For years, Nebraska’s slogan was:
But people didn’t believe it. They saw Nebraska as a long, boring drive to endure until they got to Colorado.
Then a marketing firm came up with:
Curiosity was piqued. Tourism increased by 43%. Might Nebraskans know the secret to “the good life?”
Every individual longs to be happy, longs for “the good life.” So advertisers dangle the promise — if you drink their beer, use their credit card, drive their car, use their perfume — you will experience the good life. Coke, Michelob Light, American Express, Chrysler, Charlie Perfume… so many more, and it works, so they keep promising. Charlie became the best-selling perfume worldwide.
Jesus promised the good life as well, but many don’t believe it. Instead, they see Christianity as a long, boring drive through church services and rules that ruin their fun. Even many who see themselves as Christians, and may genuinely be Christians, have not experienced the good life Jesus promises. They have dipped their toes into “the edges of His ways” but have never surrendered to the ocean of his love.
Free pexels photo by Matias Mango
Because, honestly, it’s not for everyone.
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians
1. This week, how have you experienced the goodness of the Lord, despite the troubles of life?
iMonday: It’s Not For Everyone
2. Read John 10:10 and find Jesus’ promise for the good life. What is it, and why do you think so many, even those who claim to be Christians, do not experience it?
3. What is one reason, according to John 10:7-10 that might be keeping people from experiencing it? List some lies of the enemy to which you have been vulnerable about “the good life.’
4. The whole interview is wonderful, and I hope you watch it, but for our purposes this week, watch the first 40 seconds of it and share how Tim and Kathy experienced more of the presence and the face of God. Click below.
Tuesday: Turn My Eyes Away From Worthless Things
A bit later in the above interview, Keller quoted Psalm 119 to share the value that suffering has had on his life and Kathy’s, helping them truly experience the presence of God.
5. What is the psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 119:36-37. Do you dare pray this for yourself and mean it? If so, do.
6. What is one secret of the good life according to Psalm 119:45?
7. Keller quotes Psalm 119:67. How often I have heard this expressed in your testimonies when you suffered so. If suffering did indeed bring you closer to the Lord, share how.
8. Suffering either makes you bitter or better. That’s one reason “the good life is not for everyone.” What do you think makes the difference?
Wednesday: Wide is the Gate
9. Meditate on Matthew 7:13-14
A. What warning does Jesus give here?
B. Why do you think this is the case?
10. We know this is true for salvation, but I also have wondered how many believers experience what Eric Liddell described: “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.” Have you felt His pleasure, His face shining upon you? If so, share.
The following is a secular song, but I’d like you to sing it to the Lord, share your thoughts, and hopefully you won’t be able to get it out of your head:
11. Thoughts on above?
Thursday: Good Days
Peter quotes Psalm 34 to the believers who are suffering. We will review it briefly today and tomorrow, and examine it more thoroughly later this summer.
12. Meditate on Psalm 34:11-14.
A. How are we addressed in verse 11a? What does it mean to you to be a child of God? Share specifically.
B. What does the psalmist want to “teach us?” What do you think this means?
C. Why should we listen and obey according to verse 12?
D. What commands are given in verses 13 and 14? How could you apply these to your life right now?
Friday: The Sin Beneath the Sin
We know it is always idolatry, trusting something other than the Lord to rescue us. I’d like you to think about this in regard to Psalm 34.
15. Read Psalm 34:4-7 and summarize the psalmist’s experience.
The reason we turn to our idols for rescue is because we don’t trust the Lord to rescue us. My friend Rebecca turned to pie and Fox news each night for rescue from her hard life. When she realized those were idols, she wondered, if I give them up and turn to the Lord instead, will He just let me sit in my pain?
16. Share a time when you turned from the idol (food, friends, facebook…) and to the Lord and found that He did rescue you.
17. Look at Psalm 34:13-14 again.
A. What is the sin beneath the sin, often, when we tell a lie?
B. What is the sin beneath the sin when we say something that causes turmoil instead of creating peace?
C. Where do you fear obeying the Lord (so we can pray!)
Saturday:
18. What is your take-a-way and why?
153 comments
Hi Everyone — this is Dee. I’m still struggling with my platform to do these blogs — and so sorry. You may have to cut and paste the links to make them work.
Thanks so much.
I’m interested in your new study, I’ve been slowly combing through the Bible approximately the last 5 years after quickly reading through it prior to it in the last 15 years and am now in Revelations and praying to have another format to follow. I like the questions I see for the beginning of your new study…
The goodness of life despite my troubles…one year ago the boom was dropped, moving the operations of our company South, four states away, I’m now 4 years from retirement and enjoying unemployment and more time at home and the craziness of the offspring of my 5 children, occasionally. Grateful for more time at home/ house & Garden and for my knit/crochet projects, and quilting w friends, weight loss failures and progress/earned smartwatch 20years service from career. Enjoyed doing gardening this week without rush…and the beauty in my yard so far, and my cats. Dental assist course, hoops w Unemployment, hopes for A part-time job from it. Struggles w mindset of students and teacher 25 years old & younger. Memories of the times ~the way we steered society at that age in our youth and now it’s fantastically worse as history repeats itself.
I hope I can figure out how to, Navigate and answer questions as i delve into your new Bible Study. God Bless!
KellySue
PS ~I’ve focused to get with Lord every morning even if 3 am when I worked for the last 20 yearsish. Grew up believing but my mother didn’t attend church regularly. I was prayed with in early teen, and holy spirit came upon me, before my life went knuts. And the Lord has been my strength, I raised my family on my own with His help.and now own my own home. I have a couple strong Christian friends and sometimes my walk becomes a beacon for my family. And prayers daily; always…easier for me to write down as i have Attention Deficit.
I think I had to approve this one too as you entered your name a bit differently and it thought you were someone new. Love your heart attitude so hope you stay.
The copy/paste worked for me. 🙂
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians 1. This week, how have you experienced the goodness of the Lord, despite the troubles of life?
The joy of fellowship has been like an oasis for me. A time to drink in the encouragement and strength from others, because truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3). At a one day women’s retreat, our focus was on the written Word of God. How thankful I am that we have the Bible and the steady comfort and guidance it gives. To be able to read and discuss it is a great joy. A dear friend’s husband died recently, and I was able to share a meal with her and two other sisters from our Bible study (Forever in Love with Jesus). As we sat in my friend’s home, gathered around the kitchen table, we opened our hearts to each other about many troubles and joys. What a blessing that the Lord has given us each other as companions along the way to our eternal home.
SO TRUE, CHERYL — THIS LIFE IS CHALLENGING BUT, AS YOU SAY
The joy of fellowship has been like an oasis for me.
Yes, Cheryl. Fellowship and community are so important.
There’s nothing better than Christian fellowship where we can freely speak about our troubles and our joys. Love this Cheryl Ann “What a blessing that the Lord has given us each other as companions along the way to our eternal home.”
Love this, Cheryl.
Thanks for sharing Cheryl. Precious fellowship that our sweet Savior uses to help us walk through this life and its trials.
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians
1. This week, how have you experienced the goodness of the Lord, despite the troubles of life? – He’s in the littlest of things sometimes. This week my oldest sister sent me and my other sister a text with the opening line being Good Morning Sista’s. What a blessing this little comment was to me. It was my Mom’s biggest concern when she passed away that we would not stay connected to each other. God is working in the little details of the 3 of our lives and I know this little glimpse of love will continue on. Thank you Lord for the continued connection between my sisters and me.
This is wonderful for relationships are the basis of our faith, with God and people.
What a sweet blessing. I pray that the three of you stay close always.💕💕💕
Neat to see and hear about you and your sisters staying connected. Work at it because it is worth it. See my response to Chris below about my siblings and myself.
I’m happy you and your sisters are close. Cherish it!
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians
1. This week, how have you experienced the goodness of the Lord, despite the troubles of life? Oh, my. Despite the troubles, or rather because of the troubles, we see the Lord’s grace and compassion to us through his people. We see kindness, acts of service, love out-poured in so many ways when we are hurting. Some troubles I did not understand at the time, I can see have been the vehicle to a better place spiritually. So this week, we have been able to gather together as a family and love each other as we grieve our sweet Lucy and help support our daughter who is struggling in her marriage. I see this as the goodness of the Lord in that he is the vine of our close family, we are the branches. Because of our close connection with him, we can support one another in challenging times. Our sweet son, who lost his first born, had his first Father’s Day without his little one. He showed no signs of sadness but was in the center of our 10 grandkids all clamoring for his help to put on swimming goggles he and his wife brought them for the pool today. As he left, I thanked him for helping towards the gift all the kids and I bought for my husband. He replied, of course, I just hope I have cool kids someday. I assured him he would, but my heart was sad for him. I reminded myself that his little Malachi has already brought the Lord’s goodness in his very short life here on earth, as my son and DIL are much closer to the Lord and each other since he passed. It seems the Lord’s goodness comes with loss.
Oh my Chris, I’m so sorry for the grief you all are experiencing but grateful you have the comfort of knowing our heavenly Father has you all tightly in his arms.
Thanks Julie 🙂
Chris, you have had a season of immense grief. I pray that the Lord will continue to hold you close to His heart and give you His peace. Family is so important. Praising God for His mercy, peace and goodness through these dark times. He truly is our Shepherd.
iMonday: It’s Not For Everyone
2. Read John 10:10 and find Jesus’ promise for the good life. What is it, and why do you think so many, even those who claim to be Christians, do not experience it? “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly…” Abundant life for a Christian is a spiritual blessing first off, not material as we may be prone to thinking. We are given spiritual blessings of fruitfulness: the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is something I am still learning, but if I am on the right track I believe it is all about what Galatians describes as walking by the Spirit and not by the flesh. Fulfilling the law by loving our neighbor. Instead, we who call ourselves Christian, still try to earn our salvation, clinging to good works and the law, and listening to the thieves/robbers who tell us we can do this work ourselves when only Christ’s work can save us and give us true freedom.
