Do you remember the joy you felt as a schoolgirl when summer began? I surely do.
And even as an adult, I welcome summer! I love the green, the flowers, the warmth, the sound of the birds and the waves, and the relaxed pace with family and dear friends.
Lewis compares the joy of the end of the term to the joy we will feel in the new heaven and new earth.
“The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.” One day it will be perfect, but we can have a taste of what is to come here on earth.
That time is coming. Yet we do long for joy on this earth as well, and the Lord wants to give it to us. Here is the question: Why is it that some Christians, despite hard circumstances, have more joy than other Christians in easier circumstances? Are there secrets we should know?
YES!
I’m working on a new book with the working title of:
Joyful Christians
(Their Secrets & Adventures)
You’ll get snippets of the book here, but there will be, Lord willing, a Bible study in the back, and that’s what will be primarily featured here this summer.
The world thinks they can find joy through external things, and so often we are convinced of that as well, for as Dallas Willard says,
“Our souls are soaked in secularity.”
But the truth is the ways of the world bring us down, and the ways of God bring us up. Dallas Willard called it “The Divine Conspiracy.” This is a book I have underlined and gone back to, for it is so full of wisdom. If you want a similar but easier book, John Ortberg wrote Soul Keeping, which he wanted to title “Dallas for Dummies,” because Dallas was his mentor. However, you don’t need either book, although they would be beneficial as supplemental material.
If you are new, welcome! All you need to do to join us is read, comment, give us your first (and perhaps middle name), and your e-mail (which will not be made public). As soon as I approve your first comment to make sure you are on the up and up, you are one with this dear family, hopefully for the summer journey!
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians
The above truth has been verified by research. Thankfulness releases endorphins, and it spreads, for a merry heart is good like a medicine.
1. We always begin our week with thanksgiving for ways God has been good to us in the past week. Be alert to things such as His speaking to you through nature, His Word, His people, or unusual circumstances. Share your thanks here.
Monday: Getting to Know You
2. Since this is the beginning of a study, and we hope to have some new participants, let’s get acquainted.
A. What name do you want to go by here, and where are you from?
B. Would you say you are just beginning with Christianity or have walked with the Lord for many years? Did you grow up in a Christian home?
C. What are some things you think about often because you are passionate about them?
D. Where do you find Christian fellowship? What habits do you have to grow your faith?
E. Why are you here?
Tuesday: He Loved Us First
3. God is the source of joy, for He is love itself. I’m beginning with a challenge question, and counting on some of you to remember from past lessons. Why is it that monolithic gods of other religions can neither be love nor a Father?
Scripture uses earthly pictures to help us understand the love of God: He’s a good Shepherd, a Friend, a Father. One of the high points of my year was the wedding of my granddaughter Jessa, who has always been the apple of my eye. She told me after graduating from college that she was not gay but was never going to marry, and did seem intent on that course. But years later everything changed when Timothy turned her world upside down, just as the love of God can turn our world’s upside down.
Jessa’s earthly father, John, loves her so, and is a dim foreshadowing of God’s love for us. Here is John, delighting in Jessa, and walking her down the aisle.
John planned an elaborate surprise for Jessa. As soon as she and Timothy were pronounced husband and wife and turned, radiant with joy toward the congregation, they heard, not “The Wedding March” they expected, but the opening chords of Kari Jobe’s song: The Blessing. They exchanged mystified looks until Jessa’s father stood up and began to sing:
The LORD bless you
And keep you;
The LORD make his face shine upon you…
Jessa’s tears began to flow in astonishment at this very public blessing from her father.
Then the bride’s mother stood and joined the bride’s father in song:
The LORD bless you
And keep you;
The LORD make his face shine upon you…
Next, the groom’s parents stood, joining in the song of blessing, causing the groom to tear up. Then the siblings, then the grandparents, and finally the whole congregation, singing for this blessing to go from them to their children and to a thousand generations. AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!
4. Next Sunday is Father’s Day. If you, too, were blessed with a loving father, share something about him. How might he have been a dim foreshadowing of God the Father?
5. This song combines the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 with the commands from psalms such as Psalm 78 to pass the truths about the Father’s love and mercy to the next generation. Watch, meditate, and then share what stands out to you and why. Click below if you don’t see the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm_MB87uD_I&list=RDNm_MB87uD_I&start_radio=1
6. What do you think it means for God’s face to shine upon you in peace? What did He do that made it possible for you to even have peace with such a holy God?
Wednesday: Called to Love as We Have Been Loved
7. Read aloud John 13:34
A. What are we called to do and why?
B. Why do you think this is called a “new commandment?” (Later in his letter John says it is old (for they knew the love of the Father) yet it is new.)
C. Give some specific ways that Jesus showed love that you could show to others.
8. Your action assignment today is to find a way to be a blessing to each person in your path — a smile, a word of encouragement, a silent or audible prayer…. (I’ll ask you tomorrow how this went.)
A month before Jessa and Timothy were married, they drove 12 hours to spend two days with me for pre-marital counseling. We went over Tim Keller’s book: The Meaning of Marriage. They understood what makes a marriage beautiful, for they chose Philippians 2:1-11 for me to share at the wedding. I memorized it to share at the wedding.
9. Read aloud Philippians 2:1
A. What is the first blessing that is mentioned in Philippians 2:1? What encouragement do you personally have from being united with Christ?
B. What is the second? Share a time recently when you were comforted by His love.
C. Have you experienced here or in fellowship with believers elsewhere “the common sharing of his Spirit?” I often am helped with decisions because “the same Spirit says the same thing.” Has that happened to you? If so, share?
D. What does Paul ask of them to make his joy complete? Why do you think God cares so much about our loving one another and being like-minded? (One clue is in John 17:20-21)
Thursday: The Way Up Is Down
As you will see repeatedly in this summer study, “The Divine Conspiracy” is that the way up is down. Surely Christ showed us that. The world thinks they will be happy by being selfish, but that actually will take them down.
10. Read Philippians 2:3-11 aloud.
A. What should we avoid according to verses 3-4? Give some scriptural and experiential reasons.
B. How did Jesus model that the way up is down? (verses 5-11)
11. Report on yesterday’s action assignment. 21-22.
Friday: Father Love and Mother Love
So often we think of the father as being the stern disciplinarian and the mother as the nurturer, and there is some truth in that. Yet our God is both. Jessa’s mother is so nurturing. She has six children, and they have all been loved so well. I’m amazed at her patience and unfailing love with each of them. Below, she is singing the Blessing (Amen, Amen, Amen) along with the whole congregation.
12. Meditate on the following Scriptures and explain how God’s love is also mother love.
A. Isaiah 49:15 What is the picture and why is it so hard for a mother to forget the baby at her breast? What promise is here?
B. Psalm 92:4. What is the picture and the promise?
C. Share a time when God’s love was like a mother to you.
202 comments
What was mailed to you at 8:05 central time looks different than this post — so please use my website for the whole post and your answers. Thanks so much, sorry for the trouble.
Oh, Dee! What a JOYful surprise to read what we will be doing this summer for our study! The pictures from Jessa’s wedding are so beautiful! I am thrilled about your upcoming book. Thank you for letting us see snippets of it in this study!
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians
The above truth has been verified by research. Thankfulness releases endorphins, and it spreads, for a merry heart is good like a medicine.
1. We always begin our week with thanksgiving for ways God has been good to us in the past week. Be alert to things such as His speaking to you through nature, His Word, His people, or unusual circumstances. Share your thanks here.
My Thanksgiving this week is bittersweet. A very dear friend of ours, Delores, is on her way to glory. She had taken a fall earlier this past week, had surgery for a broken femur, and took a turn for the worse yesterday. She is 97. Delores came to our church from another denomination several years ago and has always considered Richard (my pastor/husband) her pastor. She is a former nurse, and many times, we would talk shop and laugh about our past nursing experiences. She calls me “kid” lol and always has words of encouragement for me before we part ways. I am thankful for this special friend and praying for a glorious homegoing. They moved her to the hospice wing of the hospital, and her daughter, who is a good friend of mine, said that one of her nurses, the one taking care of her now, is also a Christian. Isaiah 26:3 comes to mind. “He will keep in perfect peace, he whose mind is stayed on You.”
Love your enthusiasmBing — and will pray the Lord will take Delores gently home.
Oh Bing, definitely a bittersweet time for you and Delores and all those who know her.
Dear Bing, I will pray for the Lord to take your dear friend, Delores, home in His warm and gentle way. She sounds like a precious angel.
Thank you, all. My dear friend, Delores passed away at 12:30 pm today. Her daughter said the nurses attending her prayed with them during her last minutes. Please pray for her family. And for Richard and me-we will have her funeral at our church. So many people love her. June is a sad month for me personally as it is the anniversary month of the deaths of my dad, sister, and mother-in-law.
Dear Bing, I am so sorry for the loss of this dear friend, but thankful she was at peace. I will pray for all of you.
Hugs and prayers sweet Bing🙏❤️
Prayers for you, Bing, so many losses. May the Lord make his presence known to you and give you HIS peace.
Oh Bing, I’m so sorry for your loss of your dear friend. I will be praying for peace and comfort for you and all who knew her. Hugs.
Oh Bing, I pray for God’s special grace to be upon your life this month of June as it has been associated as a time of loss and grief. I pray you will have sweet memories of those precious people who have gone before you and that you find joy in your remembrances.
Bing, I am praying for you, your husband, and Delores family. It sounds like it was peaceful and a beautiful moment as the nurses and caregivers prayed. How sweet. Thank You Lord for that. 🙏♥️
1. We always begin our week with thanksgiving for ways God has been good to us in the past week. Be alert to things such as His speaking to you through nature, His Word, His people, or unusual circumstances. Share your thanks here.
Two dear friends, Trish and Debbie, from Seattle came to visit me for a week. (Dee, Trish and I were all in the same Bible study group.)I have known them both for many years and it was a lovely visit. They are both joyful Christian women, who have been through loss, yet shine for Jesus always. We had wonderful talks about Jesus and His great love for us, about faith, and resilience. It is so good to share memories with friends, through laughter and tears. Since I am new to this area, we shared some new travels and experiences together too. So thankful for God’s great gifts of friendship.
Patti, so happy your two friends came to visit you, and it sounds like you had a good time!
Patti, you always inspire me with your joyful outlook on life 🙂
Patti, What a joy for you to have such sweet company. 😊
Patti, I missed you last week but so wonderful to have friends visit as I understand how special that is after a move.
I am so excited that you are doing a book on Joyful Christians, Dee! You have so much joy and I know it will be wonderful!
2. Since this is the beginning of a study, and we hope to have some new participants, let’s get acquainted.
A. What name do you want to go by here, and where are you from? Patti. I was born in Minneapolis, went to college in Hawaii and Seattle. Lived in Seattle for years until moving to South Kingstown, RI last fall. ( I lost my husband of many years in Sept 2023)
B. Would you say you are just beginning with Christianity or have walked with the Lord for many years? Did you grow up in a Christian home?
I grew up in a Christian home. Have loved Jesus as long as I remember. Wobbled in my walk in my late teen years, but searched always, recommitting my life to Him in my early 20’s.
C. What are some things you think about often because you are passionate about them?
How to grow closer to the Lord. How to talk to my adult children and my grandchildren about their faith in our current culture. How to be genuine and loving to all those I meet. How to keep my eyes on Jesus one day at a time and not think too far ahead. How to always focus on others, not myself. How to be alone in a quiet room and pray. How to write things down to leave my grandchildren to read, so they can know their grandparents even after we are no longer here. (This was inspired by books my granddaughter gave to each of us.)
D. Where do you find Christian fellowship? What habits do you have to grow your faith?
Church, Bible Study (this blog), family, friendships, Prayer group at church.
I start every morning with prayer, devotions, reading my Bible and doing my Bible study. I listen to sermons and Bible teachers (selective) on you tube. (Tim Keller, John Lennox, James Tour) Praying for others (personal), praying with an online group at my church, sending cards to people in need (also through a group at church).
E. Why are you here? I love learning from Dee’s lessons and interacting with other Christian woman. I love praying for the needs of others. I have learned and grown so much from what the women on this blog share.
