections on things above with particular diligence.
9. How is the Lord leading you to approach Lent? Is there something that you tend to run to instead of to Him? How will you replace it? When, where, and how will you meet with Him?
Ann Voskamp said: “I can’t seem to follow through on giving up for Lent, which makes me want to just give up on Lent.” Even this week, as God gives you a plan on what you might give up in order to have more of Him, you will face a battle. You may stumble and even fall, and you will consider giving up. But don’t let the enemy win so easily — for failing will lead you to the cross, and the cross will transform you. Lent is about Gospel formation, so keep repenting, and do not give up on Lent! You will find increasing strength. Prepare a prayer for the times when you are tempted to not follow through. Use Scripture, the Sword of the Spirit.
For example, I tend to run to food when I’m stressed or bored. I am very disciplined at meals, but I can easily wander into the pantry in an almost hypnotic trance between meals to grab crackers or a handful of cheerios. Why do I do this? I am feeding my heart idol of comfort with something besides The God of All Comfort. One of my Lenten disciplines therefore is to fast for some meals, but also, cut out all in-between meal snacking and to replace it with running to Him. I will not buy tempting provisions and I will not grab things between meals, but when tempted, will say this prayer and then run to Him: Lord, only in Your presence are fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. [Psalm 16:11] Yet here I am tempted to find pleasure in snacking. Remove this desire and as I run to You now, meet me, O Lord, and help me wait upon You and trust You to be my comfort. Will I stumble? Most likely. Will I give up on giving up? If I do, I am so deceived — for He is the only One who can rescue me. Lent is about Gospel Formation and learning to repent from my idols and run to Him.
10. What scriptural prayer can you prepare that fits your need for when you are tempted to retreat from your Lenten discipline?
THREE WAYS TO LIVE
In The Prodigal God, which is based on the parable Jesus tells of the two sons in Luke 15, Keller explains there are 3 ways to live:
- Irreligion: As when the younger son, in rebellion, ran away from the father and wasted his inheritance and life.
- Religion: As when the older son, in self-righteousness, thought he could be right before the father by keeping the rules.
- Gospel: As when the younger son returned, in true repentance, throwing himself on his father’s mercy and receive grace.
Too often we fall into the error as believers that if we are not “irreligious,” if we are not being bad, then we are right with God. We may be busy in church, even going to choir and Bible study, but we may not have a gospel-transformed heart. We tend to fall into th error, not of irreligion, but of religion. Instead of resting in the Father’s love, and responding to it in gratitude and service, we try to “earn” our own righteousness. The older son was not resting in the father’s love, and certainly not joyful or thankful, for he said, “I’ve slaved for you all these years…” He was showing, by the bad fruit emanating from his heart, that he had fallen into the other error, that of religion. (Christianity, by the way, is not a religion. Christianity is not earning favor with God, but believing, through the gospel, that we already have favor with God.)
As we will see, this week and next, we all have some “older brotherishness” in our hearts — even if we are not complete older brothers. We can be saved and yet still, on a day to day basis, not really be resting in God’s love. Our prayer lives, for example, may be filled with petition rather than praise, for we are not yet experiencing intimacy with God, not yet having a melted heart that is overwhelmed by His love.
Jesus tells three parables, the parable of the lost sons is the third. But it is important to see whom He was addressing.
11. According to Luke 15:1-2:
- To whom was Jesus speaking?
- About what were they murmuring?
- Which of the three ways of life do you think was true of the Pharisees and why?
12. Read Luke 15:13-16 and find all you can about the “irreligious” way of life.
13. Have you tried the above way of life? What did it bring you?
Read Luke 15:17-24 for The Gospel Way of Life and meditate on Rembrandt’s painting.
Rembrandt: Return of the Prodigal
14. Remember: If you think you understand the gospel, you probably don’t. So slow down, using both the Word and Rembrandt’s painting, and answer:
- What did the son plan to say to the father, after he “came to himself?” (v. 18-19)
- How did the father respond before he ever heard why the son returned or what he planned to say? (vs. 20-24)
- In Rembrandt’s painting, how does he portray the destitute nature of the son and the love of the Father? Tell us all you see.
- Ask the Lord, through the above, to help you begin to comprehend His gospel love for you. Write what He impresses on you.
15. Read Luke 15:25-30 The Way of Religion (Remember — this is the pit into which believers tend to slip)
A. What does he say to his father? How does he show a lack of love and gratitude?
B. How was the older son not seeing his depravity?
Lent will show us our depravity — and that is a good thing.
THURSDAY (IF YOU ARE FALLING BEHIND, SKIP TO FRIDAY) COME BACK IF POSSIBLE
Read the following from Richard Lovelace, Professor of Religious History:
Only a fraction of the present body of professing Christians are solidly appropriating the justifying work of Christ in their lives. Many…have a theoretical commitment to this doctrine, but in their day-to-day existence they are …drawing their assurance of acceptance with God from their sincerity, their past experience of conversion, their recent religious performance or the relative infrequency of their conscious, willful disobedience. Few know enough to start each day with a thoroughgoing stand upon Luther’s platform: You are accepted, looking outward in faith and claiming the wholly alien righteousness of Christ as the only ground for acceptance, relaxing in that quality of trust which will produce increasing sanctification as faith in love and gratitude.
16. Contemplate the above:
A. What does Lovelace say most Christians rely upon for feeling accepted by God?
B. What does he say few know enough to do?
C. How does this speak to you?
17. How did the father offer grace to the son who was choosing the way of religion? (verse 31)
18. How did the father give grace to the son who chose the way of irreligion? (verse 32)
Friday
Listen to this free MP3 sermon. (You can just play it, but it will be less likely to skip and you will be able to stop and start it more easily if you download it. If this is new, please have a young person help you. It’s not hard to learn.): Link
19. Share your notes from this sermon.
Saturday:
20. What is your take-a-way from this week and why?
858 comments
God will sometimes give us what we ask for (good or bad) fully knowing what the outcome will be. He knew us before we were formed and knew what we would do. The prodigal son received what he asked for (his inheritance) from his father. The father may have known that this was not a good decision for the son but let him have his way anyway. So Rembrandt’s painting of a father forgiving his son for his mistake in judgement was powerful to me because I have run to Him many times for the mistakes I have made and believe I have been forgiven for the sins of thinking I know what’s best for my life.
This painting also helped me to figure out how I will meet the Lord. I go to Jesus’ admonishment of the disciples in Matt. 26:40 where he finds them asleep and asked, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” – I want to spend more earnest time with God and I want to do it on my knees. I tend to pray as I wake in the morning while lying in my bed and sometimes I fall back to sleep. I also tend to stop and pray many short prayers throughout the day. I want a gospel relationship with Him. I want to focus more on a repentant prayer life. For Him to take complete control and show me His purpose for my life and to do that I need to be in a position of receiving what He has for me. I don’t really know if I can do this for an hour a day but I will start with that in mind this evening and if I fail and He gives me another day of life – I will try it again tomorrow and the next day and the next.
Annette-love how the painting spoke to you about how you will meet with Him–on your knees
GOD LOVES MY BROKENNESS AND MY NEEDINESS! i know this is true, but that does not make ME like it anymore! I HATE my broken and needy parts, I want to cover them up with the shiny parts I have worked so hard to create 🙂 BUT alas, God has a different plan. A plan that exposes the ugly, a plan that leaves no room for pride or self sufficency, a plan that is HIS and not mine…..bummer!
my goal for this lent, submit to HIM! I HATE SUBMITTING!!!!!!!!!! just sayin! I really really really HATE it! when I was 2 I told my mom “I like no nos”, when i was in college told my campus minister how much a hated Paul because he wrote that you had to submit to your husband :-), I go in the out door and go 4 mph over the speed limit just because I don’t like rules that I don’t make! THAT is how much I HATE it 🙂 my poor husband! I am a “lion/otter married to a very quiet,”beaver” of a man, you can just imagine how well that has gone! As I learn to be broken and to see MY sin and MY neediness my marriage has had room to heal.
the following is a tangent so feel free to skip! I know there are a lot of us and its hard to keep up!
