Hey Everyone! We’ve made it to Gathering 3 of our summer study! You guys are doing a fantastic job! The summer months are challenging for maintaining a discipline like in-depth Bible study. I’m tremendously blessed you’re carving out the time to take this journey with us and I am asking God to reveal His Son so powerfully to you through these pages.
SSBS Session 3 COTD from LPV on Vimeo.
If you have trouble viewing the video or simply have no time for it, here are the written discussions for you and your small group. Your answers will comprise your comments:
1. Turn to p.71 in your Week Three homework and glance down the page at the two questions on the equations. First, if you wrote any additional “minus hindrance” equations, I’m dying to hear them. Don’t stress if you didn’t add one but share it if you did. Second, were there two equations among those I listed in the lesson that resonated with you? If so, which ones and perhaps even why?
2. We’re going to do something a little different in response to Week Four. Instead of locking in on a specific question I posed in print during the week of homework, I want you to choose any day that from that week that God emphasized with you. In other words, did one day of homework stick out the most to you in your journey with Christ? If so, which one and why? Feel free to take a full paragraph in your comment to answer this question since it’s a big one.
The video for Session Five, which is completely optional in our summer study, goes into the portion of scripture that addresses healthy sexuality. If this topic resonates with you, you might consider downloading this particular session. (All of the teaching sessions can be found by clicking here.) In this session, I introduce the 28-Day Challenge, which can also be found in your workbook on pages 112-113. The rest of the study stays focused on the remaining chapters and wide range of topics found in 1st and 2nd Thessalonians but the 28-Day Challenge comes with much love to anyone who could use some help getting on a path of victory in the area of sexuality. You would do the 28-Day Challenge and the remaining 4 weeks of the study simultaneously. The 28-Day Challenge is primarily Scripture-focused prayer and would only add a few minutes to your homework. Those few minutes could be the difference between victory and defeat in an area strategically targeted by the enemy. I love you and I’ve been there. I deeply want you to know the dignity and honor of Christ’s gracious will for you.
OK!! For our next gathering in 2 weeks, please complete the homework assignments in Weeks Five and Six of the study! Here are your memory verses:
Week Five Memory Verse: (Our title verse! We have to do this one!)
“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5 ESV
Week Six Memory Verse:
“To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11 ESV
Thank you for the privilege to walk with you through these eight weeks of study. PERSEVERE!!! You are already halfway! So much love to you.
1. childhood trama – hindrance = testimony
doubt -hindrance = contentment
It takes courage to get up in fornt of people and tell your testimony, especially when it involves childhood memories. I always doubted myself because of the things that happened to me when I was young. But there is something about telling God’s story, the work He has done in you and how He restored and healed you. You don’t have to tell all the ugly, just what our Perfect Healer can do and will do if we just let Him.
2. Day 4 spoke to me the most during the week. How processing our feelings is a way God heals and restores us. Since we believe, this is what happens; we have to process all sorts of emotions. That’s the way He created us. Even when the bad stuff comes. Seems like everytime I start a new bible study the devil just on me hard. So the Scpritures on pg 105 really helped me out this week. You don’t know what you will have to go through in this life, but with God we will be able to stand on solid ground. Thank you Lord!!!
sickness-hindrance=perseverance.
Day 1 – more and more; abundant life.
Thank you for your work! It is such a blessing to study God’s word!
l. loss of a loved one-hindrance=Jesus waits with us as we watch our loved ones suffer
-Disillusionment-hindrance=Wisdom from Jesus Christ. Only He cannot disillusion us.
-Rejection-hindrance=Jesus will never leave nor forsake you.
The feelings of rejection is the biggest one.
2. What really spoke to me was how Paul through all the afflictions, the persecutions and hardships, he endured…the feeling of being pressed together and crushed. Don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. But over and over again, we are surprised. If we are not prepared, when they pus, we are moved. But if we are prepared, we plant our feet, bend our knees, and hold tight with all our might. Without a shadow of a doubt, our perseverance will be rewarded.
Beth –
First, I have to just say how much my entire group is enjoying the Children of the Day study. Everything from the video sessions to the homework has been so uplifting and encouraging. Many of the messages in the video sessions are things that I have personally gone through just in the last few months – from ministry relationships ending in a not so pretty way to feeling as if I was “making this whole thing up.” More than any other study, I have sat in tears(good tears) at the end of each session or homework lesson.
On day 2 of week 4 I had one of those moments where there are just no words to explain. It was one of those hand-slap in the forehead – duh moments. Last March, I was in our ladies bible study group teaching a lesson on unity within the church. I am not sure why, but I struggled the entire lesson. It was horrifying. I cried on the way home, got to my knees and just cried out to God, I felt like I had completely disappointed him and “made up my calling”. I was so emotionally distraught, I felt that my co-worker in ministry would try to convenience me that teaching/speaking was not my calling, but in the midst of it all I felt such a peaceful presence come over me and these simple words; “I will guide you, I will instruct you, I will remind you of the things your need to know” and the verse Gal 1:7. I was immediately encouraged and strengthened.
