Hey, summer Bible study sisters! Watch the video if possible because I only put the barest bones in the written part of these summer Bible study posts. This version of your instructions is mostly for back up but, if you prefer to just get your assignments for your gathering this way and bypass all my verbose video-commentary, I certainly do understand that! Feel free! I just want to make sure you’ve experienced some personal interaction on here. Smiling.
OK! Here are your instructions for today and, remember! Your comments to this post are meant to be comprised of your responses to each of the interactives:
1. Based on the question in the middle of p.37 of your homework: To what specific area of holy bravery does God seem to be calling you in this present season?
2. Drawn from the portion on p.46 regarding the 5 ordinary tasks you perform on a daily basis, share a memory of an ordinary circumstance in which God met with you in an extraordinary way. If you’re new to all this and can’t think what to share, don’t feel lame or unspiritual. Pray for Him to do this very thing with you over the coming days and I have a feeling you won’t be disappointed.
3. Based on p.50 and the discussion about the first part of the divine declaration to Gideon, how confident or insecure do you tend to be regarding God’s promise that He is with you? Explain your answer.
4. Look at the bottom of p.57. Would you be willing to share the pair of terms that best describe a disparity you’ve dealt with between your self-perception and a biblical view of who you are in Christ? If you’re willing, also briefly explain your answer.
Ok, Sisters! That’s it! When you leave your comment, please be sure to put your first name, your city, whether you are in a small group or going solo, and your succinct responses to all or at least several of the interactives.
I’m crazy about you! Stay in the Word! We’ll meet again in 2 weeks on July 9th. Have Weeks 3 and 4 of your homework finished for that gathering if at all possible. So much love to you.
Siesta Summer Gideon Study – Week 2 from LPV on Vimeo.
1) Due to the decline of America, I have felt burdened to “holy bravery” with many others to reach those I encounter daily to be sure they know the LORD and are in a repentant state before our nation is allowed to suffer in terrible ways. (Trying to be specific w/out getting too political ~ sorry!!!)
2) I do my best praying and have ‘light bulb’ moments with God when I am mowing, ironing and/or vacuuming. The constant steady motion of each is so similar and frees my mind to focus solely on HIM and what He’s saying to me 🙂
3) I am very confident that He is with me!!!! However, it wasn’t that long ago that my self-esteem was so low, I didn’t think He could reach me but I discovered that’s when He was holding me closest 🙂 Precious memories!!!!
4) Insignificant/Special…….Zephaniah 3:17 was so life-changing for me that I had it and my life verse, Psalm 16:5 tattooed on my upper back as a visible reminder, much like Beth’s bracelet, of His love and care for me.
This is a very timely study considering the declining state of our nation……..
Stephanie, Tulsa Ok, solo.
1) To really embrace the word for the absolute truth and to not back down from it, even if everyone else might not think that it’s politically correct.
2) Cleaning the bathroom seems to always be the time when God speaks to me. Either about what I need to clean out of my life, or what I need to maintain in order to keep the cleaning that I’m doing.
3)I tend to be half and half. I will receive God’s promises, but then usually a day or two after I will ask God if He actually meant what He said, or did I possibly mis-hear Him.
4)my pair of terms would be : incompetent/capable. I hear what I’m supposed to do, but I always start making excuses, directing God towards others that would be better equipped to do this. But that verse (2 Cor. 3:5-6) just hit home with me. I’m going to be writing out that and speaking it out over my life. I am called, therefore I am capable of doing what it is I have been called to do.
1. Holy bravery is required for me to honestly walk out my faith in front of my children which means they get to see me mess up and ask for their forgiveness.
2. Weeding. What a picture it is of the work God is doing in me. I need a lot of weeding just like my garden.
3. The LORD is with me…so thankful that nothing I could ever do would place me beyond His grace reach.
4. Incompetent…capable. Doing this mama thing day in and day out with an infant and a toddler can be so defeating. I am glad that my competence comesfrom an experienced Father!
Hi, Julie! I’m from Georgia also….about 20 miles east of Cordele, Ga. Ever heard of it?
Just wanted to say hello since I don’t know many bloggers in my area.
Mary, Indian Head, MD, solo
1. (P. 37) I need holy bravery to break a generational chain in my family. I do not come from a heritage of believers. This is new ground. I need to be brave before an unbelieving family (older brothers).
2. (p. 46) I have 4 children. I spend a lot of time in the laundry room and at the kitchen sink. God often chooses the kitchen sink as a place to speak to my heart. Once I was just bemoaning and hurting over the miscarriage of a dear friend and He spoke a specific Scripture passage right into my mind. It was the first time that had happened and I will never forget it.
3. (p. 50) I am also a pastor’s wife. I know the Lord is with me but I still tend to struggle with fear and insecurity. I never feel like I am enough for Him.Who am I to serve Him? What a blessing this study is in my life right now. He is really working in my heart about this fear and insecurity stuff.