3. What is one reason, according to John 10:7-10 that might be keeping people from experiencing it? List some lies of the enemy to which you have been vulnerable about “the good life.’ Thieves/robbers or the enemy whispers lies that keep us from having peace and joy. Oh gee, I am sure there are many. The enemy is always after me and so many times I have fallen victim to the lies. In my marriage, the enemy is always trying to tell me I am not good enough when I know the Lord has made me good and chosen this gift for me. Same in parenting, I doubt my abilities and struggle to find answers to struggles daily, when the Lord is right there all along helping me. I don’t always see the obvious or go right to prayer. I need to continually submit my heart to the Lord and keep his truth in front of me.
4. The whole interview is wonderful, and I hope you watch it, but for our purposes this week, watch the first 40 seconds of it and share how Tim and Kathy experienced more of the presence and the face of God. Click below. Praying more, communion with God, mortification of idols, pseudo-justification of sin- prayer for healing, but never going back to who they were before the cancer. Wow. Such a wonderful interview in so many ways. Isn’t it true that the really hard things in life such as facing death, are when we get really honest with ourselves and with God? Everything else is stripped away. Our silly excuses and procrastination of what’s really important. More and more as our family has faced challenges, I see that really what is important is relationships. Our dear grandkids were so excited to swim after lunch yesterday and 3 moms went out to supervise and 3 of us stayed to clean up. One mom was not happy about that and made a big fuss and others left feeling bad about the whole thing. I can see both sides of the situation and really what matters in the end is that we show love to one another. What does this have to do with experiencing more of the presence of God? In these tough moments relationally, we need to pray before we act. We need to consider what impact our actions are going to have on others. We have a lot of pain going on which causes sensitivity and so we need to tread carefully. The enemy loves division and if he can divide the family over something so small, he will. It’s that spiritual battle we need to be watching and guarding against. When we turn away from each other, we are also turning away from the Lord. Relationships matter to him as the second commandment is to love our neighbor as ourself. We cannot be in his presence if we have broken relationship with our brother/neighbor. This was a small thing which will pass, but what about those really difficult offenses which are so hard to forgive-impossible to forgive without the work of Christ? This is where the rubber meets the road. And we need to correct our thinking and keep ourselves whole in relationships in order to remain whole in our relationship with the Lord. Do not let the sun go down on your anger, lest the enemy gets a foothold.
Chris — I do see so much love in your family in this grief you all share as well. And your attitude toward the unhappy mom was good — show love, forgive, don’t let the enemy get a foothold.
Chris, I love your whole post, especially your answer to 4. It is so sad how the enemy can turn a small offense into a war, if our relationships with the Lord are not solid. I believe “reacting” can really set things off in a negative way. It is just what happened in my family. This is gold:We cannot be in his presence if we have broken relationship with our brother/neighbor. This was a small thing which will pass, but what about those really difficult offenses which are so hard to forgive-impossible to forgive without the work of Christ? This is where the rubber meets the road. And we need to correct our thinking and keep ourselves whole in relationships in order to remain whole in our relationship with the Lord. Do not let the sun go down on your anger, lest the enemy gets a foothold.
Oh Chris, It takes a lot of prayer and grace to keep a family together. I know it full well myself. I have far too many war stories but I have found God faithful to work and answer prayer over the years. A testament to that is that my sister and two brothers all now in our late 70s are good friends. And that is strictly because of Jesus whom we all know and love. And one thing my two brothers and I all agree upon is that we all like our sister Carol the best. 😁 She is the beautiful loving mediator in our family.
Bev, this is great advice. I pray for my oldest sister all the time to come to the cross and truly know Jesus and not be mad at what she thinks was his fault. My other sister knows Jesus and I pray she has accepted him as her Lord and Savior.
Love this Chris…“The enemy loves division and if he can divide the family over something so small, he will.”
Chris, this is good for me: And we need to correct our thinking and keep ourselves whole in relationships in order to remain whole in our relationship with the Lord. Do not let the sun go down on your anger, lest the enemy gets a foothold.
We have a sister in Christ who seems to rub my husband and me the wrong way frequently. “Don’t let the enemy get a foothold.” Some days are harder than others. Love her, forgive her, be good to her- frequent reminders that I tell myself. In the end, I would come to the Lord and confess the negative thoughts and remind myself, we will be praising Jesus together when we all get to heaven.
All of your comments are so encouraging. Bing and Julie I pray for your situations. I find for myself and others as well that often the thing we are upset about has more to do with us than the person receiving our anger. This helps me be compassionate for others and look for a way to help them past their anger. My husband was saying how angry it made him that our son-in-law was not treating our daughter well in their struggles and I asked him why. He said he didn’t know, but I said I did. I told him he had been the receiver of much injustice and this was why he couldn’t see it without anger now. He started to cry (he never does this.) That anger from so long ago is still there and the enemy uses it. Whenever we find this in our life, we need to repent and seek the Lord for restoration. Sometimes we don’t even realize anger we have held onto. What a tangled web the enemy has us in and we need to beware and keep our house clean.
So wise, Chris.
Oh, Chris. Amen to Dee. Such wisdom, God has given you.
Thank you, Chris—more enlightenment from God through you. “Keeping our house clean” could be a great topic for a devotional. I thought of Psalm 119:9, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians
1. This week, how have you experienced the goodness of the Lord, despite the troubles of life?
Though I get lonely, being in a new town and not having a close friend, I see the Lord bringing new friends into my life. After a ballroom dance class with my daughter and her friend, Darcy invited two others to join us at the little restaurant next door. I knew one of the ladies, and she is lovely. The other was a young woman from Russia. She appeared to be a bit “stand offfish” in class, but I thought she might be shy. She sat next to me and I found her to be so interesting. I always love hearing peoples’ stories. I asked about her life in Russia and how she happened to come here. I was overwhelmed and had a hard time keeping my tears back, as she told me about her life. She is totally alone in the world. She had to “raise” her parents. They divorced and abandoned her and used her to help them. It was a horrendous story, but she knew she had to get out of Russia, for her own survival. It took her three years via France, then Finland, with her little Yorkie dog (who has a French passport) to get here. She is getting a degree in accounting and one in psychology, online. She works and has appointments to get her citizenship legally. She is here legally. I told her that she now had four friends here. She rents a room in a house and because she worked as a dancer in Russia, she decided to join the dance class. Such a blessing in an unexpected place. I almost skipped going that night, but thank God that He prompted me to go. It changed my perspective on loneliness for sure! I could see how God had taken care of this young woman, who is just 35 years old. He gave her the strength to have a better life, rather than end up being trafficked or worse.
Thanks for sharing Patti. I see how you in your experiences of loneliness had a particularly tender heart for the girl from Russia who has experienced more than her share of loneliness too. Obviously God put you next to her with your sweet heart to always listen to other’s stories.
What a great appointment by God Patti for you to meet this woman and be able to connect with her.
Oh, Patti! Such a sweet story, and there is no doubt in my mind that you were friendly and would be a friend to her. I once had a student who was from Russia. She was like your new friend, too, somewhat. Kind of aloof, but I think she was just shy as well and did not speak much English. I keep in touch with her through FB some although not regularly.
This is so you, Patti. So good.
Monday: It’s Not For Everyone
2. Read John 10:10 and find Jesus’ promise for the good life. What is it, and why do you think so many, even those who claim to be Christians, do not experience it?
Because of Jesus, we might have an abundant life. I believe so many people do not experience this because they do not fully understand Paul’s teaching of “Christ in you..” “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live..” The teaching of Jesus in John 15 about the vine is not fully grasped by many Christians. Many people I’ve talked with are still trying to live “the abundant Life’ in their own strength, trying/failing, repenting/re-committing over and over.
3. What is one reason, according to John 10:7-10 that might be keeping people from experiencing it? List some lies of the enemy to which you have been vulnerable about “the good life.’
One reasons is the “thief,” which could be false teachers/Satan, who comes to steal and destroy our faith/joy. A lie that I have been vulnerable to is “You can’t do that. Who do you think you are?”
4. The whole interview is wonderful, and I hope you watch it, but for our purposes this week, watch the first 40 seconds of it and share how Tim and Kathy experienced more of the presence and the face of God. Click below.
They experienced it more through communion with God through prayer and mortification of idols.
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians
1. This week, how have you experienced the goodness of the Lord, despite the troubles of life?
—Well Dee, It was delightful to see you highlight Nebraska and our infamous state slogan of a few years ago. At the time it was mocked by outsiders and some Nebraskans too. But personally my husband and I as native born Nebraskans agreed with it seeing it as an honest statement. The statistic on tourism was interesting and I didn’t know that. “The Good Life” still remains among the psyche of most average Nebraskans who tend to not like change. 🥴Whether or not you enjoy Nebraska depends in what you are looking for in coming here.
We have lived with the criticism of the long boring drive across Nebraska. That is the result of people never getting off from the beaten path of Interstate 80. If you want large cities the only two we have are small by comparison and are on the far eastern border of the state being Omaha & Lincoln. So there is a definite dichotomy in Nebraska between those two cities and the rest of our state. Many who live in eastern Nebraska have no idea about the rest of the state which has small population numbers for the large amount of land mass. And it has primarily been an agrarian culture which is “life on the farm”so to speak. The term “dumb farmer” has been thrown around a lot but in today’s world most of the farmers & ranchers in our family and among our circle of friends have degrees from universities and employ sophisticated technology to their operations. There is a strong pioneer history in Nebraska that has created a rather strong independent and stubborn people who will endure hot summers and cold winters in doing their work. And since we have no professional sports teams the there is a reason we take great pride in the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. 😊
Yes Nebraska is not for everyone but God loves Nebraskans too and is moving and working here in lives. This past week I have found comfort and richness as I spent time in my daily Bible reading and prayer. There were hard things all around from deep personal concerns to national and worldwide chaos happening last week and the heaviness of war but I daily found comfort in God’s Word. I found comfort and assurances here on the blog for continuing to look to God and find joy.
