Welcome back to the Women’s Bible Cafe, as we grow in faith with one another. We’re an online small group sharing and discussing the Bible together.

Like any Bible study, we’re each at a different place in our workbooks. Some of you are ahead in the workbook and some are just now reading the second week of study. No problem, the online format allows you to study at your own pace and post a comment to join the discussions.

We’re still Pursuing More of Jesus with Anne Graham Lotz as we continue with the third week of study. This week we explore scripture verses from John 14 as we seek More of His Spirit.

Today’s Scripture Verse

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. John 14:16-19

Prayer Requests

Thank you Father for sending the spirit to be in us, for not leaving us here as orphans. You came to us and live in us, we praise your name. Amen.

Individual Activity

Complete pages 52-53 in your workbook.

Group Activity

What are your thoughts about today’s verse?

We’re going into the third week of Pursing More of Jesus. Last week we found More of His Courage and watched an amazing video presentation by Anne Graham Lotz.

Our conversations were interesting and sometimes uncomfortable as we shared our personal feelings about hate, love, courage and doubt.

This week we’re going to Pursue More of His Spirit. We’ll Pursue More of Jesus by reading the gospel of John, Chapter 14 verses fifteen through twenty-seven as we pursue more of his spirit.

Once again Anne begins the first day’s lesson with a short scripture verse: just TEN words. Having completed other Bible studies, I find it frustrating to face a blank page with ten words. The simplicity of the study annoys me, yet when I look at the remainder of the week, the pages are filled with an abundance of scripture verses. Certainly Anne has a plan for her readers, and with faith I have an open heart and mind.

Once again, there appears to be a workbook error. At the end of this week in the summary pages 62-63, the scripture verses do not match the verses of this weeks study!

Session Three Schedule

• Day 1-More of His Spirit (John 14:15)
• Day 2-More of His Spirit (John 14:16-19)
• Day 3-More of His Spirit (John 14:20-21)
• Day 4-More of His Spirit (John 14:22-24)
• Day 5-More of His Spirit (John 14:25-27)
• Day 6-Recommended: Audio Session Three

Today’s Scripture Verse

If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14:15 (NIV)

If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you! John 14:15 (The Message)

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15 (English Standard Version)

Prayer Requests

Father, you’ve sent a friend and spirit to be with us always. Reveal to us the Spirit of Truth and fill our heart, mind and soul with the holy spirit in Jesus’ name.

Individual Activity

Complete pages 50-51 in your workbook.

It helps to understand today’s lesson if you read the different translations and the verses before John 14:15.  This chapter of John is titled “I am the way, the truth and the life” and Verse 14 says

If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (English Standard Version)

Just prior to today’s scripture verse (John 14:15) Jesus tells us to ask anything and he will provide. Following this, in verse 15 he tells us

If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14:15 (NIV)

Keep this in mind as you complete today’s study.

Group Activity

Jesus told us to ask anything in his name and he will do it. Then he tell us IF you love him….you will OBEY his command. What does this mean to you?

You’ve just finished the second week of our study- Seminar Two on  Pursuing More of Jesus with Anne Graham Lotz! Take some time to fill out the summary on page 44 in your workbook and create an action plan based upon your scripture verses.

We highly recommend you listen to the video or audio session for Session Two, Pursuing More of Jesus-  available at Lifeway for $3.99 audio download and $4.99 video download.

Ladies, this video session is absolutely life-changing and you should not miss it! In the video, Session Two More Courage in My Convictions, Anne Graham Lotz shares her personal story about finding the courage to share her faith with others, even President Clinton at a white house luncheon! Listening to Anne’s voice as she tells her story enhances the impact of her words. You would not have this same experience from reading the pages of a book, so the video is highly recommended.

After watching the video, Anne wants you to think about this:

• Are you really convinced the Bible is God’s word?
• Are you really convinced that Jesus is the son of God?
• Are you really convinced that we’re living in a rebellious world and everybody outside of Christ is going to hell if they don’t put their faith in Jesus?
• Are you really convinced there is a hell?
• Are you really convinced there is a Heaven?

Anne Graham Lotz will tell you “You can’t be silent. If your heart is filled with Jesus; it’s going to come out of your lips. You’ll have to repress not to let it out.” You must listen to the video because Anne’s words will give you the courage to speak up for Jesus. If you want to remain a silent Christian, watching others in faith and wondering how they got the sparkle in their eyes and passion in their words, then skip the video. But if you want to be on fire for Christ, feeling his love in your entire heart, soul and mind, then spend $4.99 or $3.99 and watch your life change forever. It’s that good!