4. (p. 57) I circled the fear/courageous pair as well as the insignificant/special pair. I want to serve Him recklessly and believe that I am who He says I am. I am memorizing Joshua 1:9 and Eph 1:3-6.
Mary,
I think it is so awesome the Lord is using you to break a generational chain. My mother made this first step in our family and I can’t even explain the amount of good God has done through her continued faith. We are still working on my brother. He is coming around (slower than we may like)but God’s time is perfect and he is faithful. We’ve already declared my brother will be with us in Heaven and now we just have to be patient and wait for God to work in his life.
Danielle, Glencoe, IL, solo
1. I feel I am being called to holy bravery by becoming a leader in my MOPS group and by building relationships with unbelieving friends so that I can live out my faith for them to see.
2. Folding my children’s laundry, cleaning messy faces or picking up toys reminds me of the joy and blessing of children and how God answered the cry of my heart to be a mother!
3. I know in my head that God is with me. But I often don’t believe with my heart. A lot of times I think it applies to other people but not to me. I think that is pridefulness and a lack of belief on my part
4. Ungifted/Equipped: I look around and see gifted Christians working in ministry or the church and feel that I have no special talents or gifting. 1 Cor 1:4-8 has become a big encouragement for me.
jc, Frisco, solo
1) To trust God.
2) My daily schedule includes raising a little miniature Aussie Shepherd. Brushing her hair daily. Brushing her teeth, and etc. Lately, God met me in an extraordinary way through this little girl. It was a jaw dropping moment and vivid picture of His unceasing loyal love. Through this little creature He showed me how He’s always here, running to meet me with the exceeding joy of an ineffable love. Even when I ignore him (which prayerfully I don’t, but am very capable of and do) He keeps running to me to just love me. One day He really grabbed my heart through this precious gift of His. I thought, I wished I would love You like Malka (Aussie) loves me, God. I wished each morning I would jump up, excitedly, and run to kiss all over Your face. But instead, that’s the way You love us. When a dog sees its master it always wags its tail and runs full speed into their arms, with an abounding sense of loyalty. If you step into another room for a minute, soon to catch a glimpse of you, they act as if it’s been an eternity, and here they come again, wagging the tail (even if there’s only a stub). They’re so excited to see and hear their master. I was so taken by “this” illustration of God’s love that I actually looked up “Wagging the tail” online. What I found was even more amazing. Under one definition it said, “Back and forth.” I got so thrilled that I could bust wide open, because God goes back and forth across the earth watching over us–running to us to love us. I don’t know, “this” might seem like a cheap way to describe God’s love. Comparing His unfailing love to a little 8 mth old dog’s. All I’m trying to say is, I wished HE could see me love Him like Malka shows her love to me. But, in a small sense, that’s the way HE shows me His love. I can ignore Him and push Him away (though I pray I don’t), but HE never leaves and always comes back. (I want so bad to add, “Wagging the tail,” meaning back and forth, but that might sound a little blasphemous.)
3) After all the illnesses and other trials I am confident that God is with me. At times it might not seem like it according to my actions–I might fail to show or reveal it. But in the core of my spirit I know God is with me, or I simply wouldn’t be here right now; it’s just that clear. I won’t elaborate on this, but know without doubt, God is with me or I would not be here today.
4) a.self-image, worthless vs. valuable, image in Christ
Matt 6: 26 (NCV)
“Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds.”
b. self-image, ungifted vs. equipped, image in Christ
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
(love You, Jesus and am humbly grateful for this day. Thank You LORD for Your redeeming love. Nothing on this earth can compare.)
JC, thank you for sharing the analogy with Malka (the dog). That really spoke to me. I want to love God like that. I do. I am not a dog person by ANY stretch of the imagination, but I get that. I get tht and I want to love God like that.
1. Holy Bravery…..to open my home to take in unwed mothers who need a place to stay. Not only to open my home but to open my heart to share the gospel with them.
2. Not really sure, I have had an extraordinary experience in the ordinary, I try to hear God speak always.
3. The Lord is with you, I have the same fear that he will somehow leave me or forsake me. I need to constantly reassure myself that he is near.
4. The two terms I chose were worthless/valuable…because of childhood abuse, I have to remember that I am valuable to Christ.
Elaine, Zebulon, NC / solo
1. Parenting
2.Last week, I spent the day with my 4 year old son at the park. It was such a perfect weather day and such an enjoyment to watch him have fun. I just thanked God over and over for the blessings in my life. Now I know how he feels when I spend time with Him!
Elaine, Zebulon, NC / solo
3. Often my head knows he is with me but my heart keeps asking over and over for reassurance.
4. (fearful – courageous) I let the world’s view of me and my quiet nature hinder my confidence in any leadership role or activity.
(Solo)
1.God has called my husband and I to adopt a sibling set from foster care. The boys are 2 and 3. Our children are 34, 32, 30, 28 and 18. He has also called me to quit my job as a lawyer to be a stay-at-home mom to these children with extra needs. We are now living on one income, and I have never in my life been a stay-at-home mom.