I took these verses I had read last week and meditated on them throughout the week. Good words that carried me through my daily walk.
“…,Joy to the heart….”
“The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.”
Psalms 19:8 NLT
Bev, I remember the criticism, too — and anger that a Colorado firm came up with it. 🙂 But it worked!
I love your post about Nebraska, Bev. I have never thought about it in that negative way! Ronny and I drove through your beautiful state just to visit Dee and Steve in Kearney! We love the open spaces!
And I thought Indiana was a boring drive, flat and corn that is all you see. Four hours of nothing from top to bottom. 🙂
Bev, our daughter, Ruth, attended UNL, and I loved going over there to visit, shop, and eat! For some reason, I love the drive, maybe because it reminds me a little bit of some of the farmlands in the Philippines. I visited some quaint towns, including a hidden treasure of a cancer garden in Humboldt, NE!
Complete agreement with all the comments 🙌
2. Read John 10:10 and find Jesus’ promise for the good life. What is it, and why do you think so many, even those who claim to be Christians, do not experience it?
Jesus truly is our Shepherd, the One we can trust and rely on. The thief is filled with self interest and anything that he offers, turns our hearts toward self gratification. It is in the giving away of our selves, that we are fulfilled in our souls. The promises of Jesus are not prosperity theology, they are letting go of our own selfish desires and giving ourselves fully to Christ and His purposes. I think the concept of giving up all our desires is foreign to our earthly minds, that can quickly become distracted with the things of this world. It is so important to stay in God’s Word and fellowship with other followers of Christ, to keep our walk on the straight and narrow path.
3. What is one reason, according to John 10:7-10 that might be keeping people from experiencing it? List some lies of the enemy to which you have been vulnerable about “the good life.’
The enemy promises self gratification in many ways, and so many other temptations that are of this world. They can be job status, idols of every kind, fame, fortune, beauty…he can distract us even when we are seeking God. When I lost my husband, the love of my life, it rocked my world. Yet, I was having such a difficult time watching him suffer. Looking back, I can see God’s mercy and love in every minute we had together the last years and those last few days. It changed my entire perspective on my life and my world. It changed me in good ways drawing me closer to Jesus. I was able to totally let go of so many earthly things. It gave me a great desire to let go and give my life to God in a more complete way, where He could use me more for His purposes. I still miss my husband so much, yet I continue to see God’s comfort and hand on my life. The enemy offers the good life, which is very temporary, at best. Jesus offers the Best life, which is eternity with Him.
4. The whole interview is wonderful, and I hope you watch it, but for our purposes this week, watch the first 40 seconds of it and share how Tim and Kathy experienced more of the presence and the face of God. Click below.
I love the good you see in your struggle. I love that you say the enemy offers the good life but Jesus offer the Best life. Spot on.
Patti, Such good thoughts and a strong testimony to the power of God in your life personally. Appreciate you so much.
2.always looking for happiness in people and stuff; steals joy because expectations can be too high at times and too much pressure on them and myself to reach that accomplishment just out of reach. Without seeking the giver of life, and our savior is difficult to find that peace and patience.
3. The Lord is the gate for the sheep coming and going…I find pasture there, sometimes circumstances increase to not stop and pray in my frustration, handling things in my way from my life’s experiences don’t always work for others…they haven’t seen where I have triumphed, the struggles God brought me; where I am now. When I reboot, it is hoped and my prayer, the next time I see that person I’m to stay out of it OR if it’s the Lord’s will…He gives me the words.
4. Forgiveness before feeling it…reminds me of the concept to ‘smile and the world smiles back at you’ or ‘enthusiasm begets enthusiasm’ and Forgiveness is a form of self control and trusting God to work things out for you and the other person and being the face of God. Being vulnerable or suffering as Christ suffered for many; is humbling.
Welcome, Kelly!
Thx, I gave feedback yesterday, don’t know what happened!
I’ll check and see if there is a comment waiting — sometimes that happens if you get on with a different device or spell your name differentlly or give a link that triggers something.
How do I place a picture?
Directions can be found here:
https://support.gravatar.com/basic/account-signup/
Tried to do gravitar
Welcome to the group Kelly.
Welcome, Kelly!
Forgiveness is a form of self control. Hadn’t thought of this before. Also, a form of abuse towards others if we withhold it and continue in our anger. How sad to see that happen even when we are affected the worst in that situation. There are some times however when we truly cannot forgive without Christ. Something small yes, but those bigger offenses, no. Thank you for your comments. Makes me think. And welcome.🤗
Welcome Kelly! Love your thoughtful answers.
Yes, Welcome Kelly!
4. The whole interview is wonderful, and I hope you watch it, but for our purposes this week, watch the first 40 seconds of it and share how Tim and Kathy experienced more of the presence and the face of God. Click below.
I don’t know why my answer disappeared. Suffering helps you see the promises of God more clearly. It also helps deepen your walk with God. You pray more and your prayers are different, no longer focused on the same desires. It clarifies your perspective on Who God is. Keller references Psalm 119, which I have marked in my Bible 10/10/2021. It is a very long Psalm and the footnote in my Bible says : A devotional on the Word of God. I need to read this Psalm again.
Monday: It’s Not For Everyone
2. Read John 10:10 and find Jesus’ promise for the good life. What is it, and why do you think so many, even those who claim to be Christians, do not experience it? – The promise of Jesus in John 10:10 is that He came to this earth so that we would have life and have it to the fullest. I think some Christians don’t experience because they haven’t completely given themselves over to Christ. They want to hang on to a bit of the old person they used to be. They may think they aren’t worthy to have a life rich in all areas. Some may think they have to earn it, whereas we only need to open up our hands and receive it this awesome gift of God.
3. What is one reason, according to John 10:7-10 that might be keeping people from experiencing it? List some lies of the enemy to which you have been vulnerable about “the good life.’ – Some Christians have not walked through the gate to get to Jesus and the gifts he provides. Some of the enemy’s lies might be…your life will be so dull and boring; you will need to get rid of everything; you will need to give all your hard-earned money to someone else who doesn’t deserve it; you will need to love others and forgive those who have hurt you. So many of these lies can put doubt in our minds. We need to really stay connected to God’s Word in order to know what lies the enemy is trying to throw at us and we can deflect them with God’s Word.
4. The whole interview is wonderful, and I hope you watch it, but for our purposes this week, watch the first 40 seconds of it and share how Tim and Kathy experienced more of the presence and the face of God. – Tim mentioned that he knew he had do something with the weaknesses he had, but it seemed to come to light, it became more important when his cancer came back. They prayed for Tim to be healed, but they also prayed that they would not go back to those weaknesses when the face of death came.
2. Read John 10:10 and find Jesus’ promise for the good life. What is it, and why do you think so many, even those who claim to be Christians, do not experience it?
I think it is following His ways? Because we think we follow Him but we really can’t. He was perfect.
3. What is one reason, according to John 10:7-10 that might be keeping people from experiencing it? List some lies of the enemy to which you have been vulnerable about “the good life.’
Ugh! Parables! I don’t get them!! I guess our heart isn’t in it? We are only in it for the salvation, not the way through it?
1. This week, how have you experienced the goodness of the Lord, despite the troubles of life? I think that I’ve been experiencing it because of the troubles of life. A few weeks ago I was noticing a trend in all of the Christian podcasts or radio programs that I was listening to. They were pretty much explaining how and why troubles strengthen a Christian and were necessary for Christian growth. One even said if everything in your life is going pretty smoothly then you need to check that God didn’t just leave you to your own devices.
That got me to thinking a lot about how my prayer life, bible reading and church involvement have been kind of lack luster lately, yet every thing seems to be going well. Then my back and hip started giving me serious trouble after 5 days of working at my parents cabin over the Memorial Day holiday.
My chiropractor has given me adjustments because my hips are out of alignment, but I have been limping and having muscle spasms. Work has been very difficult as I am on my feet all day. The good news is that I use this as a constant reminder that I need to pray and give thanks to God. Every time the pain gets worse, it’s a reminder to me to pray then and there. Not just for myself, but everyone I know.
Dawn, wow! I love this: Every time the pain gets worse, it’s a reminder to me to pray then and there. Not just for myself, but everyone I know. I have been having some hip issues as well. What you said here has given me a good, godly perspective on my suffering. Thank you for sharing.
Father, I thank you so for Dawn –her attitude, her heart. Unless You have a better idea, please heal her hips!
Oh, Dawn! What a great perspective! I agree with Dee’s prayer for your hips!
Dawn, Thank you for your honest sharing. I pray too if it please God to heal your hips and keep you close in your prayer life.
Oh Dawn, I will be praying for you to find some relief with your pain.
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians
1. This week, how have you experienced the goodness of the Lord, despite the troubles of life?
Never a day goes by without some life trouble, it seems. But why would I be surprised? Yet, despite them, I see the goodness of God in His Word, reminding me of his faithfulness that is new every morning. Lam 3:20-23
I was delighted to see my garden thriving despite the dry, hot weather. I am in no way a green thumb gardener, but I am learning the discipline of weeding, watering, and watching for signs of “life trouble” for my herbs and vegetables. As a child of God, I also need the three “W’s”. Thankful to the Master Gardener for taking care of them and me.
I love the three “Ws”, Bing! Truth!
Love this Bing…”I am in no way a green thumb gardener, but I am learning the discipline of weeding, watering, and watching for signs of “life trouble” for my herbs and vegetables. As a child of God, I also need the three “W’s”. Thankful to the Master Gardener for taking care of them and me.”
Monday: It’s Not For Everyone
1. Read John 10:10 and find Jesus’ promise for the good life. What is it, and why do you think so many, even those who claim to be Christians, do not experience it?
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
A full life. Aahh…that is what I desire. I used to wonder why this promise is not my daily experience. I have come to realize that I equated a full life with happy circumstances and a life with very little trouble. And God would be like Endora or Samantha from Bewitched. Or my own personal Santa Claus.