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians
The above truth has been verified by research. Thankfulness releases endorphins, and it spreads, for a merry heart is good like a medicine.
1. We always begin our week with thanksgiving for ways God has been good to us in the past week. Be alert to things such as His speaking to you through nature, His Word, His people, or unusual circumstances. Share your thanks here. – This past week Joe has had some blood work (to check his PSA level) and some x-rays for neck and foot that he’s been having pain in. The PSA level came down from the bloodwork he had two weeks ago and with the neck x-ray they found a small nodule on his lung. Though the first reaction was of us being shocked since none of his previous PET Scans or x-rays showed it. And my thoughts went right to lung cancer as that is what his mom died of, and he was a smoker in the past. But then we reversed our thinking, (him more than me), and started thanking God for the neck issues that showed this nodule in the x-ray and that the VA doesn’t seem very concerned with it and said they would add it to his August PET Scan for the PSA. We believe and trust that God is in control and all will be ok.
Dear Julie, I will be praying that Joe’s nodule is nothing. So thankful his PSA level is down. Praise God. I love that Joe immediately turned to God.
Julie, I love the turn of thinking and thankfulness for the pain that led to this testing-trusting in the Lord for Joe’s health and I join you in that.
Father, we are grateful for this being caught, and do pray it will mean nothing serious. Please give Julie and Joe the peace only You can give.
Julie, I add my prayers to these for Joe. Praying God gives you peace in your hearts. We know He is with you. “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” Psalms 9:10 NLT
Praying for you and Joe… may you both continue to find peace as you trust in Him through this process and yes, He is in control!
Oh Julie, life can be so up and down. I’m thankful they found the nodule and the PSA level went down. Praise You, Lord! Praying for Joe’s health and your peace. 🙏🙏
Monday: Getting to Know You
2. Since this is the beginning of a study, and we hope to have some new participants, let’s get acquainted.
A. What name do you want to go by here, and where are you from? – Julie – I grew up in Illinois about an hour south of Chicago and moved to NW Indiana for quite a while after getting married and we are now in Church Hill TN in the NE corner of the state enjoying our retirement.
B. Would you say you are just beginning with Christianity or have walked with the Lord for many years? Did you grow up in a Christian home? – I have been deeply following Jesus for 30 years now. I grew up Catholic and went through all the sacraments that I was supposed to do but really didn’t learn anything and I definitely didn’t know the importance of a relationship with Jesus. From being Catholic, I left and started going to a Presbyterian Church where I started growing, and from there I went to a charismatic church and now I’m in a non-denomination, expository preaching church where my walking is growing each day. With each change, I grew more and more as a believer (got saved while in the charismatic church at the age of 35)
C. What are some things you think about often because you are passionate about them? – That in every trial I went through, short or long, Jesus was right there with me every step of the way. He was always there and fulfilled his promise of never leaving or forsaking me. He provided just what I needed each time. This has been a blessing because I know that each struggle I have, I will be provided for by my Heavenly Father.
D. Where do you find Christian fellowship? What habits do you have to grow your faith? – On this blog, for quite a while now and I love Dee’s teachings and all the Ladies I’ve gotten to know, we are family), in my Monday night bible study, in my life group, among my friends that I have found, and in the town I live in and the surrounding towns. There are so many Christians that we meet just standing in lines.
E. Why are you here? – I love how Dee is obedient to the call on her life and follows what the Lord has planned. I’ve learned so much and I know I will continue to learn from Dee, the Ladies here and all the various preachers we listen to. When I come with an open mind and heart, there is no stopping what I can learn.
What a wonderful Testimony Julie. I agree, the ladies in this blog are a family. God has had His hand on our lives.
Julie, I love your answer to D, especially ” There are so many Christians that we meet just standing in lines.” Even seemingly mundane days can open up to surprises of fellowship with others if I keep my eyes and ears open to them!
Julie, I enjoyed reading your testimony and appreciate your answer to C.
1. We always begin our week with thanksgiving for ways God has been good to us in the past week. Be alert to things such as His speaking to you through nature, His Word, His people, or unusual circumstances. Share your thanks here.
This is tough. Rough week. End of the school year; everything is crazy! So, I need to dig deep!
I think the best remedy for all of that 👆last week is my praying and music. I love that I can talk to Him at any time. Christian music really helps keep me focused on Him also. Thank You Lord for being with me always.
Love your honesty, Laura.
Praying for you, Laura.
So good you see the iportance of music for you!!!
Laura, me, too- I love music. Praying for your end-of-school-year details. I agree-they can be rough. May you find snippets of time for refreshment.
Yes Laura, I love how music revives our souls. 💕
Laura, love your honest sharing and I agree how wonderful it is that we can talk to God at any time.
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians
So excited Dee to do this study and to get glimpses into the book you’re writing. I have tried reading Dallas Willard but gave up…just couldn’t comprehend his writings. I definitely need a “Dallas for dummies” book 🤦🏻♀️! Also, loved seeing the wedding pictures…so beautiful.
1. We always begin our week with thanksgiving for ways God has been good to us in the past week. Be alert to things such as His speaking to you through nature, His Word, His people, or unusual circumstances. Share your thanks here.
Last Wednesday we took my sister to the airport which is a 3 hour drive one way. We stopped to visit some friends on the way home and it really hit me hard. This is a man that Jim worked with for many years and his wife and I had gotten close when they lived here. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a couple years ago and I could see the decline when we visited but this time she didn’t even recognize us and she was not doing well at all. Needless to say we didn’t stay long as her husband was uncomfortable with the whole situation. I really believe that she is a Christian due to conversations we had. Her husband is not a Christian but due to Jim being in his life I have seen a softening and we keep praying. They made the move to be closer to her daughters but they never visit her…breaks my heart. I so wish they hadn’t moved but God is in control and I have just put her in the Lords hands. It has made me very thankful for my health and a godly husband.
Prayers for your friend, Sharon. This is such a heart breaking disease. My dad and MIL both had dementia and it was such a sad situation. I know many times it was so hard to watch and took everything in me to go make that visit.
My heart aches for you friends, Sharon. I will pray for both of them. So hard.
Sharon, your friends’ situation struck a chord in my heart. Alzheimer’s can be so cruel- I have seen so many of its sufferers. Praying for your friends.
Oh Sharon, Such a heavy thing on your heart. Alzheimers is such a cruel disease to all involved. I pray for your friends and for how God might continue to use Jim in his life.
Thank you so much for all the encouragement and so appreciate your prayers!
Oh Sharon, so sad that they moved, but are not close with their family. I pray that the seeds you planted will continue to die and grow.
Sunday:
1. We always begin our week with thanksgiving for ways God has been good to us in the past week. Be alert to things such as His speaking to you through nature, His Word, His people, or unusual circumstances. Share your thanks here.1. Resolution to relationship problems between family members which could have become a root of bitterness. 2. A positive response from my son-in-law and agreement to attend counseling for past trauma and current anxiety/struggles resulting. 3. Family that supports one another ❤️
Chris, love your thankful heart in each of these situations…God is good!
Monday: Getting to Know You
2. Since this is the beginning of a study, and we hope to have some new participants, let’s get acquainted.
A. What name do you want to go by here, and where are you from? My name is Christina. In elementary school I was called Christy, but at some point that changed to Chris. I am from Michigan and live in a little rural town (south of Grand Rapids) where most people at least have chickens, if not a goat or a cow. Within only a few miles of our home are some of the largest farms for chickens, dairy, beef and hogs.
B. Would you say you are just beginning with Christianity or have walked with the Lord for many years? Did you grow up in a Christian home? The Lord sought me from a young age through outreach programs and friends. I did not grow up in a Christian home, although my parents would have called themselves Christian even at that time, and did have us baptized. We were moral, but not even really religious.
C. What are some things you think about often because you are passionate about them? Family, the Lord, homeschool, ministry.
D. Where do you find Christian fellowship? What habits do you have to grow your faith? We lead 2 small groups, one with friends, one with church. We also have a large family with 8 children (five married) and 11 grandchildren who we have a meal and fellowship with 2x/month. I read the word daily with my husband, study on this blog and meet with a prayer group once a month. I also keep a journal with scripture I am trying to memorize.
E. Why are you here? I love the great studies here that challenge my faith and help me to see new things in the word. I also love the fellowship and support of other Christian’s as we walk through challenges in our faith. I am very excited about your new book, Dee! I love that we get a sneak peek into the Bible study. I was so surprised to see that the blessing was sung in such a special way at your granddaughter’s wedding! Our pastor just shared yesterday about a wedding he was at on Saturday where this same song was sung at that wedding. So moving and encouraging to see believers blessing one another in song, I love it!
Love reading about your life, Chris. Michigan countryside sounds like a lovely place to live.
Thanks, Chris. I needed reminding about your quiver full of 8!
Chris, ooohhh…clucks, moos, and oinks! I am thinking James Herriot settings! 8! That is a full house!
Chris, I love that you have a meal and fellowship with your entire family twice a month. What a great tradition! And home schooling!
Tuesday: He Loved Us First
3. God is the source of joy, for He is love itself. I’m beginning with a challenge question, and counting on some of you to remember from past lessons. Why is it that monolithic gods of other religions can neither be love nor a Father? I had to look this up and am not sure I have a full answer, but I am eager to understand. It seems that Islam for example, sees God as Creator, but their God has no equal and no son. “But Allah’s love is predicated upon the Muslim’s performance and obedience, not on their relationship” https://www.answering-islam.org/Silas/no_father.htm#:~:text=Because%20it%20is%20not%20in%20Islam's%20god's%20nature%20to%20be%20a%20father.&text=A%20good%20father%20loves%20his,disciplines%20them%20when%20they%20lag.
This makes so much sense to me as to why Allah drives Muslim’s to such careful obedience and performance oriented faith. I am so glad for our Lord Jesus, who is our Good Shepherd, and wants a relationship with us.
I will come back to the other Tuesday questions tomorrow.
Sunday: Joyful Christians are Thankful Christians
The above truth has been verified by research. Thankfulness releases endorphins, and it spreads, for a merry heart is good like a medicine.
1. We always begin our week with thanksgiving for ways God has been good to us in the past week. Be alert to things such as His speaking to you through nature, His Word, His people, or unusual circumstances. Share your thanks here.
—I am so grateful for the green lushness of bluegrass in our yard, the trees being fully leafed out now and the color of flowers blooming. For more than half of the year in central Nebraska the landscape is bleak. Mostly gray and stark with no leaves on the trees. It felt like Spring was very slow to come this year and it was very dry. But we are thanking God for rain that has now fallen in abundance in the last few weeks as needed for everything to green up and crops to start growing. Every year the hope of Spring brings a renewal to my soul seeing all the new life in nature. You can just sense God’s hand on all of it.
Monday: Getting to Know You
2. Since this is the beginning of a study, and we hope to have some new participants, let’s get acquainted.
A. What name do you want to go by here, and where are you from?
—Simply, Bev and I am from Broken Bow, Nebraska right in the middle of the state.
B. Would you say you are just beginning with Christianity or have walked with the Lord for many years?
—I have walked with the Lord for many years or perhaps it might be better said that the Lord has walked with me for many years. He is the perfectly consistent One.
Did you grow up in a Christian home?
—I did grow up in a Christian home. My mother was a believer but my dad became a Christian when I was a small child and so he was growing as a new believer during my growing up years and it was a bumpy walk at times.
C. What are some things you think about often because you are passionate about them?
—The things of the Lord matter the most to me. Especially God’s Word. The importance of the Bible and prayer have had the most profound influences on my life. Through them Jesus has clearly revealed Himself to me.
D. Where do you find Christian fellowship?
—God has richly blessed my life with Christian fellowship within my own family, with close personal friends who are believers, with people where we attend church and on this blog with Dee and the friends here.
What habits do you have to grow your faith?
—Every morning I spend time reading the Bible and I usually am following a program of reading. This year I am going through the Bible in one year and reading accompanying comments from Paul David Tripp’s “Everyday Gospel”. I have been greatly blessed and encouraged by it.
I try to remain consistent with whatever study we are doing here on the blog and I participate occasionally in women’s Bible studies at my church. It is our habit to attend church on Sunday where we receive good teaching on the Bible.