This week, through his Word, page 95 John 14:26-27, I am reminded just how real those words really are. I sat there staring at the verse, hand to forehead, feeling like I am just not getting the full picture of the call in my life. I am beyond intelligible words, I am humbled and thankful that the Lord has put something on my life and I want to sit at his feet and be taught by Him and Him alone.
Of all the equations, Disappointment -hindrance =faith is the biggest impact. Next was What happened-what hindered=an overcomer. Both of these speak to me about moving forward and my reason for choosing day one of week 4 (Even More!) as my day to comment on. I’ve just left a church I dearly love and was part of for many years to follow Gods direction, believing that he is directing me toward a new work, that doesn’t seem to look the same as years past. It’s scarey and no shipwrecks so far, but hindrance at every corner. Yes I’m questioning if I’m following God or just crazy. But I keep hearing this same message of grace and love, of Jesus and I press on. I just need to say thank you this week, this study has been a lifeline in a murky ocean, and I see the shore.
1) Disappointment – hindrance = faith
Bitterness – hindrance = compassion
2) Day One Even More really spoke to me. I guess my fear has always been that I will stop growing and will miss all that God intends me to do. So your discussion on page 93 reassures me that growth will continue but I need to decide where the growth will occur. My church is also struggling to grow and reach all the lost souls and I want to do my part. I love 1 John 4:18 ‘perfect love drives out fear.’
Exhaustion-hinderance=Strength
Anxiety-hinderance=Trust
Day 4 spoke to me the most because the hope of heaven is what I live for. We grieve, but not as those without hope. The words of 1 Thes 4:13-15 are my most precious longing.
lol I can relate to not being organized and stuffing things in my bible too. ^_^. And I have a small purse but it always seems like a black hole finding anything.
That’s cool you guys give each other grace. We as women should give each other more grace. We have have the same stuff we go through. Our hair isn’t always going to be perfect or house be perfect.
If our moms were critical we can be running on auto pilot and have a demanding or critical tone ourselves. We have to sort through that and become more gracious ourselves.
You can have a live chat beth if you have time, where there’s a chat room and you talk to people live. Can be bible study or more casual, lots of stuff out there. And want to have a free message make like video blogs like you do now or make something and up load it to youtube and post the link here.
A youtube vlog would be cool and accessible.
A Lot of people don’t know import sexual purity is to The Lord. I see girls play “wench” chatting or sex chat with guys. And it makes me sigh because they are playing with fire. And I don’t mean that in a dramatic way but like a hot stove and you burn your hand because you got too close. Or like poison to a plant and makes your very soul wither.
And they don’t know what they are playing with until it’s too late and they get burned.
If someone was sexually abused as a child, that is completely different. They were young and vulnerable and powerless and it was an assault on their soul by Satan.
Unfortunately, childhood sexual abuse can lead to promiscuity when they get older.
By protecting our modesty, we are protecting our soul, and it lays a great foundation for our lives to grow and blossom. And it makes The Lord happy.
I was thinking Beth that you’re leaving a different legacy for your daughter Annabel(sp?). You might have had a shattered childhood but She won’t have to go through the same horrible things you did. She gets to be a little girl.
Hi All.
The 2 equations I got for day 2 are:
Bitterness – Hindrance = Reconciliation
Anger – Hindrance = Forgiveness
Which day affected me most?
It was a toss up between 2 and 4, but after much thought I pick Day 4: Immovable.
How many times have I been moved? Lots. Daily. Being immovable is not only desirable, it’s essential so that I can bear much fruit. I am a relatively new Christian — only 3 1/2 years into it. God moved powerfully in my life and in my marriage even when I didn’t really believe He existed. I am so very grateful to Him for all that I have now and I am sure that His faithfulness will always carry me through. But what you said, Beth, about being prepared — I am starting to really understand now that I have to do my part also. And on page 80, in the middle, when I read: “O God, that we would believe You and get prepared not only for pressures but for divine power.” Amen. Pressures I know about, but divine power belongs to God. I always forget that divine power resides in me, and if I am in His will, I have access to it.
I just completed memorizing Romans 8. I was stuck on 8:26-28 for more than a few days because I couldn’t stop meditating on it. Finally, what I got was this: If the Holy Spirit is interceding for me and the Father ordained the intercession, then whatever needs to be done is guaranteed. And God does the work. He knows what it is that needs to get done; He intercedes with Himself to make it happen; and He always gets His way. The word CHOSEN means so much more to me now.
