Week 8: Keep Believin’, Day 5: He Is Faithful

Today’s Treasure: Revelation 1:5-6, “and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”

We must know that God can, whether or not he does. Nothing is impossible for God. There may be times in our life when we must pray as the father in Mark 9, “…help thou mine unbelief.” And as the apostles in Luke 17:5, “…increase our faith.”

Remember: Our God is faithful even when we are not.

Romans 3:3-4, “What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.”

2 Timothy 2:13, “if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”

Week 8: Keep Believin’, Day 4: Fight the Good Fight

Today’s Treasure: 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

This lesson is in line with our Women’s Day theme, “Women of Warfare: Destined to Win.” Faith fights! And because faith fights, we have the weaponry and armor needed to win.

Ephesians 6:10-18
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the

belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

We need to be armed and ready to fight at all times. Many of us face battles that threaten to overwhelm us and our families. But we possess great potential for waging this spiritual battle. We can win the battle within ourselves, our home, our school, our job, our church, and our community through the examples of women in the Bible, prayer, fasting, reading and meditating on the Word of God, and through community. We must fight against the arch enemy of faith: fear. When you are afraid, read 2 Kings 6:8-20 as reminder that you are not alone. There is an unseen army standing ready to fight on your behalf.

Faith fights! Let us put on our armor and pray because it’s time to fight!

Week 8: Keep Believin’, Day 3: A Painful Deliverance

Today’s Treasure: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17

Faith transform character. That’s powerful! Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Once we begin trusting in the completed work of Christ, we will become new creatures.

(Acts 27:1-28:10) Paul reminds us that we must trust God even in the storm. He also lets us know that we cannot go by what we see or feel but faith comes from hearing. We must always be in tune with the voice of our Father.

Week 8: Keep Believin’, Day 2: Those Who Believe

Today’s Treasure: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

God is a faithful God; Numbers 23:19 tells us that God is NOT a man that he should lie. God always acts upon His spoken word.

We have so many examples of faith in the Bible, esp. Hebrews 11:1-39. Examples such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Rahab, the prophets, women, and others. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. We must believe even when we don’t see!

Let’s look at the faith of Rahab…Hebrews 11:31, "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient." This woman's faith was ...

~Saving faith – not only was her body delivered from the sword, but her soul was delivered form sin
~Singular faith – she stood alone
~Stable faith – she stood firm in the midst of trouble
~Self-denying faith – she risked her life
~Sympathizing faith – She did not believe for herself only; she desired mercy for her family
~Sanctifying faith – Did Rahab continue a harlot after she had faith? No, no, she did not; for Salmon the prince of Judah married her, and her name is put down among the ancestors of Jesus Christ. She became a woman well-known for virtue, walking in the fear of God

(Source: http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0119.htm)

Women of God, what an example of faith we have in Rahab! Let’s look to her as we cultivate our personal faith in God.

Only believe!

Week 8: Keep Believin’, Day 1: Faith That Abounds

Today’s Treasure: “The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” Psalm 145:13b

This week we look at the seventh quality of the fruit of the Spirit: FAITHFULNESS.

Faithfulness is believing the reality of a sovereign God. The faithfulness of God is His believability. The faithfulness of the believer is his belief in God’s believability.

Growing up, I stood on the faith of my parents. Whenever I had a problem, I would ask them to pray knowing that their prayer would be answered and that they trusted God. Then, as I got older and had a family, I had to establish my own relationship with the Father. I had to learn to pray for myself; I had to search the scriptures and get an understanding for myself; and I had to activate my mustard seed faith for myself. God has proven himself over and over to me and my family. He is believable! He is trustworthy! He is AMAZING!

Won’t you trust HIM? It’s time to cultivate your own relationship with Him. It’s Okay to ask others to pray for you – but it’s is another thing altogether when you can pray to God for yourself in faith. I thank God for every way he has made himself believable to me. What has God done in your life to show himself believable to you?

Week 7: The Kindness and Goodness of God, Day 3: A Tenderhearted Savior

Today’s Treasure: "Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."" Matthew 19:14

Lord, give us a heart like yours. So tender; seeing past the person until we see their need. A heart like yours is what I desire more than anything. Compassion for others.

Lord, help us to live into the scriptures below.

Ephesians 4:32 - And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Colossians 3:12 - Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Proverbs 31:26 - She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness.

2 Peter 1:7 - And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

Listen to "A Heart Like Yours," by CeCe Winans

Week 7: The Kindness and Goodness of God, Day 1 & 2: The Loving-kindness of the Father

“Without kindness, goodness becomes harsh and self-righteous. Without goodness, kindness becomes indulgent tolerance.” Beth Moore, “Living Beyond Yourself”

Day 1: A Nurturing Parent

Today’s Treasure: “This is what the LORD says: Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24

Read the following scriptures to know God as Father.

