Human Resources (Day 1.3)
November 18, 2009 by Christine
Filed under BF-Week 01
Welcome back to the Bible Study Cafe as we continue our study of Breaking Free with Beth Moore. If you’re just joining us, here are a few reminders:
- Remember to memorize this week’s scripture verse-Isaiah 61:1
- Listen to audio Session One-Introduction
- Download the Viewer Guide for the Answers to the Audio Sessions
- Post your introduction to the group
We’re learning that we often seek help and support from humans rather than from God. Our accessibility to God is limited when we lack prayer and time with Him. We’re distracted by constant exposure to human resources and become dependent on people and things instead of God. Sometimes we can even hit rock bottom, and when God reaches out His hand, we turn away.
Prayer Requests
Lord, as we seek you in scriptures, open our hearts to the truth and breaking free. Reveal to us if we have a problem with unbelief, pride, idolatry, prayerlessness or legalism. Direct our steps in your ways and walk beside us as we learn together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Beth Moore Quotes
- God never deserted His people, He always had a plan for them -Beth Moore
- God never heaps more chastisement on His children than necessary for their benefit and return to obedience-Beth Moore
- God is the glorious initiator of reconciliation-Beth Moore
Today’s Scripture Verses*
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7
Lets Talk About It
When Manasseh was taken prisoner he “hit rock bottom.” How could this be considered a blessing in disguise? Have you ever hit rock bottom…please share your stories.
Breaking free,
I’m reminded of a rock climbing wall, when we start climbing from the bottom of the pit. If we try on our own, we fall right back down. If we try to climb without a helper (Jesus) we may become injured. Yet God is there, in the safety equipment, lifting us out of the pit. “Don’t look down” is a common phrase in rock climbing-and when we climb out of the pit our eyes are focused up-on the Lord and only Him.
Are you still in the rock bottom pit-and what is your plan for getting out? Are you allowing people to get you out, or Jesus the helper and God the center of the throne? Do you like being at the bottom of the pit? It’s not a matter of when or how you got there, its a matter of getting yourself out. Get out of your pit-with the help of God.
At times I find myself thinking my problems are too small to trouble God with or I am not worthy. But realistically none of us are worthy. We still need to “Stand Firm” in our Faith. According to Isaiah 7:9
“Unless your Faith is Firm,
I can not MAKE you Stand Firm.”
I struggle with taking the credit for my successes. I have been working on giving the credit to God, I still fail at times. I want to draw attention to myself… “Hey Look What I DID!”. I seek approval from man. This all reverts back to Monday’s lesson.
My Plan is to Focus on Beth Moore’s question….
“Does Victory humble us and bring us to our knees in thanksgiving to God…OR… Does Victory make us proud and arrogant towards those less victorious?”
I am ashamed of my answer.
I would like to request that you add me to your Prayer Lists. Please pray that I will continue to keep God First and Highest. That I will bruise my knees by spending tons of time on them, worshiping the One that makes all great things happen.
This past couple of months have been especially difficult for me – -I have had to face some very hard, heart-breaking things in my life – the serious illnesses of my husband and mother, a grandson whose world was turned upside down when a father who rejected him for 4 years decided he wanted contact with him, and seeing my grandson filled with fear of having to go with a stranger, and then my son’s world fell apart and he left his wife and children . . .and our church is struggling (my husband is the minister) . . .and I felt so like Job. Why are all these things happening at the same time? I KNOW that God is with me, cheering me on each morning when I decide I have to get out of bed and face the world. I KNOW in Him, I will be okay . . but the pain is so strong, I am so glad He is with us in the trials, I am thankful for His grace, peace and love. So, although I have been thrown into the pit – - I refuse to stay there. and I acknowledge, that I can’t change the things that are happening, but with strength from God, I will be able to overcome. (now, the “counting it all joy”, “rejoicing in all things” . . that is something I am still working on!
It would be a blessing if you allow us to pray for you, here in the Bible Cafe. You’re safe when surrounded by other women in Bible Study. You’re prey to Satan and his weapons of depression, anger, fear-when you isolate yourself in the pit. Join hands in strength with Prayer warriors.
Found these verses today:
The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ Obadiah 1:3 NIV
Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low. Job 40:11
Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Psalm 138:6
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:12
The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled) Isaiah 2:12
Manasseh would never have changed had he not been taken out of where he was. Did he want to be taken captive? Did he want to be a slave to his captors? No, he felt he was king of everything, encouraging, leading people, even going so far as to disrespect God personally by placing idols in his courtyard. This was not a man who thought he could be stopped…perhaps he thought God wasn’t really there, or didn’t really care….after all, was God intervening? was he stopping him at any point? Did lightning come down when temple courtyard was desecrated by idols? No, until something personal came into his life to make him “come to his senses” did He realize the error of his ways. What is it that causes us to “come to our senses”. Sometimes it takes the pit, sometimes intervention by others, sometimes just circumstances. But, I believe that we are blinded when sin takes over, and prayers of others are essential, as well as others speaking truth in love and helping us out of our pits. We may “come to our senses” and pray to God and He hears, but we also need the fellowship and love of others, as I see offered to our hurting sisters. I feel each person in this study needs our prayers. God hears. God answers. And we reach out to care as vessels of that love in jars of clay.
