We’re finishing up week four with Priscilla Shirer, reading One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land. Our lesson today is about seeing God, as He reveals Himself so we will trust Him. We read through the passages of Exodus 19:10-13 in today’s lesson and saw a demonstration of how God reveals Himself. Believing God would come, the people did as Moses instructed, and they demonstrated their faith. As we continue to read in Exodus 19:16-18, we learn that God did not appear as a human, rather He appeared in supernatural formation.

On page 100, Priscilla asks what you would do if God appeared to you, run towards Him or run away from Him.

After reading today’s lesson, you learn the difference between a healthy fear of God and an unhealthy fear of God. Priscilla ends the lesson saying “the more clearly God comes into view, the more humbled and in awe of Him you should grow.” Are you prepared for a visit from your Father, the King?

Prayer Requests

Father, we are humbled by Your presence and Your attention. May each of us be prepared to hear and see You, as You come to us in love. We bow down in your presence, honored before our King. Thank you Lord, for loving us and reaching out to us. Amen.

Priscilla Shirer Quotes

• God did not display His glory on the mountain so they would run from Him, but so they would run to Him.

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” John 20:29

“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9

Group Discussion

Is there anything in this week’s lesson that has special meaning for you? If so, please share your experience.

Following Him,

Today we’re learning about hearing God, and tomorrow’s lesson is about seeing God, as we are reading week four of One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land. Priscilla Shirer has written an excellent Bible study called Discerning the Voice of God, so if today’s lesson sparks your interest, you may want to learn more with Priscilla’s other book.

In today’s lesson we learn that God gains our trust by speaking to us. There are many scripture stories where God speaks directly to people, and where the Spirit speaks to us. During the wilderness journey, God spoke to the people while they were headed to the Promised Land. He wanted His people to know and trust Him. The people responded to His voice with fear and distance.

Prayer Requests

Father God, we thank you for making your voice known to us. As we seek more of Your presence, we learn to identify your voice and to trust You with our heart, soul and mind. Quietly we listen, waiting for your words, as obedient daughters before their King. Bless each of us with the sound of your voice, in Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Priscilla Shirer Quotes

• God wanted to gain the trust of the people and He would do it in two ways: by letting the people see Him and by letting the people hear Him.
• God wants you to know His voice with confidence.

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 NIV

Group Discussion

Please complete the question in the box above, what would you do if you heard God’s voice. Feel free to post any related comments below.

Following Him,

Today’s lesson is overflowing with information about God’s covenants. In fact, the lesson is so important, you may want to read week four, day three, One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land more than once! On page 89, Priscilla Shirer writes that God wanted to do something for His people. Using her words, I replaced the word “Israel” or “them” with the word “me” and found a different meaning from the lesson. Here is how it looks:

“He wanted to make ME His Holy nation, a nation set apart for His services and purposes. He also wanted ME as His treasured possession, meaning that I would be highly valued and cherished. The Lord wanted ME to serve as His kingdom of priests, meaning I would have full access to God and would serve as His ambassador to the world.”

Prayer Requests

Please read the paragraph above, and imagine yourself in the words.

Priscilla Shirer Quotes

• Closeness between us and the Father is impossible without the divine intervention called grace.
• When we accept Christ, God adopts us into His family.
• All Biblical covenants are initiated by God, not humans.

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 14:2

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

Group Discussion

On page 91 of your workbook, Priscilla created a list of eight important covenants from the Bible. Write these on a notecard, and read the corresponding verses as a reminder of God’s conditional and unconditional covenants.

Following Him,

In today’s study, we’re reading about the Mountain of God, the Sinai experience. We’re on week four, day two of women’s Bible study, reading One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land. On page 86 of the workbook, author Priscilla Shirer writes:

“Sometimes we have to wade through a time of difficulty under God’s protective guidance before our hearts soften to His invitation to walk with Him.”