Abba Father – Romans 8:15
Everlasting Father – I Corinthians 8:6
Father of All – Ephesians 4:6
Father of Mercy – II Corinthians 1:3
Heavenly Father – Matthew 6:9

Day 2: Cords of Kindness

Today’s Treasure: “I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.” Hosea 11:4

In the New Testament, the Greek word translated “kindness” signifies “goodness in action”. The kindness of God, therefore, refers to God’s goodness in action. It is God’s goodness expressed in deeds of kindness towards man. It is God’s goodness prompted in grace and tenderness and compassion.

God shows the exceeding wealth of His grace in kindness toward us through the life, sacrifice and intercession of Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-12). Jesus' life epitomized kindness — love in tender action.

Who wouldn't serve a God like this - loving, kind, good, gracious, amazing, awesome, Father...the list goes on and on. Think about who God is to you and take time to tell Him. This is what worship is - telling God who he is to you!

Week 6: A Composite of Peculiar Patience, Day 5: A Clean Slate

Today's Treasure: "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:15-17

Patience with circumstances

Patience with people

No more judging

Forgiveness

Mercy

Today we start with a clean slate. We will "...let patience have her perfect work, that we may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:4) I am starting with a clean slate; I have written several notes to those I needed to forgive and those I needed to ask forgiveness from. I have made up in my mind to not put any stumbling block or obstacle in my brother or sisters way. I don't want any to be hindered because of me (Romans 14:13)

Today's is my new day; my new journey. Week 1 to 6: Love never fails; Joy cometh; Peace rules; Patience waits. I am walking in the Fruit of the Spirit. I am allowing God to water, cultivate, and prune. I want to be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

PATIENCE

Week 6: A Composite of Peculiar Patience, Day 4: Have Mercy

Today's Treasure: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:12-13

Forgiveness prompted by patience and a patience perfected by mercy

When we have unforgiveness in our hearts it is like carrying around a dead body; it's a weight, it keeps us from growing; it keeps us from moving forward. We must 'lay aside every weight and sin...' Unforgiveness is a weight we must lay aside. No matter what that person has done or said to you, you must forgive. How do we forgive? The only way we can truly forgive is through the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit (the fruit of the Spirit) helps us to forgive as Christ has forgiven.

God, I want a heart like yours. A heart that forgives. A heart that shows mercy. A heart that has patience. A heart that loves. A heart that seeks the will of God. God, I want a heart like yours!

I want to be merciful and I want to lead with grace and love

Ladies, we must forgive. Lay aside every weight and press!

Week 6: A Composite of Peculiar Patience, Day 3: Lest You Be Judged

Today's Treasure: "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." Romans 14:13

Six Reasons we must not judge others
1. When we judge others, we cause God to be harder on us
2. We do many of the same things we condemn in others
3. We do not know the whole truth
4. We are mere humans
5. When we judge others, we are judging God
6. God's judgment is always righteous. Ours is tainted by the flesh

Matthew 7:1-6, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

Lord help me not to condemn others. Expose me in every area where I am judgmental.

Week 6: A Composite of Peculiar Patience, Day 2: Be Still, Be Filled

Today's Treasure: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

To be patient with circumstances is much easier than being patient with people. However, Paul emphasized how important our patience with people really is. Just has God has patience with us, we must have patience with others. It is in His patience that He does not give us what we deserve when we deserve it.

We cannot become frustrated with trying to work out patience through our own strength. We must allow the Holy Spirit to work out patience through us.

Patience - Lord work out your perfect patience in me. Help me to push past my frustrations. Help me to step back and wait on you. I am sorry for crossing the line and trying to do YOUR job. I will trust you, I will not be afraid, and will stop being frustrated.

Week 6: A Composite of Peculiar Patience, Day 1: A Divine Hope

Today's Treasure: "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

"Patience is inspired by mercy, devoid of condemnation, and evidence of the presence and power of our Holy God." (page 114)

Two important Greek words translate into the English word patience:

hupomone - to persevere, remain under, bear up under; endurance in relation to things or circumstances

makrothumia - to be longsuffering; it is patience in respect to people (this is the one I need to cultivate)

Job possessed hupomone - he persevered through devastating life circumstances. We can endure when times are tough because we have HOPE in the promises of God. Though we cannot always feel Him, we must remember that He knows our steps and He knows where we are going.

"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:2-5

We must persevere because we know the expected end.

Week 5: Peace Be With You, Day 5: Prerequisites of Peace

Today's Treasure: "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:6

"...the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." This sums up this week's study - we must live by the Spirit in order to have peace with and in God.

