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Joy is a Choice of My Behavior

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respond to life with joy week 4Joy is a Choice of My Behavior Week 4

So many things are out of reach as well as out of our ability to control, but our behavior, that’s not one of those things.

When we are choosing joy, we need to realize that what we say, think, do as well as how we treat ourselves matters.

If it matters to you, then it matters to God.  He cares. 

Kay tells us that “Unresolved emotional pain and brokenness can make choosing joy on a daily basis challenging” and that we need to take care of ourselves.

Choosing joy is not always easy and sometimes can be most difficult, but it is possible to do so and to choose joy daily.

She gives us some practical things that will help us in our desire to choose joy:

  • Look for a Joy Mentor – find someone who is more than just a happy personality, but rather a sister that will find joy in the tears, God in the ordinary and is thankful for the perfect will of God even though it is painful. Release the little girl in you to experience unbridled joy.  I love that she calls children “joy factories,” as they truly do just soak up the precious moments surrounding them.
  • Avoid Small Potatoes – I often remind people that it’s the little things that make life big. While completely true, it’s also the little things that steal your joy.  Traffic, spat with family, flat tires, things not going the way as planned, etc.  Joy thieves are waiting in each instance of your day for one purpose…to steal your joy.  You get to choose if you hand it over willingly or not.  Choose wisely.
  • Rediscover Pleasure – I often talk about ordinary joy and the hidden treasures in our day to day life. I tease my boss sometimes by saying “I want it all and I want it wrapped” but truth is, we do want the best of the best and often miss the greatest joys in the most ordinary of things.   The feeling of stomping through puddles, the giggles of joy when romping through grass, the cheesy look of the full moon as he lights up the darkest night.  When you open your eyes to see the treasures in the ordinary, they quickly become priceless treasures.
  • Express Affection Extravagantly – I’m a hugger. When you meet me, you’ll likely get a hug, huge smile and hearty hello.  Many people can barely make eye contact, much less express affection in this manner.  I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone when in public this week and smile bigger, greet others with a warm handshake or if circumstances allow it a warm hug.  You’ll be amazed at what it does for YOUR heart.
  • See the Humor – I love laughing. Often when I’m laughing, I don’t realize it but I carry a lot of volume, and sometimes my children don’t see the humor in that. Making the best of the worst situations sometimes requires seeing the humor.  Sometimes you are the one that can point it out, when no one else even sees it.  Recently we had our family vacation.  Whirlwind, lots of driving but lots of fun.  On the way home we had a plan to just drive straight through (12 hours) and take one day to rest before finishing up our final trip home, another 13 hours.  Four hours into the trip our tire blows.  We don’t have a special tool we need to change it, so what went from normal 30 minute inconvenience was now an almost 5 hour ordeal.  We “picnicked” on the side of the interstate, laughed and had a good time while basking in the morning/afternoon sun.  We get another 3 hours under our belt and another tire “sounded funny.”  We pull over and sure enough the tread is ripped and the tire needed to be replaced.  We immediately find a Wal-Mart Tire Center, take it in while they are changing the 2nd tire, we shop.  We are laughing at the craziness of it all when my son hugged me and said “Mom, I’m glad you are my mom, because with anyone else, this would have really been bad.” I reminded him we can’t change the situation so we needed to simply enjoy it and reminded him that we may never know what God protected us from.  Find the humor!  Kay reminds us that “when you recognize both the pain and the humor around you, you take another step toward knowing true joy.”
  • Practice Gratitude – Even if we are never blessed with another “great thing” we can always be grateful for our home in heaven, the amazing grace of God and His never ending mercy. There is always something to be thankful for. Question is, will you see it during the storm that rages?  Will you see it in the ordinary?  Will you be looking for it?  When you are thinking about all the great things that surround you, you will be thankful.
  • Live in the Moment – I love those precious moments where joy just bursts into your heart from the most unexpected places! Trouble is, we want to live there all the time.  If we were to never experience pain or sorrow, we could never truly experience great joy.  Stop looking at the trouble you are enduring and focus on the priceless moments of joy and blessings.  If your sorrows are so great, grief so heavy and burdens are so deep, then take time each day to focus on the blessings of heaven, amazing grace and God’s great mercy by way of the gift of the cross. Live in that, even when the storm is raging.
  • Find the Blessing in the Mess – Have you ever watched a child play in the rain, mud or even finger paint? Have you just quietly observed their smile and laughter or do you see just the mess they are making? Inside of every mess we get ourselves into, or the ones that seem to sneak up on us, there IS a blessing.  I have no clue what it could be, but seek it out! Look for it! If you never find the blessing in the mess, then trust God to work it out for your good.
  • Passing the JOY on – Our tag line at Spreading Joy Corporation is “There’s no joy like spreading joy.” There simply isn’t. If you want joy to be at your very core, then “give.”  If you want to have joy flooding your heart each day, then “do.” If you want joy to be a way of life, then “serve.” Don’t think about how you’ll be thanked, who will see, how much value your act of joy is worth, just do it.

JOY is a choice!

Create JOY, Cause JOY and Spread JOY while you are choosing JOY!

Thank you for allowing me the honor of leading this Bible Study.  Thank you for the desire to be men and women of joy!

If you’d like more help and/or ideas about Spreading Joy, you can check out our book here, Spreading Joy Daily as well as our most popular articles encouraging you in JOY listed here.  http://www.spreading-joy.org/site/quick-links/

 

Download your free PDF Worksheet Here 

Discussion Questions

  1. How can you choose joy daily?
  2. What does the Lord is your strength mean to you?
  3. Psalm 126:5 – what does that mean to you? How can you apply it to your daily life
Bible Lesson, Marie, Recent blogs

Joy is a Condition of my Heart

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happiness requires no effort week 3

Joy is a Condition of my Heart Week 3

Before this study, have you ever really thought about joy being a heart matter?