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
I fear most people want to skip this part. they want a loving forgiving God but they do not want to have to admit that they are wrong/to be broken and humble/ in order to get the love. they want to be “good enough” to deserve Gods love and our offended when we say that they are not. This has been such a huge frustration and heart ache for me as I try to share the love of the gospel with others….people do not want to be told that they are sinners, in ANY way, not just in a judgemental way. my daughters friend was very offended by the song “Jesus friend of sinners” because it called people sinners!
The “problem” with the gospel is that we have to admit we are in need of forgiveness….and as I try to share HIS love with others this has been the biggest obstacle!
14. Remember: If you think you understand the gospel, you probably don’t. So slow down, using both the Word and Rembrandt’s painting, and answer:
•What did the son plan to say to the father, after he “came to himself?” (v. 18-19)
He had resolved in his heart to go back and say that he had sinned against heaven and against his father. He said that he was no longer worthy to be his son and would be content to be a hired servant in his father’s house
•
•How did the father respond before he ever heard why the son returned or what he planned to say? (vs. 20-24)
The father was looking for him and when he spotted him he ran to his son. His father was filled with compassion. He kissed his son.
•
•In Rembrandt’s painting, how does he portray the destitute nature of the son and the love of the Father? Tell us all you see.
The son is buried in Father’s lap. He looks like a little boy and he is probably weeping.
The prodigal son is weeping and laying his head on his fathers’ lap. The father is embracing him.
I am curious as to the onlookers. Are they giving approval? Do they need to be there? Is this a testimony that they need to see it? I am thinking what is love?
Is it tender embraces? Is it grace? Is it touch? Is it being there for someone?
Maybe not even talking but just the presence of someone who cares for u?
Maybe it is being able to look someone in the eye and see reflected in their eyes their love for you. That you are worth something.
That u have value, potential, are ok.
So I guess my prayer this lent is:
Father God will u hold me.
Can I bury my head in your lap and weep?
Can I just be and not strive anymore to be something.
Anything but myself
Skinny or fat do u love me?
Do u see potential in me?
Was I worth dying for?
Am I worth anything at all?
Father God can I just bury myself in your lap and just be.
Without trying
Will u just love me?
Love away the hurt and the pain.
I give u my permission to love away the hurt and the pain.
So once again I am weeping and singing.
It is my confession Lord that I am weak
So very weak and u are strong
And though I have nothing Lord to lay at your feet
I come to your feet and say help me along.
The Lord gave me this scripture
Psalm 73 26
My flesh and my heart may fail
But
God is the strength of my
heart
and my portion forever
My flesh and my heart have failed me but the Lord never has.
During this time of Lent I do not want to “do” anymore
I just want to “be”
To be loved, to be held, to be cuddled, to be honored, to be held.
That is just it.
To be loved.
•
•Ask the Lord, through the above, to help you begin to comprehend His gospel love for you. Write what He impresses on you.
See above. I wrote it in the wrong spot but I do not move ahead to the questions. I just do one at a time and that is what the Lord gave to me.
•
15. Read Luke 15:25-30 The Way of Religion (Remember — this is the pit into which believers tend to slip)
A. What does he say to his father? How does he show a lack of love and gratitude?
I never understood this one. Why was he so angry? He said I have slaved for u. I have never disobeyed u.
I guess the motive of his heart was wrong. He did not love his father or his brother.
I guess he was like me. Always trying but never just being with the father.
He wanted to be celebrated and loved.
Was he working for his father’s love instead of just accepting the father’s love?
He was saying, did I not do everything right and still u gave me nothing.
But the father gave him his love and everything the father had was his and yet it was still not enough.
He wanted something more and he was not motivated by love
What more could he possibly want?
B. How was the older son not seeing his depravity?
He didn’t see and understand the motives of his heart.
He was lost and was trying so hard even though he was doing he was not doing with the right motive.
His behaviour was not motivated by love but by what he could get or what he thought he could get.
This is all very sobering.
I do not want to be like that.
I had heard of the story of the prodigal son but I have never studied it.
I crave the Father’s attention and love.
Growing up my father was a kind and gentle man.
I still remember walking hand in hand with him.
His hands were so large
B/c he had worked with his hands so much.
Don’t even know why I shared that.
Blessings
Mellany
Mellany — so glad for this post, to know your heart, and see your contemplative spirit.
such good insight, Mellany “His behaviour was not motivated by love but by what he could get or what he thought he could get.”
SOS FROM DEE:
I remember when my dad refused to do e-mail because he said, “I feel like I’ve come home and there are twenty people in my kitchen.”
Are you feeling that way on this blog? I am so thankful for each of you and believe God brought you. Each new person has given me joy.
But how do we keep the size of this group from working at cross-purposes with the very desire we have for increasing intimacy with Jesus this Holy Lent?
I am suggesting a new plan for this Lent. Instead of writing out all your answers here on the blog, put them in a Word document and just share the gold:
• Something that quickened you
• Something that puzzled you and you want input
• Don’t feel compelled to read all the comments. You can find particular people by using the command key followed by the F key (find) and typing in their name.
I’ll put this in “Getting Started” and also post it again Sunday.
Thanks for your patience with me – I want to be wise with this new world, and so appreciate your prayers. I also want to hear from you to see if you think this is wise — I surely don’t want to quench the Spirit.
Always love the stories of your wise dad–he makes me smile. Sounds like a wise plan, I’ll continue to pray that we would all bring Him glory here–“a fellowship so sweet”. Thankful for this “good” problem to have of so many of us hungry for intimacy with our Abba 🙂
Thank you, Elizabeth. I felt such anxiety after posting and looked right back for reassurance! And here you are.
Dee, I think this is a good idea. I think the result will actually be more fellowship.
Thank you Dee!! Great idea!
good idea Dee, I know i have been a bit overwhelmed by all the posts! I love the “just the gold” idea!
Thanks for this, I think it’s a great idea also because I was feeling behind not being able to read every word of the comments.
i wonder if we could do an all caps “PERSONAL OR PRAYER REQUEST” if we are struggling with something off study as well…..just a thought 🙂
I know how you might be feeling, I woke up yesterday morning to 45 emails on my phone and feeling overwhelmed by the volume. I was thinking that I would never keep up. This morning however was pretty cool as there wasn’t as many and the first one I looked at was your prayer for Lent, made me so thankful. Tonight I got home from work opened my phone and saw this and my first thought was “thank you Jesus”, I am not the only one who feels overwhelmed.
I like your suggestion, I had pretty much decided that the only thing I was really going to be able to do is just do the study and post my own comments and just pray for others, without posting a response, unless I felt I should say something, otherwise I would feel like it was too much. I also knew that if I spent my study time reading all the comments, then I wouldn’t be spending as much time on the study or pondering God’s desire for me as I ought to. So thank you and definitely praying for your continued wisdom in leadership through Lent.
Oh my, that is so helpful. I was wondering how to find certain people…thank you!
I think that’s a great idea! 🙂
Wonderful idea, Dee 🙂 (and a relief!)
Oh I so agree, I do try to do my answering to the questions first so I can get that in but lately have not had much time to read all these posts and I see there are so many new and wonderful women who joined. I do pray for all the ladies in the bible blog and there families and will continue to do that and respond to posts I see when I can. I have about 3 more weeks of a Monday night bible study that I’m in and it takes me everyday and lunch to do that one, so I am relieved as well. Thanks Dee for always having our best interests in mind!
I appreciate your SOS ideas very much. I’m a professional musician and public speaker. When I’m not on the road for my job, I’m taking care of my dad whose cancer recently returned. I am participating in your study, but I will probably always be in the wrong place at the wrong time to comment here. Being able to scan through the comments of others faster will be a big help to those of us already struggling to keep up! It takes guts to redirect people when they are already in motion– kudos to you!
Jan, welcome!
Whew, what a blessing. Just last evening I was wondering how I could possibly keep up and wondered if I had made the right decision to come back for Lent. I’m an “all or nothing” person so to not read every comment upsets me – probably an idol hiding in there somewhere. Thanks for this Dee.
