Well I posted one comment already and it didn't post so lets try again.
I am so excited as well. This will be great in so many ways.
Day 1 - A Heart for Blessing in Prayer James 4:3 Really spoke to me. If my prayers are not being answered I should search my motives because God knows our true motives. That makes me wonder if some of my unanswered prayers are because my motives are wrong. :( I will have to pray about that as well.
Day 2-The Blessings of Greater Faith This also was a great lesson for me that I had heard before but really hit home because of watching so many of my friends with problems and being hit time after time with yet another problem. Or myself praying for something and not getting the answers I am looking for. Praying with faith means you are praying with expectancy that things are going to happen. It is easy to say the words in prayer but if we have no faith that God is going to answer those prayers, why would he bother. So I was told at one time many years ago to pray thanking God for what he is going to do because you know without a doubt that He will answer in an even bigger way than we can imagine. God is good and He loves us more than we can imagine and wants the best in our lives and in others. The more we realize that the more we will acknowledge that and give him praise and depend on Him for the answers and guidance.
Wow! I am praying today for a couple of friends that are going through some rough times and also that God will change my husband's heart and Chris will be our spiritual leader our family needs. The example to the kids they need him to be. Chris is a good guy and I know he loves us and the Lord but I want my kids to see the godly man that God desires for him to be.
Sorry so long. :) Have a great day ladies. Call me if you are having problems posting or reading these and we can figure it out.
I am not sure why no one is posting comments. I hope I didn't make a mistake some how?.?.
Day 3- The Blessing of Greater Peace Knowing the Holy Spirit is there and Knows our hearts gives me peace. Sometimes my prayer is not what it should be but the holy spirit speaks for me knowing all things. Thank you God for leading and guiding me.
Day 4-The Blessing of a Greater Purity Wow this was tough. It is so easy to point the finger at someone else's sins and forget that my sins are there too. I mainly do this with my husband. I see so many ways I would like him to change and don't look right in the mirror. I need to focus on Brook and allow God to take care of the rest. Focusing on me normally ends in a bigger change in my husband anyway. Not that that should be my motive but when I don't have a judgement attitude and live a Christian example then he sees that and reacts to it. God forgive me for wanting to play God and not trusting you. Help me to focus on changing my actions, attitude, and life instead throwing stones at others.
It was a busy week here at the Henley house, but I also realized that the Devil gave me a lot of excuses to not get started on this study. Last night around 11 I had the urge to get my Bible out. I did a lot of scripture search and am really excited about this study!
Day 1: A Heart for Blessing in Prayer
I began day one by researching the scripture listed at the beginning and had to do some note searching to really understand what God was speaking to me. The first paragraph really spoke to me, especially the line "The journey toward becoming women after God's own heart begins with prayer." I have really negleted God. I know I should be spending alone time with him everyday, but often don't.
The workbook exerises were great. I was able to find out exactly why I haven't been spending more time in prayer (tiredness, not staying on schedule,duties as a wife/mother, and Satan's temptation) and why it is important to spend time in prayer daily. I am going to work harder on beginning my day in prayer, reading scripture, and seeking Him.
Jill, I didn't have your phone number to text you last night but you are not alone in not doing the study last week. In fact the other ladies voted to start with Day 1 today. So you are right on target. Don't beat yourself up about not spending time with God daily. Yes we all should and that is our goal but you are a new mother and it is hard to get your schedule down when your schedule changes so often right now. I hope the accountability of having partners in this study will encourage you to do your meeting with God each day but I never want you to be down and always let us know how we can pray for you.
Ladies that goes for you too. If you have a prayer request please let us know via text or blog. My cell is 501-416-2410. I love this study and i know that God will bless us greatly during our time in this study and with Him. Happy Valentine's Day to all of you and hope you have a great week.
Thanks for your encouraging words Brook. My cell is 501-860-5373 if anyone ever needs to chat! I am so excited about meeting new women and fellowship. Happy Valentine's day!
We had staff meeting today and watched a John Maxwell clip today that inspired me to be more invested in my friends and family than I already am. So I wanted to share it with you.
He said to make 2011 the best year of your life you by doing 3 things: 1. Add value to others By encouraging them, showing compassion, compliments, being a good friend in all ways.
2. Add value to yourself We add value to ourselves by spending time with God in prayer and in Bible study. We also add value to ourselves by being around positive people that "deposit emotionally" in our account and not "withdraw" all the time.
3. Know them - take time to care about other people and what is going on in their lives. Care enough to remember and share enough to show value.
Well it sure touched me and I am sure if you could have seen the video it would have touched you too. He is a great speaker and I could listen to him all day.
You can watch it yourself at www.facebook.com/JohnCMaxwell and press watch video 1.