In our day to day life, there are so many uncertain things, uncontrollable things and scary things.  Those are the kinds of conditions that we simply have no control over.  The condition of our heart is completely ours to control.

You may have heard the saying

J = Jesus

O = Others

Y = Yourself

While this saying is completely true, the problems come in when we forget the “Y” in joy.

As ladies, we are typically so busy being wonder woman wife, caring daughter, fearless mom, awesome employee, awesome employer, leader, blogger, and a whole host of other things that we forget to take some time out for ourselves.

Kay reminds us that to nurture and build joy in ourselves we must:

  • Focus on Grace
  • Trust God for the Future
  • Have Balance in our Life
  • Practice Acceptance

 

“Happiness comes unbidden and unexpectedly and can leave just as abruptly; joy can be available anytime, anywhere, anyplace but it is a result of our decision to choose it.”  ~ Kay Warren

As a child of the King, doing the things listed above doesn’t give us the right to trample all over God’s amazing grace and live a life that will kill our relationship with God, but on the other hand, never obeying the Word of the Lord will also kill our relationship with God.

Choosing joy isn’t always easy, but that is where our faith grows.

All of us at some point will experience great sorrow, but IN that great sorrow is an Almighty God that will never leave us alone.

Doing the things Kay reminds us of will get our minds and hearts in the right direction.  Take time daily to do something for yourself that will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face.

We forget that WE are loved unconditionally by our heavenly Father even though He knows the worst in us.  He chooses to love us in spite of our short comings.  Yes, we want to get better, yes we want to reflect HIS love and compassion and yes, we want to ultimately live like Jesus.  As long as we remain in our human body, we will fall short.

Extend yourself some grace while trusting the Lord.  When you fall short, stumble or even freak out over various situations – ask God to forgive you, forgive yourself and then take the next step. Doing this for yourself will allow you even more freedom to nurture joy in others.

Nurturing Joy in Others:

  • Believe the Best about Others
  • Offer Nonjudgmental Love
  • Empathize with other’s Feelings
  • Appreciate Other’s efforts

 

When we have been hurt by others, beat down or even unappreciated, many find it difficult to extend their heart to spread joy to others.  It’s painful.

Sometimes believing the best about others will turn out that we were completely wrong in our beliefs.  They control what we see, they show us only what they want us to see, and then the truth comes out (it always does) and we are hurt because we are taken advantage of.  Don’t let this stop you from making a difference in the heart and life of others.

We need to push past our hurts, our fears and the things that hold us back from making a difference for others.  We will disappoint others as well as be disappointed.

We also need to push past our guilt when trying to make a difference for others’.  Many of us desire to do more or value what we do for others based on the “cost/price” we had to pay.

Look at the few things Kay listed for us and tell me the value.  Believe, offer, empathize and appreciate are all things that will not cost us a single penny, but are priceless!  When we are giving these types of gifts, we often negate their value and as a result, feel guilty for “not doing more.”

At Spreading Joy, I’m always reminding people that everything you do impacts hearts.  Everything!

When you are making a difference for others, train your heart not to look at the price tag.  Look at the smile of those you are spreading joy to!

If finances are an issue, I have written over 100 ways to make a difference without spending a single penny.  http://spreading-joy.org/site/50-ways-to-make-a-difference-without-spending-a-penny/

 

Use them freely.  There is a free pdf at the end of that article as well as a link to an additional 50 ways to make a difference without spending any money.

Have fun spreading joy to others!

 

Download your Free PDF Worksheet here

Discussion:

Answer any or all of the following questions

 

  1. On a scale of 1-10 how regularly do you trust God for the future
  2. On a scale of 1-10 how readily do you believe the best about others
  3. On a scale of 1-10 how readily do you forgive others
  4. On a scale of 1-10 how often do you applaud others’ efforts

 

 

 

 

Bible Lesson, Marie, Recent blogs

Joy is a Conviction of my Mind

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Will I surrender to God week 2

Joy is a Conviction of My Mind Week 2

Welcome to another week of Choosing Joy.

This week we’ve taken a deep look into our own heart and mind.  If we are honest, it’s not always pretty there is it?

I love the verses found in 1 Thes 5:16-18 because they are crucial to the heart that desires true joy.

They tell us to rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks!

This starts with determination.  We must decide “do do” this because we are certainly not going to be “feeling” this.

Kay reminds us that “joy begins in the mind” and is ultimately how we respond to life.

So many things bring us great joy but those things can and sometimes will bring great sorrow.

People – The very same people that bring you the greatest joy will one day bring you more tears than you ever imagined. We are all human and we will disappoint…it’s just a matter of time.

Places – Not every place we travel to or explore will bring us the joy we thought it would.  Sometimes, it simply isn’t all our heart imagines.

Possessions – Keep in mind just how miserable the “Hollywood” crowd often is.  They have the nicest of things, shop in the greatest stores but often swim in great misery and pain.

Positions – In this day and age, positions come and go.  Many who hold this as a source of joy will often find themselves discouraged.

Personality – Shy, awkward and backwards people can have just as much joy as the most outgoing extrovert you’ve ever met.

The good and the bad go hand in hand.  Joy and sorrow are right there in the midst of all of these situations and it is our choice to let go of the high expectations of perfection and greatness that keep us pinned down and often miserable.

When we realize one fundamental thing, we’ll be able to start seeing and choosing joy in nearly everything.

JOY is in our heart, simply because Jesus is there.

 

When we look at the everyday with the knowledge that Jesus is in control, Romans 8:29, Jeremiah 29:11 and Eph 2:10 still hold true and that our hope is in the One who spoke this world into existence, then joy will not be as elusive as it once was.