Dee, I agree with this-great suggestion!! 🙂 I so want to read everyone’s comments but usually, as is with everyone else-my time can be limited.
yes I like that too. I was wondering about it when posting because the content was so much! 🙂 Love you Dee. this is a blessing indeed!
ditto to the comments of thanks and relief…great idea, Dee…
Only a fraction of the present body of professing Christians are solidly appropriating the justifying work of Christ in their lives. Many…have a theoretical commitment to this doctrine, but in their day-to-day existence they are …drawing their assurance of acceptance with God from their sincerity, their past experience of conversion, their recent religious performance or the relative infrequency of their conscious, willful disobedience. Few know enough to start each day with a thoroughgoing stand upon Luther’s platform: You are accepted, looking outward in faith and claiming the wholly alien righteousness of Christ as the only ground for acceptance, relaxing in that quality of trust which will produce increasing sanctification as faith in love and gratitude.16. Contemplate the above:
A. What does Lovelace say most Christians rely upon for feeling accepted by God?
There past experiences – old manna-
Their feelings
Being wise in my own eyes.
Father God has convicted me of that in the past.
When dealing with my husband’s sin
Not conscious of my own.
Noticing the speck in my brother’s eye and not the plank in my own.
B. What does he say few know enough to do?
Resting in God
Believing that I am accepted.
Accepted in the beloved?
Having not attended church for 9 years and battling on my own
Being wise in my own eyes.
Maybe it is time I accepted Jesus’s love for me and that I am only made righteous b/c of the shed blood of the Lamb.
I am accepted b/c of Christ and His righteousness and for no other reason.
C. How does this speak to you?
Well first of all I feel convicted.
That I need to just trust God and He does the work not me.
As I surrender myself and my family to Him -Jesus sanctifies)
I do not need to try to sanctify myself or my family
Jesus is more than capable.
I am being humourous here I know and sarcastic but I need to write it down.
It is so true and I am just not getting it.
It is so difficult to fight battles on your own and much easier to surrender to God and let God fight your battles.
I still love how Jesus showed me that His breastplate of righteousness is sufficient for me
This was last week during my counselling appt.
I have the righteousness of Christ and He fights my battles
I almost want to go and stick my tongue out at the enemy
But
That is childish.
So I will delight myself in the Lord
It is much easier
And
Be so thankful that my name is written in the Lamb’s book of life
All my pain and confusion He understood
All I had to offer Him was brokeness and strife
But He made something beautiful of my life.
It is amazing to me how Jesus is bringing back old songs, choruses, hymns etc.
To mind
And how they make sense now.
17. How did the father offer grace to the son who was choosing the way of religion? (verse 31)He reminded the son that he had the Father with him always and that the father had given him everything that he needed.
Basically the father said everything I have is yours
It has always been this way and it always will be.
I went back and looked at the picture
Maybe the man in the background is the second son?
I don’t know why that is important to me but it is.
That the second son accepts the father’s gifts and appropriates them and delights in them
That he stops being ungrateful, stubborn and just accepts the Father’s love.
Maybe I am preaching to myself here?
or
Maybe I am totally missing the mark?
18. How did the father give grace to the son who chose the way of irreligion? (verse 32)
He welcomed him back and celebrated b/c the son came home and acknowledge his sin and asked for mercy and received it.
The father said his son was lost and now he is found and we shall celebrate.
I thought of myself as this son b/c I have wandering in the wilderness along time and eating with the pigs
But
Now I am aware and Father God is teaching me again what it means to be a Child of the King
And
I am forever grateful.
Maybe I am just a mixture of the two sons.
Needing grace and love
But
Full of fear and stubborn pride.
I am sure Father God will reveal all.
But
It is His presence and His love I crave.
Is that wrong?
Blessings
mellany
Mellany–love this post “Maybe I am just a mixture of the two sons.Needing grace and love” One of my favorite books is Nouwen’s “The Prodigal Son”. I remember as I read, having the thought you just shared–identifying with both brother–and both, in need of love and grace.
6. How will you respond when you fail?
I have a strong tendency to give up when I fail. I hate failure so if I just don’t try I will not fail. It is such a work of the enemy in my life. The truth is that failure is formative. It teaches me how to succeed if I stop beating myself up and look at it. It shows me my weaknesses, what I did wrong and what I can do to avoid that pitfall next time.
In her book Mother Teresa said “The way to be humble is to allow yourself to be humiliated.” It is so simple yet so profound. I find it absolutely true. If I stop trying to control the damage by defending or exonerating myself, it hurts but then I am free. I don’t have to BE anything but His child in need of Him. It is hard to explain.
Anne–the Mother Theresa quote spoke to me. I have a tendency to give up when I fail, not up for much of a challenge..unless it’s someone telling me “no”–then I seem to push on! I appreciate your depth so much. Quick update on Joey?
Elizabeth, thank you for asking about Joey. He is still not connected with a faith group. I don’t know…
Good thing is that we are spending more time together. He is learning to cook some things and trying to eat healthier. As a result our relationship is deepening and that is a wonderful answer to prayer.
How is Joey’s ankle’s/feet?
Anne, SO glad to hear that about you and Joey-Your life so reflects mine with my boys-I see so many similarities between Joey and my oldest. My oldest told me recently that he doesn’t like our church and doesn’t want to go. He didn’t like the last one either-In our case, I don’t think it is the church-I just think it is where his heart is at right now, but I know God is in control.
LOVE the picture of the two of you cooking together Anne–that’s a gift
Anne I so understand!!
Hi Sharon. It is wonderful to have you with us. I’m glad you understand. Sometimes it is so hard to put things into words. It sounds like you have been there too.
Joyce, Joey’s tendon surgeries were a success. He went from being very flat footed to particularly high arches. He still wants to be a Marine so it is good that is corrected but he still has foot problems. Last fall he spent another month in a cast because his plantar fascia was tearing. He has since had a bout with plantar fasciitis. He went to see a former teacher recently who was a Marine and he told him he should above all go to college before he goes in. Otherwise they will stick a gun in his hand and send him to the front lines. Sounds harsh but it was truth and Joey heard him. He has to get through boot camp first and then he wants to go to automotive school. Then go in. We will see. Praying for God’s direction.
Rebecca, I am sorry that your oldest is struggling with church. Recently Joey told me what he doesn’t like about youth groups. To me it looks like pride. Spiritual pride in the church and pride in his own heart. It is sad because instead of loving inclusion there seems to be an attitude of superiority that Joey is sensitive to. I am going to pray against that in the church and especially youth groups. How it breaks the Lord’s heart.
Thanks for the update Anne and prayer going your way for Joey.
Anne, thankful to hear that the surgeries were successful…but it must be hard for someone so young to go through all of this-the plantar fascitiitis and being in a cast. I’ll pray about this and about the situation with youth group.
I agree- even in church, I see that with the Jr. High group my daughter is in – there are still cliques and things like that.
well I just listened to the sermon by Tim Keller
The first one.
Father God gave me this hymn
He sought me and He bought me with His redeeming blood
He loved me ere I knew Him and
All my love is due Him
…plunged beneath the cleansing flood.
Lightbulbs going off in my head.
All over the place.
God sought me
I did not seek Him
This is a mighty revelation for me
I am chosen
I am loved
God sought me
Hallejah.
I always thought that I cried out to God and He heard me
Which He did.
I was in a violent marriage
Calling out to my dad
Then the Heavenly Father answered.
I thought I had done it
But God had
This means so much to me b/c I am chosen.
I am delighting in that fact
That God chose me
It is not a nah, nah, look at me
But
A hugging close to my heart.
I am loved and God chose me.
Of course I am going to listen to this sermon again
And
Again
And
Take notes this time.
Blessings
Love in Christ
Your eternal sister
Mellany
I love your poetic candor. beautiful and personal. thank you for sharing of yourself.
Tell us a sentance about yourself and why you have come.
My husband and I are full-time RVers and because of travel, don’t have a consistant faith community. That is my one sentance, but to elaborate, our scattered family includes 3 grown children and their spouses. We have 5 grandchildren, between the ages of 18 (where did the time go?) and 20 months, with one more on the way.
I have followed Dee’s studies for over a year – just getting my toes wet without actually jumping in. I spent many years at a spiritual standstill because of anxiety/depression struggles, but God has brought me to the point of regaining the hope in Him which I thought I had lost. I so appreciate the loving community on this blog. I will do my best to figure out MP3s and to work with our sometimes spotty reception, because I want to have a deeper walk with my Savior.
