Trials Come So That...

Chapter 4:  Trials Come So That:

Memory Verse: Consider it pure job, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything--James 1:2-4 (NIV)


This chapter was awesome! Maybe it really spoke to me because of the trials I am going through right now, but whatever the reason, it really made me feel better.  
We all have trials.  Small ones, Gigantic ones...whatever the size, they're still trials, and we all have to look at the choices we've made.  Sometimes, the trials are ones that others put us through because of the choices they've made. Sometimes, we don't see that the choices we have made affect others.  The story Wendy related in the book was like I was reading something from my own life.  I hear myself saying, "That's just how I am." when it is really exactly how Wendy puts it, "It is who I am used to being." So, I am trying to be a better person.  I am trying to be more edifying, gentle, self-controlled, and compassionate.  And NICE. I am trying to remember that God gives us trials for a reason--because of the choices we've made--and when we respond with faith and trust, God will use it for good--to bring Him glory.  The trial that my husband is putting us through right now because of his choices makes me have to stop and pray and reflect on God and His will for me and my family.  I have to replace those bad thoughts with things that are noble and praiseworthy.  Wendy says on page 182, "...the trials of our faith are also precious because it is in and through them that we grow closer to God."

I ended "Part 1: Why Does God Allow Trials?" with this:
Trials come so that our faith is tested, and we prevail over those trials with an even greater love and understanding of God's word and His grace.

There have been some "dark nights" as Wendy calls them throughout the year and a half that we have been going through this trial.  I have learned that I have to pray and trust the Lord and confess my own sins.  My sins being the bad thoughts about my husband.

I ended "Part Four: Confident Faith to Endure" with this:
Trials come so that we will always keep watch for Satan so we can rely on God and His word to help us be strong and courageous.

My call to action (p. 94) consists of four things (right now).

• To be more patient 
• To be more optimistic
• To work toward trust and forgiveness
• To be strong and courageous.

Blessings by Laura Story is such a sweet song.  Enjoy!

Some thoughts from Chapter 3 "Pray So That..."

Wow!  I really feel like a slacker, but I have been doing the Bible study.  I am caught up as of today, but I haven't blogged about it all in a while.

Chapter Three:  Pray So That...

Memory Verse: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. -- Hebrews 4:16 (NIV emphasis added) 

I have not had an active prayer life until the past two years.  I prayed with my children at bedtime, I prayed with my family at supper time, and I prayed when my daddy was diagnosed with cancer.  I've read over and over in this book that we often don't have a real relationship with Christ until something happens to make us look to him for help.  This is true for me.  I can't say that I have, without fail, prayed every day for the past two years, but I am working on that.  This book has helped me grow as far as studying HIS word, reading the Bible, and praying.

I usually pray when I am in the shower.  I pray for my family, for those who are sick, for those who are grieving, for those who do not know Him, for James, and the girls, and for myself.  I have written down a few of my prayers, but mostly they are spoken.

Thank you for allowing me to wake each day and go to work to support my family. Thank you for your peace, love, grace, and forgiveness every day.  Thank you for James and the girls and the rest of my family. Amen.

Based on how God has spoken to your heart, complete the thought below.
Pray so that...
God receives the glory of your thankfulness.

In "Part Two: Watch and Pray," I really liked the part that Wendy wrote that said this: "Our God is all-knowing.  He alone knows what our future holds. God gave the gift of prayer, in part, to prepare us for that future.  It is in and through our prayer time that God girds us up for the trials, battles, and temptations that will come our way." Like she said in the book, it is kind of like He is our parent preparing us for being adults.

Feeding the flesh vs. feeding the Spirit--I am working on feeding the Spirit in every way possible.  It is difficult when you have heard something "juicy" that you just can't wait to share.  However, because of my own circumstances, I have learned that the "juicy" gossip we hear from others is making someone feel horrible.  Of course, I knew that, but I didn't think about it that way.  I like Ephesians 4:29: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Based on how God has spoken to your heart, complete the though below:
Pray so that...
the spirit is fed and nurtured--do not listen to the flesh.

From "Part Three: Riches in Christ," I highlighted a few things that really made me think.
On page 112, "truth must reach a person's heart for life change to happen."
On page 113-114: "The Holy Spirit's role is essential in the growth of a believer.  The Holy Spirit reveals truth to us from the Word, and then gives us the wisdom to understand and apply it.  It is the Holy Spirit who brings the living and active Word alive and makes it relevant."
On page 115: "The inability to see and understand spiritual things is not a matter of intelligence.  It's a matter of the heart.  Without the Holy Spirit, our hearts remain in darkness."
"He saved us to live lives worthy of the hope He has given.  He saved us so that we can make a difference in His world!"
"Our challenge is to live out our hope in a way that draws others to the hope we have found.  What is so wonderful is that along the way, we receive God's riches and blessings."