I liked it when you said “God answers.” It took me many years to realize this, and now I know that He answers because I ask. It’s not always the answer I desire, yet it is the answer God has prepared for me in advance. I love being a child of God!
A friend of mine (you know who you are) would always say “find the positive” and I live by that today. Because, no matter how awful something seems in your life – there is always something positive that can come out of it. This is that “blessing in disguise” just when you think it can’t get any worse, it does – and you feel that its the worse thing ever. However, there is always a reason for everything that happens. Sometimes you don’t wake up until you hit rock bottom and remember the one you actually need is God.
I received some healing from this day’s lesson. At the end of the lesson where Beth says, If we are leaders of any kind, we have an even greater responsibility to make liberty in Christ a reality. Many people are afraid to admit there can be spiritual bondage but it happens even in Christian churches–not just cults as Beth referenced about the exorcisms and the fear of the people. I had no idea she would be saying this today when I spoke yesterday of the church I had to leave. God loves us to direct us to a study to rid us of false guilt. I loved those Pastors with all my heart and was heading up the Women’s ministry for about 8 months when I began to see the unbalance. We were expected to be at the church 4 or 5 times a week and I got totally mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. I could not even find time to study the word myself except what I would teach in a monthly women’s meeting. It broke my heart when it was confirmed to me that I had to leave. This man loved Jesus with all his heart but he was enamoring a superstar Pastor which caused him to sway from the vision God had given him–not another man. I felt that God took me from there to keep me from being hurt anymore than I was just from leaving. After I left many people left and the church died down to hardly nothing. This was the second time this happened to this Pastor and I think it was due to his desire to be successful and well known instead of wanting to shepherd his people who were very loyal and respected him very much. I am just thankful to God for this confirmation that I did the right thing. Even tho I knew I had I have never been able to settle back into a church the way I was then where I feel secure enough to get once again involved—to serve which is what I love to do. Maybe this is what this part of my journey in Breaking Free is all about–that I may “freely” serve Him and His church once again. I Praise You Lord!!
i didn’t forget about bible study…UPS delivered my workbook tonight at 6:30. so i will do two studies tomorrow and get back to you all. have a good night.
because he knew that God loved him no matter what and would forgive him of all his sins, if he truly was sorry for them.
here’s a question for ya…is this where the term “born again” comes from?
God had forgiven Manasseh. Manasseh had put God first and was essential “born again”.
The term “born again” comes directly from Jesus.
You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3:7
In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. ” John 3:3
I have hit rock bottom personally a couple of times in my life that really stand out. At times, it felt like the worst thing that could ever happen to me. But in retrospect, it was the best thing that could have happened.
Several years ago, I let my life go in directions that I never thought possible for me. Since a young girl, I’ve had a great relationship with God and always tried to do what was right in His eyes. I became rebellious and let myself walk my own path doing things I knew were sinful and not of God. I lived this way almost a year before I lost it all–literally. I lost my job, my friends, my security and my confidence. I was truly at rock bottom. But, that was where God needed me to be in order to put my life back on His track. Soon after, I met my husband (who is awesome!) and went to nursing school. I wasn’t perfect but I was back on track! From that awful pit experience and being forced to look at myself and what I had become God was able to point me back in the right direction–leading me to the career I am supposed to have, my awesome husband and the father of my beautiful son!
Emotionally, I wasn’t sure I could hit a deeper rock bottom than I did 5 years ago when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I had a 6 week old and had no clue how to balance cancer, a herniated disk, and a newborn. Through the grace of friends, family, and a former church, I was able to get through that horrifying six months of my life.
Then, two years ago, I had the same symptoms of a herniated disk. I thought that the simple surgery I had before I started chemo would be the end of my back problems. And then I heard the doctor utter 3 words that were more horrifying to me than the C-word: Degenerative Disk Disease. Why are those words more horrifying? I have watched my mother become all but wheelchair-bound by that disease. She hurts every day of her life. And now, I hurt every day of my life.
I cannot work, and therefore, we are a 1-income family. It is very difficult to live on the salary my husband is getting. We are praying that another job will open up and that God will open the doors for us to go there, despite our financial issues. This job would give us more freedom and the ability for me to go to the doctor and hopefully get medicine that will allow me to function without having to weigh medical treatment against eating.
My pit is large, and quickly filling with water. Your prayers are appreciated.
Charmaine … our history with churches sounds very much alike. I know where you are because I am there as well. (yet another thing that has made our pit so very large)
We are more alike than you know. I too suffer with degenerative disc disease, Had two discs removed in my neck with bone graft and plate. It wasn’t a total success and I have same in lower back. Lost my job cause I couldn’t lift anymore after 29 years at the same company. Been going to pain management for last two years but I hate taking meds for pain and compressed nerves. Some days it’s an effort to get out of bed but I won’t be pressed down by the enemy. He thinks the only way to get me these days is by trying to convince me I am useless to go out and serve him again due to chronic fatigue and pain but I will prove him wrong. We will persevere and prevail IN CHRIST. God bless you!