Prerequisites of Peace
(1) we must keep our mind stayed on Jesus Christ
(2) our mind must be governed by the Spirit
(3) we must live a spirit-filled life

Colossians 3:12-17(MSG)
"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way."

The only way we will experience the peace of God that passes all human understanding is through the blood of the cross, the blood that Jesus shed.

You cannot have the peace of God until you first have peace with God.

Week 5: Peace Be With You, Day 3-4: Portraits of Peace

Today's Treasure: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit," Romans 14:17 Portraits of Peace...

Peace in aloneness
Peace in provision
Peace in storms
Peace in waiting
Peace in tears
Peace in God's plan

One main assurance I received from these two days is the assurance that God gives peace in all situations in our life. All we have to do is trust him! GOD I TRUST YOU! I know that you are going to get the glory out of my life!

Week 5: Peace Be With You, Day 2: The Price of Peace

Today's Treasure - "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility," Ephesians 2:13-14

The price of peace - The blood of Jesus on Calvary's Cross. That's the price of peace.

The cross ushered us from the sword of division to the peace of reconciliation. Because this price was paid I can go before God without fear and doubt and I know that He hears me.

Week 5: Peace Be With You, Day 1: Life Without Peace

Today's Treasure: " The way of peace they do not know." Isaiah 59:8

Our journey through the Fruit of the Spirit has taken us to LOVE, JOY and now PEACE. In this week's lesson, we look at the trials of Job. a man who was blameless, upright, God-fearing, a loving father, and a great and wealthy man. Job experienced the loss of everything: his livelihood, his servants, and his children all in a matter of moments. Job is that great example of having peace in the time of a storm. Job's response to this great loss "The Lord gives and the Lord taketh away; may the name of the Lord be praised!" should also be our response to life's challenges.

As I studied this lesson, the first thought that came to me was the words to the song "What a Friend we have in Jesus"

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

The author states that 'Life is unbearable without peace.' I agree. If only we would take our cares to our friend Jesus in prayer. Stop forfeiting your peace! Pray daily - lay your cares at the feet of Jesus!

Week 4: The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength, Day 5: My Joy and My Crown

Today’s Treasure: Philemon 7 – “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”

Five major catalysts for JOY:
(1) Joy is the result of Salvation
(2) Joy is the result of Discovery
(3) Joy is the result of Restoration
(4) Joy is the result of Abiding (remaining) in Christ
(5) Joy is the result of Relating God’s way to God’s people

The fifth and final catalyst for joy is ‘Relating God’s way to God’s people.’

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”

I gain joy through sharing God’s word with each of you. I gain joy each time I see you at Bible Study, Sunday Worship, FAR, church events, etc. I gain joy from knowing you are growing in grace; you are using your gift for ministry; you are fellowshipping with other believers. All of you are my joy and my crown.

Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to meet together so that we may encourage one another toward love and good deeds. Do you enjoy being with fellow believers? If not, and you don’t know why, ask God to reveal the reason. As a believer, don’t just be a member on the church roll; be an involved member of the community. Our fellowship with one another should bring us joy.

You bring me joy…I am joyful when I see God use you for ministry, I am joyful when I see you maturing in Him through prayer and Bible Study, I am joyful when I see God blessing you spiritually and naturally, I am joyful just because YOU are in my life! You are my glory and my joy! It is a joy to serve you!

Week 4: The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength, Day 4: Abiding Joy

Today’s Treasure: Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Five major catalysts for JOY:
(1) Joy is the result of Salvation
(2) Joy is the result of Discovery
(3) Joy is the result of Restoration
(4) Joy is the result of Abiding (remaining) in Christ
(5) Joy is the result of Relating God’s way to God’s people

The fourth catalyst for joy is ‘Abiding (remaining) in Christ.’ For the past few months, our Bible Study lesson has focused on the importance of abiding in Christ. We’ve been studying John 15:1-17; read the first few verses below…

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Abiding joy comes from remaining in the vine, which is Jesus Christ. We cannot bear fruit (the fruit of the spirit) unless we remain in Christ, the vine. If we do not bear fruit, we will be cut-off. How can we remain in Him and not be cut-off? By obeying His commandments. Through obedience, we will bear fruit and experience great joy.

Our joy is complete, or full, in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11). Is your joy incomplete? Seek the presence of God; seek Him in prayer and bible study.

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11

Week 4: The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength, Day 3: Restoration Joy

Today’s Treasure: Psalm 71:20, 23 – “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again…My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I whom you have delivered.”