Blessings and Hugs,

We’re back! I had a brief interruption in my day when I was called to get my kids from school-IMMEDIATELY. Seems one of the kids in Junior High had confirmed H1N1 Swine Flu, so the entire school -Preschool to Junior High-shut down for “disinfecting.” School will resume on Monday.

The absolute best part of the Online Women’s Bible Study is flexibility. Even with an interruption in my planned schedule, I can visit the Bible Cafe and connect with other women of faith. Welcome back to the Bible Cafe as we continue our study  Pursuing More of Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz.

Today’s Scripture Verse

When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.

And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning. John 15:26-27

Prayer Requests

As a family of God, we support, encourage and strengthen each other. Thank you Jesus, for teaching us to love one another. We pray for more of your courage in our convictions as we share the truth of your Word. Amen.

Individual Activity

Complete pages 42-43 in your workbook.

Group Activity

What does it mean for you to testify? What are your thoughts about this verse?

Welcome back to the Bible Cafe as we continue our study  Pursuing More of Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz. We’ve included On My Cross by FFH for you to watch today!

Today’s Scripture Verse

If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason. John 15:22-25

Prayer Requests

Thank you Jesus for teaching us and leading us through this Bible Study. Your words are a blessing to us as we seek more intimacy with you. Be near each of us, as we open our workbooks and study your commands. Guide us into your word and heart. Amen.

Individual Activity

Complete pages 40-41 in your workbook.

Group Activity

What are your thoughts about today’s lesson? Is there a verse you want to discuss?

We’re back at the Bible Cafe  Pursuing More of Jesus with Anne Graham Lotz. Monday we learned about loving others and yesterday we read about the world hating us- what a contrast! No wonder why so many find the Bible confusing. I’ve noticed that some of the verses repeat the words “I tell you the truth” or “this is my command” to reinforce the words.

In today’s verse Jesus tells us we’ll be persecuted because of his name-Christ. When we call ourselves Christ-ians, the Bible tells us to expect hate and persecution. No Christian will argue that since we see evidence of this almost daily in the evening news.  Rather than focus on the hatred and the prejudice towards Christians, Jesus wants us to remember that these are people who do not know God (verse 21).

We’re going to go deeper with today’s question: What does it mean to ‘know God?’

Get your Biblical references, look for old sermons from your pastor at iTunes…and see if you can answer this question for YOURSELF. It doesn’t matter what we think, it matters what YOU think.

At the beginning of the Bible study, I shared a dream where Jesus said “KNOW ME.” It seems an important part of this study as we pursue more of Jesus. Those who persecute or hate you do not Know God or Know Jesus. Does Jesus command you to hate them, or to love them?

Today’s Scripture Verse

Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. John 15:20-21

Prayer Requests

Jesus, thank you for teaching us and sharing your name with us as we chose to obey your teaching and listen only to your voice. Help us see those who do not know God. Continue to stay present in this Bible study as we read our verses day-by-day and seek knowledge within your words. Fill our hearts with your peace and calmness and bless us as we come to know you more. Amen.

Individual Activity

Complete pages 38-39 in your workbook.

Group Activity

What does it mean to ‘know God?’ Post your comments and share your ideas with the guests in the Bible Cafe!

If you are afraid to post because you’re unsure of your answer, you’re allowing the enemy to grab your voice away from God. Speak freely and safely-too many Christians have been silenced by world hatred and they’re afraid to talk. Give your voice to God. Blessings,

Compassion International

Last week we learned to pursue more of his voice and studied verses about to help us identify the authentic voice of God.

We had some great discussions about the sheep, shepherd, gatekeeper and pasture! We even enjoyed some inspirational photos of sheep and the shepherd!

This week we’re going to pursue more of His courage.

In the next five days we’ll Pursue More of Jesus by reading the gospel of John, Chapter 15 verses seventeen through twenty-seven as we pursue more of his courage.

While the Day One lesson is a short verse with few words, it’s meaning is so important that Anne Graham Lotz devoted an entire day of study to this command.

Session Two Schedule

• Day 1-Courage to Stand Out (John 15:17)
• Day 2-Courage to Stand Out (John 15:18-19)
• Day 3-Courage to Stand Out (John 15:20-21)
• Day 4-Courage to Stand Out (John 15:22-25)
• Day 5-Courage to Speak Up (John 15:26-27)
• Day 6-Recommended: Audio Session Two

Today’s Scripture Verse

This is my command: Love each other. John 15:17 (NIV)

But remember the root command: Love one another. John 15:17 (The Message)

These things I command you, so that you will love one another. John 15:17 (English Standard Version)

Prayer Requests

Father, you’ve commanded us to love one another. Open our eyes to this root command, show us more of his courage and teach us your word. Amen.