A greater awareness and deeper appreciation of the Cross have changed all of that way of thinking. Jesus paid it all…how would He not freely give us all good things or a good life? A shift in perspective based on the word of God. Staying on the vine ( John 15), looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12), meditating on God’s Word (Psalm 1), relying on the Holy Spirit (John 14:26)
2. What is one reason, according to John 10:7-10 that might be keeping people from experiencing it? List some lies of the enemy to which you have been vulnerable about “the good life.’
Looking elsewhere (relationships, success, material wealth, jobs, accomplishments, family, children), other than Jesus.
4. The whole interview is wonderful, and I hope you watch it, but for our purposes this week, watch the first 40 seconds of it and share how Tim and Kathy experienced more of the presence and the face of God. Click below
When he was diagnosed with cancer, actual experiencing of God through prayer, mortification of our idols, really seeing what kind of pseudo gods, pseudo salvations, pseudo justifications, and realizing you have to do something about them.
Tim and Kathy prayed 2 prayers: for Tim’s healing from cancer and that they would never go back to the way they were before cancer.
What I got from this is to not wait till something “serious” happens, but to deal with my false gods now and truly experience communion with God in the dailies of life.
Love this, Bing: What I got from this is to not wait till something “serious” happens, but to deal with my false gods now and truly experience communion with God in the dailies of life.
”A greater awareness and deeper appreciation of the Cross have changed all of that way of thinking“ So good to be reminded often of the Cross.
FYI – Dee, I just highlighted the link and my phone asked if I wanted to open it. I said yes and it did (iPhone).
4. The whole interview is wonderful, and I hope you watch it, but for our purposes this week, watch the first 40 seconds of it and share how Tim and Kathy experienced more of the presence and the face of God. Click below.
Tim Keller explains how, in the face of cancer, their whole prayer life changed. He says they got rid of the idols that they had been serving, for good; they were faced with death now. They prayed 2 prayers. One, to defeat the cancer and two, to not go back to who they had been spiritually. He said they had more in the way of communion with God. More experience of God.
Thanks, Laura — this platform is driving a bit wonkers!
Tuesday: Turn my eyes away from worthless things
A bit later in the above interview, Keller quoted Psalm 119 to share the value that suffering has had on his life and Kathy’s, helping them truly experience the presence of God.
5. What is the psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 119:36-37. Do you dare pray this for yourself and mean it? If so, do.
A kiss from the King, Psalm 119:37 gripped my heart a few weeks ago as I was studying a nearby passage. In the KJV it reads, “Turn my eyes away from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in Thy way.” My thoughts immediately latched onto the word “beholding.” Not just looking at worthless things, but GAZING at them. “Beholding is a way of becoming.” I was convicted about how much time I spend on things that will pass away. I have memorized this verse and it has become a prayer for me.
6. What is one secret of the good life according to Psalm 119:45? To seek/pursue the Lord through the Word, Bible reading/study.
7. Keller quotes Psalm 119:67. How often I have heard this expressed in your testimonies when you suffered so. If suffering did indeed bring you closer to the Lord, share how.
I wrote a personal Psalm of Lament a few years after my daughter died, here is an excerpt: “I seem now to be living only through You. You are my very breath. I feel so vulnerable, but I am aware that You are with me, yea, living in me.”
Even when I could not pray, and the pain was overwhelming, God was always there holding me. Through it all, He was there.
8. Suffering either makes you bitter or better. That’s one reason “the good life is not for everyone.” What do you think makes the difference?
I don’t really have an opinion that doesn’t sound judgmental. For myself it was a matter of personal faith, and I did not ask the Lord for any answers as to why Mary was killed. Some people need/want an answer, and they can end up blaming God for what happens (He could have prevented it!). I turned to the Lord’s comforting arms (He thoroughly understands grief).
Cheryl, Such good insight on beholding and gazing and what that really means. Thankyou for sharing your very personal suffering in grief. And acknowledging that God was always there holding you. Through it all He was there. That is so important to hear.
Yes and Amen…”Even when I could not pray, and the pain was overwhelming, God was always there holding me. Through it all, He was there.”
Cheryl, I also love your thoughts on beholding.
My heart breaks for you, reading the lines from your lament. I love that you “turned to the Lord’s comforting arms, He thoroughly understands grief.”
Patti, Please don’t be sad for me. Mary died in 1995, and the Lord brought me through that journey of grieving, not just somehow, but triumphantly. I used to think that I didn’t want to ever lose that very close presence of the Lord (as mentioned in my Psalm), I was fearful. But eventually I got stronger, through His grace and mercy, and He led me into new pastures, and restored my joy.
Oh, Cheryl! What a beautiful testimony to the Lord’s deep love and His healing power. “ I was fearful. But eventually I got stronger, through His grace and mercy, and He led me into new pastures, and restored my joy.”
Thank you for sharing this. 💕
What a horrific yet wonderful testimony if those two things can be together, and I guess they can.
Monday: It’s Not For Everyone
2. Read John 10:10 and find Jesus’ promise for the good life. What is it, and why do you think so many, even those who claim to be Christians, do not experience it?
—Jesus says he came so that we might have life and have it abundantly.
I think when we don’t experience abundant life it is because we seek and desire things when it is found only in the relationship we can have with Him. He is in Himself abundant life and is the very source of it. It’s about the heart and desiring Him.
3. What is one reason, according to John 10:7-10 that might be keeping people from experiencing it? List some lies of the enemy to which you have been vulnerable about “the good life.’
—The enemy wants us to believe that Jesus is not enough to get us through life and its troubles.
I think my feelings get in the road with trusting that Jesus is truly sufficient. When life is hard and full of grief or physical suffering it can be overwhelming and it feels just too hard. It clouds his Presence with me even though I have his promises. I often need to remind myself of his promises.
4. The whole interview is wonderful, and I hope you watch it, but for our purposes this week, watch the first 40 seconds of it and share how Tim and Kathy experienced more of the presence and the face of God. Click below.
—It was through their communion with God in their prayer life in particular. It was a deeper more meaningful kind of prayer life. And in that time they dealt with and set aside idols in their lives which kept them from the real thing being Jesus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAkTnhdQkY8
Tuesday: Turn My Eyes Away From Worthless Things
A bit later in the above interview, Keller quoted Psalm 119 to share the value that suffering has had on his life and Kathy’s, helping them truly experience the presence of God.
5. What is the psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 119:36-37. Do you dare pray this for yourself and mean it? If so, do.
—The Psalmist asks God to give him an eagerness for His Word rather than a love for material things. And he prays that God would turn his eyes (heart & mind) from worthless things and give him life through his Word.
—How would I dare not to pray that!
Practically applied for me it comes in turning away from the worthless things I can see and read through technology on the various forms of media. And going directly to God’s Word and prayer. I have committed to start each day by doing just that. God’s word and prayer first before reading any thing else. Even before I do this blog. I can see clearly the difference in my life and how the pattern of what I do affects me.
6. What is one secret of the good life according to Psalm 119:45?
—The NLT version says “I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.”
Psalms 119:45 NLT
Reading and being in God’s word has a truly freeing effect upon my life.
7. Keller quotes Psalm 119:67. How often I have heard this expressed in your testimonies when you suffered so. If suffering did indeed bring you closer to the Lord, share how.
—NLT says “I used to wander off…” How well that describes my propensity to “wander off” in my thoughts, in my habits, my attitudes and my love from the clarity of my God’s influence on my life until suffering comes and then I quickly am drawn back to Him and his word.
—In the recent months as I have walked with my precious friend Lynda in her deep suffering with physical pain and serious illness I have often been pulled into prayer day and night for her. I find it is primarily God’s word that brings hope and comfort in those times.
This morning Lynda wrote these comments to me regarding the her intense struggles in these recent months.
“Spiritually, I feel like I’ve turned a corner with the Lord…… basically, I’ve taken another step away from “self focus”…….. I need to keep my focus on Jesus. I don’t need to ask the Lord to change or improve the situation.”
It challenges me to step away from self-focus and keep my focus on Jesus.
8. Suffering either makes you bitter or better. That’s one reason “the good life is not for everyone.” What do you think makes the difference?
—Basically it comes down to what I just related above. Whether I self-focus which will make me bitter or focus on Jesus and his Word which softens and molds my heart for good.
Bev, I love your answer about going directly to God’s Word, rather than worthless things in the media. And, I love that your friend, Lynda, is turning her heart toward Jesus.
I agree with Patti! I have been convicted recently of coming to the blog before the Word and I do believe this is important. I believe I will join you in this commitment. Bible, prayer and my journal for memorizing the word which I have been neglecting.
Such a good post. I think it was Eugene Peterson who said worship interrupts our preoccupation with ourselves.
What a great quote.
2. Read John 10:10 and find Jesus’ promise for the good life. What is it, and why do you think so many, even those who claim to be Christians, do not experience it? That we have life and have it more abundantly. I think that people have the wrong idea about what an abundant life is. They think that it means happiness and having those things that they think will make them happy.
3. What is one reason, according to John 10:7-10 that might be keeping people from experiencing it? List some lies of the enemy to which you have been vulnerable about “the good life.’ They don’t see Jesus as their gate to abundant life, but things and experiences. When I started seriously going to church and reading the bible, the church that I had attended was called Abundant Life. It was pretty much a prosperity church. So I spent a lot of years thinking that if things were going badly then it was a sign that I wasn’t believing enough or that I was doing something wrong and God was displeased with me. I spent lots of time during the years that we were broke praying for God to show me what I was doing wrong. I was following the rules, giving money to the church and still was barely scraping by. Movies and books are always trying to tell you that it’s not things, but people and how you treat them that makes you happy, but that isn’t true either. It may give you a sense of well being and pleasure, but it’s fleeting.
Oh that is such a twist on Abundant Life. I’m glad the Lord got you out.
Tuesday: Turn My Eyes Away From Worthless Things
A bit later in the above interview, Keller quoted Psalm 119 to share the value that suffering has had on his life and Kathy’s, helping them truly experience the presence of God.
