| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| knittinchick |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 12:10:35 PM
Hi everybody! For our little Bible Study group, our first theme is Women of the Bible. Below you will find the readings. We won't actually start posting and discussing them until the 20th, so until then, just read them and take notes about them. Anyone can join!
Reading 1: Genesis 2:18-3:20
Reading 2: Genesis 17:15-16; 21:1-7
Reading 3: Exodus 15:19-21
Reading 4: Judges chapters 4-5
Reading 5: Ruth
Reading 6: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11
Reading 7: Esther Chapter 8
Reading 8: Luke 1:5-25, 57-66
Reading 9: Luke 1:26-2:20
Reading 10: Luke 2:36-38
Reading 11: John 20:1-18
Reading 12: John 11:1-44; 12:1-18
Reading 13: Acts of the Apostles 16:11-15; Chapter 18
Reading 14: Romans 16:1-7
Again, this is a lot of reading, so that's we're not to going to start discussing until at least the twentieth. Take your time, and can't wait to start!
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jan 01 2011 : 7:15:39 PM
Then thank you Rae also! If you begin another one for the New Year, I will study along with you for sure.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| knittinchick |
Posted - Jan 01 2011 : 1:41:35 PM
Thanks Jeannie! But it wasn't my idea, I just posted the readings! It was Rae's idea to start doing Bible discussions. I wrote down another reading plan if any of you ladies would want to start another one. And Happy New Year!!
God's and New Year's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal.
The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Dec 30 2010 : 6:13:04 PM
Happy New Year to all of the wonderful Christian women who shared in this bible study, and to Megan (knittinchick) who began it in the first place. I have really enjoyed the discussions we have had.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Dec 20 2010 : 09:56:22 AM
Ladies, I have been hit and miss on here as life happens. Often read and just am blessed by the comments. I do not always comment tho. I would like to share if I may now? Loved all the above comments. As for our homes being ready. I have been working and learning this myself, especially lately. With health probs and an older home that was having A LOT of falling apart issues, 2 of my kids out in the midwest encouraged me to move out here. After much prayer, decided to give it a try. One of my daughters here and I moved into a 2brd 2 bath apt. Going from house to apt, HUGE change, but is easier for me and the health and safer. My long winded point? Just spent the last few months struggling and worrying about living in an apt? I attend a very 'high end' church, love the church, but the people I have met are pretty high class and I just began to feel insecure. I know that where I am right now, is where the Lord wants me to be. My daughter just had friends over twice last week for dinner and movies. Everyone had a great time, loved our place and the girls watched movies and just laughed and laughed and had a wonderful time. Now my daughter's and my belongings are still back in Ca. So our place is sparse and simple!! But, I am learning that what does count is what is in our hearts!!! One of my fav places to go and visit was always my son and his roomates apt in San Diego area. Now, mind you, a bachelor pad. But I tell you what, the fun and calm and peace that you felt there with those guys, cannot even explain it!! Sometimes we get sooo focused in America on what we have, dont have, and trying to out do each other that I think we forget what is REALLY important. For us believers, it is to show the love and peace of our Lord as best we can. I am learning to appreciate what I do have here and enjoy the simple things, such as the few herbs I planted on the balcony last spring/summer. In the New Year, we would like to keep sodas in frig, coffees and teas in the cupboard. Maybe some homemade pies and cupcakes in the freezer for when friends just stop by or those last minute get together plans. We can keep it simple and informal and honestly I think that is what gives people the most blessings. A sense of belonging and freedom to be themselves!! So much of what the Lord desires for us!! I loved all that each of you have shared. Will keep getting caught up on reading!! Have a blessed day and thank you for letting me share on and on, LOL. Blessings, Linda
Country at Heart |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Dec 19 2010 : 10:08:32 AM
Love that Claudia! So true! :)
In my reference bible, it notes that Pheobe was probably the carrier of the letter of Paul to Rome. Often gospel writers would recognize the carrier in the first verses of the letter, as way of introduction, etc. The notes also say that being referred to as a servant of the church often meant deacon or deaconess. But Paul in the Greek uses diaconos, meaning "one who ministers or serves." So like Caludai said, she may ormay not have been a deaconess. She was a gentile from Cenchrea, the eastern port city of Corinth. Paul obviously had great respect for her. He calls her a sister, a servant and a saint.
The Mary mentioned in these verses is an unknown Mary and is not believed to be one of those we have met in other scripture.
Junias is a feminine name, so a woman may have been among those imprisoned with Paul. However, he was sometimes imprisioned in a home, rather than a cell.
But it is obvious from these verses that Paul was praising their humility, ther loyal service to Christ and to believers.
