When I knelt to receive Christ in 1966, I didn’t come completely broken, just broken enough to know I needed forgiveness from God. Yet in my heart, I still felt like I was a pretty nice young woman. But, when I was on my knees, the Lord’s holy light shone like a spotlight on the depths of my soul: rats hurried to hide, and filth I had never seen was everywhere. Fear overwhelmed me. As John Newton wrote: “It was grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fear relieved.” When I rose from my knees after being broken, after pleading for forgiveness and for Him to receive me, I felt clean and light — like I could fly! I had no idea the burden I was carrying was so very heavy, but I knew it when it was gone.
I had never been so happy! I walked around on air for months. The Greek word for “blessed” is happy, and that’s what I was.
But because “works rightousness” is the default mode of the human heart, it is so easy to go back to trusting in myself instead of realizing my continual deep poverty. Being “poor in Spirit” is realizing how empty-handed we are. As Thomas Watson wrote: “If the hand is full of pebbles, it cannot receive gold.” There is so much gold to receive once we realize our complete poverty. We become grateful for little things, contented, and overwhelmed by the presence of God.
Being “poor in spirit” is the first step to blessedness, the step you cannot skip. And if you get stuck in your Christian life, if you wonder what happened to all your joy, you must go back to it.
And with this step comes a promise — and notice, unlike the other blessings, it is not future tense. We’ll consider why that is!
On a personal note, I’d love prayer for the release of the Jesus Who Surprises to be released Tuesday. It feels self-promoting, and I’m sure in part it is, but I also truly know this message can change lives, for I saw it happen in my pilot groups. So –these are my prayer requests, beginning with a huge thanksgiving.
- Yesterday, after months of paperwork and seemingly closed doors, Amazon approved the DVD’s for The Jesus Who Surprises, Idol Lies, and Falling in Love with Jesus. More than we asked! Kudos to my persistent book-keeper Karen — and Rebecca got involved as well. 🙂
- Please pray the message of the gospel running from Genesis to Revelation will impact many hearts
- Please pray, if it pleases God, that women will spread the word of this book and Bible study
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- Challenge question: Why do you think the first beatitude is in the present tense? Since we still have sin, sorrow, and sickness – what is it about heaven that we get to experience now? (If you need help, see Psalm 138:6)
- Did you experience the presence of God in church this morning? If so, how?
Monday: What does it mean to be poor in spirit?
4. In Luke’s condensed list of Beatitudes, he simply says blessed are the poor. How do we know from Proverbs 30:8-9 that material poverty and material wealth can be temptations instead of blessings?
“Neither,” Colin Smith says, does “poor in spirit” mean a false modesty, denying the gifts God has given you. Billy Graham, for example, realized that God had given him a gift when at his first altar call people poured forward. He did not deny his calling but stepped into it. When people asked him what it was about him that caused such a tremendous response, he said, “It is only because God has his hand on me, and he could withdraw it at any time.”
5. How does Paul tell us to think of ourselves in Romans 12:3?
I have sensed that God has gifted me (though He could take it away at any moment) is the vision to see patterns in Scripture. My first Bible study was “Proverbs and Parables,” for I was intrigued by the repetitive patterns of truth I saw in the Proverbs of Solomon and the Parables of Jesus. When I wrote “The Friendships of Women,” it was because I saw repeated patterns in the friendships of Scripture. The same is true with my book to be released this Tuesday: The Jesus Who Surprises. Jesus is the story of the whole Bible. The ability to see patterns at all is a gift from God, and I want to step into it. I also know because of the depravity of my soul, that I could use this gift for my own glory, and there have been times I have, to my shame, done that. So I want to truly mourn that sin whenever I am tempted by it or fall into it. I want to realize how empty-handed I truly am. Anything good I have is from Him, and any attempt to think otherwise pridefully will lead me into darkness. Colin Smith writes:
“Poor in spirit” means that you recognize your poverty before God. It is an attitude toward yourself in which you know and affirm that you have not lived the life to which God has called you, and that, without Him, you cannot do so now. [Momentum, p. 31]
6. Name one talent God has given you. Explain how you could abuse it by thinking it came from yourself – and then explain how you could use it properly be realizing your great poverty and need to depend on God.
Tuesday: Proverbs and Pride
Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis has brought many to Christ. When Charles Colson was justifying his sin, taking credit for his accomplishments, it was this book brought him to repentance, for Lewis rightly called pride the great sin. Why? It leads to all other sins, for it is the lie that we can solve our problems better going our way than God’s way. It also keeps you from loving others well. Lewis said when you meet a true believer what you might notice about him is that he listens well and is very interested in you. Humility makes you other-centered and pride makes you self-centered.
7. For those of you who were with us when we studied the “fool” in Proverbs, what is one of the first signs of a fool? How is this the opposite of being “poor in spirit?”
8. If being “poor in spirit” leads to happiness, it follows that pride leads to misery. How is this borne out by the following proverbs?
A. Proverbs 11:2
B. Proverbs 13:10
C. Proverbs 16:18
D. Proverbs 29:23
Wednesday: What Helps Us Recognize our Poverty
Isaiah was one of the most respectied and articulate men of his time. But before God could use him, He had to humble him.
9. How, according to Isaiah 6:1-8 did that happen?
10. What are some of the ways we can “see” the Lord high and lifted up? Be specific.
One thing we have often done on this blog is to go on “God Hunts,” looking for the Lord each day. This helps increase our awareness of His love, His holiness, and His mercy.
11. How have you seen the Lord in your life this week?
Thursday-Friday: Colin Smith on “Poor in Spirit”
Listen to the following and share your notes and comments. (14 minutes and 32 seconds)
12. Notes and comments.
13. Is there any way you feel stuck in your Christian walk? How could this lesson help you?
14. Do you have a “God Hunt” to share?
Saturday:
14. How have you seen God at work in your life so far through this study?
111 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The joy I have lost. The wanting of the circumstances in my life to be over; I’m tired.
I don’t understand why Amazon would not allow your work to be sold on their site. Isn’t that censorship? Couldn’t you sue if they didn’t? Also, people can choose to buy them or not, right? It seems a bit controlling to me.
2. Challenge question: Why do you think the first beatitude is in the present tense? Since we still have sin, sorrow, and sickness – what is it about heaven that we get to experience now? (If you need help, see Psalm 138:6)
The poor in spirit means we know we need to humble ourselves and know we need Him (via the Holy Spirit) to be happy (blessed). This is relying on faith since He is not right next to us physically.
3. Did you experience the presence of God in church this morning? If so, how?
Unfortunately, we did not make it to church today. Instead, I am catching up on the blog study, and am thinking I will watch our sermon online from last week. We are struggling getting to church this summer because they have shifted the hours earlier and we are sleeping later! It’s hard to get babies up and ready when you are 55 years old! Raising kids is hard work. I’ll report back with any God Hunt.
Raising kids is hard work — especially for grandparents.
I don’t think Amazon is censoring Christian content. It is so easy to reproduce DVD’s and claim you are the owner that they have been burned by scams. So, I understand that. But they also want to make sure you will sell enough to make it worth it for them, and that is where monopoly rears its head.
Dee, I think you’re right about Amazon — that the main priority is that they sell enough. When you requested prayer that the videos be approved by Amazon, my first thought was that they were censoring — because I had read on some, probably less than credible partisan, website — Christian-related sexuality stuff. Unfortunately, I believed it. Just now, I decided to look up some well published authors that definitely take stands that Amazon was accused of censoring. I found them — and many more — available on Amazon. I usually am cautious about believing what I read on ANY website that clearly falls on one side or the other of the political aisle. Fell for it this time — lesson learned.
