This week marks the third week of studying Breaking Free Updated Edition by Beth Moore. What a journey it has been so far! Last week we talked about the benefits that God extends to His children. These blessings are not given to us for perfect behavior, but because we seek and know Him. God loves us all so much that He wants us to be complete in Him! How awesome is that! I am truly humbled every time I read 1 Corinthians 2:9 and realize what God has for His children, who are so undeserving because of sin. Yet, He loves us to much that He gave the ultimate sacrifice, the life of Jesus, His son, so that we may be saved and know Him if we just place our faith in Him. Wow! How truly amazing!

If you are listening to the audio or video of Breaking Free Updated Edition, please listen to Session Three from Beth Moore.

• Breaking Free Updated Edition Audio Session Three
• Breaking Free Updated Edition Video Session Three
• Answers to the Breaking Free Viewer Guide
  

This week we will begin taking the first step to finding freedom from the bondage in our lives. As Beth told us, it begins with freedom from self-delusion. We need to know the truth in our own lives. Sometimes it is hard to face the truth, but it is a necessary first step if we are to find freedom in our lives. Not only do we need to know what our truth is, but we must be able to recognize Satan’s lies as well.  Lies are his favorite tactic to pull believers into captivity, and this is what he seeks to do. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that “Satan prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to steal, kill, and destroy.” Ladies, that means us! We must know his tactics in order to avoid them! One way to do that is to be honest with ourselves and live transparently. When we need help, we need to cry out to God. He will be there!

We need to see ourselves through God’s eyes, and the best way to do that is to be firm in His Word. That is how we can know His truth, and apply it to our lives.  This is where we begin to find freedom. I hope that as you work through the study this week, you begin to seek to know both your truth, and God’s truth. May this be the first step to freedom! If there is every anything specific I can pray for, please let me know. I would love to intercede before our Father for you.

Links for Breaking Free Updated Edition, Week Three

• Day 1: Do You Believe
• Day 2: Obstacles to Faith
  
• Day 3: Idols
  
• Day 4: Why Prayer Matters
  
• Day 5: Rules of Faith
  

Prayer Requests

Lord, you love us abundantly, in more ways than our human minds will ever be able to comprehend. Thank you for loving us who are so unworthy, yet grateful for your love. I ask that you be with each of this week as we work through this study. Show us truth, and open our eyes to what we need to change and areas where we need to find freedom. Teach us, Lord. In your sweet, precious name I pray, amen.

Beth Moore Quotes

“When the game is on, the chains are on. When the game is off, the chains are off.”

“When we realize that our life is a train wreck, it can begin to be put back together.”

“If you do what the Word says, it will set you free.”

This Week’s Scripture

“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 64:4

Let’s Talk About It

What does your truth look like? How does it compare to God’s truth? How can we integrate the two to find true freeom?

Breaking free,

Shannon

As we continue with week three of Discerning the Voice of God as written by Priscilla  Shirer today she discusses how God speaks to each of us on a personal basis.

As I thought about this for awhile this morning the best way for me to explain this capsule is that we are all each on our own spiritual  journey or road and prayerfully listening  for and seeking God’s specific instructions for ourselves.  God has a plan and purpose for each one of us as spoken in Jeremiah 29:11.

Priscilla’s teaching points out that as we are obedient  to scriptural guidelines  the Holy Spirit will direct us accordingly. He doesn’t call everyone to be a Sunday School teacher. He calls some as Pastors, some as nursery workers, and some as greeters.  Don’t try to convince someone that they should do the same job that you do in the church. That is for them to hear from God about.  He doesn’t lead us all to the same church.  I may hear Him more  through music  and you may hear Him through sermons.  I’ve been accused of having a dry humor but one of the first things that came to me when I was reading this lesson was how parents ask their children if just because everyone else is jumping off the bridge does that make it right for them to do the same?   You may see your friend doing something for God and want to follow them but that may not be the road God wants to take you down and by following  them on their road you will never get to the destination God has for you. I’ve had a few occasions in my journey where I felt I was to take a particular road knowing that some around me didn’t understand and I didn’t always myself but I knew I had to be obedient to what the Holy Spirit was telling me and as I look back I can see why and I’m glad I obeyed.  As far as being  judgmental of the walk of other  Christians  that is not biblical. We are all different spiritual ages and God will speak to us all in different ways along the way as we mature. Just as we are not born naturally as adults we don’t start out our journeys with God as mature Christians. We are all different spiritual ages and God will speak to us all in different ways along the way as we mature. He is loving and patient with us along the way and we are to be the same way with one another.