Welcome welcome Diane2!
Welcome Diane, You will find that deeper walk here…so glad your here!
Welcome Diane 2!
I agree with just posting the “gold”
I apologize Ladies
I just received the book Idol Lies on the day of Lent
I love that.
Blessings
Mellany
That’s a wonderful book! It challenged me and helped me grow in so many ways.
Liz, I just think the world of you-so glad you are here. You remind me of me when I was your age-I can identify even with your past. 🙂 God has His hands on you sister.
Aw, Rebecca!! Thank you so much! I’m so glad God led me to do this. You guys have all been such a comfort to my heart and it’s not even been a whole week yet! 🙂
Mellany, So glad that worked out for you! Wonderful how God arranged that! 🙂
Mellany,
I think pretty much all of your posts are gold. You are opening up like a flower to the sun.
How did your meeting go?
You’ll love it Mellany!
What stood out to you from the above, and why?
“The default mode of the human heart is idolatry, either trusting in His gifts or in ourselves — because we don’t really trust His love enough to fall into it. We must keep resetting our hearts to the gospel.”
This is so true! I see it in myself, and understand the difference because when I have “fallen into” His love, there were no worries about performance or acceptance. Sadly, that is not the rule.
From now on I will use the Word document approach for my answers as Dee suggested, but will be following along on the blog.
Love this Diane …”We must keep resetting our hearts to the gospel.” So true~
Please always come and share any insights or questions, Diane2!
I sit here alone in my house in the woods, rare during these retirement years. And my heart is filled with the knowledge that God has already used this entire week to focus on Him, His love, and yes, the idols that I find myself bowing before even though I have followed Christ for years. I am so grateful that you have made this a “lenten” adventure. I grew up in a small Moravian church in a small Upper Michigan town and still remember the sacredness of these next 40 days. Now I no longer am a part of that denomination but find I yearn for the rhythm of our spiritual journey…so I’m walking it with you and the many who also share how God is working in their lives. This morning I made two “small” giving up decisions…to get up a half hour earlier every morning for my treasured quiet time at the kitchen table and then “hack away” at one of my idols…no in between meal snacks. You can imagine how I chuckled when I read your words today…How does Dee Brestin and the Lord get together to personally talk to me…..I copied your Scripture prayer and will make it mine….God bless!
Myrt Anderson
Oh — so many phrases touched my heart Myrt. Love that you have joined us.
Myrt, You make me want to come and sit at your kitchen table, in your house in the woods, with quiet devotional time with you! It sounds so peacefull…Welcome sweet sister!
Welcome Myrt!
‘I yearn for the rhythm of our spiritual journey…’
I love this!
I’m joining this Lenten Study. Persevering in His Word. Overwhelmed by comments, so not sure how much I’ll participate through comments, but am so excited by this Lenten Study and will try to comment weekly for the accountability.
I’m in a new season of life: motherhood. A young boy I am privileged to welcome as our son and in a few months will be official. This is a challenging season. I will check out the Prodigal sermon series. For my additional reading I will be reading parenting books. Finishing up “Love Our Kids on Purpose” and then read the “Grace-Based Parenting”. I am excited at what God will teach me about being a parent during Lent. Already He is teaching me to relax and live out His principles each day. When I do this I can see the fruit beginning to bud in our son.
The Lord has impressed on me to set aside time every day for Him and living this out during the day. I will take time each morning to worship at the piano, and then in the evening stick to a bedtime schedule allowing time for this study.
Welcome back Cherie and congratulations on your young boy!
Yes, Cherie — welcome back. Such a season for you — you will find a soul sister in Angela who has adopted “little man.”
So I actually did it tonight! I fasted for dinner!! I also found a book in the church library that I have heard many women on this blog speak of in the past, to read. Tozer’s “Pursuit of God.” i read the first chapter this evening. Off to a good start on my journey. I am pleased 🙂
AWESOME, you go girl 🙂
Way to go Laura Dancer!
Laura, when you say you are pleased it reminds me of Eric Lidell (sp?) Remember when we studied him and how he loved feeling God’s pleasure on him? That profoundly affected my life and when I pursue God’s pleasure I soar.
P.S. What is your avatar picture of?
It’s her cap and gown, isn’t it Laura?
Yep. I earned my masters of science in December 🙂
Way to go Laura!!
I’m doing a little dance for you, Laura-dancer!
Yes, I join Dee in a happy dance. Way to go Laura!
Seeing God’s faithfulness already. I stopped working to go to church — for Lent — this evening. I’m SO encouraged. I was semi-aware of a downward cycle of work/exhaustion/inefficiency. I’ve worked so much on Saturday in order to be able to go to church on Sunday that I’ve been sick many Sundays, and I haven’t regularly attended Lent services for several years. Was good to be with other believers and hear of the power of the Living Word. Good to not be working all evening, too!
Thank you, Dee, for encouraging us to give up something to seek Him! All it took was a taste — and He dramatically increased my desire for Him.
So thankful for Him meeting you, Renee.
5. Ann said Lent isn’t so much about forfeiting but about formation. One needs to be dispossessed of the possessions that possess — before one can be possessed of God. What possesses — obsesses you? Food? Facebook? Television? Texting? (This will help you decide what to give up that you might replace it with God.) – For me right now I would have to say Facebook is what I go to. I don’t like to text because it takes way to much time, I always say just call me. I don’t really watch a whole lot of TV as I’m usually doing some kind of bible study and will switch over to Facebook or Words With Friends on my iPad. This statement that Ann said really made a lot of sense to me and was like a WOW statement for me. I never thought of these things that I go to on my iPad as being possessed by them, but I guess in reality anything that we can’t live without is possessing our minds.
6. Ann failed the very first night, showing her her depravity, and leading her to the cross.She said: A failing lent? It is a good Lent because this Lenten Lament of my sin — it is preparing me for the Easter Joy of my Savior. How will you respond when you fail? – I will be disappointed with myself that I gave in to the temptation of what ever it may be that keeps me from focusing on God and His Word but also know that God already knows that I will be tempted and will be there for me when I ask him to give me the strength I need to stay away from the things possessing me. God just wants my heart and my thoughts to be pure and not condemning.
7. What else stood out to you from Ann’s post? – This article had so many good points but what stood out to me was when she said she absentmindedly ate an evening meal that she told herself she was going to give up. She then said to herself “Do I not think enough of You to remember?” “Do I love You so little?” – This made me very sad, to think that is how I treat Jesus every time I go to something other than him. To know that he will never leave me and will always be there to protect me but yet, I can’t even stay focused enough to give him my whole heart, soul and mind. I really need to cry out to him and let him know how sorry I am that I continue to hurt him when I do that and to ask him daily for strength to stay focused.
Something that quickened me:
Ask the Lord, through the above, to help you begin to comprehend His gospel love for you. Write what He impresses on you.
Already this first day of Lent I have begun to see anew my soul depravity and oh, praise God there is hope for even me! As I ask God this question and peer at the beautiful painting I hear Him say, “Kill the fattened calf because my daughter has come back safe and sound. She tried it on her own and has come to her senses.”
And to God I reply, “Thank you for never giving up on me when I go astray and for gently drawing me back with your kind shepherds hook.”
I see you not forgetting the gospel and it gives me joy.
Today I was sobered when I realized that the older brother had everything (“everything that I have is yours”), yet he missed the JOY.
Gold.
that’s so insightful, Judy. thanks for sharing. I agree with Dee…GOLD!
13. Have you tried the above way of life? What did it bring you?
This is something I haves tried so hard lately to impress on my children. Living the tough life brings nothing more than pain and suffering. When you live a “clean” life you have peace.
11. According to Luke 15:1-2:
To whom was Jesus speaking?
The Pharisees
About what were they murmuring?
That Jesus would welcome sinners and eat with them.
Which of the three ways of life do you think was true of the Pharisees and why?
Religion. They thought they were right before God because they kept the rules.
12. Read Luke 15:13-16 and find all you can about the “irreligious” way of life.
Like a camel in heat–satisfying their fleshly pleasures at the expense of everyone else-even themselves in the end.