This study has made me think a lot. Thank you so much Beth for all you do.
Much love and God bless you.
1) my additions
Stereotypes-hindrance = perspective change
Girl drama-hindrance = transparency
My picks that stood out to me from the list:
singleness- hindrance= gospel globetroter
my pain- hindrance= my passion
2) the paragraph on p.93 about deciding what part of our lives we will release to abound totally jumped out at me. “We don’t have to beg Him for abundant life”
#1.
I only had one addition. Sorrow/grief-hindrance= compassion/mercy. The ones that spoke to me were devastation-hindrance=trust. I found it interesting that Devastation causes sorrow or grief and those were the 2 that stood out the most to me.
#2. What stood out to me during week 4 was how we do not have to grieve how unbelievers grieve. that we will grieve yet it is not without hope. I have a child who has a degenerative disease, we were told when he was 5 that he would not live to see the age of 20. The only way we can go on without becoming completely devastated is knowing that this earth is not our home. We have hope in God, knowing that this life is only a breath and then we will be with Jesus and our loved ones forever in heaven where there is NO illness or diseases! HOPE !
1. Pain – hindrance = depth
Singleness – hindrance = worker of the Lord
My favorite of the ones in the study were heartbreak- hindrance = depth & devastation – hindrance = trust
Why? – because of heartbreak my relationship with the Lord is stronger and because of devastation in my past I can trust Him more and more 🙂
2. Day 3 resonated with me the most because of a few reasons. One because it needed the reminder that sometimes my preference reflects God’s preference for me. Two because I needed to study 1 Thessalonians 4:11 in depth and learn to do each of those things. Minding my own business is sometimes hard for me and then there are times I don’t want to know things since I work in the church.
Week 3
From Beth’s examples
Singleness-hindrance= a gospel globetrotter
Disappointment-hindrance= faith
My creation
Loneliness-hindrance= intimacy with Jesus
I don’t know what to say about my selections other than they are where I am at in life right this moment. I have many emotions connected to them and so many words that I could type but feel a need to keep quiet about it for now. I’m praying my way through this and asking Jesus to be close. I want intimacy with him and freedom from idolatrous living.
Week 4
I was most impacted by day three during this week. The part that caused me the most mental exertion was where the Word says “be dependent on no one.” I am honestly troubled by this. I struggle with being overly dependent on people to the point of disconnecting myself to stop it. I can’t seem to find the delicate balance of being vulnerable but not dependent. I’m processing it. Jesus is trustworthy and able to satisfy my every need. I’m learning to pray his promises and cling tighter to Him.
I am loving this study. It means so much to me, more than I can express in words. Thank you Beth. Someday maybe I can put pen to paper and explain why this one in particular is so special. Right now the words are hard to capture and contain.
Financial struggle -hindrance= hope for our future
Exhaustion – hindrance = God’s supernatural strength
What spoke to me was heartbreak – hindrance = depth
And disappointment – hindrance = trust
After two or three years of sickness, anxiety, depression and financial hardship in my immediate family I came to realise in this lesson that ducking the next blow in fear is actually what I have done in the past. I forgot that we are to expect hindrances and life was not meant to be a barrel of laughs without its challenges and when I allow the devil to cripple me in shame fear or condemnation I am actually losing my heart in the process. Thankfully at the same time as doing this study God has given me the nouce to begin marriage counselling, and the courage to begin working at a scarier yet higher paying job so I can better provide for our family. I still feel plagued by hardship (we have all been sick again this week) but I am beginning to see that it’s my decision as to whether or not I let it become a hinderence.
I think day 1 of week four spoke loudest to me in regards to claiming the life never ending more and more that Jesus died to give us. My fear and pride has been fed in the past, I have become cold. I pray Jesus will help me starve the negative and feed the positive. Warm my heart with your love Lord!
My fear-hindrance = peace
My control-hindrance= joy
My favorite part of week 4 was day one page 93. It spoke to my heart. I loved “we get to decide which we want to feed and which we want to starve.” Giving control to God while still making choices. To love God more and more and to ask Him to know it! My very favorite was ” and right there in the increase, a miracle of decrease is forced into play: as we are more and more aware of His love, we fear less and less. For ‘perfect love drives out fear’ ( 1 john 4:18)” I am claiming this!
My example of subtracting hindrance was “selfishness – hindrance = enlightenment.” The two equations that spoke to me were the one I thought of and “disappointment – hindrance = faith.” These 2 equations sum up the experience I felt when trying to deal with my mother’s death. The day I truly let the Holy Spirit into my soul, God spoke to me. He showed me how I had been selfish about her death and true, true feelings of peace and acceptance came over me. Although I do miss her, I have not cried about her death since – because I wasn’t crying for her, I was crying for me. From week 4 – I really enjoyed the lesson from Day 3 with the 3 directives for life: seek to lead a quiet life, mind your own business & work with your own hands. Three simple principles, yet so many of us struggle with them. They seem to be the principles used by St. Benedict in his “rules for living.” Blessing to all….
