Ephesians Bible Study

Good morning and happy Saturday. I'm sharing with you a great bible study on the book of Ephesians that I found on a blog "Stone Soup for Five". It's in the side bar. You enter your email and it will be sent to you. This is a FREE study. I have a study book, as well, on the same thing, so I might try and incorporate it into the study. Check out my Facebook page as I also cross post there for bible study and doddling/journaling: Ladies Cafe and Bible Study.

*** I can't seem to get the links to activate, but if you google the stone soup blog, you'll find the bible study. For Facebook, just type in the name of my page.

These are some suggested resources to help you in your reading and understanding of the Book of Ephesians. (They come from the Stone Soup for Five bible study)


Grace to You--John MacArthur
https://www.gty.org/resources/Bible-Introductions/MSB49/Ephesians

Blue Letter Bible--Matthew Henry's Introduction
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Eph/Eph_000.cfm?a=1098001

I am also using some of my resources from my Christian Counseling course as well as a study guide for Ephesians:

• New Believers Compact New Testament (From Live Church)
• Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction
• Ephesians by Max Lucado

I hope you all will join me and others in exploring Scripture, growing our faith and a chance to be creative. 

Bible Journaling 101

Good morning lovelies! I'm trying a new project. I have seen such great ideas on how people journal in their bible, keeping track in a beautiful way their prayers or what they are learning. However, I don't have the money to buy a new bible. But recently I received lots of scrap booking materials. So, I decided I would try using a scrap book as a way to journal. Here is the beginning:

I've been checking out some online resources and videos because I'm not sure where or how to begin. It can seem rather daunting because so many people seem to be so artistic. I'm lucky if I can draw a stick figure!! I also don't have money for fancy supplies. I have gotten some basic supplies to get started. I know I can pick up more stuff at the dollar store. That's a great way to accumulate a variety of supplies without going broke.

My biggest stumbling block is what verses to start with. There are websites to help with that. Or you can start with a favorite passage. You might want to use a verse from a daily devotional. Or just pray about it. God will tell you where you need to start. I found a really nice video on how to get started. This is one from a very bubbly college student. You can check it out here: **How to Start Bible Journaling + My First Entries.

There are also resources to do an online bible journal. Those of you who are familiar with various photo editing programs might find these a little easier than those of us who really don't know! I found some ideas in this blog: ** http://www.biblejournalingdigitally.com/3-ways-to-bible-journal-digitally/. It offers some images and a workbook you can download and print. You can also download and print images just from a google search.

There is no one wrong or right way to do this. This is for you. To follow your progress in your faith. Or get you through a tough time. Or a way to express your creativity that God gave you. I hope you will try this out and maybe share some photos of your journals!

** If the links don't work, then just copy and paste it into your browser. **

Have fun and God Bless!

Let's Try This Again

They say third time's a charm, so let's see if it holds true. I keep starting this blog but can't seem to keep with it. Maybe now that I'm not working, I can keep up with this. We'll see........

I'm trying to tie in my blog and one of the groups I have on Facebook. There needs to be resources and ideas that will be accessible for people to use. I have a number of books and workbooks that I'd like to share. I'll add the link to my Facebook group in the page description, as well as adding the link here to my Facebook group. I hope you will take advantage of some of these ideas to help you out.

Life's Healing Choices. Healing from lifes hurts, hang-ups and habits Step 1

I'm going to add something a little different. For the past two weeks hubby and I have been going to this recovery program at a nearby church. I really enjoyed it. If you can find one in your area, I highly recommend it. It's called Celebrate Recovery. It's not just for alcohol or chemical addictions. It's for any bad thing you may have in your life that you want to be rid of. 

Pastor Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life) guides you through this 8 week program. 

I enjoyed this so much I want to share it here. Also, I came in on the end, so I have 6 weeks of catching up to do. I think it will be beneficial.

**Note: everything here is directly from the study guide. You'll be able to fill in the blanks while watching the video.

 

 

The Beatitudes

"Happy are those who are spiritually poor...Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Happy are the meek...Happy are the pure of heart...Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires...Happy are the merciful...Happy are those who work for peace...Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires."  (Matthew 5:3-10 NIV/TEV)

The root cause of your problem: Trying to ___________________.

HOW WE PLAY GOD

1. We try to control our _______________ by wearing masks, playing games, and hiding the truth about ourselves.

2. We try to control ___________________ by manipulating each other through guilt or shame or praise or even through silence.

