This is a small group that was following the plan to read through the Bible one chapter at a time with Good Morning Girls. Good Morning Girls is on an indefinite break. But will we continue reading through the Bible.
Each Monday go to the Weekly Reading Plan or the Bible Study Thread for our current book to see the introductory post for the week and the weekly reading passages, discussion questions, and memory verse.
Be sure to come here each day to see what the members of the group are sharing. Try to participate in the discussion with a post at least once each week to share with us what God is teaching you. Posting on the forum helps motivate all of us to keep reading by seeing the others persevering and it provides additional insight and learning.
Each Friday we will attempt to share a Friday Devotional that addresses some of the topics we have read that week.
Please also take time to read the Group Overview post that provides some ideas on how to get the most out of your study here! You can find this post in the the "Bible Study" section of the board.
1 of 1
| Bible Study » James » 8/11/2016 2:55 am |
- chocolatejulie
- Replies: 47
-
JRoberts73 wrote:I read this quote today that I thought I would share.
"We do not have a God who forever indulges our whims but a God whom we trust with our destinies."
Eugene Peterson
How very true . Thanks
| Bible Study » James » 8/10/2016 1:51 am |
- chocolatejulie
- Replies: 47
-
James4 13-17
O: We should remeber two thing, firstly there is a much bigger picture to Gods Kingdom than we will ever grasp on earth, and secondly its not all about you!. We can become so insular wrapped up in striving for what the world offers, money position, perceived power, that we forget why we are here. We are here to serve god and build his kingdom on earth so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, to care for his creation and love as he has loved us.
A: For me the application of this is to try and build a really close relationship with God, to listen hard and be obedient to whatever he asks of me, to know what he asks might be for the benefit someone else, but ultimately his Kingdom, and may well involve sacrifice on my part. To look for that instruction with a joyful heart (not always easy). And most of all not to judge what the Lord asks of me with the values of the world, that often brings me to the place of, "thats not enough" or "thats too much". To tust that God will provide for all my needs whilst I sit in obedience. Don't get me wrong I fail all the time but for me I think this is the blueprint.
K: Father please give me wisdom to know when it is you speaking , perseverance and courage to do
whatever you ask and an attitude that doesn't care what the world thinks. In Jesus name Amen
| Bible Study » James » 8/05/2016 2:38 am |
- chocolatejulie
- Replies: 47
-
S: James 3 ,3-6. We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go even though the winds are strong. So also the tongue is a small thing but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire . And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
…
O: So the tongue is what will direct me to either good or evil depending on how I choose to speak, how
terrifying! We think words are disposable, once uttered they are gone? And if no one hears me speak does it matter what I say? Well yes it sounds like it does. So this is not only about others but about me, the things I say to myself. Words I hears from others and myself can be harmful to me, an extra thing to battle against an opportunity for satan to attack me, then also things I say to others can lay them low make them vulnerable. The tongue can really wound if we use it incorrectly. The other side of this is that we can also bless ourselves and others when we speak in love , it is a powerful tool that we can use to strengthen Gods kingdom. I have a family member who has set a forest fire with their tongue it has caused so much
pain and hurt, and the fire still rages as new words are frequently added yet they seem to enjoy giving their
tongue free reign.
A: To make every word you say considered, and be really aware of the good or harm you could be doing every time you speak. I think that asking the holy spirit to guide and control my tongue must be the only way to go, verse 8 says no one can tame the tongue.
K: Heavenly father I ask you send your holy spirit to guide and help me control my tongue, keep me aware of the power for good and evil that are within my words for myself and those around me and remind me
| Bible Study » James » 8/04/2016 5:48 am |
- chocolatejulie
- Replies: 47
-
TBG wrote:
GMG Discussion Question: Christians are to not show favoritism based on someone's wealth or nice clothing. In what ways do you struggle with showing favoritism and loving everyone as God would have you love them?
…
I usually don't have trouble giving people grace when they hurt or offend me. I tend to think that it is a lot more about them and whatever is going on with them than it is about me. Also, I appreciate that people have different life experiences and just sometime can't see the other person's opinion and that does not make them bad.
That said, I do have problems with people who I think don't like me or who treat me in a way that I think feels dismissive or disrespectful or patronizing. That is what I need to work on.
Ironically, I was late posting this because I had to see someone who I am really not fond of. I don't mean that I just objectively avoid them because they have bad behavior. I mean I have a negative heart attitude towards them. I don't feel love or grace towards this person. I would not say I hate them, but I just really don't like them. I think this person i not very fair or respectful to my husband and I can't stand him.
Since this person is a fellow believer, I am not sure he even understands how his actions come across, or I would hope he would not do it.
So, I had to have lunch with him and I was thinking of our study for today thinking, "Oh, OK, now I have the chance to put this into action and find love for him in my heart." So I was convicted, not that I have to say his behavior is correct, not that I have to be around someone who is not nice, but the only way I can describe it is I know that I have a bad attitude towards him and don't care about him the way I should in Christ. I should look at him as I do anyone else who may be in sin, with love and compassion understanding that we are all in process and we are all imperfect and give him grace.
So, after this study I am praying about changing my h
| Bible Study » James » 8/04/2016 5:35 am |
- chocolatejulie
- Replies: 47
-
S: 2:9 Do you still think it is enough just to believe that there is one god? Well even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror!
O: I don't think it is enough no, because that gives no commitment to follow Christ, it provides no relationship with God. (It is like seeing someone across a room, you know they are there but no little about them,) Without these two things faith is very difficult to sustain especially when the trails of life come. The demons recognise the awsome power and might of God and are terrified, yet we also need to recognise this but through the lense of his love for us. This draws us deeper into relationship which in turn gives us a hunger to serve so that deeds become a natural way to love our brothers and sisters. It is so easy to become overwhelmed as we are constantly surrounded by need, in our own churches and the wider world. It seems impossible at times to think we can offer anything of use as the need seem to great. We must try to remember that God is not constrained by the world as we are. If only every human could do this the world would look so different.
A: Pray, Pray, Pray and do what you can, give what you can however small and God will take our offerings and guide our actions. Try to keep close to God and listen, be ready if he calls you to act even if it is a sacrifice and praise him for the opportunity to serve.
K: Help us to remember heavenly father that you are King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we do not need to be overwhelmed by the world but to draw near to you. Amen
| Bible Study » James » 8/03/2016 2:34 am |
- chocolatejulie
- Replies: 47
-
S: James 2 v12 So whenever you speak, or whatever you do, remeber that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set you free.
O: I have been set free and all my sin forgiven because of what jesus did for me on the cross, his law of love has given me acess to god amazing grace. To be able to treat everyone the same I need to remember. this at all times and try to see them as jesus does, when he set them free, or how he longs too. humility seems to be the key, I must stay humble and close to God with a thankful heart for what he has done for me.
A: easier said than done! Developing an attitude of gratitude and a humble heart is a daily battle and a lifes work, but every morning I am renewed and try again. I have a book of thanks to record gods goodness to me and try to put myself in anothers place before making assumptions.
P: Heavenly father I give thanks and praise that you love us more than we can ever imagine, a love so overwhelming and complete that it banishes all sin. Help me to draw ever closer to you. In Jesus name Amen.
| Introductions » Let's introduce oursleves. » 8/02/2016 4:30 am |
- chocolatejulie
- Replies: 97
-
Hi I am a 46 year old mom of 2 (17and 18). I am very active in our local church as pastoral care co ordinator and I try to work hard for the Lord. I confess to you all now that I struggle to make time for scripture every day and I am joining you all to try and change that! Please pray I succeed it can only bring blessings.
1 of 1