Interesting Renee. Good sharing for us.
Dee, thanks for sharing your thoughts about Amazon. I have recently read that several authors have lost thousands of dollars in revenue due to Amazon unknowingly selling pirated copies of their books. I’m glad they are taking the extra time to authenticate the merchandise sold.
Oh! I see (about Amazon). Thank you for the clarification.
Dear Laura, it is so hard & a long haul…praying for encouragement, energy & stamina sister! xxx
Thanks Jenny! I appreciate your encouragement.
Laura, I can only imagine how tired you are; yes, raising little ones is hard, especially at age 55. But I want to encourage you in that I think you’re doing a terrific job!
Thanks Susan! I definitely need it right now…Praying for your job situation.
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
So much stood out.
A. The picture of the person kneeling at the cross with the burdens falling off their back…truer than words could express.
B. “Being ‘poor in spirit’ is realizing how empty handed we are.” We have nothing to give, just a broken and contrite heart to receive His forgiveness and love.
C. “If you get stuck in your Christian life and wonder what happened to all your joy, you must go back to the first step of being ‘poor in spirit ‘.” How many times have I tried to skip this step thinking I just need to ‘mourn over my sin’ or ‘hunger and thirst after righteousness’ but doing it without an attitude of brokenness, not realizing I’m not really depending totally upon God…it doesn’t work.
2. Challenge question. Why do you think the first Beatitude is in the present tense? Since we still have sin, sickness and sorrow – what is about heaven that we get experience now?
I go back to what Martyn Lloyd Jones said about what the ‘kingdom of heaven’ means. “Christ’s rule or the sphere which He is reigning.” He is present right now and fellowshipping with all true believers ( He reigns in our hearts)!
3. Did you experience the presence of God in church this morning? If so, how?
I was holding my new grandson and we were singing ‘How Great Are You Lord’ and his eyes opened up and just looked at me singing like he was taking it all in…oh the innocence and wonder in his eyes gave me goosebumps. Oh, to see God through the innocence and wonderment of a child!
Love that picture of your grandson watching you sing How Great Thou Art.
Oh Sharon….what a beautiful picture…to imagine your little grandson being wowed by you singing ‘How Great Thou Art”! What an impact you will have on his life! 🙂
Sharon, what a beautiful moment for you in worship this week. Congratulations to you and your family to receive the blessing of a child.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?ALL of it — because God used my questions yesterday & concerns (and church) today to PRIME me to read and receive it. And then I was grinning because of answered prayer with Amazon!!
2. Challenge question: Why do you think the first beatitude is in the present tense? Because we still have sin, sorrow and sickness, we need Him — and without him, prone to discouragement, hopelessness because of sin, sorrow, sickness. Since we still have sin, sorrow, and sickness – what is it about heaven that we get to experiencenow? (If you need help, see Psalm 138:6). He sees; He knows; He cares, and He is with us.
3. Did you experience the presence of God in church this morning? Yes and I still am experiencing God’s presence. I think that’s why I came to the blog today.
If so, how? Now I can see that what impacted me early in the service started several days ago. And I watched the preview of Dee’s new book before I went to church. To even remember the order of how God worked this morning, I’d have to dig out a church bulletin. Early in the service (maybe during confession of sin) and during the following song (one I didn’t know but the words were in the bulletin), I realized that what had been bothering me about a Christian organization (attaching Bible verses to secular stuff) has also been true in my own life lately; I’d like to see the org (and the profession) flow out of who God is, the whole Gospel, and not necessarily follow the lead of a secular organization. Then I realized that I’ve been doing the same in part of my own life; my own life hasn’t been flowing out of the Gospel. That was just the beginning of the service. The rest was deeper, even more freeing — and the implications still are soaking in. Can’t really post more right now. Sorry if I am writing in circles! I sat in the back row because I thought I might be squirmy (back hurts & sitting hurts the worst). I was so engaged that I didn’t even feel pain!
Love this whole post, Renee.
So good to see you here, Renee!
Thank you Renee. So heartening.
Love that you are here Renee!
1. What stood out. How both faithful and gracious God is to hear our prayers, and then to answer them. Rejoicing with you, Dee!
2. I think the first beatitude is in the present tense because it is one of the few things of God we don’t have to wait for. We get God’s presence, His kingdom, as soon as we submit to Him. The act of realizing our lowness before Him and owning it brings us right to God.
The he presence of God in church this morning. Feeling the awe of blended and united voices singing His praise. Knowing that He truly is my solid rock. And when all around my soul gives way, He remains my hope and stability.
What stands out to you from the above and why? Love how the Lord met you at the cross Dee, & how you “walked on air for months” after your sin burden was lifted off! Also wonderful to hear how the Lord provided for your DVD release…over & above what u had asked! 🙂 What a faithful loving Father!!
Challenge question: Why do you think the first beatitude is in the present tense? Since we still have sin, sorrow, and sickness – what is it about heaven that we get to experience now? (If you need help, see Psalm 138:6) We need to continually come back & realize we are poor in spirit. We can’t do anything without the Lord, & need Him every moment, every breath! “Though the Lord is exalted, He looks upon the lowly.”
Did you experience the presence of God in church this morning? If so, how? Yes. I went feeling heavy in spirit, but after I sang with the worship team I was lifted up & filled with joy. Every time I sing out God’s praises & proclaim who Jesus is, He lifts my heart & opens my eyes to see Him more clearly.
Interesting to see how often it is through music His presence is felt. That’s why it is such a good way to begin our morning time with Him!
I love music and know that feeling of being together and singing; a oneness that is so sweet!
Dee – I answered 1 – 3. It said it was marked as spam and then I lost my comments. I have run out of time to re-do it. Do you think you could look in your spam folder and approve it? If not that is fine..I can re-do it tomorrow morning. 🙂
That’s so strange, Rebecca. I don’t have a spam folder (I don’t think!) but if a comment brings up a flag it sits in the folder that waits to be approved — and there is nothing there. Has this happened to you before? So sorry!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Wow….I love your personal testimony, Dee! And, I can say that this same sort of thing has happened to me even after that first time I went before the Lord, confessing my sins. I will start talking to Him about a sin, or my anger with another person for what they did, and then, the spotlight is directed upon me, and it reveals much more than I realized was there. Also, that if we are stuck in our Christian life, we need to go back to the first Beatitude. You say that it is the first step to happiness. Can there be other reasons for feeling stuck? I am feeling rather stuck, or confused, or not really even sure what it is lately. Joy….when I think of this word, it makes me think of being bubbling over with an emotion of happiness. I find each day to be more of a steady state with highs and lows; contentment and sadness, bittersweet moments. Maybe I am missing something?
2. Challenge question: Why do you think the first beatitude is in the present tense? Since we still have sin, sorrow, and sickness – what is it about heaven that we get to experience now? (If you need help, see Psalm 138:6)
Maybe because, when a person receives Jesus as their Savior, even though there is sin, sorrow, and sickness in this world, you also have Jesus with you, in this world. He is a present reality in your life, and you don’t have to go through these things alone, without any help. In 2 Peter 1:3-4, Peter says that we are given “everything we need for life and godliness”, and that “you may participate in the divine nature”…these also sound like present tense. I don’t think it would be a very great message or very hopeful if the gospel message was that this life is going to really be hard and painful, but just suck it up and grit your teeth and suffer through, because some day, after you die, you will get heaven. But in the meantime, you’re kind of on your own. This must be talking about some form of the reality of “heaven” that we are able to experience right here and now.