I am so excited about doing this study with all of y'all! I can't wait to see how God uses this study to deepen each of our relationships with Him and also to get to know y'all!
Day 1- The first thing that jumped out at me was in the first paragraph. "and the journey toward becoming women after God's own heart- begins with prayer!" It seems like I do really good for a week or two being consistent with spending time with God in His word and in prayer and then one day goes by and I skip ... and then it becomes two, three, four, etc! I get so mad at myself over it, but I know that it's just me being human ... but I want to do so much better!
One of the verses that I really liked was 1 Peter 5:8-9, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are."
I know that the more time I spend with God and the more I try to do better in my life (be a better wife, mother, friend) that Satan is going to attack me and try to tear me down. I saw it last week after starting this study and saw it after spending a weekend in a marriage conference. I am praying that we can be strong and not allow Satan to tear us down.
Praying for each of y'all and like I said earlier, looking forward to getting to know everyone!
Jill - after I posted my comments, I went back and read what else had been said about Day 1 ... looks like we got a lot of the same stuff out of it! I feel like the same things hinder my relationship with God - tiredness, always something to do (laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc.) being a wife and mother and all that goes with that - but I am praying that I will allow God to overcome all of that and give me the strength and energy I need!!
Day1; I'm with brook. The verse that really spoke to me was also james 4:3. I think a lot of times I pray with the wrong motives. Maybe I'm praying for someone with the intent that it will benefit me more than sincerely wanting it for that person. The advice that I would give someone I have actually said before but haven't practiced it in my own life. All I have to do is get out of bed 20 minutes earlier. That's not much of a sacrifice!
Day 2 - Love being reminded that God is my rock and the He can not be shaken. There have been so many times in my life He has proven this to me ... through my parent's divorce, college, getting me out of bad relationships, through a miscarriage, and the list could go on and on! So thankful to have a God that is there when the times are good and also when the times are really hard!
Praying with faith is something that I struggle with. I remember my college minister would always say we should show up at church expecting, God to move and that we should pray, expecting God to answer. So many times I just say the words and go through the motions ... and I don't want to be that kind of Christian!
Day 3 - Philippians 4:6-9 is one of my favorite passages of scripture, even though I often don't take it to heart. I find myself worrying over the little things and I know I shouldn't. One thing right now that I'm struggling with is my pregnancy. I had Lydia @ 33 weeks and I'm so scared that I will go into labor with this baby early or earlier. God took care of Lydia and is perfectly healthy ... but it was a rough for a while. I'm just trying to remind myself when I start to worry that God has it all under control and that if this baby comes early, then He will take care of him/her also.
Another thing I loved about Day 3 was about God's discipline! While it's not fun while it is happening, it is always good for us and so that we might share in his holiness!! How awesome is that?!?
Im sorry I am so late!! But I am excited to be joining u guys! I have really enjoyed reading the posts so far! I agree with Brooke and hope we can all get together at the end of this for dinner or something. It would be great to meet the girls that I don't know! Day one: the passage that really spoke to me was Matthew 6:5-15: "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thine door, pray to thy father who is in secret, and thy father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee...". This reminded me that I should take some time alone everyday to pray using all my heart and mind and devote myself to my prayers. This reminded me that I should make a special time each day to pray with all my heart and mind
Sorry guys.. I last part got messed up with my phone. To finish.. It seems easy to pray like this everyday, but I struggle to keep it up. I am like some of u.. I will do good for a while and then not so good for a while. I want to be better at my commitment to this..
Day 2: I too, liked the reminder that God is my "rock"! He has been there for me through so much. Life has gotten really tough for me at times.. He lifted me up and helped me through. This reminder shows me that I should pray in faith! I know he will answer my prayers if my intentions are good. It is easy to get off track, but I am going to do my best!
Urgent Prayer Request... My best friend's sister in law found out today that she has Stage 3 Brain Cancer in the form of a tumor. The medical team has determined that surgery is necessary at 8 am. She only has a 25% chance of surviving surgery and even if she does, she has a 5% chance of survival after surgery. They are not sure that they can remove the tumor because of the location but are going to try. She is a wife and mother to an infant son and is NOT saved. My best friend is traveling to her now to witness. Please pray for her salvation and for my friend as a witness of Christ. Also prayer for the medical team and entire family. I'll keep you posted.
"Hearing from God" was a great tool for me. The opening verses really spoke to my heart. It is difficult to only seek HIS will at times, but I am going to start listening to his call for me instead of dreaming for my pleasure. John 15:7-8 is a great verse. The note section of my bible stated this: "He who abides in Christ doesn't ask outside the will of God." Wow! I also enjoyed being reminded that God is my Rock and I can not be moved through him.