Childhood issues – hindrance = Testimony
Disappointment – hindrance = Faith
Day 1: “As we are more and more aware of His love, we fear less and less,” For perfect love drives out fear.” 1 John 4:18
Day 2: “All your chiller shall be taught by The Lord and great shall be the peace of your children.”
Isaiah 54:13
Thank you, thank you, Beth for this study!
1)Childlessness – hindrance = mother of many. I wasn’t able to have children AND haven’t ever taken the plunge of marriage, but I have been able to be “mother to many” as I have helped in raising up of many of my friends children.
My Pain – hindrance = my passion. I have chronic low back pain so thru this I have a passion for the hurting people out there.
2) Whew, Day 4 was the one for me. I have so many circles and stars in that chapter. LOVED it AND needed it. With my chronic pain, there have been plenty of times of hopelessness, but I always move quickly from that saying there are people much worse and also that there is a much better place where there will be no more pain or tears. The one paragraph in this chapter that I underlined and put stars and highlighted was: Pg. 105, Life can be painful here. Loss is inevitable. So let us grieve when we must, but God forbid that we grieve as the hopeless do. In His hands, we find solace. In His heart, we find rest. In His time, we find meaning. In His eyes, we are blessed. In His strength, we’re made mighty. In His light, morning breaks. In His Word, He has promised. In His coming, sleepers wake. WOW and YES!
1) The equations I added:
My disease-hindrance=testimony
recent singleness-hindrance=free to pour into others
The two that were most poignant:
Disappointment-hindrance=faith
Handicap-hindrance=hero
2) For me, it was the video session four that spoke most to me. I have always struggled with feeling like I’m good enough: good enough to lead a Bible study, lead worship, teach children and adults; if I am simply enough to be loved by someone. I’ve had people in my past tell me that I’m not good enough because I’m sick and I have a shortened life expectancy, and how could anyone love me – the girl with the early expiration date. I’ve struggled for my whole life with feeling like I’m good enough to be loved (by boys and by some extended family members) because those people in my life have perpetuated that lie of the devil. I tend to invest in people, especially when things in my life seem to be falling apart. It is easier for me to pour into others than to let them help me. All of this is probably perpetuated by the lies of the devil telling me that I’m not good enough to be loved. But what I was reminded of again in this session was that even though it is incredibly hard, I have to be willing to open up my heart again to people, knowing that they might hurt me. I serve those who may never serve another. I love others and not be loved in return. And I have to give up control. I want to be on this roller coaster of emotions and relationships because I want to (and have seen) God do something extraordinary. It’s not going to happen overnight, but it is my prayer that God will help me to continue opening up my heart and my life even when my heart has been broken, and to overcome the lies that perpetually scream in my head, and believe that I am loved and have been chosen by God, and that His plan for my life is good and perfect and will be fulfilled in His time.
Just tried to go to http://www.lifeway.com/28daychallenge..& didn’t find any link whatsoever. Just wanted you to know..Thanks
Hi There, it says that it is temporarily shut down for maintenance. Don’t give up and I will see what I can do, too.
Beth will you join me in intersession for my husband. As I watched the week 5 video I felt the Lord telling me to take the challenge on his behalf. He has battled porn for our complete 15 years of marriage and we have walked around and around this mountain time after time. But I am believing God that this year is the year that he will bring complete deliverance and healing to both of us. I couldn’t find the online sign up so I thought I would just respond here…but please don’t put it up on the blog unless you believe it will be beneficial to the other women.
Brenda
Collinston, La.
1. Fear-Hindrance=Boldness Pride-Hindrance=Humility
2. My Pain-Hindrance=My Passion Fear-Hindrance=Boldness
My tendency has always been to bury my pain deep inside, but by doing that it caused me to be fearful so I built up walls of protection. Now I find that the very things that caused me the most pain are the things I am most passionate about and when I can overcome my fear of them I am able to be BOLD!
Day 2 of week 4 really resonated with me. I was raised Catholic and my mother took my sister and I to church every Sunday. I drifted away from church after my first failed marriage. Not until the end of my 2nd marriage, during a very bitter divorce did I begin to read the Bible for myself and seek out some meaning in my despair. I began to attend a small Baptist church through friends and finally began to have a relationship with Jesus. That small church and the love they showed me and my children was a light in my dark world. My life has changed so much since then. The Holy Spirit is my guiding force now. I no longer learn things the hard way. He has truly changed me from the inside out. I sometimes feel inadequate to teach or mentor young people because I am not a bible scholar so this day was a great reinforcement to me to keep working and reaching out to young people (especially young women) so they can learn from my mistakes and not the hard way. Isaiah 54:13 is not only the greatest desire of my heart for my own children and grandchildren, of course, but also for all the young people I encounter and have the great privilege of mentoring and loving.