Five major catalysts for JOY:
(1) Joy is the result of Salvation
(2) Joy is the result of Discovery
(3) Joy is the result of Restoration
(4) Joy is the result of Abiding (remaining) in Christ
(5) Joy is the result of Relating God’s way to God’s people

We’ve studies week 1 and 2, Salvation and Discovery; now we look at the next catalyst for joy, ‘Restoration.’ The joy of being restored from…

Troubles – though we know we will have troubles, we must remember that our suffering is only for a little while (I Peter 5:10). Our suffering will be followed by restoration, strength, the ability to stand firm, and the ability to remain steadfast. Restoration is coming!

Displeasing God because of sin in our life – God hates to be separated from His children. God yearns for us; he longs to restore us back to Him; he has great compassion for us. He has loved us with an everlasting love and unfailing kindness (Jer. 31:3). When we change our thinking and turn from our sin, God will restore our joy.

Discipline – Discipline means ‘teaching.’ Hebrews 12:6-7, 10 – “because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.”

If you are in need of restoration, know that restoration is coming! God desires to fill you with His joy.

Week 4: The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength, Day 2: Surprised by Joy

Today’s Treasure: Luke 10:21, “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”

We receive joy when we discover the one perfect treasure – Jesus Christ! The joy of discovery, the joy of finding our Lord and Savior in every circumstance of our life. James 1:2, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” How can we consider it joy when facing trials? We consider it joy because the trials mature and develop us so that we are not lacking in any way.

The story of Stephen, the first martyr, is an amazing encouragement to us that even in our worst struggles, we must see Jesus. Stephen, while being stoned for his belief in Christ, saw the heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. Just to see Jesus – oh what JOY!!!

I have JOY UNSPEAKABLE because I know God is always with me!!

Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Women of God, we must seek Him with all of our heart – that’s when we will find Him; the joy of discovering Jesus Christ!!

Week 4: The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength, Day 1: Joy’s Bedrock

Today’s Treasure: Psalm 43:3-4, “Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.”

The greatest reason for rejoicing is knowing that our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:17-20). The source of David’s joy is God’s salvation (Psalm 51:12).

God is my joy and my delight. It is because of His grace that I rejoice daily. My joy is not predicated on my circumstances; it is based on the fact God loves me – He loved me enough to send His only son to die for me. That brings me JOY!

Week 3: Greatest of These is Love, Day 5: Agape in Action

Today’s Treasure: ““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

My focus scripture: “If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:20)

What an awesome assurance this is for us! Our hearts may condemn us and convince us that we are ‘only human.’ We must remember that God is greater than our hearts.

God is greater than our hearts because He is ever willing to accept us as Christ has done—even though we personally bring Him blemished offerings in our life's experiences.

God’s love is so amazing! He showed us His agape by sending His only Son to die. Oh how He loves us! Is all I can say (sing). As we have completed this lesson on the fruit LOVE, let us love others as God has loved us. Let us SHOW love to others as God has shown His love to us. Love IS an action word!

The foundation of our worship is understanding the width and length, height and depth of Christ’s LOVE.

Ephesians 3:16-19, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

God, fill us with YOUR AGAPE (LOVE)!!

"The gifts of Holy Spirit can be imitated, but not the fruit" Dr. J. Dongell, Adv NT Greek lecture, Asbury Theological Seminary

Check out this video on the Fruit of the Spirit from Joyce Meyer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaGuX8oXZLE

Week 3: Greatest of These is Love, Day 4: More About Agape

Today’s Treasure: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Agape love is never obscene or rude. Agape love is not self-seeking as Philos love is. With agape love, we seek the highest and best for another. It is this love that causes me to seek the best for each woman of GDCF. I want the best and highest for each of you. I am a gold miner; I see so much in you and I desire to bring it out – mine out your gifts, talents, and individual ministries. It is my goal this year to see each of us grow in our love for one another, love for our church, and most importantly love for God.

Agape is not easily angered. Psalm 145:8 tells us that “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” That is our example. We must be slow to anger and rich in love; not, quick to anger and rich in love. I can say that I am slow to anger; I’m not easily upset. However, over time, those who act foolish begin to annoy me and then they do that one thing that just sends me over the edge – like “Really?!” Then I remember Ephesians 4:26-27, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”

Let’s look at Proverbs 21:19 – “Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.” WOW! Ladies, we do not want this to be us. We do not want to be nagging or quarrelsome. Our homes should be a safe haven and refuge for our spouses and children. We should always work to maintain peace in our homes and everywhere WE are.