Where is your heart at these days? Matthew 6:21 tells us that “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” 

Have you ever really considered that Gods Will can be painful?  I have, but this year it has hit home more than ever. As a mom, I treasure my children and want the best for them.  My son is currently in the middle of God’s will, serving and seeking where God will use him as a Youth Pastor.  You think…wow, that is wonderful Marie! Congratulations!  And it IS wonderful….but at the same time, painful.  This year will be his last year in college and the pain comes in that I simply miss him.  I miss the hugs, the laughter, the jokes, and the silliness.  I miss his serious when necessary side.  I miss him.  But this IS God’s will for him and there isn’t a single day that goes by that I’m not thankful for him being where he is.

Sometimes a period of darkness is God’s will for us as well.  I’ve been there.  It’s difficult, scary and we wonder if we’ll ever make it through.  But we do and we are never alone.

I wrote an article a while back about peering into the darkness and what we see there.

What do we typically see in the darkness? 

  • Nothing…and in abundance
  • Fear
  • Intimidation
  • Hopelessness
  • Despair
  • Loneliness
  • Danger
  • Enhanced Pain (pain is always worse at night isn’t it?)
  • Discouragement
  • Shame
  • Guilt

And I literally could go on and on because “SEEING” the negative is so much easier than seeing the positive in every situation.

We forget that our darkness is another way for our Lord and Savior to remind us that HE Lives! He lives in our darkness along side of us!

 When you peer into the darkness KNOWING that God is with you, you’ll see:

  • Peace that surpasses all understanding
  • JOY unspeakable
  • Light that brightens up the darkest of nights
  • Hope, never ending
  • Mercy, renewed each day
  • Grace, marvelous grace
  • Courage, because your Father HAS you
  • Comfort, knowing you are not alone
  • Faith, because HE will never leave you

 

It is a natural thing to fear the darkness and takes work to get to a place where we can see God there.  But like Kay tells us, it starts in the mind….

Will you surrender to God in the Darkness?  Will you believe that you will find treasures of joy, blessings and meaning there?  Will you cling to God’s promise that HE will never leave you, even when you feel completely alone?

Remember Kay’s prayer “may the pain I am in push me toward a great passion for you and a greater joy in you.”

My daughter spent 5 years fighting a painful battle – Gastroparesis. Her stomach was paralyzed.  She experienced flu symptoms every time she ate.  Take your worst stomach flu, the cramping, the pain and aches and the vomiting and when she eats, that is what was happening.  She had about a year where she only had the pain and she celebrated that! She loved that she could eat without the vomiting and pushed past the pain and just enjoyed each day.  Then out of nowhere it returned.  We now know that when she is under extreme emotional distress her stomach muscles will stop working and she can only drink liquids.

Will she use this pain to fuel her passion for the Lord? I don’t know.  She trusts Him, she still lives and serves the Lord but all of this is hard for me to process, much less a (then) 17 year old mind.

I don’t know what God has in store for her, but I do know that HE is in control and I trust Him.

My prayer for you is that you’ll look for the good in the bad, the light in the dark and God’s hand in everything.  Treasure the beauty in the ordinary and the little things in life that make it big!

Dwell on this – What are some of the little things in your life that make it big? Do you treasure them?

Remember, I’ve got JOY in my heart, because that is where Jesus lives!

Download your Free PDF Worksheet

Choose to answer any or all of the following questions:

  1. Think about a time of deep sorrow in your life, one that has passed. What treasure did you find?
  2. “God values character over comfort, faith over fear, mercy over judgment, justice over injustice, people over possessions, truth over falsehood, humility over pride, hope over despair, love over apathy.” Where did you see the value system of heaven in your life?
  3. What false sources of joy trap you? Is it people, places, possessions, positions or personality?
  4. What would it take for someone to describe you as a woman of joy?

 

 

Bible Lesson, Blogs, Marie, Recent blogs

Joy is my Inheritance

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Jesus was a compassionate man week 1

Joy is my Inheritance

What an exciting introduction to Choosing Joy by Kay Warren!  Have you ever taken time to ponder the thought that Joy IS our inheritance?  Pure joy as we walk the streets of gold, as we live in mansions prepared for us, as we finally see our Savior face to face?  That inheritance is waiting for us AND if the Lord did nothing more for us while we were here on earth, that would still be reason enough to choose joy in our daily lives!

Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t stop with the joy of heaven?  The mercy and grace that He gives to us each day is simply amazing.

I love the authentic honesty that Kay Warren starts out this study with.  I love the fact that she lays it all out for us saying that Joy is a choice and that yes, even though we are Christians, we still struggle to find joy in the most difficult, darkest times of our lives.

We tend to forget about the verses that tell us to “Count it all JOY” when we face trouble, like James 1:2 reminds us to do.  Also John 16:33 tells us that we WILL have tribulation in this world, but it doesn’t end there, it also reminds us that Jesus has overcome this world.

When we are struggling to see joy in our trials and we fail to, it brings about guilt, depression and makes us wonder within our heart “why bother.” That guilt weighs us down and wears us out to exhaustion and then we are no longer effective for the Kingdom of the Lord.  If we are doing nothing but drowning in guilt and depression, then the enemy has won that battle.

Keeping in mind what Kay says “Joy and sorrow will always be linked” we can truly step back from our trials and remember Romans 8:28 “ALL things work together for good” even if we can’t see it right now, or if it’s been many years, we can always trust God to work it out for our good.

As Kay points out that yes, even though Jesus was a man of sorrow, He was also a “vibrant, compassionate man, a man of both sorrow and joy who could enter fully into life with all its brokenness.”

