Sacred Rest
We discussed the 7 types of rest and the importance of identifying which types you might be deficit in. God invites us into His rest and wants us to sit with Him and breathe.
Focus verses:
*Psalm 46
*Genesis 1:1-31 and Genesis 2:1-4
*Matthew 11:28-30
I have provided links below to the resources I referenced to include an article by Dr. Joel Muddamalle who suggests “We should work FROM a place of rest not FOR rest”. As we learned from reading Genesis, Adam’s and Eve’s first day on earth in the Garden of Eden was a day of Rest. God created man on the 6th day and what happened on the 7th day? Rest! So even Adam and Eve rested before they began to work. God planned Rest for us.
The book Sacred Rest (link below) has more detailed information on each type of rest. The handout I provided is also included in this summary. And, the playlist used during our session is also included below.
Thank you for allowing me to share this experience with the group. It is truly a passion that God has given me. Every time I do one of these and look out on the faces of the group as the Holy Spirit is moving, I get so emotional and humbled that He chooses to use me in this way.
I look forward to more REST with all of you.
If you are interested in experiencing this type of Rest, please contact me (Talisha) at 478.396.4742 or ctalligood@gmail.com for more information about a few upcoming opportunities.
Advent Yoga virtual session - It is a great way to prepare our hearts and minds and slow down as the Christmas season approaches. It’s 5 virtual Yoga/REST sessions, each 30–45 minutes long (one per week November 23 – December 31) with a guided focus on each Advent theme.
REST retreat March 19-21, 2027. Only 20 spots available for this event and a few are already filled.
Sacred Rest. Amazon link to book by Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith
Link for article by Dr. Joel Muddamalle
Working From Rest, Not for it
https://app.first5.org/book/Fresh%20Start:%20Genesis/fresh_start_genesis_1
Grief to Joy
From Grief to Joy: A Biblical Perspective
Grief is a deeply personal journey that touches everyone at some point in life. In From Grief to Joy, Pamela explored the experience of loss through the lens of Scripture, personal testimony, and the wisdom gained through walking with God. The central message is that Christians are not exempt from profound sorrow, but they can grieve with hope, trusting that God remains present and continues to write their stories even in the darkest seasons.
The presentation began by covering the stages of grief commonly identified by researchers, including shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and eventual acceptance and hope. However, grief does not follow a predictable sequence, and each person’s experience is unique. Suppressing painful emotions can have lasting consequences. The Bible acknowledges this reality, showing us that even people of great faith experience bitterness, anguish, confusion, and sorrow.
Scripture offers the assurance that death and suffering were not God’s plan for His creation. Revelation 21 promises a future when God will wipe away every tear and death, mourning, and pain will be no more. Through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, believers have the hope of eternal life and reunion with those who have died in Christ. This hope does not eliminate present grief; rather, it provides a foundation on which to endure it.
Biblical examples demonstrate that sorrow and faith can coexist. Job openly expressed his anguish and questioned his circumstances. Naomi, after losing her husband and sons, felt empty and bitter, even asking to be called Mara. Jesus Himself was described as a man of sorrows and wept at Lazarus’s tomb. These examples remind us that tears, lament, and honest questions do not indicate a lack of faith.
Psalm 77 provides a practical roadmap for grieving: cry out to God, express sorrow honestly, resist false comforts, remember His past faithfulness, and ultimately turn our attention toward His goodness. Sometimes answers do not come quickly. As Job’s story illustrates, God may remain silent through long periods of waiting, yet those seasons can become times of spiritual growth. When grief becomes prolonged and disabling, seeking appropriate counseling and support is also important or lasting physical or mental health issues may result.
The presentation gave special attention to widows, emphasizing God’s care and protection for them. Naomi was highlighted along with Anna, who was widowed young, accepted her changed circumstances and devoted herself to prayer, worship, and serving others. Anna’s example encourages those who have experienced loss to discover new ways to follow God’s direction while honoring the lives and relationships they have cherished.
Another important lesson concerns how we comfort the grieving. Job’s friends became “miserable comforters” when they tried to explain his suffering and suggest that he must have an unconfessed sin. Instead of offering judgment or easy answers, we should acknowledge the loss, listen more than we speak, share meaningful memories, provide practical help, and remain present long after the funeral. We should avoid comparing losses, making assumptions, trying to fix grief, or offering false hope. Compassionate actions and carefully chosen words can point people toward Christ.
Finally, the presentation asked whether joy could return. Through the stories of Job, Anna, and Naomi, we see that life can hold renewed purpose and gratitude after devastating loss. Pamela’s own experience of tragedy in 1997 helped her grow in faith, appreciate God’s provision, minister more compassionately to others and yes, experience joy again without feeling guilty.
The ultimate message is that we may not understand why painful events occur, but we can learn to trust God, the Author of our stories. Grief may change us; joy can return if we rest in God’s comfort and faithfulness. As we persevere through trials, we can find hope in His promises, comfort in His presence, and renewed purpose in serving others.
The presentation ended with a poem by Grant Colfax Cullar, Life is But a Weaving, and a challenge from Pamela. Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who helped many Jews escape Nazi persecution during WWII, would read this poem and show a cloth, pictured below, with a messy jumble of threads when speaking about the purpose of life.
Life is But a Weaving
By Grant Colfax Tullar
My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He weaveth steadily.
Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.
Not ‘til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned
He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.
She would then turn the cloth over to reveal a beautiful crown.
Pamela’s prayer and challenge was to take the information presented in today’s lesson and allow God to weave a beautiful tapestry in each of our lives. Undoubtedly, there will be knots and dark threads woven amidst the gold and silver ones. Rely on God to carry you through the weaving of the dark threads. Remember His faithfulness in doing so and then magnify His goodness in the provision of the gold and silver ones. In fostering a closer relationship with Him, we will grow in our understanding of God’s deep love for us. Through our words and actions to those around us who are hurting, we can demonstrate the same love and care God provided to us in our pain and suffering.
Manna From Heaven
Philippians 4:19, NCV
"My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need."
Exodus 16:4, NLT
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.”
Appearance & Taste: It looked like small, flaky white frost or coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. The Hebrew word manna literally translates to "What is it?". (Exodus 16:31)
The Rules:
People gathered only what they needed for each day (about one Omer or two quarts per person).
Leftovers saved until morning would spoil and breed worms (except on the sixth day, when they gathered a double portion to rest on the Sabbath). Exodus 16:19-26
Preservation: An Omer of manna was placed in a golden jar inside the Ark of the Covenant as a generational reminder of God's provision. (Hebrews 9:4)
New Testament Meaning: In the Gospel of John, Jesus uses the story of physical manna as a parallel to Himself as the spiritual "Bread of Life". (John 6)
The Bible notes that when the Israelites gathered manna, some gathered much and some gathered little. Yet, when they measured it out, everyone had exactly what they needed.
GOD does provide for each of us – each gal is given what GOD wants her to have – some career success, some as great parents, some have a marriage others covet, some gals can withstand whatever challenges that present themselves – some feel inadequate and wonder if GOD forgot about them.
As we remember, GOD calls each of us to something unique. GOD gives us what we need each and every day, in order to provide for our specific calling.
Lessons from Manna from Heaven – (40 years until they reached Caanan)
• His power – approximately 3 million people – followed them wherever they traveled – exclusively for Israel.
• His dependability – it happened everyday except Sabbath – trust GOD daily.
• His mercy – whether obedient or rebellious
• They were humbled – they needed GOD – they could not survive alone without GOD
• They were special – they knew about GOD Almighty –covenant with Israel – He’ll love us.
• They had survival beyond survival – they had a covenant relationship with GOD
Our Manna is JESUS CHRIST!
Matthew 6:26, KJV
"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
John 6:35, ESV
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’”
John 14:16, ESV
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.“
Moments of GRACE - (The unmerited gift of GOD’s presence) GOD likes to show Himself to us personally – in mighty ways!
Kitty born with clubbed feet, and not expected to ever walk – went Skydiving 11-6-99
Kitty&Tim stepped out in faith to move to TGC before selling their Lilburn Home – 2012
Just 4 days before 60th birthday, Kitty diagnosed with breast cancer – (after double-mastectomy – no more breast cancer!)