I pray regularly but I feel I still have a long way to go in establishing a deeper prayer life.
E. Why are you here?
—I have found this to be a great source of being introduced to a wide variety of studies from God’s Word and there is a sweet fellowship that takes place in the interaction here. I have learned many truths here and it has definitely broadened my knowledge of God’s Word and my perspective in my Christian walk.
I miss it when life occasionally gets in the road and keeps me from being part of it.
Bev, I just love this…” Every year the hope of Spring brings a renewal to my soul seeing all the new life in nature. You can just sense God’s hand on all of it.” I can so relate to this and you put it so eloquently!
I love your post, Bev. I agree with Sharon about seeing God is His renewal of Spring. And I love this: “ I have walked with the Lord for many years or perhaps it might be better said that the Lord has walked with me for many years.”
Bev, you are in a state where I have never been. I will visit in the near future, I hope! I’m hoping to retire from teaching high school, next year.
You mention spring and the rain. It is my least favorite season where I live! It has rained every weekend (and really during the week too) so far 22 this year. I’m pretty sure that is every week since the beginning of the year. I am so done with it and it may be a bit of the reason I am feeling down. Yes the springing of the flowers is nice, but….it’s raining as I speak. I suppose I should be grateful for it as the Toby Mac song says,
”You made the rain, so when it falls on me should I complain?…”
I love that each of us finds joy in the fellowship here and are able to learn and grow in our faith. Who knew we would ever do such things with people we have never met. What a blessing.
Amen, Chris!
I love this, Bev..“I have walked with the Lord for many years or perhaps it might be better said that the Lord has walked with me for many years.”
Like your “the Lord has walked with me and been the consistent one”
Monday: Getting to Know You
2. Since this is the beginning of a study, and we hope to have some new participants, let’s get acquainted.
A. What name do you want to go by here, and where are you from?
My real name is Ernema, a combination of my parents’ names, Ernesto and Emma. I go by Bing, my nickname. I am originally from the Philippines and came to the U.S. in 1988 with my husband. We then returned to the Philippines with the Navigators ministry and stayed there for almost two years, where our daughter, Ruth, was born. We moved to NW MO in 1993, lived in Maryville for 28 years, and then relocated to my husband’s hometown of Rock Port, MO, in 2021. We consider the latter our last earthly home, unless He calls us to move again.
B. Would you say you are just beginning with Christianity or have walked with the Lord for many years? Did you grow up in a Christian home?
I grew up in a Christian home, got saved in my late teens, but floundered in my 20s. and recommitted myself to God in my 30s. Since then, God continues to draw me to Himself and to bring people along my path who encouraged me in my faith and walk with Him. I am thankful for this blog that I have been participating in for over 10 years now.
C. What are some things you think about often because you are passionate about them?
My family and my church, The Bible, children, and the elderly, reaching out to women, how to be creative, music and song, dementia care
D. Where do you find Christian fellowship? What habits do you have to grow your faith?
Our church, Bible study groups, and this blog, seeking out people who are walking with God.
Habits: Reading and studying the Bible, listening to Christian speakers, Journaling, praying, gardening, music, and singing
E. Why are you here?
I love Dee and the women here and love studying the Bible with a group of women dedicated to plumbing the depths of Scripture. I also find this blog one of my best pick-me-uppers!
I love your sweet story and your last line about the blog-me, too! It’s a great pick me upper. I find that instead of checking social media when I have a minute, I like to check out blog.
Me too!!
You guys are encouraging!
Oh Bing how I wish we could meet! We will be in Branson and in Stella for a wedding in October but I am on a time crunch then. When I retire I hope to visit 6 of the seven states I need to check off my bucket list! You are near some of them. It’s that swath in the middle of the country, Iowa, Kansas, N and S Dakota, Nebraska, then Wisconsin, and Alaska!! Maybe I can see you then 🤷🏻♀️.
Oh, both are too far to drive for us. Or I would love to meet you in person! Yes, let me know if you ever come closer to us. You’re also welcome to stay with us.
I always prefer reading what you all write, rather than social media! Yes, Bing! A pick-me-upper for sure. Refreshing and redirecting our thoughts to Jesus! I feel like I know each of you. It is truly a huge blessing in my life.
Love your answer to ‘E’. Such a great way to spend time, reading the blog.
Bing, this is a picker upper. I have dropped off of FaceBook. It became a frustrating format for me. And I haven’t gotten into any other social media groups. But like you I always enjoy coming here to the blog. It is a wonderful place to be encouraged, to encourage others and learn more about our precious Lord.
Monday: Getting to Know You
2. Since this is the beginning of a study, and we hope to have some new participants, let’s get acquainted.
A. What name do you want to go by here, and where are you from?
I go by Sharon. I was born in Hawaii, raised in North Carolina, California and Africa, went to college in Oregon where I met my husband and we moved to North Carolina in 1994 where we live about 10 minutes from the beach.
B. Would you say you are just beginning with Christianity or have walked with the Lord for many years? Did you grow up in a Christian home?
I grew up in a Christian home. I asked Jesus into my life when I was 6, have had ups and downs in my walk, but always knew how much Jesus loved me through the foundation my parents gave me and continue to grow day by day.
C. What are some things you think about often because you are passionate about them?
Jesus and His wonderful grace shown to me. His Word…hiding it in my heart and being a doer of it.
Family
Friends
D. Where do you find Christian fellowship? What habits do you have to grow your faith?
I find fellowship here with Dee and the wonderful women I have come to know here through the many studies we have done together. I also find fellowship with a Bible study group my husband and I meet with over Zoom.
My habits that help grow my faith are personal devotions, prayer, memorizing scripture, this blog and reading through the Bible with my husband.
E. Why are you here?
I like the fellowship of iron sharpening iron and being challenged to grow in my faith which Dee and everyone here does.
What an interesting life you have had, Sharon! I love the iron sharpening iron too! Wish we could all meet in person!
Such beautiful places to live and grow up and faith throughout your life. How wonderful and sweet. Love your contributions to our blog.
2. Since this is the beginning of a study, and we hope to have some new participants, let’s get acquainted.
A. What name do you want to go by here, and where are you from?
Laura and I am from Florida (originally). I now live in New Hampshire.
B. Would you say you are just beginning with Christianity or have walked with the Lord for many years? Did you grow up in a Christian home?
I have been with God my whole life. I didn’t really know Jesus though, until about 20 years ago. I grew up going to church every week.
C. What are some things you think about often because you are passionate about them?
Things about God? Or life in general? How will make it through my day is one…life can be hard at times. How can I possibly get the things accomplished that I need to with, seemingly, so little time?
I like to move, dance, exercise, etc. Whether I can anymore is now my concern. I have old injuries that I am trying to “shore up” so I haven’t danced for a while. My favorite dancing is for the Lord. Especially to scripture.
My family dynamics are challenging, so I am thinking about people in my immediate family a lot. How can I help them? Why won’t they listen? How to show the love of Jesus when I don’t really want to…
I like to laugh and make others laugh as well. I don’t do it enough. We need laughter in this messed up world.
D. Where do you find Christian fellowship? What habits do you have to grow your faith?
I go to church regularly and love to sing with our choir and worship teams.
Since knowing Jesus more, I do LOTS of Bible study, especially here 😉. I am thinking about God, and praying, constantly. Sometimes the study is formal, but often it is not.
E. Why are you here?
To learn! I have so much to learn about the Bible and God. I have lost so much time and I want to honor Him. I want to be like Him. It’s so hard, but it’s also satisfying at the same time.
How can I be a joyful Christian?
Oh, Laura! I love that you dance for the Lord! And I love you you like to laugh! Me too! I continue to pray for your sweet grandkids.
I love your zealous heart for the Lord and making this a priority in your life despite a full plate.
Dear Laura, Amen to Chris!
Laura, One of the things that attracted me to my husband was his sense of humor. And I know it has carried us well through the years. We have a family that likes to laugh and frankly can be quite silly at times which relieves a lot of tension. And when you plan to come to Nebraska let me know. You’d definitely be welcome to stay in our home. We have plenty of extra room and are used to having overnight guests. Actually that invitation is extended to any of you friends on the blog. 😊
Bev that is so sweet, thank you.
Tuesday:
4. Next Sunday is Father’s Day. If you, too, were blessed with a loving father, share something about him. How might he have been a dim foreshadowing of God the Father? This question makes me feel a bit sad as my parents divorced 4 years after my dad suffered a closed head injury in a car accident, and I still grieve his loss then, both in the divorce and the brain injury. My dad had his faults like anyone, but was true to his family and loved us with all he had. He was a hard worker and provided well for us. He sacrificed and did what he thought was best for us as children throughout the divorce. He was always there for us what ever we needed. My dad’s sacrifice reminds me of God the Father, giving his only Son, for us.
5. This song combines the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 with the commands from psalms such as Psalm 78 to pass the truths about the Father’s love and mercy to the next generation. Watch, meditate, and then share what stands out to you and why. The great faithfulness of God, to remain faithful to a thousand generations, that he will be with us in both weeping and rejoicing, never leave us nor forsake us.
6. What do you think it means for God’s face to shine upon you in peace? What did He do that made it possible for you to even have peace with such a holy God? I found this on Biblehub.com “The face of God” imports not merely God’s good will in general, but His active and special regard.“ There is another note in the commentary which speaks about the 3 fold blessing in Numbers 6:24-26. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” From the Biblehub.com “There we are directed to expect the blessing from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the communion of the Holy Ghost” I had never learned this previously and find it so special that we have a blessing from each member of the Trinity. Of course it is only through our Lord Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross that we can earn God’s mercy and receive this special blessing. All of this gives so much more depth to the blessing which I have heard in church many times. It’s not just a quaint blessing from scripture but a sweet and intentional blessing from the Lord, and each member of the Trinity-how amazing, especially considering the sacrifice that had to happen for this blessing to be possible. Wow.
So sad about your dad, Chris. Life can be so challenging — but out of the fire came golden you!
Chris, you went through a lot as a child, yet you have great faith and a great strength that can come only from God. How sad that your dad suffered that brain injury, but he sounds like he was a good father and provider.
Chris, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad and I know how the longing for them can be very strong. Hugs.
***SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST: At the start of the week, I listed some things I am grateful for, including a good response from my son-in-law to an intervention from our family. We have discovered he has been dishonest and while he may seem open and willing to the counselor, he has continued to treat our daughter poorly and blame her for everything, saying he now is forced to jump through the counseling hoops for her. I’m afraid she has been trying to handle this on her own for a long while and is feeling worn down with her marriage and with handling their special needs daughters all on her own. Please pray that he follows through with the counseling this week. He is supposed to meet Tuesday, Thursday, and all day Saturday. This is an intensive biblical program. Pray that the blinders come off and the truth washes over him as he is completely deceived by the enemy and in a very bad place spiritually.
A second request is for a conference at our church for men struggling with sexual sin. My husband is attending as elder (his idea), but admits all men struggle to some degree with this and recognizes how prevalent pornography is, and I assume recognizes his own need in this area. Please pray men will show up and feel comfortable to be open and honest in their struggles in this area so they can get help. Not an easy conference to attend. This is an eleven week discipleship course and I am honestly surprised my husband is willing to attend. That is not a small commitment.
Oh, dear, Chris! I will pray right now for your son in law and for the conference at your church. I know that is a huge problem in many churches, including my church in Washington. I pray that God will remove the blinders from your son in law’s heart. ‘Lord, God Almighty, We love You and adore You, dear God our Father in heaven. We honor You and Praise Your Holy Name. We thank You that you are available to hear our prayers in our Praise and our cries in our pain. We love You dear Jesus. I pray that you will pour out Your Holy Spirit upon this young man and give him a new heart for You. Give him eyes to see the beauty and love in his precious wife. Give him such a love for Jesus that he will desire to truly seek You daily. Help him to take his eyes off of himself and turn his heart to you and to his wife and family. Give him a “self -less” heart. Please be with Chris’s daughter and give her strength, wisdom and peace. Help her to turn to you in her time of need. Hold her under the refuge of Your mighty wings and be with her each day and night. We ask all of this in the Mighty Name of Jesus our Lord. Amen
Agree with Patti’s prayer:
I pray that you will pour out Your Holy Spirit upon this young man and give him a new heart for You. Give him eyes to see the beauty and love in his precious wife. Give him such a love for Jesus that he will desire to truly seek You daily. Help him to take his eyes off of himself and turn his heart to you and to his wife and family. Give him a “self -less” heart.
