Bible Study for the Biblically Challenged Anyone?

o2bhealthyhusbum

patoo - There is so much wisdom in His word.  I have so much to learn in the word of God and cannot help to be blessed every day that I follow the True Path.

EWB - I am glad to have found this thread and thank you for your words of encouragement.  My wife got word today that her final pathology reports are expactly what we prayed for and her treatment should be what we were expecting. 

I am new to having a true relationship with our Savior and just enjoy soaking in His word as much as I can.  Each of us have a different path and timeline in realation to how close we come to our Savior, but as long as we seek his wisdom and accept the fact deep within our heart that Jesus Christ died for our sins then I know he will take care of His children.  He has forgiven us, so we must forgive those who wrong us.  My daily challenge is to not judge others as how can I do that if God does not judge me?  Have a wonderful night and I am praying for all the ladies and fellow husbands that find their way into this very unfortunate fellowship.

arnie

This was one of my recent studies... thought it was good...

He led them by a straight way.
-- Psalm 107:7
Changing circumstances often causes the anxious believer to ask, "Why is
this happening to me?" I looked for light, but darkness came; for peace,
but faced trouble. I said in my heart, my mountain stands firm, I shall
never be moved. Lord, You hide Your face, and I am troubled.
Only yesterday I could read my title clearly; but today my evidences are
blurred, and my hopes are clouded. Yesterday I could climb the mountain
and view the landscape and rejoice with confidence in my future
inheritance; today my spirit has no hopes, but many fears; no joys, but
great distress. Is this part of God's plan for me? Can this be the way
in which God would bring me to heaven?

Yes, it is even so. The eclipse of your faith, the darkness of your
mind, the fainting of your hope--all these things are just parts of
God's method of making you ready for the great inheritance, which you
will soon enjoy. These trials are for the testing and strengthening of
your faith--they are waves that wash you further upon the rock--they are
winds that steer your ship more quickly toward the desired haven.
What David wrote then will be true of you: "he brought them to their
desired haven" (verse 30). By honor and dishonor, by evil report and by
good report, by plenty and by poverty, by joy and by distress, by
persecution and by peace--by all these things your spiritual life is
maintained, and by each of these you are helped on your way.

Do not think, believer, that your sorrows are out of God's plan; they
are necessary parts of it. "Through many tribulations we must enter the
kingdom."1 Learn, then, to "count it all joy . . . when you meet trials
of various kinds."2

O let my trembling soul be still,
And trust Thy wise, Thy holy will!
I cannot, Lord, Thy purpose see,
Yet all is well since ruled by Thee.

1 Acts 14:22
2 James 1:2

moodyk13

Elaine, I too so believe that it is no "accident" that we are here, on this thread, sharing how God has been our Strength, our Healer, our Savior.

patoo, thank you so much for your encouragement!  You have such a gift for lifting others up!  God bless you and your family!

O2b, what a wonderful charge reminding us not to judge others!  I became so much more conscious of this when my teenage son decided to "sow his wild oats".....I was one of those parents that blamed other parents when their kids misbehaved.  Boy did God humble me!  I am now the defender of parents when their kids misbehave!

Here is another example of how I have changed regarding judging others.  My brother is a homosexual.  He has been in a relationship with Scott for about 6 years.  Four years ago, they had a commitment ceremony (Georgia does not recognize same sex marriage) anyway, this ceremony divided our family and hurt feelings.  My brother cut all ties with us.  When I was diagnosed last year with cancer, it changed him and he began coming back around.  He and Scott even came for my daughter's birthday this year!

Anyway, they went to Conneticut last week to visit some of Scott's family.  While they were there, they got legally married (for the state of Conneticut of course) and he sent out an e-mail giving the details of their trip and their ceremony.  It melted my heart for him.  While I will NEVER compromise my beliefs, including marriage is between a man and a woman, I am happy for him as his writing was swo full of joy.

My brother believes in Christ, and I have chosen to leave it between Christ and my brother as to what is right for him.  I am happy that he is with someone for life and will not judge him for the desire to be married.  I dont have to agree with it, but I won't judge it.

arnie, your post gave me chills!  What a beautiful testimony and teaching you have brought here.  David is an excellent reminder that we are going to mess up.  We must continue to seek God and His will for us, truly repent, and then carry on as He has commanded!

I think David is an excellent subject to continue with as his life is an excellent encouragement to us all! 