First and middle names of radiologist in Athens is same as Kitty’s nephew’s first and last name!
Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Psalm 18
(2 Samuel 22:32-36, NIV)
32 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights.
36 You provide a broad path so that my ankles do not give way.
Psalm 94:19 – ESV
When the cares of my heart are many,
Your consolations CHEER my soul.
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https://youtu.be/9sE5kEnitqE?si=Th4SLTo61ZWxwMqD
CeCe Winans - Goodness of God (Official Video)
Special Guest Soloist Today – (in person) - Lauren Jollay Gray sang “Goodness of GOD” (Kathy Jollay’s daughter)
Anxiety
It Is Well (Because He Lives) - Tommee Profitt x Bay Turner
Anxiety is an issue that everyone deals with throughout their life. For some it is a lifelong problem that may require medical intervention, but most experience seasons of anxiety in their life. It is an emotion that is very difficult to manage. However the Bible does give us some very clear steps to take in order to help us manage this powerful emotion.
Proverbs 12:25 says that “Anxiety weighs down the heart…” and it does. It can impact our lives in a myriad of ways emotionally, physically, spiritually, and relationally. God never intended for His children (those who trust in Jesus Christ) to be controlled by anxiety.
In every place that the greek word for anxiety/worry is used in the New Testament there are words that say “do not” attached to it. And, the first place it is mentioned is by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 6:25-34. He says several times in this passage “Do not worry.” In verse 27, Jesus asks “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Finally in vs 33 Jesus says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…”
In this passage of scripture Jesus gives us 2 significant truths concerning anxiety. 1) We achieve nothing of value through our anxiety.
2) We should prioritize our relationship with God in our lives. Knowing Him should be first because He is the One who faithfully provides.
SIX STEPS TO DEALING WITH ANXIETY
1. The words of Jesus provide the first step in dealing with anxiety. Seek His kingdom and His righteousness. In other words, seek a relationship with Him.
From this point, we move to 2 very popular passages of scripture that will give us 6 more steps, 1 Peter 5: 6-7 and Philippians 4: 6-9.
2. Step 2 is Humble Yourselves. This is from 1 Peter 5: 6. What does it mean to be “humble.” It is a heart attitude that acknowledges our dependence on God. An understanding of who He is, and who we are in relation to Him. Trusting in the Sovereignty of God. This is the key point about being humble. The doctrine of the Sovereignty of God is the belief that God is supreme, has unrivaled authority and nothing is beyond His knowledge or controlling power. This concept is woven throughout scripture affirming God is the ultimate creator, authority, and sustainer of all things.
When we allow anxiety to control us, it is really about our desire to control. Being humble means we destroy our desire for power and control (ie. our pride) and recognize our dependence on the One who actually is in control.
3. Step 3 is Cast Your Cares. This is from 1 Peter 5: 7. The greek word for casting means to put responsibility on or to make one responsible for. This is actually telling us how to be humble. We recognize God’s Sovereignty when we make Him responsible for our concerns or circumstances. God wants us to give Him those things. He is asking us to do just that!! The act of casting our cares is an act of humility. Keeping our concerns or hanging on to them is prideful.
There is a problem though if we Cast our Cares to God. We have spent so much time and head space thinking on a problem or situation that we end up with empty space in our heads. Space that was once occupied by anxiety/worry, needs to be occupied by something else or retrieve what we have given to God. Matthew 12: 43-45 speaks directly to this problem. When we clean up our house, and don’t fill it with God, Satan can come right back in and occupy our space, and take up even more room. So, what are we to do to prevent ourselves from taking back the cares we have given to God? We must fill that space with GRATITUDE. This is from Philippians 4:6. Gratitude has power. We become more aware of God’s character and less consumed by our own concerns when we practice gratitude. It is such an important piece of this puzzle. Casting your Cares and replacing that brain space with Gratitude are both positive, powerful actions to moving forward.
4. Step 4 is Prayer. This is also found in Philippians 4:6. Our prayer life needs to be strong and faithful remembering who it is we are praying to. It seems in our culture we have forgotten about the reverence and awe of God. Very often our prayers consist of a laundry list of needs and desired outcomes (not saying we don’t pray for those things). However, we need to come to Him with a heart full of devotion and worship. He loves us so much that He came and died to save us from eternal punishment. We need to get back to praising Him and worshiping Him in our prayer life not just asking things of Him. Also in Phil. 4:6, it mentions “prayer and supplication.” Both are prayers, but they are separate. Supplication is praying, but specifically it is an outpouring of our heart. Recognizing our limitations and His sovereignty. There are many examples in scripture. Here are a couple…1 Sam. 1: 10-11 Hannah’s prayer, and Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsamane. Basically, supplication is honest, vulnerable prayer. Also, let’s not forget to thank Him for answered prayer. Very often we are quick to ask, but slow tho thank.
5. Step 5 is Peace. Philippians 4: 7-9 speak about the Peace of God or the God of Peace. We tend to think of peace as a feeling, but the greek word for peace means to bind together or essential parts joined together. Clearly, this is not defining a feeling. Peace comes when we are connected or joined to our God. It is not so much a feeling as it is a strength and an assurance. Vs 8 tells us to think on good things. Once again filling our minds with the things of God…Scripture, Christian music, Christian podcast, Gratitude, anything that puts God into our brains. Vs 9 specifically says to put into practice the steps God has given us in scripture and the God of peace will be with us.
6. Step 6 is Resist. 1 Peter 5: 8-9. We must always remember that we have an enemy in Satan. It is his goal to destroy our witness for the Lord, and that is exactly one of the effects of anxiety. We live in a broken world that is ruled by the prince of the air (Satan). There are many, many reasons to experience anxiety. It will always be that way until Jesus comes again. When we are living lives that are based on scripture and walking with Jesus, Satan will want to disturb our life. Instead of resisting God and turning away from Him, resist Satan, by following the scripture back to peace.
It Is Well (Because He Lives) - Tommee Profitt x Bay Turner
KNOW THAT YOU KNOW THAT YOU KNOW
Handling the Word of Truth with Confidence:
An Inductive Bible Study Guide
"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."
— 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
1. Foundational Framework
Core Questions Addressed:
• What is Inductive Bible Study?
• Why is it essential to study the Bible for yourself?
• What tools do you need to study in this way?
• How do we put this method into practical, daily use?
Precept Ministries Heritage:
• The Mission: An interdenominational Christian evangelical organization teaching people globally to discover biblical truth for themselves.
• The History: Founded in 1970 by Jack and Kay Arthur in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
• The Focus: Moving from being spoon-fed to directly encountering God through His Word.
A Legacy of Faith:
• A Godly Heritage: "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother..." (2 Timothy 1:5)
• Generational Passion: Honoring the spiritual legacy of mothers, grandmothers, and mentors (Grandmother, Kay, Sue, Addie Rose).
• The Vital Question: What legacy are you leaving for your children and grandchildren?
2. The Mandate for Inductive Study
• A Divine Mandate: God explicitly commands us to accurately handle the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
• Absolute Certainty: To know what you believe, why you believe it, and be 100% sure of your foundation.
The Inerrant Word: Free from error, entirely without mistake, and completely God-breathed. Grounded in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119:160, Psalm 12:6, and 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
• Facts Over Opinions: Defend your faith using historical and biblical truths, not just personal feelings. It grants supernatural boldness and confidence.
• Spotting Counterfeits: Guarding against false teachers who twist scripture or pull verses out of context.
• Scripture Interprets Scripture: Moving away from digital distractions to focus on the whole counsel of God using a hardcopy Bible.
• Every Believer a Missionary: Equipping yourself to share the gospel and your personal testimony with absolute confidence.
Spiritual Shift: From Milk to Meat
• Spoon-Fed: Relying entirely on others (pastors, podcasts, authors) to digest the Word for you.
• Me-Fed: Learning to pick up the tools, feed yourself, and grow in deep spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:12-14, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3).
• The Goal: Moving from spiritual milk to the solid food of deep, life-transforming theology. Ask yourself: Which one are you today, and which do you want to be?
3. Essential Study Requirements
• Personal Relationship with Christ: The Holy Spirit interprets scripture and acts as our definitive internal teacher (John 8:45-47, John 14:26).