3. We try to control our ________________ by saying things like: "I can handle it; it's not really a problem. I don't need any help. I can quit any time."

4. We try to control our _______________ by avoiding it, denying it, escaping it, medicating it, drowning it, or postponing it.

But the first step toward recovery-the first healing choice you have to make-is The Reality Choice, where you realize and accept the fact that you are not God, and you need help from someone much greater than you to overcome your hurts, hang-ups, and habits.

Consequences of Playing God

1. ______________________________________________

We fear that someone will find out who we really are and reject us.

2. ______________________________________________

I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't. I do what I don't want to---what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I'm doing is wrong....But I can't help myself...It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do those evil things. [Romans 7:15-17 LB]

My dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration. [Psalm 32:4-5 LB]

3. _______________________________________________

My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide them.  

[Psalm 32:4-5 LB] 

4. ______________________________________________

You'll never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up. Then God will show mercy to you. 

[Proverbs 28:13 GNT]

We don't change when we see the light. We change when we feel the heat. God whispers to us in our pleasures, but He shouts to us in our pain. The fact is that if you could solve your problems, you would have done it a long time ago and you wouldn't have them anymore. You can't get fixed until you 'fess up, face your faults, and admit, "I am powerless."

Three Important Facts of Life

1. I am powerless to __________________ my past.

2. I am powerless to _______________ other people.

3. I am powerless to _____________ with my hurts, hang-ups, and habits.

• Good intentions are not enough.
• Willpower is not enough.
• You need another source of power.
• You need God.

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. [James 4:5 NIV]

• Grace is the power God gives you to make the changes in your life that He wants you to make. How do you get God's grace? There's only one way. God gives it to the humble. 
• What needs to change in your life? Make the Reality Choice today.

Discovery Questions
1. We all try to play God by attempting to control our image, other people, our problems, and our pain. Why do you feel the need to be in control? List some ways you try to control your image, your problems, your pain, or other people.
_______________________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________

2. Read the passage again from Romans 7:15-17. Can you relate to that? Share your experiences with this kind of tension.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

3. The first healing choice is to admit you are powerless to change your past, control other people, and to cope with your problems. Which of these do you struggle with the most?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

4. The Bible says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." [James 4:6 NIV] Why do you think God "opposes the proud"? What does it mean to humble yourself before God?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

5. Where are you in learning to trust God? Share honestly with your group and ask for prayer to grow in this process.
___________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

>>Putting It Into Practice
C.S. Lewis said "God whispers to us in our pleasures, but he shouts to us in our pain." That pain can be physical, emotional, relational, or financial. What might God be saying to you through your pain right now? We are all powerless over something. This week, take the first healing choice, and admit to God something you are powerless over.

>>Prayer Direction
Pray for God to give you the willingness and the courage to admit where you are powerless.


(C) 2009 Rick Warren and John Baker
Saddleback Resources
purposedriven.com/recoveryconnections

       
 

Good Morning Girls Devotional Friday of Week 6

Here is Friday of Week 6. Whew! Did it!! Yay!! 

So, here it is, 2 Timothy 3:10-17:

Take Paul As Your Model

But you have paid attention to my teaching, conduct, purpose, faithfulness, patience, love, and endurance. You have seen me experience physical abuse and ordeals in places such as Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I put up with all sorts of abuse, and the Lord rescued me from it all! In fact, anyone who wants to live a holy life in Christ Jesus will be harassed. But evil people and swindlers will grow even worse, as they deceive others while being deceived themselves.

But you must continue with the things you have learned and found convincing. You know who taught you. Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.

S: 2 Timothy 3:15-17: Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.

O: We are familiar with stories from the bible from when we were children. It is those stories that help us get through as adults as well as our faith in Jesus Christ. 
There is a reason they have been around for so long. We learn from them, base our lives on them, our beliefs rest in the pages. Those pages, the stories within, tell us how to be good Christians. It reminds us what is right and wrong in the eyes of God. It tells of the struggles and challenges of those who came before us.  

I remember growing up with my grandparents, my grandmother would tell me about when she and her brothers and sisters were little growing up in Brooklyn, NY. I bet some of you remember hearing such stories when you were growing up.

It is from those stories that we learn. We learn about family, we learn about mistakes made, we hopefully learn what NOT to do.

The same can hold true for the bible. The bible is chock FULL of stories that we can learn from. And we need to pass that knowledge down to our children. 