3. Did you experience the presence of God in church this morning? If so, how?
In our ABF class, we had one member of our class share from her most recent trip to the school and orphanage she founded almost 20 years ago in Ghana. This woman actually goes twice a week, when she’s there, to a men’s prison and she teaches the Bible to them. There are a few Muslim men who will go to her Bible study, and last time, one man asked her for a Bible. Then, we had another young lady who is a missionary in Cambodia share about what she is doing there. God is working in some pretty amazing ways.
Susan — from the psalms, I imagine there are other reasons for being stuck — when there doesn’t seem to be sin, but there is sorrow, like in Psalm 126, and then the psalmist speaks to his soul, remembering mercies. I think times of transition, as you are in, can be tumultuous. But I lift you up before Him and ask for Him to restore the joy of your salvation.
Thanks, Dee…and I am praying about the release of your new book!
Thanks so much!
4. Material poverty can lead us to do what even culture condemns, to steal, even if it is to meet our needs. Material wealth can lead us to think we are more than what we are, forgetting that these things are His blessings and nor our right. It is also interesting to note that whether in need or in plenty, our actions reflect on the God we say we believe in.
5. Romans says to think of ourselves with sober judgement, according to the measure of faith given us. Dee, when you said “anything good I have is from Him, and any attempt to think otherwise pridefully will lead me into darkness “, my soul echoed with that.
I think that to deny the ways God has gifted you or refuse to use them because of a false humility is also wrong. It seems like some perverted pride in being humble.
6. A talent or gift God has given me. A calming voice and presence. Patients remark on it from time to time, but it isn’t me. It sure isn’t what is going on in the inside. It is Him, using me in specific instances. If I thought I could do it on my own, it wouldn’t be calming. It would be distasteful and distancing. But when I use it under God’s direction in my role as a nurse, it benefits the person and brings glory to God, and I get to be part of the process.
Mary, I agree that to deny or refuse to use your God-given gifts because of a false humility is also wrong.
Love this — He gave a nurse a calming voice and presence!
4. In Luke’s condensed list of beatitudes, he simply says blessed are the poor. How do we know from Proverbs 30:8-9 that material poverty and material wealth can be temptations instead of blessings?
The wealthy person may be tempted to forget all about God, while the poor person may be tempted to steal to get what he needs.
5. How does Paul tell us to think of ourselves in Romans 12:3?
Paul tells us not to think too highly of ourselves, but rather with sober judgment. Stop playing the comparison game.
6. Name one talent God has given you. Explain how you could abuse it by thinking it came from yourself – and then explain how you could use it properly by realizing your great poverty and need to depend on God.
I think God has gifted me to be an encourager, and to do so creatively and often with a gift or card that is just right for that person I am trying to encourage. Using it properly….I am thinking about what Mary wrote in her post about denying God’s gift and refusing to use them as a false humility. I am drawing on the book I read by Janet Davis called My Own Worst Enemy, because she addresses this very thing. Janet Davis writes:
“Good Christian women have been taught for generations that it is rude to talk about oneself, much less to shine. It seems that there is a great deal of confusion in our Christian culture about pride and shining as well as hiding and humility….Though a healthy aversion to pride is a good thing, shining is not pride….Hiding is not humility.” Janet goes on to say, “To be humble is to be aware of our human nature, its earthy physicality, dignity and limitations. It is definitely not to be invisible, a zero, or a negative number in the equation. Paul calls us to think rightly and soberly of ourselves (Romans 12:3-8). And he follows that admonition up with a list of our gifts, instructing us to use them to their fullest and with passion. We are gifted and unique. We are limited and frail. Of course God is at work in us. Of course we would falter without Him. At the same time, it is a fallacy to believe that in acknowledging our human contributions and even our imparted glory as a critically important part of God’s divine work on earth, we are being prideful. God’s glory is not dimmed by our full and shining presence. God has invited us to partner with Him.”
In application then, speaking of Dee, she has a gift of being able to identify and see patterns in Scripture, which she loves to write about and share with other women so they can see it to. Dee “shines” in this area. Behind the scenes, I am sure that in the many hours of prayer and study, God directs and shows her things and makes her “see” and has gifted her to write. It is okay for her to say she has this gift, but the temptation would be to begin to think she could do this on her own without Him. For me, it is okay for me to “shine” and to be an encourager and to do so in creative ways, but to remember that God wants to reach out to another through me and He uses me to do just that, often giving me an inspiration or a sense of what to say or do. Maybe also the danger would be to take our gift and make an idol out of it, or use it to feed our own affirmation and approval, or even power and control?
Great from Janet, Susan.
And yes, we can definitely turn gifts into idols!
Thanks, Susan. I needed this reminder: “Stop playing the comparison game.”
Me too! Thanks!
Susan, thank you for the quote from Janet’s book. I will copy it down and will share it with the women at our church.
And so great to see you express your “talent”. You do have the gift of encouragement and one way that you do for me personally is your ability to share your struggles openly and then point me to the character of God. And what you share about your readings like the one from Janet is another way. Aligning these readings with your experience helps me appreciate the wisdom shared and its practical application.
4. In Luke’s condensed list of Beatitudes, he simply says blessed are the poor. How do we know from Proverbs 30:8-9 that material poverty and material wealth can be temptations instead of blessings?
Both poverty and material wealth can tempt us to rely on ourselves rather than God — either through stealing/getting money via taking advantage of others or self-sufficiency. Hmmm — I get annoyed by some regular, BIG expenses. Instead, I can see that not only is being able to pay bills a gift from God, but the expenses themselves are a gift from Him because they give me the opportunity to be dependent on Him.
5. How does Paul tell us to think of ourselves in Romans 12:3?
Not too highly, but with “sober judgment” (accurately?). Not sure I understand what this means “each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” ???? Maybe that not only is faith a gift from God, but so is amount &/or “ability” to act in faith. We’re not commanded to, in our own strength, be amazingly wonderful at self-evaluation, obtaining the right amount of money, etc. but rather to faithfully and gratefully respond to and with what He has provided.
OH– just read and re-read the quote from Colin Smith; that sorta answers my question/helps this soak in.
6. Name one talent God has given you. Explain how you could abuse it by thinking it came from yourself – and then explain how you could use it properly be realizing your great poverty and need to depend on God.
The ability to move back and forth between BIG picture thinking and focusing on details (zoom out, zoom in). I guess I don’t even THINK about where this came from, but I know I get into and cause some trouble by expecting or assuming that others also see this way. I could use it, first of all by praying and actively depending on God rather than bumbling into situations in my own strength. Then, rather than getting impatient or withdrawing/quitting (leaving others thinking “huh??” , I could either explain or ask the right questions to help others see “why.” Sometimes I think that if people saw “why” (the glory of God), the “what” (actions, attitudes) would change. And now I’m seeing the need to apply this to my communication in areas that bug me 🙂
So good to have our wise and witty Renee back. (Those are gifts from Him too!)
Thanks, Dee! It’s good to be back. 🙂
1. The picture of the man unburdening himself at the cross. I haven’t been sleeping well and I know my stress lately is related to back and hip pain. I have been completely distracted by a very valuable lost item. And because it was me who lost it, I have been concealing it from my husband and searching for it behind his back. On Sunday morning, I confessed to Jim what has happened and asked forgiveness. Sharing this with him and asking God to forgive me for my deceit felt just like this picture. A load off my back!
2. After reading all the comments here, I don’t think I have anything extra to contribute. Actually, many of the answers from the other ladies provided me with great insight.