• Sacrificial Time: A willingness to devote focused time to deep study versus routine devotional reading. Evaluate where your time is tracking (hobbies, sports, work).
• The Tent of Meeting (TOM): A dedicated, quiet place to study where you systematically meet with the Lord (Exodus 33:7-11).
• Physical Tools: A reliable literal translation Bible version, a dedicated study notebook, and color colored pencils for markup.
4. The Three Pillars of the Inductive Method
The Inductive approach utilizes the text as its primary source, analyzing the internal evidence before consulting outside commentaries.
Step 1: Begin with Prayer
Apart from the Holy Spirit, study is merely an academic exercise. Pray Psalm 119:18: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law."
Step 2: Observation (What Does it Say?)
Apply the 5 W's and an H method directly to the text:
• Who: Identify the author, audience, and subjects mentioned.
What: Track events, core verbs, commands, and doctrinal shifts. In 1 John 1, this includes the physical incarnation of the Word of Life and the absolute message that God is Light.
• When: Note time expressions and historical settings (e.g., 1 John written ~90-95 AD late in John's life from Ephesus).
• Where: Identify geographical locations and contextual settings.
• Why: Look for explicit purpose statements (e.g., "these things we write so that our joy may be made complete").
• How: Identify the means or process by which something is accomplished (e.g., cleansing through transparent confession).
Structural Directives:
Verse 6: If we say we have fellowship with Him, yet walk in the darkness......then we lie and do not practice the truth. False Claim
Verse 7: If we walk in the light, as He is in the light......then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
True Reality
Verse 8: If we say we have no sin......then we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. False Claim
Verse 9: If we confess our sins…...then He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. True Reality
Verse 10: If we say we have not sinned......then we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. False Claim
Step 3: Interpretation (What Does it Mean?)
• Context is King: Always evaluate verses within their immediate paragraph, the book's architecture, and the whole counsel of Scripture.
• Scripture Interprets Scripture: Allow clear, foundational passages to explain symbolic or complex passages via cross-referencing rather than injecting human speculation.
• Historical Anchor: Incorporate cultural and historical realities. For example, understanding that John wrote to combat early Gnostic heresies illuminates his urgent emphasis on Christ's physical reality and the practical demand for absolute ethical holiness.
Step 4: Application (How Do I Respond?)
Transformation is the ultimate metric of authentic Bible study, not merely accumulating analytical information. Personalize the text by asking:
• Does this text reveal a specific sin I need to immediately confess?
• Is there an explicit or implicit command here that I must obey?
Does it offer a covenant promise to claim or an unyielding truth about God to trust?
• Am I claiming to walk in intimate fellowship with God while actively protecting hidden sin in the darkness?
5. Personal Reflection & Weekly Practical Steps
• Commit to the Process: Inductive study demands systematic time and raw effort, but it constructs deep, unshakeable convictions based directly on God's Word instead of human filters.
• Legacy Audit: Identify your "legacy person." Evaluate who you are leaving a spiritual inheritance for, and critically examine what that legacy looks like.
• Establish a Tent of Meeting: Intentionally secure a physical, distraction-free environment to isolate and meet with the Lord daily.
• Repentance Alignment: Take 10 minutes following this study to sit in absolute silence within your Tent of Meeting. Invite the Holy Spirit to bring hidden sin to light, and immediately confess it to fully experience restored fellowship.
• Weekly Assignment: Complete the inductive observation and markup analysis for 1 John Chapters 2 through 5 this week using your physical study tools.
TOOLS:
Bible Translations for study: NASB, ESV
Precept.org (many tools for study)
Amazon link for the HOW TO STUDY WORKBOOK we showed in class
Link for WOMEN WHO RISK book that Addie Rose recommended
The Inductive Bible Study Method
A Step-by-Step Guide to Observation, Interpretation, and Application
The Inductive Bible Study method is an objective, investigative approach to Scripture that relies on the text itself as the primary source of truth. By observing the facts, interpreting the context, and applying the principles, you can discover what God's Word says and how it transforms your life.
Phase 1: Observation — What does the text say?
• Read Actively and Repeatedly: Read through the section multiple times. Consider printing out a double-spaced copy so you can take notes directly on the page.
• Ask the 5 Ws & H: Interrogate the text by asking: Who wrote it and who is talking? What are the core events? When did this happen? Where is this taking place? Why did the author say this? How was it accomplished?
• Mark Key Words and Phrases: Use colors or symbols to track recurring themes, names of God, and major theological concepts.
• Look for Connecting Words: Pay attention to transition words like 'therefore,' 'but,' 'for,' or 'if-then' statements. These reveal contrasts, conclusions, or causal relationships.
• List the Facts: Group explicit details together (e.g., list all the characteristics of love given in 1 Corinthians 13).
Phase 2: Interpretation — What does the text mean?
• Keep Context King: Never pull a single verse out of its surroundings. Look at the historical background, the cultural setting, and where the passage sits within the book as a whole.
• Let Scripture Interpret Scripture: Use cross-references to see how other parts of the Bible explain the concepts or words you are currently studying.
• Analyze Confusing Words: Use a Bible dictionary or concordance to look up original definitions of key Greek or Hebrew terms.
• Consult Outside Tools Last: Formulate your own text-dependent questions and conclusions first. Only after you have done the work should you check trusted Bible commentaries to verify your findings.
Phase 3: Application — How does this apply to my life?
• Extract Timeless Principles: Determine the core truth that bridges the gap between the ancient audience and today.
• Ask Action-Oriented Questions: Check if the passage reveals a sin to confess/avoid, a promise to claim, a command to obey, or a revelation about God's character.
• Make a Specific Plan: Move past vague statements (like 'I need to love people more') and create a highly specific, actionable, and prayerful response. Step Core Question
1. Observation:
Core Question- What does it say?
Action- Fact-finding, marking keywords, tracking connectors
Goal- Objectivity
2. Interpretation :
Core Question- What does it mean?
Action- Context review, word studies, cross-referencing Author's
Goal- Intent
3. Application:
Core Question- How does it apply to me?
Action- Defining specific actions, obedience, and prayer
Goal- Life Transformation
Ask yourself:
Does this text reveal a sin I need to confess?
Is there a command here I need to obey?
Does it offer a promise I need to claim or a truth about God I need to believe?
Personalizing 1 John 1:
Am I claiming to walk in fellowship with God while actively harboring hidden sin in the darkness?
Do I say that I am a Christ follower, but my life does not show it?
Is it obvious to others that I a a Christ-Follower? 1 John 3:10
Take 10 minutes after this study today in your TOM to sit quietly and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden sin and specificly confess it to God to enjoy restored fellowship
Complete 1 John chapters 2-3 this week using the Inductive Method
TOOLS:
Bible Hub
E-Sword
Blue Letter Bible
Me and My Big Mouth
Me and My Big Mouth
Lesson Summary – October 1, 2026
WAIT = Why Am I Talking?
James 3:3 – Horses need a bit in their mouth to control them
James 3:4 – Ships are controlled by a small rudder
Words are important. In Proverbs alone “tongue” or “mouth” are mentioned 90 times. The average American speaks about 16,000 words a day.
Why We Even Have Speech
Because God created the universe with words. We are made in His image. We were created to communicate with God and with each other.
Power In The Tongue
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear it.”
Ephesians 4:31 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with malice. Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
We Should Be Slow To Speak
James 1:19 “Know this, my beloved brothers, let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” Fewer words can mean they carry more weight when you DO speak.
Our Hearts
Our speech shows what is in our hearts.
First, we need to pay attention to our inner speech: What are we saying to ourselves: God does not call us stupid, lazy, or worthless. God says to me through scripture that I AM Courageous, Redeemed, Beautiful, Chosen, Forgiven, and Gifted. God says I am made for a purpose.
Second, we need to meditate on Scripture. The more we read and memorize His word the more our hearts will be transformed. A heart that has experienced God’s grace should be soft – one that produces words that are patient, truthful, and kind.
Word That Wound
Have you ever said something and you wished you could pull it back? Too late!
