Today's Treasure: "The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men'."- Isaiah 29:13
Many Christians don't live spirit-filled lives, instead they lead legalistic lives. God wants individual relationships with us, even if at times we cannot "feel" His presence as we stated we may feel sometimes. Regarding question one, I believe that legalism is knowing God's word but applies it without grace and mercy. God is showers us with grace and mercy, so clearly, this is something that we must do also.
Question 1:To the best of your understanding, what does legalism mean when used in a negative, religious context?
Question 2: How could a student of God's word squeeze the enjoyment out of her christian walk by replacing relationship with regulations?
Monday, June 30, 2014
Friday, June 27, 2014
Week 3; Day 3-The obstacle of Idolatry
Today's Treasure: "Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit him nothing?" -Isaiah 44:10
In day 3, Beth Moore states that at some point or another, we are all guilty of idolatry. We've found things, experiences, or people that we put in the place of God, even if we are not aware of it. She makes an interesting point when she states that people become so involved in their idols that they even begin to stop paying attention to their physical needs. Maybe you've filled voids in your life with your job, relationships, or other activities, but if you've come to realize that maybe you are trying to fill an empty place that God Himself would like to feel, then this is an obstacle that you can overcome. The first step is to realize that there's an idol actually in place.
Question 1: Looking back, can you think of a time when God was trying to lead you to find fullness in Him but you settled for something less? If so, describe what happened (If you feel comfortable sharing, of course)
Question 2: In Isaiah 2:8, what signs of idolatry did Isaiah see in the people?
In day 3, Beth Moore states that at some point or another, we are all guilty of idolatry. We've found things, experiences, or people that we put in the place of God, even if we are not aware of it. She makes an interesting point when she states that people become so involved in their idols that they even begin to stop paying attention to their physical needs. Maybe you've filled voids in your life with your job, relationships, or other activities, but if you've come to realize that maybe you are trying to fill an empty place that God Himself would like to feel, then this is an obstacle that you can overcome. The first step is to realize that there's an idol actually in place.
Question 1: Looking back, can you think of a time when God was trying to lead you to find fullness in Him but you settled for something less? If so, describe what happened (If you feel comfortable sharing, of course)
Question 2: In Isaiah 2:8, what signs of idolatry did Isaiah see in the people?
Monday, June 23, 2014
Week 3; Day 1-The Obstacle of Unbelief
Today's Treasure: "Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people." -Isaiah 57:14
Last week you studied the 5 benefits of a believer, this week you will look at the 5 obstacles in your walk with God, that correspond to those benefits. Ladies, this is when it starts to get real! Lol. One of the things that stood out to me was the distinction that's made between believing God, and believing IN God. I think sometimes we don't realize there's a difference. Often times we might want try to convince ourselves, or others that we believe what God says, what He promises, but if we're honest, the truth is we don't. If this is or has ever been an obstacle for you, what causes your unbelief? If you do struggle with believing in God (for whatever the reason), be honest with yourself, and be honest with Him about it in prayer, that He may remove this obstacle.
Question 1: What are some obstacles you've battled in previous efforts to live the liberated, abundant life in Christ?
Question 2: Regarding Mark 9:21-23, how did the father reveal a lack of confidence in Christ's ability and how did Christ respond in verse 23?
Last week you studied the 5 benefits of a believer, this week you will look at the 5 obstacles in your walk with God, that correspond to those benefits. Ladies, this is when it starts to get real! Lol. One of the things that stood out to me was the distinction that's made between believing God, and believing IN God. I think sometimes we don't realize there's a difference. Often times we might want try to convince ourselves, or others that we believe what God says, what He promises, but if we're honest, the truth is we don't. If this is or has ever been an obstacle for you, what causes your unbelief? If you do struggle with believing in God (for whatever the reason), be honest with yourself, and be honest with Him about it in prayer, that He may remove this obstacle.
Question 1: What are some obstacles you've battled in previous efforts to live the liberated, abundant life in Christ?
Question 2: Regarding Mark 9:21-23, how did the father reveal a lack of confidence in Christ's ability and how did Christ respond in verse 23?
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Sunday: That you May Know
This week was a week to set up our breakthrough. We learned aboutthe 5 benefits of freddom from captivity. Which day struck a chord with you? I'm sending the video for week 3. I know that it is hard and you want to give up, but change isnt easy. Be honset, work hard and watch God do the rest.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Week 2; Day 5- To Enjoy God's Presence
Today's Treasure:When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your saviour."- Isaiah 43:2-3
Many times, we as believers will express that we cannot feel His presence. We feel that when we pray, He doesn't hear us, or when we cry out to Him, He is unresponsive. However, if we have accepted Christ into our lives, and have come into an intimate relationship with Him, we know that His Holy Spirit dwells with us, and, therefore, is always with us. As Beth Moore states, it's an issue of Faith. Even if we don't "feel" Him, He is still there. Always.