13. Have you tried the above way of life? What did it bring you?
Yes. It did the opposite-I thought it would bring a well of satisfaction but in the end it brought depression and a slow decaying of my soul.
How was the older son not seeing his depravity?
He does not see that he is not loving the Father any more than his prodigal brother had when he left. The service he has offered has been rooted in selfishness, not love. He wanted the Fathers money, what he would inherit, not the Father himself.
I long the be pure in heart, to sit at Jesus feet, just soaking in His presence, but I am aware of the wickedness in me that so quickly turns something that may even start out good into an occasion for pride, like the elder brother, I become self serving instead of God serving. Ugh
I am thankful for the promise that the good work He has begun in me will be completed one day.
Dear Sisters,
Oh — I am so relieved to see your enthusiastic responses to my idea above for Lent, for just sharing the gold —
when something quickens or puzzles us. Thank you!
And let’s incorporate Cyndi’s idea — if you have a strong prayer need, put it in all caps. Which reminds me: DIANE: HOW DID KRISTA’S MEETING WITH THE NEW LAWYER GO?
God is with us. The enemy just took a hit. He was crawling up, trying to rob us of this journey of intimacy with God. But the Lord has slammed the window on his slimy fingers and he is skulking off.
Thank you God.
Thank you dear sisters.
I saw his foot slip. Lost his foothold and slid down the side of the cliff.
Shrieking as he went!
🙂
16. C: How does this speak to you?
Having the righteousness of Christ covers my depravity so that I can accept God’s love. It’s not that God doesn’t love me it’s that who He is doesn’t allow for my sin to be tolerated. But accepting Christ’s righteousness humbles me because there’s nothing I can do, I have to realize I can’t work my way to His righteousness but throw away my own self righteousness to accept His. I would fall into the category of Christians that rely on the”relative infrequency of their conscious, willful disobedience” & “recent religious performance”.
My question is about the part that says “relaxing in that quality of trust which will produce increasing sanctification as faith in love and gratitude”.
I understand that when we relax in the quality (not quantity) of trust it will produce sanctification or holiness, to be set apart but I’m not understanding the “as faith in love and gratitude” part. Does it mean that as sanctification increases we will walk with faith in love and gratitude? Am I being too technical?
Happy Valentines day by the way 🙂
I think that is what it means. As the gospel presses more deeply into our hearts, as we see that it is the solution to every problem, it will also result in increasing love and gratitude.
The week after next, I’ll be dealing more with this. Thanks, Crystal.
Crystal welcome!
I think it means that rather than obeying out of duty for selfish reasons, to earn a reward or approval sanctification, real heart change that changes our lives so we look more and more like Christ will grow in us as we understand His incredible free gift of love, that our standing before Him is complete, that we are loved even when we fail.
That frees us from fear, from the need to preform or be perfect, we can step out in faith, the Christlikeness will come from our changed hearts, our love and gratitude towards our Savior displaying themselves in love and service to others.
What do you think?
After listening to the sermon, I think I understand more. I agree with what you both are saying, and I can see better the need for Christ’s righteousness to save us. But it’ll not just be a one time deal but a continual renewal.
I wanted to share a quick point that stood out to me. I’ve always been that elder brother, especially because I am an oldest child but my mentality of christianity for a long time was “be good, stay out of trouble”. But the last couple of years I’ve been really learning what it means to obey. The point that stood out was how being good doesn’t necessarily mean intimacy with God and I had been feeling that anger that Pastor Keller was talking about. My prayer is that my heart would soften to my need for repentance of why I was doing good. I need to be melted and moved by the cost to bring me home to the Father.
Thanks for replying, C. Swan 🙂
16. Contemplate the above:
A. What does Lovelace say most Christians rely upon for feeling accepted by God? a past experience. This is good for this is what I observe so often in the south. It grieves my heart so!!!
B. What does he say few know enough to do? How to live it day to day. I am just learning and want to teach this to everyone I see! Glorious is He when you can really get this and live this in the mundane.
Love the fathers heart.
PRAYER FOR US- LITTLE MAN HAS A COLD AND DIFFICULTY SLEEPING SO IT DISRUPTS EVERYTHING, MY BODY IS FRAGILE DUE TO PAST ILLNESS AND LACK OF SLEEP AGGRAVATES MY BODY MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CARE FOR EVERYONE. MY HUSBAND IS IN A HUGE WORK PROJECT DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. TO MAKE MATTERS WORST LITTLE MAN FELL FORWARD AT THE DINNER TABLE LAST NIGHT AND BROKE HIS FRONT TOOTH. CALLING DENTIST AS SOON AS OPENS. HE WONT EAT at all. OR BARELY TALK. IT IS A TOUGH TIME. PRAYER APPRECIATED. I AM DIZZY BUT HAVE TO DRIVE HIM….SO MUCH. YET EVERYTIME I WANT TO RUN TO MY FOOD COMFORT I AM REMINDED TO RUN TO HIM INSTEAD.
Praying right now, dear Angela.
Thank you all…he had 2 front teeth pulled. He did great and I am doing better.
Praise God, Angela
Oh — sounds trying, but yes, over and both better!
Dear Lord, Please help Angela right now and ease this dizziness, helping her to drive safely. Comfort little man at the dentist, help him to not be fearful, and I pray that his tooth can be fixed. Please just bring your comfort through your presence to them all, dear Lord.
Oh angela im praying for you to have extra energy and to stay healthy!
In this winter season my job is primarily telephone calls to set up events. I have lots of, (read too much!) free time.
I have taken to sleeping until 8 or 8:30 every morning.
I decided that my comfort idol needs to be confronted as part of my discipline for Lent, so this morning I set my alarm for 5:30 am, and spent time reading my bible and praying, with a focus on repentance. I don’t want to be ruled by the desires that war within me, I long to be ruled by Christ!
I was given this list, The Heart that God Revives, at church, reading through the Proud and Unbroken side I found much to grieve over and to confess.
In reading the Broken people side, I was encouraged in seeing that God has changed me, there has been real progress in many areas.
I thought some of you might find it useful too, as a tool for repentance and a celebration of heart change.
http://liaap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Proud-Unbroken-People.pdf
Thanks for the link to that list, Chris – wow.
Thats how I felt too Susan, I am glad it ministered to you.
Yes — thanks for that link!
8. What book will you get for your supplemental reading – and why?
I’m using a book I read (but didn’t finish) in 2011 for Lent: The Incomparable Christ by Oswald Sanders. It’s a great book to focus on Jesus and Him alone. And I’ve ordered Reliving the Passion by Walt Wangerin. I’ve read some of his writings before and I’m intrigued by his writing style.
That quote by Lovelace is hard. I agree, and then I have a “but”. 🙂 Like he says, lately I have been looking to how sincere I am about the Lord when I have fears about where I stand with Him. I know I am not good enough on my own, but like James argues, there will be fruit along with faith. It’s hard. I think though, “that as [I look] outward in faith and [claim] the wholly alien righteousness of Christ as the only ground for acceptance, [and relax] in that quality of trust”, perhaps I will quit worrying about the fruit in my life and instead just find myself producing fruit as a result of love and gratitude.
Thankful for God’s unconditional love today.
I am too Linnea, so thankful for God’s unconditional love and his grace he so unselfishly gives to me, so undiserving.
I thought of our studies about abiding in the Vine as I read your comment Linnea, the branch doesn’t work real hard, it draws it’s life from the Vine and fruit results. Apart from Him we can do nothing.
I feel like our call is to be sure we are sincerely abiding, drawing our daily strength from Christ.
God and reading all the comments here from you lovely ladies are my lifeline today. Valentine’s Day. Though I truly don’t want to be with him anymore there many reminders, everywhere, of what I don’t have any more. Feeling a little bit lonely. Though I went to a mom’s group this morning which was very nice.
For those of you wondering, yesterday went very well. I have a lawyer now! Definitely feel she is an answer to prayer. We meet with her again tomorrow to go over some things. Thank you for all of your prayers, and please continue to!
Krista–so sorry you feel lonely today. But what a PRAISE that you have a lawyer and feel good about her! Oh, so thankful for that, Krista. I pray for you Fridays so I will definitely remember to pray for the meeting–and all of this trial in your lives. Know you have so much support here
Thank you Elizabeth. <3 I do know I have support here and it truly does help so much! God has truly blessed me with all of you!