3. My confession set the tone for church. It was a sweet time of worship for me with my burden lifted. One moment though that stood out, as we sang a song with the lyrics, “I’ve seen you move, you moved the mountain, and I believe, you will do it again.” I had this assurance from God that He is still at work in many people I love. I had this vision of my mom, in heaven singing the song with me. She was one who I prayed for faithfully after I received Christ. She gave her heart to Christ. I’m still praying for my father and so many others. And it just felt like God was reminding me not to give up!
Jean, thanks for sharing about how you confessed to your husband. Last week, I remembered one of our questions was “How has repentance lead you to joy?” I think this is a great example!
Beautiful post, Jean!
Wonderful vulnerable story Jean. Thank you.
Love your post Jean! How sweet it is to get rid of that burden! I love the imagery of you and your mom singing together too! God bless you.
4. In Luke’s condensed list of Beatitudes, he simply says blessed are the poor. How do we know from Proverbs 30:8-9 that material poverty and material wealth can be temptations instead of blessings?
It’s says that if I become too rich I might deny the Lord and if I become too poor I might steal and insult the Lord. There is a happy medium where I am “just right.”
5. How does Paul tell us to think of ourselves in Romans 12:3?
We are to not think too much of ourselves, but measure our “worth” by our faith.
6. Name one talent God has given you. Explain how you could abuse it by thinking it came from yourself – and then explain how you could use it properly be realizing your great poverty and need to depend on God.
I am a dancer and have danced for 49 years now. That is a looonnng time. Most of that time was spent dancing ballet, tap, and jazz. I am not sure that this is my “gift,” from God, as I have always struggled with my weight. It seems contradictory to give a gift but then make the person struggle so much along the way. To take a broad look of those 49 years, when I was 15 I was probably anorexic because I was consumed with my weight to the point I was losing friends. I don’t think we knew all about anorexia back then. I weighed 90 pounds, but, my mom was awesome in that she cooked wonderful, healthy meals where she actually weighed food for me! Hahaha! I was to be a dance major at a private college in Texas and all was set up for me to begin school when I freaked out (I don’t want to smoke cigarettes and drink coffee only for the rest of my life, I might want to get married, I might want to have kids, etc.) and withdrew from the program! My mom was devastated. I did go to college at a state school and first went into pre-law, and then geology. I danced on the side with the ballet master from the private university, and other places as well. About 20 years ago I was attending a church where my pastor (!) was a dancer and was part of a group from a larger church in Dallas. I was totally mesmerized by her and the group (they wouldn’t dance every week, but often enough over a couple of years) that when she was slated to leave I asked her if I could audition and join the group. She said yes! I did and began dancing with them. I loved this kind of dance because it had meaning. It wasn’t just “flitting about” on a stage. It was so moving to me. A lot of what I have done in the past 10 years has come from that group and I still enjoy it every time I dance the pieces. The women from that group were modern and ballet dancers and their choreography was lovely. I have done some choreography myself over the years too. It’s just really difficult for me and takes time, of which I have none ever 😩. So, I fall back on the old groups’ work. I joined with another young woman in the community here about 5 years ago and formed a dance studio in my church called “A Spiritual Gift” dance studio. She was more modern and I am more ballet. Unfortunately, she has since left the “formal” studio. I enjoyed working with her but she says God has called her to other projects in dance. I have struggled getting women my age to dance with me, but my sweet ladies who like dance have humored me over the years. Everyone wants me to teach younger girls but I don’t feel equipped to do so. I guess it’s not really what I want to do (in my heart). This past spring I decided to invite our youth to come every other week to dance and I had quite a nice sized group of young ladies! They ranged in ages from 12-15 and we dragged a couple of their moms in as well. We danced a scripture piece at Pentecost and it turned out beautifully!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/o3587kwa7xsb68q/Photo%20Jun%2014%2C%208%2027%2055%20AM.jpg?dl=0
To answer your two questions, Dee, I definitely could think I am totally responsible for this gift since it is engrained in me and I seemingly am the person who drives the program at the church. I try to get others to participate (like be responsible for choreography and such) to make sure I am not the focus. Trust me, I am humbled daily with dance; I am getting older and it is hard to move like I did in past. I am not that good with choreography, it takes time and is hard. I can’t get control of my weight, and I can’t stop thinking of it; it consumes so much of my energy. When I don’t worry and try to give control to God I gain a million pounds because I’m not focused on being healthy. A reminder that I am not in control. SO HARD. I don’t know how to give up that control and let God take over. It shouldn’t matter, I know (weight), but you can’t dance easily with extra pounds, and who wants to look at a “horse” dancing (let’s be real here…)! I guess if my gift is to pass the baton to the younger ones so they benefit and can benefit others then I don’t have to worry about my weight. It’s not about me, it’s about them. Okay, so I spoke the truth there….but it doesn’t make me feel that good 🙁
I have had a few younger girls’ moms lately who really want their 11-12 year old girls to dance with me. I am praying and considering taking this on; not sure though. I am weak and He is strong.
Laura, thanks for the background here about how you came to be a dancer; wow, you were going to go to a private college as a dance major! I’ve seen you dance in a video you posted and while sitting in a chair, in person in Ashland, and you dance beautifully.
Susan you are so kind. My husband has told me that I have beautiful, graceful arms, which is sweet. I need to stop worrying about me and think to the future of others. I think that is my calling now. If I do that maybe God’s Will will be done and I naturally will also be blessed (learning so much from Dee’s book!). Love you sis!
Understand your battle for I have it too. I think it is wonderful you are mentoring young women.
I think about you Dee with weight sometimes. I really feel your calmness about it when I do. I think a lot of us struggle in this area. Thanks for the imagery (even though you didn’t plan on it!).
Laura,
Thank you for sharing! You have a beautiful gift in dance. I love the Pentecost picture.
My daughter to a liturgical dance class once. It’s a beautiful way to express faith and a great addition to worship. I can see why so many want you to share your gift through teaching young girls. Getting kids active with their faith can be a challenge in our society. My friend taught her class in the evening after her husband was home with the boys.
Not sure this is relatable to your situation, but I had a friend ask me if I could set up a day for the youth group kids to clean at an elderly gentleman’s house on a regular basis. I couldn’t see that working out well and dismissed the whole situation figuring someone else should do that. I was reminded of his need several times over the next couple YEARS. I was asked AGAIN this past weekend by his neighbor to help clean. She said I have been on her mind the last year to ask. I cleaned there yesterday. I felt pretty bad to see the condition he has been living in and am now committed to weekly cleaning as long as it’s needed. And now my heart is in it.
Maybe at your age, you would be in a place to be director of such a ministry or after school class. There is such a need for young people to be engaged in healthy activities. Praying for God’s leading in your situation 🙂
1. What stands out and why?
Dee, I was lost and Jesus found me in 1966 as well. He has never ever left me since that day. And whenever I am disoriented by life He finds me and reminds me that I am lost without him.
2. Challenge question: Why do you think the first beatitude is in the present tense? Since we still have sin, sorrow, and sickness – what is it about heaven that we get to experience now? (If you need help, see Psalm 138:6)
This side of heaven we are present-tense in a battle and present-tense needing the reassurance of His presence, which he promises to be in our every present-tense moment. We get to experience His presence even now.
Found this C.H.Spurgeon nugget from a sermon on this beatitude:
It is worthy of grateful note that this gospel blessing reaches down to the exact spot where the law leaves us when it has done for us the very best within its power or design. The utmost the law can accomplish for our fallen humanity is to lay bare our spiritual poverty and convince us of it. It cannot by any possibility enrich a man—its greatest service is to tear him away from his fancied wealth of self righteousness, show him his overwhelming indebtedness to God and bow him to the earth in self despair.