1) Ridicule – pain = perseverance
What happened – pride = humility
The 2 that spoke the most to me were the 2 I wrote not that I didn’t or couldn’t relate to those that Beth wrote, it’s just that at this particular time in my life, these resonant the most with me. I’ve had a rough year with losing my church and church family and I am coming to see God’s purposes and part of that is for my perseverance and maybe more importantly, for me to serve with humility.
2) Day 3 was probably the most direct to my soul! Again for reasons mentioned above with the betrayal of those I saw as fellow Christians and coming to the realization that people can masquerade as angels of light when they are not at all. Through all this I am struggling with what others think of me because I live in a very small town and there are at least 2 sides to this tale if not many more in my small town dynamic. So… I am still mulling over the statement at the bottom of page 98 that was highlighted about responsible love and responsible reputation and the irresponsible Christian ethic that we shouldn’t care what others think. I am torn here because I want to shout from the rooftops what happened to me and my family to not only stand up for myself but also to save others from the extreme conditions and attitudes that are being perpetuated in my old church by the pastor and his wife. I think that the saddest thing of all is that people I served side by side with have basically left the faith and I am devastated! People’s belief in God’s love and the power of community in a church body have been obliterated and I don’t know what to do. I feel that it is time for me to move on from the hurt and I know that God will deal with this situation in His time – but I still feel that my work of reaching out to others in my small town are hindered by the “word around town” concerning why my family and several others left our church home. I need guidance here in knowing where the line is on protecting my reputation as a Christian and being so caught up in self that I want to project a perfect picture of myself. I definitely do not want to do the latter but evaluating my motives and feelings in this area is key. How do I restore my reputation when others are attacking and spreading lies. How concerned should I be with what people think?
1. The one that touched my heart: disappointment – hindrance = faith. The one I made up: Friendlessness – Hindrance= strengthened relationship with God
2. The “more and more” concept – something is going to grow, that is inevitable. What am I going to let grow and what am I going to let starve in my life. I have noticed for several years now that women you have “aged gracefully” have worked at it. It isn’t in our natural state to age without bitterness and unforgiveness – it is something we have to work at and work at. I so want to be an “old woman” who is full of love and joy and grace. I want to me a woman who has grown “more and more” in Christ rather than allowed a root of bitterness, anger, or resentment to gain ground. And I have lived long enough now to know this is a constant battle because there are constantly hurts happening in our lives!!!
Wow, I love your comment here! I’ve copied a portion of it into my book. That’s some great wisdom. May God bless your journey to age gracefully!
#1. Disappointment – hindrance = faith
What happened – what hindered = overcomer
These two really spoke to me. I am still recovering from a situation almost 5 years ago. It totally devastated me. It has been through many tears, much anger, hours upon hours of prayer, and many hours spent in the bible that I am finally beginning to see the light. I still have days of bitterness, disappointment to name a few but they are getting to be further apart.
#2. Day 3 really spoke to me – Stop in the Name of Love. Especially on pg 99 almost at the bottom of the page you asked if we could relate and if so how? I used to say yes to pretty much everything. I would be stretched so thin I could barely keep up. This time of year when the church is trying to fill vacant positions and what not used to really stress me out. I felt like I was failing if I didn’t do everything I was asked. Through bible study and different conversations I have found that just because I am asked does not mean I should do. I can now say no if it is something I do not feel called to do. At the same time I have stepped up to somethings I was a little unsure about but turned out to be the best thing ever.
Hey Ladies,
Just checking in. I am behind in the study but so blessed for taking my time and really listening to what God is saying to this rebellious woman this summer. I am doing the study alone but I know in spirit I am not alone. So thankful to Beth for always picking a study that will cause us to really think about scripture in a profound way. I have prayed aloud(my neighbors are proably wondering about me) and silently that I will NOT leave this study the way I came to it. I pray that for you all as well.
Happy Summer!
Cecilia
Elaine, Zebulon
1. Disappointment – hindrance = faith
Breakup – hindrance = breakthrough
Being single until I was 40 was a struggle. I had to rely on my faith in God’s plan and to trust Him. After several failed relationships, I now have a wonderful husband and son. I become a stronger person, emotionally and spiritually, through broken relationships and disappointments.