Lots of grief for you.
I am thanful for a lawyer that you are enthusiastic about. Yes. continuing in prayer.
Thank you Dee. <3
Praying for you, Krista. So thankful that yesterday went well and that you have a lawyer now. Will continue to pray 🙂
Oh Krista, it is a answer to prayer that you have good legal advice now! You will soon see more of your boys I’m sure!!! Still praying! (Keep your head up, things will get better)
Good to know of the provision of a lawyer, praise for that!
Thanks too for letting us know of your Moms internet problems, we miss her!
Krista,
This is good news; I am glad the Lord provided a good lawyer for you – may He give her much wisdom in this matter. I will keep praying.
Last night our son called to tell us that his wife would be induced to have grandson #4 next week. (We had been totally out of contact for several years and didn’t even know when his other son was born.). I was invited to be present at the birth. What a gift! They live 15 hrs away. I was thrilled with the invitation but have so many important obligations that I was torn about trying to go. I went to bed and spent a restless night fluctuating between “God is in charge and will work it out” and “how shall Sarah solve it.” For Lent I decided that I would spend 30 min. In quiet “listening” to God each day. I would go to my bedroom, turn off my phone and be still. After getting 2 grandchildren to school I came home and went to be quiet, praying for peace concerning our decision to travel next week. When I completed my quiet and looked at my phone there was a message from our son…his wife is in labor so our grandson will be born on Valentine’s Day! I do not have to struggle with whether to go for the birth. We can go in March when we will have more time to spend with everyone! God keeps convicting me on my idol of control and over-mothering.
Sarah, how exciting! Prayers everything with the birth does well!
Sarah, God worked it out for you while you were spending time with him!! My daughter, Kendra’s birthday is on Valentine’s day! She is 26 now. When I was in labor, (we didn’t know if it was a boy or girl), it was friday the 13th, with a full moon and I was determined I was going to wait and give birth after midnight to have a Valentine baby! Lord willing she did come then!
Thankful for restoration! That your son invited you to be present at a birth when you have been out of contact for years is incredible!
Let us know when you go, we will pray.
Wonderful answer to prayer!
Kyler was born at 3:03 a.m. Feb. 15! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Congratulations Sarah!
Boy or girl? Gratulations grandma!!
Rejoicing with you Sarahsal!
Just want to share my blog post from today, I hope that is alright. Jesus truly touched my heart after reading Ann Voskamp’s blog today and I had to write something:
http://mommyrose.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/i-am-a-broken-rose-looking-to-the-lover-of-my-soul/
Just wanted to let you all know that my Mom (Diane) is having a lot of issues with her Internet, so is barely able to get online. That is why she hasn’t been here much recently. They are going to call their Internet provider and hopefully figure out the problem.
I did miss her…hope they get it fixed soon. I love your blog, Krista!
I just had an “older daughter” memory, the female version of the Prodigal Son. This memory was complete with the parent pleading for the older daughter to soften. We could almost place our names in the story. The only difference was that we had two acting like “older daughters” rather than one repenting.
I thought “enough” and chose to be an older daughter. I thought I was RIGHT 🙂 (definitely not the first or last time I thought I was right, but I don’t usually dig in my heels when I know I will “lose”). I upset the family dynamics (understatement).
In Luke 15, the father saw the son when he was a long way off — and had compassion. The father was compassionate before the younger son confessed that he had sinned. For all the father knew, the son was coming back to ask for more money. The father’s compassion was not conditional on the son’s repentance. He loved his son; because he was his son, the father had compassion.
Previously, I only saw the contrast between the older son and the younger son, self-righteousness vs repentance, and that the older brother was mad because the younger son got what he didn’t seem to deserve. This passage is showing me that who I am in Christ (and recognizing who I am in Christ, a sinner loved by her Father and saved by grace) impacts my relationship with Him and attitude toward others whether or not (I think) they are repentant. Because my relationship with Him is secure, I both am free to love and responsible to love the younger brother/sister even if s/he is being a jerk. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” The father took the initiative to run to the son. Seems as if the older sister should do the same.
Thanks for sharing that, Renee…it seems the Lord brings things out to me in memories also, sometimes.
That’s good Renee. May we have the Father’s heart!
I am pondering and could use some help. I am working through offline (thanks again Dee excellent suggestion) and got to Luke 15:17-24.
•What did the son plan to say to the father, after he “came to himself?” (v. 18-19)
I started my answer based on what I knew, he came to his senses got up went home to ask his father for forgiveness and to be treated like one of the servants. Then I looked at Dee’s comment about assuming knowledge and to slow down. When I went back to read the verses more carefully, it occurred to me that the son didn’t actually ask his father anything (yeah, my analytical brain looking at what wasn’t there). He didn’t ask for forgiveness (he confessed he sinned), he didn’t ask if could at least be treated like one of the servants (he told his father to treat him as such). Unless I am missing something, there was no “asking” in his plan. It looks like he went back, trusting that his father would not turn him away. It doesn’t appear to occur to him that being turned away with nothing was even an option.
I am pondering if the son would have been able to expect that he would be accepted (in a reduced role, but still allowed to stay; that his father would not just kick him out, telling him he made his bed, he had to lay in it type of thing. I notice that the son did not expect for his father to bail him out or to restore what the son had squandered, but he does appear to assume that his father will not turn his back on him. Is there a cultural thing that I am missing that would have made it impossible for a son at that time to be rejected by his father so that the son at least knew that part? or was it part of the father’s character that the son would know, that he could expect to have at least some place in the household, even if it was a small one.
thanks for your help with my pondering.
Mary-Canada, GREAT pondering! 🙂 This was brought out when we studied this passage a few years ago and Dee brought out that back then it was like killing your father to take your inheritance before he died-it was like saying I hate you to your father. Yet, before the son could ask for forgiveness the father was looking for him and ran to him with open arms..He would have had to lift his robe to run which was considered a humiliating thing to do back then-men never did that! So not only did the Father forgive him before he was able to repent-He humiliated himself running to Him-he loved him that much. I am not sure if this helps or not-but when we did the study it stuck with me!
Mary, you will love the sermon, it will shed new light on this whole parable.
The Lovelace statement hits home for me. He is stating that most believers rely on their performance, experience or some “goodness” model that they have enacted in their own minds to measure their acceptance by God. True reality is resting in the finished work of Christ on the cross and accepting his love for us in trusting and responding to the truth of the Gospel daily. Realizing that he is my loving Savior communing with me every second of the day and night!
That’s why the prodigal son is more about the older son for me than the younger. The younger brother took advantage of his relationship with his father at first and realized after experience, performance and his “goodness” model that his father loved him no matter what and wanted nothing more than a relationship. The older brother being there all the time doesn’t even realize there’s a relationship to be had. He too is taking advantage of the relationship he has with his father but doesn’t realize its value or that his father is not measuring him by performance etc. He is blind to all that is there for him. This story is a beautiful picture of God’s grace and forgiveness!
I want to be more like the younger brother although I have tendencies toward being the older. My prayer is for God to continually search my heart, know my anxious thoughts and lead me in the way everlasting!! (Ps. 139:23,24)
Angie-not sure you will get this…Great points you have made!
A thought flashed through my mind as I read your post-I am wondering if the point isn’t whether or not we are like the older or younger brother-but as you stated, the point is the Gospel because we all have both brothers in us-The Father represents Jesus on the Cross-and the beauty of God’s Grace and forgiveness to both brothers and they both didn’t merit it-it was freely given. Amazing love, how can it be? I picture Him running to the younger brother over and over in my mind-I don’t know why He loves me, BUT HE DOES-this should melt my heart. 🙂
14. What did the son plan to say to the father, after he “came to himself?” (v. 18-19)
To tell him he sinned against God and against his father-he is no longer worthy to be his son-make me like one of your hired servants.
-How did the father respond before he ever heard why the son returned or what he planned to say? (vs. 20-24)
He saw him from afar was filled with compassion, ran to him, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
-In Rembrandt’s painting, how does he portray the destitute nature of the son and the love of the Father? Tell us all you see.