So, any time I am disoriented by life, by my sin, I need to return to this first wrung in the ladder to be reminded of my great need of Him. As Tim Keller says, “We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
3. Did you experience the presence of God in church this morning? If so, how?
Yes. Well, my youngest of five, John, led worship for his last time before moving to California with his bride of two months. It is a humbling thing to experience the Spirit of God working through your children. And then after church I had a timely and beautiful conversation with another woman. It was significant that this conversation even came about. Grateful!
Love your illustration of your son John leading worship.
Love that you were found by Christ in 1966. Love that when you are lost, he finds you again 😉
Monday
4. In Luke’s condensed list if Beatitudes, he simply says blessed are the poor. How do we know from Proverbs 30:8-9 that material poverty and material wealth can be temptations instead of blessings?
If I’m rich, I may deny Him and say, “Who is the LORD?” If I’m too poor, I may steal and insult God’s holy name. In each scenario there is zero dependence upon God but rather self.
5. How does Paul tell us to think of ourselves in Romans 12:3?
The Message…”Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what He does for us, not by what we are and what we do for Him.”
6. Name one talent God has given you. Explain how you could abuse it by thinking it came from yourself – and then explain how you could use it properly by realizing your great poverty and need to be dependent upon God?
I feel that God has given me the gift of discernment. This is a gift I could easily abuse by being judgmental rather than use it to obtain direction and understanding. An example I will give you…we had a special speaker come to our church one Sunday morning and within my spirit I knew something was not right as he kept referring to “me, I, myself” many times. I prayed that God would give me discernment if this was from Him or was I being too sensitive and judgmental to these words. I usually ask my husband if he heard or felt what I did and his answer is usually “you’re more discerning of people than I am.” Later, it turned out that he came before the board of the church and wanted the church to invest in a “Christian” business he was starting up. My husband who was on the board and remembering how I felt when he spoke at our church said definitely not and others agreed. But he ended up scamming many people (unbeknownst to us till later) out of thousands of dollars. I mean $10,000 – $20,000! This man has been under the investigation of the FBI and some people in our church have gone to Puerto Rico to testify.
What a story, Sharon! Good for Jim for listening to his wife.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The pilgrim’s picture of a load of sin taken off him is powerful and thank you, Jesus! I am still a very visual learner.
The irony of the phrase glory of brokenness
Your testimony, Dee, is an encouragement to me.
2. Challenge question: Why do you think the first beatitude is in the present tense? Since we still have sin, sorrow, and sickness – what is it about heaven that we get to experience now? (If you need help, see Psalm 138:6)
It is in the present tense because it is an ongoing process and it has to do with the dailies of life. We get to experience the presence of God and His power over sin. He sees us and is inclined towards us.
3. Did you experience the presence of God in church this morning? If so, how?
Yes. We had a very cool morning today to start with. Rains from 2-6 inches were recorded. The relief from the stifling heat from the upper 90’s of yesterday was like a kiss from the King. My husband’s message on the love of God based on Isaiah 43 was a balm to my soul. We sang “the power of your love”-Hold me close, let your love surround me, Bring me near, draw me your side, and as I wait, I’ll rise up like the eagle And I will soar with You, Your Spirit leads me on In the power of your love… I felt it.
And the closing hymn of “Where He leads me, I will follow” brought tears to my eyes. I think of how I have not really fully surrendered to what I believe God is calling my husband and me to do after my retirement in 2 years, Lord willing. Out loud I have said yes but inside is a hesitation due to the what-if-questions I periodically entertain in my mind. I have to lay my fears down and trust God to lead us and take care of us as we follow Him.
I’m certain the Holy Spirit’s prompting that brought me back to the blog this week. I just was reflecting on church yesterday and started listening to the music on YouTube. This is one of the songs we sang yesterday (Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me) https://youtu.be/zundjUFazfg I hadn’t heard it before. Yesterday the tears “leaked.” Today they gushed. I’m sharing the link with you because it parallels (at least, for me) how the Lord is working in my heart through this study already this week.
I’m sorry. I couldn’t get the link to work, even with editing. It’s by CityAlight.
Renee this song is beautiful! Thanks for sharing and here’s a link for it.
https://youtu.be/zundjUFazfg
Hope it works!
Thanks, Laura! It works. I listened to it and bawled again—striking me where I need it right now. (and I’m kinda confused because the links LOOK the same to me. I must’ve clicked on something to get weird formatting behind the scenes)
Oh Renee! I just listened. Thank you for sharing this beautiful song here! And thank you Laura for the link!
To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley He will lead
Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
7. For those of you who were with us when we studied the fool in Proverbs, what is one of the first signs of a fool? How is this the opposite of being “poor in spirit”?
A fool always thinks he is right. This is the opposite because if I always think I’m right, then I have no need for God’s wisdom.
8. If being “poor in spirit” leads to happiness, it follows that pride leads to misery. How is this borne out by the following Proverbs?
A. Proverbs 11:12 – pride could cause you to deride or belittle your neighbor. Having strife in relationships leads to misery.
B. Proverbs 13:10 – pride only causes quarrels.
C. Proverbs 16:18 – pride eventually leads to destruction.
D. Proverbs 29:23 – pride brings a man low.
Isaiah was one of the most respected and articulate men of his time. But before God could use him, He had to humble him.
9. How, according to Isaiah 6:1-8 did that happen?
God gave Isaiah a vision in which He saw and experienced the holiness of God, and it just shredded him. Much like the apostle Peter’s reaction to Jesus, when he said, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man”, Isaiah cries, “Woe to me! I am ruined!” He sees his own sin, the uncleanness of his own lips, and realizes he cannot stand in God’s presence. There is an image of one of the seraphs touching Isaiah’s mouth with a hot coal from the altar, and pronouncing that his sins are forgiven and his guilt taken away. This shows that only God can make a person clean. After this, Isaiah is able to respond to God’s call to send him.
10. What are some of the ways we can “see” the Lord high and lifted up? Be specific.
One way is through reading Scripture, where we are given glimpses of His power, holiness, and “otherness”. One that I’ve always liked is when Moses tells God that he wants to see him, and God grants his request but has to hide Moses in the cleft while He passes by, because “No one can see My face and live”. Many of the psalms also give vivid pictures of God as a mighty warrior. I believe that somehow, nature “speaks” and points to the glory of the Lord; I can see it in the majesty of a blood red-orange sky at sunset, in trees that tower to the sky, the sound of the rushing wind, and even the delicate petal of a flower.
7. For those of you who were with us when we studied the “fool” in Proverbs, what is one of the first signs of a fool? How is this the opposite of being “poor in spirit?”
A fool thinks they know everything, is argumentative, and relies on his own heart, not God. This is opposite of “poor in spirit” because to receive God you have to be humble.
8. If being “poor in spirit” leads to happiness, it follows that pride leads to misery. How is this borne out by the following proverbs?
A. Proverbs 11:2
Pride leads to disgrace.
B. Proverbs 13:10
Pride leads to conflict.
C. Proverbs 16:18
Pride leads to destruction.
D. Proverbs 29:23
Pride ends in humiliation.
God hunt….It has been raining all night. The sound is gentle and soothing. It brings relief from many days of extreme heat here in the NE. I am thankful for my daughter’s sake. She has been “living” in NYC with no AC. Thank You Lord for rain to wash and cool us.
Sound of the rain. Yes.
8. If being “poor in spirit” leads to happiness, it follows that pride leads to misery. How is this borne out by the following proverbs?