Chris, I will be praying for you and your family. Like you said, I pray for the blinders to come off and hearts to be opened.
Thank you for your prayers!
Oh Chris, this is so hard for you, to see your daughter struggle like that. Praying for you and your family, especially for your son-in-law.
I too agree with Patti’s prayer for your son in-law.
3. God is the source of joy, for He is love itself. I’m beginning with a challenge question, and counting on some of you to remember from past lessons. Why is it that monolithic gods of other religions can neither be love nor a Father?
I look forward to reading all of the answers. I am not sure this is a complete answer, just some thoughts:God our Father sent His Son, Jesus, as a propitiation for our sins. He knew that we we incapable of living sin free lives, so He gave His Son to die on a cross for the punishment we deserve. He was resurrected and ascended into Heaven. He, then, sent the Holy Spirit as our Helper. This is where we get the term Trinity. If we believe in Him, we will spend eternity with Him in heaven when our lives here are over. When we love Jesus, we desire to live the way He desires us to live, because of our love for Him. Only Jesus died for us.Other gods demand obedience to many rules that are hard to follow. Other gods did not die for us, yet they demand obedience. The true Love of God and His sacrifice does not appear in other monotheistic religions. Most depend on following their set of strict rules.
Judaism believes in one God, but not in the deity of Jesus as the Son of God.
Islam believes in Allah, but they do not believe in Jesus. Allah did not die for his followers.
Jehovah’s Witness believe in God and that Jesus is the son of God, but not God. (I think…something like that)
‘Mormonism …yikes..this religion seems very moral. They say they believe in God, but they have added to His Word and manipulate God’s Word, though most Mormons are very good people, they do not know the true Bible…it began with messengers from heaven coming to Joseph Smith that were contradictory to the Word of God.
I’m a bit all over the place here, so forgive me if I am off base. Probably too much information🙏
Actually Sweet Patti all that you wrote is so good. You clearly articulated the beautiful Gospel which brings so much truth and hope. Some thing no other religious thinking with all it’s works can do.
I agree with Bev! Beautiful, Patti.
Since this is the beginning of a study, and we hope to have some new participants, let’s get acquainted.
A. What name do you want to go by here, and where are you from? Dawn from Michigan
B. Would you say you are just beginning with Christianity or have walked with the Lord for many years? Did you grow up in a Christian home? I’ve been a Christian for many years. My dad is an unbeliever, my mom was raised Catholic and took us to church sporadically when we were young, but no I wouldn’t consider it a Christian home.
C. What are some things you think about often because you are passionate about them? The truths in the bible. My grandchildren.
D. Where do you find Christian fellowship? What habits do you have to grow your faith? Mostly through this bible study. I haven’t been very present lately and I’ve been feeling it. I know that I’m not pressured to answer every question, but when I fall behind I give up.
I listen to Tim Keller’s podcast on my way to work every day. I also listen to audio book versions of books that are referenced. They supplement my bible reading.
E. Why are you here? Because I love these ladies. They are loving and insightful. I pray for them often and I know that they pray for me. And I love the studies. I have gotten so much through them. God has blessed Dee with wisdom and compassion for his people.
Dawn, we live in the same state! I want to encourage you that I feel you with being behind. I have given myself grace with just reading others comments sometimes on a question I’m behind in and moving on to the next one. It’s not ideal but sometimes we are pressed for time and that’s okay. Please do join as you are able. 🙂
I totally understand, Dawn and Chris. The beauty of this blog is that we can follow one another, even if only one question is answered. I love both of your posts and your insights! I love the ladies on this blog and it is a blessing to read each post, even when I cannot participate. So good to see you here, Dawn! I love that you and Chris live in the same state. I live in Rhode Island…closest to Laura, I think.
Dawn, I so relate to this…” I know that I’m not pressured to answer every question, but when I fall behind I give up.” I am learning not to beat myself up but just do the best I can when I fall behind. I appreciate your input here and am glad you’re a part of this precious community where so much grace is extended.
Love the wise words so you all can stay the course without stress!
Dawn, Like you I hate getting behind and earlier this month missed a couple of weeks but it always refreshes me when I get back into it. I find I miss out on what is happening in everyone’s lives and the encouraging input I experience here.
4. Next Sunday is Father’s Day. If you, too, were blessed with a loving father, share something about him. How might he have been a dim foreshadowing of God the Father?
I just had all my answers disappear…so I will try again. I had a very loving father. When he came home from work or from a trip, I would run to him and he would hold his arm open, lift me up and hug me and twirl me around in the air. When I was afraid in thunderstorm and tornado warnings, he would hold me in his arms until I was calm. He was a wonderful Christian man (not perfect, but wonderful), and he made breakfast for our family of four every morning. He always prayed at breakfast, even if it was just the two of us. When my mom worked (she was a nurse) the late evening shift, and we were little ones, he would take us on fun, early morning adventures to parks or hillsides in the country to play, so my mom could sleep in a bit. He read his Bible. He adored my mom.He cared for his fragile parents for as long as I can remember. Because of my dad’s loving ways, I have always been a believer and always seen God as a loving Father.
5. This song combines the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 with the commands from psalms such as Psalm 78 to pass the truths about the Father’s love and mercy to the next generation. Watch, meditate, and then share what stands out to you and why. Click below if you don’t see the song.
This Blessing song touched my heart in so many ways. Imagining how this was done at Jessa and Timothy’s wedding, brings to mind the wedding celebration in Fiddler on the Roof. Celebrating God’s love and the life He has given us. So much joy! I have listened to this over and over and written the words in my journal. It truly is a Blessing beyond all blessings. Your dear family will remember this forever, Dee.
6. What do you think it means for God’s face to shine upon you in peace? What did He do that made it possible for you to even have peace with such a holy God?
I think it means that in spite of circumstances, we can have a supernatural peace that is not understood in any way, other than it has to be from Him. I had felt that, as I grieved for my husband when he was ill, as I have grieved since he has been gone. It is a bit like seeing the intense beauty of the sky and landscape when the rainbow appears after the storm. It is something that washes over you. I still have lonely times, but more and more I sense His presence and His joy. My sense of joy is returning! I look back and see the miracles, even through the time of suffering, in how He found the house I am in, how He worked out all the bumps in the road. So many things I could not see when I was in the middle. His guiding me when I could have made impulsive decisions.
What did He do to make me have peace? He gave Himself by sending Jesus. He is a relational God. He wants to communicate with us. He desires our worship, our attention, our honoring that it is He that has done all this for us! Acknowledging He is Lord of all, He has given us access to Himself, He is a personal God. He sent His Son, He sent the Holy Spirit. I don’t understand it so much of the time, but I feel the goodness of His presence, especially when I am obedient and listening to His still small voice. Being in His Word daily is the key for me. It keeps the eyes of my heart open and keeps me from being reactive. How I pray for Him to take this messy piece of clay that I am and make it into something useful for His purposes, even through the pain. Being in Christian community is so important and I am finally starting to find that in my new town.
Patti, love your testimony about your father and from your description of what kind of man he was, you are evidence of the impact he had on your life…the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree so to speak😊!
Yay, for finding community in your new town. Answer to prayer!
Love the descriptions of your dad. I bet you were a pretty cute little girl too!
Yes, we will remember that blessing forever.
Patti, I love your answer to number 6 so much comfort in your response.
Tuesday: He Loved Us First
3. God is the source of joy, for He is love itself. I’m beginning with a challenge question and counting on some of you to remember from past lessons. Why is it that monolithic gods of other religions can neither be love nor a Father? – I don’t remember this study completely, but it rings a bell. When I look up what monolithic gods are, they are gods that are the closet that compare to God but can’t be God. Our God is unique in his qualities of love, and his character is so different from anything else, that there is no comparison. Only Our God can love and be our Father.
4. Next Sunday is Father’s Day. If you, too, were blessed with a loving father, share something about him. How might he have been a dim foreshadowing of God the Father? – All my growing up years and even after becoming an adult, my Dad continued to show me so many things. How to function in this world, without immediate help to worrying about me driving by myself at night. A couple of stories I always mention are, one day I was going to work, it was snowing, and the road had so many ruts you could easily get stuck, and of course I did trying to make my turn at the corner. My Dad had previously told me what to do if I got stuck, so I tried the normal drive/reverse, drive/reverse, but that wasn’t working so I got the floor mats out of my car and put them under my back tires to get some traction (which is what my Dad told me to do before) and it worked and I as on my way. When I got home that night, he told me he was watching me out the dining room window to see what I would do and was just getting ready to come help me when he saw I got myself out. The other story I tell is when he was in the hospital, for what would be his last time, I went up to see him, (I was divorced at this point) and it was getting late, he was in pain from the leukemia but still worried about me driving about an hour home by myself at night, I told him I would be ok, not to worry, but he kept insisting I leave. So I left and was going to go back up the next morning after church. But by the time I got there, he had already passed. We knew the end was near, and I had been praying for his healing or for the Lord to take him from his suffering, and that is what the Lord did. He healed him and took him home. I will never forget the love my Dad showed me, not in words all the time, but by what he taught me so I could live in this crazy world.
5. This song combines the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 with the commands from psalms such as Psalm 78 to pass the truths about the Father’s love and mercy to the next generation. Watch, meditate, and then share what stands out to you and why. – I thought I didn’t know this song, but I do. As I sat and listened, and sang the words, I was reminded again, that God is not out to hurt me, or us, but he is there for us to show us the way. He doesn’t want to lead us astray, but to guide us down the path he has chosen for us. But he also told us it wouldn’t be easy, but he would be with us every step of the way, if we choose to let him be there with us. If we open up our hearts and minds to God and His Word, we will have everything we need to function in this world. Like everything my earthly Dad taught me but so much more. His Word is what I need to live a life in peace while here on this crazy earth.
6. What do you think it means for God’s face to shine upon you in peace? What did He do that made it possible for you to even have peace with such a holy God? – I got a different picture in my mind while listening to the song, The Blessing. I see God walking right with me so I can see His face, not in front of me where I see the back of his head, but right there, step for step next to me. I can see and feel the peace that comes from walking with him because he cares enough and loves me enough. It’s a peace that only he can bring to me every day. It’s like the peaceful glow from God clings to me and keeps me close to him. It still amazes me every day, that He chose me, he opened up my eyes and my heart to see the sacrifice He made for me. Someone that growing up had no clue who he really was, but he thankfully saw my heart and pulled me in. Thank you, Jesus!
I love the story of your dad watching you to see if you could figure out how to get out! That’s a good parallel with the Lord.
Julie, such a special memory of your father watching you get your car from being stuck in the snow, but was going to help if you needed it…I bet that made him proud.
Julie, Thank you for sharing these stories of your dear dad. What a great memory of your dad watching over you, ready to help~yet waiting to see if you remembered his advice. So sweet. I feel that our Heavenly Father watches us from the window too. And such a tender time, as Jesus took him from his earthly suffering to perfect health in heaven.
Beautiful, Julie.
Tuesday: He Loved Us First
3. God is the source of joy, for He is love itself. I’m beginning with a challenge question, and counting on some of you to remember from past lessons. Why is it that monolithic gods of other religions can neither be love nor a Father?
—First because they are not living beings and are powerless. They are just forms representing religious ideas which demand service for the worshippers to be accepted. They have no ability to love or provide direction and protection as a father would to those who believe in them. They demand everything and give nothing.
But the one true God is the Creator and Father of all and He is love. Real and true love is completely self sacrificing.
4. Next Sunday is Father’s Day. If you, too, were blessed with a loving father, share something about him. How might he have been a dim foreshadowing of God the Father?