The son’s tattered shoes-one off and one on. On his knees his head turned and eyes closed resting in his fathers lap. The Father’s hands-one is large and one is small-both feminine: nurturing. The other one masculine: security-sureness. The Father’s head tilted in compassion and love.
-Ask the Lord, through the above, to help you begin to comprehend His gospel love for you. Write what He impresses on you.
Love is sacrifice-God is Love. The Father sacrificed his dignity running to the younger brother. In the midst of the older brother’s anger, The Father invited him in. Jesus hung naked on the cross for me after I nailed Him to it.
The Fathers hands, I had not noticed, thank you for this Rebecca.
Chris, Our Anne noticed that when we studied this passage a few years ago-Anne is so great at observing art-it stuck with me and every time I see that painting my eyes go toward His hands.
the first few times i listened to the sermons TK has given on older brother/younger brother I have lemented that I am an older brother, and I am, but this time I heard somethign that helped me see that I am a recovering one 🙂 when he said that a good older brother would go out and bring back the younger brother and welcome him back.
I love the lost, I long for them to be found. yes, I tent to be proud but I really dont think I count on my “goodness” to get me to heaven, I know it is only JESUS that is good and it is HIS goodness that I rest in, not my own.
All the other times I hears him talk about the brothers i felt kind of trapped, like I wasnt sure how to not be an older brother, this time I heard more then ever that its my HEART not my actions that make me an older brother….I know im not “good”, I know I have a black heart more often then i like to admit, but mostly that is unseen by others….its my private sin.
I guess what im saying is that I am relieved that I dont need to become a younger brother to be pleasing in Gods sight….that HE loves older brothers too.
He does — and recovering older brothers. 🙂 I laughed to hear Keller coin a new word: older
brotherishtistic!
16. Contemplate the above:
A. What does Lovelace say most Christians rely upon for feeling accepted by God?
It is based on how sincere they are, their past experience of conversion, their recent religious performance, or how often they don’t sin like they used to before Christ.
B. What does he say few know enough to do?
To rest EACH DAY-which means remind ourselves-pound the Gospel deeper that we are accepted wholly because of the righteousness of Christ-RELAXING IN THAT TRUST which produces sanctification as faith in love and gratitude.
C. How does this speak to you?
What it really means to enter into His rest. To “relax in that trust that I am accepted wholly because of His righteousness.”…It is easy to forget and I become unsettled in the palm of His hand-yet when I rest His peace comes and the freedom to walk in faith- in love and gratitude also begins to grow in me.
17. How did the father offer grace to the son who was choosing the way of religion? (verse 31)
He pleaded with the older son to come to the party even though the older son was angry.
Wow, I JUST SAW THIS: Right after the Father pleaded with the son to come to the party, the son responded with a venomous anger and the Father’s response was to remind Him to REST in the assurance that he is HIS! The older son wasn’t resting in that assurance and that is why he was unable to rejoice with the Father-to grow in love and gratitude.
18. How did the father give grace to the son who chose the way of irreligion? (verse 32)
He not only accepted him before he could ask for forgiveness, he wanted to celebrate that the younger brother has been restored-He lavished His love on the younger son.
9. How is the Lord leading you to approach Lent? Is there something that you tend to run to instead of to Him? How will you replace it? When, where, and how will you meet with Him?
I’ve really struggled since the start of this week. Feeling very pressured, time-crunched. I have determined that it must be that I meet with the Lord early in the morning or it’s not going to happen. I tried for 2-3 nights to study and read in the evening after my daughter went to bed, but one night, my book literally fell out of my hands…I couldn’t stay awake. I was encouraged by Chris’ post that she was setting her alarm for 5:30. So, this morning, God used my cat:)to wake me at 5:22 – I wanted to go back to sleep but I got up. I am so glad I did.
During the day I am busy – maybe I “run” to busyness…I can also run to the computer, just to search all kinds of things. If I have time to do that during the day, then I will choose to read Scripture or pray or listen to sermons instead.
10. What scriptural prayer can you prepare that fits your need for when you are tempted to retreat from your Lenten discipline?
This gem came to me this morning while I was reading the 1st chapter of The Incomparable Christ and meditating on related Scriptures. I love this book – it IMMERSES me in thinking about Jesus and Him alone. The Scripture is: “Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
Jesus is telling me that He knows I am full of good intentions, of promises made to Him; that often in my spirit I am willing to get up, to spend time with Him – yet He tells me I must pray, and pray, and pray, because my flesh is so weak. Prayer for His enabling is the only thing I can count on. I cannot do this on my own! And this – when I feel too weak and sinful –
“For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ.” -Robert Murray M’Cheyne
I have yet to read recent comments, but I’m missing so many of our wonderful new women, and praying I didn’t scare you away when I sent my SOS. We really want you — we really want to have you share the gold!
Each day I am both brothers. I wake up, read God’s Word and encounter the Savior. then I get up from my chair, start my day. throughout the day, I’m wandering away from the Father…turning His good gifts into idols, spending my energy on serving those younger brotherish things: leisure (comfort and ease) and praise of man. And on the very same day, in my older brother arrogance, I want there to be something about me that commends me to God, that earns His approval…that makes Him “owe” me something. “If I do ________, you owe me _______.” Oh how grateful I am that the Father loves both sons. He is gentle. He is patient. And because of Jesus, the Father sees me in His perfect Son! So no matter whether I am the straying younger brother, or the self-righteous older brother… Before the Father, somehow in the mystery of the gospel, I am loved by the Father because of the perfect Brother, Jesus.
Laurie, Laurie! First, I’m so glad to see you back. I love this — might I use some of it in Sunday’s post?
absolutely…if my schizophrenic younger/older brother ways serve others, by all means, share it! haha 🙂
Great! 🙂
I agree with Dee, Laurie – you really make this “hit home”, right where we live. I can so relate to what you wrote – wandering from Him, using my energy on younger brother things, having older brother arrogance.
thank you for taking the time to comment on my comment. You bless me!
Laurie-South Jersey: “And because of Jesus, the Father sees me in His perfect Son! So no matter whether I am the straying younger brother, or the self-righteous older brother… Before the Father, somehow in the mystery of the gospel, I am loved by the Father because of the perfect Brother, Jesus.”… YES, this is indeed GOLD.
Wow, Laurie, that was great!
I think intellectually I had known for some time that it was not enough to do the right things — I need to do them for the right reasons. However, Dr. Keller’s sermon really convicted me. I find this difficult and intimidating. It reminds me of the humorous message I once saw on a plaque: “Keep you eye on the ball, keep your shoulder to the wheel, keep your nose on the grindstone — now try to work that way!” Since hearing that sermon, I fear I am going to be questioning my motives all the time. Just last night I drove a friend 60 miles round trip so she could visit her husband in a psych ward. Why did I do this? Ooops — I think I was going to “feel guilty” if I didn’t. I’m frequently an older brother!! I need to grow so I can function out of gratitude and joy.
Deanna – I relate. I know the motivations behind what I do are wrong most of the time. I suffer from feeling obligated and begrudgingly doing things because I’ll feel bad if I don’t and they need me. I pray for both of us (and really for all of us!) that God would change our motivations to doing things simply because He would. I pray we would do all things for the glory of God. And for peace that surpasses understanding and boat loads of grace when we find ourselves stumbling over our “deadly goodness.” Amen!
I know — our hearts are so complicated!
11. According to Luke 15:1-2:
*To whom was Jesus speaking?
I just “saw” this for the first time – the ‘cast of characters’ of Jesus’ parable were all assembled there – it says “all the tax collectors and the sinners (lit. the irreligious or non-practicing Jews”) and the Pharisees and scribes were there. The crowd included both the younger and elder brothers.
*About what were they murmuring? The Pharisees/scribes were grumbling about Jesus associating with sinners.
*Which of the three ways of life do you think was true of the Pharisees and why? They considered themselves the “religious” ones, looking down their noses at the “sinners”. They were convinced of their right standing before God because they kept the rules.