Let’s strive to be like Jesus this week and be:

  • A Woman of JOY through our Attitude – We can’t change what happens, but we can control how we react to various situations.
  • A Woman of Joy through our Words – Words are lasting! Good or bad, your words will linger in someone’s heart!
  • A Woman of Joy through our Actions – Jesus was a servant! As you are making a difference for others, your heart will be flooded with great joy!

As you go through your week, seeking to choose joy, remember Kay’s definition of joy.

“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.”

 

What have you allowed to hold you back from living a life of joy?  Before I answer this, I want to remind you that pain is pain…regardless of what kind – it ALL hurts.  Many feel that there are big hurts, little hurts and everything in between, but, keep in mind pain hurts.

Even though I’m a pretty joyful, roll with it kind of gal, I struggle with seeing the good in the negative just like many others do.  The worst time was when my father died.  I knew it was coming, the doctors told us he had 6 months due to a worn out heart.  I tried to prepare others, get cousins, family and friends to come and see him and say what they wanted to say.  I moved in with him to help him with various physical limitations he had towards the end.

I thought I was ready.

I thought wrong. 

For nearly 2 years afterwards, I was such a deep depression that I hardly remember any of it.  There was no scrapbooking, no journaling, no nothing.  I went to work or church and came home to sleep.  That was it. It wasn’t until I started pouring myself into others that needed help, senior ladies in my church that wanted to be a “secret sister” but couldn’t afford to.  I asked people to donate things they could use and started praying more, covering the pain and guilt of not being able to “fix him.”  I knew that I had done all I could for my dad, but the loss was so great that it stole my joy for a long time.  He would not be happy with that as he was a “giver.” We never had a lot growing up, but we always gave to others and helped where we could.

Do one thing a day for someone else.  This will take your eyes off of your pain and troubles for just a little bit and allow you to see the needs of others.  Also, do something you enjoy daily.  These things do not have to require money, but the decision and determination to do them.

The lack of “Things” will try to steal your joy, people and their attitudes will try to steal your joy, and circumstances that are beyond your control will try to steal your joy – but remember…you have a choice.  You can choose joy.

It’s ok to choose joy in the middle of pain and sorrow.  It’s ok to let go of the guilt and give yourself permission to be happy.  It’s ok to say, “I don’t understand, but I believe God has me” and simply trust HIM.

Look to your inheritance, don’t focus on the fear or sorrows that surround you, focus on the Father!

Download your Free PDF Worksheet

Discussion – choose to answer any or all of the following:

  1. What do you allow to hold you back from living a life of joy?
  2. What does your faith-life reveal about the depth of your relationship with God?
  3. How does it make you feel to understand that God dances over you with joy? Is that easy for you to believe? Why or why not?

 

**Make sure you check the box to receive the followup comments so you can communicate with others during this study

Bible Lesson, Blogs, Marie, Recent blogs

Choose Joy Bible Study

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Choose Joy bible study

I’m personally inviting you to this Choose Joy Bible Study. If you don’t have the book, I encourage you to hop on Amazon and get a copy or head over to your local Christian Bookstore and grab one there.   I’m so excited about this 4 Week Bible Study!  Joy doesn’t come easy for many of us and with the issues that we face daily, sometimes we wonder if we’ll ever see/feel or have joy again.

The truth of the matter is that we can, and on a daily basis.  Choosing joy is possible, regardless of darkness that seems to surround you.

It is my desire that as we go through this study together you’ll not only choose joy but that you’ll daily display that the JOY of the Lord is YOUR strength!  Neh 8:10.

I know how painful day after day of troubles and trials are.  I know just how frightful and discouraging life’s issues are.  I know firsthand financial troubles, health issues with children and how the sting of unemployment affects families.  I know the loneliness and fear that can consume your heart during those times of complete darkness and sorrow.  I know how tightly discouragement holds on to you, rendering you powerless to even lift your head sometimes.   I know the pain and grief of families being torn apart and loved ones dying, never to hear their sweet voices or see their precious smile again.  I know how guilt and shame leaving you feeling like you have no right to blessings.  I know how the pain of any situation is enhanced when night falls and the silence of darkness surrounds you.

But….

I also KNOW the ONE who is right beside me as I’m struggling to choose joy and trust His will!  As I’m traveling through the darkness, HE doesn’t mind living there to protect me, to strengthen me and to guide me.

 

Our darkest days are no surprise to HIM.  Our tears of pain, aches of discouragement and feelings of failure are no surprise to Him.  Our anger and questions screamed at the top of our hearts because we simply don’t understand does not cause Him to worry or wonder what will happen.

I know how choosing joy through all of that is possible!  It’s not us it is HIM.

Joy Is

Can you imagine how your heart will be swimming in true joy, even when you wonder just how things will work out at all? 

Can you imagine the joy that others around you will experience, because joy is highly contagious?

Can you imagine living a life of joy, simply because you choose to? And we know that we can do all things through Christ. Phil 4:13.

Each week there will be a pdf to download with a Memory verse and some open questions to get your heart focused on Choosing Joy.

Let’s strengthen our resolve by studying this together and choosing joy together.

Can’t wait to see you and study this with you.  Dive right in and choose joy!

 

 

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Week 5 Bible in 90 Days

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bible 90 days week 5

 

We’ve come a long way through our Bible! I’ve enjoyed getting to know old characters again, being reminded that even though many failed and failed BIG that they were still mightly used by the Lord because they were willing to be used.  I’ve enjoyed hearing many, many times – do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.  I hope that you are enjoying the journey so far as well!