2. Day 1 of week four really spoke to me. Darkness and corruption are intensifying in the world today and I allow it to beat me down and rob me of joy instead of focusing on how I need to reflect God’s glory and His love more and more. I want to live the abundant life that He has given me. “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18).
Childhood Trauma – hinderance = testimony
What Happened – what hindered = an overcomer
Both of these resonated with me because they both speak to how trials should be handled. Loved them both.
Day 4 of Week 4 spoke to me most of all and so intimately. I personally have come to believe through study that loss through death on this earth teaches us to come closer to God as opposed to what so often happens in that people blame God. What lesson we should take from it is that for the one we are to love the most, we should draw closer in fear of separation from Him. While we have the chance and the piece that settled in for me on this day was thinking about Jesus and His time on the cross while He was asking Why have You forsaken Me? He allowed Himself to be separated from God so we did not have to be. Seems silly to be missing that piece but study can be like that, something we know separately suddenly comes together for us as one thing. I love how intertwined Scripture is in that respect. Thank you for such beautiful soul touching lessons. You have truly shaped my walk Beth Moore.
1. Self-pity – hindrance = determination / Fear – hindrance = trusting soul.
I know that pitying myself in my physical limitations and fear causes roadblocks for me living the will of God as the full person God has planned for me and my life.
2. Day one. Introduction of hindrances really spoke to me and carried me through Days 1 – 2.
Just a quick question…
I ordered two of the video sessions for this study that are available for individual use. Can these be downloaded on more than one computer? Or can they only be downloaded once?
Hi Patricia, they can only be downloaded one time on one computer. Thank you!
From Beth’s examples: Disappointment – hindrance = faith.
My own example: My suffering – hindrance = Strength (His).
Every day I’m learning “more and more” that, even though we live in a performance-driven society, it is quite all right if we don’t have it all together. There is beauty in claiming that truth and knowing that I belong to the Only One that really does.
Day 3 of week 4 really struck me. The line that really hit home with me is on page 101 – “Some things we cannot handle knowing and still love like we are called to love.” That is a beautifully freeing thing for a wanna-be “know-it-all” like me to finally see. I don’t have to have my nose in everything; in fact, it’s far better for our relationship that I love rather than try to “fix”. I absolutely am loving this study!
1. Injustice-hindrance=room for God’s wrath
This one got my attention…simply just tuning in to the news hearing and seeing injustices in others’ lives…
2. Day One of Week Four resonated with me. Reflecting on it the next day at work made me joyful-the more and more lesson…I’m not stagnant, I can grow.
1. Equations we liked:
Disappointment – hindrance = faith
Heartbreak – hinderance = depth
Injustice – hindrance = room for God’s wrath
Equation we came up with:
Busyness – hinderance = Sabbath rest
2. Day 4 was an encouragement to us. In particular, we loved this sentence: “If one hand of solace holds permission to grieve, the other hand contains insistence of hope.” In my walk, I’ve felt that Christians are always supposed to act and feel happy. And yet, sometimes life gives us circumstances that are too much to bear and grieve our hearts. I love the idea of recognizing our grief, not pushing it down but actually feeling it, but at the same exact time, holding on to our hope, knowing God is working things for good during the dark times. It’s the fine balance – accepting our pain without it drowning us, and still knowing the hope we have in God. And the encouragement of that section not to give into hopelessness. Filling our names into the verse was a great exercise, too!
Q1: My additional hindrance was: grouchiness – hindrance = enlightened
The two that speak to me the most are what happened – what hindered = an over comer and childhood trauma – hindrance = testimony. The reasons I chose these were that I didn’t always have the best childhood, but I never let anything overcome me.
Q2: Day 5 of Week 3 really struck me. It talks about God revealing his plan. I know that God always had his plan in place. But reading about revealing his hidden plan and coming back one day again will complete his plan really just left me in awe. There were so many emotions that flooded through me thinking about how God must have felt knowing what his son would go through and then actually seeing him suffer. Now I think about how God continues to see events unfold that he already knows. It is a lot to take in.
I am a running a little behind. I just got to week three and I just watched the first video.
debt – hindrance = trust in God’s provision
un-forgiveness – hindrance = breakthrough in prayer life
two that spoke to me are
Heartbreak – hindrance = depth
Devastation – hindrance = trust
Our family went through numerous miscarriages and a failed adoption and then a miracle. We will never be the same. My prayer for my adult kids has always been that they would have a deep faith that would be their own, not just a shallow faith because their parents had faith. But I never wanted them to go through such hard things. He is faithful and we can trust him with the outcome.
Any chance that you will make audio-only versions of this study available? I’ve not been able to successfully download the videos I ordered from Lifeway after several attempts but don’t seem to have any trouble with audio only file? Some of us older folk seem less able to master all the new software links/programs plus I like to listen while doing outdoor things–walking, gardening,etc. Loving the workbook lessons and missing Beth’s voice and additional teaching…..