I really admire Hannah. So many times I find my self asking for things in return for what I can give back, only I don't always keep my vow. I know that even though things may be challenging, I have to hold up my end of the vows that I make with God.
I started to look at my motives through prayer. I have been selfish and find that when I feel like God is not answering me I become weary. Now I know that either God has his own timing in certain matters or I am praying for my will, not his and I am going to strive to pray for HIS will to be done!
They went in and found that the tumor starts at her left eye socket and tenticles wrap around the back of the brain. They inserted chemo lines to her tumor and will go back in for removal of the "head" of the tumor on the 28th. They said it will continue to grow back and will have to do surgery every 4-6 weeks just to maintain, but after so much she won't be able to take it any longer. They are going to go in once and try intense chemo which she will have to be sedated for and have given her 3 months to live even with surgery. The prognosis is grim, but God is GOOD! Please pray for her salvation.
Day 3: blessing of greater peace PEACE! What a blessing from God. I really enjoyed Hebrew 12: 7-11. I feel like I truly understood this in my life when my mother passed away. I had never felt that kind of pain and I wasn't sure why God would do something like that to me. But over time, I prayed and I trusted that He would get me through. And he did! I have never forgotten that feeling but I have healed through time and prayers. I also see that he had a plan for me and my entire family and we are all stronger because of it.
This message really spoke to me. I have been talking with a few friends this week about why certain things happen to people and Hebrew 12:7-11 was nice to read. I also felt like I could really relate to Phil 4:6-9. Instead of wasting time on worrying, I should spend that time in prayer.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Galatians 5:22-26! I pray that I can "keep in step with" the fruit of the spirit. I am going to pray this week that all of us ladies can abide by these scriptures. Please pray that I can possess Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control. The note portion of my Bible pointed out something so incredible to me. It says..."We become like the things on which we reflect."
Day2: This was a great lesson. I love I John 5 If we ask ANYTHING according to his will he will hear us. Reminds me to ask according to HIS will not mine which requires some soul searching before I pray! If we are praying according to Gods will we can BELIEVE that He WILL answer!!!
Day 3: The peace og Christ is sooo different than any other in that it isnt based on feelings or situations. Paul had peace in prison!! Thats the kind of peace I want and will have if I remain in him and make my time with Him a priority rather than an after thought as Im laying in bed feeling guilty because I didnt start my day with Him!
Day 4: So many times I just disregard my sins and think because they were so small I shouldt worry with them. We have to ask God to search our hearts daily and confess and repent (turn away from) our sins daily in order to be pure. I have gone more nights thinking about my sins than I have confessing and repenting. I pray that God will give me a desire to seek Him first and strive for purity! We should want HIM more than ANYTHING and I dont. I pray that He will give me that desire!!!
Day 5: I have spent some days praying without ceasing but way too many not praying at all. When I am in a constant state of prayer EVERYTHING is much better. Especially my heart and my attitude reflects that. Unfortunately I dont pray continually unless I have a need. I am trying to quit nicotine now and Its easy to pray without ceasing right now because its always on my mind that I need him.
Jill...Where do you go to church?? Are you by any chance goint to hiland heights?? sorry to ask if you are...I go there and saw your name on the women in prayer fb group. I am in childrens church on sundays so I miss seeing people unless they have kids in my small group at childrens church!
My husband and I are actually members at Geyer Springs, but my cousin's wife is a member at HH so she invited me to join the group. Her name is Melissa Zuber.
Hey ladies, I am enjoying this study. God is so good and I wanted to dive more into His Word and I feel like that goal is being met if i just do it daily then we will be even better. :) Week 2 Day 1 - The Blessing of Greater Confidence in Decision Making It is so easy to take popular opinion than to pray and search the Bible for God's Will. I want to be so close to God that I know what decision to make because I know Him. If I don't know the answer I am praying about it and searching for Godly wisdom and not popular opinion. That is hard to do when the popular opinion is not wrong but not the Godly thing.
Week 2 Day 2 - The Blessing of Greater Contentment I love the quote in the side margin "The way to worry about nothing is to pray about everything"
WOW!!! That is good. There is power in prayer and the more we pray about, the better we are. We are to pray without ceasing, keep a constant line of communication open with God and know that is where our power and guidance comes from.
Being content is very important in life and our priorities in order will help us know where to spend our time. I just wish I followed my own advice. Instead I continue to battle balance and patience with those that have different priorities (husband)
Ladies, I am asking you for prayer that I have not mentioned to anyone else. My mom had to go to the OB the other day for some bleeding. She has been in Menopause for several years and they said that this could be a sign of cancer and they would run test. She had just went in Dec and things were great. She is not worried and seems calm about everything but please pray that everything is OK. I love my mom and am very close with her and can't imagine watching her in pain. Thank you ladies.