This Weeks Schedule:

  • Day 29 1 Chronicles 1:1 – 1 Chronicles 9:44
  • Day 30 1 Chronicles 10:1 – 1 Chronicles 23:32
  • Day 31 1 Chronicles 24:1 – 2 Chronicles 7:10
  • Day 32 2 Chronicles 7:11 – 2 Chronicles 23:15
  • Day 33 2 Chronicles 23:16 – 2 Chronicles 35:15
  • Day 34 2 Chronicles 35:16 – Ezra 10:44
  • Day 35 Nehemiah 1:1 – Nehemiah 13:14

Books we’ll encounter this week:

1 Chronicles Overview:  Covers much of the same ground as 2 Samuel. This book was written after Judah returns from exile and is intended as an encouragement to the returnees. Its emphasis in on the more positive events/aspects of the reigns covered.

2 Chronicles Overview:  Covers much of the same ground as 1 & 2 Kings.  Like Chronicles, it was written after Judah returns from exile and is intended to encourage.

Ezra Overview:  When Cyrus became king of Persia, the Lord led him to free teh exiles to return to Jerusalem. Ezra, a teacher “well versed in the Law of Moses” arrives several decades later to discover that many from Judah have been intermarrying with the neighboring peoples.

Nehemiah Overview:  Whereas Ezra is a teacher and scribe, Nehemiah is a leader. The book of Nehemiah celebrates the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls against significant odds. The behavior of the residents when Nehemiah is in residence and when he is not harkens back to the era of the Judges.

Consider:

1.  How does the Lord use the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12?

2.  Does David immediately realize the significance of Nathan’s story about the rich man?

3.  What does David’s response in 2 Samuel 12:13 say about his relationship with God?

4.  What were the consequences of David’s sin?

5.  Has there been an “aha” triggered by your reading this week that you have been able to immediately apply to your life?

Do you know that we are going to be halfway through the Old Testament? *Clapping* GOOD for YOU!!  If you have fallen behind, don’t give up!! Keep reading. Keep at it! You’ll be glad you did!

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

When you finish this week you are 1/3 through this lesson! The best way to maintain an awesome relationship with the Lord is to stay close to Him by staying in His Word!

 

 

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Week 3 Bible in 90 Days

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holding-hands-752878_640

 

Starting Week 3 of our Journey through the Bible.  I have to confess, this is quite the challenge.  Of course everything has gotten busier to the Nth degree and reading 12 pages a day is difficult.  I have been reading everyday, but I must confess….I am behind.  I will be caught up by the end of this session.

How are YOU doing? Are you ahead? Are you behind? What are your thoughts so far?

Reading Schedule for this week:

  • Day 15 – Deuteronomy 23:12 – Deut 34:12
  • Day 16 – Joshua 1:1 – Joshua 14:15
  • Day 17 – Joshua 15:1 – Judges 3:27
  • Day 18 – Judges 3:28 – Judges 15:12
  • Day 19 – Judges 15:13 – I Samuel 2:29
  • Day 20 – I Samuel – 2:30 – I Samuel 15:35
  • Day 21 – I Samuel 16:1 – I Samuel 28:19

This Week’s Reading Tips:

Pay attention to the following people in your reading this week. How do these people interact with God? How faithful are they to God’s will?

  • Joshua: Joshua, Rahab
  • Judges: Deborah, Gideon, Samson
  • Ruth: Ruth, Naomi, Boaz
  • 1 Samuel: Samuel, Saul, David

Books You’ll Encourter This Week:

Joshua Overview: Moses’ former assistant becomes leader of the nation of Israel. The book celebrates the many victories that God brings to the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership. At the same time, the failure of the people to follow completely God’s plans plants the seeds for future failure.  KEY TEACHINGS: God kept his promise, giving the land he had  promised to Abraham many centuries earlier.   God is the one who brings victory; there is no foe that can withstand him.  God expects obedience.

Judges Overview: this book clearly delineates the impact of leaders who follow God from those who do not.  Some of the favorite Biblical personalities from children’s Sunday School are found here – Deborah, Gideon and Samson.  Key Teachings: God is patient, just and merciful.  God is able to accomplish his plan even through flawed individuals. God held the Israelites accountable to his expectations of them.

Ruth Overview: Ruth’s story of faithfulness is remarkable in its own right, made more so considering she was from Moab, a nation considerd an enemy of Israel. Ruth and Boaz are ancestors of Christ.  Key Teachings: God remained faithful to his people even when the times were characterized by unfaithfulness.  God provides for those who are faithful.

1 Samuel Overview: Samuel is not only a priest, prophet and judge, but a kingmaker. At God’s behest, Samuel anoints Saul the first king of Israel after the people call for a king.  God later directs Samuel to anoint Saul’s successor, David, which sets up a series of conflicts between Saul and David.  Key Teachings: God provided a king for his people.  God Reigns!  God’s power and sovereignty are demonstrated through his king.  God will punish even his chosen ones when they disobey.

Think about it:

“A young man asked God how long a million years was to him. God replied, it’s like a single second in your time. Then the young man asked God what a million dollars was to him. God replied, it’s like a single penny to you.  Then the young man asked God, Could I have one of your pennies? God smile and replied, sure…give me one second.”

God perceives time differently than we do. God gives us the same amount of time and the question isn’t if we have the time to read 12 pages a day, it is if we choose to.  How are we choosing to use our time?

Questions for discussion:

1.  Are you reading the Bible instead of other things in your life or in addition to?

2.  If you are still struggling with your reading, what activites can you eliminate? Where can you squeeze in more reading?

3.  What advice would you give to others who are just beginning this journey or are struggling to keep up.

Digging In:

4.  Refer to Leviticus and list the 5 main sacrifices

5. God lays out the elements and purposes of these offerings with some specificity. Is there too much detail here? What does this suggest about God’s involvement with his people’s lives?

6. What happens to Aaron’s sons in Leviticus 10: 1-2? What does this tell us about how God expectus us to interact with Him?