Today’s Prayer

Lord God, today’s lesson reminds us that you are personal with everyone of us and that we are responsible and accountable to you for our walk only.  We all may not have the same convictions.  If we have been judgmental of others Lord, show us so we can ask for forgiveness.  We ask you to increase our love one for another.  In Jesus Name’, Amen.

Quotes by Priscilla Shirer

“Each believer must determine what God would have her do personally.”

“We should give   others the freedom to enjoy the course they have prayerfully determined will be best for them.”

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17

I will give you the treasures of darkness. And hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I,The LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. Isaiah 45:3

He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. Romans 14:6

And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 1 Cor 8:12

Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him. Rom 4:23

Let’s Talk About It

At the bottom of page 51 Priscilla says that we shouldn’t challenge someone regarding their chosen route unless it is an issue of scriptural principle and I believe even with a scriptural principle issue we need to pray about if and how God wants to use us in that situation. Have you ever experienced any time where someone questioned what you were doing in your faith walk?  No names needed.

We’re on the third week of study as we read 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter, the Bible Study by Vicki Courtney. As I look at this photo I think of the difficulty we face as parents, when we have “the talk” with our daughters. She’s already tuned out to the fact that we are parents…so she fills her mind with the words of her friends, her music and her self-centered world. How, as a Mom, do you face this teen girl and share God’s plan for sex! We cover this with Vicki in the 5 Conversations Bible study this week, as we review the truth about teen sex, and the truth about God’s plan. Several good points are mentioned in this week of study, I hope you’ve had a chance to review it.

Things You’ll Need to Do: Week Three

• Pray for the women and their daughters in this study
• Read Week Three (pages 76-106) in workbook
• Download and watch Video Conversation Three (optional due to cost)
• Complete viewer guide on page 76
  

We get right to the point in week three, day one, as we evaluate the “birds and the bees” conversation. Vicki shows us how the conversation has changed since we were children, as we look back at our own mother-daughter talk. It is time for a NEW and REVISED sex talk with our kids…and the entire week Vicki empowers us with factual knowledge and supporting scripture verses.  Some of the statistics shared in this weeks lesson included:

• More than 25% of teen girls have an STD
• Nearly 40% of teen girls will become pregnant at least once before the age of 20
• By age 45, every 2.5 women in the US has had an abortion
• 25% of the sexually active teen girls reported feeling depressed most of the time
• Sexually active teenage girls are more than 3 times as likely to have a suicide attempt
• 92% of females will have sex by age 22-24

(source: 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter, Vicki Courtney)

As a mom of two daughters, these statistics are so frightening…of course I’ll get out of my comfort zone and talk to my children about this. Not once a year or when I sense they need some information…I’ll talk about this all the time, as often as I can and until they move out of my home. Thankfully, Vicki guides us with 5-Step Plan (page 85) which is based entirely on Ephesians 5:1-17. It was so helpful to complete this activity and use it as a guideline for conversations with my daughters. Here is my 5-Step Plan:

1. Be imitators of Christ. (Ephesians 5:1)
2. Don’t even hint of sexual immorality or impurity. (Ephesians 5:3)
3. Do not be deceived by others to have sex before marriage, Gods’ wrath will come upon you. (Ephesians 5:6-8)
4. Expose those who will violate God’s law. (Ephesians 5:11)
5. Don’t be foolish. Know God’s will. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

If you don’t complete the workbook and the 5 Steps, then you will not have a plan. And those who do not plan, often fail.

Quotes from Vicky Courtney

“If our daughters are to stand against the cultural tide, we must make ‘the talk’ an ongoing conversation that begins when they are young and continues until they leave the nest.”

“We need to teach our girls that God’s Word always trumps popular opinion.”

“If we want to counter culture’s lies about sex, we must teach our children to be imitators of God rather than followers of the world.”

“Before your daughter enters high school, she needs not only a head knowledge of the verses of Scripture that clearly state that sex is for marriage but also to be well-versed on the dangers of ignoring them.”

Prayer Requests

Father God, we bow down to you in humility as we face a culture that glorifies sex before marriage. Reshape our conversations and keep our focus centered on the spiritual health of our daughters, as we openly discuss your design for sex and your consequences for disobedience. Give us the wisdom and the patience to persist in these conversations with our daughters. Place us in settings and situations that inspire these conversations, and guide our words as we teach our daughters in faith. We pray our daughters will be the 1 out of 3 who save her body for her husband, and do not give it away in sin. Amen.