Based on how God has spoken to your heart, complete the thought below.
Pray so that...
the Spirit of wisdom and revelation empower us and allow us to live in the riches of His love and grace.

From "Part Four: Help Me With My Unbelief," I highlighted this: "Faith does not just happen.  We must cultivate it.  We must engage in spiritual disciplines, like praying, studying, and fasting."
On page 127: "Speaking His name is not enough.  We must understand His nature and character.  We must know God's will.  The goal of prayer must be to honor God and His name, not ourselves."

Based on how God has spoken to your heart, complete the thought below.
Pray so that...
His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

" Part 5: Remain in Him"
The fruit of His Spirit form Galatians 5:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

One fruit God has grown in my life:  Peace
One fruit with which I struggle: Patience

On page 134: "God requires a heart of obedience as a prerequisite to bearing abundant fruit.  We cannot draw near to God with a rebellious heart."

There are several of the passages from p. 139 that I really enjoyed reading.
Luke 18:27-- "Jesus replied, "'What is impossible with man is possible with God.'"
Philippians 4:19: "And my god will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
2 Timothy 1:7: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

God Spoke So That...

Wow, it is amazing how a whole week can get away from you!  I haven't posted anything for Week 2.  It was a good week, but very busy.  I had a difficult time keeping up this week.  So, here are the high points from the week (and then I will move on to Week 3).

Chapter Two: God Spoke So That...

Memory Verse:
All scriptures is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correct, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. --2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV emphasis added)

I learned this week (or was reminded) that God gave us His written Word for us to use as a guide to live by. I am very new to reading the Bible, but the words I have read really do make me think and give me hope.
We need to become established in the Word through faith and commitment to reading the Word.  People often make mistakes when reading the Bible by making it into what we want it to mean to suit our purposes. Paul felt that he was not worthy to deliver God's message to the people.  I often feel that I am not worthy of God's favor either.  God called Paul because he was an ordinary person, too, and that gives me hope and faith and a knowledge that I am blessed. God's Word is for everyone.  I feel that in the Parable of the Sower, the thorns represent my heart.  I am praying, reading my Bible, and learning and listening, but sometimes my problems seem so big that I don't think anything can help.  God promises that when we come before Him in prayer, He will hear us.  So, I am encouraged to talk to him all the time--in the shower, in the car, as I am about to explode over something...He helps me to be calm and control my thoughts, words, and actions. Everyday I need to put on the armor of God and prepare myself for what lies ahead.

"God spoke so that..." (my responses)

• we would use His Word as a guide to encourage us, teach us, correct us, and train us for how to live our lives.
• we would all hear and be blessed beyond measure--no matter who we are.
• we would become like fertile soil--ready to receive the Word and allow it to grow in our hearts.
• all would know the Words he had spoken were true and would be fulfilled.
• we would be encouraged to receive all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge from the Word of God.  

Prayer

Chapter One: Jesus Came So That:

Memory Verse: 
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, [so] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  --John 3:16 (NIV; emphasis added)

Part Five: Prayer

Prayer has always been difficult for me--especially prayer in front of others.  Praying in front of others is still very difficult, but when I am alone in the shower or in the car, boy can I belt out some prayers.  My prayers are more like conversations with Jesus.  Sometimes they last the entire way to work. Sometimes, I get distracted and have to stop and restart later.  To say that I do not pray for myself would not be true.  Sometimes I feel bad because I AM praying for myself so much.  

Unloading what is burdening my heart (p. 41):
As I sat quietly, I listened for Jesus' voice. This is what I heard:

• I hear Him telling me not to worry about our situation.  Things will work out for us according to His plan.  Worrying will only add to our frustrations.  I hear Him saying to stay faithful to Him and our prayers will be answered.

"Jesus came so that..."
...we can have a new life through the salvation He claimed for us by dying on the cross.  Jesus came so that we would throw off our sinful natures and give glory to Him who set us free.

Holy Living--A New Heart

Chapter One: Jesus Came So That:

Memory Verse: 
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, [so] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  --John 3:16 (NIV; emphasis added)

Part Four: Holy Living

Wow!  Lots of scripture in today's study.  But, I am up for it!  I'm proud of myself for these four days and how I have been committed to doing this study.  It is already blessing me beyond measure--mostly spiritually, but, as everyone knows, when your heart feels good--you feel good all over!

I have to tell a story similar to the one Wendy tells in her book.  I heard a rumor about a coworker, and I repeated it (to someone who was not a coworker).  It was a rumor (that we later learned was true--but that doesn't matter) that eventually cost the coworker his job.  I called myself "just talking" to a friend (the person I told) when I repeated the rumor, but that "friend" happened to be closer to the situation than I knew. Before I knew it, I had to confess that I had shared the rumor with someone, and that put stress on another friendship.  Yep, it is a complicated situation, and I was wrong.  I felt horrible. I still feel horrible.  