A. Proverbs 11:2 Pride -> Disgrace; humility -> wisdom
B. Proverbs 13:10 Insolence = Strife; Taking advice = wisdom
C. Proverbs 16:18 Pride precedes destruction; haughtiness precedes a fall
D. Proverbs 29:23 Pride will bring someone low; lowly spirit -> honor
I am going to answer question 6 only because I don’t want to. Haha! I’ve read several others’ answers to this question yesterday and it just makes me uncomfortable. Talents???? I’ve always been a pretty ho-hum girl. I do stuff but I don’t excel at anything. When I was in high school, I loved to sing in the choir. But my choir director told me ,”Jean, you have a beautiful blending voice, you’re not a soloist.” So, I kept kinda quiet in the alto section. I have loved to sing in church choirs throughout the years but have never auditioned for a solo. In worship, I love to join my voice with the others and blend as one. So, while sometimes I have felt like my director may have squelched the development of my singing career, 😉 I think really, he helped me to have sound judgement of my abilities. And, while I will never be the featured soloist at our town’s production of Handel’s Messiah, I can join my voice with those around me and praise my Lord and Savior with them.
I know you have the gift of encouragement, Jean.
7) I didn’t study the fool of Proverbs with you but a quick look at the book brought me to Proverbs 1:7, “fools despise wisdom and instruction.” How is this the opposite of being poor in spirit? We learned from the quote by Colin Smith that poor in spirit means to recognize your poverty before God. I think that means to acknowledge your need of Him and His wisdom and instruction. So a fool arrogantly despises God’s wisdom and instruction and the poor in spirit crave it and hungrily devour it.
Jean, I love this “So a fool arrogantly despises God’s wisdom and instruction and the poor in spirit crave it and hungrily devour it.” I am BROKEN right now; “poor in spirit” probably fits. And even though I’ve been immersed in Scripture/solid Christian music, I am so uncomfortable that I want to “fix it.” Your post helps me realize Wisdom is what/whom I am craving.
8) All four of these verses tell us that pride is accompanied by dishonor, strife, stumbling, destruction. However, when we humbly acknowledge our impoverished spirit, our need for God’s wisdom and seek godly counsel from others we receive wisdom and honor. I especially liked Proverbs 13:10, “Through presumption comes nothing but strife, But with those who receive counsel is wisdom.” When I presume to think I know all I need to know about a topic or situation, that’s when I stumble and fall and basically make a big fool of myself. But when I realize I don’t know all there is to know about something and I seek out information and advice from others, I come to an understanding that allows me to make good decisions based on wisdom.
7. A fool always thinks he is right and won’t accept correction. Being poor in spirit readily acknowledge faults, failures and the general inability of self and are grateful for correction.
8.a. Prov11:2 Pride leads to disgrace. Somewhere, sometime, you get exposed and shown up.
b. Prov 13:10 pride breeds quarrels. It is a hot house for disagreement and hurt in relationships.
c. Prov 16:18 pride leads to a fall and destruction. You set yourself up like bowling pins, and become a target to be brought down.
d. Prov 29:23 pride leads to depression. Deep inside, we know the truth about ourselves. When we can’t maintain the facade it leads to feeling low; depressed. Even when we can hold it in place, it isolates us, which is also depressing.
Tuesday
8. If being “poor in spirit “ leads to happiness, it follows that pride leads to misery. How is this borne out by the following proverbs?
A. Proverbs 11:2 – With pride comes dishonor and shame.
B. Proverbs 13:10 – Pride leads to conflict. There’s no arguing with a know-it-all…best to just walk away.
C. Proverbs 16:18 – The Message, “First pride, then the crash-the bigger the ego the harder the fall.”
D. Proverbs 28:23 – The Message, “Pride lands you flat on your face;”
Search my heart oh God…
Monday: What does it mean to be poor in spirit?
1. In Luke’s condensed list of Beatitudes, he simply says blessed are the poor. How do we know from Proverbs 30:8-9 that material poverty and material wealth can be temptations instead of blessings?
We can easily forget the sovereignty of God when it comes to our financial status. “He has made our lot secure; the boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places.” Psalms 16
Being poor materially can keep us dependent on God and give us a strong faith (if we let it) like the poor widow. Or we can be prideful because we have wealth and can use it to fulfill us in some ways but we also know there are things that money cannot buy. Either way, it becomes self-centered rather than God-centered.
5. How does Paul tell us to think of ourselves in Romans 12:3?
Think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith has given you. In the next verses, Paul elaborates on different gifts as given by grace not by our own doing so we cannot boast about our gift or talent in any way.
1. Name one talent God has given you. Explain how you could abuse it by thinking it came from yourself – and then explain how you could use it properly be realizing your great poverty and need to depend on God.
I feel like God has given me the talent of help. God seems to bring along people into my path who I can help through a word of encouragement, practical help to lighten the load. I teach because I want to help others learn, I call people on the phone and pray for them, etc. This talent I can abuse by being prideful and by seeking approval(idol) from others. Also, it can get me distracted from God’s will and I can start thinking that I am indispensable. I need to remind myself all the time that it is only by His grace and enabling that I am able to help others. Apart from Him, I cannot do anything. He brings the opportunities, He guides me to choose the words, actions to meet a need and He alone deserves the praise. For all I do, I have the audience of One and only One.
Those with the gift of help are some of my favorites — I need so much help!
Dee
1. What stands out to you & why?
This stands out to me. I need to remember how easily, even a Christian who has many years, can be deceived by the enemy and drawn away from remembering just how poor in spirit one is and how this state is key to my blessedness-my joy 🙂
2. Challenge question: Why do you think the first beatitude is in the present tense? Since we still have sin, sorrow, and sickness – what is it about heaven that we get to experience now? (If you need help, see Psalm 138:6) When we are poor in spirit, we experience the joy it brings to be near the Lord. This little bit of heaven is ours here on earth, when we remember our place.
3. Did you experience the presence of God in church this morning? If so, how?
There was a damaging storm here early Saturday morning. Most were without power yet on Sunday, including our church. There was no service, but we had the opportunity to minister to a 90 year old man from our church who needed a generator. We experienced the presence of God in the power of this storm, as we had very large tree limbs down in our yard and a very large barn door picked up and left in our driveway by the wind.
Great God Hunts, Chris.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? God SO amazes me with how uniquely He draws us to Him yet how similar experiencing Him is. I absolutely love Dee’s testimony. His spirit in us, total joy and excitement -like we can fly indeed, and our heavy burdens falling.
2. Challenge question: Why do you think the first beatitude is in the present tense? Since we still have sin, sorrow, and sickness – what is it about heaven that we get to experience now? (If you need help, see Psalm 138:6) HIS PRESENCE! 🙂
3. Did you experience the presence of God in church this morning? If so, how? Yes. In the sermon regarding Esau selling his birthright for a pot of stew-to feed his belly. Preferring his idol to satisfy Him rather than God – how like us. Hallelujah, in Christ our sin doesn’t define us, Jesus does. At the end we had time to repent and turn of anything God brought to mind-the stew we would rather have to satisfy our hunger. I was thinking of a family member sitting next to me – who’s life by the way, God is really moving in. I even tapped this person on the arm and said, “see your sin doesn’t have to define you-let it go to God”. Then God brought to mind an area where I am not trusting Him and how I am running to my idol of comfort and so I repented but am finding I need to resist temptation to go to the pantry..and to let Him comfort me instead.
4. In Luke’s condensed list of Beatitudes, he simply says blessed are the poor. How do we know from Proverbs 30:8-9 that material poverty and material wealth can be temptations instead of blessings? When we have too much we forget God and if we have too little we can steal. We just need enough to eat and be clothed. I have found it is a trap of false security..nice home, an over abundance of food etc. If having too much tempts me to keep putting rocks in the stream of intimacy then I am growing not to want it. I used to be afraid to ask God to take away whatever hinders me from running the race and persevering because I didn’t want to lose my home and the comforts we have, but because of the valleys I have been in the past few years and especially lately, God has readying me. I can’t say I have arrived yet but I am in a better place now than I was before to say yes to God.