EWB

Patoo and Karen, I guess I did not express it well, I was trying to say what you've put into words much better than I. We are where we are meant to be...because of God, because of his plan not ours. The people and things are in our lives for a reason that only he knows, but they are there when we (or they) need.

It is never my place to judge others, as what I do and choose to do is between me and God, it is so with others. We never know why people do what they do, what the reasons are, what has happened in their lives. In fact its probably none of our business. In the end is it always between God and you and what one can live with. I think this is one of the problems/struggles I have with the formal/organized Church.

Martin- such good news! 

EWB

Karen, As I was thinking of your post, I think that must have been a difficult time. We all must do what is right for us and our families, accepting that there are many different people and families that make up our world. I am sure that your brother is not asking for you to live his life, just accept that this is his life. He cares enough for Scott to want a long term relationship and to publically acknowledge it. I hope you and he are able to work things thru so you all can enjoy each other and celebrate life, being a family (what ever that means).

I think one of the hardest things as a parent I have encountered is letting my children find their own way in the world. I have taught them what I can, and pray it was enough. I have to keep reminding my husband that this is THEIR journey, not ours.  We have our own to work on.

moodyk13

Here is a very brief summary of mine and my brother's relationship:

I have aways accepted him and his life, as I know the struggles he faced trying so hard NOT to be gay.  I have always known he was, even when he had girlfriends. I just knew.  It was me who first brought it up to him about 19 years ago.  We had always been close because of this.

Fast forward to his "ceremony".  My husband had no desire to go, so I didn't force the issue.  My son was 15 and I gave him a choice beings he was old enough to understand and make that decision for his self.  He chose to NOT go.  My daughter was only 8, so I didnt give her a choice, she wasn't allowed to go either.  I went.

My brother was so angry that my family didnt come.  He said I had raised my children to be ashamed of him.  He said that my "acceptance" was no longer "good enough"  that I must "approve" or he would cut all ties.

I dont do well with ultimatums.......so I said to him that it is he choice to cut ties, I will always love and support and accept, but I can never approve.

And so it was until I was diagnosed with cancer.  Things are definately turning around slowly and slow is just fine with me.  I think the slower it goes, the more solid it will be for the future.

butterfly137

Hi everyone.  Some of you I know, others I don't.  I have only briefly read a few of the posts.  I am at a loss for words, which rarely happens...=)  Today has been MORE than just a challenge, and I haven't even gotten to the doctors office yet.  I want to learn as much as I can, about the TRUTH of His word.  I also am a member of Mychurch.org, don't know if any of you are on there.  Anyway, I love this site, I love so many people on here, and I am adding this thread to my favorites. 

Much Love To All!!!

Anonymous

Whew!  Lots here.

EWB, I in no way thought you meant anything different than your reply.  Sometimes we can read between the lines and having lived with your true faith these few months let me understand what you meant.  I guess my clarification was more for me than a correction of you. 

O2B, we continue to learn about His Word until He comes back to take us home.  The battle not to be judgmental is a daily struggle.

Judge Gently

Author Unknown
(But Greatly Appreciated!) Pray don't find fault with the man who limps
or stumbles along the road,
unless you have worn the shoes he wears
or struggled beneath his load.
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt,
though hidden away from view,
or the burden he bears, placed on your back
might cause you to stumble too.
Don't sneer at the man who's down today
unless you have felt the blow
that caused his fall or felt the shame
that only the fallen know.
You may be strong, but still the blows
that were his if dealt to you,
in the selfsame way, at the selfsame time,
might cause you to stagger too.
Don't be too harsh with the man who sins
or pelt him with word or stone,
unless you are sure, yea, doubly sure,
that you have no sins of your own -
for you know perhaps if the tempter's voice
should whisper as softly to you
as it did to him when he went astray,
it might cause you to stumble too. 

Anonymous

Arnie - thank you for that beautiful study.  Like Karen, it gave me chills but definitely spoke to my heart.

Moodyk13 - thank you for sharing about your relationship with your brother.   We are taught to love the sinner; hate the sin.  God never intended for us to turn our backs on friend or family but to love and pray for them as their choices are between them and God.  There is only so much we can do and then we must stand aside - "Let go and let God". 

Welcome Butterfly137 - as you read and study His Word you will come to KNOW that it is all truth and His peace will be upon you.

Blessings.

EWB

Patoo- Judge Gently are such lovely words and good reminder. I think I need to add that to my book.

