| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| knead2garden |
Posted - Jan 24 2012 : 05:19:22 AM
Knowing God’s Will
Topic 4: Ways to discern God’s will
1. Verse: 2 Samuel 5:1-10 (Don’t assume we know it)
A kings awaits his orders
King David was a mighty warrior anointed by God, but he didn't presume to know what to do in every military situation. He was ready to attack the enemies who threatened his kingdom, but before he made a move, he asked God what to do. When a second threat came, he didn't assume that the guidance he’d received earlier atomically applied to this new situation. David was keenly aware of his constant dependence on the divine wisdom.
Like David, lets demonstrate our dependence on God by seeking his guidance consistently and diligently, even in the small issues that concern us. South African author, Andrew Murray remarked, “ The insignificance of daily life are the importance and tests of eternity, because they prove what really is the spirit that posses us.”
Question: Are your decisions shaped by past experiences or daily seeking God? What daily decisions of life are you asking him about?
More Insights: Judges 6:36-40; Jeremiah 42:1-2; James 1:5
2. Verse: 1 Chron. 14:8-17 ( Don’t presume to know God’s plan)
Listening or presuming?
One of the most wonderful things about our God is that he loves to speak to us. He wants us to keep coming to him regularly for council, just as David did. David could have assumed that since God anointed him king, that God would want David to march against his enemies when they attacked. But, despite his open relationship with the Lord, David never presumed to know the Lords direction for a given situation. He knew it was dangerous to attempt to extend God’s kingdom without specific instructions. Earlier in Israel’s history, Joshua's forces were defeated or deceived on two occasions because he did not inquire with the Lord before moving ahead with plans for conquest of the promised land (Joshua 7-9)
Our hearts can also be deceived into believing we have all the wisdom needed to form our own strategies for evangelism or for performing other good deeds. We need God to help develop and fine-tune our plans so the forces of darkeness can be defeated.
More Insights: Psalm 40:1; John 10:27
3. Verse: John 7:6-9 (Submit to his timing)
God’s schedule not ours
Our challenge is to stay in tune with God so that we work according to his schedule. Inevitably sometimes God’s purposes will conflict with our preferences. Jesus didn't let other pressure him into a timetable that would take him outside of God’s will. And neither should we. We benefit by making a point to seek God’s timing. He wants only the best for us.
Question: Have you faced a situation where your schedule conflicted with God’s timing? What did you learn from it?
More Insights: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; John 2:3-8; 11:6-15
4. Verse: 2 Kings 6:5-7 (Be sure we’ve been obedient)
When it’s hard to hear
Though at times we may struggle to hear God’s voice, we can be sure that his desire to communicate with us is greater than our desire to hear from him. Therefore if we are not hearing clearly, it’s good to stop and consider what might be obstructing our ability to hear.
Questions: If you’ve been unable to hear God’s voice lately, ask him to show you the last time you did hear him clearly. What did the Lord say to you then?
More Insights: Joshua 7:1-13; Proverbs 1:23-33; Isaiah 59:1-2
I hope you are all well! Look forward to another week of study:)
Much love,
~Ashley
#1677
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught." -Baba Dioum |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| cheryl keyes |
Posted - Feb 28 2012 : 08:28:56 AM
I tottaly agree Claudia, you not only have a beautiful way with words your heart is beautiful as well.. im very much looking forward to continuing in a study of Gods Word with you wonderful ladies.
http://plumkrazy.etsy.com
http://plumkrazyvintage.blogspot.com |
| knead2garden |
Posted - Feb 28 2012 : 08:24:48 AM
You are so sweet Claudia.
~Ashley
#1677
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught." -Baba Dioum |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Feb 28 2012 : 07:59:34 AM
Goodness Kristina...no need to apologize. I think we all have wandered around just trying to survive and put out fires in our own life. There are times of trials and other times of peace and beauty. Our remembering that God holds us in the palm of His hand and is always with us, is the important thing. This is not only a place of Bible study, but a place of prayer...so for you Kristina and you Ashley who have noted that there are roadblocks and trials in your lives....Dear Father, You know our beginning and our end, and all those places in between. May you reach down and gather these ladies to your warm breast so they may hear Your beating heart for them. Let them know that regardless of what stands in their path now, You are the Way, and there are ways to get around any difficulty...sometimes it is through it (Rom 8). Let them grow stong in the midst of this adversity and come out as the boys from the fiery furnace...with big smiles and glowing faces. We know that greater are You who are in us that he who is in the world...so with You we can weather all. Bless these ladies and give Cheryl a special blessing and hug as she continues her day. Thank you that You have chosen us. Amen.
Buffypuff/ Claudia ~ Farmgirl Sister #870 @}~~
"God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves." DL Moody
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| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Feb 28 2012 : 06:34:29 AM
Sorry I haven't been here participating. It's been trial after trial this past few weeks, and I should be here first. I'll try to do better.