I agree that comfort is a huge idol in my life. I heard testimony of a missionary who said she had to die to this daily in the field. The loss of her comfy pillow, her couch and a cup of coffee, etc. How do we find these things so satisfying? They really aren’t comparable to the comfort we can find in Christ.
4. How do we know from Proverbs 30:8-9 that material poverty and material wealth can be temptations instead of blessings?
Both can tempt us to sin rather than trust in God.
5. How does Paul tell us to think of ourselves in Romans 12: 3For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
He is reminding us to consider ourselves in light of who we are in Christ, always.
6. Name one talent God has given you, how it can be abused when thinking it came from yourself and how it can be used properly when recognized as a gift from God.
I have been given the opportunity to lead a women’s bible study discussion group in my community. I’m very honored and excited about this. My goal is to provide a safe place for young women (20’s), to grow in their faith along side a diverse group of ladies. The temptation would be to think of this as ‘my’ group, ‘my’ people to influence, etc. The reality is that God has answered prayer for this opportunity for each involved and that includes me- I need to be looking for ways He is teaching me and growing my faith and using me to help these ladies. I have already caught myself taking credit for some that have signed up- when I belong giving God all the credit.
So good Chris. That attitude makes good facilitators!
Isaiah was one of the most respected and articulate men of his time. But before God could use him, He had to humble him.
9. How, according to Isaiah 6:1-8 did that happen?
He saw God, His holiness, power, authority. And he saw himself — a man of unclean lips. Because this was a vision, I wondered how literal it is — having his lips burned (that would hurt!). Then I realized that spiritual & emotional pain is every bit as severe. Burned lips could heal but also could leave scars as a reminder. I’m processing this as I type because I’m going through this right now. My lips are burned. How very gracious of God to bring me back here this week.
10. What are some of the ways we can “see” the Lord high and lifted up? Be specific.
For me, most recently, it was through the preaching of the Word, the work of the Holy Spirit, and music.
Nature + Scripture (either memorized, music, etc)
This next way is a sorta weird comparison, but here goes: I also see the Lord through reflection about what is going on around me — I really don’t have an adequate comprehension of “good” royalty. The ones with which I have even minimal awareness are either primarily figureheads or else very oppressive. But when that journalist was killed by Saudi Arabian authorities, I did get a glimpse of far-reaching power. I realized then that our God is MORE powerful, but He also is merciful.
One thing we have often done on this blog is to go on “God Hunts,” looking for the Lord each day. This helps increase our awareness of His love, His holiness, and His mercy.
11. How have you seen the Lord in your life this week?
It’s still hard to articulate because I am living in it. He is peeling away layers right now. I am seeing His power as I am doing this study right now. I’ve seen His mercy and my sin during the past few days. And right now, I am pondering v. 8 — it’s been in the back of my mind, and reading the passage has brought it to life.
9. How, according to Isaiah 6:1-8 did that happen?
He recognized himself as a horrible sinner with filthy lips, who lived among those with filthy lips.
10. What are some of the ways we can “see” the Lord high and lifted up? Be specific.
I’m not really sure here. Maybe as we pray, we envision Him on His throne (whatever that means to us). How about in nature? Like in the vast night sky with stars, or the amazing beauty of our land, with the mountains, valleys, oceans, and lakes. Also, music….today the babies and I were listening to a gospel version of “America the Beautiful,” and oh! how moving it was. The babies loved it and kept asking to play it over and over again!
“America, America God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!”
So sweet…
11. How have you seen the Lord in your life this week?
I suppose since all I have done is hang out with the babies, it would be that. Being with them and watching them discover new things. My husband is working out of our house 4 days a week now so I am constantly trying to find things for the kids to do away from the house in the morning.
Most of my friends say how it must be hard doing what we are, but we look at it as we are doing what anyone would do in our situation. I am tired but I get to be around young children and that means I am near Jesus.
So sweet, Laura. Those little ones are a blessing:)
Wednesday
9. How, according to Isaiah 6:1-8 did that happen?
Isaiah saw the Lord, six seraphim attending Him, calling out “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!” Their voices shook the temple to its foundations, filling the entire building with smoke. Isaiah said “It’s all over! I am a doomed, for I am a sinful man with filthy lips and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Then a seraphim took s burning coal from the altar with a pair of tongs, touched Isaiah’s lips and said “See, this coal has touched your lips . Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.” The Lord then asked who He should send as a messenger to go to this people and Isaiah said “Here I am. Send me.”
10. What are some of the ways we can “see” the Lord high and lifted up? Be specific.
I read an article today about Singapore’s richest man, Philip Ng. He said he values his relationship with Jesus Christ more than anything else after years of searching. He went on to say that “all of us are broken.” (This from a video posted last year on instagram by Matthew Yao, his mentor ). “We all have a missing piece, and for me, I discovered that the missing piece was God through Jesus Christ.” “I was always in search for a better life, a better me, a better everything. I was just looking at all the wrong things, but when I realized there is no better me or better things without Jesus, “ Ng said. “Then it all snapped into place. Maybe we have to look deeper. I treasure (my faith) more than anything so I just wish for everyone to have that peace and joy. It sure beats a lot of money and material things that you may have.”
I definitely think the Lord was high and lifted up through this man’s testimony and boldness to share it!
11. How have you seen the Lord in your life this week?
I have to share this cause it just tickled me. A couple weeks back I had shared with my five year old grandson about “God Hunts” and explained what they were. The other day I was asking him to share a story with me and he said “do you remember when you told me to look for how God works or shows up in my day?” “Yes.” “Well, I told God I’d like to see a pirate and I saw one today!” I said, “Isn’t God wonderful?” His response was, “He really is.”
This is great. Love kids God hunts.
How God hears the prayers of little ones!
8. If being “poor in spirit” leads to happiness, it follows that pride leads to misery. How is this borne out by the following proverbs?
A. Proverbs 11:2 Pride leads to disgrace
B. Proverbs 13:10 Pride leads to conflict
C. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction and fall
D. Proverbs 29:23 Pride leads to humiliation. I like the translation that Sharon shared, “Pride lands you flat on your face”.
Isaiah was one of the most respected and articulate men of his time. But before God could use him, He had to humble him.
9. How, according to Isaiah 6:1-8 did that happen?
Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, couldn’t stand it and was so awed by the vision. He recognized his sin and filth and his unworthiness.
10. What are some of the ways we can “see” the Lord high and lifted up? Be specific.
Not sure? When we are down on our knees or flat on our face in humility?
When it is not about the speaker, the writer nor anybody we admire but when the spoken truth penetrates our hearts and we humble ourselves?
Answer to pray that is beyond our asking and imagination?
One thing we have often done on this blog is to go on “God Hunts,” looking for the Lord each day. This helps increase our awareness of His love, His holiness, and His mercy.
11. How have you seen the Lord in your life this week?
I want to give God the glory for this: It was so freaky that I am not even sure what really happened. I was eating steamed okra for supper when I felt a sharp pain in my throat. I drank some water but whatever it was clung to the roof of my mouth. I got it to move somehow but my throat was sore. Late in the night, I started coughing and had pain upon swallowing. I got scared but did not wake Richard up. I went to get a big container of water, grab my Bible and read some verses about healing. I prayed God will take care of me while I continually drank sips of water. My eyes were watering from the pain but kept on praying and drinking the water. All of a sudden I did not feel the pain anymore! I swallowed once, twice and the pain was gone. The answer to healing was so surreal it felt like a dream. I sat in bed and wept and thanked God for being mindful of me.