Agape keeps no record of wrongs. God keeps no record of our wrongs. He doesn’t bring them up every time we seek Him in prayer; He doesn’t hold back His blessings based on our past sins; He remembers our sins and iniquities no more (Hebrews 10:17). How much more should we as women of God, believers in the faith, forgive one another and remember it no more. We should never bring up our sisters past sins; we must be ‘forgetters’ of wrong. We must remind ourselves that God is in charge of justice and/or revenge; we must not indulge self-pity; we must focus on the future; and we must discipline our thoughts toward the wholesome and productive. Stop replaying what someone did to you 10 years ago, 10 months ago, or even 10 minutes ago – let it go and let God deal with them. Stop bringing up past hurts and opening old wounds; Ladies, we must be healed from those hurts and move forward in the future God has planned for us.

Agape always protects. It covers over in silence. It never exposes the faults of others.

Agape is never without effect. Agape is DIVINE Love. AGAPE NEVER FAILS!!!

A heart like yours, is my desire
A heart like yours, is what I am searching for
Full of compassion, nothing wrong within
Please hear me Lord, give me a heart like yours
~CeCe Winans

Week 3: Greatest of These Is Love, Day 3: Agape: Caring Love

Today’s Treasure: “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8

Agape: Love as revealed in Jesus, seen as spiritual and selfless and a model for humanity. Love that is spiritual, not sexual, in its nature.

Let’s evaluate our love (agape) for others through the scripture I Corinthians 13:1-8. We read the scripture, yet we don’t live it out. Lord help us to love as you love; help us to Live Out the love you speak of in the Bible; that same love that held you to the cross for our sins.

1 Corinthians 13: “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

God has shown us HIS amazing love by sending His son to die for us! Let us love one another as He loves us.

Oh How He Loves Us (Dave Crowder Band)

He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane; I am a tree, Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy. When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory, And I realize just how beautiful You are, And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so Oh how He loves us, How He loves us all

Week 3: Greatest of These is Love, Day 2: Philos: Friend Love

Today’s Treasure: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8

Philos: the love one has toward a friend or companion; friend

When a person has philos love for another, they place their friend above themselves, they celebrate their joys and weep in their sorrow, they know their likes and dislikes, idiosyncrasies, general attitude, and basic nature.

The love we have toward our friend should be as a love for our brother or sister, especially among fellow Christians.

As this week’s lesson points out, friends can turn against you, however, this should never keep you from cultivating friendships. To be a friend has positive and negative aspects. Let us have love that flows from what is right and best. We are to be like-minded, sympathetic, compassionate, and humble.

Week 3: Greatest of These is Love, Day 1: Eros: Grasping Love

Today’s Treasure: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

This week we begin exploring the Fruit of the Spirit. We are starting with the foundational characteristic of LOVE. Let’s define the Fruit of the Spirit:

(1) The supernatural outcome of being filled with the Spirit

(2) The living proof that the Spirit of God dwells in us

There is one (1) fruit (not ‘Fruits’) with different qualities.

Day 1, we look at EROS: Grasping Love – in Greek eros is a selfish love; it asks ‘what can I get for myself.’ “Eros is associated with sexual love. Unless sexual love is redeemed by the presence of God, it becomes possessive. It seeks to conquer and control” (Living Beyond…, Beth Moore).

Eros is the physical, sensual love between a husband and wife. Eros is a necessary part of a healthy marriage. Although this Greek term does not appear in the Bible, eros, or erotic love, is portrayed in the Old Testament book, The Song of Solomon. God is very clear in his Word. Sex outside of marriage is forbidden.

Eros is probably what most people mean when they announce with a smile, "I'm in love." This type of love covers everything from queasy stomachs and warm fuzzy feelings to strong sensual passion.

There are a couple of very interesting characteristics about eros. First, in order to exist eros is dependent upon the situation and circumstances. As long as a couple is enjoying a romantic situation, eros can thrive. But, as soon as hurtful words or actions appear, eros simply evaporates.

Second, eros is also held captive to each person's perception. For example, if someone perceives a particular quiet evening dinner with candles to be romantic, eros will thrive. However, passion becomes squashed for someone whenever he or she interprets the current situation to be undesirable. Eros thus grows strong and then wastes away based upon our perceptions.

Although eros at times might make us feel like we are on cloud nine, it cannot provide a reliable basis for building a deep and meaningful relationship since it is so fickle and dependent upon perception and circumstances. Because of such things as accidents, diseases, and the fact that someone can choose to doubt or despise you regardless of your actions, it is clear that we cannot determine how others will perceive us nor are we masters of our own circumstances. Although eros is exhilarating, this is not the Biblical word used for love.

Those of us, who are married, must keep the fire burning in our marriage. As stated in our study, we should ask God daily to help us stay thrilled at the touch of our husband. And we should ask God to help us grow more desirable of one another every single day.