2.My shower time is when I seem to hear from God. I get insight and impressions from the Holy Spirit as to issues I’m facing, how I can help my husband, etc.
3.My head knows that He is with me always. My heart needs to catch up sometimes.
4.Incompetent – capable. See answer to question 1 above!
Hillary, I am right there with you about the shower! I seem to get the best insights and wildest ideas in the shower too. 🙂
I read your #1 too…I worked full time and quit to be a stay-at-home-mom too. It is a “refining by fire” but staying at home has drawn me closer to God that anything else I have ever done. I’m praying for your journey! 🙂
Hillary, Praise God that he has given you these boys to love and nurture. I am praying over you that they will become men of honor, integrity, and truth. Being a stay-at-home mom was some the greatest years of my life. I saw God in ways of provision that I would have missed otherwise. You can do it- you just become inventive.
Hillary,
I loved your statment “My head knows that He is with me always. My heart need to catch up sometimes… I can totaly relate!!!
Sue, Kingsport, Solo.
1. I need to step up and seek out the work God has for me. I feel my job is a calling, but that isn’t enough, so I’m seeking His will.
2. I often wake up during the night with praise songs on my mind. I did several times last night. Now, I don’t know what I was singing, but God wanted that time. I do pray that I will be able to sense God more in the ordinary.
3. I am confident that God is always with me. I am striving to be more with Him in study and prayer.
4. I feel insignificant, but God’s image is that I’m special. I’m thinking Zeph. 3:17 will be my next SSMT verse.
Sarah, Colorado Springs, CO, Solo
1.) Internalize His word more – to gain the strength to teach again/lead a study again. To not stand still in fear, but walk forward (Habakkuk 3:19)
2.)Doing dishes – always my time to talk to the Lord, my therapy time with Him. He washes me with peace while I wash our dishes
3.) I am very confident – I know that I know that I know He is Always with me, it’s just that sometimes in the tough, especially now with my husband fighting brain cancer, I forget – not for long, but I do forget sometimes.
4.) fearful/insignificant. I have always, as far back as I can remember, been fearful and full of anxiety in new/uncomfortable situations, which then causes me to feel insignificant. I know this isn’t living in victory and am always working to overcome these feelings in Him. If He calls me, I don’t need to be fearful and therefore not insignificant, but capable in Him.
I like “washing me with peace while I wash our dishes.” What a wonderful thought! I hate doing dishes! They’re never ALL done. Someone always comes along behind me with a freshly dirtied glass or fork, and then another, etc. Now I will think that He is CONSTANTLY washing me, with His peace, grace, mercy, all of it.
cheryl/quakertown PA/ pair
1) The courage to wait on the Lord ans HIS timing.
2) mundane task of pulling weeds – God often reminds me of the parallel to spiritual warfare and the fact that you have to keep at it – the enemy sprouts up everywhere!
3) Thank you Lord for your promised presence and the ability to embrace this truth!
4) the terms that describe me seem to depend on the day and the circumstance; I was encouraged and blessed to remember Zeph 3:17 – the Lord rejoices over me!
Cheryl, I so get the pulling weeds analogy.
Cheryl, so many times I have been pulling weeds and thought of the sin in my life, and how God is always pruning me, weeding all of the things that shouldn’t be there. I can see what you are saying about the enemy sprouts up everywhere, a constant battle!
Sandra, Swainsboro, GA, solo
1. Bravery to help other women see the benefits of Bible reading and Scripture memorization.
2. Helping a nephew who was in the last stages of brain cancer and could only say a few words. He kept touching his head and we could not understand what he wanted. I sat down beside him and began a prayer for God’s help. All I said was, “Dear God, I…” and God answered, “Cap!” The fastest response to a prayer ever.
3. I am very confident that God is with me because I see signs of His presence every day.
I’m actually involved with a Mercy Triumphs study with the women at my church so I’m not doing the summer study with all of you. But, I’m here because I can’t pass up the chance to watch the video and read everyone’s insights. 🙂
ps. Is there anyone who would want the video commentary to be anything less that “verbose”? 😉
LOVED Mercy Triumphs!!! 🙂
Mercy DOES triumph!!!
Kathryn, Oceanside, Solo
#1 – Stand firm in my faith.
#2 – God appreciates my doing the ordinary tasks when no one else seems to.
#3 – In this current season I am in, I am slowly growing confident that He is with me.
#4 – All of them!!!
Bonnie, Fayetteville, AR, small group
1) Holy bravery–intentional teaching About God to my children.
3) God’s promise that He’s with me–I believe it, but tend to feel unworthy of Him or that He’s only with me when I’m conscious of Him.
4) incapable/capable. I feel equipped and then the enemy’s lies infiltrate and make me feel that I don’t have what it takes. Love what Priscella said that “no matter what I feel, what scripture says about me is true.” Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah.
