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MamaMilty -> RE: study with me? (7/3/2008 10:49:04 AM)

Day 3 is AWESOME! Has anyone read it yet?

I have never thought about what Elizabeth and Mary must have been for each other during their pregnancies. God thinks of every detail, doesn't He?

Oh, to be as certain as Elizabeth was. To just *know* what can only be revealed supernaturally and be so calm about it all. What a beautiful example of what being "filled with the Holy Spirit" really is! She never 2nd guesses her understanding of the matter, never questions herself and what the Spirit has revealed to her.

I tend to ask, "Did I hear you right, Lord?" "Do you really mean what I think you mean?" Crazy! Oh me of little faith. [&o] I am stepping it up! Praying for unquestioning faith. Claiming confidence in the gospel and all that my God is. He is so much bigger than I have allowed Him to be in my life, no more!

Who's with me?



PrincessDonna -> RE: study with me? (7/3/2008 4:55:36 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: MamaMilty

When was the last time you read a verse of Scripture, or sensed a nudging of God in your spirit, and asked yourself, "How can this be?"

Sadly, I honestly cannot answer this. I'm not even sure what the question is asking...is it when was I last in awe at the miracle of God?


I didn't have a solid answer for that one either. Will have to think on it more.

I did day 2 this morning...didn't make it last night because I forgot to bring the book upstairs and once I'm up there...I don't come back down. LOL

One thing I noticed in day 2 was that Mary also questioned Gabriel and yet she wasn't struck mute. I wonder if there was a difference in attitude between her and Zechariah? Maybe his was one of doubt and hers was just confusion as to how that would be, since she was a virgin?

Or maybe good old Gabe knew it would be useless to try to strike a teenage girl mute?[8D]

I will do day 3 before I go up to bed tonight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh yeah...and day 1 and where she talked about Zechariah's probable disappointment and discouragement with God and His apparent lack of movement in Israel and in Zechariah's life...I can so relate.



MamaMilty -> RE: study with me? (7/3/2008 6:01:56 PM)

quote:

Or maybe good old Gabe knew it would be useless to try to strike a teenage girl mute?


LOL

Attitude is such a key ingredient!

I will check in later to see if you want to discuss day 3...



BlessedMamaofmany -> RE: study with me? (7/4/2008 6:39:30 AM)

Day 1:
scripture: Luke 1:26-33
Questions for discussion:
What words come to mind when you hear or speak the name of Jesus? What stirs in your spirit?

What do you hope to expierience at His feet as we study Him? What needs healing in you? What emptiness or brokeness needs mending?



BlessedMamaofmany -> RE: study with me? (7/4/2008 6:42:13 AM)

Day two:
Luke 1:34-38

Questions:
When was the last time you read a verse of Scripture, or sensed a nudging of God in your spirit, and asked yourself, "How can this be?"

What would life be like without these kinds of divine mysteries?

Think of a time when you sensed the power of God 'come upon you'



BlessedMamaofmany -> RE: study with me? (7/4/2008 6:47:09 AM)

Day three:
Luke 1:39-44

Questions:
What are some of the greatest blessings (and difficulties) of community?

Has God ever provided someone to help you in a certain circumstance?



BlessedMamaofmany -> RE: study with me? (7/4/2008 6:56:42 AM)

Day 1 for me:
I am so stoked about this study and this time. I NEED this.
When I speak the name of Jesus...it's so awe-striking. Sometimes I can't even bring myself to really speak it out loud LOL. I love Him.
I hope to grow closer to Him and learn more about Him. I am very broken and overwhelmed right now. (If you read my blog you know what I'm talking about LOL) I need Jesus to hold me up.

Day 2:
I'll have to think on that more too (the scripture question) I can think of a couple, but they aren't topics for this thread [8D]
Donna, that is SO interesting. I actually didn't notice that until you pointed it out (abotu Mary questioning Gabriel and not being struck mute). I think you're probably right about the attitude. I know when I question God with an attitude of true confusing and a desire to understand, it usually goes much better than when I just question out of anger or stubbornness.

Day 3:
Can SO relate to that Jen. God has taken us on some crazy journies the last couple of years and there has been more than one time I've said, "God. What is going on? Do you really have a plan in this?"


I'll get back here later to talk about day 3 more.
Donna....did I post too much with the questions? I didn't post them verbatim and tried to change them around to still get the gist across without violating TOS. If I posted too much, lemme know and I'll be more cautious.
Sandy



PrincessDonna -> RE: study with me? (7/4/2008 8:53:16 AM)

quote:

Donna....did I post too much with the questions? I didn't post them verbatim and tried to change them around to still get the gist across without violating TOS. If I posted too much, lemme know and I'll be more cautious.


No, I think it's fine. I don't even have all of those questions in my book, or else you changed them so much I don't recognize them. LOL

quote:


What do you hope to experience at His feet as we study Him? What needs healing in you? What emptiness or brokeness needs mending?


I am also in a very broken place lately. And I'm definitely disappointed with God's seeming lack of movement in our situation with Nick. I sent a desperate plea for prayer and encouragement out on my church's prayer chain and have gotten a lot of responses from people. I feel like Moses in that battle where Joshua and Aaron held up his arms so they would win the battle.

quote:


When was the last time you read a verse of Scripture, or sensed a nudging of God in your spirit, and asked yourself, "How can this be?"