—I didn’t have a loving hands on father and now recognize how I longed for that as a child. I was a noisy child wanting attention and now I see how my dad could have settled me down if he had treated me with an embracing kind of love. My dad was the way he was because of his own lack of a loving father. But having said that about him I will credit God my Father who is a wonderful redeemer and restorer. My dad came to Christ when I was a small child and began his own journey in the Christian walk. As an adult I came to understand him and began telling him I loved him. In my late 30’s for the first time in my life my dad verbally told me he loved me without it being in response to my saying it. I consider that a gift from God that in the last years of his life Dad was able to express his love to his children verbally.
5. This song combines the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 with the commands from psalms such as Psalm 78 to pass the truths about the Father’s love and mercy to the next generation. Watch, meditate, and then share what stands out to you and why. Click below if you don’t see the song.
—For me there is an all encompassing warmth of the presence of God in listening to and hearing this blessing sang so beautifully with great instrumentation. What joy to think of it being used so beautifully at Jessa’s wedding.
6. What do you think it means for God’s face to shine upon you in peace? What did He do that made it possible for you to even have peace with such a holy God?
—I think the ultimate experience of that is what my sister felt when she was so close to death and God’s presence flooded her soul. But we get little tastes of it in life as we choose to draw closer to him because He promises to draw near to us as we seek Him.
When it comes to my Salvation from sin and death I have made complete peace with God and am fully accepted in Christ. His righteousness became mine when I gave my life to Jesus and now I stand perfectly accepted by God. Hence He shines his face on me and gives me peace because of what Jesus did on the Cross.
Good for you to see why your dad was as he was. Love that the face of God the Father shines on you.
Bev, love that you continued to tell your dad you loved him, even when he could not say it first. What a loving heart you have.
What a story your sister has. I would love to hear it.
Bev your story about your dad has brought clarity to me with my own son who is a father. He didn’t have a good relationship with his dad at all, and I can see now, though Kyle thinks he wasn’t affected by that, he truly and deeply was. Oh, my I need to be praying hard for him to return to the cross.
These questions are great. It’s so helpful to see how everyone grew up, and to know we are all learning together. Thank you all for your honesty and vulnerability when you answer. We need a Dee’s Bible Blog get together. Some of us met in Ohio years ago and it was so much fun.
Amen, Julie! That would be fun!
Great idea
Yes!!!
I would love to meet up!
Lebanon Kansas seems to be the center of the United States…hmm
Tuesday: He Loved Us First
3. God is the source of joy, for He is love itself. I’m beginning with a challenge question, and counting on some of you to remember from past lessons. Why is it that monolithic gods of other religions can neither be love nor a Father?
They are good work-oriented, and they are more of a “I lead, you follow” and what I would call the “ifs gods”; if you do this, I will do this, or if you are./do this, this will happen to you type of thing. There is no father-children relationship. The other gods focus on self, and our true God focuses on others. Religion vs. relationship. Performance vs. faith; other religions don’t believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord, and that He died for our sins. Only true Christianity has Someone die for us and be resurrected; other gods are silver or gold or only human and were subject to physical death. Only Christianity offers eternal life in Christ.
I think of a few verses:
Psalms 135:15-18
“The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”
Psalm 86:4
“Among the gods, there is none like you, Lord; No deeds can compare with yours.
Bing, Thank you for these great comparisons.
Amen to Patti.
Great verses.
Tuesday: He Loved Us First
3. God is the source of joy, for He is love itself. I’m beginning with a challenge question, and counting on some of you to remember from past lessons. Why is it that monolithic gods of other religions can neither be love nor a Father?
When I first read this I thought of the chart, Religion vs Gospel.
Will list just a few…
Religion- “I obey therefore, I’m accepted.
Gospel- “I’m accepted, therefore I obey.
Religion- “Motivation is based on fear and insecurity.”
Gospel- “Motivation is based on grateful joy.”
Religion- “My identity and self-worth are based mainly on how hard I work, or how moral I am-and-so I must look down on those I perceive as lazy or immoral.”
Gospel- “My identity and self-worth are centered on the One who died for me. I am saved by sheer grace, so I can’t look down on those who believe or practice something different from me. Only by grace am I what I am.”
4. Next Sunday is Father’s Day. If you, too, were blessed with a loving father, share something about him. How might he have been a dim foreshadowing of God the Father?
I feel fortunate to of had a Christian father who became a new creature in Christ when he was 17 after coming from an abusive home. He grew in his walk under the ministry of Vernon McGee and where I believe he developed a love for God’s Word and a servant heart. When we lived in Africa my parents were dorm parents and took care of 30 kids. My father would get me up after all had gone to bed to spend time with just me. He would have ice cold chocolate milk and fresh homemade bread he had made and it made me feel so special.
5. This song combines the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 with the commands from psalms such as Psalm 78 to pass the truths about the Father’s love and mercy to the next generation. Watch, meditate, and then share what stands out to you and why. Click below if you don’t see the song. (The Blessing by Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes)
His presence goes before me, behind me, beside me, all around me, within me and He is with me. This is very comforting and I know it to be true in my life.
6. What do you think it means for God’s face to shine upon you in peace? What did He do that made it possible for you to even have peace with such a holy God?
That when He looks upon me He is well pleased because of who I am in Christ. Before my life was changed through hearing the Good News, I was an enemy of God, but through Christ, God reconciled everything to Himself and made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ blood on the cross.
Oh Sharon, What a sweet memory of your Dad. Get you up and treat you to something special just so he could spend time with you. A beautiful example of our Heavenly Father.
These answers are beautiful. I love our different view points and experiences. I like the religion vs gospel chart-makes us realize we are also guilty of false gods. I love the Africa story.
How I love hearing about your wonderful Dad — and to think he grew up in an abusive home. Power of God. And Vernon McGee!
Dear Sharon! I love the special time with your dad, and the special treat he had for you. These memories are such treasures. Love those comparisons from the Religion/Gospel chart.
What a powerful Dad you had, to break the cycle of abuse and find a loving Father. Amen!
Anyone else having trouble getting the song to play?
It played for me.
Laura, It played for me 🤔
My name is Michelle Walsh. I’ve been using this site for years as I have been digging into the Word. I live in Yulee, Florida. My husband is a pastor and I am a part-time teacher and mother of five. I don’t comment often (hardly ever!) but I love the challenge and encouragement of your studies Dee. Thank you so much for being faithful to lead people to God‘s truth.
Welcome Michelle,
You sound like my daughter in law. Wife of a pastor, mother of five. Finding time to enter into commenting would be challenging but we’d love your input anytime you have something to share.
Michelle! I’m doing a happy dance. So glad to “see you!”
Hi Michelle! I’m from Orlando and grew up in Tallahassee, a true Florida “lassie!” I’m so glad you are here. Dee is a gem!
Welcome Michelle! So happy to have you here. I, too, am so thankful for Dee and her faithfulness to God’s truth!
Welcome Michelle!
Wednesday: Called to Love as We Have Been Loved
7. Read aloud John 13:34
A. What are we called to do and why?
—We are to love each other just like Jesus has loved us. He is our supreme example on how to love others. He is actually giving us a commandment here. It is not an option.
B. Why do you think this is called a “new commandment?” (Later in his letter John says it is old (for they knew the love of the Father) yet it is new.)
—The example of Jesus’s love is that it is unconditional. Before Jesus the people were under the law and required to perform sacrifices to atone for their sins and demonstrate their love for God by obeying him. Love was practiced in many conditional ways then as now. But Jesus brought a whole new mindset to the table. He loved everyone freely and showed us how it was done.
C. Give some specific ways that Jesus showed love that you could show to others.
—We like people who are lovable. He practiced love to the unlovable.
These past couple of years I watched our former pastor and close friend Larry faithfully go pick up a man who lived alone and was going blind and bring him to church. Raymond was usually a mess. Unkempt, tall and a gangly kind of strange looking old man. But he loved coming to our church and Pastor Larry did everything to make sure Raymond got to church. When Larry was out of town occasionally my husband would pick him up and we’d take him with us. Raymond only had one elderly cousin in her upper 80’s who lived about 5 states away and was unable to help him. His power of attorney was a disinterested party. Raymond developed cancer and died a couple of weeks ago. As my husband and I sat in the small chapel of our local funeral home Pastor Larry gave the most beautiful gospel message and simple tribute to Raymond because he had shared with Pastor Larry how he had accepted Jesus and was baptized a few years back. I felt an awe and peace in that place of how God a loving father reached down into the life of an unknown simple man and provided a godly loving pastor to practice love and take care of him until God took him home to Heaven. Larry was the hands and feet of Jesus to Raymond.
8. Your action assignment today is to find a way to be a blessing to each person in your path — a smile, a word of encouragement, a silent or audible prayer…. (I’ll ask you tomorrow how this went.)
9. Read aloud Philippians 2:1
A. What is the first blessing that is mentioned in Philippians 2:1? What encouragement do you personally have from being united with Christ?
—Encouragement from belonging to Christ.
Because of the Holy Spirit living within my life I am able to have the sweet fellowship of Jesus at all times and He daily speaks to my heart’s needs through his Word.
B. What is the second? Share a time recently when you were comforted by His love.
—Comfort from his love.
Currently as I walk with my close friend Lynda through her ongoing health crises we have experienced the love of Jesus as we share together from the Bible and in prayer. He keeps assuring us both of his love and presence.
C. Have you experienced here or in fellowship with believers elsewhere “the common sharing of his Spirit?” I often am helped with decisions because “the same Spirit says the same thing.” Has that happened to you? If so, share?
—My husband and I find that we often are on the same page when it comes to decisions we need to make together for our lives. We both know that it is the Holy Spirit leading us. Last Sunday God led us to make a last minute decision to go out of town for church and meet one of our grandsons at his church and take him to dinner. It was a day of real blessing for all of us. Something the Holy Spirit orchestrated that we had not planned or was even on our radar but we both felt affirmed by the Holy Spirit.
D. What does Paul ask of them to make his joy complete?
—Philippians 2:2 “Then make me truly happy ( joy complete) by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.”
Why do you think God cares so much about our loving one another and being like-minded? (One clue is in John 17:20-21)
—Because that is the Spirit of Jesus and we reflect his love for us and our love for Him to others when we practice Christlike love to one another. It is the heart of the Gospel to love and forgive. It draws others to also believe in Him.
Yes, Jesus showed us how it is done!!!
Love the story you shared of your former pastor…what a beautiful display of the love of Christ!
Bev, Thank you for sharing story of Raymond and your pastor. It is an inspiration to read about your time with Lynda, the unplanned dinner with your grandson and your pastor’s words about Raymond. You listen to the voice of The Holy Spirit in your lives.
Wednesday: Called to Love as We Have Been Loved
7. Read aloud John 13:34
A. What are we called to do and why? Love one another as Christ loved us. Such a tall order and one I fail at daily 🙁
B. Why do you think this is called a “new commandment?” (Later in his letter John says it is old (for they knew the love of the Father) yet it is new.) I think because the Ten Commandments were given to love God and Love People -this is old, but since Jesus died for our sin and we have the Holy Spirit, in this sense it is new.
C. Give some specific ways that Jesus showed love that you could show to others. His kindness and special way of not judging but speaking truth with grace as he did with the woman at the well and so many other cases.
8. Your action assignment today is to find a way to be a blessing to each person in your path — a smile, a word of encouragement, a silent or audible prayer…. (I’ll ask you tomorrow how this went.) Without knowing the assignment, I did give my husband encouragement this morning by saying how proud I was that he attended the program at church last night. He said 15 men attended, some not even from our church, and how many shared sad stories of broken marriages and relationships due to pornography. Thank you all for praying. I’m glad for all of them that the first night of awkwardness is done. Now prayers for the next 10 weeks of study and accountability. My husband says there is a lot of homework and daily check-ins with partners. It’s pretty intense!
Chris, I appreciate your answer to “B”…I tend to make things more difficult than they are and your answer is so simple and yet so good, thank you!
Thank you. It did feel simple and sometimes I second guess myself in those moments but then I know if there’s more, one of you will know 😊
Amen to Sharon, Chris. So thankful for answered prayer and openness in the accountability group your husband is attending. So important in our current culture.
Oh Chris, what a great God wink for your husband and all the men that attended that meeting.
