I was reminded and encouraged when I read the section on the flesh vs the Spirit. It is when I come to true repentance (admitting, asking forgiveness and turning away with the intent not to do it again) and not choose to do what the old sinful nature wants to but allow the new spirit man to act. That is when I am set free. God’s Spirit lives within me!! PRAISE GOD. But I don’t have to do it alone, actually I can’t. John 15:5 – THE TRUTH IS – “Apart from me,” Jesus said, “you can do nothing”. My flesh wants to rise up but I do not have to let it. We can act like the world (they don’t have Jesus) or we can act like we belong to the King and stand on the TRUTH.

I would love to be in a room with you listening as you share this comment. Your passion and heart flow through your words and it’s enjoyable to read. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

He’s got the whole world in His hands and because of that I KNOW I’m safe and protected in the shelter of his arms

“My sin is not that bad”….I used to roll my eyes (yes I did) at people who would say to me “geez, all I did was (fill in the blank), it’s not like I killed someone”. Society has placed varying levels on the bigness or badness of sin with murder being the worst, so we tend to compare our sin to that of murder and then deem “it’s not that bad”. I rolled my eyes because I felt a little holier than they were because I hadn’t committed their sin….

Then I read where “COMPLAINING” and “TALKING TOO MUCH” were sins….my reaction: “What? Are you kidding me!” Come on, who amongst us have not complained at some time or the other, surely that can’t be a sin. Surprisingly, I guess God was talking to me before but I didn’t recognize it (or I chose not to hear him) at the start of 2012 (before I began reading the book) I decided that whenever I felt a complaint I would say out loud “Thank You Jesus”. This does 2 things for me (1) keeps me from sinning (2) Keeps me thankful.
Then I rationalized my next sin “I don’t gossip, I don’t use profanity, I don’t talk negatively about others, what I have to say is important…surely I’m not sinning”. Then the Lord revealed to me “My child you just sinned because you have closed your mind to the truth. Reflect on My Word and reflect on the Truth”….let’s just say, I had to read that chapter a few times…

So at the end of the chapter (after reading it 4 times along with the accompanying scriptures), I am truly humbled and mindful of sin. I’m more thankful for the Blood of Jesus and so happy that He loves me in spite of me!

Good Morning! I’m so happy to have found this site. I know I’m behind, but will do my best to “catch up!” My name is Shannan and I’m from Scio, Oregon. My favorite book(s) growing up were the Little House books by Laura Ingels Wilder.

I need a job in the field I went to school for. Horticulture. Do I start a business or do I work for someone. I also would like to get back into clowning, do children’s parties. God seems to be opening doors and opportunities for me in this area, but none the less I need to pay the bills.

Memorize this verse:

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. Proverbs 18:21 Message

It is impossible to find closure without the answers we seek. I have read so many books, family books, The Bible, Christan books trying to find the answers to my brokenness and this bible study really hit home and even thought my heart is hurt, my mind has found a peace now that i have found the answers i can deal with it, I don’t feel captive anymore. I understand complete why things are as they are… I am so grateful for this bible study.. The problems are not solved yet, but what God starts He finishes. Amy: Thank you for taking your time to guide us through this with your support and prays..

I’m glad you are joining us Lisa

As some others have said, I have never observed Lent, but this year I will. Now in this season of my life, I feel the need to be closer to God. So I will be helping “Waters 4 Living”, I will do the studies, and donate my Coke money to them at the end of Lent, I drink a lot of Coke.

Blessing to all.