Farmgirl #800
http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
From my hands: http://pioneerpatchworkhomespun.blogspot.com/
From my Camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
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| cheryl keyes |
Posted - Feb 27 2012 : 7:19:13 PM
Hi Claudia That sounds great.. i will look forward to it!! thanks so much for doing this. cheryl
http://plumkrazy.etsy.com
http://plumkrazyvintage.blogspot.com |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Feb 27 2012 : 4:35:18 PM
Hi Cheryl and Ashley. We have had no other responses, but I will step out in faith and hope that those who are to participate will. I probably will post the study under a new heading under Across the Fence and will do it Wednesday as I get it organized. I hope you enjoy it. I know I need to learn more, so this will be a help for me too!!!
Ashley, I hope you are doing well. God's strength is made perfect in our weakness...my rendition of 2 Corinthians 12:9 ....
Buffypuff/ Claudia ~ Farmgirl Sister #870 @}~~
"God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves." DL Moody
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| cheryl keyes |
Posted - Feb 25 2012 : 05:49:29 AM
Hi claudia i for one would love to have you facilitate a Bidle study.. thanks for offering.
http://plumkrazy.etsy.com
http://plumkrazyvintage.blogspot.com |
| knead2garden |
Posted - Feb 24 2012 : 3:34:24 PM
Claudia,
I think it is a wonderful idea for you to share another study. I would never feel like you were stepping on my toes.
Ashley
~Ashley
#1677
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught." -Baba Dioum |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Feb 24 2012 : 10:55:33 AM
Ashley...and all those of you who have been following this Bible study, I wonder if we can take a hiatus from Ashley's study until she is ready to come back. I prayed about this...and am not sure if there is any support, but I have a Bible study that is quite adaptable to the internet. It is Kay Arthur's "Having a Real Relationship With God." I would be very happy to facilitate it. I've had it for some time and went through it by myself. I liked it. What do you think? Ashley, I would like your opinion primarily...cuz I don't want to step on your toes.
Buffypuff/ Claudia ~ Farmgirl Sister #870 @}~~
"God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves." DL Moody
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| cheryl keyes |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 6:37:52 PM
Hi Ashley, the most important thing is that you and your family are well, and that you continue to study Gods Word at this difficult time in your life. i know you had all good intentions when starting this study and i applaud you for stepping up and doing it. but as we all know things happen in life that we have no control over (only God had complete control). so please give yourself a break and know that we are all praying for you. peace and prayers cheryl
http://plumkrazy.etsy.com
http://plumkrazyvintage.blogspot.com |
| knead2garden |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 06:01:24 AM
Thank you, Claudia for your kind words. My family is illness free, but I am still working on some personal issues.
I can not commit to fulfilling my part of this study right now. I am still studying daily, but am at an odd place in life.
Your words really made me feel better. Thanks for being a forgiving and kind person. Sending much love your way.
~Ashley
~Ashley
#1677
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught." -Baba Dioum |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Feb 22 2012 : 11:20:08 PM
Ashley....I for one understand how life gets in the way of what we have planned for our life. I have survived with my relationship with the Lord and others. Do NOT take a heavy burden on yourself about us when you may have other things that take priority. What is a true farmgirl? I think we are all different and that is what makes us so interesting and unique. Soooo, since I have no problem with you and only hope your life is OK....(is it?)...do you want to continue or do you need to step back? All is well...hopefully for you and your family. Hope that illness is gone. :o)
Buffypuff/ Claudia ~ Farmgirl Sister #870 @}~~
"God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves." DL Moody
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| knead2garden |
Posted - Feb 22 2012 : 09:39:14 AM
Hello Ladies,
I would like to start by saying that I am so sorry to have let each of you down by not finishing the preperation of this study. I am not making any excuses, but feel I should explain myself, so you understand I did not just quit you.
Myself and my family were ill and then a sudden change of events occured that I had no control over. I should have checked back in with you and made you aware, but in all honesty I've been at a loss of words. I did not act like a true farmgirl and I am sorry.
Sending each of you hugs and kisses.
Much love,
Ashley
~Ashley
#1677
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught." -Baba Dioum |
| cheryl keyes |
Posted - Feb 05 2012 : 05:33:03 AM
Ashley, im sure everyone understands. its bad enough having the entire household sick , dont add feeling guilty about not posting to the list. feel better and post when you can. cheryl
http://plumkrazy.etsy.com
http://plumkrazyvintage.blogspot.com |
| knead2garden |
Posted - Feb 05 2012 : 04:44:11 AM
Hey All,
I am so sorry (once again). Our entire family has been sick this time. I will start topic 5 by Tuesday (when we should have been doing topic 6). I may post both at the same time so we can stay on track. I usually am not this wishy washy with projects I start, so please excuse me and thanks for your patience.
Much love ya'll!
~Ashley
#1677
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught." -Baba Dioum |
| LadyInRed |
Posted - Feb 04 2012 : 10:50:10 AM
Ashley...I am gathering that Lesson #5 hasn't been posted yet? ...just don't
want to miss it. I keep checking. *smile*
Live Loved,
peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
"Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch"
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have."