9. Read aloud Philippians 2:1
A. What is the first blessing that is mentioned in Philippians 2:1? What encouragement do you personally have from being united with Christ? Encouragement in Christ, this is essential and such a blessing in times of trials. Each day I am thankful for my salvation and the ability to look to Christ when I am struggling with hard things. Life is not easy and relationships can be so hard, but with Jesus we can get through. Because of our ability to repent and receive forgiveness we can restore relationships. Without that our lives would be a train wreck!
B. What is the second? Share a time recently when you were comforted by His love. Just this morning, in prayer over a former hurt and now the fruit of repentance and change in a relationship.
C. Have you experienced here or in fellowship with believers elsewhere “the common sharing of his Spirit?” I often am helped with decisions because “the same Spirit says the same thing.” Has that happened to you? If so, share? I’m sure that I have experienced this many times but I’m not thinking of an instance right now. Maybe it’s so common at this point in my marriage that we don’t really think it through?
D. What does Paul ask of them to make his joy complete? Why do you think God cares so much about our loving one another and being like-minded? (One clue is in John 17:20-21) Of course our witness to others is so important and also our love for one another pleases the Lord and of course is a great benefit to us.
Love this, Chris!
4. Next Sunday is Father’s Day. If you, too, were blessed with a loving father, share something about him. How might he have been a dim foreshadowing of God the Father?
I was only blessed for 12 years with my Earthly father. I don’t understand why, but God knows. I have a fond memory of coming in from school to him playing our baby grand piano. This was not just one time. He was a classical pianist. Maybe God wants us to enjoy beautiful things like music, because He loves them too?
5. This song combines the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 with the commands from psalms such as Psalm 78 to pass the truths about the Father’s love and mercy to the next generation. Watch, meditate, and then share what stands out to you and why. Click below if you don’t see the song.
I have been meditating on this idea for a few months now. It’s seems that my family is “plagued.” Or I am. We are the epitome of the “why bad things happen to good people” family. My mom was pretty much a saint. Why did she have to lose her husband at 48? I am not a saint! I wonder who my mom modeled? Probably my grandma. She was kind and sweet as I recall.
I guess my mom passed her faith to me and I tried to pass it to my children. They have not (yet) partaken. BUT! my grands…now that is a different story. I am doing my best to help them know Jesus and participate in Christianity.
Laura, my heart breaks for you about your father. What a blessing he was in his gift of music. I hate to hear you say that you are plagued. Hard things do happen to good people. Look at poor Joseph in the Bible. And yet, the Lord had a great plan for him and his people. We must not think our dear Savior allows us to suffer for our actions, for we cannot begin to earn the good gifts he gives us, and we cannot begin to influence the hard things. Certainly, we face consequences for our actions and yet, he holds the keys (so to speak) with regard to the bigger picture. I prefer to think of your tragedies as his directing your sweet family back to him. And YOU are chasing him. Praying your family begins to follow and it seems your grands are already well on their way. Keep up the fight, for our battle is not against flesh and blood. Clearly, the Lord has a bigger spiritual plan for your family. 🤍
Oh, Laura, I know you have had so many challenges these past few years. You are strong in the Lord, you love Him and are serving Him. I love that you have the music memories of your dad. You sound much like him. I know you are giving your grandchildren a wonderful life, and I recall that they also love music. I pray that the Lord will uphold you and encourage you with your grands and your students, even through the struggles with your kids. Praying for you to get through the end of the school year with peace in your heart. I agree with Chris! You are chasing Him. And He has His hand on your life.
Laura, there is still hope for your children. Maybe it will be because of this time that you’re having with you and your grandchildren.
Laura, I am praying for you and your family. God is a god of restoration and can handle any situation that comes. We had some friends over for supper the other night and Debi and I got to talking about things of our past and how we tend to label ourselves. She kept trying to stir clear of God in every way, because of her past. But she finally felt like God was telling her to remove those labels she placed upon herself. They were not of God, they were labels she gave herself, or someone she knew. God labeled her as His child, as His chosen one. She finally pulled those labels off of herself and moved forward in her relationship with Jesus. Debi telling me about her past, opened my eyes to see the labels being put on my grandson Logan and I’m determined to start pulling them off. You are loved, not only by this group, or your family, but especially by God. Let him hold you tight.
Wednesday: Called to Love as We Have Been Loved
7. Read aloud John 13:34
A. What are we called to do and why?
Love each other.
We’re commanded to…just as Christ loved us.
B. Why do you think this is called a “new commandment?” (Later in his letter John says it is old (for they knew the love of the Father) yet it is new.)
The Greek word for “new,” is kainos…of a new kind, unprecedented, novel, uncommon, unheard of.
The greatest commandment was love the Lord your God…the 2nd , love your neighbor as yourself…this was an old commandment, but Christ took it to a new kind and unheard of love by asking that we love one another with the same sacrificial love that He loved us.
C. Give some specific ways that Jesus showed love that you could show to others.
The compassion and love he showed for Mary Magdalene. I can imagine that she wouldn’t have been an easy person to love, but Jesus looked past that and pursued her.
8. Your action assignment today is to find a way to be a blessing to each person in your path — a smile, a word of encouragement, a silent or audible prayer…. (I’ll ask you tomorrow how this went.)
9. Read aloud Philippians 2:1
A. What is the first blessing that is mentioned in Philippians 2:1? What encouragement do you personally have from being united with Christ?
Encouragement in belonging to Christ.
Wow! Where to begin? I find encouragement moment by moment and day by day just knowing that I’m a child of the King! It is very humbling to think what He did for me, a sinner! I am encouraged in knowing that He is always with me in every circumstance and that He speaks to me through His Word and I can talk with Him at any time. I am encouraged that Christ lives in me and I have assurance of sharing His glory, (Colossians 1:27).
B. What is the second? Share a time recently when you were comforted by His love.
Comfort from His love.
I don’t have anything specific but I’m comforted by His love, through His word and presence in my life.
C. Have you experienced here or in fellowship with believers elsewhere “the common sharing of his Spirit?” I often am helped with decisions because “the same Spirit says the same thing.” Has that happened to you? If so, share?
My husband and I share how God’s word spoke to us after we do our reading through the Bible in an app and it amazes us how often His Spirit speaks to us in the exact same way. This also happens after we have prayed about a decision we need to make that God leads us in the same direction.
D. What does Paul ask of them to make his joy complete? Why do you think God cares so much about our loving one another and being like-minded? (One clue is in John 17:20-21)
To agree wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Philippians 2:2
So the world will believe. We are ambassadors for Christ and may be the only visual non believers have of Christ.
Oh, dear Sharon! Love this whole post! Love how He speaks the same thoughts to you and your husband.
Yes Sharon I love your post as well. You bring so much wisdom and grace to the table on this blog. 💕
From Sharon:
Wow! Where to begin? I find encouragement moment by moment and day by day just knowing that I’m a child of the King! It is very humbling to think what He did for me, a sinner! I am encouraged in knowing that He is always with me in every circumstance and that He speaks to me through His Word and I can talk with Him at any time. I am encouraged that Christ lives in me and I have assurance of sharing His glory, (Colossians 1:27).
6. What do you think it means for God’s face to shine upon you in peace? What did He do that made it possible for you to even have peace with such a holy God?
I think it means that He looks at us as if we are Jesus, His Son. We were never able to be with Him in the afterlife due to our sin. But, because Jesus came and was crucified, He took that sin and we are now able to be with God.
Laura, You outlined a strong doctrinal truth in your answer here. “He looks at us as if we are Jesus, His Son.” 😊
7. Read aloud John 13:34
A. What are we called to do and why?
we are called to love one another because Jesus loved us.
B. Why do you think this is called a “new commandment?” (Later in his letter John says it is old (for they knew the love of the Father) yet it is new.)
The first commandment is to love God. This is the second about love so it is “new.”
C. Give some specific ways that Jesus showed love that you could show to others.
Jesus wanted us with Him so He gave His life! That is love. He obeyed His Father. He spoke kind words and gave us the gift of peace and heart:
““I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27 NLT
Giving your life for another could be just doing something that makes you uncomfortable but helps another. We can all be kind to others too.
Laura — I too loved “He looks at us as if we are his Son.”
I want to challenge you on your answer to B, since we are told to love our neighbor in the Old Testament.
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Thursday: The Way Up Is Down
As you will see repeatedly in this summer study, “The Divine Conspiracy” is that the way up is down. Surely Christ showed us that. The world thinks they will be happy by being selfish, but that actually will take them down.
10. Read Philippians 2:3-11 aloud.
A. What should we avoid according to verses 3-4? Give some scriptural and experiential reasons. We are not to do anything out of rivalry or conceit, but to consider others more significant than ourselves. 1John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us” Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 14:30 “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Romans 12:16 “Live in harmony with one another, do not be proud but willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
My marriage is a great example. I often find I envy my husband in such silly ways. Just last night I was envious that he was in bed before me as I had to complete some tasks, but was feeling exhausted. This created negative feelings which were unnecessary. At times like that I need to remember not to compare and be thankful for what God has done in my life. So silly, but does not help me to “live in harmony” when I let myself think like that.
B. How did Jesus model that the way up is down? (verses 5-11) These verses kind of make me laugh. “…made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Let’s face it, we are like nothing, when compared to God. We are made in his image, but we are nothing like him. We must humble ourselves and exalt God in every way, for the things he has done for us.
11. Report on yesterday’s action assignment. 21-22. This was a great week for this assignment as the Lord had already put it on my heart to bring a meal to a member of our small group who had a new baby on Sunday. As it turns out I was bringing her meal yesterday 🙂 I haven’t had the energy to do something like this in a long while and it felt good to be able to bless them last night. This sweet family moved here from a town 75 miles away and they miss their family. They have been here about 5 years but haven’t felt the connection with community. I’m so glad they have joined our small group and we are doing our best to love on them like family. I also had the opportunity to bless my daughter who has the husband I asked for prayer about. She needed help yesterday taking her daughter to therapy and so I was able to do that in the morning before we had a birthday party for a close friend’s daughter. It was a full day and it was great to pour into others.
Wow! Love your answer to 11! Chris! What a blessing you are to many!
I know how it means to be the new person and have someone take you under their wing. Patti did that for me!
Aww, Dee. 💕🙏 God had His hand on both of us! Thank you Lord! You were as full of love and grace then, as you are now.
Thursday: The Way Up Is Down
As you will see repeatedly in this summer study, “The Divine Conspiracy” is that the way up is down. Surely Christ showed us that. The world thinks they will be happy by being selfish, but that actually will take them down.
10. Read Philippians 2:3-11 aloud.
A. What should we avoid according to verses 3-4? Give some scriptural and experiential reasons.
—We should avoid the selfishness of putting ourselves first and being conceited. There is a great danger in serving self and thinking more highly of oneself than you ought.
In verse 2 Paul addresses what would be required and is best for all. It is the opposite of a selfish and conceited attitude.
“Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.” Philippians 2:2
Selfish people are hard to be around and very hard to work with.
B. How did Jesus model that the way up is down? (verses 5-11)
—Jesus did not cling to his divinity which was a position of being completely exalted above all creation. He humbled himself and became completely human and chose to serve mankind. He practiced obedience to God his Father and sacrificed his life by dying a criminal’s death on a Cross. But in doing so He became exalted above all and rose to a position of absolute glory and power.
11. Report on yesterday’s action assignment. 21-22.
—In the last couple of years we have had a fair amount of remodeling done on our home. And for the last couple of weeks the man who has done all of our painting has been working in several rooms of our house. Yesterday he was finishing up and I took the opportunity to express our appreciation for his excellent work and affirm him in what he does so well. He is a very good painter and I could genuinely bless him for his craft. I feel we sent him off blessed by hearing a strong verbal approval for his many hours of work.
The only other person I was interacting with yesterday was my husband and for the most part it is and was good. But a couple of times I was tempted to butt heads (in my selfishness) but recognized my need to step back out of having my way. It’s never easy but always necessary.
I’m sure that painter appreciated that.
And I get: “Never easy but always necessary.”
Friday: Father Love and Mother Love
So often we think of the father as being the stern disciplinarian and the mother as the nurturer, and there is some truth in that. Yet our God is both. Jessa’s mother is so nurturing. She has six children, and they have all been loved so well. I’m amazed at her patience and unfailing love with each of them. Below, she is singing the Blessing (Amen, Amen, Amen) along with the whole congregation.