The author asks you to remember a difficult time in your life when you sought God, and your wilderness journey led you right to a Sinai experience with Him. My moment with Him definitely changed my life, as God revealed Himself to me through scripture. It happened when I was sitting in a doctor’s office, waiting for my young daughter to be diagnosed with medical condition. The morning of our appointment, I was praying and reading my Bible and centered on a specific verse. I was clinging to “love the Lord with all my heart, soul and strength” and this helped center my vision towards God as I waited to meet with the doctor. At the same time, my women’s bible study from church was praying for my daughter’s healing. It was my very first Bible study group.

While I waited in the doctor’s office, I saw a stack of DVD’s below a television screen. My eye focused on one called “Spirituality and the Brain” and since I had been praying most of the morning, this seemed an appropriate video to watch. I placed it inside the DVD player, and within minutes I heard the doctor say “love the Lord with all your heart, soul and strength.” I knew that God was present and beside me, I felt chills all over my spine, and sensed immediate peace as I realized that no matter what the diagnosis, God was going to walk beside me and my daughter. When I left the doctor’s office that day, with a life-changing diagnosis, Deuteronomy 6:5 became my life verse and my Sinai experience.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV

The doctor’s name was Dr. Amen! He has written numerous books and appeared on PBS television.

Knowing that the Mountain of God waits for you in your wilderness, would you jump at the opportunity to camp at the base of the mountain and wait for Him? Or would you be tempted to rush ahead, take matters into your own hands and see what happens. Do you climb the mountain, or wait at the base of the mountain. Which is more difficult…and which has more to offer. How many times have we been tempted by instant gratification and impatience. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” Psalm 37:7

Prayer Requests

Dear Father, we come to the mountain seeking You. We stand, and wait and listen to Your voice. Through our trials and our painful wilderness journey, we listen with out hearts and we find You, waiting for your children. We praise You and thank you for being there, loving us and leading us to intimacy with You. In Jesus name, amen.

Priscilla Shirer Quotes

• Often when we are at our lowest pace physically, financially, relationally, or in another crucial area of our lives, God ignites our hearts for Him in a brand new way.
• Settle in and turn your eyes to the mountain. The Lord wants to reveal Himself to you in a way that will change your life forever.

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.” Exodus 3:12

Group Discussion

Spend some time today reflecting on your own wilderness journey. Look at the opportunities for camping at the base of the mountain. Did the Lord reveal Himself to you, and you ran in fear? Did He reveal Himself to you and you stood in disbelief? Did He reveal Himself to you and you embraced your Father, falling to your knees in praise and worship? Please mediate on this thought today and revisit your wilderness journey.

Following Him,

We begin week four of womens Bible study with a lesson on intimacy with God. We’re reading One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land written by Priscilla Shirer. At the start of today’s lesson, we had the opportunity to rank our passion for God right now. You ranked your passion from cold at one end of the scale, to boiling over on the other end. The more we study our Bible and learn about God’s unyielding love for us, the more likely we are to feel intimacy with Him. He is a patient Father, teaching and protecting His children in love.

I especially enjoyed the eagle’s wings scenario described by Priscilla in today’s lesson. Sometimes it helps to see scripture from a setting in nature, such as the eaglet and mother relationship. As Priscilla Shirer writes:

“Mother eagles love and cherish their young, determine when to stir the nest to incite the desire for flight, and prioritize protecting them as they develop strength.”

She reminds us that our relationship with God is similar to being needy and dependent, leaving the nest, and learning to fly.

Prayer Requests

We praise you Father, as you watch over us like an eagle hovers over His young.  Help us to be aware of your Presence and your protection over us, as we learn to fly. Amen.

Priscilla Shirer Quotes

• Whether we find ourselves in the midst of a desert or enjoying an oasis of plenty, God’s purpose is to develop passionate hearts that beat for Him.

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you. Exodus 34:14 NLT

He watches over His nest like an eagle
and hovers over His young;
He spreads His wings, catches him,
and lifts him up on His pinions. Deuteronomy 32:11 HCSB

Group Discussion

What can you do to increase your intimacy with God?