Applying it:

7.  In Numbers we find God’s people wandering in the wilderness for several decades after failing to believe God would lead them to victory.  Have you ever experienced a similar delay due to fear or similar lack of belief? How can we apply this to our lives today?

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by! Do you worry a lot? You’ll want to get this study guide.

 

Just seeing this post? No need to worry. Pick up here and join us as we walk through the Bible. You can always circle back around and finish up after the last lesson.

Getting closer to the Lord is as easy as getting into HIS Word.

 

Bible Lesson, Blogs, Recent blogs

Week 2 Bible in 90 Days

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Wow, what an exciting week we’ve had so far! I’m glad that you are along with me on this journey! Here is the main landing page for our study The Bible in 90 Days.  It has all of the links of the various resources and will have each week linked to it at the bottom.

Here is a Free Study Guide for week 2.  This has some great information. I hope you’ll grab it.  Here are a few thoughts taken from the study guide for this weeks reading:

Have you ever experienced a wilderness, a time of wandering and dryness in the desert, where you felt deserted by God?

  • A financial circumstance that is burying you
  • Waiting for an adoption to be finalized
  • Lacking clarity after graduation
  • Attempting to sell a house that has been on the market way too long
  • An illness that won’t go away
  • A family member who is rebelling
  • A dream that is turning to disappointment

Survival Skills for the wilderness – 1.  Don’t Whine Numbers 11:4-6 (speaking directly to me!!) 2.  Get Help – Numbers 11:10-15  3.  Grow Strong Numbers 11:16-18

These things and more are discussed in the free weekly study guide. Enjoy!

Reading Schedule for this week:

  • Day 8 – Lev 1:1 through Lev 14:32
  • Day 9 – Lev 14:33 through Lev 26:26
  • Day 10 – Lev 26:27 through Numbers 8:14
  • Day 11 – Numbers 8:15 through Numbers 21:7
  • Day 12 – Numbers 21:8 through Numbers 32:19
  • Day 13 – Numbers 32:20 through Deut 7:26
  • Day 14 – Deut 8:1 through Deut 23:11

Biblegateway on the computer or Youversion on your phone allows you to listen to these chapters! I hope you’ll take advantage of it.

 

Think about it:

Unless you’ve adopted, you don’t get a choice about the children you have.  One difference between God and us is that He does know who his children will be.  Yet He creates us and gives us a free will, despite that knowledge.  A question we might ponder while reading the Bible from cover to cover is, “knowing what HE knows, why would God create each one of us? Why did God create me?”

 Reading Tips:

  • Remember what our goal is: “To read, attentively, every word of the Bible in 90 days.”
  • As you encounter repetition in the Bible, consider it an opportunity to more firmly plant important writings in your mind.
  • Do not obsess with capturing everything you are reading. Absorb what you can, God will bring it back as you need it.
  • If you’ve gotten behind in your reading, don’t give up! Catch up by reading a little more each day or take Sunday and catch up.

Leviticus Overview:

This book of rules gives direction to the Levitical priests in the rituals necessary to maintain holiness for the children of Israel. While modern readers may marvel at the seeming harshness of some directives, it also includes God’s earliest command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (and we are always kind to ourself aren’t we?)

Numbers Overview:

At the beginning of this book, the Israelites number 603,550 at the end they number 601,730. What occurs in between is a lessonin the pitfalls of failing to submit to God and his plan.

Deuteronomy Overview:

With the Israelites finally approaching entry to the promised land, many elements of the previous four books are revisited here, including the Ten Commandments. Moses gets to view the promised land from Mount Nebo but dies before his people enter it.

 

Some discussion questions:

1.  What did you modify (if anything) this week to make sure that you  did your Bible reading? .

2.  When/how did you read? Did you do it all at once, break it up? Read in the mornings, evenings?

3. Ok…honesty time – you ready for this? Did you complete all of your reading? hmmm?? If yes, was it easy for you? If no, what can you do to try and get back with it? Please don’t give up.  We are in this together.

4. What are your suggestions to help others that may have found the first week difficult?

5. So many emotions in last weeks reading.  Did you relate at all? Have you been angry with God? How do you handle it? Is the God you read about in Genesis and exodus the God that you “know”.

6. Adam and Eve blew it. Cain blew it.  What can we learn from it, because it’s just a matter of time before we blow it.

7.  Can you recall the 10 Commandments? You don’t have to list them here, but just for the fun of it…try.  Don’t be afraid, because there is NO way your memory is worse than mine!

Please feel free to list any “aha” moments, any verses that spoke to you.  I hope that you’ll listen to the audio notes as far as the discussion goes.  Speak yer peace….what say ye? hmmm? *grinning*

Keep drawing closer to God! Stay in the Word! You are developing great habits of reading/listening and moving closer to the Lord each and every day!

 

Bible Lesson, Bible Study, Recent blogs

Week 1 Bible in 90 Days

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bible study

 

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Bible in 90 days.  I hope that you are excited and as we near the end, that you’ll be thrilled to have made your way through the Bible from cover to cover.   I’m so excited! I have a lot of resources for you to get started with, so let’s dive right in!

Here is a pdf version of the schedule that you can print off and use to track your reading.

Here is a free study guide for this week.

Reading Schedule for the Week:  tip: Bible Gateway has Audio. Listen to some of the chapters.

  • Day 1 = Genesis 1:1 – Genesis 16:15
  • Day 2 = Genesis 17:1 – Genesis 28:19
  • Day 3 = Genesis 28:20 – Genesis 40:11
  • Day 4 = Genesis 40:12 – Genesis 50:26
  • Day 5 = Exodus 1:1 – Exodus 15:18
  • Day 6 = Exodus 15:19 – Exodus 28: to end
  • Day 7 = Exodus 29:1 – Exodus 40: to end

 

Please download the Free pdf lessons.  Listening to some of the chapters will help you stay on track each day.  This weekend, I’ll come back here and answer the discussion questions and share with you.  Feel free to add in any suggestions, comments and things that have helped you with your study this week.