12. Meditate on the following Scriptures and explain how God’s love is also mother love.
A. Isaiah 49:15 What is the picture and why is it so hard for a mother to forget the baby at her breast? What promise is here? A mother has such incredible love for her child, who is a part of her very being, no matter how that child strays, a mother’s deep love for her child remains. If our earthly love for our child is that deep, how much more is the love of God for His children. Our Heavenly Father has each of our names inscribed on the palms of His hands.He will never forget us and will love us eternally.
B. Psalm 92:4. What is the picture and the promise?
The joy in our hearts is a deeper more permanent joy than the joy that all the things of the world can offer. I will sing for joy to the Lord for all that He has done in my life.
C. Share a time when God’s love was like a mother to you.
God has been like a mother to me through the pain of losing my husband, nearly 2 years ago. I can look back and see all the things He had prepared for me, how He was and is my Shepherd guiding me each day, bringing me to the place He wants me. My sorrow is softened a bit each day and He is still leading, one day at a time.
7. Read aloud John 13:34
A. What are we called to do and why?
Jesus commanded them to love one another. Because He first loved us. And because all will know we are His disciples, if we demonstrate love to one another.
B. Why do you think this is called a “new commandment?” (Later in his letter John says it is old (for they knew the love of the Father) yet it is new.)
It seems that it is new because He is calling on them to do as He has done. My Bible also references Lev. 19:18, about loving your neighbor as yourself.
C. Give some specific ways that Jesus showed love that you could show to others.
Listening to a troubled friend (or a stranger), bringing a meal to one in need, sending a card and a prayer to one who is ill or has lost a loved one, praying with and for others, helping a child or grandchild with good counsel, have compassion on those who are hurting, encouraging one who is not doing well, introducing yourself to a new person at church.
8. Your action assignment today is to find a way to be a blessing to each person in your path — a smile, a word of encouragement, a silent or audible prayer…. (I’ll ask you tomorrow how this went.)
9. Read aloud Philippians 2:1
A. What is the first blessing that is mentioned in Philippians 2:1? What encouragement do you personally have from being united with Christ?
Being in an intimate relationship with Christ. Christ’s forgiveness of my sins. them.
B. What is the second? Share a time recently when you were comforted by His love.
The comfort of His love, directly from Him and His love through others. I have a friend, who lost her 26 year old daughter, 2 years ago. I did not know her personally, but my husband and I knew her children from the school where we worked. We have prayed for each other almost daily, and now we sometimes talk on the phone. We met on in person, shortly before I moved. She now lives in Texas and she sends me beautiful Praise songs, some from Nigeria. She has been a huge blessing in my life, we are walking together through the sorrows, but both of us experiencing the Joy of Jesus.
C. Have you experienced here or in fellowship with believers elsewhere “the common sharing of his Spirit?” I often am helped with decisions because “the same Spirit says the same thing.” Has that happened to you? If so, share?
This is a continuation of my previous answer. When one of us is having a difficult day, the other one sends a prayer, just at the right time. The Holy Spirit has truly been speaking to both of our hearts.
D. What does Paul ask of them to make his joy complete? Why do you think God cares so much about our loving one another and being like-minded? (One clue is in John 17:20-21)
When we truly have the self-less love of God in our hearts for one another, the world will see the difference in our lives and in our joy. They will know by our love that Jesus was truly sent by God. Love can heal so much more, than anger or being reactive. Sometimes that love is in letting go of what we want and giving to another.
Love your connection with your Nigerian friend. Such a great loss she had.
10. Read Philippians 2:3-11 aloud.
A. What should we avoid according to verses 3-4? Selfish ambition and conceit. Give some scriptural and experiential reasons. In 1 Corinthians 13 it says that if you use even your spiritual gifts without love it means nothing. That would be using your spiritual gifts to gain attention or look outwardly good or show how blessed you are, which is what selfish ambition and conceit are. In my own life I have found that when I do things because that’s what a good Christian does and no one else is going to do it, that it is rooted in selfish ambition and conceit. I’m trying to make myself look good and better than others even though I tell myself otherwise. It leaves me feeling resentful, not loving.
B. How did Jesus model that the way up is down? (verses 5-11) Jesus emptied himself of his identity as God and became a human, as a humble, obedient servant even to death. Because of that God exalted him and gave him the name above all names.
11. Report on yesterday’s action assignment. 21-22. I didn’t read yesterday’s assignment until last night, so I’ll have to give a report about today later.
Wednesday: Called to Love as We Have Been Loved
7. Read aloud John 13:34
A. What are we called to do and why? – We are called to love one another as Jesus has loved us.
B. Why do you think this is called a “new commandment?” (Later in his letter John says it is old (for they knew the love of the Father) yet it is new.) – I’m not really sure but is it because they never considered the feelings of others. They only looked out for themselves. So now Jesus is telling them that others are important and should be loved by them, so that others who don’t know Jesus will know they belong to Christ now by how they love each other.
C. Give some specific ways that Jesus showed love that you could show to others. – As they followed Him, he fed them. He provided instruction, teaching to them, so they would know how to live. Most importantly, He gave himself up for us. We can do the same. We can provide food, whether food to nourish their bodies, or food from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We can help new Christians as they start their walk, and help them to discern the ways of Chris.
8. Your action assignment today is to find a way to be a blessing to each person in your path — a smile, a word of encouragement, a silent or audible prayer…. (I’ll ask you tomorrow how this went.) –
9. Read aloud Philippians 2:1
A. What is the first blessing that is mentioned in Philippians 2:1? What encouragement do you personally have from being united with Christ? – Encouragement: I’m encouraged to know that God will be with me on this journey He’s placed me on. I won’t be walking alone. He has placed the right people in my path to guide and encourage me along the way.
B. What is the second? Share a time recently when you were comforted by His love. – comfort from love: The same people that God has placed in my life to encourage me, have been the ones to show me love. His love through them is helping me deal with the loss of my Mom. They ask how I’m doing still and genuinely listen and don’t try to sweep the loss under the rug.
C. Have you experienced here or in fellowship with believers elsewhere “the common sharing of his Spirit?” I often am helped with decisions because “the same Spirit says the same thing.” Has that happened to you? If so, share? – I have seen it here on this blog, that when I answer a question that I think makes no sense at all, it does to Ladies here. My answer may not be clear to me, but it has helped someone else. God provides what we need, whether it be a nudge to do something, or say something, he is working through us right when it is needed. Confirmations on this blog with ladies saying pretty much the same thing as I’ve written helps me to know that my heart is open to learning and understanding His Word.
D. What does Paul ask of them to make his joy complete? Why do you think God cares so much about our loving one another and being like-minded? (One clue is in John 17:20-21) – Paul is so focused on everyone being likeminded, in one accord so that everyone will hear the Good News Of Jesus. If we are all in one accord, the unreached will be reached. We have different circles that we walk in, different people that we come in contact with and if we can be all in one accord, then others will hear the same message no matter who tells it to them.
Thursday: The Way Up Is Down
As you will see repeatedly in this summer study, “The Divine Conspiracy” is that the way up is down. Surely Christ showed us that. The world thinks they will be happy by being selfish, but that actually will take them down.
10. Read Philippians 2:3-11 aloud.
A. What should we avoid according to verses 3-4? Give some scriptural and experiential reasons. – We are to avoid doing things for selfish-ambition. Scriptural reasons would be if we are doing things thinking we will get something in return, we are not loving as Jesus loved. Jesus never did things thinking he would get something back. He did things out of love. For experiential reasons, if we do things out of selfish ambition, others are going to learn that from us. That was not what Jesus wanted or taught. So we need to make sure others are seeing us love like Christ and not love out of obligation.
B. How did Jesus model that the way up is down? (verses 5-11) – Jesus lowered himself to be a servant and didn’t think he was equal to God. He humbled himself and was obedient to what the Father had set in place for him.
11. Report on yesterday’s action assignment. 21-22. – We had a flower bed that was so out of control that we called a landscaper out to help. He came out yesterday, and at first he was the only one at our house. I thought wow, this is going to be a big job for one man who has had medical issues in the past. But slowly his crew showed up and there were 6 people that came in the heat of the day here in NE Tennessee. They all worked together and got the job done in just over an hour. I thanked them over and over and told them they did a great job at that we were very happy with it. They were all a great group to be working at our home. And to top it off the owner prayed over the job when he first came out before he quoted us. Thank you, Lord, for sending your crew of people to work on our home. They all felt like family by the time they left.
Oh Julie. I love the flower bed story and that they all felt like family by the time they left, so sweet and speaks volumes in how you made them feel appreciated.
Julie, I love your answer to 11. What a wonderful moment, to have the owner pray over the job when he came to quote it. And this:”They all felt like family by the time they left.”
That is amazing — what a gift!
Thursday: The Way Up Is Down
As you will see repeatedly in this summer study, “The Divine Conspiracy” is that the way up is down. Surely Christ showed us that. The world thinks they will be happy by being selfish, but that actually will take them down.
10. Read Philippians 2:3-11 aloud.
A. What should we avoid according to verses 3-4? Give some scriptural and experiential reasons.
We should avoid being selfish, impressing others, pride, thinking we’re better than others, looking out only for our own interests and not taking an interest in others.
Proverbs 13:10a, “Pride leads to conflict.”
Galatians 5:25-26, “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another or be jealous of one another.”
James 3:16, “For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”
1 Corinthians 12:22-23a, “In fact, some parts of the body (speaking of the church) that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care…”
My sister asked me to take care of her cats while she was gone for a week. Go to her house each day which is about a 50 minute drive there and back. I will admit it was the last thing I wanted to do, but there was a whisper in my ear (Holy Spirit), “do it as unto Me.” I told her and sincerely that I’d be happy to because His Spirit spoke to my spirit that it wasn’t about me, but rather about meeting a need she had and not to think of it as an inconvenience but rather a way to show her His love.
B. How did Jesus model that the way up is down? (verses 5-11)
Even though He was God, He didn’t think of equality with God as something to cling to.
He gave up His divine privileges, took the humble position of a slave and was born a human being.
While He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Therefore (because of the above)…
God elevated Jesus to the place of highest honor.
Gave Him the name above all other names.
That at His name every knee will bow in heaven, on earth and under earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
11. Report on yesterday’s action assignment.
Went to the hardware store with my husband and an item number was wrong on one thing we bought. Instead of sending us back to find the right number the cashier looked it up on the computer and I made sure to give her a smile and thanked her for doing that.
I love that you took care of the cats for your sister. That’s a big commitment for two hours plus each day for a whole week. Definitely a sacrifice and I love that you listened to the Spirit. That takes a quiet, submissive heart. I also love how you showed appreciation to the cashier. Those little things make a big difference especially when it is NOT done and we end up frustrated, but to see it avoided and appreciated is wonderful.
Oh, wow, on the cats and the 50 minute drive! Better a neighbor nearby than a relative far off — but she must not have a friend nearby so you were that friend!!!
I need to clarify that the drive to my sister’s house is 50 minutes round trip not just one way 🤦🏻♀️.
Oh, Sharon! That is such a gift for your sister. This is a testament to your beautiful and kind soul. It reminds me of this verse: Matthew 25:40: “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
Not that you look at your sister as the least of these, but that your heart is available for others.
Friday: Father Love and Mother Love
12. Meditate on the following Scriptures and explain how God’s love is also mother love.
A. Isaiah 49:15 What is the picture and why is it so hard for a mother to forget the baby at her breast? What promise is here?
—Well frankly for one very physical reason is that when your milk comes in and the breasts are full it is uncomfortable and the need to nurse your baby and find relief is great. But more importantly there is an emotional bonding in feeding a baby that is tender and sweet.
God says even it were possible for a mother to forget her child He never will forget his own.
B. Psalm 92:4. What is the picture and the promise?
—“You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.”
Psalms 92:4 NLT
The picture is one of great joy for all that God has done. The works of God’s hands cause the Psalmist to break out in songs of joy.