Scripture Verses for Revising the Talk (NIV)

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? Matt 19:4-5

For it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9

A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps. Proverbs 14:15

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor 10:13

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

Group Discussion for the 5 Conversations Bible Study

Did you create a 5-step action plan for helping your daughter align her attitude toward sex with God’s plan for her? If so, please share your action plan from page 85 of the workbook.

As we get into week three of our study, “Discerning the Voice of God” written by Priscilla Shirer, we are going to discuss some of the characteristics of ways God may speak to us.

In today’s lesson we are given examples of how persistent God is with us and how much He desires for us to hear Him. Priscilla mentions the fact that after we become believers He doesn’t just leave us alone and move on.  No, that is when all that transformation that we previously spoke about begins.  He doesn’t say, “Okay she’s saved so I can forget about her and move on to the next.”  No, God is patient and persistent with each and everyone of us. He’s going to continue to speak to us however He can because He has a purpose/will for us and He wants us to know it.

In 1 Samuel 3 we see Samuel the prophet as a young boy. He keeps thinking he is hearing Eli calling Him but after several times of coming to Eli, Eli tells him it must be the Lord. Previous to the mentioned verses it says that the word of the Lord was rare then and also says that Samuel did not know the Lord. The Lord appeared to Him in a vision and ends up speaking to Him about Eli’s failure to restrain his sons. So Eli tells Samuel it is the voice of God that he is hearing and eventually the Lord delivers a message to Samuel about Eli. We’re told that after this the Lord was with Samuel as he grew up and he let none of his words fall to the ground. I have to admit that I was a little confused as to why Priscilla used this example but then as I thought about it Samuel, the Prophet, anointed Saul and David, Israel’s first two Kings and called Israel to repentance. The Lord wanted to use Samuel as His prophet so much that he spoke to him 4 times that night and used Eli to tell him it was God and what to speak to Him. Then when God speaks to Samuel it’s about Eli.  What I thought was really neat about this example is that in verse 3 it says that Samuel was lying in the temple next to the “ark” of God. Something about that is intriguing to me, if not just the fact that Samuel was sleeping next to the Ark of God which represented God’s Throne and beneath it was contained the Mosaic Law.  If you have any other ideas on this please tell us.  The second example from John 4 is much more explanatory as to how Jesus continued to speak to the woman at the well until finally she knew it was Him speaking directly to her because He knew too much about her.

I think the most important thing to take from this capsule is that He will pursue us in a number of ways. He may choose to speak through His Word, through circumstances, and sometimes through other people such as our Pastor in a sermon. Rely on the Holy Spirit to help show you these things. Just like Samuel, God wants to use each and everyone of us for His purpose and glory.

Today’s Prayer

Father God, we know you will not use us in this day and time to anoint Kings but you can and will use us in our homes, in our church, on our jobs and even in our communities if we continue to seek and acknowledge you in all our ways.  In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Quotes by Priscilla Shirer

“The Holy Spirit works in our hearts, in the hearts of others, and in the events of our lives to point us in His direction.”

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

Once God has spoken;Twice I have heard this:That power belongs to God.  Psalm 62:11

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. Rev 3:20

Let’s Talk About It

Is there one particular way God tends to speak to you, or have you experienced various ways?

Discerning His Voice,

Charmaine

Well, here we are at starting our 3^rd week of our study on Discerning the Voice of God as written by Priscilla Shirer.  I am really enjoying how each week builds upon the last as we begin to see how very important the Holy Spirit is to us in our Christian life.

Links for Session Three (optional due to cost)

• Discerning the Voice of God-Session Three Audio
• Discerning the Voice of God-Session Three Video

In this week’s video Priscilla gives the description of a guide either on a jungle adventure or a trip to the Holy Land and how important the guide is to the experience of that trip.  A tour guide  knows everything that has to do with their specific assigned area and they take you step by step along the way. She speaks about how as they make each stop along the way they don’t get ahead of themselves and start telling you about what is up ahead until you get there.  She says that is the way the Holy Spirit leads and guides us. As she was speaking about this it came across my mind that in our hearing from the Holy Spirit we are kind of, as they say, on a need to know basis. You hear that expression a lot in the business world.  I don’t know about you but when that was used in my former business on a memo or in person I felt like they were trying to keep something from me.  I’m one of those who wants all the details or as Priscilla said we want everything upfront. But God knows us so well that He has the Holy Spirit guide us step by step.