Question 1: Read Psalm 139:7-12 and the promise in Hebrews 13:5. We obviously and fortunately cannot escape God's presence, but why do you think we experience times when we sense God's presence more clearly than others?
Question 2: In Psalm 16:11, what did David confidently expect from God?
Many times, we as believers will express that we cannot feel His presence. We feel that when we pray, He doesn't hear us, or when we cry out to Him, He is unresponsive. However, if we have accepted Christ into our lives, and have come into an intimate relationship with Him, we know that His Holy Spirit dwells with us, and, therefore, is always with us. As Beth Moore states, it's an issue of Faith. Even if we don't "feel" Him, He is still there. Always.
Question 1: Read Psalm 139:7-12 and the promise in Hebrews 13:5. We obviously and fortunately cannot escape God's presence, but why do you think we experience times when we sense God's presence more clearly than others?
Question 2: In Psalm 16:11, what did David confidently expect from God?
Week 2; Day 3- To find Satisfaction in God
Today's treasure: "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."- Isaiah 55:2
I found that this day was a little challenging, because I had to be honest with myself and confess that I don't alway feel 100% satisfied with God. I think maybe we are afraid to say that because it sounds almost blasphemous, but it's something many of us experience. At the beginning of today's lesson, Beth Moore starts us off by reading John 8:32, where the emphasis is on God's truth. It's important to know and understand what God's truth is because it is off that that we build our faith. I was just having this discussion this week, that it's not only critical that we know His truth, but that we be completely honest with Him as well.
Question 1: Why do you think the writer of Psalm 63 had such a hunger and thirst for God?
Question 2: Can you think of a time in your life when you knew you should be satisfied but you weren't? Describe how you felt.
I found that this day was a little challenging, because I had to be honest with myself and confess that I don't alway feel 100% satisfied with God. I think maybe we are afraid to say that because it sounds almost blasphemous, but it's something many of us experience. At the beginning of today's lesson, Beth Moore starts us off by reading John 8:32, where the emphasis is on God's truth. It's important to know and understand what God's truth is because it is off that that we build our faith. I was just having this discussion this week, that it's not only critical that we know His truth, but that we be completely honest with Him as well.
Question 1: Why do you think the writer of Psalm 63 had such a hunger and thirst for God?
Question 2: Can you think of a time in your life when you knew you should be satisfied but you weren't? Describe how you felt.
Missing posts
Good morning ladies. I apologize that it is the last day of the second week and I only have one post up. A couple of things happened this week, including a trip to the ER so I was unable to post. I will have more postings for this week by Sunday.
-neisha
Monday, June 16, 2014
Week 2; Day 1- To Know God and Believe Him
Today's Treasure: "'You are my witnesses,' declares the Lord, 'and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.'"-Isaiah 43:10
According to Beth, captivity is described as "...anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for her." When using this definition, I think the idea of being held captive, or of not being free can be seen from a different perspective. To me, it means that it doesn't always have to be something 'spiritual', but can also be the every day things that we might not even be aware of as hindering the life God wants for us.
Question 1: According to Isaiah 43: 10-13, describe the margin describe the One you have been chosen to know, believe and understand to be God.
Question 2: If you characterized your relationship with Christ as 'close and personal', what characteristics of your relationship reflect a degree of familiarity? If not, what causes you to feel distant?
According to Beth, captivity is described as "...anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for her." When using this definition, I think the idea of being held captive, or of not being free can be seen from a different perspective. To me, it means that it doesn't always have to be something 'spiritual', but can also be the every day things that we might not even be aware of as hindering the life God wants for us.
Question 1: According to Isaiah 43: 10-13, describe the margin describe the One you have been chosen to know, believe and understand to be God.
Question 2: If you characterized your relationship with Christ as 'close and personal', what characteristics of your relationship reflect a degree of familiarity? If not, what causes you to feel distant?
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Happy Father's Day
I want to chat online with people Sunday's at 9pm, but considering it's Father's Day, I'll be unavailable tonight. I'm taking Noel to see X-men :)
However I am emailing and texting the video to everyone tonight. Enjoy the video. In your study guide on pages 30-31 is a viewers guide so you can follow along and answer questions.
I know that the questions and reading are a lot, but persist through it, we can do this together. Acknowledgig the obstacles that stand in the way if our road to freedom is difficult, but we can do it, break the cycle and be free from the bondage that captivates us.
God Bless you! If you don't get the video or you have problems viewing it, let me know, thanks
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Week 1; Day 4-The Reign of Hezekiah
Today's Treasure: "Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, 'Hear the words of the Lord Almighty: The time will surely come when everything in your palace, ad all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord.'" -Isaiah 39:5-6
Today, we learn about King Hezekiah, who unlike His Father, tried to restore the People of Judah back to God by removing the high places. As you've been reading about these kings, have you thought of any 'high places' you may have in your personal life?