Karen, so sorry for all that has gone on, thank you for sharing such a personal, intimate part of your life, I am humbled by that.  I think I too would not do well with ultimatums, and I am glad that he is making an effort to be part of the family again. Sort of sad that it often takes something like a cancer dx to have that happen, but so glad it has.By the way, how is Olivia doing? and how is Camille--cute as ever?

Butterfly- nice to see you.

X3sMom

Hi ladies,

I haven't been here for a while but wanted to check in with good news. My daughter Kendra (Times3 ) had innumberable clustered tumors covering her entire liver (Nov. 08). She went through six treatments of Abraxane/avastin (3 weeks apart) and  only had two tumors left on the liver. Her tumor count went from over 1000 to 81. Last month she had the Radiofrequency Ablation done on the last two tumors. Today she went to her onc and her PET last Thurs. showed NED. Praise the Lord, we believe in the power of prayer...so why are we surprised when He answers?!  I am so grateful for my church family and the ladies here who know our Savior, that encourage us all. Thanks Moody for the Light that shines thru you. God Bless.

arnie

Praise the Lord !!!!!!!!!  This posting made me smile and keep smiling!!!  So happy for you all..

((((((((((hugs X3'smom)))))))))

Anonymous

Glenda, thank you sooooo much for the praise report.  You are write, we should not be surprised when He answers because we serve an awesome God.

butterfly137

Such wonderful news X3s Mom!!!! PG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is AMAZING!

moodyk13

X3sMom,  PRAISE GOD for such wonderful news!!!  I am sooo blessed by your post thank you so much for taking a moment to share God's work in you life and your daughter's life with us!  What a glorious day when we serve a glorious and gracious God!!

moodyk13

So I have been pondering this topic of "faith" a lot and God has led me back to David.  I feel like He is leading me to re-study David's entire life and his impact is still felt today. 

And we all know the story of "David and Goliath" but there are several aspects of the story that are either over looked, under stated, or forgotten.  As always, I can read the scriptures and God ALWAYS reveals something new to me each time.  That is one of the many reasons I never tire of reading His word!

So I started back to the time when David first is mentioned in the bible:  1 Samuel 15 is where the story begins.  God has called Samuel to go an annoint a new king for Israel.  Saul has turned his heart away from God, gotten all caught up in the world and not his Savior.  God didn't take to kindly to this either, so God turned away from Saul.

In summary, God had annointed Saul as king over Israel, instructed Saul to attack and kill the Amalekites.  He was to kill "man and woman, infant, nursing child, ox, sheep, camel, and donkey".  (1 Sam 15) But Saul spared Agag and kept the best sheep, oxen, lambs, and everything else he thought was good.  He got greedy and ignored God to fulfill his own desires.

Anyway, God sends Samuel to Jesse, David's dad, where God reveals David to Samuel as Israel's next king.

I had forgotten that David played the harp.  It was this talent that God used to bring Saul and David together.  Remember that David was the youngest of Jesse's sons, he is a shepard, and by all accounts, appears to be a fairly reserved young lad.

The story of David, the harp and Saul is beautiful and I hope you will take a moment to read it.  It is very short:  1 Samuel 16: 14 - 23 

For me, the thing that "stuck out" the most in this story was just how miserable Saul was when he no longer served God.  I think Saul realized why he was so miserable, but he didn't get it that he needed to turn back to God.  He looked to David to make him feel better.  Perhaps he didnt have the faith that God would forgive him if he repented?

Boy, how things still havent changed!  Instead of looking to God, we too look to things or people to make us feel better!

This story will continue......................

EWB

perhaps some of these are people or things that God has put there for us?

EWB

Karen- good to see you back and challenging us to thing and ponder

Anonymous

God does put things into our lives or allow things to come into our lives to afford us some relief from our miseries but we have to always know that God is in control and everything good is from Him.  Many times we use these good things and forget to thank the Lord, rather thinking we found the relief ourselves. 

Thanks MoodyK13 for your post.

Hi EWB and everyone else as well!

Estepp

Karen... awesome!

EWB.. I totally 100% back your last statement.

I think many turn to bad things instead of the Lord... but I believe we turn to things and people that the Lord puts in our path to find 100%....Thanks EWB!

moodyk13

So I am driving to work this morning and I had this overwhelming desire to listen to my cd of the group "Casting Crowns"  they are such an incredible christian group.  Anyway the first song that I heard was "Praise You In This Storm".  It was my "theme" song last year after dx and during tx's.  I made a promise to my fellow choir members that no matter what I was feeling or how tx were affecting my looks, I would continue to look to Heaven and give praises.