Proverbs 12:18 “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Hurtful words can come from the people we care about the most. If we have hurt someone, don’t say, I am sorry, but…..Own it, apologize, no excuses, and ask for forgiveness. Being humble helps. It is out of the heart that the mouth speaks. We need God to change our hearts so He can heal the mouth.
What Does God Say About Lying
Proverbs 6:16-19
Three out of 7 things He calls an abomination have to do with sins of the tongue:
• a lying tongue
• a false witness
• one who sows discord among brothers
Sins of the tongue include;
• slander
• gossip
• flattery
John 8:44 - Satan is a liar and the father of lies
Proverbs 12:22 – Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.
Speaking The Truth In Love
Speaking the truth and not with love is awful! Maybe it’s better not to say anything at all!
He Lives in Pursuit: God’s Heart for the Lost
From Genesis to Revelations, we see God’s heart for the nations. He has always sought to make His name known amongst all peoples of the Earth, and He is continuing to do so today through the lives of ordinary Christians who are willing to say yes to joining Him in this mission.
Scripture Focus:
(Old Testament)
Genesis 12: 1-3 → God calling Abraham from His homeland to a new place
Genesis 28:14 → God makes a covenant with Him, promising that through His offspring “all the nations of the earth will be blessed.”
Psalm 46:10 → Be still and know that He is God…He WILL be exalted among the nations
(New Testament)
Luke 2:10 → The angel who appears to the shepherds brings “good news of great joy that will be for ALL people”
Matthew 28:18-20 → Jesus’ final words to us (The Great Commission)
Act 1:8 → Called to be His witnesses to the ends of the Earth
Revelations 7:9-10 → All tribes, tongues, and nations around the throne worshipping the Lamb!
The Reality:
3.1 Billion people who have never heard the name of Jesus → 1.88 billion are Muslims
Only 3% of global workers go to the unreached
Only 1.7% of Christian giving goes towards reaching the unreached
→ In the midst of this, Jesus is winning souls in the Muslim world!
Stories from the book Women Who Risk
How to Get Involved:
Pray → for missionaries, for lost people around the world
Learn → read missionary biographies, listen to podcasts about missions
Give → support missionaries and trustworthy missions organizations
Welcome → host international students for dinner, teach ESL
Share → tell your friends, family, and fellow church members about God’s heart for the nations
Discussion Questions:
How does seeing God’s heart for all people affect the way we read Scripture?
What has your understanding of/experience with missions looked like so far in your life?
Out of the 5 ways to get involved, which one resonates the most with you?
Real, Rocky, and Resistant Relationships
Lesson Summary – September 17, 2026
Have you ever considered how you treat Jesus? That was the question. Relationships are living entities. They move forward and backward. They die and can be reborn. They evolve and decay. They can be locked by their limitations or transformed beyond them. There are many, many characteristics that go into a good and real relationship, and one important characteristic is that every relationship takes, at least, 2 people.
God is not satisfied with just saving us and delivering us from eternal separation and punishment. He is interested in far more than that. Certainly, our salvation is a big part of God’s plan, but He is interested in an intimate relationship with each and every person. The intimacy that God wants from us, and in fact offers to us, is found throughout the Bible.
We must remember that God is the holy, perfect, creator. He cannot be associated with sin in anyway. This is His standard, and it will not be comprised. So, how can we, a sinful people, ever have an intimate relationship with a holy God (Colossians 1:15-23). He actually made the first move and did three things to make it possible.
1. Cross - God came down to us in the person of Jesus Christ. The sin of the world, the punishment of death for every single human being past, present, and future was placed on Him. The moment that Jesus died the sin barrier between God and mankind was no more. Jesus made it possible not only to be acceptable and righteous in God’s eyes, but to be able to have a relationship with Him.
2. New Birth - When a person accepts Jesus and their Savior and Lord, not only are they are given a new spiritual life, and the promise of living eternally with Jesus, but they are also clothed in the robe of His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). This means that God sees us as pure, unblemished, clean, holy. Of course, we still sin, but the gift of righteousness, that puts us in a “right” standing with God is never removed. 1 John 2:1 says we have an advocate with the Father, and He is, Jesus Christ, the righteous One. (Hebrews 7:25) Jesus intercedes for us. We are covered, washed clean, and righteous, in the eyes of the Holy God. It has nothing to do with our behavior or anything we do, but everything to do with what Jesus did.
3. Holy Spirit - God sent the Holy Spirit to take up residence in us. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, God renews us, and produces in our hearts feelings, hopes, and desires which are evidence that we belong to Him. The Holy Spirit guides us and convicts us to be more like Jesus. Ephesians 1:13 says “we are sealed with the Holy Spirit…”
Since it takes two for a relationship, our response to how God has intentionally pursued us must be 3 actions.
1. Enter into it - We must say “yes” to enter into it…..whole-heartedly, not half-way. A person must recognize the condition of sin that rules their life; acknowledge Jesus is who the Bible says He is; repent of their sin (repentance is actually a change in behavior not just an “I’m sorry”); receive Jesus as their Savior Redeemer, and surrender to Him as Lord of their life. This is a must.
2. Pursue the relationship - Just like any relationship one must spend time to get to know another person. It is no different with Jesus/God. We can know Him by reading His word consistently, praying consistently. When we pray it is important to allow time for Him to speak. Listen for Him. Watch for Him in your daily life. He wants intimacy from us, and in order to do that we must…a) Be honest with Him. We must continue to confess our sins, and agree with Him about the truth of our sin… b) Trust who He is. It doesn’t mean we never question, but we must trust His faithfulness and love for us, and be anchored in it….c) Be vulnerable before Him. We are to open our hearts to Him. He already knows anyway, but to say them, to offer them breaks down the wall we put up before Him. It allows us to hear Him.
3. Pass it on - We are to tell others what Jesus has done in our lives. We are to be a testimony for who He is. If you love someone, you talk about them. Think of how much you talk about your loved ones. How much do you talk about Jesus?
Words and Music
LESSON SUMMARY – SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
WORDS AND MUSIC
David reminds us in Psalm 100: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.” He expands on the importance of music in worship later in chapter 149:1 and chapter 150: 1-6.
Music came into my life at an early age (7) when I started playing trumpet; in fact, the very first song I ever learned to play was the great hymn “Abide with Me.” As I said, I sometimes regret that I didn’t pursue music as a career because no other art form fills my emotions as much as music, and that is especially true with the music of worship. Whether it is good old hymns, contemporary Christian music, or toe-tapping Gospel Quartet songs, our souls are stirred each time we hear them. No less a musical authority than Johann Sebastian Bach once said: “All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the souls’ refreshment.” Certainly, glorifying God through music provides satisfaction to the soul. I alluded to one of my favorite movies, EDDIE AND THE CRUISERS (I hope you have watched it) where the lead character says: “Words without music or music without words is good, but when you put them together, well, that’s something special.”
Songs with a straight forward Christian theme have become hits on the Pop Charts over the years: “Oh, Happy Day”, “Spirit in the Sky” and “Put Your Hand in the Hand” to name a few. But there have been other hits whose message has been a bit more subtle. I, once again, encourage you to look up the lyrics of these three songs or listen to them in their entirety and instead of thinking of them as love songs between a man and a woman, hear how they are actually love songs to God:
Ø “Sunny” by Bobby Hebb, written to a God who had helped him get through a personal tragedy by shining His radiant love on him.
Ø “You Needed Me” by Anne Murray. The writer of the song calls it “a song about God’s unconditional love for us and our gift of undeserved love from Him.”
Ø “What a Difference You Made in My Life” sung by Ronny Milsap and co-written with Archie Jordan who calls it “an inspirational song about what happens when God comes into our lives.”
Each of these songs talks about the relationship the writer and singer had developed with God and why it was important in their lives. God wants a relationship with us as much as we want a relationship with Him and the best ways to enhance that relationship is through prayer, taking time to really talk to God and, even more importantly, listen to what he is saying to us. And Bible study also builds that relationship by getting to know our Lord even better. And without a doubt, worship music strengthens that relationship as well.