When I was a lonely wallflower, Jesus asked me to dance. Then he asked me to be His! |
| cheryl keyes |
Posted - Feb 02 2012 : 6:27:41 PM
Nini is in my thoughts and prayers.. and you too Ashely
http://plumkrazy.etsy.com
http://plumkrazyvintage.blogspot.com |
| knead2garden |
Posted - Jan 31 2012 : 12:45:04 PM
Claudia, Thanks for letting us know. I will keep her in my prayers...poor thing:(
~Ashley
#1677
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught." -Baba Dioum |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Jan 31 2012 : 12:09:57 PM
Got this email from Nini...and I don't see it here...so would you all prayer for her...... Claudia
Hi girls -
Well, long story short, I've been having chest pressure and pain and my blood pressure readings have all been out of whack since the beginning of the month, but I've been ignoring it and passing it off as being the branch bundle block AND because I knew pneumonia came with its own discomforts. As far as the branch bundle block went, the doctors warned that I would have this pain, and not to be worried unless I had other serious signs of heart attack. I had to go for another follow up for the pneumonia today, and lo and behold my doctor decided to do an EKG twice. Apparently there is a problem with the anterior portion of my heart (according to the EKG), and since I've had the chest pain/pressure, and other symptoms, and given that my dad's heart attack at 36 was to the anterior of his heart (it has been dead since - he's still kickin', but not well), she is having me go to the ER to have tests and be admitted. Yay. So, I'm going with the "I"m sure I'll be fine" thing, but if you wouldn't mind, I really could use your prayers right now. I want to be okay. My son is overwhelmed and can't stop crying, my hubby's on his way home to take me in. My foster daughter's here reading my medical records, too - she's a nursing student and wants to see it all for herself and make sure I'm going to be okay. I'm going to be okay! We'll see what happens. I'll keep you all posted when I can.
>sigh<
If you see I've forgotten to email anyone, please let them know so that if they try to email me and don't hear back from me they will understand and know I'm not ignoring them, okay? I'd really appreciate your help with that! I don't want anyone to feel hurt or left our or ignored or anything. I'm just really in a hurry to get myself together and off to the hospital, that's all. :) Thank you!!!
Buffypuff/ Claudia ~ Farmgirl Sister #870 @}~~
"God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves." DL Moody
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| cheryl keyes |
Posted - Jan 31 2012 : 12:06:05 PM
Madeline thank you so much.. words i need to hear.. and Ashely hope you are ok.. and to all of you ladies who took the time to write encouraging words to me it dawned on me today that , those kind words were from the Holy Spirit speaking to me through you.. if i wasnt so litteral i would realize this more often thank you so much. cheryl
http://plumkrazy.etsy.com
http://plumkrazyvintage.blogspot.com |
| knead2garden |
Posted - Jan 31 2012 : 07:49:57 AM
That is beautiful, Madeline! I've been ill ladies, so I'm sorry Topic 5 is not posted yet. It will be up at the latest tomorrow morning. So sorry for the delay.
Much love,
~Ashley
#1677
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught." -Baba Dioum |
| fille de ferme |
Posted - Jan 31 2012 : 05:22:06 AM
Hi All, Still working on the studies, just in stealth mode. ;) Cheryl, I have this written in my take everywhere journal & it has helped me alot. " I believe in the sun even when it does not shine, I believe in love even if I do not feel it, I believe in God even when he is silent." I read this saying over & over again, to remind myself, God never sleeps & does some of his best work in stealth mode ;)
Blessings |
| cheryl keyes |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 6:20:17 PM
claudia thank you for the kind words and the link. i just wrote the words in my journal and will continue to read The Word and pray for guidance.
http://plumkrazy.etsy.com
http://plumkrazyvintage.blogspot.com |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Jan 28 2012 : 1:57:12 PM
Cheryl, I know that no amount of advise will truly comfort you in answering your prayer. When I read your note, I immediately thought of a little plaque someone had given me when I was praying for my 1st marriage to be healed and all the pain to go away. it wasthe lyrics of a song..."Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times he calms the child." There is a little sermonette at this site.... http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2008/01/sunday-lyrics-sometimes-he-calms-the-storm/. It helped me immeasurably. It took me a long time to know that God had my best interests at heart, and that what I was asking He was not willing to give. It would have led to my distruction. Trusting is one of the hardest things to do when we are in the middle of pain and chaos in our lives. He does not want us to ignore the circumstances, but in spite of them...to trust and keep our eyes on Him. That is the story of the storm, and as the rest of the apostles thought they would drown, Jesus commented on their lack of faith. Faith is not grown in a hot house. It is grown in the winds of adversity, darkness and sometimes blazing heat. It is in spite of it all, good will come out of it. Remember the scripture of Romans 8:28....and God will work ALL things together for our good...to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." I have no idea what you are going through, but be assured that there are good brothers and sisters in Christ who are willing to stand beside you asking that God give you the answer that is best for YOU..one that maybe you cannot even see. Blessings, my dear. You are in my prayers.
Buffypuff/ Claudia ~ Farmgirl Sister #870 @}~~
"God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves." DL Moody
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| cheryl keyes |
Posted - Jan 27 2012 : 6:23:17 PM
thanks all for the insights.. yes i keep praying and believing i just pray it wouldnt take so long.
http://plumkrazy.etsy.com
http://plumkrazyvintage.blogspot.com |