Emily McAnear, Corona California, solo
1. Bravery to not be ashamed or embarassed that my extended family, the family I grew up in, don’t believe a word of the Bible. Bravery to teach my children God’s way when society tells them it’s not true and out of date.
2. Meal times-God heard our cry for children and blessed us through foster adoption with three children and through infertility treatments, one biological child. When we do meals, God reminds me constantly of how blessed we are to have a house full of kids.
3. I am always sure in my heart that He is with me but insecure in my mind of His whereabouts.
4. Incompetent-capable: I don’t see myself as a capable leader but God has equipped me in ways that He faithfully shows me in each situation.
Jo, Columbia, Missouri, solo
1. God is calling me to be a “letter from Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:3) to my family, a daunting mission for me. Yep, this IS my assignment. Married almost 44 years and saved only this last two years, my family is leery of my new heart, new eyes, new ears, new tongue. Give me strength, Father. Jesus, shine through me, Spirit, give me a shout out OFTEN!
2. The Spirit convicted me of God’s love, His plan and Jesus’s very personal sacrifice for me when I was lying on my sofa recovering from a shattered arm. He called to me through 1 Samuel 3. Now the Spirit of Jesus, the Comforter, sometimes speaks in very concise bullets when I’m preparing for the day, when I’m busy touching everything in the house (organizing and grounding our reality and my self), I have to really listen, as in pay it my mind, to hear it clearly at times – but how I miss it when I don’t hear Him for some reason, for my sin (e.g., my flesh, the old me calling me back to my pits), distractions (e.g., of the world), for the roar of self-incrimination (e.g., the evil one’s or his pals’ accusations).
3. There are times when I fear, terribly FEAR, that He is not with me. I have to stop, know and believe (Breaking Free) that He promised that He is with me and that He cannot do other than what He says He will do… He IS God. If He says He is with me, HE IS. In my memory work on Isaiah 59:2 Scripture clearly states, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God, your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” NIV. How awful is that? I can hardly bear that! It is MY SIN that makes me feel that I am far because I have left His constant, loving side, I have wandered or not done what He’s told me to do (sinned!) and I can’t see Him.
I just plain FEAR. I don’t feel special in that. “Do not be afraid,” or “Have courage,” are two of the most frequent commands found throughout Scripture. I must, like Beth, have an incredible stronghold of fear – and that translates directly to not trusting Him – ouch! Working on this with Him… Give me a shout-out when that happens, dear Spirit! Thank you.
Susannah in Tucson, Arizona, solo
1. God has called me to holy bravery in the area of educating my children at home. We are beginning our 5th year of homeschooling next week. Going against the tide can be intimidating. It seems that I am constantly challenged to defend my family’s conviction to homeschool. I am thankful that God has supplied many supportive friends who also homeschool their children. I need that Sisterhood.
2. A story about experiencing God in the mundane… while snuggling with my 2 kiddos during bedtime a few months ago I had the great privilege of hearing my 9-year-old daughter give the message of salvation to her 4-year-old little brother. God gave me the supernatural ability to keep my mouth shut and listen. =) Talk about feeling God’s Presence! He was also showing me how all those seeds I’m constantly planting WILL ripen!
3. I am confident that God is with me, but still feel fear and insecurity when confronted with anything that I can’t handle in my own strength. Must. Move. Past. This!
However, I know the only way to do that is through experiencing His faithfulness in this area.
4. I definitely struggle with feeling ungifted. Yet, I will choose to believe Hebrews 13:20-21.
“May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him.” Amen! and Amen!
Sarah, Chocowinity,NC – small group
#4 rejected/accepted I often feel that I can’t find my place among others; however, I take great comfort in knowing that I am accepted and have a place with God. What a blessing and a praise!
Gina, Rosamond, Ca USA Small group
#1 Holy Bravery
To walk out my faith, even if it’s awkward and uncomfortable.
pg 37- Speak out more boldly without fear with my family
pg 46- Daily Bible Study- God answered a question that I told myself I was not going to ask Him about again this week as I was convinced He was tired of my asking for reassurance. Maybe not a huge “deal” to anyone else, but after a particularly “dry spell” I felt awesome that our God comes to meet me right where we are, even when I think He’s surely tired of my “nagging”.
pg 50- Very insecure at times- residual from many abandonment and rejections over the course of my lifetime. That’s why I get so thrilled when He “looks upon me” (see previous question/answer)
pg 57- FEARFUL-courageous-I’ve experienced so much abuse, abandonment, rejection and failures that I fear frequently. I believe this study is exactly as Priscilla said “He’s coming, appearing and looking for me”
Dee Dee, Knoxville, solo
1. Bravery to withstand undeserved & unfounded hatred towed me from a famly member in order to protect other members of my family.
2. Taking out the trash, sometimes we need to just empty the trash out of our hearts and minds so that God has room to work.
3. I am supremely confident that God is always with me, but I don’t always act with that confidence.
4. Insignificant / special… I know God has a plan for me, but I struggle with wanting to know what the plan is so I can get it done and be someone of worth and value.