Would love to hear any blessings or encouragements that helped you as well!

Story:

A deeply religious man lived in a house by the river, but one day the banks burst and the house was flooded. As the water level rose alarmingly, the man climbed onto the roof of the house. A Boat came by. “Climb aboard.” called the captain.  “No, I shall stay here,” said the man. “God will take care of me.”  Twenty minutes later, the waters sill rising, the man climbed onto the chimney. Another boat came past. “Jump aboard,” said the captain.  “No, I shall stay here,” said the man. “God will take care of me.”  With the water up to the man’s waist, a helicopter suddenly swooped down.  “Quick!” shouted the pilot. “Climb aboard!”

“No, I shall stay here,” said the man. “God will take care of me.” The water level continued to rise,  soon the man was swept away from the chimney and drowned.  Up in heaven, he sought out God. “I thought you said you would take care of me,” he complained. God said, “I sent you two boats and a helicopter. What more do you want?”

Do you have any questions for me? If so, please ask away.

Group discussion questions: 

1. Have you tried to read the Bible in its entirety?  Did you make it? How long did it take?

2.  What challenges did you face? If you didn’t get all the way through, how far did you get?

3.  What is the biggest challenge you are facing in this study (if any)?

4.  What have you found rewarding so far in your attempts to read the Bible regularly?

5.  If you’ve started to read through the entire Bible but have never finished it, what has kept you from finishing your goal?

6.  What excites you most about the prospect of reading the entire Bible in 90 days?

7.  Why do you believe it is important to read the entire Bible? What do you expect to discover in terms of practical living, spiritual growth, knowledge of history or other areas?

Reading Tips:

  • You’ll be reading the Bible on your own. Set your schedule and plan to read each day. In 90 days, you’ll have accomplished your goal.
  • We’ll meet here on the blog post and discuss anything you need to cover.  I don’t claim to have all the answers, but we will find them together if need be. I’m hoping that as others chime in and discuss what they read, that any questions will be answered that way.
  • Try to read at different times to see what works best for you. Most of all, do not give up – even if you fall behind.

Understand what you can while reading, but remember – different things will “jump out” at you at different times.

Books you’ll encounter this week:

Genesis – The adventure begins. Creation of the universe and all things in it.

Exodus – Slavery and the deliverance from Egypt.

If it’s helpful to do so, print out this page, put it in your Bible and check off the schedule as you go along. Jot down some notes highlighting what you’ve read. Any knowledge gained, verses that spoke to you or just favorite passages.

Leave any comments, questions and items you’d like to discuss below. Also, please do take time to answer the discussion questions.  You never know how you’ll encourage someone to keep going after their goal!

If you are replying to someone, please include their name.  If you are on twitter, please leave your twitter name, so others can follow you.  I love getting to know others this way!

Let’s do this!

 

 

Bible Lesson, Blogs, Recent blogs

Bible in 90 Days Study

4 Comments

 

bible in 90 days

The Bible in 90 Days 

I’ve done this study a few years back and wanted to do it again with you! Many feel you can’t “get anything” when you read through the Bible in this fashion, but I submit to you God Promised HIS Word will NOT return void.  So, what do you have to lose?

Each week I’ll post the schedule, some discussion questions and a FREE study guide for us to follow along/help us out with.

We will start Sunday 6/21 but you can Join us at anytime!

You do NOT need to purchase another Bible.

Each week I will be posting the schedule for the week, some thoughts, questions and such.  But, should you want to, here is a link for products in this study that has a NIV Bible with the pages marked with start and finish.  There is also a participant guide you can purchase for $8.99. Personally I like the participant guide, but feel free to use a journal or notebook to write things down in.

You will be able to participate in discussions about what we read by answering questions, leaving comments, asking questions and having a fun time as we soak up the history of so many wonderful people, times and miracles listed in the Bible.

We’ll be reminded that even great men failed to believe, do the right thing at the right time and even got angry, disobeyed direct commands, yet still were mighty men of faith.  We’ll see the beauty of relationships restored, faith increased and tears of joy through out this study.  Are you committed? Are you a little nervous? Are you with me?

If you use the Bible from the link above, you’ll read 12 pages a day.  Just 12.  You can do this. WE can do this.  Many may wonder about reading through so “quickly” and not retaining it.  Well, if my math is correct – you’ll be reading through your Bible 4 times a year.  I don’t know about you, but I’m expecting growth from this!

What can you expect as we journey through the Bible together?  These are just a few of my own personal observations, but I feel that you can expect:

  • “Things” to get in your way and you’ll fall behind. If this happens, take the time to read a few extra pages a day, or set time on Sunday to get caught up.
  • Work to pick up and tiredness will be a factor. Read while you rest!!
  • You’ll make it through the Bible in 90 days having learned/felt something that applied to right where you are, right now. Growth, hope and inspiration.
  • You’ll find new friends that are supporting what you do here. Even if it’s just me ;-)
  • Questions that may lead to more questions. But, together, we’ll find the answers.
  • More admiration for the Lord
  • A deeper, closer walk with the Lord.
  • Joy in your heart from overcoming your fears of failure in this area.

I’m hoping by the end, you’ll have a desire to do it again. Each time you read through the Bible, you’ll get something different, as you are in a different place in your life.  It will be an awesome accomplishment by the time a year ends and we will have read through the Bible 4 times!

There are study guides that give extra insight in each week. I hope you’ll grab them and make use of them.