Week 2 day 2:Umm...this was difficult for me. I struggle with contentment. Always coveting those with better and greater things than I have. This is a matter of prayer for me. To be content with God's love and search HIM not things.
Week 2 day 4: The hardest thing to do for me is pray for those who persecute me. I have done this in the oast and the more I prayed for that person that got on my last nerve the more I began to love them and realize that this person is the way they are for a reason. Im very quick to judge which is another issue I am praying about. BUT if your quick to judge you miss the reason behind someones behavior. Once we can see them through Gods eyes we can have more of an understanding and tolerance for someone.
Week 2 Day 5:I marked dependence on God as absolutley essential. I have to start beginning my day with him everyday to demonstrate my absolute need for him.
Week 2 day 3 Again the quote on the side hit me in the face. To complain is an accusation against God. It questions God's wisdom and God's good judgement..... Also in a message a few weeks ago, Doug said to worry was to turn your back on God. I don't like to be a complainer but boy when I do, I will not be convicted on a different level.
Being content is so important in life but Becky, you are right, it is so easy to get off track and look at material things instead of the real issues. I sometimes think I don't have a problem with this and then God points out in different ways how I have more of an issue than I realize. So yes, spending time with Him and focusing on loving him and serving people helps keep this in check. Good point Becky.
God has changed me through prayer in more ways than I care to count. Most of the time I pray for a fix in my marriage, really meaning to fix him and God changes my heart to focus and work on me. The prayer is answered and our marriage improves because I change.
There is power in prayer and sometimes it plays out totally different then I could have planned. Always better. God is good.
There is power in prayer. God gives us what we need and our needs and desires are in line when we are in God's Word and in continual conversation with him. Satan knows God has the power and God's on our side!!
Week 3 Day 1 - Daily Discipline This is one I have battled with for years. God blesses me greatly when I keep my appointment with Him daily. Boy when I get off track my patience are not the same, I worry about things, I don't stay on schedule, I am not flexible and sensitive to God's spiritual prompting..... So much I miss when I am not meeting with Him
Thank you God for showing me I don't have to do this whole "Life" thing alone and I am so sorry for the times I have to be reminded. Thank you for convicting me and reminding me.
Ladies, I really miss seeing everyone's comments. If email works better or something else let me know. It doesn't matter what day your on either, just start where you are or on week 3 and go from there and come back to the other days at the end. If this study is not working for everyone I am willing to switch to a better format. So just let me know.
I was looking forward to doing this as a group. Let me know your thoughts.
Sorry ladies was on wrong week, let me try this again.... Week 3 and Day 2 - Daily Time Isiah 40:8 God's Word is forever, the earth is temporary This is hard for me to remember when I am chasing the prizes of the world, success in earthly treasures, and material obsessions. When I stay in God's word and in prayer, he helps me to continue focusing on people and their spiritual growth, not the material competitions between people.
Week 3 and Day 3 - Daily Walk Page 45 - If we as women say yes to everything that comes our way, we will eventually end up saying no to the things that matter most.....
This really spoke to me, I try to do as much as I can in one day sometimes but often have to say no to the things I want to do or things that are fun to do the things that need to be done. I need to be in prayer that I say yes and no to the right things according to God's will not Brook's. Prayer before answering so quick is my goal.
Week 3 and Day 4 - Daily Desire Thank you ladies for being my accountability partners. I know I haven't seen your post lately but this really helps me to stay on track. So thank you for allowing me to have help staying on track. My neighborhood or small group is going to be doing this too so I am glad to have more people walking with me each day.
Week 3 day 1;sorry ladies. Been sick and had to play catch up again. This is a struggle for everyone I know. I have to make God a priority and seek Him first. Every day has its own onbstacles and busyness and it never slows down. I just have to plan my time with God! It has to become part of daily life not an after thought! I'm never going to stop trying. I know there will be days I will fail but cant let that keep me from trying again every day!
Well I posted one comment already and it didn't post so lets try again.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited as well. This will be great in so many ways.
Day 1 - A Heart for Blessing in Prayer
James 4:3 Really spoke to me. If my prayers are not being answered I should search my motives because God knows our true motives. That makes me wonder if some of my unanswered prayers are because my motives are wrong. :( I will have to pray about that as well.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Day 2-The Blessings of Greater Faith
ReplyDeleteThis also was a great lesson for me that I had heard before but really hit home because of watching so many of my friends with problems and being hit time after time with yet another problem. Or myself praying for something and not getting the answers I am looking for. Praying with faith means you are praying with expectancy that things are going to happen. It is easy to say the words in prayer but if we have no faith that God is going to answer those prayers, why would he bother. So I was told at one time many years ago to pray thanking God for what he is going to do because you know without a doubt that He will answer in an even bigger way than we can imagine. God is good and He loves us more than we can imagine and wants the best in our lives and in others. The more we realize that the more we will acknowledge that and give him praise and depend on Him for the answers and guidance.