Individual Activity

Complete pages 33-35 in your workbook.

It helps to understand today’s lesson if you read the beginning of John 15 as Jesus talks about the vine and the branches.

Group Activity

What did you learn from John 15:17? There are few words in this verse, and the longer we think about them, the more we discover. What did you discover?

Post a comment to share your thoughts about John 15:17.

Welcome back to the Bible Cafe as we continue our study  Pursuing More of Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz.

Today’s Scripture Verse

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.

As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. John 15:18-19

Prayer Requests

Thank you Jesus for choosing us out of the world for your purpose. Give us the courage to speak in faith and belong to your kingdom. Guide our steps as we walk in a world that hates us because we believe in you. Walk by our side and fill us with courageous spirits as we aim to serve, honor and please you. Be near our hearts and give us strength. Amen.

Individual Activity

Complete pages 36-37 in your workbook.

Group Activity

Hate is a very strong word. What was your reaction to reading this scripture verse? Please post a comment.

When you received the Pursuing More of Jesus workbook from Lifeway, you also received a white sheet of paper with this note:

Due to printing error, the homework for Seminar Two should be as follows: (John 15:17-27), not the passage in the Participant’s Guide.

Leader, please make a copy of this worksheet for each participant to replace the pages 34-44 of the Participant’s Guide.

As a leader, I’m reading a few days ahead of the online group so I have time to write the blog posts. It was better for me to discover this now instead of Monday morning! Here are the correct scripture verses for the next week of study:

Seminar Two Verses

• Day One-John 15:17
• Day Two-John 15:18-19
• Day Three-John 15:20-21
• Day Four-John 15:22-25
• Day Five-John 15:26-27

I’m not a fan of publication errors, especially when I have to write out the words to all these verses. Each day of the study we list “Today’s Scripture Verse” so watch the study carefully next week.

• One solution is for you to print the verses from www.Biblegateway.com using the NIV translation that the author uses for this study. Cut the verses to fit into your workbook and past them on the correct days for Seminar Two.
• Another solution is to use a notebook for Seminar Two lessons. Print the verses, paste them into the notebook, and continue the study with steps two through five.
• You could also write each verse into your workbook on the correct page.
• Or you can cut up the white insert with verses John 15:17-27 and paste the verses on the correct days (my favorite option)

Being Martha not Mary, I can face my frustration at this inconvenience with the knowledge that it will be over in five days and then the workbook returns to normal. If you’re Mary in spirit, then you know that its the words of scripture that matter most. Ah…sigh…learning to be like Mary takes patience. What would Mary do?

Let’s move on…Monday we begin Seminar Two and pursue more of his courage in our convictions.

You’ve just completed Seminar One on  Pursuing More of Jesus with Anne Graham Lotz! If you completed the summary on page 28 in your workbook, then you have created an action plan based upon your scripture verses. If you’d like to share one of your statements, please do so in the comments for today.

To enhance your study, we recommend you listen to the video or audio session of  Pursuing More of Jesus, Seminar One, available at Lifeway for $3.99 audio download and $4.99 video download. It’s about the same  price as a gourmet coffee. If you can’t afford to listen to the audio, then wait until a convenient time that fits your budget. I enjoy hearing the voice of Anne Graham Lotz, she has a rhythmic and gentleness to her words which captures my attention when she speaks.

*As a reminder, we do not work for or have any financial ties to Lifeway Stores and we purchase all of our own materials for this study. We are recommending these resources because they enhance your learning. When you attend a church small group, you will normally watch the DVD sessions. I prefer the home version because I can pause the DVD to write notes or replay the audio, and I can listen when it is most convenient for me.

We’ve had a large reading audience at the Women’s Bible Care, with over 300 people visiting the blog each day.

• Some are reading the prior study Me, Myself and Lies
• Others are silently participating in the current study
• Some of the visitors are using our study as a model to create their own online Bible studies
• Others are leading small group church studies and looking for content

The beauty of all this is that through your individual comments and the author’s workbooks, amazing things are happening. Women around the world are learning and watching and finding inspiration from the study. In the last study, Jennifer Rothschild, author of Me, Myself and Lies visited the Bible Cafe and posted a comment for the women participating in the study.

If you feel your words are insignificant, they are not. Continue to share your thoughts, experiences and personal stories, because somewhere there is another woman who has not accepted Jesus into her heart, and she is watching you pursue more of Jesus.

Blessings and Hugs,