In the Session Three Video we are told about the three kinds of truth that we receive from the Holy Spirit which are:

• Freely-given
• Personal
• Inner-depth

With these three truths He will show you what you should be doing in the now, dealing with your personal convictions, and giving you revelation (in depth) instruction which will  enable you to do things you know you could not have done in your own ability.

Priscilla also warns us about how the enemy of our soul, Satan, will try whatever He can to put us in some type of stronghold prison to keep us from hearing the voice of God.  If we hear ourselves saying things like  “I can’t, I won’t,  I’ll never, or I’m afraid”  then  that is the voice of the enemy and the longer we listen to his lies the more in bondage we become.  This is why it is so important that we battle the enemy with the Word of God, the sword of the Lord.

So as we approach this week and learn what characterizes the promptings of the Holy Spirit do some self- listening. Are you speaking any of the negative statements above and if you are go to the Word of God for ammunition to destroy them.

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for the knowledge of the way the Holy Spirit helps to guide us individually in each of our lives. We thank you for the ammunition you have given us to destroy the wiles of the enemy, the deceiver,  who goes around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Lord we pray for each person in this class to fight the good fight of faith so each of us can be overcomers. In Jesus Name. Amen

Quotes by Priscilla Shirer

“The Holy Spirit is a guide we can trust in the “now”. He never manipulates or deceives us.”

“Satan does not want you to tap into your divine resources.”

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

God understands its way,And He knows its place. Job 28:23

“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 16:12-13

For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 1 Cor 2:11

And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. Mark 4:24

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor 10:3-5

Let’s Talk About It

Has there been a period in your life when you realized you were listening to the negative words of the enemy and they were drowning out the positive words of God?  If so, do you remember how it affected you?

Discerning His voice,

Charmaine

Today we are concluding week two of our study, Discerning the Voice of God, written by Priscilla Shirer. I am thankful for what we have learned so far and for some of the insight Priscilla has written. I was having a hard time summarizing this lesson capsule because Priscilla discusses the will of God.  This is a subject that we could probably read books about for the rest of our lives because you hear people all the time saying, “I want to do God’s will” or you might hear them say something like, “I’m not sure that this is God’s will for my life” when they are trying to make a decision.  I once had a friend who always said, “God’s will is His Word”.  That seemed too simple to me at that time and every time I heard him say it I always thought to myself, “There must be more to it than that.”

You’ve probably heard the saying that the Bible is “ basic instructions before leaving earth”  –how God calls us to live.  As we are living out His Word we are in His will.  A lot of people get into whether we are to consult Him on every little tiny  detail  in our life or just the “big” things and when that happens I think we get all confused. I loved the quote she referenced from Hannah Whitall- Smith’s . “The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life” This book was written in 1873.  It is well worth the read.  Her insight to the Christian walk is excellent as many of the Christian writers of this time. They did not have all the distractions we have and their insight on the things of God is amazing to me.  The reference Priscilla has on page 42 from the book says this: “He writes His laws on our hearts and on our minds, and we love them, and are drawn, by our affections and judgment, not driven, to our obedience.“ Before we had our salvation we had a veil over our eyes and no matter how we may have tried to read the Bible we could not understand it but because we now have the Holy Spirit within us He enables us to see it through our spiritual eyes rather than our physical eyes and even better it begins to be written on the tablets of our hearts. Priscilla’s consensus is that we do not have to frantically search for God’s will but we need to frantically seek God  or I would say seek to know God in a more intimate way than you ever have.

Pray that you will be so drawn to Him that you are continually resting in His arms and relying on His word. Priscilla gave us scriptures to study that show us the difference of Old Covenant and New Covenant. They are listed under our scripture verses for today and I encourage you to meditate on them but I also would like to point out the scripture below . I think it speaks so directly to us.

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” Matthew 6:30-33  The Message

Today’s Prayer

Abba Father, we are grateful for what the Holy Spirit is showing us about your will for our life.  As we search and thirst for you the way a deer pants for water we will increase our intimacy with you and the more we will become a sweet aroma to you. Draw us nearer Lord.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen

Quotes by Priscilla Shirer

When you delight yourself in Him, you can relax in knowing that He will speak clearly to you, order your steps, and cause you to desire what brings Him pleasure.”