Wow! I am praying today for a couple of friends that are going through some rough times and also that God will change my husband's heart and Chris will be our spiritual leader our family needs. The example to the kids they need him to be. Chris is a good guy and I know he loves us and the Lord but I want my kids to see the godly man that God desires for him to be.
Sorry so long. :) Have a great day ladies. Call me if you are having problems posting or reading these and we can figure it out.
I am not sure why no one is posting comments. I hope I didn't make a mistake some how?.?.
ReplyDeleteDay 3- The Blessing of Greater Peace
Knowing the Holy Spirit is there and Knows our hearts gives me peace. Sometimes my prayer is not what it should be but the holy spirit speaks for me knowing all things. Thank you God for leading and guiding me.
Day 4-The Blessing of a Greater Purity
ReplyDeleteWow this was tough. It is so easy to point the finger at someone else's sins and forget that my sins are there too. I mainly do this with my husband. I see so many ways I would like him to change and don't look right in the mirror. I need to focus on Brook and allow God to take care of the rest. Focusing on me normally ends in a bigger change in my husband anyway. Not that that should be my motive but when I don't have a judgement attitude and live a Christian example then he sees that and reacts to it. God forgive me for wanting to play God and not trusting you. Help me to focus on changing my actions, attitude, and life instead throwing stones at others.
Sorry ladies. Got busy and behind. Will catch up this week!
ReplyDeleteIt was a busy week here at the Henley house, but I also realized that the Devil gave me a lot of excuses to not get started on this study. Last night around 11 I had the urge to get my Bible out. I did a lot of scripture search and am really excited about this study!
ReplyDeleteDay 1: A Heart for Blessing in Prayer
I began day one by researching the scripture listed at the beginning and had to do some note searching to really understand what God was speaking to me. The first paragraph really spoke to me, especially the line "The journey toward becoming women after God's own heart begins with prayer." I have really negleted God. I know I should be spending alone time with him everyday, but often don't.
The workbook exerises were great. I was able to find out exactly why I haven't been spending more time in prayer (tiredness, not staying on schedule,duties as a wife/mother, and Satan's temptation) and why it is important to spend time in prayer daily. I am going to work harder on beginning my day in prayer, reading scripture, and seeking Him.
Jill, I didn't have your phone number to text you last night but you are not alone in not doing the study last week. In fact the other ladies voted to start with Day 1 today. So you are right on target. Don't beat yourself up about not spending time with God daily. Yes we all should and that is our goal but you are a new mother and it is hard to get your schedule down when your schedule changes so often right now. I hope the accountability of having partners in this study will encourage you to do your meeting with God each day but I never want you to be down and always let us know how we can pray for you.
ReplyDeleteLadies that goes for you too. If you have a prayer request please let us know via text or blog. My cell is 501-416-2410. I love this study and i know that God will bless us greatly during our time in this study and with Him. Happy Valentine's Day to all of you and hope you have a great week.
Thanks for your encouraging words Brook. My cell is 501-860-5373 if anyone ever needs to chat! I am so excited about meeting new women and fellowship. Happy Valentine's day!
ReplyDeleteWe had staff meeting today and watched a John Maxwell clip today that inspired me to be more invested in my friends and family than I already am. So I wanted to share it with you.
ReplyDeleteHe said to make 2011 the best year of your life you by doing 3 things:
1. Add value to others
By encouraging them, showing compassion, compliments, being a good friend in all ways.
2. Add value to yourself
We add value to ourselves by spending time with God in prayer and in Bible study. We also add value to ourselves by being around positive people that "deposit emotionally" in our account and not "withdraw" all the time.
3. Know them - take time to care about other people and what is going on in their lives. Care enough to remember and share enough to show value.
Well it sure touched me and I am sure if you could have seen the video it would have touched you too. He is a great speaker and I could listen to him all day.
You can watch it yourself at www.facebook.com/JohnCMaxwell and press watch video 1.
I am so excited about doing this study with all of y'all! I can't wait to see how God uses this study to deepen each of our relationships with Him and also to get to know y'all!
ReplyDeleteDay 1-
The first thing that jumped out at me was in the first paragraph. "and the journey toward becoming women after God's own heart- begins with prayer!" It seems like I do really good for a week or two being consistent with spending time with God in His word and in prayer and then one day goes by and I skip ... and then it becomes two, three, four, etc! I get so mad at myself over it, but I know that it's just me being human ... but I want to do so much better!