I closed the lesson with a final example of a song from the Bill and Gloria Gaither musical, Alleluia! titled God Gave the Song. In a beautiful narration in the middle of the song, the narrator says:
God gave the song, it’s always been with us
It is a simple, lovely song for everyman that came to us through a manger in Bethlehem
At first, some tried to ignore the song-they said, “There is no song. It simply doesn’t exist.” Others tried to change the song; they made laws in an effort to stop the song. They tried to drown it out. They refused to allow anyone to sing the song and even killed some who sang it. Armies marched against it.
Finally, they nailed that song to a tree and smugly said to themselves, “There! That should take care of that!”
But it didn’t… because three days later that song rose from the depths of an empty tomb and sings in each of our hearts today.
You ask me how I keep on singing
Why I can sing when things go wrong.
Well, since I found the source of music
I just can’t help it
God Gave the Song
Joshua 10
Last week our lesson focused on Joshua 10, but you can’t focus on Joshua 10 without reading Joshua 9. Joshua 9 tells about a pagan people called the Gibeonites, who occupied land in Canaan. These people had heard of these dessert people called “Israelites” and how they were conquering and destroying cities in Canaan. They had also heard that the Israelites had a great and powerful God. The Gibeonites were fearful that they would also be destroyed, so they came up with a ruse to make a treaty with the Israelites. It is clear in reading Joshua 9 that the Gibeonites knew quite a bit about the mission of the Israelite people. They knew how God had freed the Israelites from Egypt. They knew Israel was intent on conquering Canaan, and could not make a treaty with any people occupying the land. If you haven’t read Joshua 9, go back and read the elaborate scheme the Gibeonites came up with to save themselves. It is quite brilliant.
Joshua and the leaders of Israel fell for the trickery of the Gibeonites, and made a peace treaty with them by swearing an oath to the Lord. The Bible tells us Joshua and the leaders did this “without inquiring of the Lord.” So, basically a big decision was made, and the leaders did not pray and ask for God’s guidance. Big mistake.
After Joshua and the Israelites learned of the Gibeonites deceit, they, of course, were not pleased with the Gibeonites and made them servants of the Temple for the rest of their days. However, the Gibeonites were also under their protection, whether the Israelites liked it or not.
This brings us to Chapter 10, which was really the heart of the lesson last week. In Chapter 10, five kings of the cities in the hill country of Canaan got very upset that the Gibeonites had made a treaty with these dessert people taking over the land. So these kings formed a coalition and went and attacked the city of Gibeon. The Gibeonites then appealed to the Israelites to come and save them. Because the Israelites had sworn an oath to the Lord, they did indeed come to the rescue of their servants in Gibeon.
This was not an easy battle for Israel because of their proximity to Gibeon. Israel was camped at a town called Gilgal. It was located about 20-25 miles away from Gibeon, and due to the topography of the land, the route to get to Gibeon was all uphill. The scripture says, Joshua and his entire army marched all night long to get to the battle. This is where our lesson focused. By all accounts Israel found themselves in an uphill battle that could have been avoided if they had only asked God for His guidance about making the treaty with the Gibeonites.
Have you ever found yourself in an uphill battle that could have been avoided? How do you handle really hard situations that are a blend of someone else’s fault and your own?
2 things to watch out for….
1. Can you keep from falling into self-condemnation?
It is so easy to say “if I only I had done this or that. If only I had not gotten involved with him/her. If only I had hung up. If only I had said no or yes.” There are so many “if only(s),” right? The truth is we do make mistakes, and life is hard enough without you piling doom on yourself. That is what self-condemnation is dooming yourself. We do need to accept responsibility, and repent sometimes, but remember our Lord is forgiving, and loving. Self-condemnation is never from Him.
2. Can you keep from spending energy on blame?
Blame and resentment are blinding, and suck the energy out of you. We are called to forgive. If we carry unforgiveness in our hearts, there is no way the love of Christ can flow through us. It just cannot. If we spend our energy placing blame on someone else, ultimately, we do not have the energy to fight the actual battle before us, and we miss who the real enemy is. We do not have flesh and blood enemies, and we can lose sight of that.
In Joshua 10, the Lord tells Joshua not to be afraid that the Israelites will indeed win the battle. Do you see it? The Lord did not abandon Israel because they made an error in making the peace treaty. Israel had sworn an oath to God, and they were faithful to their word; God also was faithful to them.
In the actual battle, the Lord fought for Israel in 2 ways. He threw the enemies into confusion, and as they fled He hurled hailstones at them. More fell from the hail than were destroyed by the sword. Even though the Lord fought for Israel, Joshua still asked for more daylight for the battle. What was the reason for this? If the Lord has said “you’re going to win,” and He fights for you. Why did Israel have to fight? Why did they pursue them as they fled?
Israel had to fight because they had to know they could. It is through our fights that we become someone we never thought we could be. It is through our fights we do things we never thought we could do. It is how our faith grows and matures. Ultimately, we are all soldiers. Scripture tells us this in 1 Timothy. We are called to fight the good fight of faith. When God calls something forth from you that you did not know you had, you are going to shine the light of God’s glory, and that is what we are here to do.
A Swan’s Song
Summary of 2nd Timothy – A Swan’s Song
The book of 2nd Timothy is the Apostle Paul’s final letter, written from prison in Rome as he awaited execution in the Mamertine Prison. The Mamertine was a brutal existence for the venerable disciple, yet Paul held no grudge against the emperor Nero, his persecutors or the friends who had deserted him. In fact, he prayed for their mercy while accepting his fate and longing for the day he would receive his crown of righteousness in heaven.
Addressed to his young protégé Timothy, a pastor in Ephesus, the letter is deeply personal, urgent, and filled with both encouragement and solemn warning. It reflects Paul’s desire to pass on spiritual strength and faithful leadership to the next generation.
Although the letter was written to a minister of the Gospel, Paul’s words are relevant for all Christians on how to remain faithful despite our fears, suffering, challenges and the inevitable persecution that all Christians will face. Paul urges Timothy to “fan into flames” of the gift God has given him; likewise, we should do the same. Because true faith manifests in our works to be obedient to God, our faith then gives us the desire to act using the spiritual gift(s) God has given us.
God gives us the ability to reject our fears with the tools of power, love, and self-discipline. We are then able to stand against opposition and maintain control under difficult situations. God loves us with unconditional love (agape love) so He provides the strength to face what lies ahead.
Paul reminds Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of Christ, but to join in suffering for the gospel. Paul illustrates the discipline, endurance, and hard work required of a faithful servant of God. Timothy is called to remain focused and committed, keeping Christ at the center of his ministry at Ephesus.
Paul also warns of false teachings and corrupt influences that threaten the church. He describes individuals who distort the truth, pursue selfish desires, and lead others astray. Timothy is instructed to avoid meaningless arguments and instead handle the word of truth accurately. He must correct opponents with gentleness, hoping that God will grant them repentance. This highlights the balance between firmness in truth and grace in approach. Biblical definitions, supported by scripture, were provided for how to rebuke, reprove and exhort when faced with false teachings.
In chapter 3, Paul describes the moral decline that will characterize the “last days,” listing traits such as selfishness, pride, and lack of self-control. These warnings emphasize the increasing challenges Timothy will face. However, Paul contrasts this with Timothy’s own example—his teaching, conduct, faith, and endurance—and reminds him of the persecutions Paul himself endured. Through it all, God remained faithful.
One of the most well-known passages in the letter emphasizes the authority and importance of Scripture: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” This underscores the foundation upon which we must use our spiritual gifts in the leadership roles to which God has called us.
In the final chapter, Paul delivers a powerful charge: the word must be preached faithfully, whether it is convenient or not. He warns that a time will come when people will reject sound doctrine in favor of teachings that suit their desires, preferring instead to have their “ears tickled”.
Paul concludes with a poignant reflection on his own life. He declares that he has “fought the good fight,” “finished the race,” and “kept the faith.” With confidence, he looks forward to the crown of righteousness awaiting him. The letter ends with personal remarks, showing Paul’s loneliness and desire for companionship, as well as his continued trust in the Lord’s deliverance.
Paul chose to stay faithful and as a result, he bore fruit in his old age, staying fresh and green as described in Psalm 92:12-15. Christian women can also remain ‘fresh and green’ as we grow older in the faith by staying in tune with the needs of other women around us, studying the Bible daily with new and fresh eyes, and recognizing God’s work in our lives daily.