Week 2: To Live by the Spirit, Day 5: Spiritually Mature

Today’s Treasure: “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2:12

When we are spiritually mature, we can…

(1) Restore our brother or sister who it in sin (Galatians 6:1)

(2) Speak a message of wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:6)

(3) Receive spiritual revelation concerning the plans God has for our lives (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

(4) Discern the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can…Do things I couldn’t – Feel things I didn’t – Know the things I wouldn’t

Let us mature in our spirituality through daily Bible reading, prayer, and meditation. Our spiritual immaturity is manifested outwardly by: JEALOUSY and QUARRELING (1 Corinthians 3:3). As we move from this foundational study into the actual study of the Fruit of the Spirit, let us ask God to help us to be committed to what we endeavor to do. We want to GROW in GRACE…to do this we must LIVE BEYOND OURSELVES.

Week 2: To Live by the Spirit, Day 4: Flesh vs. Spirit

Today’s Treasure: Galatians 5:17 – “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”

This was an on-time lesson for me – letting go of the flesh to live by the Spirit. One cannot balance the Spirit and flesh – they cannot work together. We must bring the flesh under the power of the Spirit.

When we walk in the flesh we fulfill the desires of the flesh: impurity, sexual immorality, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, dissention, discord, factions, jealousy, envy, fits of rage, drunkenness and selfish ambition. But, when we walk in the Spirit, we produce love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I am so excited about this journey to explore the Fruit of the Spirit. God has planted the seeds of love, joy, peace…within each of us; this study is going to help us water that seed so that it will grow within each of us. Women of God, we will be walking fruit baskets overflowing with love, joy, peace, and all the other fruit of the Spirit.

Lord, thank you for giving me everything I need to be VICTORIOUS. I will walk in and live by the Spirit. I will not be brought under the power of my flesh.

I am a walking Fruit Basket!

Week 2: To Live by the Spirit, Day 3: Led by the Spirit

Today’s Treasure: Galatians 5:25-26, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

Romans 8:14 says, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” This scripture reveals to us how active the Holy Spirit is in our personal lives. He will lead us, if we allow him to.

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness – it is there to intercede on our behalf when we are at a loss of words.

We know that the Holy Spirit leads us and helps us. Did you also know that we can affect the Holy Spirit?

(1) We can quench the Holy Spirit: to quench the Holy Spirit is to “put out the Spirit’s fire.” When we quench the spirit, we are saying ‘no’ to God. When we resist the authority of God and say ‘no’ to His leadership, we are quenching the spirit.

(2) We can grieve the Holy Spirit: to grieve the Holy Spirit is to afflict with sorrow, to offend, to cause grief. In essence, to grieve the Holy Spirit is to break His heart. This means the Holy Spirit can feel pain. Sin in the life of the believer causes the Holy Spirit to grieve. Behaviors that cause the Holy Spirit to grieve are bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, and malice. Ephesians 4:31 tells us to ‘get rid’ of these behaviors.

When I respond to life’s challenges out of my pain, I am responding in bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, and malice. This response grieves the Holy Spirit; it causes him pain.

Today, something happened that I was so unexpected and quite weird. A co-worker made some untrue statements about me to my Supervisor and caused a ridiculous email chain in which I had to clear my name. My initial response was anger; I was so angry I cried. I imagined how I would get her back (I guess nobody told her not to mess with quiet people - SMILE) I could not believe that someone who doesn’t say two words to me on a daily basis would have the nerve to do what she did. I needed the Holy Spirit to intercede for me in prayer because I was too weak to even form the words to pray. And right now I can say that the Holy Spirit is leading me and helping me so that when I go to work Monday morning, I will not have to say a word – God will fight my battle if I just keep still (and silent).

Lord, help us to get rid of those behaviors that grieve the Holy Spirit; help us to get rid of sin in our lives so that we can be led by the Holy Spirit.

Ladies, it is my desire to see each of us live a life led completely by the Holy Spirit. I don’t want to see my sister overtaken by sin – I don’t want any of us to cause the Holy Spirit any pain. I don’t want any of us to quench the spirit – I don’t want any of us to say ‘no’ to God. Let us always be led by Spirit; even when it hurts and we don’t understand why things are happening the way they are – we must always allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. When we are led by the Holy Spirit, we will never go wrong.

Week 2: To Live by the Spirit, Day 2: An Eternal Guarantee

Today’s Treasure: “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

Seven ministries of the Holy Spirit:

(1) Convict and reprove: conviction is not our job. If the Holy Spirit has not drawn the person to Christ, our efforts are unsuccessful. Yes, we may extend the invitation, but we are powerless to bring results.