Rene’, Cape Girardeau, MO, Small Group
1. My husband and I just finished leading the college ministry at our church. I (we) am now waiting to see where God wants me (us) to serve.
Allison from Scottsdale, AZ – solo
1. To what specific area of holy bravery does God seem to be calling you in this present season?
I am a retired teacher living far away from family and friends. lI am entering the season of becoming a grand mother for the first time! I have struggled with self-doubt and insecurities in regards to preparing my 4 now adult children for life and all its challenges. Gideon’s God is the same God who will help us to accomplish all that He asks us to do. “Go in this thy might” – With faith I will exercise the power with which He has entrusted me – as a wife, mother and now as a grandmother because maybe The Lord has more to do by me than I ever dreamed of.
2. My ordinary circumstance in which God met with me in an extraordinary way. I would have to say the answer to this one is known by God and not to me. With all of the years as an aerobics Instructor, Private Music Teacher, Parent Volunteer, Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, Children’s Music Ministry Volunteer, etc., it is possible that God used me to impact one or more of the many people I have come in contact with over the past 35 years. However, as a mother, I feel there have been a few “coincidences” where God put us in the right place at the right time with our young adult children who were tetering on a precarious ledge regarding problematic choices and associations.
3. How confident or insecure do you tend to be regarding God’s promise that He is with you? Explain your answer.
Until I did Beth Moore’s “Breaking Free” I would not have been very confident. However, having similar experiences as Beth regarding difficult childhood victimization experiences, when Beth explained that during times when we feel so alone and fearful, God is there with us every step of the way. No, God did not stop what happened, but He gave me the tools I needed to survive it and has been there to help me heal the pain as an adult. It was the people in my life that let me down, not God. Beth says God grieved mightily, but He was ‘with me’ and He made sure to put the right people in my life who love me unconditionally (my husband and 4 wonderful children).
4. Self-perceived Disparity: ‘rejected’ – biblical view of who I am in Christ: ‘accepted’ … See question 3 for explanation.
Melisse, Slippery Rock, PA, Solo
1. Don’t give up. Keep going. He will finish the work he started.
2. Playing with my dogs. Distinctly heard in my spirit “Created for my enjoyment, now yours.”
3. Absolutely confident that he is with me! He has proved himself faithful over and over. Even in my deepest pit God called out “Rest my child”
4. Rejected/accepted… so many times I feel like a failure or rejected or not approved. God doesn’t agree!
Clarice/Arlington, TX/Solo
1. Courage in a season with my aging father (94 years). I treasure my time with him. So difficult not knowing how much time we have left here on earth. I don’t want to let him go … as I had to do with my precious mother.
2. I remember getting home from an ordinary day of work. My 8-5 routine. And falling on my face before my bed with deep gratitude for another day of manna. Just a powerful sense of His provision and His HELP. One day at a time …
3. I’m confident He’s with me. Jennifer Rothschild wrote that sometimes fear and trust share the same heart beat. I SO relate to that! Sometimes I still feel fear … not knowing what the journey holds. But I know He is with me on the journey … It’s His journey for me.
4. Fearful/Courageous. I inherited a legacy of fear. Passed down like a family heirloom, as Beth once said. I walk in dependence on the Lord EVERY DAY, to drive this one out of my land! Daily choices to hear and obey God’s voice, and not fear. Voices and choices …
Kelly, Erwin, TN solo
1. Holy bravery is being required of me to not be okay with the status quo at my church.
2. Last night, actually, as I was cooking dinner, I had a moment realizing just how blessed I am. Praying to sense God more in the ordinary.
3. This is something I “know,” but I often need reassurance.
4. I chose rejected/accepted.
Sarah & Christina Marion Wenatchee, WA:Group-Skype Siestas
Sarah
#1 Being brave and doing my daily jobs with a good attitude even when I am battling sickness right now.
#2 I remember memorizing Col. 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” and applying this to bathroom/toilet cleaning. Even if nobody else noticed my work, God was the one I was serving with this routine task.
Christina
#1 God has been asking me to be brave by being friendly to other students at youth group that are lonely.
#2 God gives me inspiration to write poetry and song lyrics during my daily workouts.
Cindy, St. Louis, solo: 1. going back into small group ministry in a new church after a prolonged sabbatical. 2. While feeding my cats one morning I found a medication on the kitchen floor I didn’t even realize I had dropped. It would have been fatal to the cats if they had found & ingested it. How tender that God would protect a couple of little cats (& their momma). 3. I always want to be confident in God’s promise that He is with me. The reality is that I’m not always confident & my circumstances shake my confidence. I am still learning to keep my focus on Jesus IN SPITE of my circumstances. 4. Incompetent/capable & insignificant/special. These have shaped my entire adult life. Bad relationships fostered these & just now learning to set boundaries to change these to capable & special.