It makes me feel good to know that if I want to devote my service and my life to Jesus, and I do, I can work toward being a Godly woman and a "deaconess". The scriptures reassure us over and over again, that even today, all these thousands of years later, the roles are the same. We can be saints in light, we can be servants, and we can help others in the name of Jesus.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Dec 18 2010 : 10:14:41 AM
I read verses 1-7 in Romans 16 which discusses those who have helped the people learn about the Lord. Paul is asking the people to greet them. Phoebe is mentioned as a deacon, not a deaconess ??. She has worked hard to serve the people and spread the gospel. In 1 Tim 3:11 (In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.) the rules for being a deacon/ess are listed. We know that she was a woman with an excellent reputation. She was one to be admired for Christian characteristics. Nothing is mentioned as to whether she was married, but we know she devoted her life for the gospel.
You've heard where people have said that they would be a Christian, but those Christians are weird, and don't live up to what they preach. In other words, we are seen NOT to be above reproach. Now most of us are probably not a deacon, but the characteristics of one should be the way we live. We definitely don't want people to throw out the baby(Jesus) with the bathwater (those who call themselves Christians.)
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| jpbluesky |
Posted - Dec 18 2010 : 06:32:39 AM
I know, the first post on this thread says 1-7. So let's go with it. I did not begin this study, so that is why I was not sure. Those verses do not specifically pinpoint a particular woman of the bible. But let's go with what is posted! I will try to study on it later today. :)
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| knittinchick |
Posted - Dec 17 2010 : 9:32:54 PM
Shirley Jean, the reading plan in my youth Bible listed 1-7, but if 1-2 is more appropriate, it can definitely be adjusted!
God's and Holiday's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal.
The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Dec 17 2010 : 07:37:36 AM
Thank you, girls. I am feeling better,but I was diagnosed with influenza A!!! I was shocked. So I get to stay at home for several days, and thank goodness the headache is gone. Should we move on to the last readings before Christmas and wind this up along with the end of the year? Anyone else want to comment on Lydia and Priscilla?
If we proceed it will be Pheobe. The listing says Romans 16:1-7, but I think it means 1-2. What do you think?
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| staci860 |
Posted - Dec 16 2010 : 10:18:15 AM
Shirley Jean, i hope you're feeling better.
Blessings, staci FG# 973
:o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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| buffypuff |
Posted - Dec 14 2010 : 8:03:17 PM
Praying for your healing!
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| jpbluesky |
Posted - Dec 14 2010 : 2:46:46 PM
Intersting thought about the prayer shawls. I wonder?
Please remember me in your prayers girls. I have the worst cold in ages. Fever just stays. And I was supposed to have my grands all day and night tomorrow! :(
To a remark above, you can tell I am wimpy too!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| Cherime |
Posted - Dec 13 2010 : 09:15:05 AM
A quick thought that I got from the person who teaches our Hebrew class, the old Hebrew word for tent can all refer and often is interchangeable with the word for a prayer shawl or tallis (to be in your tent alone with your God). Maybe they made prayer shawls. That opens a whole new line of though for me.
CMF |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Dec 12 2010 : 6:13:36 PM
Shirley you are so funny! 
I tried to put myself in the situation of Aquila and Pricilla. They were Jews in Italy, tentmakers. Claudius told all Jews to leave. People were quite aware of what happened when one was told to scoot. It meant death. I'm sure there were quick preparations and haste made to get out from the reaches of the Roman Empire. They went to Corinth, Greek, intellectual, liberal, full of art and philosophy. It seems they evangelized along with Paul. I think their life might have been dangerous, and tough,speaking among Jews who didn't accept Jesus, and then teaching Greeks. It was not like preaching at the mall. I wonder if their bones ached, if they had enough food as they went from place to place...if they were cold, weary, but knew that their mission was to speak Jesus. Much better people than I. I complain about politics, the deficits, the snow, cold, don't have all my housework done. WAH! I'm wimpy. I don't know if I could have survived in what the two of them went through. All I can pray is... "God use me..however...glorify yourself in me, however you choose. Give me the grace to not whine." 
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| jpbluesky |
Posted - Dec 12 2010 : 5:09:17 PM
Oh. and Claudia, our homes can be sanctuaries for others even if they are not totally neat and tidy. Many times when I visit a home, I feel good there even if it messy, but still cozy and welcoming. Just have food! :)
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Dec 12 2010 : 5:07:27 PM
Claudia - great comments, as always. Welcome Cathy!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| knittinchick |
Posted - Dec 11 2010 : 5:02:44 PM
Catherine, I think what you said about "being ready" can also be applied to something I hear in homilies sometimes. I think it's telling us to be ready also for when Jesus comes on the last day, and that's it's asking us if we are ready. Will we have to scurry around to be ready for Jesus to come into our hearts, or will we be ready? I think that Lydia is an example for women to be ready for when God comes.
Claudia, I like what you said about women changing their worlds. I think Lydia is trying to show us women that we can change our worlds, and if we can change our world, then we can have a ripple effect and change the whole world.
God's and Holiday's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal.