One of the verses that I really liked was 1 Peter 5:8-9, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are."
I know that the more time I spend with God and the more I try to do better in my life (be a better wife, mother, friend) that Satan is going to attack me and try to tear me down. I saw it last week after starting this study and saw it after spending a weekend in a marriage conference. I am praying that we can be strong and not allow Satan to tear us down.
Praying for each of y'all and like I said earlier, looking forward to getting to know everyone!
Jill - after I posted my comments, I went back and read what else had been said about Day 1 ... looks like we got a lot of the same stuff out of it! I feel like the same things hinder my relationship with God - tiredness, always something to do (laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc.) being a wife and mother and all that goes with that - but I am praying that I will allow God to overcome all of that and give me the strength and energy I need!!
ReplyDeletePraying for you!
Day1; I'm with brook. The verse that really spoke to me was also james 4:3. I think a lot of times I pray with the wrong motives. Maybe I'm praying for someone with the intent that it will benefit me more than sincerely wanting it for that person. The advice that I would give someone I have actually said before but haven't practiced it in my own life. All I have to do is get out of bed 20 minutes earlier. That's not much of a sacrifice!
ReplyDeleteDay 2 - Love being reminded that God is my rock and the He can not be shaken. There have been so many times in my life He has proven this to me ... through my parent's divorce, college, getting me out of bad relationships, through a miscarriage, and the list could go on and on! So thankful to have a God that is there when the times are good and also when the times are really hard!
ReplyDeletePraying with faith is something that I struggle with. I remember my college minister would always say we should show up at church expecting, God to move and that we should pray, expecting God to answer. So many times I just say the words and go through the motions ... and I don't want to be that kind of Christian!
Day 3 - Philippians 4:6-9 is one of my favorite passages of scripture, even though I often don't take it to heart. I find myself worrying over the little things and I know I shouldn't. One thing right now that I'm struggling with is my pregnancy. I had Lydia @ 33 weeks and I'm so scared that I will go into labor with this baby early or earlier. God took care of Lydia and is perfectly healthy ... but it was a rough for a while. I'm just trying to remind myself when I start to worry that God has it all under control and that if this baby comes early, then He will take care of him/her also.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I loved about Day 3 was about God's discipline! While it's not fun while it is happening, it is always good for us and so that we might share in his holiness!! How awesome is that?!?
Im sorry I am so late!! But I am excited to be joining u guys! I have really enjoyed reading the posts so far! I agree with Brooke and hope we can all get together at the end of this for dinner or something. It would be great to meet the girls that I don't know!
ReplyDeleteDay one: the passage that really spoke to me was Matthew 6:5-15: "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thine door, pray to thy father who is in secret, and thy father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee...".
This reminded me that I should take some time alone everyday to pray using all my heart and mind and devote myself to my prayers.
This reminded me that I should make a special time each day to pray with all my heart and mind
Sorry guys.. I last part got messed up with my phone.
ReplyDeleteTo finish.. It seems easy to pray like this everyday, but I struggle to keep it up. I am like some of u.. I will do good for a while and then not so good for a while. I want to be better at my commitment to this..
Day 2:
ReplyDeleteI too, liked the reminder that God is my "rock"! He has been there for me through so much. Life has gotten really tough for me at times.. He lifted me up and helped me through. This reminder shows me that I should pray in faith! I know he will answer my prayers if my intentions are good. It is easy to get off track, but I am going to do my best!
Urgent Prayer Request...
ReplyDeleteMy best friend's sister in law found out today that she has Stage 3 Brain Cancer in the form of a tumor. The medical team has determined that surgery is necessary at 8 am. She only has a 25% chance of surviving surgery and even if she does, she has a 5% chance of survival after surgery. They are not sure that they can remove the tumor because of the location but are going to try. She is a wife and mother to an infant son and is NOT saved. My best friend is traveling to her now to witness. Please pray for her salvation and for my friend as a witness of Christ. Also prayer for the medical team and entire family. I'll keep you posted.
Day 2: The Blessing of Greater Faith
ReplyDelete"Hearing from God" was a great tool for me. The opening verses really spoke to my heart. It is difficult to only seek HIS will at times, but I am going to start listening to his call for me instead of dreaming for my pleasure. John 15:7-8 is a great verse. The note section of my bible stated this: "He who abides in Christ doesn't ask outside the will of God." Wow! I also enjoyed being reminded that God is my Rock and I can not be moved through him.
I really admire Hannah. So many times I find my self asking for things in return for what I can give back, only I don't always keep my vow. I know that even though things may be challenging, I have to hold up my end of the vows that I make with God.