What would life be like without these kinds of divine mysteries?

Think of a time when you sensed the power of God 'come upon you'


I couldn't come up with an answer for this one. But if you look at my blog, you'll probably see some of those moments. I try to blog about them before I forget. Maybe I need to go back through and see all the ways God HAS moved and things He HAS shown me...

quote:

What are some of the greatest blessings (and difficulties) of community?

Has God ever provided someone to help you in a certain circumstance?


Ohmygoodness...yes. Over and over, God has provided for us through His people. Sure there are difficulties, but none that make it not worth it to be part of an active, loving body of Christ. The greatest blessing is also being able to give to others and uplift others, because we have known that same support and love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had never thought too much about the time Mary and Elizabeth spent together. It was neat to think of. I do wonder why Mary went right away to see Elizabeth...did she just have to see if what the angel said was true? Did she need to be away from everyone (I picture Elizabeth living secluded up in the hills of Judea), so that people would not think the baby had not come about divinely? But then, I'm sure plenty of people didn't believe her anyway...and what was THAT like for her...coming home and not knowing if she would be stoned for having premarital sex? What a brave young girl...



BlessedMamaofmany -> RE: study with me? (7/4/2008 8:56:19 AM)

Any of you ever seen "The Nativity Story" It's GREAT! I loved it so much. I think it really stays true to the scripture of course, but it also really shows what it must have been like for Mary. No one believed her I'm sure. And Joseph must've taken a lot of flak for staying with her. It's very good, and family friendly!



PrincessDonna -> RE: study with me? (7/4/2008 9:08:03 AM)

Yes, we brought the boys to see it in the theater and bought it the second it came out. I agree...they did a great job.[:D]



BlessedMamaofmany -> RE: study with me? (7/5/2008 6:53:19 AM)

Mornin' my Friends!
Day 4
Luke 1:46-55

We tend to think of our weaknesses and shortcomings. But if someone were to really look at our hearts, what evidence of God's works would they see in us? (Be honest! Share what good ways God has changes you. Or grown you! It's not boastful, just give God the glory!)



BlessedMamaofmany -> RE: study with me? (7/5/2008 6:56:19 AM)

If someone were to look at me, I would think they'd see a woman who used to be a selfish, harsh, bordering rude feminist. Now, I'm softer, gentler, willing to admit my mistakes and shortcomings. I submit to my man gladly and happily. If he asks me too, I simply obey without another word (he doesn't ask that often, but he has).
All from God. He's made me the woman I am today, and anything not of Him is my own flesh and self getting in the way of His work.



PrincessDonna -> RE: study with me? (7/5/2008 10:33:02 AM)

Thanks for skipping yesterday. We were so busy! I'll do day 4 hopefully at naptime today.[:D]



MamaMilty -> RE: study with me? (7/8/2008 1:00:08 PM)

What day is everbody on? I just finished Day 8...wow...tears streaming down my face as I imagined Mary's first moments with her baby boy. She was holding Heaven in her arms! The more I meditate on that scene, the more I am in awe.



PrincessDonna -> RE: study with me? (7/8/2008 10:31:22 PM)

I did day 4 and 5, will post on them tomorrow. I'll also do day 6 (the first day of week 2 for me) tomorrow. I wasn't home all day today (at SIL's soaking up her AC).

Jen, which book did you end up getting? The 90 day one or the blue one like I have? Mine only has 5 days of work per week, so I only will will be doing 5 days of work each week.



MamaMilty -> RE: study with me? (7/8/2008 10:43:59 PM)

I have the one in Sandy's OP. Are the scriptures each day the same in both books? I am good with a 5 day on 2 day off study schedule if it keeps us all together.



PrincessDonna -> RE: study with me? (7/8/2008 10:46:53 PM)

I don't know what they are like and my book is upstairs right now, so can't compare. We can do that tomorrow though. Mine is a 10 week, 5 days a week study, so yours has 40 more days than mine. LOL



PrincessDonna -> RE: study with me? (7/9/2008 3:10:49 PM)

I'm at my mom's without my book because my power went out this morning.

My week 2 day 1 is Jesus as an infant, circumcision, redemption, and consecration. Week 2 day 2 is Jesus as a child, including the time he was 12 and in the temple courts for 3 days while his parents looked for him. I did both those days this morning, since I had no power and couldn't do anything else. LOL

How does that compare to the book y'all have?



MamaMilty -> RE: study with me? (7/10/2008 10:34:05 AM)

We are right together, Donna. You just described Day 8 & 9. I am not good at getting this discussion going....



FAWIHTT -> RE: study with me? (7/10/2008 3:51:13 PM)

i got my workbook today and am waiting on the book i am looking forward to this can't wait.



MamaMilty -> RE: study with me? (7/10/2008 4:31:32 PM)

I did day 10 last night and 11 today. Luke 2:41-50

What do you all do when His answers are far above your ability to understand?

