Welcome back to the Womens Bible Cafe as we review and discuss week two from Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Last week when we asked you to find one scripture verse that would help you walk away from Satan’s lies more than 100+ of you replied! Great job ladies…..you inspire me as well as the others who are participating in this bible study!
In week two of Lies Women Believe Nancy DeMoss helps us realize the lies we believe about God. The first time I read this I was shocked to realize that Satan had planted the seeds of deception and that I believed these lies. When I was 12 years old my beloved uncle lost his life to lung cancer and I assumed a false belief that God was not good. During my prodigal run, I wrongly believed God did not love me, God could not see me and God was only good to certain people. Since God didn’t answer my prayer to spare my uncle’s life, I assumed He did not love my family. I walked in the darkness searching for a love only God would be able to provide. We can’t hide from God under false assumptions and lies; we’re only hiding from ourselves.
My life was transformed when I saw the goodness of God. He didn’t just push an “on switch” and transform me. Instead He walked me through painful events during the same time I was seeking Him and participating in bible study. Through a tidal wave of trails I saw a magnified God whom I had abandoned in unbelief. I saw a Father who loved and cared for my family and I saw God was good. It was during these trials that I needed Him, trusted Him and gave my life to Him. Today I see God as my Father, not a punisher. I see myself as His daughter and I see my circumstances as His will and an opportunity to learn and grow near to Him. God is my Rock and I will never again be shaken by unbelief. When I changed my view of God, I changed my view of myself.
Lies Society Widely Accepts as True (answers from last week’s group discussion)
- …the lie that we should all be superwomen. Tend the family, work the job, keep the house, spend NO time on ourselves!
- …the lie that I missed the mark, will never live up to God’s standard & will only tread water with mediocre ministry.
- …the lie that it’s OK to charge that now. Just pay it off in a year….
- …the lie that you must go to college, find a great job, have a successful career, find a great husband, have children, buy 2 cars, 1 house, and etc.. etc.. etc.. IF YOU don’t do these things, you are nothing and your life doesn’t matter.
- …the lie that I cannot stand up for myself without coming across as a jerk or for fear of hurting someone else’s feelings.
- …the three lies: that I am unsuccessful, unattractive, and insignificant,
- …the lie that there is no value in taking care of the home and children, and that women need a fulfilling fast paced career in order to feel valued.
- …the lie that I am not good enough in my marriage
- …the lie that to be successful, loved, respected, women must be young, beautiful, thin, groomed and dressed very fashionably and expensively.
- …the lie that women need to be busy and I thank God for His Word and commandment to rest.
- …the lie that we have to control most things in our lives and are not taught to rely upon God and put our faith in him that he will take care of us
- …the lie that is continually accepted by society: Racism
- …the lie that we need MORE,MORE,MORE…..bigger is better, new car, new hourse, it is ok to be in debt, everyone else is…….the lie that money and objects make you happy.You have to have lots of “stuff” to be happy or successful.
- …the lie that if you do a good deed, then you will have a place in heaven.
- …the lie of having to have/keep up a certain appearance….I mean, between the media, fashion industries & the Jones, this world has forgotten that none of that ever mattered…
- …the lie that I can’t lose weight or I don’t look good
- …the lie of doubting that God is in control and will take care of me, husband, and the rest of my family and friends.
- …the lie of not being loved. I live alone and my children are not close. I can go for days and my phone never rings.
- …the lie that success is measured in dollars in our world and not in the health of our relationships with others – our God, our families, etc.
- …the lie that I won’t be rewarded for the sacrifices I’ve made and that it won’t get better.
- …the lie that you have messed up to much and will never be”God enough”
- …the lie that wealth equals blessing
- …the lie of blaming others for your bad attitude and not taking responsibility for it yourself.
- …the lie that there is no absolute truth – all people’s beliefs are right.
- …the lie that you need to preform perfectly to be accepted.
- …the lie that women needing to be so “independent”.
- …the lie that “It takes both parents working to make a living and provide for a family”
- …the lie that said that God is not enough.
- …the lie that you can do it my way and that you are a queen of your own destiny.
- …the lie of Satan throwing the weight of my sins back on me daily… Shame, Guilt.
- …the lie that ” As long as I’m not hurting anyone (or breaking the law), I can do what ever my heart desires. If it feels good, it must be good.”
- …the lie that how you live will have control of your future destiny.
- …the lie that “A fetus is not a baby”
From our group discussion, it’s apparent that we see and recognize the obvious lies. Yet when you look at our study this week, we now realize that some lies are less obvious. Some lies are deep inside our hearts, planted with a tiny seed that guides our decisions and beliefs. Some lies are formed when we are small children and some lies are formed as adults. As we continue this journey with Nancy Leigh DeMoss we’ll discover more lies we believe and the truth to set us free.