I started to look at my motives through prayer. I have been selfish and find that when I feel like God is not answering me I become weary. Now I know that either God has his own timing in certain matters or I am praying for my will, not his and I am going to strive to pray for HIS will to be done!
Jill, How is your best friend's sister in law? I will b praying.
ReplyDeleteThey went in and found that the tumor starts at her left eye socket and tenticles wrap around the back of the brain. They inserted chemo lines to her tumor and will go back in for removal of the "head" of the tumor on the 28th. They said it will continue to grow back and will have to do surgery every 4-6 weeks just to maintain, but after so much she won't be able to take it any longer. They are going to go in once and try intense chemo which she will have to be sedated for and have given her 3 months to live even with surgery. The prognosis is grim, but God is GOOD! Please pray for her salvation.
ReplyDeleteDay 3: blessing of greater peace
ReplyDeletePEACE! What a blessing from God. I really enjoyed Hebrew 12: 7-11. I feel like I truly understood this in my life when my mother passed away. I had never felt that kind of pain and I wasn't sure why God would do something like that to me. But over time, I prayed and I trusted that He would get me through. And he did! I have never forgotten that feeling but I have healed through time and prayers. I also see that he had a plan for me and my entire family and we are all stronger because of it.
Day 3: Blessing of Greater Peace
ReplyDeleteThis message really spoke to me. I have been talking with a few friends this week about why certain things happen to people and Hebrew 12:7-11 was nice to read. I also felt like I could really relate to Phil 4:6-9. Instead of wasting time on worrying, I should spend that time in prayer.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Galatians 5:22-26! I pray that I can "keep in step with" the fruit of the spirit. I am going to pray this week that all of us ladies can abide by these scriptures. Please pray that I can possess Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control. The note portion of my Bible pointed out something so incredible to me. It says..."We become like the things on which we reflect."
Day2: This was a great lesson. I love I John 5 If we ask ANYTHING according to his will he will hear us. Reminds me to ask according to HIS will not mine which requires some soul searching before I pray! If we are praying according to Gods will we can BELIEVE that He WILL answer!!!
ReplyDeleteDay 3: The peace og Christ is sooo different than any other in that it isnt based on feelings or situations. Paul had peace in prison!! Thats the kind of peace I want and will have if I remain in him and make my time with Him a priority rather than an after thought as Im laying in bed feeling guilty because I didnt start my day with Him!
ReplyDeleteDay 4: So many times I just disregard my sins and think because they were so small I shouldt worry with them. We have to ask God to search our hearts daily and confess and repent (turn away from) our sins daily in order to be pure. I have gone more nights thinking about my sins than I have confessing and repenting. I pray that God will give me a desire to seek Him first and strive for purity! We should want HIM more than ANYTHING and I dont. I pray that He will give me that desire!!!
ReplyDeleteDay 5: I have spent some days praying without ceasing but way too many not praying at all. When I am in a constant state of prayer EVERYTHING is much better. Especially my heart and my attitude reflects that. Unfortunately I dont pray continually unless I have a need. I am trying to quit nicotine now and Its easy to pray without ceasing right now because its always on my mind that I need him.
ReplyDeleteJill...Where do you go to church?? Are you by any chance goint to hiland heights?? sorry to ask if you are...I go there and saw your name on the women in prayer fb group. I am in childrens church on sundays so I miss seeing people unless they have kids in my small group at childrens church!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are actually members at Geyer Springs, but my cousin's wife is a member at HH so she invited me to join the group. Her name is Melissa Zuber.
ReplyDeleteHey ladies, I am enjoying this study. God is so good and I wanted to dive more into His Word and I feel like that goal is being met if i just do it daily then we will be even better. :)
ReplyDeleteWeek 2 Day 1 - The Blessing of Greater Confidence in Decision Making
It is so easy to take popular opinion than to pray and search the Bible for God's Will. I want to be so close to God that I know what decision to make because I know Him. If I don't know the answer I am praying about it and searching for Godly wisdom and not popular opinion. That is hard to do when the popular opinion is not wrong but not the Godly thing.
Week 2 Day 2 - The Blessing of Greater Contentment
ReplyDeleteI love the quote in the side margin "The way to worry about nothing is to pray about everything"
WOW!!! That is good. There is power in prayer and the more we pray about, the better we are. We are to pray without ceasing, keep a constant line of communication open with God and know that is where our power and guidance comes from.
Being content is very important in life and our priorities in order will help us know where to spend our time. I just wish I followed my own advice. Instead I continue to battle balance and patience with those that have different priorities (husband)
Ladies, I am asking you for prayer that I have not mentioned to anyone else. My mom had to go to the OB the other day for some bleeding. She has been in Menopause for several years and they said that this could be a sign of cancer and they would run test. She had just went in Dec and things were great. She is not worried and seems calm about everything but please pray that everything is OK. I love my mom and am very close with her and can't imagine watching her in pain. Thank you ladies.