In the second letter to Timothy, Paul passed the flame of divine truth to Timothy, like a runner passes the relay torch. Then Timothy passed it to Titus, then to Tychisus, and to Luke and to John Mark, and almost 2000 years later to us. Will we hold it high, will we remain faithful and full of grace like Paul when we face fear, falsehoods, suffering or impending death? Will we guard the divine truth well and pass it on to the next generation?
May God find us Faithful. Grace be with you.
RESOURCES
At the end of the lesson, Bible resources were provided for use in gaining a better understanding of the scriptures.
Online resources:
Biblegateway.com – free to use without an account but one can register for a free account and get additional features or pay for additional features. Account features listed below:
· Read the bible in various translations
· Key word/topical search to help you find scripture
· Look up passages in multiple versions - can be displayed side by side
· A registered account allows you to mark favorite/key passages and enter your own notes that can be retrieved later.
Netbible.org – free to use with or without setting up an account (I have not set up an account.) The biggest advantages to this site:
· There are several Bible translations included, but many fewer than biblegateway.com.
· What I have found most helpful is the King James Version (KJV) has Strong’s Concordance linked to it. Strong’s Concordance is a wonderful resource to help you find the Greek (New Testament) or Hebrew (Old Testament) word that was translated into the KJV. All the words in the Bible, with the exception of common words such as the, and, or, etc.) are included and numbered. When a word in the passage of scripture is highlighted on the left pane, the Greek or Hebrew word will be highlighted automatically on the right pane. At the bottom of the screen, a definition will appear along with a Strong’s Concordance number (refer to below).
· Notes (or a concordance) are included to explain words or verses. Links to other relevant scriptures are given where applicable.
· There’s is a commentary section called Constable’s Notes that is pretty good.
· You can also enter your own notes. I haven’t used this feature.
· It also contains a library but again, I have not used this feature.
Eliyah.com – this site provides a Strong’s Concordance for the KJV and gives you much more information about the translation of the word you have looked up in Netbible.org. You will need to enter the Strong’s Concordance number you found from the above site. This site provides much more information about the word you are interested in as well as the other verses in the Bible where the same Greek/Hebrew word was used, helpful to understanding context.
· A WORD OF CAUTION: you must always use the same version of the Bible translation when searching the Strong’s Concordance that you used to identify the Strong’s number. For example, you cannot find a Strong’s number from the KJV then look that number up in the ESV – it may or may not be the same across versions.
· This only scratches the surface about how to use a Strong’s Concordance so if you want to learn more, there are very good YouTube videos on the subject.
Two apps for your phone or iPad that Talisha Alligood told me about are below – she loves and uses both routinely. I have downloaded both and will do use them more in the future.
· Logos Bible – free
· E-sword HD – minimal cost ($5.99)
o Comes installed with Strong’s Concordance for KJV and KJV+ but there are others that are free that can be downloaded as long as your device has the space.
o Strong’s Concordance for other versions are available for purchase (from the publisher) and once purchased can be downloaded into e-sword (ESV, NIV for example).
o Commentaries and many other Bible resources/features are included
Summary of 1st Timothy
Summary of 1st Timothy
Order in the House, A Guide for the Church in Postmodern Times
The setting of First Timothy takes place in the city of Ephesus. The events occurring in and around the church at Ephesus help us better understand the challenges Timothy faced.
Ancient Ephesus was a bustling and prominent city, not unlike New York City today, one that never slept. It was the center of cultural, philosophical and commercial wealth. Greek philosophers debated often at the schools of philosophy located in the city. Pagan worship held a huge influence over Ephesus with worship of the goddess Artemis being most notable. A temple, considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was constructed for her worship and trade of silver idols of Artemis’ likeness.
In addition to the Greek influence and pagan worship, a growing Christian influence often ran afoul of the legalism of Judaic law. All these factions had infiltrated the church at Ephesus, with teachers proclaiming false doctrines and church members arguing and debating these ideas amongst themselves. This had caused them to take their eyes off the goal of love for one another and for winning souls to Christ. (Paul uses the terms myths and genealogies to describe the false teachings.)
Timothy was likely in his mid to late 30’s, and still considered a youth by Jewish standards, when Paul sent him to stabilize the church at Ephesus. By this time, Paul had spent the last 20 years mentoring Timothy and considered him a son in the faith, if not like a biological son. Paul had compassion for Timothy’s youth but because of past prophesies, he knew that God had equipped Timothy with spiritual gifts necessary to fight against the strong personalities and false doctrines infiltrating the church.
Paul wrote that the priority before entering worship was prayer. He wrote both men and women should come before the Lord with a pure heart and good conscience. He presented several types of prayers that should be used to pray for leaders and all people that included prayers of supplication, intercessory prayer and those offering thanksgiving. God wanted all people, including kings and those in authority, to be saved.
Since many had lost their pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith, some in the church at Ephesus had shipwrecked their faith (a likely analogy to what Paul experienced during the shipwreck in Malta). Paul’s key message in his letter to Timothy and the church at Ephesus was to regain their love for God and one another, to have a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. Paul declared that God wanted all people to be saved and it was the church (the people) that would be how the world would hear this good news and see it lived out in the lives of believers.
Paul gave 3 actions that the church could take to deal with false doctrines:
Stay at the task of fighting the good fight of faith by pursuing righteous, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness as described in chapter 1 Timothy 6:11.
Communicate the truth by teaching scriptural truth of God’s saving grace and not a message that “tickled the ears”, diluted the gospel or conformed to the world.
Concentrate on the goal of true love for one another and servanthood to others to bring lost souls to Christ.
The following quote is apropos: “When church folks lose their moral backbone, society doesn’t become more loving. It becomes more lawless. And once the church looks and sounds like the world, the world has no reason to let it be seen or to speak at all.” Wayne E. Daniels, Jr., Archbishop, American Orthodox Catholic Church
May God give us the grace to cherish and preserve the gospel by which we have been saved.
Spiritual Gifts
Summary for Spiritual Gifts lesson
I. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (The GOSPEL in two verses!)
II. 1 Corinthians 13 (The LOVE Chapter)
III. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit:
Ephesians 1:13-14 - We are sealed with the Holy Spirit when we believe in Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - God establishes us and anoints us, sealing us with the Spirit.
Romans 8:9 - Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him.
Galatians 4:6 - God sends the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, affirming our identity as His children.
John 14:17 - The Spirit dwells with us and will be in us, confirming our relationship with God.
1 John 3:24 - The Spirit He gave us confirms that we abide in Him and He in us.
IV. Gifts of the Holy Spirit
A. Administration
As an administrator you are a take-charge person who jumps in and starts giving orders when no one is in charge. You may lean toward organizing things, events or programs, OR toward organizing people, emphasizing personal relationships and leadership responsibilities.
B. Encouragement (Exhortation)
You have the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by motivating others to action by urging them to pursue a course of conduct. You are enthusiastic and talkative and enjoy encouraging others.
C. Evangelism
The evangelist can either be a preacher who stands before a crowd, imploring them to be saved, or perhaps an individual sitting in a living room or on a plane, trying to persuade someone to accept Christ.
D. Giving
As a giver you have the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by giving of your material resources, far beyond the tithe, to further the work of God. You have a strong desire to meet the financial needs of your fellow Christians and church members.
As a giver you probably feel that the best way you can give of yourself is to give of your material gain for the work of God. You give without public recognition and usually do not want people to know who you are nor how much is given. You disapprove of anyone who gives for the wrong motive. Your motive is to further the work of God and meet real needs, not to show off or get something in return.
E. Mercy
Closely linked to the gift of encouragement, the gift of mercy is obvious in those who are compassionate toward others and desire to lessen their suffering in a kind and cheerful manner.
F. Prophecy
The gift of prophecy does not mean you are supposed to have visions of the future. It means you are a "forthteller," telling or "speaking forth" the mind of God: boldly preaching, speaking, and teaching God's Word. You are very discerning; one who points out sin with the goal of making people aware of sin in their lives so they will repent.
G. Serving
As a server you have the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by rendering practical help in both physical and spiritual matters. You enjoy meeting the practical needs of your fellow Christians and the church.