Following Him,

At the women’s Bible Study Cafe, we’re completing week three of One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land. We’re reading about God’s glory during our wilderness journey as we are reminded to trust God. I selected this image because my stepDad is in a wheelchair, living with multiple sclerosis and he has shown me his constant trust in God.

Here are some scripture verses to meditate on this week:

• O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 2 Samuel 7:28
• In you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. Psalm 25:2
• Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3
• I trust in God‘s unfailing love for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8
• In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. Psalm 56:4
• Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah Psalm 62:8
• Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. John 14:1
• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
• Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
• A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. Proverbs 28:25
• Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25
• Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7
• The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

Source: BibleGateway.com NIV

Prayer Requests

On page 77 of your workbook, Priscilla Shirer suggests you make this your prayer:

“Lord, this is what I desire. Please do it or something better.”

Practice this prayer and record your experience in your journal.

Priscilla Shirer Quotes

• The wilderness provides a vital and necessary prerequisite to reaching the spiritual abundance He wants to give.
• We must encounter and embrace the wilderness in order to align our lives with God’s plan.
• Our most difficult moments allow the Lord to receive honor.

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

Group Discussion

Is there a time when you experienced absolute trust in God? If so, please share your experience.

Following Him,

As we continue with our women’s bible study by reading One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land we’re learning about “in-between” times with God. Author Priscilla Shirer describes this idle time as the perfect time for the enemy to convince us that God does not love us and has forgotten about us. Yikes! Who wants to be in that place!

Through our study today, we learn to recognize the in-between time and how to respond while God seems quiet in our lives. We looked at specific scripture verses to see examples of this in the Bible. Fortunately, we also discover the eight principles on which we need to focus during this idle time (Philippians 4:4-8)

1. Whatever is true
2. Whatever is honorable
3. Whatever is right
4. Whatever is pure
5. Whatever is lovely
6. Whatever is of good repute
7. If there is any excellence
8. If there is anything worthy of praise

Hopefully you followed Priscilla’s advice on page 73, and you’ve written these onto an index card for easy reference during the in-between time.

Prayer Requests

Father God, we purposefully focus on Philippians 4, versus 4 through 8 as we face the frustration of idle time, when we are not hearing Your voice or living in daily awareness of Your Presence. Keep our eyes centered on You as we wait in obedience and faith for Your response. While it seems to us that nothing is happening in our wilderness journey, You know the plan and direction best for us. We pray for your direction as we focus on the eight principles given to us by your servant Paul. Amen.

Priscilla Shirer Quotes

• Complaining is what kept God’s people from passing their spiritual tests.
• Unwilling to recall God’s past goodness or anticipate His future activity, they became blind to what God was doing in the now.
• Grumbling against the Lord’s plan for our lives is a serious offense.

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Romans 1:21

Do all things without grumbling or disputing. Philippians 2:14

Group Discussion

Have you personally experience an “in-between” time with God? How did it feel to you? Why do you think God allows this idle time in our lives?

Following Him,

Did you enjoy yesterday’s music, Cry Out to Jesus? I remember seeing it performed at Vacation Bible School and the performance was as memorable as the words. Today we’re reading week three, day three of One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer. We’re reading about God’s pantry….His provisions for us during the wilderness journey. The photo seen here is yet another reminder that God is ready to provide. Maybe you’ve already seen this in your wilderness journey, or you may be waiting for the provisions. In either case, KNOW that God is real and He is your Provider during your wilderness journey. I agree with Priscilla on page 66 of the workbook, when she says “taking time to review and internalize what God teaches us in the barren times is a crucial key to spiritual success.” While your wilderness journey may not have been intentional, it’s necessary in God’s plan and important to allow Him to minister to your needs.

On page 68, Priscilla describes a spiritual hunger. It seems she is always defining something I’ve recently experienced, which is why I enjoy her teaching so much. Just a few months ago, I was telling a friend about my intense interest in David, as the author of the 23rd Psalm. I wanted to know more about David, was reading the book called A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, and I even described my interest as a “craving.” My friend replied with the same word, saying he too was craving more of David, reading Swindoll’s book on David. Neither of us knew why we had this common interest, we just knew we needed to satisfy it and so we both turned to respected authors for more detailed information. God provided the answers and I felt satisfied and more knowledgeable about David after reading my book. You can find these books at your local library, we’ve linked them to Amazon simply so you can read more about the book!