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Hebrews 8:10 (NIV)

For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;  Philippians 3:15

Whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Cor 3:14-17

Let’s Talk About It!

As we listen to today’s worship is there anything that you know the Holy Spirit is asking you to do in order to draw closer to hear Him with more clarity?

Discerning His voice,

Charmaine

Since we often incorporate music into our womens Bible study, we welcomed the opportunity to interview Adie for her new album Just You and Me.  We’re excited to share this interview with our readers, as well as giveaway a CD version of Just You and Me. Her new album is available in stores on March 9th, 2010.

Adie Camp is a singer, worship leader, homeschooling mom and wife of recording artist Jeremy Camp. She was raised in South Africa, and spent time as a worship leader in Nashville. Today Adie is focused on spending alone time with God, and helping her family live as intentionally as possible through Speaking Louder Ministries.

While her daily life is overflowing with activity, Adie keeps her focus on God, and says “ultimately at the end of the day it’s our relationship with the Lord and our heart toward Him that really is the most important thing.” Her family finds balance by homeschooling, allowing the family to stay together, even when Mom and Dad are on tour sharing the news of the Lord.

In defining her strength, Adie replies “We all have our struggles. We all have our bad days. As a mom sometimes you feel like you’re going crazy. In that, I hope I can encourage people to just go to the Lord. For me as a mom there’s no way I could do it unless I work on my relationship with the Lord on a day-to-day basis. It’s like plugging into your power supply. It’s like I’ve got to charge all the way up before I can handle the day and do ministry alongside Jeremy.”

God’s presence is the driving theme behind her new album Just You and Me. The last track on the album, Only You, is Adie’s favorite as she uses her voice in praise to God. Another song on the album reflects her intimate moment with God, as she miscarried her second trimester baby, and found comfort in His Presence. Her words “Oh God I need you/ I need you here with me/I know you hear me/ You’re my shelter in the storm” from the song Shelter, are symbolic of the strength she found by trusting Him.

As I listened to the music, I found myself reflecting on the Lord and my personal relationship with Him. Soon I found my own daughters listening to the music, asking me to replay certain songs and mentioning them by name. Just You and Me by Adie has now become a “carpool favorite” as I listen with my children. Adies’s music has inspired some insightful family discussions about God!

Bible Cafe Conversation with Adie Camp

When I listen to Christian radio, often I hear specific words that touch my heart at the EXACT time I need to hear it. Many people would benefit from music like yours, yet are unaware it exists. Living near San Francisco, we have access to ONE Christian radio station, supported by the listeners. Do you see Christian music crossing over into mainstream radio stations?

Adie: I wish it would more, because I think it would be so amazing to be able to get the message of hope out to people, especially those who need it the most.  It seems like in years past that it’s hard for Christians to get their songs out there, especially without having to change lyrical content. I think Christian music is stylistically more relevant than it’s ever been and so we would love to see it happen more.

What if we could organize one million to worship at the same time, using social media such as Twitter? How might God react? How would Christian Music business react?

Adie: It depends what you mean by ‘worship’. Sometimes I think it might make more of a difference to us than to God, since He always sees the condition of our hearts and He’s out of time anyway and there may be a million people worshipping Him as we speak. But I definitely think it would be magnificent and I look forward to the day when we’re all in heaven together doing just that! It would have to be powerful and life-changing if we all got together to worship the Lord!

At the Bible Café, we have a group of women who study together from around the country. Many are not comfortable with church small groups, or find them inconvenient for several reasons. What does the ability to organize people without geographical bounds mean to worship, and to fellowship?

Adie: I think it’s great that they have a place to go where they do feel comfortable to learn more about the Lord. I think media is playing a much larger role than ever before in connecting people. Although I believe fellowship is very important, an intimate relationship with the Lord is more important than anything and that comes from one on one time with Him anyway…

When I listen to your music, I hear many scripture verses inside the lyrics. Is there a particular scripture verse that you would identify as your life verse, or one that stands out more than the others for you. Why is this verse meaningful?

Adie: That’s a tough question for me. I’ve never really been one to have a life verse, I have many verses that I cling to. I feel like God has given me different key verse at different time in my life and to choose one over the other is a tough choice.  I will say that I love Proverbs though and I read them almost every day. I could never stop asking God to give me wisdom and understanding. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:4-6

I received a pre-released version and a free copy of Adie’s new CD Just You and Me for giveaway at the Womens Bible Cafe. Thank you Adie and Overture Media!