Praise God for healing you. As humans we like to be able to explain everything, but our God does miracles that no one can explain. Love your faith to pray through your pain without waking anyone for help- so scary.
Bing, that must have been so scary! I’m glad you found comfort reading the Bible and praying.
So thankful for your healing, Bing.
Thank you all for your concern. But now, I am kind of scared of eating okra. Richard lovingly planted and cared for them because he knew I like them very much (Filipino palate). I am hoping that was just a one-time thing and I will be careful next time. I haven’t told him yet about the incident because I may discourage him. Please pray I know what to do. The plants are still producing.
Do you think it was an allergic reaction?
12. Notes and comments.
Humility is the gateway blessing.
Isaiah was a rockstar of his time; he humbled himself.
It’s possible that we are doing too much courage to her kids. Maybe we should start to say you can do all things through Christ…
Three steps to pursuing his first beatitude:
1- empty handedness releases you from the idea that He owes you something. This is pride speaking. You are on a path of bitterness and disappointment. He owes me nothing and gives me everything.
2- With humility we can bear affliction. He gives us grace.
3- Release is from the tyranny of self. Loving and despising ourselves is really the same thing. Domination of self here. Self is in control and is a tyrant. To be blessed your focus is Jesus and what He can do for you.
10) High and lifted up?
I have a friend named Vivi who lives in California. I met her there at a church I attended one time. She’s originally from China. Currently, she’s back home in China with her mom who is suffering from Stage 4 terminal cancer. Vivi sends me updates and prayer requests for her mom as she believes with all her heart that the only way for her mom to be healed is by divine intervention. She stays with her mom all day and she reads to her from the Bible and prays. Her mom is not completely convinced yet and neither is her dad but they seem comforted by God’s Word and her prayers. She is faithful to speak truth in this place even though her own brother is against it and many of the staff, too. Vivi is declaring to all around that it is the Lord who saves, it is the Lord who is near to the crushed in spirit, and it is the Lord who heals. He is high and lifted up and He draws near to the poor in spirit.
“Thus says the one who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” Isaiah 57:15
7. For those of you who were with us when we studied the “fool” in Proverbs, what is one of the first signs of a fool? How is this the opposite of being “poor in spirit?”
A fool thinks he is always right. It’s prideful to not accept rebuke or advice from others.
8. If being “poor in spirit” leads to happiness, it follows that pride leads to misery. How is this borne out by the following proverbs?
A. Proverbs 11:2
2When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom.
We disgrace ourselves when we are not open to correction.
B. Proverbs 13:10
10By insolence comes nothing but strife,
but with those who take advice is wisdom.
Denying our faults only harms relationships.
C. Proverbs 16:18
18Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Our pride will always trip us up.
D. Proverbs 29:23
23One’s pride will bring him low,
but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Again, we do harm with pride, but improve our reputation when we are humble.
13. Is there any way you feel stuck in your Christian walk? How could this lesson help you?
This lesson made me realize I have the blessed Jesus in me and that I do not need to despair about my lack of Christian behavior but to look to Jesus to keep me going. He will always be with me. He has given me “tools” to walk the Christian life. I can always ask myself the following if I am stuck. Or am I stuck because the self is enthroned?
Am I poor in spirit?
Do I really mourn my sinfulness?
Am I meek?
Do I hunger and thirst for righteousness?
Am I merciful?
Am I a peacemaker?
Am I pure in heart?
Good questions for us each to ask ourselves, Bing.
I cheated and listened to Colin’s sermon yesterday morning a few times on the way to work and it is so so good. What stood out to me is:
1. How Isaiah the prophet whom everyone would desire to hear -the godly one -when in God’s presence said woe is me for I am ruined. In God’s presence he saw his need. Being close to God made him poor in spirit. Pride has to go in the presence of God.
2. When people are poor in spirit they drop the pebbles to hold the Gold.The poor in spirit trust God over themselves.
3. The teaching of Jesus is the opposite of what the world teaches. He doesn’t say believe in yourself-He says believe in God. We can enjoy a taste of heaven right now – His presence.
4. Valleys and trials are how God helps us for when I say, I don’t have what it takes to face this-God will say I will walk with you through it.
5. Humble yourself under God’s mighty hand of God for he opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. He gives grace to the Humble – humility will help me to stand and endure through the hardest times in my life.
13. Is there any way you feel stuck in your Christian walk? How could this lesson help you?
oh boy! I could definitely benefit from the last of the three “release” statements; self needs to go! I tend to be the one who leans toward self-loathing. I will ponder this idea for now.
Good morning. I was looking for a Gospel centered study on Philippians and found your site in my google search.
Welcome, Barb! We’d love to have you join us — great group of sisters here and we are gospel-centered! I’m Reformed in theology, but anyone is welcome here.
Welcome, Barb! I have been blessed so much by this blog and glad you have joined us.
9.How, according to Isaiah 6:1-8 did that happen? Isaiah saw a vision of himself before the throne of God and he humbled himself before the Lord and his sin was atoned for by a burning coal to his lips.
10. What are some of the ways we can “see” the Lord high and lifted up? Be specific. Verse 3 says the whole earth is full of his glory. We can be humbled before His creation, a sunrise, a beautiful flower, a newborn creature, a God hunt, a miraculous healing. Anytime we can give God glory.
11. The Lord has worked this week calling me to help a man at church, and calling me to hold my daughter accountable, and working in my husband to restore our relationship. 🙂
12. Notes and comments.
My ears perked up when he talked about being careful in how we affirm our children. Of course they need to hear our affirmation, but we need to be careful that it doesn’t turn into idolatry. It’s okay to tell our children that we are proud of them; recently, I told my daughter that same thing, after she achieved a significant accomplishment. Then I added that she can also thank God for this, because it is Him that gives her the health and intelligence to be able to achieve these things. I also noted how he said that boasting and belittling ourselves are kind of the same things because both are allowing “self” to be in control, and self is always a tyrant. Being poor in spirit means focusing on Jesus and what He can do for me. Also, letting go of the pebbles in order to get the gold.
13. Is there any way you feel stuck in your Christian walk? How could this lesson help you?
I can and do feel stuck at times, and I believe this lesson reminds me to go back to the basics. A sense of entitlement can sort of sneak into my thinking, but the truth is, while God loves me and cares for me, He doesn’t owe me anything. Gratitude is a thing to be practiced every day. I get stuck in focusing on “self”, too – either feeling rather prideful and that I can do it on my own, or the other extreme, being extremely hard on myself. Both ways are destructive.
14. Do you have a God Hunt to share?
Last evening my daughter and I were sitting out on our porch, and I was so delighted…I heard these two birds, and I could tell they were the same kind of bird because their “chirp” was the same, yet it was like they were talking to each other…one would chirp, and then the other would answer, just a bit differently than the first, and this went back and forth for a while. I so enjoy being able to stay outside until 9 and watch the sky deepen and listen to the birds.
Good thought about boasting and belittling having the same self focus.
12. Notes and comments.
What really stood out to me is how I always think of my husband and I as such opposites. I see him as the one struggling with self-loathing and myself struggling with self-righteousness. I never thought of these as being two sides of the same coin before. Funny how we each see this fault in the other and are slow to see how it’s truly the same sin at its root.
13. Is there any way you feel stuck in your Christian walk? How could this lesson help you?
Slowly giving up my love of self and loving God more. Looking for Him more each day. Asking, ‘Do I need to go back to the first step?’