At the end of chapter two Nancy has created a list called Countering the Lies with Truth. I want you to read this list again, and this time insert your name before each truth. For example, you will say” (your name) believes God is good and God does not make mistakes.” Write these truths out or make a copy of this page and carry it with you until you have embedded the Truth into your heart and mind. We need to recognize the truth because there is so much pressure from family, friends and society to accept lies.
Praying For My Small Group and the Bible Cafe Leaders
As you continue your study, know that your small group leaders are praying for you by name. We’re praying to stop any distractions or obstacles which might keep you from learning the Truth and completing this bible study. We know if you make it past the third week of study, chances are you’re going to persevere and finish the journey. If you feel like you’re struggling, falling behind or lacking commitment…I strongly advise you to email your leader or contact me so you will not stumble on the journey to freedom.
Quotes From Nancy Leigh DeMoss
- We want God to fix all our problems. God says instead, “I have a purpose for your problem.”
- God is so powerful, He is able to bring results even out of evil circumstances.
- When we have God, we have all we really need.
- True freedom is found in obedience.
- God never promised to make life easy.
Prayer Requests
Our Prayer Wall is the place to reach out with your prayer needs and praise reports. Please visit the page and pray for those people who are asking for you to lift them up in prayer.
For Next Week
- Pray for the women who are doing this study with you.
- Read Chapter Three in your book and companion guide.
- Look at the list of Key Resources on page 269 for topics addressed in this book
- Check in with your Small Group Leader
Group Discussion- Answer ONE question or as many as you like
- Nancy says “Once we reject the goodness of God, we feel justified in rejecting His will and making our own decision about right or wrong.” Has there ever been a time in your life when you rejected the goodness of God? What happened?
- How would your life be transformed if you grasped the greatness of God’s love?
- What area of your life would be different if you gave it a fresh view of God’s goodness?
- Share your thoughts about this week’s lesson.
Have a great week…stay on track with your reading and may you grow in truth!
God is good…always!
There we quite a few lies I identified with in Chapter 2 that if asked I would say “of course that’s a lie!” but when looking at my life I realize I’m not necessarily living that way. In particular, God is enough. I KNOW God is enough (in fact He is MORE than enough) but am I really living like it? Or am I living out “sure i need God, but I need Him plus…” If I lost my job, all my money, my family/friends, and my health would I still be able to say “God alone is enough for me”? Do I have the faith and strength of Job? I hope so (but would prefer God doesn’t test me on this one –lol).
2.How would your life be transformed if you grasped the greatness of God’s love?
My life would be transformed as I would stop living out my own plans and totally embrace living and being in God’s will as it relates to my family, my schedule, and career choices.
Thank you God, for reminded me this week that you have a purpose for my problem. Amen!!!
Has there ever been a time when I rejected the goodness of God & what happened?
In ’91 we lost my mother-in-law to cancer & our family wanted to live in the old family home. We prayed & clearly heard “no” from the Lord – yet – went on with our plans. That decision caused a ripple effect of a tsunami magnitude and although I have had some wonderful times with the Lord through these many years, the loss & devastation have taken their tole. I thank God that He has never let go of me, even though I clearly wanted my way & pushed Him away. And I am thankful that I am at a new place of revelation for other lies that I am going to overcome through His grace & mercy!!
I just received my book, so I am trying to catch up with everyone. I have just started on Chapter 2 and surprised to learn that yes I have believed a lot of these lies. But thru the Word of God I am attempting to reverse these lies into truths. I am also repenting of somethings that are currently going on in my life because of these hidden lies.
I have always been a very shy and withdrawen person since I can remember. I have fallen for the lie that i will always be that way but in answering one of Nancy’s question I applied it to myself. I will no longer be a shy and withdrawn person afraid to say anything. I have taken the control away from Satan and as I have always know God controls everything i just have to listen when he speaks. As of today I will be waiting to hear from the Lord. I will reach out to other to encourage them . I will not believe the lie that I can’t change.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Tim 1:7 NIV
Amen!
After reading the chapter I found that I do not live my life like I believe God is good, God loves me and has a purpose for my problems. I’ve been telling myself the truth throughout this past week and feel like it is sinking in some to my heart.
2.How would your life be transformed if you grasped the greatness of God’s love? I wouldn’t have to second guess what I do and constantly worry about what people think of me. I wouldn’t have to be so insecure. God is love and he loves me, it has nothing to do with me, and so I do not have to stress over loosing his love. His love is unconditional. That is so good to know!
Great Maureen! Now you can replace this with the truth and remind yourself of God’s goodness.