5. What is the psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 119:36-37. Do you dare pray this for yourself and mean it? If so, do.
Lord, I love You, and I desire to live a life pleasing to You. Keep my heart focused on Your ways and make Your will the desire of my heart. I so quickly turn my heart to my own needs and desires, that are full of self gratification. Lord give me a heart for You being first and center in my life. Remind me that the only things that count in this life are the things I do for Your kingdom out of love for You and not for the attention of the world. Give me pure motives in all that I think, say and do. Lord, God Please help me to filter my thoughts before they become words, so that the words of my mouth will speak only of love and kindness. In the Name of Jesus, I pray.
6. What is one secret of the good life according to Psalm 119:45?
I will live with a free and joyous conscience, if I seek the Lord’s wisdom and live with the behavior and words that are pleasing to Him.
7. Keller quotes Psalm 119:67. How often I have heard this expressed in your testimonies when you suffered so. If suffering did indeed bring you closer to the Lord, share how.
It is through suffering that I realize how vulnerable and alone I am without God. I realize that He is all that I have that is totally trustworthy and lasting. He is eternal and He is love. I think that suffering also makes me more aware of my vulnerabilities and it gives me compassion and empathy for others going through suffering. I love this quote by Elisabeth Elliot, “To want what we don’t have is impatience, for one thing, and it is to mistrust God. Is He not in complete control of all circumstances, events and conditions? If some are beyond His control, He is not God.” Suffering has brought me more dependence on God and more trust in Him.
8. Suffering either makes you bitter or better. That’s one reason “the good life is not for everyone.” What do you think makes the difference. If you believe God is good, you will know that His end purpose is for good, even if we cannot see it in our life time. This does not take the pain of grief or suffering away, but it does speak to God’s purposes, which are so far beyond our comprehension. In today’s devotion (The Songs of Jesus) Tim Keller writes about Psalm 73:10-14, In every difficult circumstance, we may hear God saying to us: ‘now we will see if you came to me to get me to serve you or so that you could serve me.”
Bitterness comes when we shut God out of our life and blame Him for our suffering and loss. And that can be hard because loss is so isolating and brings loneliness.
I have to always love God for Himself, not for what I get from Him. I need to a servant’s heart in the good times and the bad times. Lord help me to see your perspective on my life.
I love your prayer, Patti.
From Patti:
It is through suffering that I realize how vulnerable and alone I am without God. I
Thursday
A. As His child, I don’t know everything and am dependent to find out more
B. Humble myself to trust and that I don’t have to control all
C. Our personal goal is to ‘feel good’…when I hear this verse, it feels like “sunshine hugs” by God and his Protection. So drawing near to Him and revearing Him gives me this promise and security.
D. Turning from deceitful speech (self-control)…seek peace and pursue – being available for others when we are ‘present’..practicing being a good listener.
Tuesday: Turn My Eyes Away From Worthless Things
A bit later in the above interview, Keller quoted Psalm 119 to share the value that suffering has had on his life and Kathy’s, helping them truly experience the presence of God.
5. What is the psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 119:36-37. Do you dare pray this for yourself and mean it? If so, do. – The psalmist’s prayer is that we turn our eyes away from worthless things, like idols and focus on the things of the Lord.
6. What is one secret of the good life according to Psalm 119:45? – We will have stable footing as we walk with the Lord. Our path is wide and smooth and we can be assured each step we take will be grounded when we keep Jesus as our focus.
7. Keller quotes Psalm 119:67. How often I have heard this expressed in your testimonies when you suffered so. If suffering did indeed bring you closer to the Lord, share how. – The sufferings I’ve been through, though not nearly as bad as others, has shown me that I can cry out to God and he does hear me. He will provide my needs, whether they be material needs, or peace, comfort and strength to get me through them all. He is faithful and always will be near to us.
8. Suffering either makes you bitter or better. That’s one reason “the good life is not for everyone.” What do you think makes the difference? – For me, it made me better. It’s hard to suffer no doubt, but with God, I’m able to find the peace that would not be there if I was walking alone. God provides what we need to get through each trial/suffering we go through. We need to make sure He is our constant. Without him, my struggles would weigh me down even more.
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians
1. This week, how have you experienced the goodness of the Lord, despite the troubles of life?
I have experienced His goodness through His word. In Colossians 1:11 the last sentence is, “May you be filled with joy.” The first sentence in verse 12 is, “Always, giving thanks to the Father.” I thought it odd how they split up those verses although when Paul wrote it there were no verses, so no splits. After starting this study last week it is more clear to me why those two sentences go hand in hand…Paul definitely knew. Thank you Dee for your obedience to the Holy Spirit in doing this study.
What Paul says should bring us joy and thankfulness is, “God has enabled us to share in the inheritance that belong to His people who live in the light. For He rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” (Colossians 1:12-14) Amen!
Great insight into Colossians 1:11-12!
Monday: It’s Not For Everyone
2. Read John 10:10 and find Jesus’ promise for the good life. What is it, and why do you think so many, even those who claim to be Christians, do not experience it?
“He came that we might have life and have it abundantly.”
I can only speak from my own experience and it takes me back to the first part of John 10:10, “The thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy…”. I allow him to steal, kill and destroy. I take my eyes off of Christ and what He has done for me and focus on self.
3. What is one reason, according to John 10:7-10 that might be keeping people from experiencing it? List some lies of the enemy to which you have been vulnerable about “the good life.’
I touched on one in my above answer but I think the other is, have people entered through the true gate which is Jesus…are they truly saved?
4. The whole interview is wonderful, and I hope you watch it, but for our purposes this week, watch the first 40 seconds of it and share how Tim and Kathy experienced more of the presence and the face of God. Click below.
“Communion with God, actual experience with God and mortification of your idols. Really seeing things you always relied on as pseudo god, pseudo salvation and pseudo justification.”
A quote from a sermon by Paul Washer…”My dear friend everyone wants to go to heaven – they just don’t want God to be there! The question is not, ‘do you want to go to heaven?’ The question is this: ‘do you want God?’ Have you stopped being a hater of God? Has Christ become precious to you? Do you desire Him?”
Love the quote by Paul Washer, Sharon! Thank you for sharing!
Your quote is spot on. Is Christ precious to me? Do I desire Him?
Interesting you listen to Paul Washer. I always eel he isyelling at me yet he has such good things to say.
I agree Dee 😒…I got this quote from an article I read.
5. What is the psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 119:36-37. Do you dare pray this for yourself and mean it? If so, do.
The Psalmist wants to be closer to God instead of idols. He wants to give up worthless things and only receive life through God’s Word.
6. What is one secret of the good life according to Psalm 119:45?
Freedom.
7. Keller quotes Psalm 119:67. How often I have heard this expressed in your testimonies when you suffered so. If suffering did indeed bring you closer to the Lord, share how.
Drawing close to Him helps us through life. I have had many times this has happened, however right now I am in the midst of full blown suffering with our daughter and I am trying to remain in Him. Peace. Know He has got it. To know He cares. Lord You are the one in control.
8. Suffering either makes you bitter or better. That’s one reason “the good life is not for everyone.” What do you think makes the difference?
Well, being bitter, in the end, results in nothing but bitterness. Better means growth and hope in the future. You have God instead of nothing at the end.
Amen to your answer to 8, Laura!
Tuesday: Turn My Eyes Away From Worthless Things
A bit later in the above interview, Keller quoted Psalm 119 to share the value that suffering has had on his life and Kathy’s, helping them truly experience the presence of God.
5. What is the psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 119:36-37. Do you dare pray this for yourself and mean it? If so, do.
“Give me an eagerness for Your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through Your word.”
6. What is one secret of the good life according to Psalm 119:45?
Devoting myself to His commandments.
7. Keller quotes Psalm 119:67. How often I have heard this expressed in your testimonies when you suffered so. If suffering did indeed bring you closer to the Lord, share how.
My suffering woke me up spiritually and showed me that God is in control. I didn’t realize how complacent I’d become in my faith until my suffering showed me my need to be in His word, studying it, praying and sharing with others.
8. Suffering either makes you bitter or better. That’s one reason “the good life is not for everyone.” What do you think makes the difference?
One letter makes the difference…”I.” If in our suffering we focus on ourselves, feel sorry for ourselves and make it all about us bitterness will be the outcome. We must focus on God and hopefully we’ll learn what He is teaching us so we become better and grow in Him.
Love your answer to 8., dear Sharon! “I” makes the difference!
Answer to #7
During my youth I was afflicted by people around me and it not only scared the bagebeeze out of me, it also affected my children ~ and you Lord was all I had to believe in.
Good testimony, Kelly. Not sure why I have to keep approving you for then you have to keep waiting to see your comments and responses. I’m going to try to figure it out.
Thankful you had the Lord, Kelly!
Tuesday: Turn My Eyes Away From Worthless Things
A bit later in the above interview, Keller quoted Psalm 119 to share the value that suffering has had on his life and Kathy’s, helping them truly experience the presence of God.
1. What is the psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 119:36-37. Do you dare pray this for yourself and mean it? If so, do.
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.Turn my eyes away from worthless things; Preserve my life according to your word.
Lord, that I would pursue your statutes, your Word, and not this world-myself, others, things.
2. What is one secret of the good life according to Psalm 119:45?
I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
Seeking God’s word to guide me.
3. Keller quotes Psalm 119:67. How often I have heard this expressed in your testimonies when you suffered so. If suffering did indeed bring you closer to the Lord, share how.
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.
4. Suffering either makes you bitter or better. That’s one reason “the good life is not for everyone.” What do you think makes the difference?
Trust in God, who is sovereign over all things, including my suffering. Trusting in His Word that speaks of His faithfulness and His constant presence. That Jesus will keep me, and He will hold me fast. Jude and the song by Selah, “He will hold me fast”.