19. Share your notes from this sermon.
I didn’t mean to get so behind. I finally had a quiet moment alone to listen to the sermon, so I went ahead to it. Oh, I LOVE THIS SERMON. I haven’t heard it in a long time, but I need it daily. This time a few new things struck me:
For the younger brother to ask for the inheritance, while the father is still alive, is to say ‘I want you dead’. ‘I want your stuff, but I don’t want you’ This makes me ask, How am I the younger brother? In “The Return of the Prodigal Son”, Nouwen says: “I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found. Why do I keep ignoring the place of true love and persist in looking for it elsewhere?” (p. 43)
Every time I run to my own ‘fix it’ strategies, every time I just want His stuff, and want to lead my own life. Every time I don’t like the ways things are going in my life and try to take things into my own hands. Every time I am lost in loneliness, feeling unwanted, every time I forget my real Home is in His arms, holding me as His Beloved.
The older brother has always been terribly easy for me to relate to. As a young child, I related to the older, and saw no problem in him! In college, the Lord opened my eyes. My sin was self-righteousness, I was filled with pride. It’s still my default and I am prone to be blind to my sin of trying to save myself by my good deeds and “niceness”.
And while the parable does end, and there is no older brother conversion, I am so thankful to know that I can be the younger son, however many times a day as necessary, and run back Home, met by His embrace. The Father maintains the love for his son. He doesn’t harden his heart in an effort to avoid pain. The father endures the agony of rejected love.
More notes:
1. Jesus redefines God the Father—He is generous, He is willing to endure rejected love, He loves with emotional abandon.
2. Jesus redefines Sin-first we see the traditional portrayal of sin in the younger brother. But then we see that BOTH sons are lost in sin, both are alienated from the Father’s heart. The younger is lost in his badness, the older is lost in his goodness, because of his goodness. Both are lost; both use the Father.
Two ways we try to be our own Savior—be very very bad—doing whatever I want; or be very, very good, lost in moralism and religion. Both are ways of trying to control God to get what I want through my actions.
Am I obeying God for what He’ll give me? Or am I obeying God because I want more of Him, because I love Him.
*The undercurrent of anger—I think I deserve something better because of my actions.
Elizabeth – the part about the son wanting the father’s things but not the father stuck out to me, too. I had never really heard the historical context of this parable and I didn’t understand just how HORRIBLE the son was being. I always knew he was selfish and headstrong, but I didn’t realize the extent. I definitely relate to both brothers, though lately I’ve been the older one more often than the younger.
“I am so thankful to know that I can be the younger son, however many times a day as necessary, and run back Home, met by His embrace.” God is so amazing. 😀
These are really great notes, Elizabeth, and they are encouraging – it’s helping bring it all back (I haven’t listened to it again)!
Elizabeth I love your comparrisons of the younger and older brother….I see myself as the older brother also.
So,today I’ve been reminded that God is cool:
at 11:45 this morning, I was driving home from work and feeling very stressed. I have a mountain of dishes to do, loads of laundry, and lots of general cleaning. (I work and am busy and my roommate is in her last semester of college…needless to say, our apartment always needs some TLC that it doesn’t get.) I have people coming over at 2:00. (I host a writer’s group, we don’t get a lot of writing done, but it’s a fun time.) I hadn’t spent any time with God today other than praying in the car on the way to work. I needed to spend a little face time with the Father before I let my day become cluttered, but I just didn’t know how I was going to get everything done! And I missed yesterday on here and am behind! Then I got on and saw Dee’s note to skip to Friday if we’d missed Thursday. I glanced down and saw that today’s was the sermon. I almost cried. I listened to it and took notes while I did my dishes. Now I’ve finished it, am almost done with my dishes, and the laundry in the washing machine is ready to go into the drier. My prayer for this Lent season has been to “seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be given to you.” God is so cool. 😀
I’m so glad you listened to the sermon. It’s a joy to have you here!
LizScribbles, I think it’s cool having you here and also cool that you host a writer’s group. I needed a “like” button for some of your posts when I was reading earlier today. Computer froze and I gave up.
I’m wondering how you take notes while doing the dishes? I don’t have that skill 🙂
Thank you, Renee! 🙂 I had my computer sitting on a chair near the sink, whenever there was something I needed to take note of, I stopped washing dishes, paused the sermon, and typed it out. 🙂
Liz, this is so me, when I don’t spend time with God too! “I needed to spend a little face time with the Father before I let my day become cluttered”.
19. Share your notes from this sermon.
I have listened to this sermon a couple of times. I am not boasting here but I could not grasp all of what he was saying. He was so calm. No yelling or sermonizing. Just simple truth shared. It was so profound to me.
I wandered like the younger son and paid the price. I came back to the Father about 2 years ago.
But
I see alot of myself in the older brother when I judge my husband for his sins or the fact he is not coming back to God the same way I am.
God’s love covers a multitude of sins and I know I am to bloom where I am planted. This marriage has not been good to say the least.
But
I do remember praying and believing, when all the sin stuff came out, that Father God can make a way in the desert whn there is no way and truly believing it
But
I thought it was all to do with my husband’s sin.
I didn’t have any – not-
I have been crying and reading Dee’s book and then listening to the sermon.
It almost makes me want to go back to church permanently when I hear the gospel presented so profoundly.To be able to believe that Christians can love one another without judging
I guess I have to start with myself.
And
No yelling or making u feel guilty
Just
Inviting u to come back
So
Of course I googled his church and there is one planted in Vancouver
So far from me but close to my dtr.s
I do not know wht the Lord has in store for me
But
I am on my way again
After
Running down alot of different trails.
I cannot thank u Ladies enough for your prayers, your comments,
Just being u.
I truly mean this:)
Blessings
Mellany
So loved your poetic thoughts on this glorious sermon.
Mellany,
I am excited for you to see you write “I am on my way again”! I see you making great strides here!
I love your posts Mellany…praying for you!
I am starting from behind. Have been on the road traveling last few days and have not been able to connect wireless with bible study blog website. Got home and my computer access was “no service”. Got a little irritated but asked God to erase that problem so I could get about this study. Wake up today and no problem getting into the blog. Thank You Lord. There was so much to read that I copied and pasted and placed into Word Document so I can go back without worry of losing something on the web. Looking forward to “catching up” and living in the true present with this study. I want to thank Laurie from South Jersey for helping me to see that I, too, am both brothers but that God is always loving me. I want to thank Swan for offering a prayer that can help me when I am tempted to retreat from this Lenten discipline. I have invited many friends to join in this study and look forward to seeing them at this website. Thank you, Dee, for providing this avenue for me to draw closer to my Father.
Joy to have you here, Gayle!
You are welcome, Gayle. I’m so glad we are on this journey together. 🙂
Glad you’re here, Gayle
Welcome Gayle!
Hi, everyone. I have been without Internet for two days and on and off for several days before that. It is on now, but not sure for how long.
Krista, her dad and I had another really good meeting with the lawyer. She is eager to get right on things to get better access and custody for Krista and the boys. She has 20 years experience in Family Law and knows what she is doing. She is not a Christian and I was a bit worried about some of her expressions at our first meeting, but today she alleviated most of my fears with a very kind, helpful attitude. We have another meeting in 10 days. PRAISE THE LORD! THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS. Do a little dance with me. 🙂
Lots of dancing today! PTL
wonderful report Diane–so thankful and thankful Krista has parents like you two–that’s a GIFT
I am dancing! So glad to hear this Diane!!!
Diane – I share in your rejoicing! This is very good news for all of you!
I missed you Diane! I’m doing an indian dance around the teepee!!
whoo hooo whoo hoooo *insert bootie shaking….* whoo hoo!!!
Thanks for rejoicing with me. You make me smile! Loved the bootie shaking, cyndi! 🙂
I listened to the sermon this morning. I have not stopped thinking about it. I may need a few days to “chew” on it.
Wow…so much to think about
PRAYER! A friend of mine would like to join the study. She has tried all week, but her internet is down and they tell her it may be down all next week too. Please pray that it is fixed soon rather than later. Today I printed everything out for her that I could so she wouldn’t be so far behind. She is so anxious to join the study….her name is Eileen.
I am praying for this request now, Sharon. Welcome Eileen!
Thank you Kim!
Praying for Eileen’s internet to be quickly fixed!
Welcome Eileen! Can’t wait to met you! Prayers for your internet!