Hi Elle! You might call our office or the LifeWay office to see if they can help you out with this. I don’t know as much about that side of things! I’m so sorry you’re having trouble.
Overcoming – hindrance = hope
Hope – hindrance = joy
I thought day 1 spoke to me even more until I got to day 2. I love that God Himself will teach us, has taught others. I teach first and second graders in Sunday School. We were studying about Daniel obeying God with what he and his friends ate. I told them about how God taught them even when they were not with their parents in Babylon. How cool is it that God will teach us.
I’m jumping straight to question 2. Week 4 had so much that spoke to me, but I have to say “more and more” is what spoke loudest. I loved seeing the comparisons from Scripture on what kinds of things can grow. My responsibility is to feed what I want to grow, and to starve what I don’t want to grow. That all takes place in the fertile soil of my mind; what I choose to meditate or dwell on. I can choose to think about things that are lovely, noble, praiseworthy, etc., or I can choose to focus my thoughts on things that are not. The evidence of my choice will be in the person I become. Praise God He does not leave us alone in this battle for our minds. Praise Him for His Spirit who helps me turn my eyes upon Jesus.
I also have to say that I loved Beth’s words that tears are liquid language! Beautiful. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer” Romans 12:12
Broken-hinderence=Whole in Christ
Lonely-hinderence=Right Relationship w/Him
Beth’s example: devastatin-hinderence=trust Don’t we all struggle w/trust?
Day 3 spoke to me directly. “our greater temptation is to remain quiet when we should speak up.” Praying for boldness in words and courage to speak up and out the truth His truth. I need to realize He will provide the Words of Truth already in my heart! Come Holy Spirit!
Mrs. Beth,
I am behind but I promise I will catch up. I will come back here and post to this blog date. We are building our home and we are almost done. Hopefully we will be in the home by the end of July.
Thank you for your wonderful Bible studies.
Sisters in Christ,
Genevieve – Orange, Texas
1.Rejection-hindrance= Surety in Acceptance w/GOD & Gospel
Failure on own- hindrance= dependence on GOD, Abiding.
Childhood Trauma, Heartbreak and pain,all wrapped in one – hindrance=testimony, depth, passion. Why, because have had all three trauma, heart shattering, pain worked simultaneously and consistently to levels of severity that have at times desired to die but even more I LONG for REDEMPTION: Acts 20:24(KJV): 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. I LONG to overcome by CHRIST’s BLOOD and my testimony… Rev 12:11
2.The MORE and MORE: abounding theology 1 Thes 4:1 with 1 Thes 4:9: GOD TAUGHT TO LOVE one another. We will more and more become like the world if we do not MORE AND MORE allow GOD to teach us and He teaches us to LOVE. Love is essential. 1 Cor 13: Without LOVE we are nothing. Without Him we can do nothing. John 15. Since God is LOVE, walking with Him will change us. If we choose other things/people over Him we compromise and more and more fall away from His best: LOVE! The examples in p.90-92 were eye opening and impacting and life altering! To be made aware that we will increase FOR GOD or for evil then to choose to make a willful determination to increase GOD’s Ways is huge! Thank you so much!
Page 71
1) loneliness- hindrance = a sense of his presence
2) betrayal – hindrance = maturity
Favorite 2
1)Heartbreak – hindrance = depth
2)Disappointment – hindrance = faith
Page 100
How can we tell whether or not “helping” is really helping? There has been much discussion, also, about the helpfulness of short term mission trips. This is something that was never questioned twenty years ago.
1) My additional “minus hindrance” equations: chronic illness – hindrance = testimony (not there yet but maybe one day); and anger(lament) – hindrance = thanksgiving (again, not there yet but maybe…). Beth’s equations: disappointment – hindrance = faith; and pain – hindrance = my passion. Both faith and passion have been shook to the core in the recent months which leads me to..
2)Day 4. I’m so easily moved to tears these days and once again I’m fighting them. “Tears are liquid language set to the tune of the Holy Spirit’s groanings.” Good, because I cannot pray. Page 104, the last three paragraphs, have been underlined in my book. Also, page 105. I love Job and his raw realness. I do fight hopelessness and anger so strong it’s frightening. I question God and wonder what I have done that He seems to have turned His face from me, that He refuses to answer me. I write in my book that ‘it is so hard to continue to (re)believe this [God is my help. He is my strength. In Him is my future.], as the months have gone by and progress, if existent, is so slow it seems non-existent. I wrote out Ephesians 1:18a, “I pray that the perception of my mind may be enlightened so that I may know the hope of His calling”; maybe if I read it through enough, it will happen.