Vicki
Murfreesboro, TN
small group (self and daughter)
1. to stand on the truth of God’s word in our culture today, especially as it relates to the sanctity of life and marriage
2. God spoke to me in a clear and amazing way when I was potty-training my daughter 26 years ago. As a nurse, I thought I knew exactly what to do, but we were having no success. After one particularly frustrating day, with no success, I cried out to God and asked Him to help me. The next morning, my precious little one woke and told me, “I ready to potty mommy.” And she did! She was virtually potty-trained from that moment. All these years later, I am still amazed. Why do we turn to God as a last resort, rather than as our first resource??
3. I often fluctuate between confidence and insecurity depending on the circumstances. I always have head-knowledge of this precious fact, but don’t always allow it to saturate my heart and soul.
4. fearful/courageous. Similar to answer in #3. It takes daily effort to “take every thought captive to obedience to Christ”.
Tanis, BC, Solo
1. To trust and believe God.
2. Weeding. God reminded me that if I don’t take captive my thoughts, they become like the weeds in my little flower garden. They can take over and the longer I leave them unchecked the deeper the roots go.
3. I know in my head He is with me. I have to believe it now.
4. Rejected/Accepted. God said “You did not choose Me, but I chose you…” How awesome this is to know that with all my flaws he still chose me. He is an awesome God.
1. Holy Bravery for me right now is to stand firm in my faith and teach my children about what God asks of us through leading by example.
2. Ordinary circumstance is preparing for bed and the Lord asking me to pray for my children to keep the evil one/spirits/desires from them.
3. I am confident that God is with me by how and works in my life and how he steers me in certain directions.
4. ungifted/equipped. I have difficulty memorizing scripture but when I need to recall it in conversation it is available and I get my idea expressed.
1. To show holy bravery for my family to see my trust in God as we deal with a situation I never thought we would, and to let my co workers see the peace of God in my life as I cope with it.
2. As I take care of my apt God has reminded me many times over I have a safe peaceful place to come home to again.
3.I truly feel I believe God is with me but I don’t trust myself to always hear Him correctly when i need instruction.
4.Fearful/courageous-I see myself operating in fear more than I perceive myself as courageous. God is helping me to do things even when I am so afraid I can hardly move.It’s interesting that others can do things and I see them as courageous but when I do them all I see is how fearful I was doing it.
Sheryl, Rocky Mount,NC solo
Brianna: Huntsville, AL/solo
1. letting go of trying to control everything in my life
2. A couple of months ago after a particularly stressful week, where I felt like nothing was going right and I would never be good enough, I started driving home after work. Suddenly I felt God telling me to stop fighting and struggling over everything. That He was in control of all of it and I had nothing to worry about as long as I trusted Him to take care of me. That He Loves me. He chose me and delights in me. I was crying so hard I had to pull off the side of the road. I just sat there for a few minutes soaking in His truth and blessings.
3. I know He is always with me, but occasionally those nagging doubts surface in me and I struggle to live like I believe He is always with me.
4. insignificant/special. I struggle with feeling like there’s always someone smarter than me, stronger than me, kinder than me, more thoughtful than me, less selfish, etc. That I’m not good enough. Zephaniah 3:17 tells me that He doesn’t care about any of that. He will save me. He rejoices over me. He calms me with His love. To Him I’m perfect, and with Him I am always enough because He has made me that way.
Ist Question- I feel like God is calling me to a holy bravery in the area of faith. I want to leave a legacy of faith for my children and grandchildren. I didn’t have that from past generations past although some of my ancestors wer christians. I know that I must be deliberate and passionate about this because it will affect generations to come. Pray for me. 2nd Question- One morning I was preparing corn for the freezer which involves cutting it off the cob,cooking it, letting it cool down,and then placing it into freezer bags.It is a very time consuming job and usually I get tired and anxious to get it done. I had written down a song called “He lifted me out of the deep miry clay, He planted my feet on the heavenly way” I begin singing this and I felt the presence of God so strong and sweet. All my anxiety just left and I felt so free in the spirit. I finished that job in what seemed like just a little while and I felt God’s sweet presence all day. Question 3-Sometimes I am very confident that God is with me and I remember his promise, and then other times I am afraid and insecure. Question 4- My pair of terms are incompetent-capable. When it comes to leading a ladies bible study I feel incompetent, yet I love to participate and I feel a calling to do this sometime. Twyla mcAmis Cleveland,Tennessee. I am in a small group.
Michelle Prairieville, LA
1.Being the Christian mother to my children is the specific area of holy bravery God seem to be calling me in this present season.
2. Washing the clothes God reminded me that my children are a gift from Him, that I need to be thankful that I have a washing machine and dryer, and be thankful that He has provided the money for us to have these clothes.
3. I so often forget that He is with me always.
4. I am fearful and I want to be courageous. I have written down both of these scriptures on note cards to memorize them. I don’t want to be fearful anymore!!!
Rachel, Ypsilanti Twp, MI, Solo
1. Bravery to get over my lack of confidence, self doubt, insecurities and lead a bible study at church. Also to be bolder in my faith at work.