I sometimes ? whether I heard or read correctly and this saddens me to realize this. It makes me reflect and realize that God only really moves in my life when I am stepping in faith, not standing still trying to make sense of it all.



PrincessDonna -> RE: study with me? (7/11/2008 12:23:18 PM)

Week 1 Day 4...

quote:

We tend to think of our weaknesses and shortcomings. But if someone were to really look at our hearts, what evidence of God's works would they see in us? (Be honest! Share what good ways God has changes you. Or grown you! It's not boastful, just give God the glory!)


If someone were to really look at my heart, they'd see a much quicker conviction and repentance time than a few years ago. Also, a true desire to be gentle and loving even in confrontation that might be necessary. It's not too often that I want to choke my husband with my bare hands any more (watch...he'll do something today to make that urge rise up again...LOL). I think I'm able to see more past the immediate present than I used to be, though with Nick's situation, that is an ongoing struggle.

Also from day 4...where Zechariah was struck mute until he named his son John...God is so cool, in His timing. An example from my own life...I had married in direct rebellion to every authority God had placed over me...my parents and both senior and youth pastors. Fast forward 3 years, when we were back together after being separated because of Brian's unfaithfulness, and we were living in PA, far away from everyone we knew. For weeks, there was a stirring in my heart to write a letter to the senior pastor from NY and ask for his forgiveness. I drug my feet (of course...stubborn me...[&:]), but once that letter was written and in the mail, it was almost immediate that God drew Brian to Himself and Brian was saved. I don't even think the letter was in NY yet...and Brian was saved. It was as if that simple letter had opened something in the spiritual realm and allowed God to work. But until I was obedient to what God wanted me to do...nothing could change. So anyway, I don't know how related that is, but it's what I thought of.

"And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel." Luke 1:80 What do you all think of this? Why was it important that John lived in the desert? What things could God have had for him to learn there that he couldn't have learned elsewhere? (I'm curious because I feel like Brian and I are wandering through the desert and have drawn some parallels, but I want to know what you all think.)



PrincessDonna -> RE: study with me? (7/11/2008 12:32:35 PM)

Week 1, Day 5...Jesus' birth...

What is your favorite part of the Christmas story?

Mine is that the shepherds were the first to be told. Lowly, stinky, poor, working-class shepherds. Why them? Maybe so that it would be known that Christ didn't just come for those who were "worth it" in the world's eyes? From the very beginning, He has been for ALL, including the most downtrodden. That makes me smile.[:D]

Week 2, Day 1 (for me)...circumcision, redemption, purification...

This day didn't excite me. LOL Sorry. I'm just not a technically minded person, so the talk of the specific days ordered by God doesn't do it for me. Anything stick out to anyone else?

Week 2, Day 2...The Child Jesus

Jesus was the oldest of at least 7 children. I don't think I had realized that before, but it's neat. I'm sure large families were not unusual in that day, but it's still neat.

Beth says, "Often God allows circumstances to exist in our lives that drive us to dependency on Him." I definitely agree. For me, Nick and the whole myriad of things that comes with him is what does it for me the last few years. It keeps me constantly on my face before God because there is nothing I can do in my own strength. But with that...if I lose my focus, as has happened lately, it can cause a massive feeling of hopelessness and desperation. I know God doesn't want me in this place, but I am having a hard time getting out of it.

There...that should be a good discussion for a bit...

Sandy, how are you doing? Still with us? Sarah, are you in still?



PrincessDonna -> RE: study with me? (7/11/2008 12:41:02 PM)

quote:

What do you all do when His answers are far above your ability to understand?


Well...I think I've handled it different ways at different times.

Example 1...when we lost Nessa (baby right before Levi, in case you didn't know, Jen), it was a dark, dark time. I had questions and no answers. It's one of those things where you just don't always get an answer and you have to either choose between trusting God without knowing the answers OR turning my back on Him and trying to make it in this life on my own (yeah...BTDT...not successfully...not going there again!). In the end though, that was a short time in my life, and though I still sometimes grieve the baby I lost, I can't look at Levi and wish for anything other than what I have, if that makes sense. I can't imagine my life without that little guy and I wouldn't have had him if Nessa had lived.

Example 2...Nick. Lots of questions. For years. And no apparent movement by God in the situation. It's exhausting and depressing and hope-stealing. Man, it's hard. I can't even describe how hard. Have you heard the Barlow Girl song "I Believe"? This is so where I'm at right now, especially the first verse (from HERE)...

quote:

How long will my prayers seem unanswered?
Is there still faith in me to reach the end?
I'm feeling doubt I'm losing faith
But giving up would cost me everything
So I'll stand in the pain and silence
And I'll speak to the dark night

I believe in the sun even when it's not shining
I believe in love even when I don't feel it
And I believe in God even when He is silent
And I, I believe



I have to believe God has it in control. What else do I have to hold on to?



MamaMilty -> RE: study with me? (7/11/2008 3:57:43 PM)

Oh, Donna! I will come back here tonight when the house is quiet and I can think. Thank-you for sharing yourself and your heart. I didn't know you all had lost a baby. I'm sorry you had to go through that pain and I am awed and humbled at the bright light of the Lord shining through your trials.



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