A: My children were raised in the church. Ok...so they're not the greatest examples... lol It's at least worth the effort to teach the next generation about our faith. Think about how you came about your belief in God.. where did you learn it from? 

I know at least ONE of my children was influenced by my prompting them to go to church. Actually two of my three kids. My middle son was a deacon at his church. Now my daughter is deacon. She's been going to the same church since she was 4. 

Let's pass our love for Christ and living a good life down to the next generation. Even if you're a new believer, pass it on! 

P: Lord Jesus, we have learned so much by reading about You and our Father. We have learned about ancestors many, many generations ago. We have seen the good and the bad. We learned the consequences of sin. We have learned the glory of Your love. Let us keep Your word alive for generations to come. Help us to teach our children and their children and on and on. We have much to learn still. But Your word keeps us learning. 

)  

 

Good Morning Girls End of Week 1 Philippians 3:12-14

Week 1  Friday 1/24/14

Read: Philippians 3:12-14
SOAP: Philippians 3:14

Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

S:  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

O: Isn't refreshing to hear someone actually admit they're not perfect?! Paul is reminding the Philippians that he is NOT perfect. BUT that he is perfect in the eyes of Jesus. He tells them that he had not done these things on his own, but with the grace of Jesus. He has forgotten what was his past. Remember, Paul was once a very important and influential Jew. (Acts 9: 1-6/ 10-16) He put all that behind him to do Jesus' work. 

And so he reminds us that in all that we do, it should be by the calling of Christ Jesus and that our prize awaits us in heaven. We are all made in God's image. None of us is perfect. And honestly, who would want to be? What would that leave us to accomplish? We would never change or grow. Anyone who claims to be perfect has some serious narcissistic issues. 

I work for a doctor. She is a perfectionist. Living up to her standards has turned my life into one long nightmare. Everything I do is wrong. She'll even correct my sentences and tell me how it SHOULD be said. One time a pharmacy called about a prescription refill for a patient. Her reply was that she gives enough refills until the next visit and that if the patient was out of refills that would imply that she made a mistake and that she doesn't make mistakes. Oh Lord. Nothing worse than a doctor with a God complex.

We are the way God made us. We are imperfect creatures. God knows we will mess up from time to time. All we can do is to try our best to be pleasing to God. After all, He is the only one who really matters.

A: I love to do photography. I think I'm pretty good at it. But then when I sit down and look at the images I made, I am critical of what I did. I can only see the imperfections in it. And I'm the same way when I look in the mirror. I see the gray hairs. I see sadness. I see how overweight I am. I see all the imperfections. Instead, I should be seeing the person that God made me to be. I am caring, kind, empathetic. Yes, I have a short fuse at times. I get easily irritated at things (especially when I am cycling with my Bipolar). I'm not perfect. I shouldn't expect to be. As a friend once told me, I am wonderfully and fearfully made in God's image. I need to find a balance. I need to accept me for me, faults and all. But like Paul, I am the first to admit that I am not perfect. I hope I never will be. I want to please God. That's all. I want my life to reflect my love for Christ. And so, I journey on... 

P: Father, we are reminded that You love us even with all our imperfections. You see us as Your creation. Let all that we do be in favor with You. And if it falls short, Father, let us remember to humble ourselves before You and ask for forgiveness. Amen.



 

Good Morning Girls Intentionally Focused Week 1 (1-20-14 & 1-21-14)

I asked a friend of mine to do a bible study with me, but then I had so many things come up that I kind of just lost sight of it. Which wasn't really fair since it was my idea to do it in the first place. So, now I have a loaner computer, I printed out some of what I needed at work and I am sitting down to get some of it caught up. They will be starting Week 3 while I am still flogging through Week 1.

Let’s Get Started!!

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children….” Ephesians 5:1 NIV

Week 1 Challenge:

 
Let’s be intentional in developing a habit of spending time in God’s Word over the next 8 weeks. This week commit to when you are going to read the daily Bible passage and where you will do it. For example I am committing to having my quiet time from 6:00-6:30 at my kitchen table. Once you decide on the when and where, write it down and tape the commitment card on your bathroom mirror so you see it every morning and every night. 

Week 1 Memory Verse: 

 

Week 1: This week I'm going to be intentionally focused on:
Cutting out excess distractions so that I may hear what God is trying to tell me.

Week 1: Monday 1/20/14
Read:     Ephesians 5:1-14
SOAP:   Ephesians 5:1 

S: Write out the scripture passage for the day.

"Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

O: Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.