2. I’m a neat freak and since having my son, even more so. Needless to say I scrub my floor several times a day. As I was praying about these tasks, God really spoke to me about cleaning up my life and ask myself what am I doing on a daily basis to ensure a pure and righteous heart before Him.
3. I’m extremely insecure when it comes to feeling God is with me. I could have said amen fifty times during Beth’s talk today on this. Whenever I feel far away from Him, I can’t help but think of all the things that I might have done wrong to cause myself to lose favor in His eyes.
4. Can I say all of these affect me? The biggest one of all is fear, I know God has huge plans for my life, yet I continue to let the lies of the enemy overwhelm me. I want to live a life of freedom and a life where I trust God completely, I’m sad to say that I often think that’s only for other believers and not for me.
1. To make sure my oldest son is saved.
2. When I was working (I recently retired a year ago), I was constantly amazed at the people (my clients) that God put in my path that I was able to share my faith with. Ordinary days – extraordinary meetings.
3. I am very confident. I have had many situations in my life where I can look back and see how God was working, protecting, comforting, guiding. I know He was there then and I absolutely know He is here now!
4. I’m not sure I could pick just one. At one time or another, all of these fit. I had very low self esteem and self worth and looked to fulfill that in all the wrong places. I now have a purpose and I am a precious child of the King who loves me in spite of all my faults and weaknesses.
Judy– solo
Beth I thank you for this study. It keeps me in the word.
1. Holy bravery has been keeping the Bible and God’s word front and center in my grand children’s lives. Especially to teach the “FEAR NOT” verses. And to put others ahead of themselves. Philippians 2:1-4 MSG says it best
2.Folding clothes has been a dreaded task that I changed to a quiet time to listen for God, making the ordinary drudge become a holy quiet time. (It has been helpful but not always successful!)
3.From being in a weekly small group Bible study I am learning to trust that God is not only with me but indwelling, even if in a rather messy interior. I have known and felt this a long time. NOW I believe it.
4.ungifted/equipped When I read the verses I love what it says. And I take heart that I may be using what He gave to do his will.
Stephanie Solomon, Morgantown, WV. Solo
1. God is calling me to total obedience, not partial.
2. The Lord speaks to me when He knows I’m in desperate need in hearing from Him.
3. It’s taken time for me to really know that God is with me all the time. He has been so patient and loving with me but I know without doubt that He’s with me all the time. Thank you , Jesus.
4. God is calling me to be obedient in an area of my life that involves breaking a final link of a stronghold that has had me bound for many years but I’ve been fearful. Consequently, I’ve been only partially obedient. God tells me that with His strength I can do it and He’s with me every step of the way. He calls me to be courageous.
Debbra/Marietta, Ga/Small Group
1) Holy bravery to stand unwavering in the absolute trustworthiness and faithfulness of God for the strength of my own faith and as example to my kids as I send my first off to college.
2) I encounter the extraordinary in the ordinary of driving daily while in prayer, praise or contemplation.
3)We can never be reminded too often of the blessed truth that God is with us…with me! And when I am, confidence soars because it is usually quite a timely reminder.
4)Before I committed to circle just two terms, I decided to read through the whole list first, marking the ones that stood out. Don’t you know I marked them all! Hard to settle on just two, but I narrowed it down to disparity in feeling ungifted and incompetent. How often I feel incapable and ill-equipped. Ah! But how the Holy Spirit conquers!
Pam, San Diego, solo
1. I’m in need of bravery to face a life stage change that has impacted by marriage due to a health crisis in my husband. I need to stay the course and remain brave by God’s power not mine.
3. I am confident and believing God is with me all the time, especially in my current season. I sometimes have to choose to believe that He is, when I don’t specifically feel it.
4. The best pair of terms is incompetent/capable. I love the verses that say I am competent because God is the supplier and it all comes from Him. The Word is the only way to take every thought captive of my old way of seeing myself, and viewing myself from God’s eyes.
Tara, Minneapolis, MN, solo
1. Holy bravery to be a good wife, and a godly example to my husband who is new to the faith.
2. Not sure I have experienced this yet.
3. I tend to be very insecure regarding Gods promises, I have a hard time trusting other people and have always felt let down, so it is oftentimes a struggle to believe the word with confidence.
4. Fearful & incompetent are the words I chose. It’s such a blessing to remember I am courageous and capable in Gods eyes.
Leigh, Montgomery – flying solo
1. God is calling me to holy bravery by boldly sharing my faith in Jesus with family & friends in the face of rejection or being mocked.
2. Loved this question. God speaks to me frequently as I feed & water our dogs twice a day. God reminds me that He loves me completely & unconditionally at all times just like the dogs do. He is as happy to spend time with me as the dogs are. Makes me smile.
3. Okay, 2 parts to this answer that correspond to the way my days go. I start & end each day in focused awareness of God’s presence and assurance that God goes before me, is with me & encircles me. During the between hours, I get caught up in family life, work & talking with others. I tend to lose awareness of God’s presence durning the day. I listen to praise music in the car & that calls me back to conversation but, I arrive at work or wherever & lose focus.