My extra random thoughts: I should welcome suffering as it strengthens and proves my faith is authentic. Suffering here is temporary and makes my heart all the gladder of what Jesus has done for me on the cross. God is pleased when, through suffering, I am made more like His Son.
Love your answers, Bing! Especially to 4. All of your thoughts, including the random thoughts! So good!
Wednesday: Wide is the Gate
9. Meditate on Matthew 7:13-14
A. What warning does Jesus give here? Be careful, wide is the gate and broad is the way leading to destruction. Go in at the narrow, strait gate that leads to life.
B. Why do you think this is the case? I had always thought of these verses as pertaining only to salvation, until Dee asked us to meditate on them. Now I see another application for those who are saved. Jesus is talking about making choices in how to live in this chapter. It’s easy to live a life with few thoughts of God, getting caught up in issues of the world, human relationships, and selfish desires. In my mind I see a wide open gate leading to a smooth, broad path free of any obstacles, and lots of distractions. The traveler is so distracted that she walks right to edge of a cliff and falls. I need to be looking at Jesus, following the narrow path that leads to the abundant life He promised.
10. We know this is true for salvation, but I also have wondered how many believers experience what Eric Liddell described: “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.” Have you felt His pleasure, His face shining upon you? If so, share.
I don’t know as I would say I’ve felt God’s pleasure, as much I’ve felt God’s approval when I follow the Spirit’s leading to help/encourage someone. I do think that when I use sign language to “sing” it gives Him pleasure, because I am immersed in worship.
The following is a secular song, but I’d like you to sing it to the Lord, share your thoughts, and hopefully you won’t be able to get it out of your head:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrwf-sIcr0M
11. Thoughts on above? Totally agree to really know Jesus is to love Him. The verse about the boy being blind to the girl’s love, and then realizing they were meant to be, is the opposite of what happens. Jesus loves us when we are blind to Him, and He woos us until we realize that we are meant to be with Him. “Just to see him smile, makes my life worthwhile.” I think that’s the phrase that will stick with me today.
Cheryl! I love your answers, especially to B: In my mind I see a wide open gate leading to a smooth, broad path free of any obstacles, and lots of distractions. The traveler is so distracted that she walks right to edge of a cliff and falls. This is a great truth! Thank you!
We think alike!
From Cheryl:
In my mind I see a wide open gate leading to a smooth, broad path free of any obstacles, and lots of distractions. The traveler is so distracted that she walks right to edge of a cliff and falls. I need to be looking at Jesus, following the narrow path that leads to the abundant life He promised.
Meditate on Matthew 7:13-14
A. What warning does Jesus give here?
It’s easy to get through a wide gate that represents destruction. It’s difficult to get through the narrow gate which leads to life. Be careful which path you choose.
B. Why do you think this is the case?
It is easy to sin and harder to not sin.
10. We know this is true for salvation, but I also have wondered how many believers experience what Eric Liddell described: “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.” Have you felt His pleasure, His face shining upon you? If so, share.
Absolutely! When I dance for Him.
11. Thoughts on above?
I like the line about walking with Him.
I agree, Laura…so true: “it can be easier to sin than not to sin.”We need to pay attention to our own motives.
12. Meditate on Psalm 34:11-14.
A. How are we addressed in verse 11a? What does it mean to you to be a child of God? Share specifically.
“…my children…” I am His offspring. He cares for me and loves me. He is with me through the good and bad times. He disciplines me when it is needed. He guides me in correct paths. I can go to Him with anything and He will help me. He protects me. He sustains me in all ways; food, clothing , money, etc. He comforts me when I am down.
B. What does the psalmist want to “teach us?” What do you think this means?
He wants us to learn to fear the Lord. I know it means to revere Him. To be in awe of Him. But, until I participated in this blog, I thought it meant to be scared of Him, or to be afraid, not to hold Him in high esteem.
C. Why should we listen and obey according to verse 12?
We want to listen and obey so we may live a long and prosperous life.
D. What commands are given in verses 13 and 14? How could you apply these to your life right now?
Don’t use your words for bad, rather for good. Have peace in your life. Oh boy, this is good advice for our life right now. Court is on the 24th and our daughter is spewing lies about us because the GAL filed her report and it is in our favor. Sarah is out of control. Peace. Yes! Please Lord, peace.
Laura, I am glad to hear the report is in your favor as it should be. I am praying specifically as God leads for these next days ahead and court next Tuesday.
Court, and back biting is unnerving…remember ‘at such a time as this’, the pole one builds can bAckfire.
Have peace, and be prepared; arms of Jesus to fight your battles, keep arms up, have strength that all will come to bring glory to his name…I know it can be scary; God Bless 🙌
I’ll be praying!
Thank you for your prayers. We are blessed to have such a support as this blog. I can feel the vibes! Pray that if I am called to the stand, the Holy Spirit takes over and gives me the words to say. I get so nervous in these types of situations.
Praying!
Wednesday: Wide is the Gate
9. Meditate on Matthew 7:13-14
A. What warning does Jesus give here?
Follow the way of Jesus for He is the truth, the way and the life. It is the narrow gate. He is the way to the Father and eternal life. It is the way of obedience to God. It is putting God first in your life.
B. Why do you think this is the case?
The narrow gate has parameters that God set up for our good. It is the way of the great commandments. Deuteronomy 6:5-6 “You shall love the Lord your good with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I command you today, shall be on your heart.” This way may seem restrictive, but it truly is the way to freedom and eternal life. The gate that is wide, ends in destruction and death. It is the way of “self” first and indulgence.
10. We know this is true for salvation, but I also have wondered how many believers experience what Eric Liddell described: “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.” Have you felt His pleasure, His face shining upon you? If so, share.
I feel God’s pleasure when I am obedient to Him, when I can help someone know God in a better and deeper way. I feel His pleasure when I can control my initial reactions to things that pop up in life; when I can take a breath and focus on His will not my own, when I can slow down and trust Him, before taking a leap (which could lead to disaster or a broken relationship).
The following is a secular song, but I’d like you to sing it to the Lord, share your thoughts, and hopefully you won’t be able to get it out of your head:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrwf-sIcr0M
11. Thoughts on above
I love this song! To Know Him is to Love Him! Yes! We can know Him better and better by staying in His Word daily, speaking to Him and listening to Him. I want to make Him smile, with my obedience. “Just to see Him smile makes my life worthwhile” . ‘’There will come a day when I’ll walk along side of Him.” “To know Him is to love him and I do”
How I long to live a life pleasing to Him!
From Patti:
I feel God’s pleasure when I am obedient to Him, when I can help someone know God in a better and deeper way. I feel His pleasure when I can control my initial reactions to things that pop up in life; when I can take a breath and focus on His will not my own, when I can slow down and trust Him, before taking a leap (which could lead to disaster or a broken relationship).
Wednesday: Wide is the Gate
9. Meditate on Matthew 7:13-14
A. What warning does Jesus give here? – He warns us to watch what path we are on, what gate we are going in. I guess the saying, “nothing is every easy” comes from the narrow gate, the one that leads to Jesus.
B. Why do you think this is the case? – I truly believe, like we learned in the past studies, that Jesus wants to see our hearts, our intention. Do we really want to grow and change? Do we really want to be more like Jesus every day? It takes work, it takes time, to chisel away all the layers for this world we have on us to get to the core, the heart that Jesus created in us. Fruit takes a while to grow from the seed planted. The right way is a long and steady growth.
10. We know this is true for salvation, but I also have wondered how many believers experience what Eric Liddell described: “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.” Have you felt His pleasure, His face shining upon you? If so, share. – When I feel God’s presence in my life, I feel at peace, I get a tingling sensation come over me. When things have happened in my life, that I know had nothing to do with my hands, I just look up, smile and say thank you. Because I know it was God who came through for me. It’s at these times that I know God will always be with me, he will always surround me with his goodness and love and he will always provide exactly what I need at the moment I need it.
The following is a secular song, but I’d like you to sing it to the Lord, share your thoughts, and hopefully you won’t be able to get it out of your head:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrwf-sIcr0M
11. Thoughts on above? – I remember this song when my older sisters would play their music. To get to the point of truly loving God with all we have, is to finally know just who God is and what he does for us. I listened to a devotional today and it was on Matthew 8:5-13 and I never really saw that Jesus MARVELED at the centurion’s faith that he had. I can picture Jesus smiling, pointing and saying to everyone else around…’see this is what I’m looking for’. Oh to have Jesus smile at me, what a blessing that would be.
Another vote for the smile in that song!
Oh to have Jesus smile at me, what a blessing that would be.
Wednesday: Wide is the Gate
9. Meditate on Matthew 7:13-14
A. What warning does Jesus give here?
The highway /gate to hell is broad which leads to destruction and many choose that way.
The gateway to life is very narrow, the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
B. Why do you think this is the case?
In meditating on these verses there are many opposites…
Gate to hell Gate to life
Broad Narrow
Leads to destruction Leads to life
Many choose this way Road is difficult and few find it
The gate to eternal life is “narrow,” because it runs counter to natural inclinations. Which means the gate to hell is broad because it runs with our natural inclinations. We are born with a sin nature and so it’s so much easier to choose the broad way because it’s our way. The other way is narrow because we have to die to self and choose Gods way and therefore few find it.
A song came to mind when reading this that I sang a lot growing up.
“It’s Not An Easy Road.”
Verse 1
It’s not an easy road
We are trav’ling to heaven,
For many are the thorns on the way;
It’s not an easy road,
But the Savior is with us,
His presence gives us joy ev’ry day.
Chorus
No, no, it’s not an easy road,
No, no, it’s not an easy road;
But Jesus walks beside me
And brightens the journey,
And lightens ev’ry heavy load.
Verse 2
It’s not an easy road
There are trials and troubles
And many are the dangers we meet;
But Jesus guards and keeps
So that nothing can harm us,
And smooths the rugged
path for our feet.
Verse 3
Tho’ I am often footsore
And weary from travel,
Tho’ I am often bowed down with care,
Well a better day is coming
When home in the glory
We’ll rest in perfect peace over there.