Giveaway: Just You and Me by Adie, CD version*

If you’d like to win a copy of Adie’s newest CD Just You and Me, leave a comment below based upon Adie’s response: “an intimate relationship with the Lord is more important than anything and that comes from one on one time with Him anyway.” How do you spend one-on-one time with the Lord?

More entries….You must post a reply to the comment to enter. For more entries, you can…

1. Follow Adie on Twitter.com/adiecamp
2. Become a Facebook fan of Adie
3. Re-tweet this article on Twitter
4. Link your blog to Adie’s blog

*Each time you do one of these activities, please post a comment to be counted for the giveaway. For example, post a comment that says “I tweeted this blog post.” Multiple entries are accepted. US residents only for shipping, must be at least 18 to enter. One winner only, will be selected using Random.org

• Winner will receive a CD version of Just You and Me by Adie
• Giveaway ends: March 26, 2010 at noon PST

Giveaway Question

How do you spend one-on-one time with the Lord?

Welcome back to the  “Discerning the Voice of God”study.  I hope this study is giving you a desire to understand the Holy Spirit who indwells us.  The lessons are short but I hope you are praying and meditating on each one and what God wants to say to you throughout the content.

In the first part of the study Priscilla Shirer talks about how important it is to offer our bodies as “a living and HOLY sacrifice” to the Lord. This is part of our transformation to Christlikeness.  In the first video she spoke of how our soul is made up of our mind, will, and emotions. When our spirit is saved our soul is not saved at the same time . Of course Paul gave us the greatest description of the struggle between our flesh and our spirit in Romans 7:14.  Will we ever be free of this? Not really, at least not in this life. But we can strive to live a Holy existence as opposed to an unholy existence and as we ask the Holy Spirit to show us the areas that need transformation then as we hear it we are accountable to work towards eliminating those things in our life that do not agree with the Word and the character of God. In the Matthew Henry Commentary I thought this was an interesting statement on Romans 6:13:

But, as unholy lusts are not quite rooted out in this life, it must be the care of the Christian to resist their motions, earnestly striving, that, through Divine grace, they may not prevail in this mortal state.

After reading this, “presenting our body as a living and Holy sacrifice” makes a little more sense to me and I hope for you.  Why is it so important?  Because we are here on this earth for only one purpose and that is to glorify God in all we do, say, and even see so that we may be used by Him. You might do a little inventory for one day and listen to yourself and what you are saying, note what you are watching,and what are your activities. Our daily goal should be the continuous renewing of our mind, will, and emotions. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed by it but just honestly and freely present your body to Him in prayer and deed and trust Him to enable you to do the work that is needed in order for you to be changed from the inside out.

Prayer Request

Father God, we know that our flesh wars with our spirit but the Word says that the victory has already been given. Lord, give us the desire for more intense study in your word—more self examination of our soul so we can do as James 1:21 says—to put aside anything that is not of you. The world calls it an attitude change, Lord, but you call it transformation.  We know Lord we can still be used by you as we are being transformed because of your grace and mercy and we thank you for that Lord. What you ask for is a pure heart. Thank you for this study and the women who are taking the time to learn how to hear from you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Quotes by Priscilla Shirer

“Give your hands to Him for His work, your feet to walk his path, and your ears to hear him speak.”

“Our spirits were reborn when we received Christ, but our souls need to be renewed.”

Today’s Scripture Verses – (NASB)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

…present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. Romans 6:13

Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Romans 12:1

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 15:57

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 2 Thes 2:13

Let’s Talk About It

I have heard Billy Graham say many times that things we loved before we were saved  we will begin to hate after we’re saved.  That’s what I call the transformation. That comes as you begin to read the Word and find out what God says.  It’s may not be an immediate thing but something you’ve seen change in you as time has passed and you’ve gotten to know the Word of God more and spent more time getting to know God’s character. Have you had an opinion change that you know is a direct result of  transformation in you?

Discerning His voice,

Charmaine

Hello everyone. I hope you are feeling encouraged and desiring more time with the Lord through this study.  We’re so very glad you’re here and we are praying for you daily.

In today’s lesson of Discerning the Voice of God, Priscilla Shirer likens the voice of the Holy Spirit to the control tower at an airport.  She gives us an explanation of how the control tower had directed a plane she was on to basically take a dive to avoid a mid-air crash.