4. Self-perception = fearful. Biblical view = Courageous. This ties back to call to holy bravery. God is working with me to stop being fearful of others’ opinions & live to please God no matter what.
Steph F, Scottsdale, AZ Solo
1. Based on the question in the middle of p.37 of your homework: To what specific area of holy bravery does God seem to be calling you in this present season?
To let God direct the things in my life that I have the most anxiety about and the things I want to control. God is calling me to be brave about being single and to see this as a season. I am feeling a lot of outside pressure to get married and start a family.
2. Drawn from the portion on p.46 regarding the 5 ordinary tasks you perform on a daily basis, share a memory of an ordinary circumstance in which God met with you in an extraordinary way. If you’re new to all this and can’t think what to share, don’t feel lame or unspiritual. Pray for Him to do this very thing with you over the coming days and I have a feeling you won’t be disappointed.
One day I was driving to work and the song Every Good Thing by The Afters came on and I was having a down day and feeling over whelmed and he reminded me that everyday is a good day even though it may not feel like it. He is also going to accomplishing something in us everyday!
3. Based on p.50 and the discussion about the first part of the divine declaration to Gideon, how confident or insecure do you tend to be regarding God’s promise that He is with you? Explain your answer.
I am overall pretty confident that the Lord is with me. Somedays when I am feeling down or not understanding where the Lord has me, he feels distant. However, its only a short time before I can feel him drawing me in again and know that he is right there with me!
4. Look at the bottom of p.57. Would you be willing to share the pair of terms that best describe a disparity you’ve dealt with between your self-perception and a biblical view of who you are in Christ? If you’re willing, also briefly explain your answer.
My pair of terms is incompetent/capable. I have felt this since I was a little girl at times I really feel like I am contributing to what the Lord wants and furthering his kingdom other times I lack confidence and am trying to figure out my purpose. In those times I feel like I am weak to Satan and he sneaks those thought in my head that I am not good enough or incompetent in what the Lord has called me to do. ( Transitioning into a counseling career)
Kathy S/Leesburg VA/Solo
1. I have fallen out of my mother’s ideals of success since I have chosen full-time ministry. I have isolated myself from extended family. It hurts.
2. One night when I was trying to fall asleep I was thinking about how I have a lack of godly girlfriends in my life. Out of nowhere I heard the Holy Spirit saying to me, “I am your best friend.” Tears burst out of my eyes, and i felt so peaceful.
3. I am confident that God is with me all the time. I call on Him for silly things and for really important things and I feel His presence and I hear the wisdom that he gives me. I always consider Joshua 1:9 that says the Lord will be with you wherever you go. It’s true.
4. I selected ungifted and equipped. So often in my ministry I have to rely on my spiritual gifts to get me through the day. I am constantly being reminded of my spiritual gifts because of the way I interact with people and their reaction to me.
1. I’m an introvert and have always been private and quiet about my faith outside of church or Bible study. I am working on this. If there is anything worth speaking up about, it is Jesus! I need a holy bravery to speak up about my faith and the truth of the Lord with family members who have either taken an agnostic stance or just let their guard and faith drop.
2. The Lord clearly spoke to me a number of times while showering as my son’s amputation surgery date loomed over me. In the deepest part of my being I heard and felt Him minister to me as I sought Him and His help and strength.
3. HE IS WITH ME and therefore I have an unwavering belief and gratitude! There is no question about it.
4. Incompent –> capable and ungifted –> equipped. He has shown me the gifts He has given me and their place in His work. Praise Him for it!
Sorry. I’m Kristin A. going solo in Cheney, WA
Shelly
Portland, OR
solo
1) Living in such a secular, un-churched part of the country, I find myself keeping my mouth closed for fear of offending anyone or sounding “holier than thou”. Lately, I have felt the nudge to be more bold and “speak the truth in love”. I can be kind and non-judgmental but still speak the truth of the Scriptures.
2) For the life of me, I can’t think of an example at this moment but I know He’s met me in the midst of my mundane tasks and spoken a word right to my heart. I can tell you it’s usually when I’m cleaning up the kitchen after a meal or as I blow dry my hair. It’s also often in the car because that is the place I have some of my best dialogue with God.
3) I am definitely certain that God is always with me. The better question for me is am I always seeking Him and His ways or am I plodding on ahead with an attitude of “I got this.”? I’m also not saying that sometimes He doesn’t seem silent or feel far away but I know for certain that is my doing. He is with me…always. Just as He promised.
4) The pair of terms that best describe a disparity I’ve dealt with between self-perception and Biblical view of who I am in Christ is: Incompetent vs Capable. I often feel incompetent in so many areas and tell my self that others can do it so much better/know so much more than I and I don’t use the capabilities God has given me.
I am loving this study so much! I’ve forgotten to tag siestaville in my hashtags on twitter but I’ll remember to do that from now on.