(2) Regeneration: spiritual rebirth; ‘…you must be born again…’ (John 3:7)

(3) Baptism: an act performed by God in joining all true believers to the body of the Lord Jesus. We have been dipped in the precious blood of Jesus and emerged white as snow.

(4) Indwelling: the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us with the promise that He will remain forever (John 14:16).

(5) Sealing: The seal of the Holy Spirit is for protection and identification

(6) Filsl the yielded believer: we are filled with the Holy Spirit as we are yielded to Him and controlled by Him

(7) Restrains: keeps Satan restrained from spreading his evil without limits in this present age.

We have an eternal guarantee in the Holy Spirit!

Week 2: To Live by the Spirit, Day 1: Three in One

Today’s Treasure: Galatians 5:16 (NIV) – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Living without the Holy Spirit is like trying to drive a car with an empty gas tank. While we may not understand all the secrets of internal combustion, if we don’t understand the need for gas, the car isn’t going to get out of the driveway. We have no power without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit…
(1)… is the third member of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
(2)… is Omnipresent
(3)… dwells in us
(4)… gives life
(5)… energizes
(6)… counsels
(7)… is a consuming fire
(8)… is truth

It is so comforting to know that the same God, Elohim, who willed, spoke, and energized the universe into being, directs all His care to our precious lives. He directs our lives through the same methods: the Father first wills, the Son speaks the Father’s will to us through His Word, and the Holy Spirit supplies the power for us to obey.

The Trinity is at work in our lives daily. As I reflect, I see how all three members of the Trinity have been at work in my life:

Father – will – it was in God’s plan (His will for my life) that I become a Pastor’s Wife (certainly wasn’t my desire [SMILE])

Son – Word – through His word, He reveals instructions, guidance, character traits that I must possess, and wisdom on leadership

Holy Spirit – way (power) – and it is the Holy Spirit that gives me strength to fulfill God’s will for my life. It is the Holy Spirit that energizes me to go on, to press, and to move forward. The Holy Spirit gives life when I feel like I’m dying and he keeps my mind.

Thank you for the Trinity – all working together, directing my life. I submit to the will, the Word, and the way of God (Elohim).

Recall a time in your life that illustrates all three members of the Trinity at work.

Week 1: Free at Last! Day 5: Abba, Father

Today’s Treasure: “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6

WOW! Women of God we have been adopted into the royal family. Our spiritual bloodline stems all the way back to Abraham. We were adopted by God before the foundation of the world through Jesus Christ. He adopted us even when he knew we would fail him, deny him, break his heart, and even chose someone over him. When we cry out ‘Abba, Father!’ we are crying ‘Daddy, my daddy!’ Isn’t it awesome to know that we have a Father who loves us so much he gave up his only son to reconcile us back to him? I am so excited that I can say, ‘Our Father who art in heaven…’

Oh, how I love my daddy!

He Knows My Name by Israel Houghton

I have a Maker, He formed my heart
Before even time began, My life was in His hand

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call

I have a Father,
He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me, No matter where I go

Week 1: Free at Last!, Day 4: Credited Righteousness

Today’s Treasure: Galatians 3:6 (NIV) – So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Day 4 of our book study is definitely laying the foundation for the coming months as we learn to live beyond ourselves and embrace the Fruit of the Spirit. It is important that we not turn the simplicity of the gospel into a stumbling block by adding works to faith in order to equal salvation.

Faith – firm persuasion, conviction, belief in truth, veracity, reality…that which is believed. God credited Abraham with righteousness because he believed God – he had faith. Righteousness is also credited to us on the basis of FAITH. Because we simply believe God, we are counted as righteous.

Just like Abraham, we have received promises from God. Let us pray that we will continue to stand in faith on the promises of God despite the many tests that we will go through.

God will bring all promises to pass – just STAND IN FAITH!

Week 1: Free at Last! Day 3: Crucified

Galatians 2:20 (NIV) – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

The Message Bible says it like this:

What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.

Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God’s grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.

We have been crucified with Christ! We identify with Him in His death in such a way as to allow Him to live through us. To live a crucified life, we must remember the following:

(1) Few will understand
(2) We must abandon our own will and our own agenda – it’s not about us!
(3) We will have few intimate spiritual companions
(4) Intense time alone with God is required
(5) We will constantly be on the witness stand
(6) We must go ‘outside the camp’
(7) There will be time when our dignity is forfeited
(8) We must forego our rights
(9) We must accept that death is painful
(10) Because He was forsaken, you never will be

How does God want you to respond to what He showed you today?

For me…

(1) He wants me to remember that I must abandon my will. I must always be obedient to the will of God; no matter how uncomfortable that may be; no matter how many people misunderstand me; I must do God’s will. I have to follow the plan He has laid out for my life.