Prayer Requests

We praise you Father, for creating a spiritual hunger and craving that only You can fill. We thank you for Your provisions during our wilderness journey as You reveal your love for us. With You, we know completeness and satisfaction from spiritual hunger. Thank you God, for your gifts of love. Amen.

Priscilla Shirer Quotes

• Most assuredly, a season of emptiness will accompany your journey to the Promised Land.
• Spiritual hunger leaves a soul famished. Only the Lord can satisfy it.

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. Psalm 26:2

For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. Psalm 66:10

Group Discussion

Have you ever experienced a spiritual hunger, and if so, how did God satisfy it for you? Please share your experience.

Be sure to complete the exercise on page 67, and recall some of the lessons God has been teaching you.

Following Him,

In today’s lesson of One in a Million, we learn about two miracles of God: deliverance and provision. We are reminded of that every wilderness journey has refreshment and we should anticipate and trust God during the journey. Sometimes the outcome is not the same outcome we desire, yet trust in God tells us it is God’s desire for us, His will. On page 64 in your workbook, you read about David’s own journey of anger and fear. In this lesson, Priscilla Shirer offers encouragement and solutions when you may feel disappointed in God.

Prayer Requests

Read this verse aloud Isaiah 61:3 NLT:

To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

Then ask God specifically to give you a crown of beauty for your ashed, a joyous blessing instead of your mourning, festive praise instead of despair.

Priscilla Shirer Quotes

• We can’t anticipate and provide for life’s trials, but the Lord can and does.
• Without God’s influence, nothing in the world can really quench the deep thirst of our souls.

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up,And have not let my enemies rejoice over me. Psalm 30:1

O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1

Group Discussion

When disappointed, do you tend to cry out to God or sit in frustration? Please share your experience.

Following Him,

Last week at the Bible Cafe we talked about angels, and this week begins with a discussion of miracles by Priscilla Shirer. We’re reading week three of One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land. I enjoyed the audio Session Three, be sure to download this session so you’ll hear Priscilla talk about the four things Moses said about how to face an impossible situation. As I’ve mentioned before, when you purchase the instructional audio for your individual study, you have an added advantage of being able to listen to the message over and over during the week. Load the MP3 file to your iPhone, iPod or computer and then experience the beauty of individual study! You can listen to the message as often as you like. I’ve found it quite convenient to play this in my car while driving the kids to school…they enjoy listening to women’s bible study as much as I do and we have some excellent conversations based on my current studies.

This week begins when Priscilla reminds us that a wilderness journey in inevitable in your life. As Priscilla says, you’re either smack in the middle of the wilderness, coming out of the wilderness, or about to enter a wilderness journey. Imagine how much easier the journey will be when you are more informed and face your wilderness with the knowledge of scripture. I hope you’re reading your lessons each day and seeing the value of this study.

Prayer Requests

Father God, we praise you and thank you for bringing us into the wilderness. You dried up the sea of deep waters and made a pathway for us to cross over. Thank you for being our guide, for leading us and for demonstrating your unyielding love for us. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

Priscilla Shirer Quotes

• Exchange fear for an opportunity to pray.
• Engage your body and mind and then position yourself beside God.
• When the Lord begins to fight for you, guard yourself from complaining.

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

Was it not You who dried up the sea, The waters of the great deep; Who made the depths of the sea a pathway For the redeemed to cross over? Isaiah 51:10

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent. Exodus 14:14

Group Discussion

If you listened to the audio session, Moses gave us four ways to face an impossible situation. Which one of those is hardest for you?

In today’s written lesson, you wrote your own definition of a miracle on page 58 of your workbook. Please share with us what you wrote. What is your definition of a miracle?

Following Him,