The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Dec 11 2010 : 4:02:11 PM
Back to Lydia. I think it is a small point, but the Holy Spirit kept telling Paul and Luke to "not go there", and "not there." He directed them to Phillipi in Macedonia after seeing a vision. They were there several days before they went outside the gates to a place for prayer. Why outside the gates? In Hebrew culture, outside gates was for the lepers and those who did not belong inside (unclean), but this was a Greek city. The place of prayer that Paul and Luke found had women gathering. Sound familiar in your church communities? How many women come alone to church while husbands are at home watching a good football game etc. Not a hard and fast rule, but I'm just wondering. There had been a man in Paul's vision. Who he spoke to were women. I have thought in fleeting moments...would Paul have come if it had been a woman in the vision. Probably wrong. But the women's hearts had been open to God by the Holy Spirit, and Lydia was there along with the others to hear what truth Paul had to share. Lydia is mentioned, because she offered a place to stay, but it is not far fetched to think that all those women heard truth and were touched by the Holy Spirit. Quietly they went to their own homes and changed their own little world, because they had been freed by the blood of Christ. There is hope for us all even if we are never numbered by name in public. God loves us & uses each of us.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| staci860 |
Posted - Dec 11 2010 : 08:27:18 AM
Hi Cathy - Welcome!
I love your thoughts on applying the concepts and agree wholeheartedly. I, too want to "be ready" and though I am a very organized person, my home is the one place that it shows least.
Of course the fact that my DH and sweet kids are not at all organized may contribute to my sense of clutter. lol...
At the same time I need to not expect my house to look like a B&B - it is our home. I think most people who are welcomed into a home usually just appreciate the warmth and love that is there and overlook the cobwebs and dust. I know I do when I go to a friends home.
Blessings, staci FG# 973
:o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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| Catherine L |
Posted - Dec 10 2010 : 4:27:42 PM
As for Pricilla I noticed that she and her husband took Apollos and and taught him. Ministering to people takes so very much time and energy. Sometimes I get weary and want my time and husband all to myself. This helps me see the need for me and my husband to work and minister together more.
Oh, I am new here and just found the Bible Study.
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428 |
| Catherine L |
Posted - Dec 10 2010 : 4:16:59 PM
When I read the verses about Lydia, I noticed that she asked them to come into her house and abide there. That means her house was clean and ready for guest. Not long ago I was praying about what I need to be doing in my life for the Lord. I felt like he wanted me to be ready at all times to serve others in my home. That means all the clutter needs to be gone, food or refreshments readily available, and things need to be fairly clean. Not long ago some friends pulled up to visit and it was a mad dash to quickly pick things up so they could have a place to sit down. These verses motivate me to get busy and do what I need to do to "be ready".
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428 |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Dec 10 2010 : 1:26:45 PM
The women our verses are speaking to right now are Lydia, Priscilla and her husband Aquila. Here are some thoughts I found about Priscilla....
Like Lydia she was a competent woman. She always tried to do more. She was a Jew of Asia Minor, and little is known about her family background. Her name is always mentioned with her husband Aquila. They were partners in ministry. They were tentmakers. Paul was also a tentmaker, and met and worked with them in business. She had a great commitment as a Christian and apparently took time to read the Scriptures. She and her husband even had the opportunity to teach Apollos, an Alexandrian Jew who became an powerful preacher. ThesE comments refer to Acts Chapter 18, Romans 16, 1 Corinthians 16, and 2 Timothy 4. Priscilla and Aquila probably met and married in Rome. When Claudius banned all Jews in AD 49, they moved to Corinth, where they met Paul. They later journeyed to Ehpesus to spread the gospel. She certainly sounds like a strong woman both in business and in her beliefs. That is a good role model for working women today.
Each time I read about a woman in the bible, I come away with something I can apply to my life today. For instance, strive to be strong in your faith, serve others, sit at the feet of Jesus, teach the gospel, work alongside your husband for a better world......there is certainly a lot of golden information to pray on.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Dec 06 2010 : 6:36:17 PM
I know what you mean about women often not being highlighted in the bible. But Jesus seemed to make effort to change that. He loved his women follwers as well as his disciples, and gave them credence. I admire Lydia very much. She seems to have been a competent woman.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| staci860 |
Posted - Dec 06 2010 : 12:55:53 PM
Lydia was industrious, compassionate and apparently a skilled craftsperson. It seems that we (I) always think about the men of the early church and overlook the women. Here is another example of a strong, independent woman who loved and served the Lord. From what I was able to find online - Lydia means: noble kind; of the noble sort. That's sure not a word we hear too often any more to describe people - and that's a shame.
Blessings, staci FG# 973
:o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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| jpbluesky |
Posted - Nov 26 2010 : 2:09:35 PM
I will start with Lydia, from Acts 16: 11-15, and also 40. My book on women of the bible desribes Lydia as a businesswoman in Philippi who was a merchant and a believer; she entertained other believers in her home. She ministered to Paul and Silas, and also housed the first European church. After her conversion she immediately began serving the Lord. I have always thought a true conversion does this...makes a person on fire to serve. When God is first in your life, you want to witness and to serve HIm. Scripture does not mention a husband, so she is often thought to have been single. Scripture says she was a seller of purple, the most valuable of cloth colors, because it was hard to make. So she probably had money. She worked hard, loved God and served HIm. Her priorities were in the right place. She led her whole household to faith. What are your thoughts?
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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