C. Share a time when God’s love was like a mother to you.
—My Mom would listen to me. She would graciously let me unload my heart and I felt heard, loved and supported when my heart was heavy. I have had times since my Mom passed away that I have experienced that same kind of mother like love and patience of God listening to my heartaches and prayers and when He answers I feel heard and loved and supported by him.
He brings joy to my heart as this verse from my Bible reading this week stood out to me and encouraged me.
“…,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
So true about the physical reason.
Friday: Father Love and Mother Love
So often we think of the father as being the stern disciplinarian and the mother as the nurturer, and there is some truth in that. Yet our God is both. Jessa’s mother is so nurturing. She has six children, and they have all been loved so well. I’m amazed at her patience and unfailing love with each of them. Below, she is singing the Blessing (Amen, Amen, Amen) along with the whole congregation.
12. Meditate on the following Scriptures and explain how God’s love is also mother love.
A. Isaiah 49:15 What is the picture and why is it so hard for a mother to forget the baby at her breast? What promise is here? The picture is the maternal love of a mother to her child. The mother feeds her child at her breast and her body reminds her even if the child is quiet or gone, that she has this strong connection to sustain her child physically and emotionally. This distinction is the one that makes a mother feel a child’s loss so much more than a father. This is what gave me such compassion for my DIL when Lucy passed. She was nursing her and that abrupt loss was a continual reminder as she had to pump her milk for a time in order to remain comfortable. Because of Lucy’s heart condition when she was born, Lucy remained very close to her mother and she held her almost all day in her waking moments for that whole 6 months. This is a quote from her obituary which her mother wrote and speaks to the truth taught here. “ She taught us that when we pray, sometimes miracles do happen as they did with her heart, and sometimes they do not, but that through it all, the Spirit always moves, the Father is always near and always good, and there is always hope for life everlasting through the victory won over the grave by our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Word says, “even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.”
B. Psalm 92:4. What is the picture and the promise? The picture is of the work of the Lord-that ultimate work that has made us righteous and rid us of sin so that we may sing for joy. This is the work that got us through losing our daughter, Hannah, our granddaughter, Lucy and our grandson, Malachi. Those sweet 3 little graves all together at the cemetery would crush us if it were not for the work of our precious Savior.
C. Share a time when God’s love was like a mother to you. His love has been so evident as we have walked through many, many difficult times and I see it in the community of faith and their outpouring love for us when we face hard times. I see it in the Word which is so precious and speaks to my soul. The Lord continues to use his Word and his people to minister to me, as a mother might to her child. An example is that when Lucy was in ICU after her tragic accident, our son who was only 4 at the time, asked at our visit to the hospital when we knew she was not going to make it, “How long will she stay here? 100 days? But she was supposed to grow up…” and then in a line from my son’s poem on the 2nd anniversary of her death, “Our daughter, you see, her Father’s house has many rooms. She is growing up on the shores of the river of life, clear as crystal.” Our comfort comes in the form of salvation and our eternal home prepared for us with Jesus. A mother prepares a home for the new baby and we see that in our Lord preparing our future eternal home. I will share the full poem on our facebook page for whoever wishes to read it. It is comforting and heart breaking all at the same time, as are the struggles we face in this life, and is our Savior’s sacrifice for us.
But she was supposed to grow up. Ohhh.
Thank you for sharing the full poem on Dee’s Bible study page, Chris. Such beautiful words.
Oh Chris, so much loss and pain but here you are…standing firm in your love for Christ and bringing encouragement to each of us here.
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT
Thank you🙏
Amen, to Sharon’s loving post and perfect verse. There is much comfort here.
What a lovely verse. And thank you everyone. We had a beautiful night last night with all the family together and hotdogs over the fire. Such bittersweet moments as we love on each other and remember her.
Thursday: The Way Up Is Down
As you will see repeatedly in this summer study, “The Divine Conspiracy” is that the way up is down. Surely Christ showed us that. The world thinks they will be happy by being selfish, but that actually will take them down.
10. Read Philippians 2:3-11 aloud.
A. What should we avoid according to verses 3-4? Give some scriptural and experiential reasons. We are to do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility, regarding others as more important than yourself. This reminds me of Tim Keller’s book and word on thinking of your self- less. We follow Christ’s example and honor Him when we love others by serving and when we put others’ needs above our own. We flourish as a culture and a world, when we take the focus off of “self”. Things we do that are self serving, do not give us satisfaction that we are serving the Lord. Matthew 20:28 The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Galatians 5:13-14 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another.
B. How did Jesus model that the way up is down? (verses 5-11) Jesus was filled with humility. Though He existed in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped. He emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond servant and humbled Himself, even to death.
11. Report on yesterday’s action assignment. 21-22.
There are so many ways we can be kind and show appreciation for others. There are so many people who just need to hear a kind word, a smile or a wave. The people in my new town are not as cheerful as the folks in Issaquah, but they deserve to be treated kindly. I am so grateful for the young man, Ely, who helps me modify exercises to fit my ability. His kindness and patience is the reason I stay in the class. He is 20 years old, and in excellent shape….he is the trainer of the class, but always takes time to help me. I always tell him what a difference he has made in my life.
You are a Barnabus, Patti.
Friday: Father Love and Mother Love
12. Meditate on the following Scriptures and explain how God’s love is also mother love.
A. Isaiah 49:15 What is the picture and why is it so hard for a mother to forget the baby at her breast? What promise is here?
The love a mother has for a child she’s given birth to and is nursing.
God will never forget us.
B. Psalm 92:4. What is the picture and the promise?
The thrill and joy for what the Lord has done for us.
C. Share a time when God’s love was like a mother to you.
His comfort after the loss of our child. Being there through all the tears and myriad of emotions.
Sweet Sharon. It is such a bitter loss.
8. Your action assignment today is to find a way to be a blessing to each person in your path — a smile, a word of encouragement, a silent or audible prayer…. (I’ll ask you tomorrow how this went.)
I’m behind this week (closing school and grading like a mad woman). So, I will try to do this today, although I most likely will only be around family today. Grading about 40 slide show projects…
9. Read aloud Philippians 2:1
A. What is the first blessing that is mentioned in Philippians 2:1? What encouragement do you personally have from being united with Christ?
I guess encouragement? My version asks questions, doesn’t seem to give a blessing. I suppose the encouragement is to continue to persist and I will eventually be with Him. Not feeling very encouraged these days though.
B. What is the second? Share a time recently when you were comforted by His love.
Comfort from Christ. Hmmmm….I suppose I have a peace about me in the midst of chaos.
C. Have you experienced here or in fellowship with believers elsewhere “the common sharing of his Spirit?” I often am helped with decisions because “the same Spirit says the same thing.” Has that happened to you? If so, share?
I don’t really know what you mean so I’m guessing not? Although, my husband and I were discussing our life and the evil surrounding us the other morning, and I pulled up verse of the day to read and it was this:
“We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT
We thought that was an interesting verse to happen upon us that morning.
D. What does Paul ask of them to make his joy complete? Why do you think God cares so much about our loving one another and being like-minded? (One clue is in John 17:20-21)
Tender and compassionate hearts. I guess God wants us to live in harmony. It’s pretty tough though, in day to day life. Life isn’t pretty and harmonious at all, often. I thought I had been treating people more Christ like and then had an incident yesterday that made me rethink it all. It was pretty defeating.
10. Read Philippians 2:3-11 aloud.
A. What should we avoid according to verses 3-4? Give some scriptural and experiential reasons.
We should avoid being selfish, looking out for ourselves only.
The woman and her friends who lowered the disabled man down through the thatch roof is an example of caring for others.
My husband, and I didn’t really even ask too many questions when we were charged with taking care of the grandkids. We just knew our daughter‘s way wasn’t working so we offered to help. This was the way we offered, until she could figure out what she was going to do. The problem is, she and her husband never came back for the kids. So, they ended up bonding with us. Now they want all that to change. Life is hard.
Adam and Eve were surely looking out for themselves, and look where that got them. And us!
I want to retire from teaching public school, I know I’m too young, but I feel “done.” I will continue to work at the community college level if possible. But, I will have 2 years without (potentially) insurance and will need to find something (all very expensive). I know it looks like I am just thinking of myself, however, my husband needs my attention and we get absolutely no time without the kids as you can imagine! We are getting old! I figure that if we send the kids to school and I am not at work, we can do things together. It is our retirement age after all! Who knows if we will both be alive in 2-3 years for me to retire then 🤷🏻♀️.
B. How did Jesus model that the way up is down? (verses 5-11)
He went to the cross seemingly going down, but ended up being resurrected.
11. Report on yesterday’s action assignment. 21-22.
I will report on this tomorrow.
A. Isaiah 49:15 What is the picture and why is it so hard for a mother to forget the baby at her breast? What promise is here?
A nursing mother is the picture. There is a connection between the two. A flowing of bodies together. The promise is that God will never forget us.
B. Psalm 92:4. What is the picture and the promise?
God’s care of us. He will always take care of us.
C. Share a time when God’s love was like a mother to you.
When my dad died I knew the above 👆. When our son derailed, I knew His control of bad situations. Right now I need Him more than ever in so many facets of my life. Ugh! He is semi-silent. His timing.
Please pray for my little grand daughter Grace. She is struggling so much right now. I don’t really know how to help her. I am looking into equestrian therapy classes. I trust no psychologists in this world. I’m hoping I can afford it, my husband concedes, and it actually works for her. That can be the prayer…dear Lord! Help us soon! We are in such pain 😔.
Father I pray for Laura. I hear her pain in the great struggles she lives with daily. I hear how tired she feels with so many needs in her family. I hear her needing your direction in her life for major decisions. I hear her heart just longing for some measure of relief. And I am reminded again of Who you are and that you are a loving and faithful God and father who knows and loves Laura and her family. I ask you to provide strength for her heart and a true sense of your presence. Give her a true sense that You have not abandoned her and you are working all things out for good as you promise in your Word. Oh Father I know it is not easy and we long for that day when you will redeem it all for good in Laura’s life and for her family as well as in our own lives. Please thwart the enemy in his bringing discouragement and replace it with your joy. Please work in little Grace’s life as well and give Laura and her husband wisdom in working to help meet her hearts needs. I pray Grace will come to know and understand that Jesus loves her and that you will somehow satisfy the needs of that sweet child’s heart with Yourself. Father we ask that you glorify yourself in Laura’s life and the life of here family and ask these things in the precious name of Jesus. Amen
Ditto to Bev’s beautiful prayer.
Laura, we know that we have freedom from the pain of this world only through Jesus. I believe kids need that too. I’m looking at a program for my son that teaches this biblically to kids young as 5. I will let you know as I learn more. It’s a program proven to help families with trauma. Maybe this would help you as well.
Friday: Father Love and Mother Love
12. Meditate on the following Scriptures and explain how God’s love is also mother love.
A. Isaiah 49:15 What is the picture and why is it so hard for a mother to forget the baby at her breast? What promise is here? – A mother won’t forget her nursing baby because she has to take care of the baby all the time. She has to feed, clothe, bathe and teach in order for that baby to grow up correctly. The same goes for us. Our Heavenly Father does the same to us. He has always provided everything we need and will continue to do that for us, so are face, our name will always be imprinted on his heart.
B. Psalm 92:4. What is the picture and the promise? – The Lord continues to work in our lives daily. He prunes us to make our fruit grow, to the point that we glorify his name with joy.
C. Share a time when God’s love was like a mother to you. – I had someone bad mouthing me, spreading lies about me to anyone that would listen, but God, like my mother would have done, protected me. He put my cousin in this person’s path to block the lies that were being spread. He is always watching, always listening and always walking with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will guide, nourish and love us until our last breath.
I love your answer to C, dear Julie! People can be so cruel, but our God will defend us. I love that He put your cousin in this person’s path. He is faithful.
Saturday:
13. What is your take-a-way and why? – The love of a ‘true’ parent, mother or father, blood or surrogate, will never go away. Jesus is our surrogate, heavenly Father and loves us unconditionally. He wants the best for us at all times, but we need to know and remember that he does. Like Laura said, when we feel like Jesus is semi-silent, we need to wait and know without a doubt He is working all things out. Things will work in His timing, any rush from us, will mess up His plan.