• We are being told that we should act according to how God has told us to.
• We should love each other as Jesus loved us.
• Jesus sacrificed for us as a way of showing His love for us.

A: Write down 1 or 2 applications from the passage.

•  We should carefully consider our actions and words to be sure that they would be pleasing to   God. 
• To be kind to others as a way of honoring Jesus.

 P: Pray over what you learned from today's passage.

Lord, I pray that my actions and words towards others are pleasing to You. If anything I may do or say not be of You, I pray for forgiveness upon You. Amen

________________________________________________________________________________

Week 1: Tuesday 1/21/14
Read:    Psalms 90:12 
SOAP:  Psalms 90:12


S: Write out the scripture passage for the day.

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

O: Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.

• "Teach us to number our days"-- take each day one at a time. Live each day as if it were our only day.
• "Gain a heart of wisdom"-- let us learn from our days on earth. To learn from both the good and the bad.

  A: Write down 1 or 2 applications from the passage.

•  To learn to take each day as it comes.

• To learn from each day whether it was good or bad. 

P: Pray over what you learned from today's passage.

Lord, teach me to handle each day as it comes and to not get caught up in worries over tomorrow. Help me to learn from each day and to grow from it. Amen.


 
 

 


  

 

Good Morning Girls Week 2--Your Spiritual Life

I'm still back tracking. So this is for the week of January 27.

 



 
















 Week 2 Challenge:
Open to Revelation Chapter 1 and read what John saw when he saw Jesus in all his glory.  When you close your eyes to pray – pause and imagine what John saw.  Then begin praying.  I believe it will change the power of your quiet times this week.

Week 2 Memory Verse:

 

Monday 1/27/14
Read: Luke 5:1; Mark 1:35
SOAP: Mark 1:35

Luke 5:16--Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.

SOAP:  Mark 1:35
S: And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed.

O: It seems that Jesus liked to have solitude when He wanted to pray. Also, He liked to do it early in the morning before the day started.

A: I should set aside a time during the day in which to pray and to read. I think it would help me to be able to really think about what it is I'm reading. Sometimes solitude gives us the opportunity to really let things sink in. There are no outward distractions. Just you and God.

P: Lord, I want to grow closer to You and to be able to Your voice above all the noise. Let Your voice be the only voice I hear, especially when there are negative thoughts in my head. Help me to really understand Your Word and be able to apply it to my own life. Amen. 

Good Morning Girls, end of Week 3

Colossians 3:2

S: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

O: Don't think about the things in this world. Focus on heaven and Jesus.

A: We need to overlook materialistic things. Just because I don't have a lot of nice stuff does not mean I have a lousy life. It just means I'm broke! lol But instead of focusing on what I don't have or what I may want, I need to focus on what God has given me.

P: Lord, please help me to see past all the materialistic things in this world. Remind me that my life is not as bad as it seems and that if I set my sights on You, You will give me all I need. Amen.

Good Morning Girls, Intentionally Focused Week 3 2/3/14

I'm working backwards. But at least now I'm all caught up with Week 3.

The reading for Week 3, Mon. 2/3/14: Romans 8:1-8

Life in the Spirit

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

 

S: For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.    ~Romans 8:6

 

O: If we focus our minds on things of the flesh it will only lead us to sin. We can't allow ourselves to be led by our feelings. If we focus on things of God, it will lead us to a life of peace. 

 

A: If I focus on earthly desires, chances are it will lead me to sin. I will be out of favor with God. I need to be constantly asking God what is it He wants me to do. I need to be still and listen so I can hear His voice. 

 

P: Dear Lord, help me to hear Your voice above all the noise. Help me to know what it is You want me to do. Remind me that everything I do is for Your glory and honor. Help me to not stray from the path you have set before me. Amen. 

 

 

 

Good Morning Girls Devotional on 2 Corinthians 10:1-5

 Today's reading is from 2 Corinthians 10:1-5.

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalt itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

S: Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalt itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

O: What this passage is telling us is not give in to worldly desires and wants. We need to keep our eyes on God and what He wants of us. We are to forsake all our own earthly dreams to pursue the ones He has planned for us.

A: How we can apply this to our own lives? Ask God what He wants for you. It's hard to give up our own dreams and desires, but it is that sacrifice is what keeps us in obedience to God.

P: Father, I pray to you for guidance. To show me the way that You want me to travel and to guide me along that path. Help me to close out all worldly desires and wants of the flesh so that I may stay true to You and Your desires for me. Amen.