Heartbreak-hindrance=depth
Injustice-hindrance=room for God’s wrath
Even More spoke most loudly. It’s a good way to think of things spiraling out of control in the ways of sin. One leads to more. But God’s grace and love and forgiveness trump sin and despair by leaps and bounds!! ( not to say we should sin more and more just so we can be graced with His love more and more!! HA!)
1. Single mother – hinderance = a rich life for our family; not enough time – hinderance = fellowship.
I’ve tried not to use the fact that I’m a single mother as a crutch, but it happens sometimes. Our family just looks a little different than the “norm”, reality is that we live a more full and rich life now than we would have if I was still married to my ex.
2. Thessalonians 4:11 spoke to me so clearly. I try so hard to live these principals and have no greater frustration than with those who won’t work to better their situation. I think of how much better society would be if everyone led a quiet life, minded their own business and worked to be productive and provide for their own.
Love this study – just what I needed this summer!
I loved the exercise on the concept of abounding! So assuring to see all the positive examples of abounding. But I think the thing that spoke the most to me was on Day 3, page 99, “whatever I want to do the least is probably what God wants me to do the most. I start assuming that the harder thing is always the godlier thing.” And “it rarely occurs to me that my preference in the situation could possibly reflect God’s.” I will go a step further and say that usually if my decision feels good to me, or if I didn’t struggle to make the decision, then (I think) it must not be God’s will or what He wants of me. That’s so sad! I need to change that line of thinking!
The two equations that spoke to me were Heartbreak-hindrance= depth from Beth and Anxiety-hindrance= trust from me. The first spoke to me because you can refuse to grow from heartbreak, close yourself off to new people and new experiences, and not permit yourself to get close to anyone because you want to avoid the hurt. The second equation spoke to me because when I am anxious I’m not trusting God. I’m not trusting that God is in control.
Day 4 from week 4 spoke to me the most. Day 1 was a close second. These words spoke to me the most: “Consider the gift of tears cradled in the palm of that hand of solace. Tears take us somewhere words cannot. Tears are liquid language set to the tune of the Holy Spirit’s groaning(Rom. 8:26). Grief is the sacred love seat where we fellowship acutely in the sufferings of Christ.” I know grief, and I knew Jesus was holding me as I grieved. But I didn’t think of it as fellowship before. I find it comforting that we do not have to grieve like those who don’t know Jesus. I know this lesson focused on death, but we can grieve over the loss of other relationships. My baby sister is currently grieving the loss of her marriage, and she does not know Jesus. I see a profound difference between how she is grieving and how I have grieved. She has no hope. And it is heartbreaking to see and know that Jesus is right there and waiting for her to come to Him.
Hey All,
I’m sorry to be so late checking in, but I am teaching summer classes, and I had papers to grade this week. I promise I didn’t drop out!
1. My additional equations was
JOB LOSS – HINDRANCE = NEW OPPORTUNITY
The two from the list that spoke to me were:
Disappointment – Hindrance = Faith
Devastation – Hindrance = Trust
This last one was particularly relevant because I have a loved one who has put herself in a dangerous position, and she really doesn’t realize it. She is young, and she trusts some “spiritual” authority figures who don’t have good boundaries. Our family has been devastated and frightened by the situation, but I am trusting God to lead her out. Surely, He will not tolerate this situation for long.
2.I think Day Four spoke most to my immediate circumstances. I was bitterly disappointed this Spring when I didn’t get a job that I was almost sure of, and it was part of a longer chain of disappointments in my career. I needed the reminder that my future is dependent on the Lord. Ultimately, I work for God, and as long as I do my work faithfully, I can trust His promises.
1. Weakness – hindrance = strength
Loneliness – hindrance = serving God
Disappointment – hindrance = Faith
What happened – hindrance = an overcomer
2. Day 3 stands out in my mind! One small paragraph “Mind Your Own Business” hit me square in the heart. I’ve always said I’m a people-person. But you said “a curious people-person”…and I think that’s what I am! (I know…curiosity kills the cat) I love people and believe that everyone of us have a story, I love to read biographies! I love to hear about anyone’s life…what makes them tick! Guess I better ask for God to keep his arm around my shoulders and His hand ready to close my mouth when it’s appropriate!!
Hi Ladies!
1) The hurt minus hindrance example that spoke to me most was:
what happened-what hindered=overcomer
my own example is:
fear-hindrance=Dependent on God
2) The day that spoke to me most in week 4 was day 5 All Caught Up. I love imagining what the Lord has planned for us. I like how Beth reminds us that we do not need to understand or agree exactly on all the gray areas. However we trust that God can do much more than we can think or imagine. Praise the Lord. I always wonder what we will look like and how old we will be in heaven. It’s great to wonder as long as we know God’s got this!