Then, a situation with my husband and one of his coworkers (a female) came to light.  The rumors were horrible.  People were "tweeting" things about him that were sickening.  Some of those "tweets" were even about my children and me.  People in our community and our church were talking about him and us.  My husband, just like my coworker, lost his job. 

In my reading tonight, the verses from Ephesians 4:29 stabbed me in the heart.  
"Don't let even one rotten word seep out of your mouths.  Instead, offer only fresh words that build others up when they need it most.  That way your good words will communicate grace to those who hear them."

In the situation with my coworker, I did not let good words come out of my mouth.  I did not try to build him up.  As a matter of fact, I avoided him.  I didn't know what to say to him.  Mainly because of my guilty conscience, but also because he was now an "outsider."  He wasn't one of "us" any more.  Would I be betraying my "company" if I talked to him?  I am sure that is what my husband's coworkers are thinking, too. Many who he thought were his friends haven't even tried to contact him.  They are not trying to build him up in his time of need.  Then I thought about myself.  Am I trying to build him up?  Am I offering fresh words that are communicating God's grace to him? I am not.  I am praying for him.  He knows that and even thanked me for it tonight.  But, outside of prayer I should be speaking to him, building him up, showing him that God's grace is bountiful.  He knows that he made a mistake with the actions that got him fired.  I have to praise God for it though because, had he not gotten in trouble, the situation could be far worse than it is.  If it hadn't been for that unfortunate situation, he may still have a job, but he may not be living in our house. or saying prayers with our children every night while putting them to bed, or eating dinner with us each night. That, to me, is far worse than him losing his job. I am angry at him, and sometimes that anger keeps me from thinking positive, Christian thoughts. But I love him, and I have forgiven him for his actions (it is just difficult to forget).  I know that I am only able to do that because of Jesus' grace and love for me.  

So, concluding thoughts today:

"Jesus came so that    ..."
we would have a new heart and be filled with HIS spirit.

Jesus, thank you for your grace, peace, and love.  Fill me every day with your spirit, and teach me to have a new heart not a heart of stone.  Give me the conviction to use my words to build up others. Forgive me for my sins, and forgive those who sin against you.  Bless those who are grieving and sick so that they may be healed in heart, mind, and body.  Let others see You through me.  In your holy and precious name I pray.  Amen.

I really enjoy listening to Casting Crowns' music.  I have loved the song "Slow Fade" for the longest time, but I never really equated the words to a particular situation.  Listening to it tonight, I can so relate it to our (my husband and me) situation.  Here is the video from YouTube.

Frontman Mark Hall said on his record label's website that a slow fade marks the regression that happens when Christians aren't living intentionally. He explained: "People don't crumble in a day. You don't fall, you fade. In your mind, there's that pride that says 'I'd never do that'… but you don't just do it, it's a slow, series of compromises, little ones that go there eventually, until you're sitting in a place you'd never go, doing something you'd' never do… and yet the way you're living totally makes sense to you somehow because you're so numb."

The scriptural footing for this song and the rest of the The Altar and The Door album can be traced back to Psalm 1, which reads: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on this law he meditates day and night…." Hall explained: "The whole album funnels from this passage. Imagine the man in this verse totally breaking down, but just a little at a time. First he's walking, then standing, and eventually sitting, just slowly shutting down. He doesn't crash suddenly-there's no sudden crash in the Christian life. The 'crash' is just the fruit of a slow fade."

from http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=11679 

New Life--Redeemed

Chapter One: Jesus Came So That:

I didn't get to post yesterday because I wasn't near a computer most of the day. I was using my "smart" phone to read the blog and do the bible study.  Using an actual computer to do the blog entries is so much easier than trying to do it on a mobile device.  Anyway, in response to yesterday's study:


Memory Verse:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, [so] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  --John 3:16 (NIV; emphasis added)

Part Three: New Life

My prayer of commitment to feed the spirit:
Lord, I pray today that you work in me to overcome the desires of the flesh and feed me with your spirit.  I commit to you the desire to be one with you in mind and body. Fill me with your grace, peace, and love every day.  Amen.

After today's study, this is how God has spoken to my heart:

Jesus came so that...

...believers could have "new life" through HIS grace.

This song by Big Daddy Weave is really speaking to me today.

Jesus Came So That...

Chapter One: Jesus Came So That:

Memory Verse:  

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, [so] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  --John 3:16 (NIV; emphasis added)

Part Two: The Law

From today's study, I answered this question/thought:

"Based on how God has spoken to your heart, complete the thought below... 

Jesus came so that..."

...my sins would be forgiven. His grace is extended to every person regardless of their "crimes." I must live by faith in Christ SO THAT I will one day inherit the Kingdom of God.

"Because of God's grace, we are no longer bound by the law of sin and death" (from Living So That: Making Faith-Filled Choices in the Midst of a Messy Life, p. 15).

The words to the song "Amazing Grace" were in today's study.  Made me want to listen to the song.  I enjoy listening to Chris Tomlin's version.  This is from YouTube.