 

You can also read through your Bible ONCE in this year by using THIS schedule

If you want to Join me on this 90 Day Bible Adventure, please leave your name, twitter handle (if you have one) and State/area below so that we can interact together.  I’ll be posting things in the comments about my adventure, and hope that you’ll do the same!

Make sure you check back to catch up on any comments that are made here.

We can do this!

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

 

 

Bible Lesson, Daily Armor, Marriage Resources, Men's Ministries, Recent blogs, Women's Bible Study

9 Bible Studies

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9free biblestudies

We love being a huge Christian Resource Site! We love helping you to increase your Bible knowledge and strengthen your Relationship with the Lord.

Here are 9 Bible Studies that are available for a FREE Download!  Free, as in nothing to sign up for, nothing to do, nothing to like – you just click the link and you get a free PDF Bible Study.

Enjoy!

1.  Love to the Uttermost by John Piper

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This Bible Study aims to focus our attention on Jesus as he displays his love to the uttermost (John 13:1). These meditations on the self-giving love of Christ are all excerpted from the preaching and writing ministry of John Piper.

 

2.  The Resolution for Women Study created by Jeni 

the-resolution-for-women

Get the Book by Priscilia Schrier but do the free study created by Jeni that she did with the ladies in her church

 

3.  3 Free Marriage Studies

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Free printable Bible study lessons are a great way to strengthen your marital relationship. You see, your relationship with God is an essential part of your relationship with your spouse.  For that reason, it is very important that you spend time in the Word of God Daily.  These studies are perfect for individual study or even small groups

 

4.  Good News of Great Joy by John Piper 

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5.  Esther, The Beauty of Courageous Submission by Darlene Schacht 

 

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6.  The Joy of Christian Living

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7.  Ruth, A Woman of Virtue 

 

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8.  Lesson on Living from David – By Back to the Bible 

 

Back to the Bible has several Bible studies you can download for free. Lessons on Living from David is a 31 day devotional taken from the life of David. The free PDF download also contains reflective questions and practical application for each day.

 

9.  Outside the Zone by Rachel Wojnarowksi 

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Rachel shares the stories of five people in the Bible who stepped outside their comfort zones to be used of God.

 

 

Do you have a FREE Bible Study that we can share with our readers? Please leave a link below so we can check it out!

 

 

Bible Lesson, Daily Armor, Women's Bible Study

Women’s Ministries

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Women…visit these sites for support in your walk with Jesus!

 

abingdon women

 

 

 

Abingdon Women offers enriching and relevant Bible studies for women who want to know and live in the Word. We are here to serve Your Life and Your Faith.

 

Free themed devotionals and printables for the Leader that wants to inspire, encourage and motive her ladies group!

 

proverbs 31

 

Bringing God’s peace, perspective, and purpose to today’s busy woman.

What we offer: Proverbs 31 Ministries provides the Biblical perspective for the gut honest issues women face.

How you can get involved: Get involved through our free online daily devotions, online Bible studies, daily radio programs, resources, and more!Click here to visit our website.

 

group-womens-ministry-resources-on-facebook

Innovative resources for women’s ministry from Group publishing, including leader …Our resources help your ministry embrace women for who they are.  Group Publishing has Mini-Event Kits, Retreat Kits, Free Devotionals and More

 

 

womensministrytools_logo_stackedWomensMinistryTools.com is dedicated to serving women’s ministry leaders with women’s Bible studies and teaching content to help build effective ministries for women. This website includes Bible study and articles

 

womens ministry tool box

Women’s Ministry Toolbox has helps for every ministry! Icebreakers and games, free printables and tips on organizing and planning. Are you a new Ministry Leader? We have tips and training for you too!

 

BibleCafeLinkButton…Join fellow sisters in Christ as they gather online for in-depth Bible Cafe for Women Study.  Small groups meet online at     various times all over the globe! Truly a ministry taking the word of God to the whole world!

 

 

 

Lifeway Ministries

…Beth Moore’s LifeWay Ministries … a wealth of information and support for women needing more of Jesus! Visit http://www.lifeway.com.

 

 

going beyond …Check out gifted teacher, Pricilla Shirer’s Going Beyond Ministries for a truth and teaching beyond the ordinary! Visit http://www.goingbeyond.com.

Archived, Bible Lesson 1, Blogs, Mike

Alone

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AloneOne of the grim realities of life is that we are alone. In the middle of a busy city with others all around we are alone.
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This “aloneness” is one of the results of the fall, but is mostly ignored by writers. We simply don’t talk about it. Man, designed to be in constant relationship with God who made him is now thrust into the world empty, alone, isolated. Even with thousands around us we all have sensed this truth…we are alone.
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In God’s amazing plan of redemption his intentions were to deal with more than one problem in the cross. Clearly the Christian world knows about his resolution of the sin issue. Without a doubt we all know about God’s redemption accomplished by Christ, the forgiveness of sin, the restored relationship, the promise of eternity, but what we don’t talk about is the resolution of man’s isolation problem.
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Part of God’s plan in redemption was to bring us back into a relationship with him. We use those words so easily, but don’t realize what they mean. One of our major problems caused by sin is our isolation. We are alone! God’s plans included the restoration of how he designed us to be. His plans included the repair of this breach. Here is what Jesus says about this plan,
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John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.’ 22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, ‘But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?’ 23 Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
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“We will come to him and make our home with him.” Did you see that? In God’s amazing plan of salvation he also plans to resolve our aloneness. He resolves it by coming to us and living with us. Suddenly, we are no longer alone. In a moment of time the great ache of the heart is resolved. Human beings, designed to be in constant fellowship with God, through Christ, are restored to that relationship. God with us, living in us, our hope of glory. This truth is profound and immensely important. If we miss this we miss all that God has done. No longer alone….what an amazing and wonderful part of God’s redemptive work.