(2) He wants me to continue to spend alone time with Him. I find that I am in prayer daily at the church and I am there alone. During this alone time, God speaks and I listen; I talk to God and He hears me. It is in this place of intimacy that I find comfort during tough times; those times when I don’t understand why, how, when, where, or what? I encourage you to spend some alone-time with God. Let Him speak to you; let Him comfort you; let Him direct you. You will feel refreshed!

Are you living a crucified life with Christ?

Week 1: Free at Last, Day 2: Pleasing God

Week 1, Day 2: Pleasing God

Today’s Treasure: Galatians 1:10 (NIV) – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

My earnest desire is to please God. What an awesome freedom – to be free from pleasing man!

Paul lets us know that we cannot be a servant of God and still seek to please man. Paul is letting us know that approval and servanthood are connected. How? When you seek to please man, you become a slave to the person(s) from whom you seek approval. When we seek to please God, we find ourselves serving Him; being obedient to His call; following His direction. You never know, you may find that you have accidentally pleased others in the process.

We find in verse 10 that before Paul’s conversion, he was a man-pleaser. His conversion was not a change for the worse, but a change for the better. It was not that he had begun to be a man-pleaser since his conversion, but that he had ceased to be so. As a zealous Pharisee he was a man-pleaser. Had he not been converted, he would still be a man-pleaser.

Since your conversion, are you still trying to please man? I must be honest, YES, I am. At times, I find that I am more concerned about what others will think than I am about what God has called me to do. This is a daily struggle. I daily ask God to help me get over people. I do not want to be a slave to what others think of me, especially when it comes to doing the will of God for my life. As we grow in this study and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, we must become totally free from pleasing man. We must seek to please the one who made us and knows all about us; the one who knows our end from our beginning; the one who knew when we would mess up, and yet gives us grace – we must please Christ!

For you, what would it mean to seek only God’s approval?

Living Beyond Yourself - Introduction

Good afternoon FAR,

What an honor and a privilege it is to share with you by way of this blog. As we embark upon another year of ministry, I want to encourage you to focus on the three (3) main Women's Ministry topics for this year: Prayer, Spiritual Maturity, and Leadership.

This year's book study is 'Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of Spirit' by Beth Moore. Each month, we will review one (1) week of study from the book. Our teacher, Evangelist Joyce Williams, is asking that we complete each week prior to our fellowships and be ready to review and discuss. This will also give us the time needed to view the companion DVDs.

Our first fellowship is Monday, February 18 @ 7:00 pm. Please have Week 1 and Week 2 completed.

I am so excited about where God is taking us this year! We are all on a journey that will teach us to...

(1) PRAY: for ourselves, our family, our friends, our co-workers, and all those in need of an intercessor.

(2) MATURE SPIRITUALLY: through this study and our fellowships we will come to know God in a more intimate way; by praying and reading God's Word daily, we will begin to see growth in various areas of our lives.

(3) LEAD: we are ALL called to lead. During this year, we will begin to develop and perfect the skills needed to become great leaders within the body of Christ.

Each day I will post a thought from our book study to this blog. Please feel free to comment. This is just another tool we can use to help one another remain focused on the task of LIVING BEYOND OURSELVES: EXPLORING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.

Be Blessed

Week 1: Free at Last, Day 1: Many Hardships

Today's Treasure: Acts 14:22 (NIV) -

Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

I pray that everyone has started the journey through "Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit." If you haven't, I hope this will give you a little push. :)

Week 1, Day 1: Many Hardships Two themes standout this week - INFLUENCE and PERSECUTION

INFLUENCE - Women, we must be mindful of our power of influence so that it does not turn into manipulation. Lord, help us to use our influence for good and not evil. Help us to influence each other to move forward into spiritual maturity; help us to influence others to great works through you; help us to influence others to seek your face.

PERSECUTION - The missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas is an awesome example of the hardships we must endure as Christians. Acts 13:14-52, Paul and Barnabas travel to four Galatian cities to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Were they accepted without incident in these cities? No. Persecution was stirred up against them and they were expelled from the city. The disciples responded to their persecution 'filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.' In the city of Lystra, Paul was stoned and left for dead outside the city. How did Paul respond? He got up and went back into the city and continued to spread the gospel. Do you think you would have responded the way Paul and Barnabas did in Acts 14:2-3? My answer: NOPE! Once I realized they didn't want to listen, I would have turned around and went on my way. Forget you! From this lesson, I have had to examine myself in the area of patience - Lord, help me to be patient with people, even when they don't want to hear the good news (or any other news).

How does God want you to respond to what he showed you on Day 1?