The gift of serving is not the gift God gives you when you cannot do anything else. It is spiritual in nature and as important as any gift in the church. Never think it is anything less; it only becomes less if you do not use it as God intended.
As a server you are the person who is willing to do a million and one necessary tasks in the church.
H. Shepherding
As a gifted shepherd, you have the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by overseeing, training, and caring for the needs of a group of Christians. You are usually very patient, people-centered, and willing to spend time in prayer for others.
I. Teaching
As a teacher you are one who communicates knowledge, guides, makes known or relays facts. You are likely more in-depth than the average Sunday school teacher. You have the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by making clear the truth of God's Word with accuracy. The material must be simple so students can understand it, and it must be practical.
V. Fruit of the Spirit
A. LOVE is the foundation, emphasizing selfless care for others.
B. JOY reflects a deep-seated happiness that transcends circumstances.
C. PEACE signifies inner tranquility and harmony with others.
D. PATIENCE encourages tolerance and endurance in difficult situations.
E. KINDNESS involves being considerate and compassion
towards others.
F. GOODNESS represents moral integrity and a desire to do good.
G. FAITHFULNESS highlights loyalty and reliability in
relationships.
H. GENTLENESS promotes humility and a soft approach in
interactions.
I. SELF-CONTROL empowers individuals to manage their impulses and desires.
Bible passages used in lesson on Spiritual Gifts, 4-16-26:
Matthew 25:14-30 (parable of talents)
1 Corinthians 12:4-8 – Spiritual Gifts
Romans 12:6-8 (gifts)
Ephesians 4:11 (gifts)
1 Peter 4:10-11 (gifts)
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We had a guest singer today – Lauren Jollay Gray (Kathy Jollay’s daughter)
Discussed John 17:3, NIV
3 Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true GOD, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
"Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus)"
By Chris Rice
Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!
Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain... so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!
And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk, sometimes we fall... so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!
Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain... then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!
O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside... then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!
And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace and laugh on glory's side... and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
Women of the Bible
As we journeyed through Bible verses this past week about women’s roles in the Bible, we discovered that women are powerful figures in God’s story. From leaders and caregivers to advocates for justice, prayer warriors, and faithful witnesses, their contributions are invaluable. Let’s be inspired by these incredible women who have gone before us.
Women of the Bible
As we journeyed through Bible verses this past week about women’s roles in the Bible, we discovered that women are powerful figures in God’s story. From leaders and caregivers to advocates for justice, prayer warriors, and faithful witnesses, their contributions are invaluable. Let’s be inspired by these incredible women who have gone before us. And, let our hearts be open to God’s calling, fully participating in His great purpose.
I hope you all enjoyed researching Bible verses and sharing information about the Women in the Bible for which our Small Group Table are named. You all did a great job!
Elizabeth – Luke 1:25,45 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people”. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Priscilla – Acts 18:26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
Rachel - Genesis 30:22-23 Then God remembered Rachel; He listened to her and enabled her to conceive. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.”
Hannah - 1 Samuel 1:10 - 11 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all of the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.
Anna the Prophetess - Luke 2:37 and then there was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.
Mary, the mother of Jesus - Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” The angel left her.
Esther – Esther 4:14 “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Sarah – Hebrews 11:11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.
Looking up answers to the Trivia questions was another good way to get us into the Bible. I learned a lot and hope you did too! If you missed and would like to take on the Trivia challenge, let me know. I’ll be glad to send you a copy of the questions via email.
My God will Provide
My God will Provide
The story begins with a strange command from God to Abraham, instructing him to offer his “son of promise,” Isaac, as a burnt offering. Early the next morning, Abraham packs wood and a knife, and he and Isaac travel to Moriah, the place God had specified. As they near the site, Isaac questions Abraham concerning the intended offering: “Where is the lamb?” With great faith and foresight, Abraham responds, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:1-8). The New Testament tells us that Abraham believed God would raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:19).
Upon reaching the place God had chosen, Abraham demonstrates his faith and obedience by building an altar, binding Isaac, and placing him on the wood. Before Abraham can finish the offering, the Angel of the Lord calls to him from heaven, and Isaac’s life is spared. Then, “Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son” (Genesis 22:13). Abraham names the place “Jehovah-Jireh” because of God’s gracious provision of a substitute for Isaac. Immediately afterwards, God reconfirms His covenant with Abraham (v 17-18). Centuries later, King Solomon would build the temple in the same location (2 Chronicles 3:1).
The account of Abraham on Mt. Moriah thus becomes more than a dramatic illustration of faith and obedience. It is a presentation of the Lord’s eternal grace, continual provision, and all-encompassing wisdom. Jehovah-Jireh is not “The LORD Did Provide,” but “The LORD Will Provide.” In other words, the name does not simply memorialize a past event; it anticipates a future action.
Likewise, the statement “on the mountain of the LORD it will be provided” (verse 14) refers to more than Mt. Moriah—it also refers to a hill called Calvary, where God “did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all” (Romans 8:32). Abraham’s faith-filled statement that “God himself will provide the lamb” is a companion to John the Baptist’s exclamation, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Jehovah-Jireh provided a sacrifice to save Isaac, and that action was a foreshadowing of the provision of His Son for the salvation of the world.
Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled during Holy Week
Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled during Holy Week
In the Fall, I presented a talk on Messianic prophecies fulfilled by the birth of our Lord Jesus. Remember, a prophet is someone who God uses to deliver his words, instructions, or, in this case, predictions of things to come. Prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, and David, in the Psalms, wrote words inspired by God 700-1000 years before Jesus walked the earth. Then, as these prophecies were fulfilled, the New Testament writers noted their fulfillment.
According to biblical experts, Jesus fulfilled hundreds (300) of prophecies during his life. On March 27, we discussed twelve prophecies fulfilled during Holy Week and Jesus' resurrection. I hope you will use this list as a review for Easter.
1. People in Jerusalem will celebrate when Jesus arrives on a donkey.
Old Testament Scripture: Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Fulfillment in Jesus:Matthew 21:7-9
The disciples brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
2. Jesus will be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.
Old Testament Scripture: Zechariah 11:13b
So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the LORD.
Fulfillment in Jesus:Matthew 26:14, 15
Then one of the Twelve – the one called Judas Iscariot – went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him 30 pieces of silver.”
3. Jesus will be quiet before his accusers.
Old Testament Scripture: Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
Fulfillment in Jesus: Matthew 27:14
But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
4. Jesus will be rejected.
Old Testament Scripture: Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering and familiar with pain.
Fulfillment in Jesus: Mark 15:12-13
What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews? Pilate asked them. “Crucify him!” they shouted.
5. Jesus will be mocked and beaten.
Old Testament Scripture: Isaiah 50:6
I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.
Fulfillment in Jesus: Matthew 27:27-30
Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and beat him on the head again and again.
6. Jesus will be among criminals at his death.
Old Testament Scripture: Isaiah 52:12b
…he poured out his life unto death and was numbered with the transgressors.
Fulfillment in Jesus:Mark 15:27
They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left.
7. As the psalmist did, Jesus will commit his spirit into God’s hands.
Old Testament Scripture: Psalm 31:5
Into your hands I commit my spirit, deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.
Fulfillment in Jesus:Luke 23:46
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
8. Like the Passover Lamb, none of Jesus’ bones will be broken.
Old Testament Scripture:
Exodus 12:46 It must be eaten inside the house; take none of the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the bones.
Psalm 34:20 He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
Fulfillment in Jesus:John 19:31-33
Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. The soldiers, therefore, came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.
9. Jesus will be pierced.
Old Testament Scripture:
Psalm 22:16 ..they pierce my hands and my feet.
Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced.
Fulfillment in Jesus:John 19:34
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
10. Jesus will die for the sins of people.
Old Testament Scripture:
Isaiah 53:5b The punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:8b For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished.
Fulfillment in Jesus:
Matthew 27:51 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
1 Peter 2:24a He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.
11. Jesus will be buried with the rich.
Old Testament Scripture: Isaiah 53:9a
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.
Fulfillment in Jesus:Matthew 27:57-60
As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.
12. Jesus will be resurrected.
Old Testament Scripture:
Isaiah 53:11a After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied.
Psalm 16:10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
Hosea 6:2b On the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.