10. We know this is true for salvation, but I also have wondered how many believers experience what Eric Liddell described: “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.” Have you felt His pleasure, His face shining upon you? If so, share.
Yes, I feel His pleasure when I garden.
The following is a secular song, but I’d like you to sing it to the Lord, share your thoughts, and hopefully you won’t be able to get it out of your head:
To know Him is to love Him…so true.
Oh, Sharon! I love that song!Thank you for sharing it!
Thank You! God bless!
Listened to the link also, Praise God!!!
Great song. Love how you sense His pleasure when you garden. He loves it that you are caring for what He delights in.
I’ve never heard this but here is the audio I found. Thank you Sharon!!
https://open.spotify.com/track/3f5YQbAlbVVrnL3HkUBS6k?si=kAJ9DvVeQditXwLFvJBjgw&context=spotify:search:its+not+an+easy+road
Thursday: Good Days
Peter quotes Psalm 34 to the believers who are suffering. We will review it briefly today and tomorrow, and examine it more thoroughly later this summer.
12. Meditate on Psalm 34:11-14.
A. How are we addressed in verse 11a? What does it mean to you to be a child of God? Share specifically. – We are addressed as O children; I still can’t grasp that God chose me as one of his own. To be part of God’s election amazes me. I’m so blessed that even though I did some things wrong before I knew him, he still saw in me a true heart, even before I knew it was there. Out of my three sisters, I was the one he picked to have abundant life with Him. I still pray for my two sisters left, and I pray that the one who passed too soon, knew Him and that we will all be together again someday. God is so good and faithful. We have so many chances to see His goodness, to feel His presence that my prayers could still be answered in the way I hope they will, but God has to see a true and forgiving heart in everyone.
B. What does the psalmist want to “teach us?” What do you think this means? – He is teaching us that we need to live a life that is pure, away from evil and deceit. I think what he is trying to tell us is that we have many good days left, but it’s up to us on how we live them. A life of deceit and evil will be turning us away from a life with Christ, but if our life is pure, as pure as we can be here on earth, we will see the goodness of God come to us.
C. Why should we listen and obey according to verse 12? – We should obey this teaching so we can see many good days with Christ in our life.
D. What commands are given in verses 13 and 14? How could you apply these to your life right now? – The command here is that we “keep our tongue from evil and our lips from speaking deceit. We are to turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” In my life right now, I need to make sure I’m intentional on how I live. I need to be intentional in seeking God each morning and asking him to walk with me each day so I can be free from evil and deceit and to walk in peace with those who come in my path.
Intentional in how I live. So good.
Thursday: Good Days
Peter quotes Psalm 34 to the believers who are suffering. We will review it briefly today and tomorrow, and examine it more thoroughly later this summer.
12. Meditate on Psalm 34:11-14.
A. How are we addressed in verse 11a? What does it mean to you to be a child of God? Share specifically. David calls them children which we can apply to ourselves. It is a term of endearment from a father, mentor, leader (ie John calls his flock little children). I am a child of God because He has adopted me as a child through Jesus Christ, TO HIMSELF (Eph. 1:5). As His child I am now an heir with a heavenly inheritance (Eph. 1:11), and the indwelling Holy Spirit is the guarentee/proof of that (Eph. 1:1) to lead, guide, comfort, and help me. When I think of this, and what the Lord Jesus did to make it possible, I am overwhelmed and humbled. Why should He love me; me, who was His enemy? I do not know, but with gratitude and love I cry out, Thank you! Hallelujah!
B. What does the psalmist want to “teach us?” What do you think this means? To teach “the fear of the LORD.” Right now in my bible study group we are looking at Jesus as “The Lion” in Hosea, so the fear of the LORD is fresh in my mind. We need to understand that God is HOLY and expects holiness from us in our lives and devotion/love to Him (To know Him is to love Him). The LORD will not turn a blind eye to sin in our lives. The lamb of God is also The Lion who
C. Why should we listen and obey according to verse 12? David asks the question Who doesn’t want a life of happiness and goodness (my paraphrase), and the answer is Nobody! I like how Gill’s commentary states it “that he may see good; there is good to be seen and enjoyed in this life, which if the saints did not believe they should see and enjoy, they would often faint; and this good lies in the participation of the blessings of grace, and in fellowship with Father, Son, and Spirit: but the great and lasting good to be seen and enjoyed is in the world to come, when God shall be all in all, be seen as he is, and the saints shall inherit all things.”
We will only enjoy that goodness (abundant life) when we listen/read and obey.
D. What commands are given in verses 13 and 14? How could you apply these to your life right now? Keep your tongue from evil (what you say); depart from evil (what you do); do good (relationship with others); seek/pursue peace (in your family, community, church, etc) Application right now is keep confidences, don’t gossip, encourage others, don’t criticize/judge others, let go of my own desire to have things done my way. PRAY PRAY PRAY.
Such a complete answer to all — I loved them all.
Thursday: Good Days
Peter quotes Psalm 34 to the believers who are suffering. We will review it briefly today and tomorrow, and examine it more thoroughly later this summer.
12. Meditate on Psalm 34:11-14.
A. How are we addressed in verse 11a? What does it mean to you to be a child of God? Share specifically.
“My children.’
I am loved, cared for and valued.
B. What does the psalmist want to “teach us?” What do you think this means?
To fear the Lord.
To be obedient out of reverence and love for the Lord.
C. Why should we listen and obey according to verse 12?
So we will live a life that is long and prosperous.
D. What commands are given in verses 13 and 14? How could you apply these to your life right now?
Keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from speaking lies.
Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace.
Work to maintain it.
Maintaining a right relationship with God by staying on the narrow road.
Friday: The Sin Beneath the Sin
We know it is always idolatry, trusting something other than the Lord to rescue us. I’d like you to think about this in regard to Psalm 34.
15. Read Psalm 34:4-7 and summarize the psalmist’s experience. – The psalmist was not living a good life, he was tired of it and finally cried out to the Lord for help. The Lord heard his cries and encamped around him and delivered him.
The reason we turn to our idols for rescue is because we don’t trust the Lord to rescue us. My friend Rebecca turned to pie and Fox news each night for rescue from her hard life. When she realized those were idols, she wondered, if I give them up and turn to the Lord instead, will He just let me sit in my pain?
16. Share a time when you turned from the idol (food, friends, facebook…) and to the Lord and found that He did rescue you. – When I thought it was ok to watch whatever I wanted that came on TV, but my spirit started cringing with these shows. I’ve been rescued from the thoughts of the TV world and now watch more wholesome programs and when I see or hear something that is against the ways of God I feel very uncomfortable. He has rescued me yet again. Thank you Lord.
17. Look at Psalm 34:13-14 again.
A. What is the sin beneath the sin, often, when we tell a lie? – What I see here that I really never paid attention to before is that he has to tell them, warn them, to turn away. So, it makes me think that they are weak in this area and have to be reminded again, to not seek out evil and deceitful ways. When we lie, we make excuses we are doing it to protect someone, or we think a lie isn’t a big deal or we say, whose going to know if we lie. But these verses show that it is a big deal and it matters to God a lot. He cannot be around evil and deceit, so if we continue to do these things, he can’t be around us either.
B. What is the sin beneath the sin when we say something that causes turmoil instead of creating peace? – I think here, we are putting the blame somewhere else, maybe saying it’s not our responsibility, we didn’t cause the issue. But I think when we are silent to something that causes turmoil and we see it being done, we are sinning ourselves by not trying to stop it and bring peace to the situation.
C. Where do you fear obeying the Lord (so we can pray!) – I’m having a hard time giving up my mumbling and grumbling attitude. I want so badly to just let things go but I find myself getting frustrated when things don’t get done and were supposed to get done. So, my attitude and control of situations needs to be gone.
Thank you for this post, dear Julie! Love your directness and honesty! I agree, we all have things that we hang on to like security blankets, because we aren’t sure what to expect if we are willing to let go. Yet, God always has a better idea. I need to always work on letting to of my attitude and control idols!
Wednesday: Wide is the Gate
1. Meditate on Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
A. What warning does Jesus give here?
The road to destruction is wide and broad. Jesus wants us to choose the narrow gate.
B. Why do you think this is the case?
It is easy to choose the wide gate, especially since we see many people going through it, and the company is good. Surely, if many are going through it, it must be good?
The narrow way looks inconvenient. Not many choices, hard.
Our natural self tends to go the easy, comfortable, predictable ways. Jesus warns us since he knows our hearts.
2. We know this is true for salvation, but I also have wondered how many believers experience what Eric Liddell described: “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.” Have you felt His pleasure, His face shining upon you? If so, share.
I feel God’s pleasure when I love and serve others, when I obey His word even when it hurts, when I make cards, when I bake, when I spend time with Him.
The following is a secular song, but I’d like you to sing it to the Lord, share your thoughts, and hopefully you won’t be able to get it out of your head:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrwf-sIcr0M
11. Thoughts on above?
On the song:
To know him is to love him; someday I will walk beside him. Seeing his smile makes life worthwhile. Oh, the pleasure of seeing God smiling on us!
On the narrow gate: When I first came to the U.S., I was overwhelmed by the choices I saw, for example, the aisle of cereals! The aisle is so “wide” and the shelves so “long”! What to choose? What to choose? I think the world is like that cereal aisle- so many choices catering to human appetites. But in the end, destruction awaits. Only Jesus’ way, though “narrow”, is the right way because the road leads to eternal life that we long for.
Such a good analogy from Bing:
On the narrow gate: When I first came to the U.S., I was overwhelmed by the choices I saw, for example, the aisle of cereals! The aisle is so “wide” and the shelves so “long”! What to choose? What to choose? I think the world is like that cereal aisle- so many choices catering to human appetites. But in the end, destruction awaits. Only Jesus’ way, though “narrow”, is the right way because the road leads to eternal life that we long for.
Wow
Bing, Amen to Dee! What a great analogy!!