Can you imagine what could have happened if the pilot wanted control of everything  himself and would not have obeyed  the voice of the control tower. What if he would have said, “Well, I’m not sure if I should do that or not. Maybe I’ll think about it for awhile.”

I think that is what we do sometimes when we know we are hearing the Holy Spirit cautioning us or telling us to do something  but we’re questioning Him  or maybe we’re even ignoring him because WE want to control the situation. Galatians 5:16 from the Amplified Bible says the following:

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).

Anything in that verse remind you of that control tower? Just remember, as Priscilla mentioned, we are not always seeing the whole picture but He does. Thus we must trust His guidance to avoid some of those hard landings called “life experience” that we have had in the past.

Prayer Request

Lord God, I pray that through today’s lesson example we have seen the importance of taking heed to the voice of the Holy Spirit.  Lord, as we turn more inward may the Holy Spirit fill us and flourish in us so we will hear precisely and clearly.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Quotes by Priscilla Shirer

“The Holy Spirit is transforming your conscience into Christlikeness.”

“The Holy Spirit sees the whole picture and may want to reveal something beyond what our physical senses can comprehend.”

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thes  5:23

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Tim 4:7-8

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5

Let’s Talk About It

Have you ever had an experience where you felt like the Holy Spirit was abruptly telling  you to change course like the Control Tower did  to the Pilot in our example?  Did you obey what you heard?

Discerning His Voice,

Charmaine

Welcome to our second week of study as we read 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter, the Bible Study. We all seem to feel that girlhood innocence has disappeared, and thankfully, this week of study is a lesson in how to reclaim that innocence for our daughters and granddaughters. During our study, we looked back at out own timeline of growing up, recalling some important moments. This personal reflection helps us view our daughters perspective on her world. Vicki Courtney does a good job of showing us the fast pace living that our daughters are currently exposed to, where those influences are coming from, and how to establish some limits to keep them in control.

Things You’ll Need to Do: Week Two

• Pray for the other women participating in this study
• Read Week Two (pages 78-74) in workbook
• Download and watch Video Conversation Two (optional due to cost)
• Complete viewer guide on page 37

I especially enjoyed the lesson on looking at your daughters friends, with the emphasis on “weekday friends” versus “weekend friends.” It really helps identify those peers that I’d like to see my daughters spend more time with, and those peers I’d like to eliminate time with. I’ve noticed negative behavior and language in my middle school daughter, and pondered where this comes from. After reading page 64 and listing her friends, I see the influence I’d like to reduce.

The lesson on dating was another segment of study that has offered some guidance and perspective. Vicki refers to the book All You Need to Know About Raising Girls written by Melissa Trevathan and Sissy Goff. I have not read this book, have any of you? In our workbook, Vicki gives some “mom-language” for talking about boys, group dates, and high-school dating.

Quotes from Vicky Courtney

“God wired girls to want to grow up, and culture takes advantage of that desire by enticing them to hurry along the process.”

“Girls who’s friends have poor relationships with their parents are at greatest risk for earlier sexual activity.”

“If the girl your daughter is becoming doesn’t line up with the young lady God created her to be, take a closer look at her peer group.”

“If you have not begun to lay down the groundwork for what is acceptable and what you deem unacceptable, she will get her cues from the culture at large.”

Prayer Requests

Precious Father, you know the hearts of our daughters and the people they spend time with. Our desire as mothers and grandmothers is to participate in their social world, seeing what they see, hearing what they hear, and educating them of the values of a Christian lifestyle. Keep our attention on our daughters, as we know how badly they need us beside them. May we create time for them, as we listen to their stories, meet their friends and demonstrate a desire to support them as they navigate their social world. Amen.

Scripture Verses for Reclaiming Girlhood (NIV)

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.. (continued) Ecc 3:1-8

So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. 1 Kings 3:9 (NASB)

Bad company corrupts good character. 1 Corinthians 15:33

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14

Group Discussion for the 5 Conversations Bible Study

Vicki reminds us on page 50 that you should be having enough conversations with your daughter that, without a word, she is clear on where you stand.” Think about the conversations you’re having with your own daughters and granddaughters.  While they may understand that you are a Christian mom, wife or grandma…do they really KNOW what that means? How to you communicate this to them?

Let’s talk about it…share your thoughts from week two!