King Hezekiah was more praise worthy than his father, yet, he was still attacked, and became sick. Naturally, he felt bitterness, sadness, and fear regarding this...throughout His ordeal though, we see God is merciful towards him, and that people who believe in God, haven't changed much.
Question 1:Why do you think Hezekiah turned out so differently from his father?
Question 2: How do we also tend to flaunt our treasures to the godless, enjoying their favor and approval?
Today, we learn about King Hezekiah, who unlike His Father, tried to restore the People of Judah back to God by removing the high places. As you've been reading about these kings, have you thought of any 'high places' you may have in your personal life?
King Hezekiah was more praise worthy than his father, yet, he was still attacked, and became sick. Naturally, he felt bitterness, sadness, and fear regarding this...throughout His ordeal though, we see God is merciful towards him, and that people who believe in God, haven't changed much.
Question 1:Why do you think Hezekiah turned out so differently from his father?
Question 2: How do we also tend to flaunt our treasures to the godless, enjoying their favor and approval?
Week 1; Day 3-The Reign of Ahaz
Today's Treasure: "He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree." -2 Chronicles 28:4
On day 3, we're introduced to King Ahaz. As we read, we discover that altars are still being built in the high places to other gods and that he participated in what we would consider (hopefully) to be some outrageous practices. Even when God reaches out and speaks to Ahaz, we see how he disregards God's warning and mercy...we are not always so different. But even Ahaz, who was full of corruption, God wanted to save and set free from his bondages.
Question 1:Why were high places accessible to a young and impressionable Ahaz?
Question 2: We might say that Manasseh "hit rock bottom" in verse 11. How might this terrible descent have been considered a blessing in disguise?
On day 3, we're introduced to King Ahaz. As we read, we discover that altars are still being built in the high places to other gods and that he participated in what we would consider (hopefully) to be some outrageous practices. Even when God reaches out and speaks to Ahaz, we see how he disregards God's warning and mercy...we are not always so different. But even Ahaz, who was full of corruption, God wanted to save and set free from his bondages.
Question 1:Why were high places accessible to a young and impressionable Ahaz?
Question 2: We might say that Manasseh "hit rock bottom" in verse 11. How might this terrible descent have been considered a blessing in disguise?
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Week 1; Day 2-The reign of Jotham and the call of Isaiah
Today's treasure: "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple."- Isaiah 6:1
Good afternoon everyone. Yesterday you began learning some historical facts regarding Isaiah and King Uzziah's reign over Judah. Hopefully, you have begun thinking about different areas of your life where pride might be rearing its evil head, and considering why pride is a serious issue before God. It's something that can start off small in our life and can potentially cause us to make some very foolish assumptions about ourselves, and ultimately affect some of our decisions. Today, we learn about King Uzziah's son, Jotham, who in many ways was very different from his father, but we find that he committed some of the same actions his father did, which resulted in the people being as corrupt as they were during this time.
Question 1: How was Jotham similar/different to his father?
Question 2: Can you think of a time when you allowed God to change your focus from else to Him? Describe the circumstances.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Week 1; Day 1- The Reign of King Uzziah
Today's Treasure: "After Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall."-2 Chronicles 26:16
Hello ladies :) Today, you begin the journey of Breaking Free by reading/learning about King Uzziah. If any of you are like me, this was the first time you've heard of this person in the bible because the Old Testament is sometimes difficult to get through. Thankfully, Beth Moore studied it for us! This week, we will read about different Kings who reigned during Isaiah's time.
Maria and I encourage you to please use this blog as a way to share your ideas and ask questions. For each post I will be putting up 2 questions, which you will also be answering in the workbook. Please feel free to respond to either or both, and share only what you feel comfortable sharing. Hope this study reveals things to you about not only yourself, but God, as it did for me.
Question 1: Why do you think Uzziah would have been a hero to a boy like Isaiah?
Question 2: Based on what you've learned by Uzziah's example today, describe why think God hates pride so much? (Refer to Proverbs 8:13)
Hello ladies :) Today, you begin the journey of Breaking Free by reading/learning about King Uzziah. If any of you are like me, this was the first time you've heard of this person in the bible because the Old Testament is sometimes difficult to get through. Thankfully, Beth Moore studied it for us! This week, we will read about different Kings who reigned during Isaiah's time.
Maria and I encourage you to please use this blog as a way to share your ideas and ask questions. For each post I will be putting up 2 questions, which you will also be answering in the workbook. Please feel free to respond to either or both, and share only what you feel comfortable sharing. Hope this study reveals things to you about not only yourself, but God, as it did for me.
Question 1: Why do you think Uzziah would have been a hero to a boy like Isaiah?
Question 2: Based on what you've learned by Uzziah's example today, describe why think God hates pride so much? (Refer to Proverbs 8:13)
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Welcome Freedom Fighters!
Welcome Freedom Fighters.
I am excited that we are going to begin this journey together. I pray that we begin together and end together, walking in freedom.
I am excited that we are going to begin this journey together. I pray that we begin together and end together, walking in freedom.
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