Oh Bing! I love the cereal aisle analogy!
Friday: The Sin Beneath the Sin
We know it is always idolatry, trusting something other than the Lord to rescue us. I’d like you to think about this in regard to Psalm 34.
15. Read Psalm 34:4-7 and summarize the psalmist’s experience. He was fearful and in trouble, so He turned to the Lord pleading for help. He was comforted/encouraged and not disappointed. The Lord helped him and saved him from his troubles/fears.
The reason we turn to our idols for rescue is because we don’t trust the Lord to rescue us. My friend Rebecca turned to pie and Fox news each night for rescue from her hard life. When she realized those were idols, she wondered, if I give them up and turn to the Lord instead, will He just let me sit in my pain?
16. Share a time when you turned from the idol (food, friends, facebook…) and to the Lord and found that He did rescue you. Security was an idol in my life, being overly concerned about a future without my husband. When I turned to the Lord with that fear, He rescued me. He alone is my security and hope for whatever happens in the future.
17. Look at Psalm 34:13-14 again.
A. What is the sin beneath the sin, often, when we tell a lie? The fear of a bad consequence if we tell the truth (loss of a friendship, rejection, criticism, etc).
B. What is the sin beneath the sin when we say something that causes turmoil instead of creating peace? I think it is the sin of pride, having to be the one who is right. I see it as the person who always has to voice an opinion and claim it is the ONLY correct viewpoint.
C. Where do you fear obeying the Lord (so we can pray!) Speaking about the Lord to unsaved family members.
15. Read Psalm 34:4-7 and summarize the psalmist’s experience.
The Psalmist is troubled and prays and asks the Lord to help him. The Lord saves him from his troubles.
16. Share a time when you turned from the idol (food, friends, facebook…) and to the Lord and found that He did rescue you.
I gave up the idol of my children. The Lord found me! He rescued me from my pain. He freed me!
17. Look at Psalm 34:13-14 again.
A. What is the sin beneath the sin, often, when we tell a lie?
I think, based on the verses, that it is living with evil in our hearts. There is a disgruntled, controlling, manipulating person who tells lies for their own good. So, feeding ourselves (control) would ultimately be the idol.
B. What is the sin beneath the sin when we say something that causes turmoil instead of creating peace?
Again, I think it’s control over the situation. Maybe power.
C. Where do you fear obeying the Lord (so we can pray!)
This is hard. I want to obey in all situations. I would like to think I obey in all situations, BUT…I overeat, drink too much, yell at the kids, am disrespectful to my husband, should I go on? Ugh! I’m a mess! So where do we start with prayer? I suppose to make me obey the Lord more; to be more like Him? Thank you for your prayers! ♥️🙏
Friday: The Sin Beneath the Sin
We know it is always idolatry, trusting something other than the Lord to rescue us. I’d like you to think about this in regard to Psalm 34.
15. Read Psalm 34:4-7 and summarize the psalmist’s experience.
He prayed and the Lord answered him, freeing him from all his fears and saved him from all his troubles. Looking to the Lord brought him joy rather than shame. The angel of the Lord guards, surrounds and defends all who fear Him.
The reason we turn to our idols for rescue is because we don’t trust the Lord to rescue us. My friend Rebecca turned to pie and Fox news each night for rescue from her hard life. When she realized those were idols, she wondered, if I give them up and turn to the Lord instead, will He just let me sit in my pain?
16. Share a time when you turned from the idol (food, friends, facebook…) and to the Lord and found that He did rescue you.
17. Look at Psalm 34:13-14 again.
A. What is the sin beneath the sin, often, when we tell a lie?
Idol of approval…wanting to be liked.
B. What is the sin beneath the sin when we say something that causes turmoil instead of creating peace?
Idol of control…manipulating the situation.
C. Where do you fear obeying the Lord (so we can pray!)
I fear obeying the Lord in sharing my faith with others and the underlying sin is the idol of approval…ugh!
I feel the same!
God Bless!
I feel the same!
15. Summary for Psalm 34:4-7
When I think back on how these verses have comforted me and then later the results of the trials I was slain in. I see how the Lord has heard my prayers and delivered me and the many. The dynamics that were orchestrated by God. Whether it be long term layers of love and redemption or something as quick as being warned and watching on the road because a herd of deer sits along the next bend in the road. Or seeing the rock that smashed my windshield in my face shattering and completely repaired as it bounced off the glass as if it was rubber was amazing to see! (true stories).
When those sought to destroy myself and my family, His deliverance of that fell in layers, not only for my family then and also now as the adult children struggle through their angst from childhood trauma. And the others from the other side of things; how they had to find the Lord as well in all this. Praying for our enemies in the midst of our struggles–If he is there for us in big ways and wishes to draw in all His children, he gives us the choice–But a mystery how the Lord works in the heart of men.
16. 40 years ago I had a different set of friends and my life was in the ‘rumspringa’ path and hopes of life in ‘the music’ that was played and friends… then my life went a different path into family, love songs of Jesus with that other life was left behind…many family troubles summarizes it lightly; however, I recently went to see some friends/musicians and several of them were once my boyfriend at a time and one relationship was particularly painful…his name was brought up by another friend and suddenly he was there and later as I drove home, I was listening to 70’s music and I bawled all the way home. Part over loves lost and the whimsy I felt at that time of life. Also regrets and how life would have been different and I would not have gone through some of what I did and wanting to step back into those friends; then later thinking how the children and grandchildren I have are what I have, and the blessings of that in spite of the pain and disruption I can put in others lives if I was to go back and seek where I don’t belong now. I suppose the IDOLS of my past and lost loves–where Jesus has proved to be the ‘Love of My Life” and strength and saving grace. How he has given me a home and peace in many ways…I love my life! though I am still busy, not the stress I once had but His Comfort!
13. Ps 34:13-14
A. Sin beneath the sin, often we we tell a lie?
B. Speaking unnecessary things can get distorted for the audience and when we do it for attraction, sometimes its better to be silent for those around to see for themselves keeps us from squandering to make things believable to the hearer, and may only be half true trying to get the words right. (not in My timing) and can also leave me responsible/vulnerable .
C. Where do I fear obeying the Lord? Being the peace maker between my sons and holding confidences between them as I allow them to figure it out.(when they are ready– is prayed for)
Kelly, This is so encouraging: “Jesus has proved to be the ‘Love of My Life” and strength and saving grace. How he has given me a home and peace in many ways…I love my life.”
I’m so glad the Lord found you and put you on a different path, Kelly – and so glad you are here with us!
Thursday: Good Days
Peter quotes Psalm 34 to the believers who are suffering. We will review it briefly today and tomorrow, and examine it more thoroughly later this summer.
12. Meditate on Psalm 34:11-14.
A. How are we addressed in verse 11a? What does it mean to you to be a child of God? Share specifically.
We are addressed as children. It is the most special place to be; with the Father, who loves each of us with His entire being. We have received the pure sacrificial love of our Father God, Himself. Being His child, is being in total safety, (He is our refuge), in the comfort of His arms, in a place of total trust and peace.
B. What does the psalmist want to “teach us?” What do you think this means?
The fear of the Lord is complete awe, deep love and respect for our ultimate and perfect Father, Creator of all we see and know. He wants to teach us the importance of His Word; His law; His righteousness, His goodness and obedience to His Word.
C. Why should we listen and obey according to verse 12?
Because the Lord is good and we can trust Him and obey Him. We must shun evil and seek good.
D. What commands are given in verses 13 and 14? How could you apply these to your life right now?
How I pray to keep my mind and my tongue from evil, from gossip, from deceit , from negative thoughts and negative influences.
Take Away…
I’m in the book of Revelations now. I’ve been reading the Bible this time for many years, page by page, section by section, chapter by chapter at times…scribing and absorbing details and am blessed by the holy spirit.
Psalms was written in Spirit before the Lord came…prophetic…and He promised never to leave us as orphans.
I have always been a child of God even felt Him as I was a child. Like most people. There was childhood trauma. Mother…and her problems aND I was the scapegoat….and we expect our parents to be perfect. It is our Father in Heaven who IS perfect and that we can depend on. Seek and Find, knock and He is there. So glad for His gifts, even when I don’t deserve them. For he is always here, praise the Lord.
God Bless!
Kelly — I have a Bible study with women in prison and so many had hard parents — they love knowing they have a Father in Heaven who IS perfect and they can rely on.
Friday: The Sin Beneath the Sin
We know it is always idolatry, trusting something other than the Lord to rescue us. I’d like you to think about this in regard to Psalm 34.
15. Read Psalm 34:4-7 and summarize the psalmist’s experience.
The reason we turn to our idols for rescue is because we don’t trust the Lord to rescue us. My friend Rebecca turned to pie and Fox news each night for rescue from her hard life. When she realized those were idols, she wondered, if I give them up and turn to the Lord instead, will He just let me sit in my pain?
16. Share a time when you turned from the idol (food, friends, facebook…) and to the Lord and found that He did rescue you.
Days when I feel afraid and unable to deal with my fears. Instead of calling my trusted friends or talking to my husband, I turn to God and His Word. I still have to do what I was fearful of, but I had the peace that God is helping me through the circumstance. His rescue came in the form of his peace and direction.
17. Look at Psalm 34:13-14 again.
A. What is the sin beneath the sin, often, when we tell a lie?
Pride and fear
B. What is the sin beneath the sin when we say something that causes turmoil instead of creating peace?
Pride
C. Where do you fear obeying the Lord (so we can pray!)
Acknowledging my part in an argument or a difficult circumstance without rationalizations or excuses
Saturday:
18. What is your take-a-way and why?
To be attuned to the pleasures that God is presenting to me daily through the ups and downs of this earthly life. It is easier to complain (about the heat index, lack of food, and boredom) than to thank God for the sun, for leftovers, and a pantry of dried goods, and for slow days that bring refreshment.
The narrow gate is not for everyone, but I am choosing it, and may God help me to stay on it for the rest of my earthly life.