Fulfillment in Jesus:Luke 24:4-6
While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has RISEN!
Further research and thoughts related to the questions during our time together on March 26 about whether or not Jesus was separated from God on the cross
1) First, we must understand that sin separates us from God. The only way we can be right with God is through faith in Jesus. John 3:16,
John 14:5-6 NIV: 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
2) Jesus, being fully human and fully God, had a role to play to reunite humanity with God. In playing this role, he took on our sins on the cross, died, was resurrected, and returned to heaven to sit at God's right hand.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV: God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
3) On the cross, there was a point where it became dark for three hours, eventually the earth shook, and the veil in the temple (separating regular people from where God resided) tore, and Jesus died.
Luke 23:44-46 NIV - The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[a] When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Mark 14:33-34 NIV: At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)
Matthew 27:50-54 NIV: 50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[a] went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Perhaps "separated" is not the right word, because Jesus was still God himself. We use that word because we know that sin separates us from God, and God cannot be around sin. Jesus had a role to play, and he knew what was to happen, but still experienced human emotions. Remembering that God would not change the sacrifice because of the world's sin, Jesus knew it needed to happen in that way. Perhaps he had a moment when he knew God would not intervene, and things must play out. His words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" confuse us. Some pastors feel that perhaps that was a cry of agony, yet a cry of obedience and faith.
As believers who are "saved," we have those moments when God lets things play out. We are not separated from God because we have faith in Jesus. God does not abandon us, and we must trust that God is almighty. The Holy Spirit lives within us and does not leave no matter what may happen. We may be able to ask about these moments in heaven. Maybe it all makes sense when we see Jesus face-to-face.
I think both viewpoints are correct - Jesus was fully God and fully human and perhaps there was a moment when the sins of all of us were released as part of God's plan for his son's sacrifice that could be called separation.
Either way, I think we have honored God by wrestling with this, discussing it, praying about it, and most importantly loving each other through it.
Becky
“GOD, why are you killing me?”
“GOD, why are you killing me?”
(Lesson on 3-19-26, Taken from 2 Corinthians 12:1-10)
Pick a quiet time when you are feeling prayerful to listen to this song:
“His Strength is Perfect”, sung by Steven Curtis Chapman https://youtu.be/FbjxJnk2XTU?si=_zAB6CplNAXstjUs
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Causes of trials & adversities:
Sin - we reap what we sow
Galatians 6:7 – sows will reap
(Isaiah 59:1-2, separated you from GOD)
The Devil - Job 1:12, NLT
GOD - To keep me from exalting myself
2 Corinthians 12:1-4 (visions)
2 Corinthians 12:7-10, The Message
Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Faith under pressure: James 1:2-5
I will be with you - Isaiah 43:2, (ESV)
Crown of life - James 1:12, (Living Bible)
John Piper says,
“Weakness does not mean glory for JESUS, but gladness in our weakness means glory to GOD.”
Andy Stanley’s prayer: “Heavenly Father, use this till You choose to remove this.”
Emma’s daily prayer before bed: Psalm 91 (My “other mother” who will be 94 this coming August – lives in Griffin, GA)
Tony Evans’ contribution: (The title of our lesson was taken from a series by Tony Evans.)
Greek word skolops (σκόλοψ) for "thorn," - a sharp stake, splinter, or spike, rather than a small briar.
Conveys intense, agonizing pain or impalement, suggesting a severe, ongoing torment meant to hinder him, often described as a "messenger of Satan" intended to keep him humble. For when I am weak, I am strong.
Would you not have a thorn and have no power, or would you accept a thorn and have My great power? His son, Anthony had a severe asthma attack and needed a shot of Epinephrine. Anthony asked his daddy, “Why are you helping him hurt me? In the pain of the needle, would be the power to heal Anthony.
John 11:1-3 – Lazarus story
GOD uses and allows sickness to glorify GOD. If you believe, you will see the glory of GOD!
Psalm 116 (I like The Message for this Scripture) reminds me of Jessica.
(My friend who became a quadriplegic because of a car accident. She lived her life for Christ!)
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I had never heard this song before, but it helped to summarize this lesson.
If you have trouble hearing this wonderful song, sung by H. Henry, there is a female rendition on Spotify, sung by Angie Zachary.
“Three Times I Asked You”
(words by Bryan Jeffrey Leech)
singer, Huhtulag Henry
The Story of Hagar
Hagar's story beginning in Genesis 16:1 highlights themes of survival, faith, and divine providence. She is recognized not only as the mother of Ishmael but also as a symbol of God's care for the marginalized. Her narrative raises important discussions regarding motherhood, the complexities of family dynamics, and the intersection of faith and hardship.
The theme of the story of Hagar is
“Seeing the unseen and trusting in God’s timing”
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so, she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.”
Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.
Were Sarai and Abram trusting God’s timing?
Is this going to end well for Hagar?
When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the Lord judge between you and me.”
“Your slave is in your hands,” Abram said. “Do with her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.
The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?”
“I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered.
Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.”
The angel of the Lord also said to her:
“You are now pregnant
and you will give birth to a son.
You shall name him Ishmael,
for the Lord has heard of your misery.
He will be a wild donkey of a man;
his hand will be against everyone
and everyone’s hand against him,
and he will live in hostility
toward all his brothers.”
(It is important to note that this is the first appearance of the angel of the LORD.)
She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” She called the Lord El Roi. (Hagar’s response reflects her recognition of God’s presence and care.)
So Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.
When Abraham was 99 he and Sarah were again told by the Lord that Sarah would have a son who would be the father of nations. As unbelievable as it sounded Sarah conceived Isaac and she asked Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away. He sent them to the desert.
They were met by the Lord’s angel as Hagar thought she and Ishmael were about to die. The Lord showed them sustenance and safety and again told Hagar he would make Ishmael the father of many descendants.
What would this story look like if Sarah and Abraham had believed God would and could do what he said?
USE ME
Summary of USE ME from March 5
Have you ever felt God nudging you to do something….and your first thought was,
‘Surely not me’
BEING CALLED TO SERVE
The call to serve is an important theme in the Bible (1 Peter 4:10, Mark 10:45, and Jeremiah 29:11 are just a few).
The Bible is filled with examples of those who were called to serve in various ways who had differing reactions.
Read about Moses and his reluctant response in Exodus 3:1-10, Exodus 4:1-8, and Exodus 4:12.
Read about Jonah’s story beginning in Jonah 1:1-3. He literally ran and hid from God.
Esther’s call and courageous response to God with no hesitation are found in Esther 4:13-17
Mary, the mother of Jesus with “why me”? doubts accepted God’s call with obedience in spite of the personal hardships she knew she would face. Luke 1:38
Peter was called two times by God through His son, Jesus. It is significant that Jesus called Peter both times at the Sea of Galilee. Once as Jesus’s ministry was beginning and then after His death and resurrection. These two beautiful stories are found in Luke and John (Luke 5:1-11 and John 21). It is also important to note that Jesus travelled 80 miles in his resurrected body to call Peter a second time. What a meaningful exchange Jesus and Peter had in verses John 21:15-17. Jesus was telling Peter that his calling was not over. Jesus was in essence saying, “I have more for you to do”. Both times Peter responded with faith.
RECOGNIZING THE CALL
We may not see a burning bush in our backyards one day, but we do receive our own personal callings in various ways:
God communicates to us through SCRIPTURE;
God responds to us through PRAYER and;
We receive callings from OTHER PEOPLE.
RESPONDING TO THE CALL
Recognize/embrace the call and be ready to respond. This may sometimes mean stepping out of your comfort zone casting aside your doubts and fears and maybe even other activities WE have made OUR priorities. This is not always easy – this is when trust must step in. God will provide guidance and encouragement.
NEXT STEPS
Identify your gifts and talents - Read Romans 12:3-8 as you sit quietly to access your skills. Don’t be shy – we are all good at something! Join us on April 16 when Kitty Keadle will explore this further.
Pray – Be patient, be quiet, and listen.
Ask yourself, “what does serving mean to me?”
Seek out ways to serve. Ask others what is needed.
Encourage others who are serving.
Remember, God call us NOT because of who we are, but because of who HE is.
When He calls, our response should be simple
USE ME!