Oh, pain is soooo debilitating…..but your Spirits are strong, and you are vital in the words you share. Charmaine, you were a blessing in the last study, and I find you to be in this one as well. You are not useless! a lie from the enemy to be stamped under foot! Arise and shine, even if you feel it’s a little candle right now, you are giving off light, and God will fan it into a flame, cuz it sure sounds like you’re going through the fire. I am finishing another Beth study where she talks about “through” faith. God doesn’t take us out, or send us around, he sends us “through” to grow….ouch it hurts to grow! Luv ya!
Thanks Pam, I appreciate the encouragement more than you could ever know. (2 Cor 4:8)
wow..you ladies are awesome. I love your insight and knowledge. you really make me think… My sister hit rock bottom with drugs and almost lost her kids. She worked hard at getting her kids back and has not touched drugs for about 5 years but she has such guilt and I really believe that is she would let Jesus in her life she would have peace…I have been praying and she is letting me talk to her. This study today really opened my eyes to her and I will let Jesus do the work but I will be the servant to him…
That’s Awesome Nickie! I pray that the Lord will guide you as you talk with your sister about Jesus. All you have to do is plant the seed and He will do all the work!
Be Blessed.
Jennifer
When I was going through a particular difficult time, my mother sent me a story about a mule that had fallen in a pit. The farmer could not figure out a way to get him out, so he decided to just bury him the pit and began the process of filling the pit with dirt. As the dirt would hit the back of the mule, the mule would shake it off. Little by little, as the dirt fell and he shook it off, the floor filled with dirt that the mule used to step up. Finally, after shaking off all the dirt, he was able to walk out of the pit.
When we find ourselves in a pit, we must realize that man might mean it for evil, but God’s got a plan….shake it off and keep stepping up.
Flat on our backs may be the only time that we will look up at God for deliverance.
Sometimes it takes something drastic for God to get our attention. We are so consumed with the world and other things that fill our time we can no longer hear Him calling for us. It just came to me that it is like the radio in your car. Have you ever turned up the radio in your car because you just wanted to focus on something else other than the Whys? coming from the backseat.. ( I know I’m guilty of this). I think as Christians we tend to turn the music of life up way to loud and we no longer can hear God talking to us. We never get to a place where it is quite or still long enough for Him to speak. I think it would be wise for all of me to turn down life’s music and listen for God. Thankfully, even though I am sometimes deaf ( this includes me sometimes) from listening to the music for so long. God still reaches out to get my attention. He has to turn the music down. Have you ever been in the middle of the song, belting it from the top of your lungs and someone just abruptly shuts the music off. This is embarrassing (especially for singer like me), but this is where we finally realize how loud we have been and are now ready to listen. It’s unfortunate that we have to feel that embarrassment but what would happen without it? What if it was because I needed to take an emergency phone call, or my daughter want’s to tell me she made straight A’s. If God wants to get through, He will find a way. Our part is to be willing to listen and call out to him instead of drowning out the call.
Thank You, Jesus for calling me out. For giving me moments like Manasseh so that I am not trapped in my own ways. Help me to hear your voice when you call and to be ready to respond and not assume that I already know what you have to say. Amen.
Beautiful post LeAnn and exactly what we are studying about in the Bible study “Discerning the Voice of God.” Sounds as if you’re desire is to get back on the road of sensitivity and obedience to the Holy Spirit’s proddings. God bless you.
Manahessa being taken prisoner could be considered to be a blessing in desigue in the fact that he may have wanted things to go way or he may not have even thougth that god cared or was watching but in the end the exact thing that caused him to be taken captive was also the same thing that would have caused him to revelauate where he had placed god in lif and where made hin realize that he was wrong. he could have had things turn out differnenly if only he had looked to god first instaead of last when he had rock bottom. i don’t know that that i can say that i have totally at one time to another hit rock bottom. i have been in tough situations and felt close to getting there but i have changed my focus just in time that god has saved me from having to experience hitting rock bottom. i too agree with those who are saying that god answers our prayer. it has taken a while to really get this because some time he is answering but in the way i am expecting or in my timming even. he had none the less answered but in his timming and in his own ways very often. i just may not realize it at the time until after the fact when i look back and see what has happened.
It can be considered a blessing in disguise because Manasseh cried out to the Lord and asked for forgiveness and help. He repented and asked the Lord to take him back! I feel like I am hitting rock bottom now. I feel so far from the Lord. I don’t hear him, and I don’t see him. I almost don’t really feel him anymore and I know it is because of the life that I have been leading. My 3 1/2 year old is closer with God than I am … and I want to be where she is!!! I want to be in that relationship with God that I once had. I always said that I would raise my child in a christian household and that my husband and I would have christ first in our marriage. We are so far from it and it is making me sick. I want to put Christ back on his throne, and have him FIRST in everything I do. I am slowly getting there and I know that this bible study has the steps and I NEED TO BE FREE!