ReplyDeleteWeek 2 day 1: Great reminder to pray before making decisions. Also..That the heart is deceitful above all things.
ReplyDeleteWeek 2 day 2:Umm...this was difficult for me. I struggle with contentment. Always coveting those with better and greater things than I have. This is a matter of prayer for me. To be content with God's love and search HIM not things.
ReplyDeleteWeek 2 day 3: Again...difficult. We have to set the Lord CONTIUALLY before us and not be shaken. The more I love God the less I love things!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWeek 2 day 4: The hardest thing to do for me is pray for those who persecute me. I have done this in the oast and the more I prayed for that person that got on my last nerve the more I began to love them and realize that this person is the way they are for a reason. Im very quick to judge which is another issue I am praying about. BUT if your quick to judge you miss the reason behind someones behavior. Once we can see them through Gods eyes we can have more of an understanding and tolerance for someone.
ReplyDeleteWeek 2 Day 5:I marked dependence on God as absolutley essential. I have to start beginning my day with him everyday to demonstrate my absolute need for him.
ReplyDeleteWeek 2 day 3
ReplyDeleteAgain the quote on the side hit me in the face. To complain is an accusation against God. It questions God's wisdom and God's good judgement..... Also in a message a few weeks ago, Doug said to worry was to turn your back on God.
I don't like to be a complainer but boy when I do, I will not be convicted on a different level.
Being content is so important in life but Becky, you are right, it is so easy to get off track and look at material things instead of the real issues. I sometimes think I don't have a problem with this and then God points out in different ways how I have more of an issue than I realize. So yes, spending time with Him and focusing on loving him and serving people helps keep this in check. Good point Becky.
Week 2 day 4
ReplyDeleteGod has changed me through prayer in more ways than I care to count. Most of the time I pray for a fix in my marriage, really meaning to fix him and God changes my heart to focus and work on me. The prayer is answered and our marriage improves because I change.
There is power in prayer and sometimes it plays out totally different then I could have planned. Always better. God is good.
Week 2 Day 5
ReplyDeleteThere is power in prayer. God gives us what we need and our needs and desires are in line when we are in God's Word and in continual conversation with him. Satan knows God has the power and God's on our side!!
Week 3 Day 1 - Daily Discipline
ReplyDeleteThis is one I have battled with for years. God blesses me greatly when I keep my appointment with Him daily. Boy when I get off track my patience are not the same, I worry about things, I don't stay on schedule, I am not flexible and sensitive to God's spiritual prompting.....
So much I miss when I am not meeting with Him
Thank you God for showing me I don't have to do this whole "Life" thing alone and I am so sorry for the times I have to be reminded. Thank you for convicting me and reminding me.
Ladies, I really miss seeing everyone's comments. If email works better or something else let me know. It doesn't matter what day your on either, just start where you are or on week 3 and go from there and come back to the other days at the end. If this study is not working for everyone I am willing to switch to a better format. So just let me know.
ReplyDeleteI was looking forward to doing this as a group. Let me know your thoughts.
Oh thank you for your prayers for my mom. She is fine.
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ReplyDeleteSorry ladies was on wrong week, let me try this again....
ReplyDeleteWeek 3 and Day 2 - Daily Time
Isiah 40:8 God's Word is forever, the earth is temporary
This is hard for me to remember when I am chasing the prizes of the world, success in earthly treasures, and material obsessions. When I stay in God's word and in prayer, he helps me to continue focusing on people and their spiritual growth, not the material competitions between people.
Week 3 and Day 3 - Daily Walk
ReplyDeletePage 45 - If we as women say yes to everything that comes our way, we will eventually end up saying no to the things that matter most.....
This really spoke to me, I try to do as much as I can in one day sometimes but often have to say no to the things I want to do or things that are fun to do the things that need to be done. I need to be in prayer that I say yes and no to the right things according to God's will not Brook's. Prayer before answering so quick is my goal.
Week 3 and Day 4 - Daily Desire
ReplyDeleteThank you ladies for being my accountability partners. I know I haven't seen your post lately but this really helps me to stay on track. So thank you for allowing me to have help staying on track. My neighborhood or small group is going to be doing this too so I am glad to have more people walking with me each day.
Week 3 day 1;sorry ladies. Been sick and had to play catch up again. This is a struggle for everyone I know. I have to make God a priority and seek Him first. Every day has its own onbstacles and busyness and it never slows down. I just have to plan my time with God! It has to become part of daily life not an after thought! I'm never going to stop trying. I know there will be days I will fail but cant let that keep me from trying again every day!
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