The words in the song are:

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

So I began to lift my hands and cry and continue to praise.  I am so incredibly humbled by His mercy and grace that it is so overwhelming.  I cry as I type this, not from saddeness, but from humbleness that my God loves me enough to save me!  I had church right all the way to work!  His word says "where two or more are gathered in My name, there I will be there also."  Well I had Camille with me....my pomeranian....LOL  and I KNOW she loves God!  So Me and Cami had church! 

 

The last section of the song comes from Psalms 121

"I will lift my eyes to the hills---from where comes my help? 

My help comes from the LORD, Who made Heaven and earth. 

He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.  Before He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.

The LORD shall preserve your coming out and your coming in, from this time forth, and even forevermore."

What comforting and beautiful words from David.  This is a psalm of trust, affirmation that help is from God.  A God who does not sleep.  A praise to God who protects His people.  Day or night, God is always "on duty", even while WE sleep.  On going protection in this life and our life ever after.

arnie

Amen and amen Moody....  I love the group Casting Crowns too, and that song has brought me through many a storm... well, God has brought me through, but the song has spoken to me. 

There is another song that has helped me...

 

Be still my soul

The Lord is on thy side

Bear patiently, the cross of grief or pain

Leave to thy God, to order and provide

In every change, He faithfully will remains

Be still my soul

Thy best thy Heavenly Friend

Through thorny ways

Leads to a joyful end

Be still my soul, they God doth undertake

To guide the future as he has the past

Thy hope thy confidence let nothing shake

All now mysterious will be bright at last

Delight yourselves in the Lord, and yes find your joy in Him. Be known for your gentleness and never forget the nearness of our God.

And, don't worry...whatever is to come...just tell God every detail, and the peace of God that no one understands, will come to you.

No, don't worry...just tell HIM every detail and HIS peace will come to you.

Songs do speak to me...especially those inspired by God's word.... 

May you all have a blessed day...

Estepp

Casting Crowns... isn't it funny how we are all associated with them.. I used to listen to them as I drove my 30 min. to rads... and 30 min back.... it was my from of prayer those mornings....

Anonymous

Casting Crowns - one of my favorites.  Saw them in concert 2 years ago. 

Praise You in This Storn is one I also think about when the clouds of life are forming.  At least one song of praise from different artists  will cause me to cry in the car every day; just because most are so uplifting and touch me to my core when I think of all He is.  Donnie McClurkin's Stand also gets to me.

EWB

I've never heard of Casting Crowns..I will have to look them up. Actually, I have been feeling like I need to look for Christian music to have in my collection. It is some thing I have never really been drawn to in the past but am now. Any others that you all especially like?

Karen- I love church with Camille in the car! So often it does come at times other than Sunday mornings at 9:15 or 11 !!!

Patoo- I agree that so often we forget to offer thanks for the good things that happen. I try every night to include those things in my prayers, but also try to say a quick thanks at the time when to good happens.

Anonymous

EWB, you can get WAWZ Christian Radio on 99.1 FM.  They play contenporary Christian music 24/7. 

There's also a website: http://www.star991fm.com/ where you can listen online

Nice CD's to have are the various WOW series which mixes different artists.  Other excellent artists are Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W Smith.

EWB

Thanks!

moodyk13

Elaine, to add to the two artist Patoo has suggested, here is a list of artists I LOVE and have in my CD collections:

*Avalon

*Mercy Me

*4Him 

*Third Day

Steven Curtis Chapman

*Clay Cross

*Annointed

*Nicole Nordeman

Rachel Lampa (sp?)

Jars of Clay

*Audio Adrenaline (no longer together but their music was really good)

Phillips, Craig, and Dean

*Larnell Harris

Toby Mac

This should be plenty to start with......  The ones with * are groups I have seen in concert because they are SOOOO good.

Anonymous

Thanks MoodyK13 for the list - most of them are my favorites as well.  That's also the beauty of the WOW series - they mix most of these artists on each CD.  I've only seen Casting Crowns, Michael W Smith and Nicole Nordeman in concert - what a great time of praise and worship.

arnie

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=f4f9966d3fbc10aa4b8b  Here's a link to hear Casting Crowns singing "What if His People Prayed"    Good song also!